Sure, Orlando may be the theme park capital of the world, but they can’t be the only things to do there, right? Well, as any local will tell you, they’re not! In fact, there are plenty of fun things to do in Orlando besides theme parks. So, whether you’re a visitor who wants to see alternative attractions to Disney or a local looking for new ways to spend the weekend, this is for you! Take a look at some of the many things that make Orlando the City Beautiful.
- Things to Do in Orlando's Quiet Side
- Things to Do in Orlando for Foodies
- Things to Do in Orlando for Outdoor Adventures
- Things to Do in Orlando if You Love Learning
- Things to Do in Orlando at Night
- Stay at the Best Orlando Resorts Near Plenty of Fun Things to Do
- How to Save on a Resort Near the Best Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks
Things to Do in Orlando’s Quiet Side
You may not realize it if you stick to the main tourist areas of Orlando, such as International Drive and Kissimmee, but Orlando is BIG! Locals love Orlando because there are so many things to do besides going to the parks. Especially with all of the hidden gem towns and lesser-known areas that tourists rarely get a chance to see. It’s these quieter spots that show the city’s real personality.
Winter Garden was initially settled during the 1850s and grew in population by the 1880s with the arrival of the railroad system. Visitors today can still see one of the historic railroad tracks and trains downtown. The brick-paved roads, small shops and local restaurants make it a picture-perfect place to visit. Make sure to stop by on Saturdays for the hometown Farmers Market! Thornton Park is another must-see when you’re visiting Orlando. While it’s not technically a “town,” this neighborhood in Downtown Orlando has delicious local restaurants and beautiful homes for sightseeing. Large oak trees and Spanish moss shade sidewalks and create a bohemian atmosphere that blends with the urban chic-ness of the neighborhood.
Things to Do in Orlando for Foodies
Orlando is one of the biggest tourist destinations in the country, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that there’s plenty of great places to eat here! If you’re planning a date night, you’ll want a spot that combines a great atmosphere with delicious food. That’s exactly what you get at the Wellborn! Here, you’ll dine on tapas-style small plates in the courtyard of a historic hotel. This romantic spot in Orlando also has fine wines and cocktails to help you cap off your night. Another local favorite is The Ravenous Pig, a unique take on gastropubs located in Winter Park. Offering southern-style brunch on Saturdays/Sundays, a Beer Garden menu every evening, as well as gourmet comfort food, it’s a great place to eat when you’re extra hungry!
But what about something more casual? Orlando’s still got you covered. Ziggie’s Pizza offers a wide range of pies to keep pizza lovers happy. Meanwhile Canvas has a little bit of everything. Juicy burgers, mouthwatering seafood, and tasty flatbreads are just a few of the options you can savor. And that’s without getting into the many great spots for breakfast! Fans of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives will recognize Se7en Bites’ chicken biscuits, while Papi’s Breakfast Burritos offers its namesake item on the go.
Things to Do in Orlando for Outdoor Adventures
Don’t let the city’s rep fool you! Orlando has plenty of outdoorsy things to do away from the theme parks. Just north of downtown Orlando, you’ll find Harry P. Leu Gardens. The garden boasts a huge variety of azaleas, philodendrons, camellias, and bromeliads you can check out year-round. It’s also home to a small collection of outdoor sculptures and hosts special art exhibits several times per year. If you get around to it in the spring, the rose garden is in full bloom with a rainbow of colors.
About thirty minutes northwest of downtown lies the sprawling Wekiwa Springs State Park. Here, you can catch a glimpse of real Florida wildlife. Wekiwa has some of the best hiking in Florida, according to some locals. The park is home to over twenty miles of trails and has a convenient kayak and canoe rental center on-site. There are picnic and fishing locations scattered throughout as well. For hot summer days, take a dip in the spring to cool down. If you visit at the right time, you can also see the manatees that reside here seasonally. You might also catch a glimpse of these beloved sea cows at Blue Springs State Park. Blue Springs tends to be a bit quieter than Wekiwa and is a great spot to take things slow and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Things to Do in Orlando if You Love Learning
Sure, EPCOT is a great place to learn something new, but there are plenty of Orlando attractions besides Disney that are just as educational! The city beautiful is packed with great spots to learn about the world around you. Check out the Orlando Science Center for four floors of fun! You’ll find exhibit halls, labs, workshops, theaters, and an observatory. It’s safe to say you can make a day just out of this center! There’s also the Central Florida Zoo, which features more than 350 animals representing over 100 different species.
