Orlando is called the “Theme Park Capital of the World” for a good reason. There are many places to visit in Orlando. It’s home to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and a huge number of other theme parks, activities, and fun things to do. It is one of the most visited places in the world because of all the fun things to do, like the rides, shows, shopping malls, restaurants, and hotels that are nearby.
Everyone’s list of things to do in Orlando includes going to an entertainment park. But the city itself looks great, with lots of pretty parks and lakes. It’s often called “The City Beautiful” because of this. Along with beautiful parks, music venues, and art galleries, it has great museums and theaters.
With so much to offer, Orlando and all of its theme parks and tourist sites are often the best part of people’s trips to the United States, not just Florida.
Top 12 Places to Visit in Orlando
1. Lake Eola Park
There is a beautiful park called Lake Eola Park right next to Downtown Orlando. Both locals and tourists love it there. With a beautiful lake in the middle, it’s the perfect place to rest and relax, with lots of fun things to do outside and nice views.
The lake and the area around it, which used to be a big pit, were turned into a park in the 1880s. Its waters look beautiful at any time of day because they reflect light, but the famous centennial fountain in the middle of it really makes it stand out at night.
2. Orlando International Premium Outlets
Millions of people visit the big Orlando International Premium Outlets every year because it has so many shops, restaurants, and other businesses. It’s popular in part because it’s close to Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World. Its huge site is only a 15-minute drive southwest of the center.
It opened in 2007 and is now the biggest outlet shopping center in Florida, with more than 180 stores and many restaurants and cafes spread out. Even though a lot of people come every day, it doesn’t get too crowded because it’s set up outside.
The huge complex is known for its huge discounts and deals, which make shopping for expensive clothes and accessories a steal. It also has a lot of name-brand stores and shops.
3. ICON Park
Everyone in the family is sure to have a great time at ICON Park, which is a huge entertainment center with lots of rides, attractions, and food options. It is right next to International Drive, in the middle of Orlando’s famous tourist area, and close to most of the city’s top attractions.
The huge park, which just opened in 2015, has over forty restaurants, shops, and bars serving tasty food from all over the world. It also has a huge number of fun arcade games and thrilling rides. Madame Tussauds, the amazing Museum of Illusions, and the great Sea Life Orlando Aquarium are some of its best sights.
However, you should not miss a ride on its huge 122-meter-tall viewing wheel, which gives you stunning views of Orlando and all of its many theme parks.
4. Disney Springs
Disney Springs is one of the most popular places in the city to shop, eat, and see live music and shows. It’s just under a 30-minute drive southwest of the center. The huge complex is right next to Walt Disney World and has hundreds of shops, restaurants, bars, and other places to eat and drink. There are also attractions and entertainment choices.
The site has been expanded, rebuilt, and renamed many times since it first opened in 1975 on the shores of Lake Buena Vista. The made-up town is now split into four themed areas. There is a wharf, a market, and a beautiful central business district (CBD) in the Spanish Revival style.
It has the biggest Disney store in the world, as well as a Rainforest Cafe, a LEGO store, and Planet Hollywood, which has a lot of daily shows that make it feel busy but relaxed.
5. Harry P. Leu Botanical Gardens
The Harry P. Leu Botanical Gardens are a beautiful and peaceful place to walk around. They are only a minute’s drive northeast of downtown Orlando. Beautifully landscaped fields and lakes make it a pleasure to walk around and see the bright flowers, plants, and trees that grow everywhere.
The beautiful gardens were started by Mr. and Mrs. Harry P. Leu in the 1930s. They have grown a lot since then and now have plants from all over the world. Some beautiful parts of the park have dry or tropical plants, while others have beautiful roses, magnolias, and palm trees.
Along with its beautiful scenery and romantic waterways, it also has great waterfalls, beautiful art, and the excellent Leu House Museum, which is hidden among the lush vegetation.
6. Orlando Science Center
It’s only a ten-minute drive north to the Orlando Science Center, which is a great place to visit and very interesting. Along with a huge number of interactive exhibits, the huge museum has two great movie houses that show a wide range of educational movies.
The science center has been a favorite with families and schools since it opened in 1955. This is because it has exhibits that are both fun and educational. These cover a wide range of topics, from Earth and the world to energy, electricity, and the ecosystems of Central Florida.
