Quite rightly, Orlando is the number one vacation destination in the world, and with so much to see and do, we're here to help you discover all the amazing must do's here in the city beautiful, enjoy!
Here in Orlando there is a never ending variety of things to do, including memorable theme park visits, water park fun, day trips to the beach, and an amazing variety of outdoor activities including biking, paddleboarding, kayaking, and airboat rides.
Here we have put together our top 10 things you must do on your visit to Orlando, and with so much to do it will probably need multiple visits to do everything! Enjoy!
Enjoy The Best Theme Parks In The World
As the undisputed theme park capital of the world, visiting the theme parks is top of the list for a visit to Orlando!
Every year, tens of millions of visitors, young and old, from all over the world, arrive in Central Florida to immerse themselves in our world famous theme parks, and who can blame them, they are awesome!
From the park that started it all back in 1971, The Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World, to the international frenzy that is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort, there is a whole world of fun and excitement for everyone to enjoy here in Central Florida's awesome theme parks.
The fun continues with SeaWorld Orlando where you can experience ocean animals together with thrilling shows and rides, plus the fun doesn't stop there, we have LEGOLAND Florida in Winter Park, where you can enjoy Lego rides, shows and attractions plus Legoland's newest offering, Peppa Pig Theme Park!
Enough fun? No way! Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is where the fun is thrilling with wild animals and even wilder rides. Plus with new and exciting rides being introduced all the time, you gotta go visit!
Visit Some Amazing Orlando Attractions
Central Florida offers a never ending choice of fun experiences for everyone to enjoy
Want to experience a uniquely Florida Attraction? Then a visit to Gatorland is a must do with alligators and crocodiles of all sizes, plus they have an aviary, petting zoo, thrilling Screamin’ Gator Zip Line and a Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure.
Soaring above International Drive is The Wheel at ICON Park, an iconic 400-foot tall observation wheel offering breathtaking views of Central Florida, it's the centerpiece of the ICON Park Entertainment Complex which is also home to the attractions of SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, Madame Tussauds Orlando and the fun Museum of Illusions Orlando.
I-Drive also offers the indoors Dezerland Action Park with so much to enjoy including bowling, go-kart track and a huge auto museum.
Take a walk on the weird side at Ripley's Believe It or Not! Orlando with kitschy oddities on display, including shrunken human heads & rare skeletons.
A highlight of I-Drive is the upside down building that is Wonderworks, an amusement park for the mind with 35,000 square feet of “edu-tainment”, the attraction combines education and entertainment with more than 100 hands on exhibits that challenge the mind and spark the imagination.
Go huge at Fun Spot America, with coasters and rides for all ages, it's hugeeee with locations on I-Drive and next to Old Town in Kissimmee.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex features exhibits and displays, historic spacecraft and memorabilia, shows, two IMAX theaters, and "Space Shuttle Atlantis" which is home to the real Space Shuttle Atlantis orbiter and the Shuttle Launch Experience, a simulated ride into space.
Cool Off In An Orlando Water Park
There is nowhere better than Orlando to experience miles of lazy rivers, massive wave pools and some of the most thrilling water slides imaginable and then some.
Orlando has the perfect weather for fun days at the pool or a water park, so get ready to cool off and splash into our amazing water parks!
Highlights include Typhoon Lagoon at Walt Disney World, and the amazing South Pacific themed Volcano Bay at Universal Orlando, while SeaWorld Orlando of course specializes in all things aquatic and their water park Aquatica is amazing.
LEGOLAND Florida's Water Park features Lego of course and is so much fun, while over at Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay you'll discover Adventure Island!
Plus, with even more splashing fun in the fun of Island H20 Water Park at the Margaritaville Resort in Kissimmee, Coco Key Water Park on International Drive and Treasure Cove Water Park at Westgate Resort near the Convention Center and you have an incredible selection of Water Parks.
Enjoy The Great Outdoors Here In Orlando
For those seeking adventure this Memorial Day Weekend, then you can ride an airboat through the swamps in search of gators at both, Wild Florida or Boggy Creek Airboat Rides, or soar above the trees on zip lines and tarzan ropes at Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park!
