While Sunshine State destinations like Fort Myers and Miami may be more famous, Florida’s capital still has a lot to offer. In fact, when you look at a list of the top ten things to do in Orlando, the number of amazing and diverse attractions becomes clear.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of ten unique things to do in Orlando. As you read, you’ll find that whether you’re hoping for city fun, theme parks, or natural beauty, Orlando and its surrounding areas have what you need.
Read on to learn about ten of the best things to do in Orlando.
Top Ten Things to Do in Orlando: 10 Orlando Activities
1. Explore Downtown Orlando
While most vacationers may envision nighttime escapades happening at destinations like Miami, Orlando features a surprising amount of downtown fun. Because of that, exploring the downtown area is one of the top ten things to do in Orlando.
Downtown Orlando is full of fun places to check out.
Travelers looking for live music, for example, can head to The Social, whereas vacationers looking to laugh can stop by SAK Comedy Lab. Likewise, you can enjoy a classy brunch at Dexter’s, and then head to Room 22 for dancing later that evening.
The diversity of venues ensures many unique things to do in Orlando.
2. Visit ICON Park
ICON Park is a 20-acre expanse in the city center. With numerous venues and restaurants, as well as regular events, the park is one of the liveliest parts of Orlando.
ICON Park is home to a giant Ferris wheel.
While the entire area is worth exploring, one of the top ten things to do in Orlando is to ride the park’s Ferris wheel. Named “The Wheel,” the attraction stretches 400 feet into the sky and offers incredible views of the surrounding area.
3. Tour SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld Orlando is one of several theme parks in the city’s vicinity. Covering 200 acres, visiting the marine wildlife park is another one of the top ten things to do in Orlando.
Unsurprisingly, the main highlight of SeaWorld Orlando is the animals. From killer whales and dolphins to belugas and penguins, the park is one of the best places to learn about the fantastic creatures of the deep.
That said, in addition to having aquariums, SeaWorld Orlando is also a theme park. With raft rides, roller coasters, and more, the park is great for animal fanatics and adrenaline lovers alike.
4. Meet the Swimming Pigs
Taking a day trip to Pig Beach is one of the must fun things to do in Florida for adults.
While SeaWorld Orlando exhibits dozens of species, there’s nothing like seeing animals in their natural habitats. And while Florida has amazing wildlife, nothing puts you as close to nature as a day trip to the Bahamas.
When you sign up for a Florida to Bahamas day trip, you’ll fly out to the stunning Exuma Cays on a private-class plane. Home to the world-famous Swimming Pigs, day trippers can meet and interact with the pigs before returning home that evening.
Besides the Exuma Pigs, travelers can also visit six other locations on a Staniel Cay day tour. This range of attractions makes a Bahamas day trip one of the top things to do in Orlando and Florida, in general.
5. Swim With Nurse Sharks
One of the other highlights of a one day cruise to Bahamas by plane is the nurse sharks of Compass Cay.
Befriended by the local marina owner, the school of sharks has resided near the docks for years. Today, the island attracts travelers from around the world and has become one of the best destinations for a swim with sharks experience.
Whether you swim and float amongst the sharks or watch them from the piers, you’ll find the experience to be another one of the top ten things to do in Orlando.
6. Ride the Local Roller Coasters
Orlando is home to several amazing theme parks.
Besides SeaWorld Orlando, travelers can visit several other theme parks in the city’s vicinity.
Disney World is arguably the most famous theme park in the world, containing four unique properties within its expansive boundaries. Magic Kingdom, for example, offers the classic Disney Experience, whereas EPCOT showcases human invocation and achievement. All of the four parks, however, feature exhilarating rides and attractions.
7. Explore the Star Wars Theme Park
Star Wars fans will want to ensure they stop by Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Located within Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the park is a dream for fans of the story from a long time ago in a galaxy far far away.
Star Wars fans will find Galaxy’s Edge one of the best things to do in Orlando Florida.
From watching younglings train and master the force to exploring the planet of Batuu, the park immerses you in the colorful world of George Lucas. And while it’s primarily geared towards younger travelers, adults and teenagers will also consider Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge one of the top ten things to do in Orlando.
8. Go Indoor Skydiving
If you return from swimming with sharks in the Bahamas and want to keep the action and excitement going, consider going indoor skydiving in Orlando.
iFLY is an indoor skydiving center that sticks you in a 120 mph windstream for one to two minutes. Although that might seem like a short amount of time, the adrenaline causes the experience to feel much longer.
Given that it’s not something most people get to do every day, indoor skydiving at iFLY is one of the top ten things to do in Orlando.
9. Go Airboating
Florida may be best known for its beautiful beaches and coastlines, but the interior parts of the state have plenty to offer as well. And while trails and bike paths extend throughout many parts of the state, Florida’s swampy terrain makes airboating one of the best ways to traverse its different regions.
Florida is home to many swamps that are perfect for airboat tours.
Airboat tours are one of the top ten things to do in Orlando because they’re fun and exhilarating. That said, they’re also informative and offer insight into the state’s rich wildlife.
As you cruise through the state’s swamps and wetlands, keep your eyes peeled. Manatees, alligators, crocodiles, panthers, and eagles are some of the many animals that you may catch a glimpse of while on your tour.
10. Visit the Kennedy Space Center
The Kennedy Space Center is another one of the top ten things to do in Orlando. Located on the coast at Cape Canaveral, it takes just around an hour to drive to the center from downtown Orlando.
The museum showcases the history of U.S. space exploration. With a NASA countdown clock, an astronaut hall of fame, and much more, the Kennedy Space Center is one of the best things to do in Orlando Florida.
Visiting the Kennedy Space Center is one of the top ten things to do in Orlando.
After touring the museum, you can also spend some time exploring the surrounding area. Nearby Cocoa Beach is worth checking out, as is a Swimming Pigs tour down to the Bahamas.
Enjoy the Best Things to Do in Orlando
The top ten things to do in Orlando represent the best that Florida’s capital has to offer. From riding roller coasters at the local theme parks to exploring the many nearby attractions outside of the city, Orlando has something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for things to do in Orlando for adults, families, or solo travelers, look into signing up for a Bahamas day trip to see the Swimming Pigs. If you can travel to the coast, Bahamas Air Tours can fly you out to visit Pig Beach, swim with nurse sharks, and do so much more.
Book a Swimming With Pigs Bahamas tour today!
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