Top 10 Things to Do in Orlando

Top 10 Things to Do in Orlando

Planning a trip to Orlando? This 2026 guide covers the top 10 things to do, from iconic outdoor experiences to local attractions worth adding to your itinerary.

Use this list to compare highlights, discover what makes Orlando unique, and find tours that match your travel style.

Orlando, Florida outdoor adventure scenery

Highlights of "Orlando"

Map preview generated from the featured coordinates for this destination.

Use the links below to open each attraction in Google Maps.

  1. 1. Explore Walt Disney WorldView on map
  2. 2. Explore Universal Orlando ResortView on map
  3. 3. Explore Lake Eola ParkView on map
  4. 4. Explore ICON ParkView on map
  5. 5. Explore Winter ParkView on map
  6. 6. Explore Disney SpringsView on map
  7. 7. Explore KissimmeeView on map
  8. 8. Explore Wekiwa SpringsView on map

About Orlando

  • Location: Orlando is in Florida, United States.
  • Known for: Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, Lake Eola Park, ICON Park, Winter Park

Top Tours

Kennedy Space Center All Inclusive Small Group VIP Experience
Sightseeing & City Tours

Orlando, Florida

Kennedy Space Center All Inclusive Small Group VIP Experience

Enjoy photo stops by the launch pads and the vehicle assembly building, touch a moon rock and ride the shuttle launch experience simulator on this…

4.7 (247 reviews)

From $239

Orlando City Lights and Fireworks Premier Helicopter Tour
Air Tours

Orlando, Florida

Orlando City Lights and Fireworks Premier Helicopter Tour

Experience Orlando after dark from a premier helicopter flight with city lights, theme-park skylines, and seasonal fireworks views when schedules…

5.0 (1 reviews)

From $334

Private Helicopter After-hours 48 Miles Tour Theme Parks&Downtown
Air Tours

Orlando, Florida

Private Helicopter After-hours 48 Miles Tour Theme Parks&Downtown

See magical Orlando from a unique perspective in a helicopter.

4.8 (170 reviews)

From $236.25

Kennedy Space Center with Airboat Ride Swamp Boat
Sightseeing & City Tours

Orlando, Florida

Kennedy Space Center with Airboat Ride Swamp Boat

Explore outer space and the South Florida swamp during this day trip from Orlando.

4.6 (73 reviews)

From $225

Day Flight 48 Miles Helicopter Tour over Theme Parks & Downtown
Air Tours

Orlando, Florida

Day Flight 48 Miles Helicopter Tour over Theme Parks & Downtown

Fly over Orlando and its famous theme parks by helicopter.

5.0 (23 reviews)

From $207.90

Manatee Snorkeling Adventure Tour with Lunch & Hotel Pickup
Water Sports

Orlando, Florida

Manatee Snorkeling Adventure Tour with Lunch & Hotel Pickup

Spend a day with central Florida’s manatees on this small-group river cruise and wildlife park adventure.

4.7 (277 reviews)

From $169

Things to Do in Orlando

  1. 1. Explore Walt Disney World

    Walt Disney World Resort opened on October 1, 1971, near Orlando and now covers roughly 25,000 acres in Orange and Osceola counties. The complex includes four theme parks—Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom—plus two water parks and a large hotel district. The property was developed by Walt Disney Productions using a special district governance model historically known as the Reedy Creek Improvement District. Magic Kingdom was the first park to open, and later expansions in 1982, 1989, and 1998 created the current four-park structure. The resort remains one of the largest and most influential themed-entertainment developments in the world.

    Source: Wikipedia
  2. 2. Explore Universal Orlando Resort

    Universal Orlando Resort is a major theme-park complex that began in 1990 with the opening of Universal Studios Florida. It later expanded with Islands of Adventure in 1999 and Volcano Bay water park in 2017, creating a multi-park destination on a large property southwest of downtown Orlando. The resort is operated by Universal Destinations & Experiences and includes entertainment districts, hotels, and large-scale ride systems based on film and television franchises. CityWalk serves as the central retail and dining spine linking the parks. Universal Orlando has played a central role in the region’s tourism economy by adding high-capacity attractions and year-round event programming to the broader Central Florida theme-park market.

