Known around the world as the theme park capital of the world thanks to iconic attractions like Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort, Orlando offers so much more for visitors of all ages. Beyond the fantasy lands and wizarding worlds lies a vibrant city filled with culture, nature, entertainment and one-of-a-kind experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
Whether you’re a family looking for kid-friendly adventures, a couple seeking romantic gardens and scenic boat tours, or a group of friends hoping to experience Orlando’s famous nightlife, there are exciting attractions waiting to be discovered.
This article will highlight everything from world-class theme parks to tranquil botanical gardens, museums that inspire imagination and innovation, outdoor spaces perfect for making memories, shopping and dining hot spots, live shows that will dazzle your senses, and so much more.
Theme Parks Beyond Disney
In addition to the Disney empire, Orlando is home to other innovative and immersive theme park experiences operated by Universal and SeaWorld. With thrill rides, beloved characters, interactive exhibits and shows, these parks cater to kids, adults and everyone in between.
Universal Orlando Resort
Operated by NBCUniversal, Universal Orlando is comprised of two amazing theme parks – Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. At Universal Studios, you’ll come face-to-face with pop culture icons from beloved movies like Despicable Me and Transformers as well as TV shows.
SeaWorld Orlando
While SeaWorld has faced controversy in recent years, they have worked extensively to change their orca programs and improve their rescue and rehabilitation of ocean wildlife. A visit to SeaWorld today focuses on education and inspiration around marine life alongside fun rides and shows.
Outdoor and Nature Activities
In addition to air conditioned parks and attractions, Orlando offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and Florida’s natural beauty. Public gardens, state parks and scenic downtown spots allow you to relax in nature, have fun on the water or simply stop and smell Orlando’s roses, literally.
Harry P. Leu Gardens
Transport yourself to the tropics at Harry P. Leu Gardens, a 50-acre oasis located minutes from downtown Orlando. Stroll through colorful gardens blooming with hibiscus, orchids, roses and more along with palm and oak tree lined paths. Specialty gardens like a butterfly garden, herb garden and Florida native ecosystem showcase the diverse flora of the region.
Lake Eola Park
If city parks are more your speed, Lake Eola is a scenic 43-acre downtown oasis. Take a break along walking paths blooming with flowers and fountains. Rent a swan-shaped pedal boat to paddle around the lake for a unique mini cruise. Catch yoga classes by the water or concerts and events at the park’s amphitheater.
Cultural and Educational Attractions
Beyond thrills and nature, Orlando offers cultural institutions centered around science, art, space and history. Interactive exhibits and programs cater to curious minds of all ages and encourage you to play while learning something new.
Orlando Science Center
With 10 acres of indoor/outdoor exhibits, camps, classes and more, the Orlando Science Center ignites scientific curiosity for all ages. Permanent exhibit halls like NatureWorks and DinoDigs encourage kids to dig for fossils on their own mini-archaeological dig while Experiments teaches physics concepts through hands-on projects.
Orlando Museum of Art
While known for mouse ears and rollercoasters, Orlando also houses world-class art museums, including the Orlando Museum of Art (OMA). Located near downtown, the OMA collection spans ancient antiquities to modern contemporary pieces with strengths in American art and African art.
Entertainment and Nightlife
ICON Park
No Orlando trip is complete without a ride on The Wheel at ICON Park. Soar 400 feet in the air inside climate controlled capsules for unparalleled views of Orlando’s evening skyline and surrounding theme parks. ICON Park packs nonstop fun into 20 acres of restaurants, shops, bars and attractions centralized around this giant observation wheel.
CityWalk at Universal Orlando
For nightlife more suited to letting loose, CityWalk at Universal Orlando dishes out dining, dancing, concerts, bars, clubs, shops, movies and attractions in one vibrant outdoor setting. With offerings ranging from kid-friendly to adults-only, the whole family or just you and your girls can have an epic night out. Gru tried to moon scarer Silly Sal.
