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What Can You Do In Orlando, FL?

  • Orlando is known for its theme parks, but if you skip the roller coasters, you’ll find a city packed with hidden gems, local flavors and unexpected adventures. Whether you’re a foodie, an outdoor enthusiast or a culture buff, there are plenty of things to do in Orlando that aren’t theme parks. From museums to historical sites, Orlando has something for everyone in the family. Check out our list of things to do in Orlando besides a trip to the theme park.

    1. Eat Your Heart Out at Giordano’s in Orlando

    Let’s start with food because, honestly, every good trip revolves around it. Giordano’s is a must-visit, especially if you’re craving a deep-dish, cheese-stuffed, utterly indulgent pizza. Based out of Chicago, this pizzeria brings its legendary stuffed pies to Florida, serving up layers of gooey mozzarella, rich tomato sauce and a buttery crust. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find meals to suit your budget, such as salads, tavern-style thin-crust pizza and other Italian classics.

    2. Visit Theaters in Orlando

    Orlando has a great selection of theaters — if you’re planning to attend a show, purchase your tickets in advance, as some shows sell out fast. Stop by these three local theaters the next time you’re in Orlando:

    • Orlando Shakespeare Theater: Open year-round, the Orlando Shakespeare Theater has a show for everyone. Purchase tickets to watch classic Shakespeare plays, or opt for a comedy, drama, musical or children’s show. Located in Loch Haven Park, the theater offers free parking. The lot fills up fast, but street parking is available nearby, and paid parking garages are within walking distance.
    • Funny Bone Comedy Club: Catch a show at the Funny Bone Comedy Club, formerly known as the Orlando Improv. Or, if you’re feeling really brave, take the floor at open mic night.
    • Cirque du Soleil: Cirque du Soleil is famous for its acrobatic feats and colorful, quirky characters. The show includes aerial ballet, breakdancing and a gymnastic trampoline act.

    3. Explore Museums in Central Florida

    Check out the city’s museums! Whether you’re an art lover, a history buff or someone who enjoys interactive exhibits, the city has something for you. See everything from dazzling glasswork to fascinating science displays that offer an immersive and educational experience.

    The Titanic Museum

    Take a tour of the RMS Titanic’s ill-fated journey at the Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition in Orlando. Gathered from deep-sea recovery expeditions, the exhibition features more than 300 artifacts, including clothing, newspapers and ship fragments. Guided tours include replicated boarding cards from actual passengers on the Titanic.

    The Orlando Science Center

    Head over to Lock Haven Park and visit the Orlando Science Center, which offers a fun experience for adults and kids. Explore four floors of exhibits, such as DinoDigs and Food Heroes. Plan to spend around three hours at the museum — there’s a lot to see! The Orlando Science Center also features an observatory with the largest publicly accessible refractor telescope. Attend evening star-watching events to use the custom-built tool.

    The Orlando Fire Museum

    The Orlando Fire Museum commemorates the rich and extensive history of the Orlando Fire Department. Items span centuries and include horse-drawn fire trucks, firefighter uniforms and antique fire alarm boxes. The museum is open on Fridays and Saturdays, and retired firefighters provide tours. Admission is free, and if you’re planning to visit the Orlando Shakespeare Theater, it’s right next door!

    Madame Tussauds

    Did you know Oprah, the Royal Family and Channing Tatum are waiting to meet you in Orlando? Madame Tussauds has a broad collection of wax television and movie stars, as well as historical and sports figures. You’re encouraged to photograph yourself having tea with the Queen or dancing in sync with Michael Jackson. Museum photographers are also on hand if you need help. Expect your photoshoot to last around an hour.

    4. See the Historical Sites and Landmarks

    Historical sites and landmarks may not top your list of things to do in Orlando, but Orlando and the nearby town of Winter Park have a few places worth visiting, including:

  • Winter Park: Just north of downtown is a charming area lined with boutique shops, cobblestone streets and European-style cafes. Walk along Park Avenue to see the art galleries, wine bars and the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art for their extensive collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany glasswork.
  • The Orlando Eye: Stop by the Orlando Eye to see the tallest observation wheel on the East Coast. Air-conditioned and fully enclosed, the observation wheel’s capsules remain stable, unlike traditional Ferris wheel carriages, and give a birds-eye view of Cape Canaveral, downtown Orlando and your favorite theme parks.
  • Mills 50: Visit Mills 50, a funky district full of street art, craft breweries and global cuisine. You’ll see murals, art drain projects, a dumpster art project and other initiatives to fuel your creative needs.

