What to do in Orlando other than the theme parks
Approximately 75 million people visit Orlando annually, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Much of that, no surprise, is due to its wide array of theme parks.
In many ways, Walt Disney World built Orlando. The city had a metro area population of just 331,000 when the world-famous attraction first opened in 1971.
Disney’s property covers nearly 101 square kilometres and includes four theme parks, two water parks, four golf courses, and much more. The resort is so large that it is now the largest single-site employer in the United States.
But Orlando, now a bustling city with a metro area population of 2.1 million, is about more than just theme parks.
Here are some fun things we did on a recent trip, when we were hosted by Visit Orlando.
Take a beautiful bike ride in Winter Garden
Winter Garden (Visit Florida)
Located 16 miles west of Downtown Orlando is historic Winter Garden.
This charming spot is a great place to explore by foot or bike, as we did on bicycles from West Orange Trail – Bikes and Blades.
We rode through tree-lined trails to get to Plant Street Market, where we explored a variety of tasty food options all under one roof. It’s also the home of Crooked Can Brewing Company, a cool spot to hang out with beer flights to properly sample delicious local craft brews.
Consider checking out Crooked Can’s behind-the-scenes tour, too.
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Sports!
Thousands of Brazilian soccer fans came to Orlando to see Flamengo play at the FIFA Club World Cup (Rob Williams/Daily Hive)
The FIFA Club World Cup was in town when we visited Orlando, along with thousands of diehard soccer fans from around the globe.
Orlando regularly attracts high-level sporting events to the city. Uniquely, Walt Disney World hosted the entirety of 2020 NBA Playoffs, when LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers were crowned champions during the pandemic. In 2027, Orlando will host the FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship.
Orlando is also a hub for college football bowl games, as Camping World Stadium hosts the Citrus Bowl, the Hula Bowl, the Cure Bowl, and the Pop-Tarts Bowl.
In terms of professional sports teams, Orlando is home to the NBA’s Orlando Magic, Orlando City SC (MLS), Orlando Pride (NWSL), and Orlando Solar Bears (ECHL).
Have fun at Icon Park
There’s so much to do at Icon Park (Visit Orlando)
A popular place to stay for visitors to Orlando is on Universal Boulevard.
We stayed at Element Orlando, which is not only in close proximity to Universal Studios Florida, but is within walking distance to a variety of restaurants and Icon Park.
Icon Park is where you’ll find the 400-foot Orlando Eye and other unique attractions like Madame Tussauds wax museum, Sea Life Aquarium, and Museum of Illusions.
You can see Taylor Swift, sort of, at Madame Tussauds in Icon Park (Madame Tussauds Orlando)
The 20-acre park features a multitude of outdoor entertainment, shopping, and dining options (we went to Brother Jimmy’s for great BBQ), making it a great spot to visit day or night.
Gators, giraffes, and more at Wild Florida
Airboat tours are a thrill (Wild Florida)
Located 37 miles south of Icon Park on Lake Cypress in the headwaters of the Florida Everglades, Wild Florida Adventure Park is worth the drive.
You can hop on an airboat and get up close to gators in their natural habitat, or find over 200 animals on display in Gator Park.
Hello, Mr. Zebra (Rob Williams/Daily Hive)
There’s also a drive-thru safari, where you’ll cruise along a dirt trail in your own vehicle, getting remarkably close to animals like giraffes, zebras, and bison. You can even feed the giraffes at the end.
Go kayaking on Lake Ivanhoe
Out for a paddle (Epic Paddle Adventures)
An urban oasis in the middle of Orlando, Lake Ivanhoe is the perfect spot to have a relaxing paddle.
Thank goodness alligators aren’t found in this body of water.
We rented kayaks and had a guided tour around the calm waters with Epic Paddle Adventures. If you have more time, they offer a variety of more adventurous tour options, including some where you can check out dolphins and manatees.
For a quick bite to eat nearby, check out Black Rooster Taqueria‘s “farm to taco cuisine” for delicious modern Mexican food.
Relax at a beer spa
Cheers (Original Beer Spa Orlando)
You heard me.
Original Beer Spa Orlando is a European concept where you can relax and drink in the comfort of your own private spa room.
Rooms feature oversized tubs and saunas to relax, as well as complimentary beer towers to take the edge off. If you’re not a beer drinker, there is also wine and sangria to sample.
The author of this article was hosted by Visit Orlando.