Don’t miss these 11 must-visit places in and near Orlando

It might be the theme park capital of the world, and its rip-roaring rollercoasters and movie-themed parks certainly are Orlando’s top attractions, but there’s a lot more to this Florida city. You can get lost in Walt Disney World Resort, where magic truly becomes a reality; be seduced by the mystery of the solar system and meet a real astronaut at the Kennedy Space Center; spend a day in nature or on the beach; and even see art by some of the world’s most famous artists.

Whether it’s O-Town’s dazzling spectacles, best city views, or most storied locations you’re after, you’ll find them in this list of 10 essential places to visit in Orlando.

1. Walt Disney World Resort

Where dreams come true

The world-famous Walt Disney World Resort in Florida spans four magical Theme Parks, two thrilling water parks, entertainment districts, and over 25 Resort hotels. It’s a truly magical experience for kids of all ages, from meetings with Mickey Mouse and friends to hair-raising thrill attractions.

Highlights:

Experience the newest attraction, TRON Lightcycle / Run, and see the amazing Happily Ever After fireworks display over Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park; trek through a lush tropical forest and explore the Harambe Wildlife Reserve to discover an array of exotic wildlife at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park; eat your way around the world and explore the wonders of Science and Technology in EPCOT; and feel movie magic at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Address:

Bay Lake, FL 32836. Park opening times vary.

2. Kennedy Space Center

A world of exploration

Nothing can prepare you for the awe-inspiring scope of this campus for space exploration. As a working NASA site that launched the country’s first Apollo missions, the Kennedy Space Center is crammed with past, present, and future artifacts of space engineering. Easily reached from Orlando, you can spend up to two whole days exploring as much of its 140,000 acres as you can.

Highlights:

The Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit always impresses with its interactive consoles and scope. There are also plenty of kid-friendly experiences, like the Cosmic Quest NASA game and some staggering IMAX films. You can even have lunch with a real astronaut.

Address and opening hours:

Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953. 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, or later, depending on the time of year.

3. St. Augustine

Unexpected and fascinating history

St. Augustine is the oldest of the US’s European settlements, and it packs a historical punch. Book the St. Augustine hop-on, hop-off trolley tour to uncover this town’s centuries-old secrets. You can even take a sip from the supposedly magical waters of Ponce De Leon’s Fountain of Youth.

Highlights:

Tour the country’s oldest masonry fort, Castillo de San Marcos, built to defend its Spanish colonists from marauding pirates.

Address and opening hours:

167 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084. The museum is open daily, 9:00 AM-4:30 PM.

4. Rollins Museum of Art

Masterpieces old and new-ish

Don’t let its dainty size fool you; the Rollins Museum of Art has some impressive treasures. There are European Old Masters from Bassano to Rembrandt and modernist masterpieces from Basquiat and Lichtenstein. It also benefits from a tranquil spot right at the edge of Lake Virginia.

Highlights:

Visit the upscale hotel Alfond Inn next to the museum to see more of the Rollins collection. Both are free to enter.

Address:

1000 Holt Ave Box 2765, Winter Park, FL 32789. Open Tuesday-Sunday. Opening hours are 10:00 AM-4:00 PM during the week (7:00 PM on Tuesdays) and 12:00 PM-5:00 PM on weekends.

5. Clearwater Beach

White sand and watersports

Among the most stunning beaches in Florida, Clearwater Beach is in scenic western Florida. Explore and lay on its amazing beach, featured in the film “Dolphin’s Tale,” and splash in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. You can get there easily by car along Interstate 4 or take a day tour from Orlando that includes entry to the aquarium for the perfect day out.

Highlights:

Aside from the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and white sandy beach, there are plenty of options for getting out on the water, from pirate-themed and sunset cruises to kayak tours.

Address and opening hours:

249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767. Tour dates vary, starting at 8:00 AM.

6. ICON Park

Brilliant views and lifelike waxworks

See the vastness of the city from one of Orlando’s best viewing points with a ride on The Wheel at ICON Park. Reaching a soaring 400 feet (120 meters), you can spot the bustle of Orlando’s theme parks and the shoreline of Cape Canaveral from the Ferris wheel. At ICON Park, you can also brush shoulders with celebrities at Madame Tussauds Orlando for the ultimate photo memento.

Highlights:

Buy a combo ticket to ride The Wheel at any time convenient for you and see Madame Tussauds’ brilliant waxworks that include Harry Styles, The Rock, Martin Luther King Jr, Ariana Grande, and Beyoncé.

Address and opening hours:

8375 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819. Opening hours vary by attraction.

