31 Things to Do in Orlando: Ultimate Guide for 2024
Introduction
Nestled in the heart of Florida, Orlando is often heralded as the Theme Park Capital of the World, but its charm extends far beyond rollercoasters and costumed characters. Orlando offers not only a mecca of premier theme parks but also a variety of attractions suitable for visitors of all ages and interests. From natural parks teeming with wildlife to cultural experiences, shopping hotspots, and hidden gems off the beaten path, this city caters to every type of traveler, whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a nature lover, or a history buff.
With over 75 million visitors passing through Orlando’s bustling gates annually, it stands as one of the most sought-after vacation destinations globally. From the magic of Walt Disney World to kayaking down serene rivers and ziplining over gator pits, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences in this city. Our guide outlines 31 must-see and must-do activities in and around Orlando so you can make the most of your 2024 adventure to this vibrant city. Whether you’re planning your first trip or you’re a regular visitor to this Central Florida hotspot, this list will help make your stay memorable!
1. Explore Walt Disney World Resort
No Orlando trip is complete without a visit to the iconic Walt Disney World Resort. Divided into four enchanting theme parks—Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios—this colossal resort is a favorite among families, couples, and anyone with a love for Disney. Visitors to Magic Kingdom can’t miss Cinderella’s Castle, the ultimate Disney symbol that towers over the park. For science enthusiasts and explorers at heart, Epcot offers a fascinating look into the future and global cultures, with rides like Spaceship Earth.
If you’re a fan of nature, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a wild adventure full of immersive animal exhibits, including the cutting-edge Pandora: The World of Avatar, home to the stunning Avatar Flight of Passage. Film buffs will love Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge transports visitors to a galaxy far, far away, with attractions like Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.
Tip: Plan ahead by booking FastPass+ reservations for popular rides and dining experiences, especially during peak season to maximize your day!
2. Visit Universal Studios Orlando
Next on the list is Universal Studios Orlando, home to Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and the upcoming Epic Universe theme park. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is particularly enchanting for fans, as they can explore landmarks such as Diagon Alley and ride the Hogwarts Express between Universal’s two parks. For adrenaline junkies, attractions like Jurassic World VelociCoaster and The Incredible Hulk Coaster deliver thrilling twists and turns. Families with young children will appreciate Seuss Landing and Minions Mayhem, with whimsical settings perfect for the little ones.
Tip: Buy an Express Pass to skip the long lines, especially for high-demand rides. Don’t miss the Butterbeer at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter—a crowd favorite!
3. Discover Kennedy Space Center
Located just an hour away from downtown Orlando, the Kennedy Space Center provides an awe-inspiring dive into space exploration’s past, present, and future. See real rockets, enjoy interactive exhibits, and even meet real astronauts (if your timing is right!). The Shuttle Launch Experience simulates what astronauts feel during a liftoff, while the Astronaut Encounter offers rare insights from real space travelers. It’s an educational, fun-filled day trip that offers an immersive look at the incredible world of outer space.
4. Dive into SeaWorld Orlando
Marine life lovers and thrill-seekers alike will find plenty to rave about at SeaWorld Orlando. This aquatic-themed park combines roller coasters, interactive exhibits, and educational animal shows. The park is famous for its roller coasters, with highlights such as Mako, Orlando’s fastest and tallest coaster, and the thrilling water ride Infinity Falls. Beyond the rides, there are live performances featuring dolphins, sea lions, and orcas, offering an up-close look at marine life conservation.
Tip: Check out the animal interaction experiences where you can feed and touch the animals!
5. Have Fun at LEGOLAND Florida
LEGOLAND Florida is a haven for young builders and families. This kid-centric theme park boasts LEGO-themed rides, interactive exhibits, and a colorful water park. Little fans will appreciate areas like LEGO Kingdoms and NINJAGO World. The LEGOLAND Water Park offers a wide array of splash zones, wave pools, and water slides for cooling off under the Floridian sun. Moreover, with the new Peppa Pig Theme Park right next door, kids of all ages will be entertained for hours.
Tip: LEGOLAND is best for younger kids (ages 2-12), making it ideal for family vacations.
6. Cool Off at Aquatica Water Park
Aquatica is SeaWorld’s water park, offering fun for both the adventurous and those looking to relax. Visitors can plunge down exhilarating slides such as Dolphin Plunge—a unique water slide that glides through an amazing underwater world with dolphins! For families, lazy rivers, wave pools, and children’s play zones ensure even the youngest guests have the time of their lives. It’s the perfect place to cool off on a warm Orlando day.
Tip: Make sure to grab lounge chairs or cabanas for some much-needed rest between rides!
