The DL: Extra love for this post, because Orlando is my hometown! I grew up in Orlando which was an interesting experience living in a touristy town year round but there is so much more than the touristy sights. This post focuses more on the LOCAL things to do since the touristy spots are pretty obvious but if you are planning a trip to Disney or Universal here are some ways to spend other days you aren’t in the parks. With over 15+ years living in Orlando I hope you enjoy these finds!
What to do:
Visit the Beaches:
- New Smyrna (east coast)
- Cape Canaveral (west coast)
Around Downtown Orlando:
- East End Market – free
- Alfrod Inn In-house Art Tour – Definitely stop by this hotel for their remarkable contemporary art collection on display. They offer free guided tours every Sunday at 1pm, as well as a happy hour tour on the first Wednesday of each month at 5:30pm. No reservations are required.
- Kraft Azalea Garden – located on lake Maitland, has good views, cute picnic spot
- Visit Winter Garden
- West Orange Trail – 22 miles of trail
- Lake Eola Park – although on of the most famous parks in Orlando make sure to do the sawn boats or attend their farmers markets (usually on Sundays)
- Old Town Kissimmee – fun spot, classic car show
- Big Tree Park – go to see lady liberty a tree over 40 ft tall and 2000 years old
- Wekiva Island – swim in the springs or kayak through the marshland and look for creatures
- PLANT STREET MARKET
- Harry P. Leu Gardens – free on the first Monday of every month
- Ocala National Forest known as the largest national forest east of the Mississippi.
- Alligator Airboat tour
- So many shopping outlets
- Via Lakeridge Winery – Check out free wine tasting and tours at the Lakeridge Winery.
- Check out Murals downtown
- Orlando Museum of Art
- The Heavy WP – flower bar, shop, eat
- Florida Cactus – this is a must
- Blue springs state park – see the manatees
- Mall of Millinea for a rainy day
- Spend an afternoon in Winter Park – a must to stroll down Park ave
Where to Eat/Drink near Downtown Orlando:
- Rooftop bar at the Aventura Hotel – bar 17 bistro
- Açaí bowls – Purple Ocean Superfood Bar
- Sixty Vines
- The glass knife – brunch
- Bar taco
- Joysticks Arcade Lounge and Retro Bar
- Canvas Restaurant & Market
- Anywhere on Park Ave
- The Ravenous Pig
- Ava Mediterraegean
- Cheap eats – Tijuana Flats
- Reyes Mezcaleria
- Prato
More Local but Still Touristy Attractions:
- Disney Springs – used to be called Downtown Disney. Tons of restaurants, shops, and things to do. Tip – take the water ferries to visit all the resorts as a fun extra – admission is free.
- City Walk at Universal – 10+ places to eat, movie theater, mini golf – admission is free
- Disney’s Boardwalk – tons of places to eat, drink, and things
- Hop in a hot air balloon to soar across Disney
- Do a helicopter tours and see the city from above or try
- I-drive – have an authentic Geek Dinner at Taverna Opa
- Indoor skydiving
- One of the Water parks
- See a show like Blue man group or cirque de soleil
- Head to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort for the Chip and Dale Campfire – Bring your own s’mores and sticks at 8 p.m. they have nightly live performance music and songs
- Grab dinner at one of the nicest tier resorts
Have fun!
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