Young and old alike can enjoy all the hands-on activities as well as digging for dinosaur bones at Jurassic Ridge and looking up at the stars at the Crosby Observatory.
7. SeaWorld
Just ten minutes from ICON Park is SeaWorld, a huge park with marine life themes that has been one of Orlando’s most popular spots for a long time. In addition to its large aquariums and animal displays, the park has a lot of fun rides, shows, and a great water park for visitors to enjoy.
Millions of people have come to SeaWorld Orlando since it opened in 1973 to see its amazing marine life and amazing shows. While there, visitors can not only learn all about sharks, sea lions, and penguins but also get a close look at dolphins and orcas.
There are also many roller coasters and other rides to enjoy, as well as many restaurants, shops, and even hotels spread out throughout the park.
8. Kennedy Space Center
The amazing Kennedy Space Center is a bit farther away than all of Orlando’s other major sites and theme parks, but it is still worth the trip if you get the chance. The sprawling complex with all of its interesting artifacts and hands-on displays is an hour’s drive east of the city. It is home to the US space program.
It’s a fun and interesting day trip for the whole family to this huge center, which has moon rocks, astronaut memorabilia, real rockets, sparkling spaceships, and a lot more.
You can learn about the history of exploring the moon and the many accomplishments of the US space program. You can also watch 3D films about space travel, experience a shuttle takeoff exercise, and visit launch sites for NASA missions.
9. Universal Orlando
The huge Universal Orlando Resort is one of the most popular places to visit in the world. It’s only a fifteen-minute drive from the city center and a big reason why so many people come to Orlando. Along with two theme parks and a water park, the very popular attraction has a huge number of shops, hotels, and entertainment choices.
Islands of Adventure has most of the park’s thrilling rides and roller coasters. Universal Studios, on the other hand, has shows and attractions based on movies, as well as the amazing Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
At Volcano Bay, you can splash around in the water and ride wild and wet rides. After drying off, you can go to CityWalk, the resort’s eating and entertainment area, for a show, drinks, or a meal.
10. Gatorland
Gatorland has been a family favorite since 1949. It was one of the first attractions in the area. It is known as the “Alligator Capital of the World” and is home to thousands of these amazing animals, as well as many crocodiles. The daily shows and demos are what most people come to see.
The family-owned wildlife reserve is a nice change from Orlando’s many mega-parks and the city is only 30 minutes drive away. It is an iconic site that you should not miss. You can walk along the pier and see hundreds of alligators. At some of the park’s shows, you can also see them jump out of the water or battle each other.
Visitors can also see the world’s biggest collection of white leucitic alligators, feed or even pet them, and shoot along the park’s thrilling zip lines.
11. Discovery Cove
Sea World and Sea Life are both close by. The wonderful Discovery Cove at the Orlando Aquarium is another one of the city’s great marine sites. Even though the park is best known for its fun bottlenose dolphins, it also has a huge bird exhibit and a great tropical swim area where people can relax.
Discovery Cove is both a resort and a marine theme park. It has a lovely tropical look and feel, with beautiful beaches and winding waterways all over its green rainforest landscapes. Because you can dive above coral reefs, touch stingrays, and even swim with dolphins, it has been a hit with tourists since 2000.
Visitors can relax on the beach’s soft white sands and watch toucans, parrots, and otters. They can also go on an amazing underwater walk where they can see many fish, sharks, and rays.
12. Walt Disney World
Disney World is one of the biggest and best attractions in the United States if not the whole world. It is the clear winner when it comes to things to do in Orlando. Millions of people come every year to enjoy the huge number of attractions, great fireworks shows, and fun parades.
The popular resort, which opened in 1971 and covers a huge area, has four theme parks, two water parks, and many other amenities and ways to have fun. A lot of people go to the amazing Magic Kingdom and the movie-themed Hollywood Studios, but just as many go to see the amazing things at Epcot and the Animal Kingdom.
Because there is so much to do and see, people could spend weeks visiting Walt Disney World’s beautiful sights. It really does have something for everyone to enjoy. There are lots of places to eat and have fun, as well as great golf courses and big stores to visit.