7. Celebration

A picturesque town with a direct link to the Magic Kingdom

Not content with theme parks and blockbusters, in the 1990s, The Walt Disney Company turned its hand to town planning and created a community called Celebration with renowned architects like Robert A.M. Stern. It has since been named one of the prettiest towns in the US, with stunning architecture, great shops, restaurants and cafes, beautiful lakes, and around 11,000 residents. And although it’s no longer under Disney’s wing, it still has a direct link, literally — World Drive, the road that leads straight to Magic Kingdom Park, begins in Celebration.

Highlights:

Take a horse-drawn carriage ride or Segway tour to learn more about the picturesque neighborhood, or bike along its trails. Celebration is also home to annual events like Oktoberfest in October and Now Snowing over the holidays, and there’s a farmer’s market on Sundays.

Address and opening hours:

Celebration Avenue, Celebration, FL 34747. Open 24/7, but stores and restaurants vary.

8. SeaWorld Orlando

Plenty of ways to make a splash

Merging adrenaline-fueled rollercoaster rides with aquariums and marine shows, SeaWorld is sure to leave a lasting impression and get you soaking wet. You can also combine your ticket with SeaWorld’s Aquatica water park.

Highlights:

SeaWorld’s Mako is loved by rollercoaster enthusiasts, reaching hair-raising speeds of 73 mph.

Address and opening hours:

7007 Sea Harbor Dr, Orlando, FL 32821. Opening hours change daily depending on the day of the week and season, but the park is generally from 9:00 or 10:00 AM and closes between 6:00 and 10:00 PM.

9. Lake Eola Park

Lakefront calm in the city

Downtown Orlando’s pretty lakefront park is the perfect place to unwind after a hectic day. Kids can run wild in the playground or hop aboard swan boats to explore Lake Eola. It hosts a calendar of events, from movies to concerts at the Amphitheater, all through the year

Highlights:

Orlando’s delightful Farmer’s Market is hosted here every Saturday morning, offering an excellent chance to taste some of the region’s finest produce.

Address and opening hours:

512 E Washington St, Orlando, FL 32801. Open 6:00 AM–11:59 PM.

10. Cirque du Soleil’s “Drawn to Life”

Disney like you’ve never seen it before

Bringing together acrobatics and animation, Cirque du Soleil’s family-friendly show is a treat for the senses. Experience this technicolor magic, which lovingly recreates Disney’s wonderful world with dazzling live-action theatrics.

Highlights:

Immerse yourself in a brand new Disney story created just for the stage.

Address:

1478 Buena Vista Dr, Orlando, FL 32836. Performances at 5:30 PM and 8:00 PM.

11. Disney Springs

Located within Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Springs boasts four distinct neighborhoods with more than 150 restaurants, boutiques, and entertainment venues like movie theaters and bowling alleys. Plus, it’s completely free to explore.

Highlights:

Kids will love the themed restaurants like T-REX and Rainforest Cafe, and there are bars and restaurants opened by star chefs for the grown-ups, too. Don’t miss the House of Blues and Cirque du Soleil’s fantastic “Drawn to Life” show. Want a great view? A 400-foot-high helium balloon ride should do the trick.

Address and opening hours:

1600 Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830. Open 10:00 AM-11:00 PM, but establishments have individual opening hours.

FAQs

How many days should I spend in Orlando?

Stay at least a week to experience the best of Orlando, but 10-14 days is optimal if it’s your first time. Remember, the theme parks alone require a day or more per park, and you want some time to explore Florida’s magic further afield.

What is the best time of year to visit Orlando?

Orlando is popular during the hot summer months, especially during school breaks, as well as over the holidays. These are the best times to visit for the ultimate experience, as there are often seasonal themes and longer park opening hours. For a quieter experience, avoid major national holidays, summer, and around Christmas. If you hate the heat and want to miss summer storms, check out Orlando in winter or the quieter spring and fall seasons when the temperatures sit closer to 70°F.

How do I get around Orlando?

A hire car is best to get around Orlando as its road network is easy to navigate. Taxis and public transport are also available, with shuttle buses and Lynx public buses servicing major attractions. There is also free transportation between various points of the major resorts, like Walt Disney World.

What are the best neighborhoods to visit in Orlando?

Downtown Orlando is a world away from International Drive, the bustling strip that connects hotels, restaurants, and theme parks. You can stroll through leafy parks like Lake Eola and discover hidden gems like the Orange County Regional History Center. Other delightful neighborhoods include Winter Park, renowned for its public spaces and museums.

What are the best places to go shopping in Orlando?

It's all about shopping malls in Orlando, with highlights like The Mall at Millenia and the Florida Mall. Fashionistas will love Orlando Fashion Square, which is close to Downtown Orlando. You can also find great boutiques and souvenir stores at Universal’s City Walk and Disney Springs.