There’s plenty to do while keeping your feet on the ground, but one of the best things to do in Orlando asks its guests to look to the stars. The Kennedy Space Center is a launchpad for NASA’s space programs, but there are plenty of things to do when you’re not watching a launch. In fact, there are tons of great attractions you can enjoy, like Astronaut Training Stages, where you can simulate what it’s like to walk on Mars or drive over the Red Planet’s terrain. You can also see a space shuttle up close or see rockets from NASA’s Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs. Whenever you want to feed your brain, you’ll find plenty of ways to do it in Orlando!.
Things to Do in Orlando at Night
The fun doesn’t end when the sun sets. In fact, there are plenty of things to do in Orlando at night away from the theme parks! One of the best places to check out at night is Icon Park. This massive entertainment district has plenty to do during the day, but it really shines in the dark. In one case, literally! The park’s iconic Ferris Wheel is colorfully lit up at night, making it an impressive sight. Of course, it also offers breathtaking views of the rest of I-Drive.
Speaking of I-Drive, it’s packed with plenty of bars and restaurants that are worth taking a look at. You’ll find just as many of these spots over at downtown Orlando. So, if you’re up for a night of bar hopping, downtown is a great place to be! Evenings are also a great time to check out the Enzian Theater. This charming theater shows off featured indie films alongside retro classics, all while serving mouthwatering meals right to your seat at the theater! So, if you’d like some good food to go with a great movie, be sure to check out the Enzian!
Stay at the Best Orlando Resorts Near Plenty of Fun Things to Do
If there’s one thing Orlando has a lot of, it’s resorts. With tons of options around every corner, it can be a little overwhelming deciding where to stay. Fortunately, we can make it easier! Here are three of the best Orlando resorts near the best things to do besides the theme parks.
Wyndham Bonnet Creek
Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort has plenty of relaxing amenities for Orlando visitors who’d rather not visit the theme parks. A lazy river and multiple pools are perfect for lounging around in the sun, especially with a drink in hand from the poolside bar. Speaking of the pools, guests can rent a private cabana for extra shade and poolside service. Accommodations can sleep up to 14 people, which means the entire family or extended family can tag along!
The Fountains Orlando
When you think of a world-class resort, you should be thinking about The Fountains Orlando. This Bluegreen Vacations resort has a range of accommodations for families and couples on their weekend getaways. Want a water park you don’t have to wait in line for? Then head to Bluegreen Wakoola Springs! This tropical oasis stretches out for a whopping 75,000 square feet and boasts a massive zero-entry pool, water slides, water fountains, and hot tubs that are perfect for relaxing.
Westgate Lakes Resort and Spa
At Westgate Lakes Resort and Spa, you’ll feel like you have it all. A great location near things to do in Orlando besides theme parks? Check! A cozy spa? Check! On-Site Dining? Check! But that’s not all. The property boasts a water park, mini golf course, and tons of sports courts. You might have a hard time leaving the resort to enjoy all the Orlando attractions besides Disney in the area!
How to Save on a Resort Near the Best Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks
We get it, vacations aren’t cheap, but we know a way you can save on a place to stay: timeshare resales. When you buy a timeshare on the resale market, you can enjoy big savings! And when we say big, we mean thousands of dollars big! These timeshares are typically triple the size of a hotel room and come with tons of great amenities. In other words, it’s a great way to enjoy a lifetime of luxurious vacations. At Timeshares Only, you’ll find an online marketplace filled with postings from top-notch resorts. Just browse until you find one you like and make an offer! The entire purchase process is simple and convenient. So, what are you waiting for? Find your dream timeshare today!
Not Ready for Vacation Ownership?
If you’re not quite sold on owning a timeshare yet, consider renting one instead! With a timeshare rental, you can take a pre-booked vacation and enjoy all the benefits of vacation ownership with none of the commitment. No maintenance fees, and no worries! Just pack your bags and enjoy an extra-luxurious getaway. What’s not to love? Click the button below to book your next getaway!