7. Take a Day Trip to Gatorland
Dubbed the “Alligator Capital of the World,” Gatorland is a classic Orlando staple. Visitors can stroll through a wildlife park filled with thousands of alligators and crocodiles, including rare species such as the giant white alligators. One of the park’s standout features is the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line, which allows brave visitors to zipline directly over live gator pits. Don’t miss the Gator Jumparoo Show, where you can see just how high these powerful reptiles can leap.
Tip: For hands-on animal interactions, pay extra for the experience of holding a baby alligator.
8. Experience ICON Park on International Drive
Located on Orlando’s bustling International Drive, ICON Park is a sprawling entertainment complex offering something for everyone. Its main attraction is The Wheel, a 400-foot Ferris wheel that provides breathtaking views of the Orlando skyline. ICON Park also houses Madame Tussauds Orlando, where you can snap photos with lifelike celebrity wax figures, and SEA LIFE Aquarium, which showcases fascinating marine life through interactive exhibits and tunnels. Restaurants and shopping options abound, making it a fantastic spot for a leisurely evening.
Tip: If you’re looking for a unique date idea, book a private capsule on The Wheel at sunset!
9. Visit Orlando Science Center
For a family-friendly, educational experience, the Orlando Science Center offers hands-on exhibits covering all things science—space, dinosaurs, innovation, and more. Suitable for kids of all ages, it allows little ones to touch and play their way through the displays. Don’t miss the CineDome for educational IMAX-style films or the Nature Zone, where you can encounter live Florida species such as gators, snakes, and turtles.
10. Explore Harry P. Leu Gardens
Step away from the theme park excitement and enjoy the serene beauty of nature at Harry P. Leu Gardens. This 50-acre botanical sanctuary provides an enchanting escape with tropical plants, vibrant flowers, and a rose garden in bloom year-round. The historically significant Leu House Museum, nestled in the gardens, offers a charming look into Florida’s past as you stroll through tranquil tree-shaded pathways.
Tip: Don’t forget your camera! The gardens are picture-perfect any time of year.
Unique Attractions in Orlando
11. Go Shopping at Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets
If you’ve worked up an appetite for some retail therapy, the Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets are among the best spots in the city. Here, you’ll find designer brands such as Prada, Gucci, and Coach at a fraction of the price. After a day of shopping, you can recharge at the local eateries or catch a quick bite from one of the kiosk vendors.
12. Take a Helicopter Tour Over Orlando
Take flight on an exhilarating helicopter tour around Orlando’s famed attractions. Not every visitor can say they’ve seen the Magic Kingdom or Universal Studios from above, but with thrilling helicopter rides available at several local airbases, you can revel in a view distinctly more awe-inspiring than any map.
Tip: Tours vary in length and can be customized for different parks.
13. Visit Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Orlando
This famous oddities museum is just the place to unleash your inner curiosity. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! displays some of the strangest yet most fascinating artifacts imaginable, from shrunken heads to medieval torture devices. Interactive exhibits will have your kids as bewildered as amazed. Plus, the museum itself is an optical illusion with a building designed to appear as if it’s sinking!
Tip: This attraction offers an excellent escape from the outdoor heat or rain showers.
14. Enjoy a Performance at Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts
For those seeking a touch of culture, the Dr. Phillips Center is Orlando’s prime venue for top-tier performances. Broadway musicals, concerts, ballet, and opera performances grace its modern stages throughout the year. The state-of-the-art venue in downtown Orlando is the perfect way to spend an evening immersed in the arts.
Tip: Check the calendar for tickets to big-name shows, as they sell out quickly.
15. Relax at Lake Eola Park
Lake Eola Park, located in the heart of downtown Orlando, offers a peaceful retreat in the bustling city. Popular activities include renting swan paddle boats to glide across the lake, enjoying a picnic by the beautiful fountain, or strolling along its scenic pathways. The park is also home to scores of real-life swans, which adds to its serene ambiance. On Sundays, the park hosts a farmer’s market with local food and crafts.
Tip: Visit during sunset for a perfect, romantic moment in the city’s urban oasis.
Unique Attractions in Orlando
16. Explore Winter Park’s Scenic Boat Tour
Take a step back to a simpler time by hopping aboard the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour. This hour-long trip through the narrow canals and serene lakes of Winter Park gives guests a glimpse into the city’s rich history. A knowledgeable guide will point out ancient trees, native wildlife, and the stunning million-dollar homes lining the lake.
Tip: The tours operate year-round, making this a great activity regardless of the season!
17. Visit the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
Winter Park isn’t just famous for its waterways—it’s also home to the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, which boasts the largest collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany glass in the world. This intimate museum features stained glass windows, intricate lamps, and jewelry, all crafted by Tiffany and his design firm. Even for non-art aficionados, the museum is a guaranteed delight.