    Source: Wikipedia
  3. 3. Explore Lake Eola Park

    Lake Eola Park is a public park in downtown Orlando centered on a natural sinkhole lake covering about 23 acres. The site became a formal city park in the late 19th century and remains one of Orlando’s oldest civic gathering spaces. The lake is known for its fountain, first installed in 1912 and replaced by a modern illuminated fountain system in 1957. The Walt Disney Amphitheater on the eastern shore hosts concerts, cultural festivals, and public events throughout the year. A paved perimeter path circles the water, and the park sits within Orlando’s central business district, linking residential towers, churches, and government buildings around a historic urban landscape feature.

    Source: Wikipedia
  4. 4. Explore ICON Park

    ICON Park is an entertainment complex on International Drive in Orlando that opened in 2015 as I-Drive 360 before rebranding in 2018. Its central attraction is The Wheel at ICON Park, a 400-foot-tall observation wheel that provides panoramic views of the tourism corridor and nearby lakes. The development includes restaurants, bars, family attractions, and event space designed for both day and night activity. Located near the Orange County Convention Center and major resort zones, ICON Park is part of the post-2010 expansion of International Drive as a mixed-use district rather than a hotel-only corridor. The site’s visibility from Interstate 4 has made the wheel a modern visual marker in Orlando.

    Source: Wikipedia
  5. 5. Explore Winter Park

    Winter Park is a city north of Orlando that was incorporated in 1887 and developed as a winter resort community connected by rail. It is home to Rollins College, founded in 1885, one of Florida’s oldest private colleges. The city’s historic core along Park Avenue includes civic buildings, museums, and commercial blocks shaped by late 19th- and early 20th-century architecture. Winter Park is also known for the chain of lakes linked by narrow canals, a geography that influenced residential planning and recreation patterns. The municipality operates separately from Orlando but is integrated into the metropolitan area through road and commuter-rail connections, making it an important historical and cultural counterpart to the theme-park corridor.

    Source: Wikipedia
  6. 6. Explore Disney Springs

    Disney Springs is a retail, dining, and entertainment district at Walt Disney World that evolved from Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village, which opened in 1975. The area was later renamed Walt Disney World Village, then Downtown Disney, and finally Disney Springs in 2015 after a large multiyear redevelopment. The district is organized into neighborhoods such as Marketplace, The Landing, Town Center, and West Side, each with different design themes and tenant mixes. Unlike the resort’s gated parks, Disney Springs does not require theme-park admission and functions as a high-capacity public commercial zone within Disney property. Its expansion increased restaurant and nightlife inventory while reinforcing Central Florida’s tourism-oriented service economy.

    Source: Wikipedia
  7. 7. Explore Kissimmee

    Kissimmee is a city in Osceola County directly south of Orlando, incorporated in 1883 and historically tied to cattle ranching, citrus, and transportation routes in Central Florida. The arrival of major theme parks in the 1970s shifted the local economy toward hospitality, vacation rentals, and visitor services. Kissimmee sits near the northern edge of the Everglades headwaters system and includes access to lakes, wetlands, and airboat corridors around Lake Tohopekaliga. Its downtown area preserves rail-era street patterns while suburban growth expanded west and north toward tourist districts. As part of the Orlando–Kissimmee–Sanford metropolitan area, the city connects legacy agricultural history with modern tourism infrastructure and rapidly growing residential development. SunRail service reached Kissimmee in 2018, and the city sits about 18 miles south of downtown Orlando.

    Source: Wikipedia
  8. 8. Explore Wekiwa Springs

    Wekiwa Springs State Park in Orange and Seminole counties protects one of Central Florida’s notable first-magnitude spring systems. The main spring discharges clear groundwater into Wekiwa Springs Run, which flows toward the Wekiva River, part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System designated in 2000. The park encompasses thousands of acres of sandhill, flatwoods, and riverine habitats that support species including black bears and wading birds. Archaeological evidence indicates long-term Indigenous use of the area before modern park designation in the 20th century. Located about 20 minutes from downtown Orlando, Wekiwa Springs demonstrates the hydrogeology of the Floridan aquifer and the region’s dependence on groundwater-fed ecosystems.