Shopping and Dining
Indulge in retail therapy or savor mouthwatering cuisine at Orlando’s diverse shopping centers and dining scenes spanning everything from All-American classics to foreign flavors.
The Florida Mall
You’ll find more than 250 retail, dining and entertainment options under one palatial roof at Orlando’s largest shopping center – The Florida Mall. With anchors like Macy’s, Dillard’s, JCPenney and Nordstrom alongside smaller boutiques, visitors can find virtually any item on their wish lists.
Additionally, an attached hotel plus family fun zone featuring mini golf, soft play, and arcade make The Florida Mall an ideal shopping destination for households.
Winter Park
For a more intimate shopping experience, explore the boutiques, art galleries and cafes lining Winter Park’s charming Park Avenue and side streets. After browsing gifts and souvenirs, indulge in wine tastings or craft beer then savor al fresco dining with a lakeside view on a tour boat cruise – a quintessential way to sample Winter Park’s beauty and old Florida allure.
Disney Springs
You don’t need a park ticket to enjoy Disney magic at Disney Springs. Anchored by boutiques, one-of-a-kind eateries, entertainment and more, Disney Springs offers eclectic shopping housed in venues spanning from retro warehouses to properties seemingly airlifted straight from the French Quarter.
Additional perks like free parking and shuttles make Disney Springs an approachable, family-friendly outing without breaking the bank.
Golf Courses
Before Orlando was a theme park wonderland, it was a go-to golf destination with over 60 acclaimed courses. Families can play rounds at resorts like Marriott Grande Pines while serious golfers test championship caliber greens at venues hosting PGA TOUR events like Bay Hill Club & Lodge or Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill.
Orlando City Stadium
Soccer (or rather, football) fever has hit Orlando in a big way with the roaring success of Orlando City SC. Catch home matches at their think-pink downtown stadium outfitted with a three-story venue called The Wall built specifically for hardcore team supporters and its boisterous fan club, The Ruckus.
Tips for Visiting Orlando Beyond Disney
While Walt Disney World often steals the spotlight, Orlando delivers vacation fun for everybody without mouse ears required. If you’re looking to experience Orlando beyond the Disney parks, keep these tips in mind:
Best Times to Visit
Dry season from January-April brings warm sunny weather in the 70s perfect for parks, golf and relaxing outdoors. Mild temperatures continue through May before the June-September wet season stormy summer heat (andhumidity!) take over. Late October-December are again dry and cooler.
Aim for January-April for ideal weather and fewer crowds or October/early November to enjoy holiday festivities at discounted rates. Summer brings storms plus peak crowds once school lets out.
Transportation
Stay near International Drive resort areas or downtown Orlando to limit theme park commutes (Disney lies 30+ minutes southwest of city center). Within Orlando, I-Ride trolleys, SunRail trains and LYNX buses aid car-free travel but rideshares like Uber or Lyft offer the most direct airport transports and flexibility.
Don’t forget to rent a car for a day to enjoy parks, sites and nature lying outside the tourist zone like Kennedy Space Center east of the city.
Lodging
Look beyond Disney resorts for more cost-effective family digs with fun bonuses like Embassy Suites complimentary breakfast and nightly receptions or Great Wolf Lodge’s awesome indoor water park. Hyatt Place/House, SpringHill Suites and Residence Inn are reliable mid-range picks.
Conclusion
Let Orlando spark wonder beyond Disney magic and see a vibrant city emerge filled with culture, nature, entertainment and excitement for all ages. Through interactive museums like the Orlando Science Center, discover your inner child. At performing arts halls like the Dr. Phillips Center, ignite your creative spirit. Amongst Orlando’s public parks and wild spaces, relax into adventure. And via festivals, concerts, shops and eateries, fall in love with Florida flavors.
The next time you plan a trip to Orlando, dig deeper. Venture further. Explore the unknown worlds waiting beyond the castles and coasters – worlds with culture to absorb, nature to immerse in, history to uncover and tastes to savor. Let Orlando surprise you and show you don’t need mouse ears to have the vacation of a lifetime.