Tip: The museum offers free admission on Friday evenings from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
18. Take an Everglades Airboat Tour
Escape urban Orlando and experience the wild side of Florida by embarking on an Everglades airboat tour. These tours whisk you away through the swamps and wetlands where alligators, turtles, and scores of native birds thrive in their natural habitat. Airboat tours vary in length but often include opportunities to stop and enjoy the beauty of the marshes.
Tip: Book an early morning tour for the best chance to see wildlife!
Family-Friendly Activities
19. Spend a Day at Crayola Experience
At Crayola Experience, kids are invited to let their imaginations run wild with more than two dozen interactive exhibits. Learn the magic behind crayon creation, customize your own crayons, star in your coloring pages, and even make spin art with melted crayons. It’s a great indoor activity for families with children of all ages, ensuring hours of creativity.
20. Visit Dezerland Park Indoor Entertainment Complex
Orlando’s largest indoor entertainment complex, Dezerland Park offers an array of activities under one gigantic roof. Families can race go-karts, play mini-golf, try their hand at bowling, or battle their way through an arcade boasting hundreds of games. There’s even an impressive car museum showcasing sleek rides from different eras. Dezerland is a fantastic choice for families or groups seeking fun without Orlando’s infamous sunshine.
Outdoor Adventures in Orlando
21. Zipline at Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park
This adventure park takes you high into the trees, where you’ll navigate a sky-high obstacle course through the treetops on zip lines, suspension bridges, and Tarzan-like swings. Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park offers varying difficulty levels, making it suitable for kids as young as seven, up to adults looking for a challenge.
Tip: Wear comfortable clothing and athletic shoes. Be prepared for a physical workout while having tons of fun!
22. Kayak Through Shingle Creek Regional Park
Located near Kissimmee, Shingle Creek Regional Park offers a serene oasis away from the hustle and bustle. This protected greenway is perfect for kayaking or canoeing. Paddle through the crystal-clear waters, which are lined with lush vegetation, cypress trees draped in Spanish moss, and wildlife like ospreys and turtles. It’s one of the best places to experience Florida’s natural beauty without straying too far from theme parks.
Tip: Bring a waterproof camera to capture glimpses of wildlife!
Cultural Experiences
23. Attend a Show at Orlando Shakespeare Theater
Orlando’s cultural scene extends beyond theme parks with venues like the Orlando Shakespeare Theater. Situated in Loch Haven Park, this professional theater group stages a mix of Shakespearean classics, contemporary works, musicals, and more throughout the year. Not only does the Orlando Shakes offer high-quality productions, but they also engage the community with educational programs and a summer festival celebrating the Bard’s legacy.
Tip: Check out a play during their annual Shakespeare in the Park event for a magical outdoor experience.
24. Visit the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens
Art and nature harmoniously blend at the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens in Winter Park. The home of Czech-American sculptor Albin Polasek, this museum features the artist’s most celebrated works set among beautiful gardens. The museum showcases the importance of public art and allows visitors to wander freely in a peaceful environment, blending culture with tranquility.
Tip: Admission here is modest, making this attraction a pocket-friendly afternoon escape.
Off-the-Beaten Path Attractions
25. Explore Tibet Butler Nature Preserve
Those looking to reconnect with the great outdoors can find solace within Tibet Butler Nature Preserve. A hidden gem in west Orlando, this quiet 440-acre preserve includes hiking trails, picnic areas, and boardwalks that take you through pine flatwoods, oak hammocks, and wetlands. Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher or just looking for a low-key day out, this nature reserve is perfect for a peaceful retreat away from Orlando’s more renowned attractions.
Tip: Visit in the early morning hours or near sunset for the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
26. Discover Jack Kerouac House Museum
Literary fans, especially those who appreciate the works of Beat Generation writer Jack Kerouac, will love the Jack Kerouac House Museum. Tucked away in a quiet Orlando neighborhood in College Park, this historic home is where Kerouac lived while On the Road was published and where he wrote The Dharma Bums. The house is maintained as a working writers’ residence; however, visitors can arrange tours to see where literature history was created.
Tip: The museum hosts occasional literary events, so consult their calendar before visiting.
Indoor Activities in Orlando
27. Marvel at the Museum of Illusions Orlando
Located at ICON Park, the Museum of Illusions offers guests curious, confusing, and mind-bending visuals that are sure to delight all ages. Interactive exhibits challenge your perception, playing tricks on your brain with clever optical illusions that make for fun Insta-worthy photography opportunities! Whether you’re walking through rooms that appear to shrink or grow or testing your balance between the lines, the Museum of Illusions brings unique entertainment to ICON Park.
Tip: Plan enough time to experience all the installations — they are great for photo ops!
