5 Incredible Things to Do in Orlando Besides Disney World

While Disney World may be Orlando’s most famous attraction, Florida’s vibrant city offers a wealth of experiences beyond the Magic Kingdom’s gates.

From sophisticated cultural venues to natural wonders, Orlando surprises visitors with diverse attractions that showcase the city’s multifaceted character. Here are five exceptional experiences to add to your Orlando itinerary after you’ve met Mickey Mouse.

Explore Winter Park’s Charm

Just northeast of downtown Orlando lies Winter Park, a picturesque enclave known for its brick-lined streets, upscale boutiques, and refined atmosphere. Begin your visit with a scenic boat tour of the area’s interconnected lakes and canals, where you’ll glide past Spanish moss-draped cypress trees and stunning waterfront mansions. The narrated tour offers fascinating insights into the area’s history and architecture.

Afterward, stroll down Park Avenue, the town’s elegant main street. Here you’ll find designer shops, art galleries, and the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, home to the world’s most comprehensive collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany works, including jewelry, pottery, paintings, and his renowned leaded glass.

For an upscale dining experience, make reservations at Prato, where rustic Italian cuisine meets contemporary flair. Their wood-fired pizzas and handmade pastas feature seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms. The indoor-outdoor seating and sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere make it perfect for both special occasions and casual gatherings.

Experience Orlando’s Electric Nightlife

When the sun sets, Orlando transforms into a playground for night owls with entertainment options ranging from sophisticated to energetic. The heart of downtown’s nightlife centers around Church Street and Orange Avenue, where upscale lounges, rooftop bars, and dance clubs cater to diverse tastes.

London House offers an upscale club experience with multiple rooms featuring different music styles and VIP bottle service, while The Courtesy Bar delights cocktail connoisseurs with meticulously crafted drinks using house-made ingredients.

For a more laid-back evening, Hanson’s Shoe Repair provides a speakeasy experience—you’ll need a password to enter this intimate cocktail haven housed in Orlando’s oldest building. International Drive offers additional nightlife options, including ICEBAR Orlando, where guests don thermal capes to enjoy drinks in a bar carved entirely from ice. Many venues feature renowned DJs and live music performances, ensuring the city pulses with energy long after theme parks close their gates.

Discover the Orlando Museum of Art

Culture enthusiasts will appreciate the Orlando Museum of Art, a premier cultural institution featuring an impressive collection spanning ancient to contemporary works. The museum’s permanent collection includes African art, contemporary graphics, and American art from the 18th century to present day.

The museum regularly hosts traveling exhibitions from renowned institutions worldwide, ensuring there’s always something new to discover. Their commitment to showcasing diverse artistic voices makes each visit a fresh experience. The museum’s architecture itself is worth admiring—the sleek, modern design creates an ideal backdrop for contemplating art.

After enriching your mind, indulge your palate at nearby Kadence. This intimate omakase restaurant offers one of Orlando’s most exclusive dining experiences. With just nine seats, the chef’s counter provides an immersive Japanese culinary journey featuring meticulously prepared sushi and seasonal specialties. Reservations are essential and often must be made months in advance, but the extraordinary meal justifies the planning.

Paddle Through Wekiwa Springs State Park

Just 16 miles from Orlando’s urban center lies Wekiwa Springs State Park, a 7,000-acre natural oasis where crystal-clear springs maintain a constant 72-degree temperature year-round. Rent a kayak or canoe to explore the tranquil Wekiva River, where you might spot turtles sunning on logs, alligators gliding through the water, or otters playing along the shoreline.

The park offers numerous hiking trails through diverse ecosystems, from pine flatwoods to lush hammocks. Swimming in the springs’ translucent blue waters provides a refreshing contrast to Florida’s characteristic heat. The park’s natural beauty showcases Florida’s landscape before development transformed much of the region.

For an exceptional meal after your outdoor adventures, drive to nearby Longwood and dine at The Venetian Chop House at the Caribe Royale. This AAA Four Diamond restaurant specializes in prime steaks and fresh seafood prepared with classical techniques and contemporary presentations. The elegant setting, extensive wine list, and impeccable service create a memorable fine dining experience.

Wander Through the Harry P. Leu Gardens

Nature and architecture enthusiasts alike will appreciate the 50-acre Harry P. Leu Gardens, featuring diverse botanical collections including America’s largest camellia collection outside California. The gardens showcase tropical and subtropical plants from around the world, arranged in themed sections including rose, butterfly, and citrus gardens.

The historic Leu House Museum, nestled within the gardens, offers guided tours of a meticulously restored 19th-century home, providing glimpses into Florida’s past. Seasonal events, including outdoor movies, plant sales, and art exhibitions, add variety to the garden experience.

Complete your visit with dinner at Norman’s at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes. Acclaimed chef Norman Van Aken pioneered “New World Cuisine,” blending Latin, Caribbean, and Asian flavors with traditional European techniques. The restaurant’s elegant setting and innovative menu create a dining experience that celebrates Florida’s diverse cultural influences.

Orlando’s treasures extend far beyond its famous theme parks. These five experiences offer sophisticated alternatives that showcase the city’s cultural depth, natural beauty, culinary excellence, and vibrant nightlife, proving that Orlando deserves recognition as a destination in its own right.