    Source: Wikipedia

Best time to visit

Shoulder seasons are best for comfort and flexibility

  • Spring and fall typically offer the easiest weather for walking and tours.
  • Summer can be busy; reserve major attractions and timed entries early.
  • Winter trips can provide better rates and lighter midday crowds in many districts.

Travel tips

  • Use early starts for major sights and popular viewpoints.
  • Pre-book top attractions and guided activities during peak months.
  • Keep one flexible block each day for weather or traffic changes.
  • Stay close to transit hubs if you want to minimize transfer time.

FAQs about Orlando

How many days are ideal for Orlando?

Three to four days gives enough time for major attractions and one outdoor-focused day.

Is Orlando good for outdoor travelers?

Yes. Most itineraries can combine city highlights with nearby hiking, water, or scenic touring options.

Should I book tours in advance?

For top-rated tours and peak travel weeks, advance booking is strongly recommended.

Learn More About Orlando

Best Tours in Orlando

Kennedy Space Center All Inclusive Small Group VIP Experience
Sightseeing & City Tours

Orlando, Florida

Kennedy Space Center All Inclusive Small Group VIP Experience

Enjoy photo stops by the launch pads and the vehicle assembly building, touch a moon rock and ride the shuttle launch experience simulator on this…

4.7 (247 reviews)

From $239

Orlando City Lights and Fireworks Premier Helicopter Tour
Air Tours

Orlando, Florida

Orlando City Lights and Fireworks Premier Helicopter Tour

Experience Orlando after dark from a premier helicopter flight with city lights, theme-park skylines, and seasonal fireworks views when schedules…

5.0 (1 reviews)

From $334

Private Helicopter After-hours 48 Miles Tour Theme Parks&Downtown
Air Tours

Orlando, Florida

Private Helicopter After-hours 48 Miles Tour Theme Parks&Downtown

See magical Orlando from a unique perspective in a helicopter.

4.8 (170 reviews)

From $236.25

Kennedy Space Center with Airboat Ride Swamp Boat
Sightseeing & City Tours

Orlando, Florida

Kennedy Space Center with Airboat Ride Swamp Boat

Explore outer space and the South Florida swamp during this day trip from Orlando.

4.6 (73 reviews)

From $225

Day Flight 48 Miles Helicopter Tour over Theme Parks & Downtown
Air Tours

Orlando, Florida

Day Flight 48 Miles Helicopter Tour over Theme Parks & Downtown

Fly over Orlando and its famous theme parks by helicopter.

5.0 (23 reviews)

From $207.90

Manatee Snorkeling Adventure Tour with Lunch & Hotel Pickup
Water Sports

Orlando, Florida

Manatee Snorkeling Adventure Tour with Lunch & Hotel Pickup

Spend a day with central Florida’s manatees on this small-group river cruise and wildlife park adventure.

4.7 (277 reviews)

From $169

Rock Springs 2-Hour Glass Bottom Guided Kayak Eco Tour
Paddle Sports

Orlando, Florida

Rock Springs 2-Hour Glass Bottom Guided Kayak Eco Tour

A good choice for nature lovers, this tour takes you into a unique part of Rock Springs Run known as "Emerald Cut.” The first part of the tour is an…

4.9 (2567 reviews)

From $119

Orlando Dune Buggy Tour
Jeep & Off-Road

Orlando, Florida

Orlando Dune Buggy Tour

Enjoy a fun dune buggy tour in St.

4.6 (359 reviews)

From $109.99

Day Trip to Historic St. Augustine from Orlando with Hotel Pickup
Sightseeing & City Tours

Orlando, Florida

Day Trip to Historic St. Augustine from Orlando with Hotel Pickup

Step back in time with a visit to enchanting St Augustine — one of America’s oldest towns — on this full-day tour from Orlando.

4.5 (253 reviews)

From $100

Clearwater Beach Day Trip from Orlando with Upgrade Options
Sightseeing & City Tours

Orlando, Florida

Clearwater Beach Day Trip from Orlando with Upgrade Options

Explore Clearwater Beach on a day trip from Orlando.

