Most vacationers traveling to Florida head to the beaches of Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Key West. And while all of those destinations are worth checking out, there are many top things to do in Orlando Florida.
With a population of just over 300 million, Florida’s capital isn’t the type of seaside metropolis many travelers hunt for. But between theme parks, nightlife, and access to surrounding attractions, there are plenty of fun and cheap things to do in Orlando Florida for travelers of all types.
Learn about the top things to do in Orlando here.
In this guide, we’re going to examine the top things to do in Orlando. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with a whole family, you can’t go wrong with any of the activities listed below.
Keep reading to find out more.
Top Things to Do in Orlando Florida: 5 Orlando Florida Activities
1. Sign up for a Bahamas Day Trip
When most people imagine the Bahamas, they think of picturesque but remote beaches. The good news is that image is half true – while the archipelago is home to some of the prettiest spots in the world, it’s still easy to reach. In fact, it’s so accessible that a day trip from Florida lets you soak up the sites of the Bahamas and return back to the United States that same evening.
On Bahamas day trips by plane from Florida, travelers can look forward to visiting the Exuma Cays. This region of 365 islands is home to beautiful beaches, as well as the famous Swimming Pigs. It offers an authentic Bahamian experience, free of the crowds that plague other spots like Freeport or Bimini.
Meet the Swimming Pigs on Bahamas day trips by plane!
Besides meeting the Exuma Pigs, you’ll also get to snorkel around the James Bond Cave, swim with nurse sharks, meet endangered iguanas, and do so much more.
Sign up for tours to Pig Beach with Bahamas Air Tours today!
2. Explore Downtown
While it might not be Miami, many travelers are surprised at the number of downtown attractions Florida’s capital boasts. Because of that, visiting the different downtown venues is one of the top things to do in Orlando at night.
SAK Comedy Lab is a great place to visit for a laugh, while Pop Parlour serves boozy, handmade ice pops. Dexter’s is the venue to visit for a classy, mimosa-soaked brunch, whereas local theaters and the Orlando Kart Center will help keep you busy in the afternoon.
Most of these activities are also great things to do in Orlando with kids.
3. Make Your Way to the Coast
Orlando might not border the Atlantic or the Gulf, but the coast is less than an hour’s drive away. Given its proximity to the beach, making your way to the coast is another one of the top things to do in Orlando Florida.
Cocoa Beach is the closest beach and is a popular destination for tourists and Orlando residents alike. It’s a popular family destination that offers different activities like deep-sea fishing and eco-tours.
Beaches like Cocoa Beach and Daytona Beach are great day trip options.
Daytona Beach captivates visitors with its sun-soaked, hard-packed sands, making it an ideal escape for beach lovers. Known as the “World’s Most Famous Beach,” it offers a unique driving experience, allowing cars to cruise along the shore. Beyond the waves, the city hosts thrilling events like Bike Week and the iconic Daytona 500, drawing motorsport enthusiasts.
Once you make it to the coast, you’re not too far away from the South Florida area. That’s where you’ll find one of the best things to do in Orlando Florida: sign up for a Miami to Bahamas day trip.
4. Visit the Theme Parks
Orlando is famous for its theme parks, with the city having several to choose from. While you may not think that they’re among the cheap things to do in Orlando, it’s possible to visit them on a budget. Staying in an off-site hotel, for example, can help cut down on costs.
Walt Disney World
No trip to Orlando is complete without a stop at Disney World.
Walt Disney World is arguably the most famous theme park in the world. But besides just being a household, the Disney complex encompasses several different parks, ensuring that it has something to offer all travelers, no matter their interests.
Fans of classic Disney, for example, will want to visit Magic Kingdom. Animal lovers will want to spend the most time at Animal Kingdom, and science buffs will want to explore Epcot.
While Disney may be the best option for travelers looking for things to do in Orlando with kids, adults can also get in on the fun. Disney After Hours is a special event that takes place throughout the year. It gives guests the chance to stay in the park past sunset, making it one of the best things to do in Orlando at night.
Universal Parks and Resorts
Universal Parks and Resorts is another famous theme park in the Orlando area. While it’s home to many different attractions, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is one of the most well-known.
There, guests have the opportunity to do everything from sample butterbeer to walk through the streets of Hogsmeade. You can also tour some of the sets from the film series, like Diagon Alley.
Like Disney, Universal Parks and Resorts also offers many things to do in Orlando at night. For example, CityWalk is an adult-friendly area of the park. Home to shopping, dining, and nightlife, it’s a fun area to explore after sunset.
SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld is home to many of the top things to do in Orlando.
SeaWorld Orlando is a massive theme park in the capital area, stretching across 200 acres. If you’re a fan of marine life, you’ll find it one of the top things to do in Orlando Florida.
While the park is home to different rides and attractions, seeing the animals is the real highlight of the experience. From killer whales and belugas to dolphins and penguins, the park allows guests to interact with many different species.
Besides feeding opportunities and performances, SeaWorld is also a great place to learn about marine conservation. SeaWorld prides itself on helping guests understand more about the species it houses, as well as what it does to protect them in the wild.
5. Tour the Kennedy Space Center
Located near Cocoa Beach, the Kennedy Space Center is one of the best things to do in Orlando with kids. Like the beach, it’ll take you less than an hour to get there from the downtown area.
The venue is full of attractions that can pique the interest of even the most hard-to-impress kids and teenagers. It’s home to the former NASA countdown clock, the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, and a garden full of rockets, among other things.
It’s possible to tour the museum in a couple of hours, but if you want to get the most out of the attraction, plan to spend at least half a day there. Staying on the coast for a night makes it easy to enjoy the beach and visit the museum. The next day, you can then look into driving down the coast to embark on a Bahamas day trip by plane!
Top Things to Do in Orlando: Enjoy the Best of Florida’s Capital
Given all Florida’s capital has to offer, it’s hard to define the “top things to do in Orlando.” However, adding any of the above-mentioned activities to your itinerary is a surefire way to have a great trip.
While you’re in Florida, consider taking an international day trip to the Bahamas. Bahamas day trips by plane make it possible to travel to the Exuma Cays. From snorkeling around the crystal-clear waters to meeting the famous Swimming Pigs, an Exuma day trip is the perfect addition to any Florida vacation.
Treat yourself to the ultimate trip by booking a tour today!
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