Orlando is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the whole of America. Orlando, Florida has perfect weather all year round and has plenty to see and do for adults and children alike. Orlando is also a great place to shop, have fun and enjoy a romantic evening.
So, yes Orlando is worth visiting! Not only is Orlando located in the sunshine state of Florida, but it also has activities to suit all. However, Orlando isn’t just about Disney and theme parks. It has a lot more to offer. Take time to discover Orlando’s wildlife and enjoy some great day trips.
Orlando is ideally located to enjoy some road trips. Some of the best day trips from Orlando include Clearwater on the Gulf Coast, Tampa, Daytona Beach and Fort Myers.
Is Orlando Worth Visiting? 21 Reasons to Visit Orlando
If you still need convincing about whether Orlando is worth visiting, check out our list of 21 reasons to visit Orlando.
1. Bag a Bargain Shopping in Orlando
There are plenty of amazing places where you can go and shop in Orlando. Orlando shopping brings the shopping experience to another level. You can enjoy going to visit malls like the Florida Mall, The Mall at Millenia or Disney Springs.
These malls are not just shops, you will also find everything you need to have a great night out. Try The Edison in Disney Springs for eating and listening to music.
When I’m in Florida, I always visit an outlet mall. This is the best place to save money on everything, especially clothes. You will be able to find your favourite brand at discount prices.
To save even more money, I advise you to register with the mall before your visit and download the reduction coupons booklet beforehand. You will have even more discounted prices with this additional reduction!
Another tip for the outlet is to go early morning to avoid the crowds. These outlets can be very busy in the afternoons.
If you prefer to be outside, why not visit the Winter Garden Village (The Grove)? All the shops are outside which provides a different feel to your shopping experience.
2. Get Close to Nature at a Wildlife Park
Orlando is a great place to see wildlife and discover different species, like the gator or sloth. Two of the best places to experience wildlife in Orlando are Wild Florida and Gatorland.
In both parks, you will have the opportunity to see animal shows. Gatorland specialises more in gators, and it is smaller than Wild Florida.
Wild Florida is bigger and offers air boat rides which are fun to do. Travelling on an air boat is a unique experience but you also have the chance of doing this activity on another day (check out number 3).
Wild Florida and Gatorland are two difference experiences, but you may have time do both during your vacation. See below for the best prices.
3. Take an Exhilarating Air Boat Tour
As mentioned above, an air boat ride is a great experience. This special boat was built to navigate shallow water. It is a flat-bottomed boat with an aircraft propeller. This boat is extremely powerful, and all the family will remember the ride.
In addition to experiencing a ride on an air boat, your guide will introduce you to the flora and fauna of the area. You will stop periodically to spot Florida’s state reptile, the American Alligator, in its natural setting. You will also see birds and other wildlife.
It isn’t a zoo, so nothing can be guaranteed but I can tell you that the experience will be worth it.
4. Enjoy an Ice Hockey or Basketball Game
When I travel, I love to experience things from my hometown. We have Ice Hockey and Basketball games where I live but they are not the same as those we can experience in the US.
Whilst you are in Orlando, you can go to see a professional Ice Hockey or Basketball game. You will be able to visit one of the biggest arenas and experience its exciting vibe. You just can’t replicate this atmosphere when you watch games on TV.
Amway Center is the home of the Orlando Solar Bears Hockey and Orlando Magic of the NBA.
5. Experience a Stunning Orlando Sunset
We all love to contemplate sunsets when we are on holiday. Orlando has some amazing sunsets but where is the best place to enjoy them?
The 400-foot observation wheel at Icon Park is good place to see Orlando from up high but also to witness amazing sunsets. You need to check the time of sunset to enter the wheel at the right time.
Lake Eola is another good place to see the sunset. You can rent a boat to make the experience more magical.
Lake Ivanhoe Park is another good spot to observe the sunset. If you arrive in advance, you will find plenty of activities to do whilst you are waiting for the sunset to happen.
If you want a unique experience, why not rent a private sailing boat to see the sunset on Lake Fairview? You will enjoy a two-hour sailing tour on Lake Fairview at sunset aboard the 25-foot MacGregor sail boat. This is an exclusive experience you won’t forget in a hurry. Click on the banner below for more details.