28. Visit Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition
Step back in time at the Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, where history enthusiasts can take a guided tour through recreated rooms of the infamous ship. Roam through full-scale replicas of the Titanic’s Grand Staircase, soak up tales from the tragic voyage with real artifacts recovered from the wreckage, and learn more about the passengers who sailed on that fateful journey.
Tip: Attend a themed Dinner Gala for an extra-special immersive experience where actors narrate the ship’s fateful tale.
Day Trips from Orlando
29. Swim with Manatees in Crystal River
If you’re in search of an unforgettable nature experience, set your GPS to Crystal River and swim with Florida’s gentle giants: the manatees. Located about two hours from Orlando, Crystal River is renowned for offering up-close encounters with these endangered creatures in their natural environment. Several local outfitters offer organized snorkeling tours, allowing you to view manatees as they glide through the springs (particularly during the winter months). Be sure to properly distance yourself and allow these incredible animals to approach you at their own pace.
Tip: Visit in the cooler months (November to March) when manatees congregate for warmth in the 72-degree spring waters.
Foodie Experiences in Orlando
30. Dine at Disney Springs & The Landing District
Disney Springs is one of the city’s top destinations for food lovers. Here, you can indulge in culinary experiences ranging from celebrity-driven eateries to fast-casual bites. Whether you’re craving gourmet burgers at D-Luxe Burger, elegant seafood entrees at The BOATHOUSE, or a sweet treat from Marvel-themed Amorette’s Patisserie, Disney Springs caters to a range of palates and budgets. With stunning water views, enchanting live entertainment, and even hot air balloon rides, your experience at Disney Springs will go beyond just exceptional dining.
Tip: Consider making dining reservations in advance—especially for popular spots like Morimoto Asia or Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’.
31. Enjoy Winter Garden Farmers Market on Saturdays
For a more local slice of Orlando, visit the Winter Garden Farmers Market every Saturday, rain or shine. Located just west of Orlando, this community-driven market offers organic produce, artisanal goods, fresh-baked bread, and food trucks serving up global flavors. Stroll the charming downtown streets and enjoy the lively atmosphere of one of Central Florida’s best weekend farmers’ markets.
Tip: Visit early to beat the crowds and enjoy a fresh cup of artisanal coffee as you browse.
FAQs: What You Need to Know About Visiting Orlando
- What are some free things to do in Orlando?
- Visitors can enjoy free activities such as exploring Lake Eola Park, touring the Harry P. Leu Gardens on free days, or catching outdoor movies during the MoviEola series at Lake Eola.
- What is there to do in Orlando besides theme parks?
- Orlando boasts attractions like Kennedy Space Center, Orlando Science Center, ICON Park, and the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art. Don’t miss unique places like Gatorland or kayaking tours through Shingle Creek.
- What are some unique things to do in Orlando?
- Ziplining over alligators at Gatorland, exploring Jack Kerouac House Museum, or taking an airboat ride in the Everglades will present a unique side to this popular destination.
- What indoor activities can I enjoy in Orlando?
- Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, SEA LIFE Aquarium, the Museum of Illusions, and the Crayola Experience are just a few of the many indoor activities to enjoy, especially on a rainy day.
- Which theme park is best for young kids?
- LEGOLAND Florida and Peppa Pig Theme Park are designed with young children in mind, making both parks perfect for families with young ones looking for fun and engaging (but not overwhelmingly thrilling) attractions.
- What are some romantic things to do in Orlando?
- Take a scenic boat tour through Winter Park’s chain of lakes, book a private ride on The Wheel at ICON Park during sunset, or plan a date night at Disney Springs for dinner and live music.
- Can you visit beaches near Orlando?
- Yes! While Orlando isn’t directly by the coast, popular beaches like Cocoa Beach and Daytona Beach are only an hour’s drive away.
Conclusion & Final Tips for Visiting Orlando
Orlando offers a rich and varied array of activities—whether you’re drawn to its thrilling theme parks, mesmerizing cultural experiences, or tranquil natural settings. With world-class shopping, dining, entertainment, and ample opportunities for relaxation, it’s no wonder Orlando continues to captivate millions of visitors year after year.
As you plan your Orlando adventure in 2024, make sure to prioritize your must-see attractions. Plan ahead by purchasing tickets early, booking dining reservations where applicable, and using Express Passes, FastPass+, or other queue-skipping features to maximize your park time. Also, don’t be afraid to explore beyond the theme parks to discover Orlando’s hidden gems—there’s magic to be found around every corner!
Overall, staying flexible with your itinerary can open doors to unexpected fun. Whether you’re taking a scenic boat tour in Winter Park or zipping above alligators at Gatorland, there’s no shortage of new memories awaiting you in Orlando.
