Orlando has been a leader in U.S. tourism for decades, repeatedly breaking its own record numbers. As if to make up for its inland location in a state known for its coastline, the city has pulled out all the stops, ensuring a trip to this family-friendly destination is memorable for everyone involved. There's no shortage of great tourist attractions in Orlando.
01 Visit SeaWorld Orlando
You'll want to set aside two days for a comfortable experience at SeaWorld Orlando and a few more if you plan to head to sister parks Aquatica, Discovery Cove, or Busch Gardens in Tampa. You can see SeaWorld's last generation of orcas in action but beware of the soak zone when selecting seats if you want to avoid getting drenched. The killer whales are the highlight, but there are plenty of other marine wildlife experiences, including feeding dolphins and learning about penguins, mantas, manatees, sharks, walruses, and belugas. When you're done interacting with the fantastic oceanic creatures, try the new and exhilarating Ice Breaker or Pipeline Surf Coasters, or take the little ones to Sesame Street Land.
02 Hop on the rides at Universal Studios
There's more to Orlando than a certain mouse and his territory. Universal Studios is a significant drawcard too, and the recreation spot many locals prefer for its cheaper tickets, less hectic queues, and more adrenaline-spiking rides for teens and adults. From the Jurassic World VelociCoaster to the Incredible Hulk Coaster and the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, Universal Studios spills over with thrills and Hogwarts magic, but we'll get to Harry in a minute. You can also cover the various areas in about two days, so if you've got a weekend break, this is the place to spend it.
03 Discover the magic of Hogwarts
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a top Orlando attraction and one of the main reasons to go to Universal Studios. Fans of the books and media franchise can immerse themselves in this famous story about an orphaned boy with a tremendous destiny. Muggles can board the Hogwarts Express to Hogsmeade and sip a butterbeer, browse enchanted items and select an interactive wand in Diagon Alley, venture deep into Gringotts Bank, or fly into the Forbidden Forest. Meet Ron, Hermione, Hagrid, and other beloved characters along the way. Accio fun!
04 Shop and dine at Disney Springs
Whether you're in the mood for retail therapy and high-end fashion, a delicious meal to fuel you for your next Disney World adventure, or a spot of entertainment, you'll find it all here at Disney Springs. Grab a milkshake or ice cream from Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, stock up on Lego, take in the views at the Planet Hollywood observatory, or watch in awe as the Cirque du Soleil performers achieve extraordinary feats.
05 Experience the thrill of Gatorland
Take a break from all things Disney and make your way to Gatorland, a relatively small family-owned park where you can spend half a day. Walk the trails, feed birds, go on the Swamp Buggy ride, pet barnyard animals, and zipline over the gators with their snapping jaws. You'll find a splash pad for kids to burn energy and cool down, and the interactive shows are a hit with young and old. Gatorland is wheelchair-accessible.
06 See exotic animals at the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens
If all the underwater biodiversity at SeaWorld's got you inspired, you should check out Central Florida Zoo for a peaceful foray into more habitats and ecosystems. Terrestrial animals like the rhino, black bear, cheetahs, llamas, and monkeys call this intimate zoo home, along with various amphibians and reptiles. You can feed the giraffes, splash, or zipline at this nonprofit destination. Check out the venue's website for special events like the Asian Lantern Festival or the adults-only Brews Around the Zoo.
07 Explore the Orlando Science Center
Of course, Orlando caters to STEM folks too. Anyone who likes natural history, space, gaming, tech, tinkering, and experiments will love this center with hands-on activities. You can star gaze through telescopes, fiddle with Newton's Laws, and expand your knowledge of the planet and the universe. The Orlando Science Center also has more grown-up programming, so if the idea of a Neanderthal Ball tickles your fancy, you know where to go once a year.
08 Enjoy a Day at Discovery Cove
Discovery Cove is a SeaWorld theme park that will transport you to the Caribbean. Swim with dolphins in the lagoon, snorkel with sting rays and tropical fish, chill out on the lazy river, and give the aviary's residents a snack before completing your meander. Reef-safe sunscreen is available, as is the equipment you'll need. Just bring yourself and your swimsuit.
