What To Do In Orlando Besides The Theme Parks (Updated 2026)

Looking for the best things to do in Orlando besides theme parks? While Disney World and Universal Studios are world-famous, there's so much more to explore in and around Orlando. From swimming with manatees in crystal-clear springs to discovering stunning botanical gardens, indulging in the local food scene, or relaxing on nearby white sand beaches - Orlando offers unforgettable experiences beyond the parks.

After living in the Orlando area for four months, I’ve explored nearly every major attraction in Central Florida. This guide highlights the absolute best non-theme park things to do in Orlando - perfect for anyone looking to experience the city like a local.

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Where To Stay In Orlando

Orlando is a big city so you will find plenty of options for every budget when it comes to accommodation. We have sorted my favorite Orlando hotels into budget, mid-range, and luxury options.

Luxury Orlando Hotels

The Ritz Carlton Orlando - The Ritz never fail to impress. If you are a lavish traveller, than The Ritz Carlton is for you. This Ritz is Italian inspired and is situated next to the Grande Lakes. The property offers an eighteen hole golf course, eleven restaurants, tennis courts, three outdoor pools, and trails nearby that are perfect for running, biking, or walking.

JW Marriott Orlando - The JW Marriott is unique because it has its own water park! The hotel offers seven restaurants, one being michelin recommended, a spa, golfing, kayaking, and more. The JW Marriott is located right next to the Ritz carlton, so you can use some of their amenities as well!

Mid-Range Orlando Hotels

Castle Hotel - The Castle Hotel is a boutique hotel offering an outdoor pool, restaurant, gym, and bar. The hotel has a castel feel with small, but notable details that will remind you of a castle. The Castle Hotel is a memorable stay for kids and adult because of the uniqueness of it.

The Delaney Hotel - Located in downtown Orlando, The Delaney Hotel, offers comfortable accommodation with everything you need for a lovely trip. You can find a bar, restaurant, fitness center, and more at The Delaney Hotel.

Budget Orlando Hotels

Avanti Palms Resort - Avanti Palms Resort offers a resort feel for an affordable price. At Avanti Palms Resort you can find two restaurants, a pool, a gym, a bar, and spacious rooms. The Avanti Palms Resort is perfect if you are on a budget in Orlando.

Liki Tiki Village (Hilton) - The Liki Tiki Village is an affordable oasis in western Orlando. The hotel is perfect for a family vacation! You will have access to three pools, mini golf, tennis courts, an arcade, and more at the Liki Tiki Village Hotel.

What To Do In Orlando Besides The Theme Parks

Visit Winter Park

Winter Park is a charming town boarding Orlando to the north. Most well known for incredible restaurants, brick streets, and tons of great shopping, Winter Park is a must visit while in the Orlando area.

While in Winter Park take a stroll down Park Ave, explore Mead Botanical Garden, or grab a coffee in Hannibal Square in Winter Park.

⭐Related Article : A Guide To Winter Park

Swim With Manatees

One of my favorite things I did during my time in Orlando was swimming with Manatees. Florida is known for its large Manatee population, and the Orlando area is the perfect place to see them.

The best time to see the manatees is during the winter. You can visit Blue Springs State Park or Crystal River State Park to see or swim with the gentle giants.

Swimming with the manatees are best done through tours I recommend this manatee tour.

🚗Book Here - Manatee Tour From Orlando

Wander Around The Parks

Orlando has so many parks and gardens to explore! My favorite are Mead Botanical Garden and Harry Leu Gardens.

Mead Botanical Garden is located in Winter Park and offers a short 1.1 mile loop that goes all around the garden. In Mead you will find an array of flowers and plant species along with a pond and streams to explore. Mead Botanicals Gardens is free (including parking) so it is a great place to go if you are on a budget.

Harry Leu Gardens is a hidden gem in the Orlando area. The property is fifty acres and is home to twenty-seven gardens and collections. My favorite part of Leu Gardens was the butterfly garden. Admission to the gardens is $15 per adult, $10 per child, and free for kids under four years old.

🌴Read Next - 7 Of The Best Parks In Orlando

Checkout East End Market

East End Market is a one stop shops for coffee, shopping, and food. While East End Market isn't huge you can definitely spend an hour or two there. Make sure to try Lineage Coffee Roasters for the best coffee in the city!

Across the street from East End Market is Chiffon Bakery, a Vietnamese bakery that is a must visit.

Go Shopping At Disney Springs

Located just outside of Disney World is Disney Springs, a fabulous outdoor mall with every store you can imagine. Disney Springs is a great alternative to Disney World if you don't want to spend the money on the parks. You will get to have the whole Disney vibe at Disney Springs (the music, the details, the food, and the shopping). Disney Springs is home to the world's largest Disney store, a movie theater, an M&M store, a Marveled store, and more unique shops.

Parking is completely free at Disney Springs, so the only thing you will be spending money on is anything you buy.

Visit Eatonville

Eatonville is most well known for being one of the first self-governing all-black municipalities in the United States, is about six miles north of Orlando. The small one mile town is an interesting place to visit while in Orlando because of its history.

While in Eatonville make sure to visit Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts.