Looking for something a little more laid back? Enjoy a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Orlando with Painted Horizons Hot Air Balloon Rides, enjoy a Swan Paddle Boat Ride around Lake Eola or take a leisurely stroll in one of the many beautiful gardens and parks Orlando has to offer.
Enjoy A World Of Delicious Food!
Dining in Orlando is a real treat for the taste buds, where you can enjoy an endless world of choice at a massive choice of restaurants throughout Central Florida, including well known chains brands, themed dining experiences, locally owned farm fresh establishments and celebrity chef restaurants.
At Disney Springs you'll be spoilt for choice with so many mouthwatering options including , Planet Hollywood, The Boathouse, Chef Art Smith's Homecomin', D-Luxe Burger, Enzo's Hideaway, Morimoto Asia, Paddlefish, STK Orlando and more!
Delight at Disney's Boardwalk with Flying Fish, Boardwalk Bakery and Trattoria al Forno.
Over at Pointe Orlando on I-Drive they offer some really unique and tasty dining experiences with Maggiano's Little Italy, The Oceanaire Seafood Room, The Hampton Social, Taverna Opa, JoJo's Shake Bar and more.
The food extravaganza continues over at Icon Park on I-Drive with Shake Shack, Sugar Factory, Harry Ramsay's Fish And Chips, Uncle Julio's Mexican, Tapa Toro, Yard House and more.
Citywalk at Universal Orlando really know how to spoil you for choice with Hard Rock Cafe, The Cowfish, Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, The Bubba Gump Shrimp Co, Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food, Big Fire Grill, Red Oven Pizza Bakery and more.
We also recommend you try Boston Lobster Feast, Giordano's, Hokkaido, Black Angus Steakhouse, Ichiban, Mango's Tropical Cafe, plus the world's largest entertainment McDonald's and the world's largest White Castle!
Oh and of course you'll find just about every chain restaurant too!! You Gotta Go eat now guys.
Grab A Bargain While Shopping In Orlando
Who doesn't love to shop, and here in Orlando you will discover a shoppers paradise with something for everyone,.
A very popular spot is Disney Springs where you can shop till you drop, with everything Disney branded you can imagine and more, plus enjoy the Coca-Cola Store, LEGO Store, M & M World, Ron Jon's Surf Shop, and household retailers including Levi, Coach, Joe Malone, Kate Spade and many, many more!
Obviously outlet shopping is very popular here in Orlando and we're lucky to have our fair share of outlets, including Orlando Premium Outlets which has two huge locations featuring over 360 stores all offering amazing savings including Orlando's only official Walt Disney World outlet stores, you can find Premium Outlets locates on International Drive and Vineland Avenue.
Another popular outlet location is the Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores featuring over 50 stores, with many brands you will not find anywhere else in Orlando.
Mall shopping continues to be ever popular here in Orlando with The Florida Mall a must visit, featuring over 270 retail stores, it's the areas largest shopping destination. The Mall at Millenia is a world class shopping destination boasting 150 of the finest stores, it's popular for upscale shopping here in Orlando.
Be Entertained In Orlando
There's always something happening in Orlando to keep you entertained, and here at Gotta Go Orlando we've got you covered for the latest going out news, if it's happening in Orlando, you'll find it right here!
Concert goers and music lovers have a year round calendar of concerts to enjoy at an impressive choice of music venues including Hard Rock Live, House Of Blues, The Plaza Live, Amway Center and the Addition Financial Arena. The best Broadway shows, plays and musicals regularly play Orlando at the impressive Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts., Winter Park Playhouse, Fringe ArtSpace, and many more.
Orlando also has a happening club and bar scene including Downtown's Wall St Plaza, and many more.
Central Florida has a vibrant festival calendar with massive events at the theme parks aimed at locals and tourists alike, highlights include the Flower & Garden Festival and the Food & Wine Festival at Epcot, Universal Studios Orlando has Mardi Gras while SeaWorld Orlando offers the Seven Seas Festival.