6. Spend an Entertaining Evening in Downtown Orlando
Downtown Orlando is the best place to spend an evening with acclaimed dining, culture, nightlife, and big sporting event at the Amway (see number 4).
Church Street is the best place to start your journey in downtown Orlando. From here, you will find the most popular dining and nightlife places.
The best place to enjoy culture and entertainment in downtown Orlando is the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. There are three indoor theatres and an outdoor plaza. You will find something for every taste.
Downtown Orlando also has great places to enjoy art. CityArts Factory and the Grand Bohemian Hotel offer free admission, or you can opt for the Orange County Regional History Center to learn about central Florida history.
Lake Eola is part of downtown Orlando and here you will find free live events during the year. Lake Eola’s park also hosts a Farmers’ Market every Sunday. You can relax in the park and enjoy the sunset (see number 5).
7. Take a Magical Orlando Bioluminescence Kayak Tour
A visit to Orlando will gave you the opportunity to see a magical phenomenon call Bioluminescence. If you want more details about Bioluminescence, you can read our article about Holbox Bioluminescence.
In brief, Bioluminescence is a chemical reaction between some animal-like plankton and water. This reaction creates blue light in the water. When you see it, it is like you are watching a blue sky full of stars in the water.
The best way to enjoy Bioluminescence in Orlando is to be part of a tour. Locals know exactly when to go and where to go to experience this natural phenomenon.
8. Blast Off at Kennedy Space Center
All kids want to become an astronaut, and everyone is keen to discover more about the secrets of Space. The Kennedy Space Center is the most interesting place to learn and experience Space in Florida.
There is a lot to do and to see in the Kennedy Space Center. To name a few, you can discover the history of rockets, learn about the story of the moon, and find out about the Atlantis shuttle.
The best way to enjoy The Kennedy Space Center whilst you are in Orlando is to book your tickets in advance to save time on arrival.
There are few options when booking tickets. You can book just the admission ticket in advance, or you can book it with transportation from Orlando.
- The most popular ticket for The Kennedy Space Center is the skip the line admission ticket which you can buy here.
- To buy skip the line admission tickets with transportation click here. When you book, you will be offered the possibility of choosing your nearest pick-up point.
9. Do Something Different at Disney Springs
Disney Springs is a great place to spend one day out with or without kids. Here you will find amazing stores. If you love Disney, you will be able to by Disney art, but don’t worry there are shops for all tastes.
At Disney Springs, you will find all the best names for your dining experience. The restaurants have nice façades like the Rainforest Café. We recommend you go to the Coca-Cola store and enjoy the view from the rooftop terrace. If you love Indiana Jones movies, you will love the Hangar Bar. Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar is an Indiana Jones theme bar.
Disney Springs looks like a theme park and has a very good atmosphere. Just wander around Disney Springs for a great experience that is free.
One other thing you can do in Disney Springs is to enjoy some entertainment. Whether you head to the cinema or catch a Cirque du Soleil show, you have everything to entertain the whole family. To cap it all, why not rent an Amphicar, plunge in the lake and take a cruise?
10. Hang out on International Drive
International Drive is a very long avenue (11 miles long) which connects all the attractions in Orlando. International Drive is the home of some of the theme parks and outlet shopping. You can walk some of International Drive, but you need transport to enjoy it in full.
The fun way to see International Drive is to use the I-Ride Trolley. By using the trolley, you will save money from car parks because some are free but not all.
To buy your ticket in advance and get unlimited hop-on hop-off trolley journeys, click here.
When visiting International Drive, you should stop at the ICON Park. There are plenty of things going on here like the tallest swing and a big wheel. Save time at the wheel by buying your tickets in advance using the banner below.
Another very cool thing to do in ICON park is the Museum of Illusion. This museum will introduce you to the art of illusion by challenging your senses. In addition to learning about the art of illusion, you will be able to capture an impossible photo. This picture will amaze your social media community.
A nice place to eat and discover new artists is the Ole Red Restaurant. The owner is Black Shelton, one of the judges of the Voice. As a result, the concept of the restaurant is to bring talented new singers onto the stage before they become famous.
You will find many affordable hotels in Int