5. Attend Local Festivals

Orlando hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year. If you’re a fan of music or movies, you’ll need to move Orlando festivals to the top of your list of things to do. The Orlando Carnival is Orlando’s family-friendly carnival, a festival celebrating Caribbean culture. Pageantry, live music and crafts dominate downtown Orlando’s Church Street District during the Memorial Day weekend festivities.

The Florida Film Festival takes place in April, and more than 160 films premiere in 10 days. You can watch the premiering films at two theaters, which are located about 15 minutes outside Orlando in the cities of Winter Park and Maitland. If you’re a fan of independent or international films, the Florida Film Festival is a great option for seeing those films first.

6. Hop Over to Downtown Orlando

There are many things to do in downtown Orlando, too, whether you’re up for a laid-back day, shopping for souvenirs or hoping for a fun night out:

  • Church Street District: Orlando’s historic downtown Church Street includes a variety of small shops, such as fashion boutiques, craft stores and traditional souvenir shops. Walk around and appreciate the district’s history, which was named Main Street by Main Street America.
  • M&M’s store: The M&M’s store is a fun place to visit in Orlando. The shop is located at Disney Springs and offers co-branded M&Ms and Disney merchandise. There are 10,000 square feet of colorful fun to explore.
  • Orlando Premium Outlets: Orlando Premium Outlets sell products at discounts you can’t refuse. Differences in state sales taxes also motivate out-of-state shoppers to purchase everyday items, like clothing. More than 180 brand names are sold at Orlando Premium Outlets.
  • Kia Center: Home to the Orlando Magic and big-name concerts, the Kia Center is a must-visit for sports and music fans. If you’re in town during basketball season, catching an NBA game here is an electrifying experience.
  • Brewery tour: If you love craft beer, check out the breweries downtown. Places like Sideward Brewing offer locally brewed beers in a chill atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.

7. Check out Things to Do in Orlando at Night

If you’d like to go out one more time before settling into your hotel bed with a slice of deep-dish pizza, there are plenty of bars and nightclubs in Orlando to check out:

  • The Attic Orlando: Open on weekdays and weekends, The Attic Orlando hosts local DJs to play EDM music throughout the night. The club follows a smart-casual dress code, so avoid wearing shorts or open shoes, which will have you denied entrance.
  • Cowboys Orlando: Country dancing enthusiasts will love Cowboys Orlando. It’s been in the nightclub business for more than 50 years. The bar offers free line dancing lessons, as well as contests and alcohol specials. Cowboys Orlando also features an outdoor patio area with a bar and firepit to relax from dancing.
  • EVE Orlando: Described as a mix of old Hollywood glamour and Las Vegas nightlife, EVE Orlando features a dance room, lounge, terrace and balcony overlooking downtown Orlando. EVE Orlando follows a dress code for male attendees. Shorts and open shoes, like flip-flops, aren’t allowed in the club. An entry fee is also charged at the door.

Visit Giordano’s in Lake Buena Vista, FL, and Near Universal Studios

Orlando has so much to offer, from crystal-clear springs to a lively art and culture scene and sports for all. Foodies, nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike can enjoy unexpected adventures at every turn. As you’re exploring the vibrant neighborhoods, remember to fuel up with one of Giordano’s famous pizzas — and carry on exploring!

Giordano’s has locations at Lake Buena Vista in the Disney area and near Universal Studios on Sand Lake Road. With all the things you can do in Orlando, you’re bound to be hungry after a day of sightseeing. Call for a pizza delivery from the comfort of your hotel room, or stop in for a pizza. Either way, it’ll be fresh, hot and made just for you. We also offer frozen pizza delivery so that you can bake it at your Airbnb, too.