You'll never run out of entertainment options, you just gotta go out there and have fun!
Whether Watching Or Taking Part - Enjoy Sports
What sets Orlando apart is golf, and the pro-designed golf courses tare truly special. Arnold Palmer’s layouts can be found at Shingle Creek Golf Club, Orange Lake Resort,Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge and Walt Disney World Golf’s courses.
Palmer also designed one of the three courses at Reunion Resort, with the others designed by Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus. Another Nicklaus designed course is at Grand Cypress Golf Club. Other pro designed courses are from Greg Norman, The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Orlando, Grande Lakes, and Reese Jones, Waldorf Astoria Golf Club, among other celebrated designers.
If tennis is your racket, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) National Campus in Lake Nona is the Home of American Tennis with 100 courts spread across 64 acres. Players of all ages and skill levels can play for free, plus for Pickleball fans they even have full-size Pickleball courts.
When it comes to watching sports here in Orlando, The NBA’s Orlando Magic play their home games in the stunning Amway Center in Downtown Orlando, as do the ECHL Orlando Solar Bears.
Orlando is also home to a 25,500-seat soccer stadium that hosts MLS Orlando City Soccer Club and the NWSL Orlando Pride.
Orlando Speed World offers stock car racing speedway, well worth a visit for a fun night out and of course nearby Daytona Beach is home to the world famous NASCAR and Daytona 500, as well as to the annual Bike Week gathering of motorcycle enthusiasts.
The ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex is home to hundreds of sports competitions, ranging from youth soccer to professional fast pitch softball and the annual Disney Marathon Weekend.
The Camping World Stadium in Orlando hosts the the Pop-Tarts Bowl at Camping World Stadium in December and the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on New Years Day.
Kissimmee is the home of the Silver Spurs Rodeo, this twice-yearly event features bull riding, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, a Florida tradition since 1944.
Hit The Beach
So... when you think of the Sunshine State, two things spring to mind, theme parks and beaches, and thanks to Orlando's central location, you don't have to choose, pretty awesome, right?
Orlando is practically in the middle of both the historic east coast beaches and the stunning gulf coast beaches in the west coast of Central Florida, so if you want to escape the hussle and bustle of the theme parks, just for a few hours or a few days, look out your flip flops and get ready to soak up the sunshine!
East Coast Beaches
The world's most famous beach is just an hour from downtown Orlando, Daytona Beach is all about the cars, a place to catch a NASCAR race and even drive your own car right on the beach.
Free summer concerts with movies and fireworks are offered May through October at the Bandshell, and there's plenty of entertainment and fun at the nearby boardwalk and fishing pier.
For a quieter corner, head to Ponce Inlet and climb to the top of Florida's tallest lighthouse, built in 1835. Plus, for shopping and dining, a visit to Beach Street is a popular choice.
New Smyrna Beach is a hot spot for surfing, quirky shops, and delightful eats, plus you can drive your car onto this beach’s wide, compacted smooth sand! A must do for sure!
Once you’ve gotten your fill with paddle boarding and sunbathing, check out Flagler Avenue with Old Florida shops, local boutiques and casual eateries.
Orlando's closest beach is well known for its surfing culture with Cocoa the home of the world's largest surf shop,
Ron Jon Surf Shop at 52,000 square feet.
Open 24 hours a day, the huge store features everything under the sun, from T-shirts and seashells to beach bikes, paddleboards, and of course, surfboards.
The Cocoa Beach Pier area is fun with lot's of beach activities, while many families like the quiet of Lori Wilson Park where you'll find free parking, restrooms and outdoor showers.
West Coast Beaches
America’s number one beach, Clearwater is definitely a renowned hot spot, complete with shopping, dining, live entertainment, and a revitalized downtown area. White sand and clear, shallow waters make this beach a destination that can’t be beaten for families.
Don’t miss the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and the awesome sunset celebration that is held nightly at the always fun Clearwater Beach Pier. Don't miss it!
At Madeira Beach, the sun, the white sand beaches and emerald turquoise waters invite swimming and sunning, be a beachcomber, or just sit and watch the world go by from the shade of a beach umbrella.
