10 BEST Things to Do in Orlando (By a Local)
Discover the magic and thrills of Orlando, Florida, with this curated collection of top attractions, from world-famous theme parks and exhilarating water parks to serene natural springs and unique entertainment venues. Whether you're seeking family fun, wildlife encounters, or a taste of space exploration, Orlando offers an unforgettable vacation experience for every traveler.
Disney's Typhoon Lagoon
One of the best water parks in Orlando, open almost every day of the year due to the warm climate.
Universal's Volcano Bay
One of the best water parks in Orlando, open almost every day of the year due to the warm climate.
SeaWorld's Aquatica Orlando
One of the best water parks in Orlando, featuring the Reef Plunge ride where you can zoom through the water with sharks and dolphins.
Walt Disney World
A large resort with multiple theme parks, water parks, hotels, and other entertainment options.
Universal Orlando Resort
A large resort with multiple theme parks, water parks, hotels, and other entertainment options.
Gatorland
An iconic Central Florida attraction where you can see Florida’s state reptile in a safe and entertaining way, as well as other native wildlife and reptiles. You can also join the zipline tour that goes over the breeding marsh or hold a juvenile alligator.
Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park
A theme park where you can keep an eye out for the behind-the-scenes animal habitats.
Kelly Park
A park with natural springs, popular with Orlando locals for swimming and tubing.
Wekiwa Springs State Park
A state park where you can swim, paddle, and hike.
Blue Spring State Park
One of the best places to see manatees in the wild during the cooler months.
ICON Park
An entertainment complex on International Drive, featuring The Wheel, Madame Tussauds wax museum, and the SEA LIFE Aquarium.
Madame Tussauds Orlando
A wax museum located at ICON Park.
SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium
An aquarium located at ICON Park.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
The most famous NASA visitor center location, where you can see authentic spacecraft, meet a veteran astronaut, and walk below a massive Saturn 5 rocket.
Kennedy Space Center
The main launch facility for NASA’s space programs, located about an hour east of Orlando.
Winter Park
A quaint area where you can walk through botanical gardens or check out local art museums; it also hosts a weekly farmers market.
Park Avenue
A popular attraction in Winter Park with plenty of delicious restaurants and boutique shops to check out.
Disney Springs
A shopping, dining, and entertainment district with something for everyone, including restaurants like Raglan Road Irish Pub and Morimoto ASIA. It's also a great place to pick up Disney souvenirs.
Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant
One of the favorite restaurants located in Disney Springs.
Morimoto Asia
One of the favorite restaurants located in Disney Springs.
Shingle Creek
The headwaters of the Florida Everglades, flowing into the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes.
Kissimmee
A city where visitors can join one of the many airboat tours to experience this unique Florida boat ride.