09 Admire the masters at the Orlando Museum of Art
The Orlando Museum of Art is one of the more cerebral pursuits in the city and a local icon, but it's still suitable for all ages. You can look forward to 19th and 20th-century American art, contemporary works, African exhibits, and an impressive Art of the Ancient Americas collection, including Incan and Mayan crafts.
10 Learn about history at the Orange County Regional History Center
You can unpeel the layers of local history at a restored 1927 courthouse in Downtown Orlando. Up to five floors cover 12 millennia with Seminole artifacts, fake snakes that might make you leap in fright, and a guaranteed education on Florida's evolution and heritage. The museum is relatively small, and if you're not a fan of unpredictable toddlers, you're less likely to spot 'em here.
11 Check out ICON Orlando
Print a map and get your bearings from the top of the ICON Orlando Ferris wheel. The 30 air-conditioned pods offer a brilliant view of the city and beyond. After your ride, have a burger at Shake Shack and check out the live music at Tin Roof every day of the week.
12 Get tranquil at the Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve
The Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve is a great place to break away from the crowds and lines of the theme parks. Choose from six trails that branch off from the trailhead; they range from a half-mile to four miles in length. Wildlife is abundant, so keep your eyes peeled for the creatures concealed in the bushes and water, from armadillos and tortoises to river otters and alligators.
13 Walk the Harry P. Leu Botanical Gardens
Orlando offers its share of theme parks, water parks, themed restaurants, and family fun. When those excursions become overwhelming, however, find your way to some of the beautiful, peaceful locations, like the Harry P. Leu Botanical Gardens. The site spans roughly 50 acres, and guided tours point out the abundant flora to botanical hobbyists.
14 Disney, Disney, and Disney
Disney owns Orlando, so don't fight it. Embrace your inner child for a day or six. Between Disney World, EPCOT Center, and two of the three most-visited water parks in the world, you'll soon find yourself basking in youthful enjoyment.
15 Try a few rounds of mini golf
While it's great to play a round on the 36-hole Orange County National, sometimes it's just fun to watch your child get their first hole-in-one. Congo River offers four courses peppered throughout Orlando, and Pirate's Cove is the ultimate in putt-putt.
16 Cheer on Orlando's professional sports teams
Sports enthusiasts can get their fill of action-packed excitement by supporting Orlando's professional sports teams. Basketball fans can head to the Amway Center, home to the NBA's Orlando Magic, where they can watch thrilling games and cheer on their favorite players. Meanwhile, soccer aficionados can experience the electrifying atmosphere at Exploria Stadium, where the Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride showcase their skills on the pitch.
For a more fast-paced experience, catch an Orlando Solar Bears ice hockey game at the Amway Center. Regardless of which sport you prefer, attending a game is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the local culture and feel the pride and passion of Orlando's sports fans.
17 Tour the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Space truly is the final frontier, but the Kennedy Space Center visitor complex celebrates the brave astronauts that risked life and limb to give you an understanding of what lies out there. The complex is home to exciting experiences and attractions, real rocket launches, fun photo ops, and more.
18 View your food at Morimota Asia
Masaharu Morimoto had a vision for kitchen stadium as well as a restaurant that celebrated his love of all things food. Grab a drink and tuck into some of the best Pan-Asian cuisine that the world has to offer in this two-story foodie dream-come-true. Try your best to get a table next to the high-energy kitchen to see firsthand the work that goes into each plate.
19 Louis Tiffany is not just for Fifth Avenue
The Charles Homer Morse Museum is a great follow-up to exploring the boutiques and quaint downtown of Winter Park, just 20 minutes from Orlando. Louis Tiffany was a glass genius, and this is the largest collection of his work. Take a break from the heat to appreciate this classic, high-class art.
20 Get muddy at Revolution Off-Road
If glassworks aren't your speed or you're just looking to mix it up, check out Revolution Off-Road and its selection of ATVs and dune buggies. Located just outside Orlando, this is the place to go to get muddy on four wheels, but if splashing through the muck isn't for you, the site also offers clay shooting, fishing, and archery.
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