Checkout The Polasek Museum

Albin Polasek, born in 1879, was a sculptor from the Czech Republic. The Polasek Museum holds most of his work and was where he lived up until he died in 1965 at age 86.

You can find well thought out sculptures, beautifully manicured gardens, and magnificent views of Lake Osceola at The Polasek Museum.

Don't miss seeing the inside of the Albin Polasek house, ask at the front desk and they will show you.

Shop Your Heart Out In Baldwin Park

Baldwin Park is a beautiful neighborhood in Northern Orlando. You can find shops, restaurants, cafes, views of Lake Baldwin, a dog park, run trails, and residential homes in Baldwin Park.

My favorite places in Baldwin Park are The Baldwin Perk for coffee and Seito Sushi.

Spend a Day At Cocoa Beach

You can't go to Florida without going to the beach. Cocoa Beach is easily accessible from Orlando, only an hours drive. In Cocoa Beach make sure to explore the famous Cocoa Beach Pier where you can find restaurants and shops.

If you want to get away from the crowds visit the Lori Wilson Park just a couple miles north of Cocoa Beach. You will also find the world's largest and first made Ron Jons at Cocoa Beach.

🌺Read Next - Cocoa Beach Travel Guide

Visit Windermere

Windermere is an adorable town located just west of Orlando next to Disney World. Home to some of the most expensive real estate in all of Florida, Windermere is a perfect half day trip from Orlando. I loved getting a coffee and shopping in the cute downtown area of Windermere.

Explore Winter Gardens

Winter Gardens is a adorable town just west of Orlando. You will find cute boutiques, amazing restaurants, stunning brick streets, fountains, and small museums in Winter Gardens. Some of my favorite shops in Winter Gardens include Doxology, Writer Block Bookstore, and The German Bakery.

Eat Around The World At The Great Southern Box

The Great Southern Box is an amazing food hall serving up cuisine from all over the world (Nepalese, Thai, Greek, Mexican, Italian, American, ect.). You will also find a huge bar in the center serving all your favorite drinks. The Great Southern Box is the perfect spot for a night out with friends or for my fellow foodies!

Best Tours To Take In Orlando

Manatee Tour - Doing a manatee tour is a an amazing way to spend a day in the Orlando area. Swimming with manatees was my favorite thing to do in Central Florida. This Manatee Tour is with a guided professional, so you will see all of the best spots and feel safe the whole time.

Kennedy Space Center - This tour to the Kennedy Space Center offers round trip transportation to NASA where you can see rocket ships, space shuttles and meet real astronauts.

Glow In The Dark Kayaking - This glow in the dark kayaking and paddle board experience at Lake Ivanhoe near downtown Orlando is a great way to see the city at night. The kayaks are clear so you will be able to see what is underneath you!

Affordable Helicopter Ride - This helicopter ride will give you a bird's eye view of Orlando. You will cover around 40 miles while in the helicopter. This is the most affordable helicopter ride I have ever seen as well!

🚗Read Next - Best Day Trips To Take From Orlando

When To Visit Orlando

Orlando is best during the winter and spring. Summer and fall are considered hurricane season, and is usually very hot. Central Florida gets hotter than the coast, so come prepared if you are sensitive to heat.

Temperatures in the fall and summer are typically 80s and 90s fahrenheit. Spring and winter are usually in the 70s and 80s fahrenheit.

Where To Dine In Orlando

Best Coffee Shops In Orlando

Frameworks - Frameworks a an incredible hole in the wall coffee shop that should not be missed. Serving specialty drinks, incredible drip coffee, and pastries, Frameworks puts time and effort into each drink.

Lineage - Lineage is one of my favorite coffee spots in Orlando. With locations in East End Market, the UFC campus, and downtown Orlando, Linage is a must visit for any of my fellow coffee lovers.

Brierpatch - Located in Winter Park, Brierpatch is the best place to have a sit - down breakfast or brunch. Brierpatch never misses, each time I go there I say "that's the best breakfast i've ever had." Serving everything breakfast and lunch, Brierpatch will leave you speechless.

Chiffon Culture Bakery - Chiffon Culture Bakery is a vietnamese bakery serving unique and delectable pastries. You will love this place trust me.(photo above)

☕Read Next - Best Coffee Shops In Orlando

Best Restaurants In Orlando

Seito Sushi - Seito Sushi serves amazing sushi in Baldwin Park and has a lovely atmosphere, making it the perfect place for a weekend dinner in Orlando.

Prato - Located in Winter Park, Parto serves affordable italian food that tastes expensive. Offering a calming ambitious, Prato is a great option for lunch or dinner in Orlando.

SoDough Square - SoDough pizza is by far the best option for pizza in Orlando. The deep dish pizza is delicious and will leave you wanting more!

What To Do In Orlando Besides the Theme Parks Wrap Up

Orlando is so much more than just theme parks - it's a vibrant destination full of adventure, nature, culture, and hidden gems. Whether you're chasing crystal-clear springs, local food spots, or scenic day trips, there's no shortage of incredible things to do. If you liked this post checkout our guide 12 Best Coffee Shops In Orlando, Florida, The Ultimate Guide To Fort Myers, and our Winter Park, Florida guide.