4.6 (162 reviews)

From $100

Take a thrilling 85 Miles Private Helicopter Tour to Space Coast
Air Tours

Orlando, Florida

Take a thrilling 85 Miles Private Helicopter Tour to Space Coast

Take a private helicopter tour from Kissimmee over Orlando's theme-park corridor and onward to the Space Coast with views toward Port Canaveral and…

5.0 (178 reviews)

From $446.25

Kennedy Space Center with Transport from Orlando and Kissimmee

Orlando, Florida

Kennedy Space Center with Transport from Orlando and Kissimmee

Embark on the ultimate space adventure at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, where you can explore a range of exciting tour options.

4.9 (1473 reviews)

From $89

90 minute Everglades Airboat Tour near Orlando Florida
Wildlife

Orlando, Florida

90 minute Everglades Airboat Tour near Orlando Florida

The Florida Everglades landscape is best explored with a licensed captain on an airboat.

4.8 (1366 reviews)

From $89

Speakeasy Murder Mystery Dinner Show in Orlando

Orlando, Florida

Speakeasy Murder Mystery Dinner Show in Orlando

Step into a 1920s-themed evening at a murder mystery dinner show in Orlando.

4.5 (91 reviews)

From $88

Silver Springs Clear Kayak Manatee, Monkey & Wildlife Adventures
Paddle Sports

Orlando, Florida

Silver Springs Clear Kayak Manatee, Monkey & Wildlife Adventures

On this kayaking tour, you can look out for a variety of local wildlife, including manatees, monkeys, and birds.

4.9 (653 reviews)

From $80

Clear Kayak or Paddleboard Manatee Adventure
Paddle Sports

Orlando, Florida

Clear Kayak or Paddleboard Manatee Adventure

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of Orlando and spend time in nature with this kayaking tour through Silver Springs State Park.

4.6 (403 reviews)

From $80

Horseback Ride on Scenic Lake Louisa Trails
Wildlife

Orlando, Florida

Horseback Ride on Scenic Lake Louisa Trails

See Lake Louisa State Park from a unique perspective away from the crowds during a small-group horseback ride along its scenic trails.

4.6 (143 reviews)

From $79

Silver Springs Clear Kayak Tour – Manatees & Monkeys Tour
Paddle Sports

Orlando, Florida

Silver Springs Clear Kayak Tour – Manatees & Monkeys Tour

Discover a side of Florida away from the theme parks–and enjoy a more active experience than on many other tours–on this stand-up paddleboard (SUP)…

4.9 (158 reviews)

From $75

Orlando Polynesian Fire Luau and Dinner Show Experience

Orlando, Florida

Orlando Polynesian Fire Luau and Dinner Show Experience

Escape to Polynesia in air conditioned comfort.

4.4 (435 reviews)

From $74.54

One-Hour Airboat Ride Near Orlando
Wildlife

Orlando, Florida

One-Hour Airboat Ride Near Orlando

Discover the natural beauty of Florida—and explore beyond just the theme parks—on this airboat tour in Kissimmee, close to Orlando, including the…

4.8 (902 reviews)

From $65.58

Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park
Hiking

Orlando, Florida

Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park

Take the excitement of your Orlando vacation up a level with a tree top adventure.

4.9 (860 reviews)

From $65

Florida Bioluminescent Kayak & Paddle Board Adventure
Paddle Sports

Orlando, Florida

Florida Bioluminescent Kayak & Paddle Board Adventure

Experience the Indian River Lagoon's dazzling bioluminescence, just steps from Orlando, on this small-group tour.

4.8 (215 reviews)

From $65

Expeditions

Orlando, Florida

Expeditions

Guided Expeditions experience in Orlando

Date Night Neon Glow Clear Kayak or Paddleboard & Champagne Orlando
Cycling

Orlando, Florida

Date Night Neon Glow Clear Kayak or Paddleboard & Champagne Orlando

Date Night Neon Glow Clear Kayak or Paddleboard & Champagne Orlando is a guided outdoor experience based in Orlando, Florida that keeps the logistics…