Set sail on a sunset cruise or a daylong fishing excursion or just stroll the wooden boardwalk and check out the waterfront shops and dining options.
The main draw here is three miles of sparkling white, sandy beaches on shores of the Gulf of Mexico.
Go swimming, shelling, sunning, snorkeling, parasailing and more, or simply walk the beach and take in one of the most stunning and memorable sunsets that you will ever see.
Hang out at the world's longest waterfront bar, Gators Cafe & Saloon, to catch the sunset and enjoy the atmosphere at the surrounding beach bars, for live music and dancing.
With miles of beaches, surf shops and boutiques, along with dining and water sports for all ages, it's easy to see why St. Pete Beach is voted one of the best beaches in the U.S.
At the heart of St. Pete Beach is the historic pink palace, the Loews Don Ce Sar Hotel, built in 1928 at the heart of America's Jazz Age. It's worth a visit to soak up the nostalgic, Gatsby-like atmosphere.
Make time to see the Salvador Dali museum in downtown St. Petersburg, housing the largest collection of Dali's work outside of Spain.
Take A Road Trip On A Tankful
Orlando offers more things to do than most tourist destinations put together, and being located in the heart of Central Florida, Orlando’s convenient location makes it easy to go on road trip and explore just a little bit more of the sunshine state, and whether it's for the day, or the whole weekend, you can escape the theme park crowds, and enjoy Florida’s most picturesque landscapes at nearby cities, natural springs, and state parks.
Fill the gas tank and get ready to hit the road
The perfect place to experience Old Florida, Weeki Wachee is famous for its underwater theater and mermaid shows, located less than a two hour drive from Orlando, this is a beautiful state park where visitors can enjoy the 72 degree crystal clear waters, perfect for a day of swimming, snorkelling and kayaking, there's even a water park with flume rides.
Sarasota is only 2 hours from Orlando and offers a string of eight stunning islands tucked away into the Gulf coast of Southwest Florida.
You’ll find fascinating cultural attractions like The Ringling Museum and Marie Selby Botanical Garden and you can't miss the beautiful Siesta Key Beach.
Only a 40 minute jaunt north and you’re in Mount Dora, one of Florida’s beloved small town charms.
The biggest draw to this area is the Renninger’s Antique Center & Farmer’s Flea Market, where visitors come to shop for vintage treasures, while the array of outdoor cafes, galleries and wineries are perfect for a day trip away.
Drive two hours west past Tampa and you’ll find Caladesi Island State Park,in the city of Dunedin.
Located along the Gulf Coast, its white powdery sand, emerald waters, and lack of tourist crowds make this area feel like an off the grid slice of paradise, regularly ranked one of the top beaches.
Located in Orange City just 45 minutes from Orlando, Blue Springs State Park is the largest spring on the St. John’s River, a manatee refuge offering 72 degree temperatures that are perfect for cooling off.
Take a dip in the pale blue waters and soak in the views of the forested banks that surround you.
The oldest city in the United States, St. Augustine is a great two-hour day trip for history enthusiasts.
Founded in 1565, here you can walk along the cobblestoned streets in the National Historic Landmark District,
walk the walls of the 17th-century Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, and climb the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum for a stunning view of the city below.
In less than two hours you can be in Tampa, a vibrant city with a long list of family friendly attractions.
Browse artwork at the world renown Salvador Dali museum, relax on the award winning Clearwater Beach, or cheer on the local Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
If you’re an animal lover, you’ll enjoy an afternoon of feeding giraffes at Lowry Park Zoo or observing manatees at the Electric Manatee Viewing Center.
Outdoor enthusiasts will delight in the opportunities at nearby Ocala National Forest, the world’s largest sand pine scrub forest, it’s here that you can explore over 360,000 acres of hiking or take a swim in the crystal clear waters of Silver Glen Springs.
One of the best places to experience Florida’s natural landscapes, an excellent choice for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
As always, keep checking back with us here at Gotta Go Orlando as we continue to bring you the latest news and information from around Orlando and Central Florida
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