The 11 Best Things to See in Orlando, Florida (A Local’s Guide)

If you’re planning a trip to Orlando, you’re in for a treat. The city is home to a wide variety of attractions, from world-famous theme parks to beautiful botanical gardens. To help you make the most of your trip, we’ve compiled a list of the 11 best things to see in Orlando, Florida. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a nature lover, or a history buff, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest. So, get ready to explore all that Orlando has to offer and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Walt Disney World Resort

🗺️ Address: Walt Disney World, Orlando, FL 32830
☎️ Phone: (407) 939-5277
🌐 Website
🕒 Open Hours: Varies by park
Highlights

• Four theme parks
• Two water parks
• Disney Springs entertainment district
• Endless dining and shopping options

Walt Disney World Resort is the most popular tourist destination in the world, and for good reason. It’s home to four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom), two water parks (Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon), and the Disney Springs entertainment district. There’s something for everyone at Walt Disney World, from thrill rides and character meet-and-greets to world-class dining and shopping. It’s the perfect place to make memories that will last a lifetime.

You might also want to check out the best attractions in Disney World Orlando.

Universal Orlando Resort

🗺️ Address: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
☎️ Phone: (407) 363-8000
🌐 Website
🕒 Open Hours: Varies by park
Highlights

• Two theme parks
• Volcano Bay water park
• CityWalk entertainment district
• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Universal Orlando Resort is another world-class theme park destination. It’s home to two theme parks (Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure), the Volcano Bay water park, and the CityWalk entertainment district. Universal is known for its thrilling rides and immersive experiences, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It’s a great place for movie lovers and thrill-seekers of all ages.

You might also want to check out our guide to the best things to do in Universal Orlando.

SeaWorld Orlando

🗺️ Address: 7007 Sea World Dr, Orlando, FL 32821
☎️ Phone: (407) 545-5550
🌐 Website
🕒 Open Hours: Varies by day
Highlights

• Marine life shows and exhibits
• Thrill rides and roller coasters
• Aquatica water park
• Discovery Cove all-inclusive day resort

SeaWorld Orlando is a unique theme park that combines marine life shows and exhibits with thrilling rides and roller coasters. You can see killer whales, dolphins, and sea lions perform, or you can ride one of the park’s many roller coasters. SeaWorld is also home to the Aquatica water park and the Discovery Cove all-inclusive day resort, where you can swim with dolphins. It’s a great place for animal lovers and thrill-seekers alike.

You might also want to check out the best water parks in Orlando Florida.

Lake Eola Park

🗺️ Address: 512 E Washington St, Orlando, FL 32801
☎️ Phone: (407) 246-4484
🌐 Website
🕒 Open Hours: 6 AM – 12 AM daily
Highlights

• Iconic swan boats
• Walt Disney Amphitheater
• Paved walking path
• Stunning views of the Orlando skyline

Lake Eola Park is a beautiful public park in the heart of downtown Orlando. It’s a great place to go for a walk, have a picnic, or just relax and enjoy the scenery. The park is also home to a number of events and festivals throughout the year. But the real highlight of Lake Eola Park is the swan boats. You can rent a swan-shaped paddle boat and take it for a spin around the lake. It’s a fun and unique way to see the park and get some exercise.

You might also want to check out the best things to do in downtown Orlando.

Harry P. Leu Gardens

🗺️ Address: 1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
☎️ Phone: (407) 246-2620
🌐 Website
🕒 Open Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM daily
Highlights

• 50-acre botanical gardens
• Butterfly garden
• Rose garden
• Tropical stream garden

Harry P. Leu Gardens is a 50-acre botanical oasis located just a few minutes from downtown Orlando. The gardens are home to a wide variety of plants and flowers, including a butterfly garden, a rose garden, and a tropical stream garden. There are also a number of walking paths and trails that wind through the gardens, making it a great place to explore. In addition to the beautiful gardens, there’s also the Leu House Museum, a restored 19th-century home that’s open for tours.

You might also want to check out the best gardens in Orlando.

ICON Park

🗺️ Address: 8375 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819
☎️ Phone: (407) 601-7907
🌐 Website
🕒 Open Hours: Varies by attraction
Highlights

• The Wheel at ICON Park
• Madame Tussauds Orlando
• SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium
• Variety of restaurants and shops

ICON Park is an entertainment complex on International Drive that’s home to a variety of attractions, restaurants, and shops. The centerpiece of the park is The Wheel, a 400-foot-tall observation wheel that offers stunning views of Orlando. ICON Park is also home to Madame Tussauds Orlando and SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon or evening, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

You might also want to check out the best restaurants in Pointe Orlando.

Gatorland

🗺️ Address: 14501 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32837
☎️ Phone: (407) 855-5496
🌐 Website
🕒 Open Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM daily
Highlights

• Alligator and crocodile shows
• Screamin’ Gator Zip Line
• Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure
• Home to thousands of alligators and crocodiles

Gatorland is a classic Orlando attraction that’s been around since 1949. It’s home to thousands of alligators and crocodiles, as well as a variety of other animals. You can see alligator and crocodile shows, or you can get your adrenaline pumping on the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line. Gatorland is a great place to learn about Florida’s native wildlife and have some fun at the same time.

You might also want to check out the best zipline in Orlando.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

🗺️ Address: Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953
☎️ Phone: (855) 433-4210
🌐 Website
🕒 Open Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM daily
Highlights

• Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit
• Shuttle Launch Experience
• Apollo/Saturn V Center
• Chance to see a real rocket launch

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is a must-visit for anyone interested in space exploration. It’s located about an hour east of Orlando, but it’s well worth the drive. You can see the Space Shuttle Atlantis, experience a shuttle launch simulation, and tour the Apollo/Saturn V Center. You might even get to see a real rocket launch if you time your visit right. It’s an educational and inspiring experience for all ages.

You might also want to check out the best museums in Orlando.

Winter Park

🗺️ Address: Winter Park, FL 32789
☎️ Phone: N/A
🌐 Website
🕒 Open Hours: Varies by business
Highlights

• Charming, tree-lined streets
• Boutique shopping on Park Avenue
• Scenic Boat Tour
• World-class museums

Winter Park is a charming city located just north of Orlando. It’s known for its tree-lined streets, upscale boutiques, and world-class museums. You can take a stroll down Park Avenue, go on a scenic boat tour of the Winter Park Chain of Lakes, or visit the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, which has the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany.

You might also want to check out the best restaurants in Winter Park FL.

Celebration

🗺️ Address: Celebration, FL 34747
☎️ Phone: N/A
🌐 Website
🕒 Open Hours: Varies by business
Highlights

• Master-planned community designed by Disney
• Picturesque downtown area
• Charming architecture
• Miles of walking and biking trails

Celebration is a master-planned community that was originally designed by the Walt Disney Company. It’s known for its picturesque downtown area, charming architecture, and miles of walking and biking trails. You can take a stroll around the lake, browse the shops and galleries, or enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants. It’s a great place to spend a relaxing afternoon.

You might also want to check out the best family restaurants in Orlando.

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

🗺️ Address: 445 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando, FL 32801
☎️ Phone: (407) 839-0119
🌐 Website
🕒 Open Hours: Varies by show
Highlights

• Broadway shows
• Concerts
• Comedy shows
• State-of-the-art theaters

The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is a state-of-the-art venue that hosts a variety of shows and events throughout the year. You can see a Broadway show, catch a concert, or laugh out loud at a comedy show. The center has three theaters, each with its own unique design and acoustics. It’s a great place to experience the arts in Orlando.

You might also want to check out our list of the best theater in Orlando.