When people talk about Orlando, Florida, the first thing that comes to their mind is Disney World, Universal Studios, and more. While these parks are super fun and definitely worth going to for at least a day, the city of Orlando has so much more to offer than just that. There are a lot of fun outdoor and cultural activities that are still fun for people of all ages, so if you’re looking for some extra reasons to come to Orlando, this is the guide for you.
What to Do
Downtown Orlando has a lot going on and has some beautiful spots. One place you have to go is Lake Eola Park that’s located right in downtown! The lake has a trail beside it the circles it and is just under a mile, so it’s the perfect place to take a stroll and see the amazing wildlife, including the huge swans! There are also a lot of free events that happen in the park like parades and culture celebrations by the surrounding community.
If you visit the Lake Eola Park on a Sunday, you’re in extra luck! There’s a farmers market there every week, and with Florida being such an abundant agricultural center, you definitely want to pick up some fresh produce.
If you’re traveling with just adults, there’s no better way to spend your time than by doing a winery tour and tasting! Lakeridge Winery and Vineyard is just half an hour outside downtown Orlando, and the best part is that they give their tours and tastings for free! Not a bad way to spend an afternoon.
If beer is more of your cup of tea, then you can take a free tour of Orlando Brewing, a local brewery, every day but Sunday at 6 pm! Finding out the process of how they make the beer is super interesting and will give you a better appreciation for the good stuff.
A lot of people like to stay at Disney World late enough in the evening to catch the daily fireworks, but if you want to skip the expensive tickets, you can catch the show for free! All you have to do is go to the Disney Boardwalk, which is a really cute area that resembles a Coney Island-style boardwalk from the 1920s.
For adventure seekers and nature lovers, you should definitely visit Lake Jesup, which is home to the most alligators located in one area in the entire country! You can also see a lot of other animals like wild boar, bald eagles, and maybe even bobcats!
Dining
Obviously, while you’re in Florida, you’ll want to eat some seafood. Orlando is only about an hour from the coast, so you can still get really fresh seafood in restaurants. One of the best to go to is called Lee and Rick’s Oyster Bar, which has an incredible selection of seafood at super reasonable prices.
If you want to see the more sustainable side of Orlando, hit up this surprising restaurants called Ethos Vegan Kitchen. This restaurant sources all their food from local farmers, and works with other local businesses to give you a completely hometown meal.