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Downtown OrlandoFlorida. aphotostory/Shutterstock
Orlando isn't just theme park heaven. Yes, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Legoland are all here and draw thousands of tourists each year. But Orlando and the surrounding area have so much more going on that you'll want to experience. The city itself is ever-evolving with vibrant parkspublic art and award-winning restaurants. Not to mention awe-inspiring day trips to the Kennedy Space Center or New Smyrna Beach.
Whether you're heading to Orlando for the first time or looking for something new to explorehere's how to make the most of your trip.
When should I go to Orlando?
There’s no wrong time to visit Orlandobut these facts will inform your decision. Firstholidays are crowded and expensive no matter the time of year. (This includes the days framing the actual holiday.) Orlando also has a rainy season from May to October. Luckilyin a place as lovely as Floridarainfall can be intense but mercifully brief.
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Hurricane season usually runs from June through November. In recent yearsweather systems like Hurricane Ian have caused theme parks like Disney World and Universal Studios to close for multiple days. If you’re visiting Orlando during these monthsit’s best to book flexible airfarelodging and rental car reservations.
The high tourist season in Orlando is from March to April and June to August. Kids are typically out of school for spring and summer breaksso big attractions like theme parks are often crowded. Humidity is highand temperatures are often in the 90s.
The shoulder seasons in Orlando are in May and September through November,and you'll usually find better deals on lodging. Temperatures reach the mid- to high 80s in May and drop to the upper 70s in November.
December is usually the low season (excluding Christmas through early January when kids are on holiday break). Temperatures are cooler but exceedingly pleasantwith averages in the middle 70s. This is the when you’ll usually get the best pricing as long you avoid school breaks and holidays.
How much time should I spend in Orlando?
The average visitor spends five to seven nights in Orlandoalthough you can easily spend longer and not regret it. A stay of at least five nights ensures you’ll have time to visit theme parks if they're on your itineraryexplore downtown Orlando and other neighborhoods (like Baldwin Park or the Milk District) and visit beyond city limits.
Is it easy to get in and around Orlando?
Most long-distance travelers fly into Orlando International Airport. If you’re staying at a Disney-area hotel and don’t plan to spend much time outside the resortyou might find it cheaper to take the Mears Connect shuttle over an Uber or rental caralthough this largely depends on your group size. The shuttle operates 24/7.
If you’re a Florida localthe recently debuted Brightline offers fast train service connecting Orlando to cities like Palm BeachFort Lauderdale and Miami. Alternativelythe Sun Rail offers train service with stops in Poinciana (about half an hour from Disney World)downtown OrlandoKissimmee and DeBary.
Downtown Orlando has an excellent public transportation system. LYMMO provides free Bus Rapid Transit service seven days a week to major downtown destinations like Lake Eola Park. (The Lymmo does not provide service to the airport or theme parks.) Or enjoy the beautiful Florida weather and utilize Orlando’s bike and scooter share program.
Top things to do in and around Orlando
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Explore downtown Orlando
Don’t make the mistake of skipping downtown Orlando on your visit to the Sunshine State. Lake Eola Park is the heart of the citywith a pavedwheelchair-accessible walking trail circling the lake. Colorful gardens blossom against the backdrop of the Orlando skyline while swan boats (and real swans) swim in the water. A wheelchair lift was recently installed to make it easier for people with disabilities to enter the ADA-accessible swan boats. If you’re at Lake Eloa on a Sundaycheck out the Orlando Farmer’s Marketwhere local vendors showcase seasonal producearts and craftsplants and even homemade dog treats.
A whopping 59 Orlando restaurants were honored by the Michelin Guide in 2025so be sure to arrive hungry. For a bucket list dining experiencethe intimate Natsu Omakase has just two seatings per night and flies most of its seafood in from Japan. For a casual mealit’s hard to beat Super Ricowith Columbian dishes like Churrasco or fried green plantains topped with steakchicken and mushrooms.
While you’re walking around downtownkeep your eyes open for public art. Orlando boasts over 900 paintingssculpturestapestries and mixed media displayed in its city hallneighborhood centerspublic buildings and parks.
Visit Harry P. Leu Gardens
Harry P. Leu Gardens is a 50-acre plant-life paradise. Since this is Floridathere is always something in bloomand each trip to the gardens is different than the last. Throughout the yearroseshibiscusbananastree orchids and citrus trees fill the grounds with perfume and color. This is also home to the Historic Leu House Museumoriginally built in 1888. Todaythe mansion has been restored to offer visitors a glimpse into the past.
Go birding in the Orlando Wetlands
The artificial Orlando Wetlands Park in Christmasabout 30 miles east of downtown Orlandowas designed to provide advanced treatment for reclaimed water. An education center houses seasonal exhibits that include live animals and interactive displays. From the centerset off on the 2-mile Birding Loopone of many trails that wind through the park. There are more than 220 bird species to seeincluding ospreyhawks and bald eagles.
Not all trails are open to cyclistsbut many are accessible to horseback riders. Be cautious of alligators while traversing the park – they're especially attracted to the sun-warmedlime-rock surfaces that line many trails.
Hike through Bok Tower Gardens
In Lake Wales – about 53 miles south of Orlando – trails in Bok Tower Gardens lead through four diverse native Florida ecologies: a pine savannaoak hammockwetland prairie and boghome to 126 species of birds. Designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jrthe gardens have azaleascamellias and magnolias that burst into bloom in the spring. Twice a day the 23 bronze bells of The Singing Tower – a 205ft-tall carillon – ring with a melody that reverberates among the magnificent flora.
Kayak in Wekiwa Springs State Park
Cool off in emerald springs at Wekiwa Springs State Parkabout 20 miles northwest of downtown Orlando in Apopka. You might spot some of the 190-plus species of birds that can be found here while hiking miles of trails meandering through woods and swamplands and along the banks of the Wekiwa River.
You can rent a kayak or canoe from Wekiwa Springs State Park Nature Adventures to paddle the scenicstill waters. It's possible to kayak 8.5 miles from the state park through neighboring Rock Springs Run State Reserve into Kelly Park. Along the wayenjoy the beauty of the turquoise waters and fairytale-likeSpanish moss–laden treesall while keeping an eye out for birdsfishturtles and the occasional alligator. Be sure to arrive earlyas parking can regularly reach maximum capacity.
Take in a show at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts has been recognized as one of the world's most acoustically sound arts venues. The building takes up two city blocksoffering multiple performance spacesa school of the artsevent rooms and an outdoor plaza with a welcoming lawn. An ever-changing calendar of events includes family-friendly programmingBroadway touring productions and local theater groups.
Geek out at Kennedy Space Center
The Kennedy Space Center is only 50 miles from Orlandoand it’s worth a side trip. You can easily spend an entire day exploringso don’t short yourself on time. Attractions include encounters with real astronautshands-on activities like astronaut training simulators and virtual reality experiences. Kids love visiting hereand so do adults.
Explore New Smyrna Beach
Drive about an hour to New Smyrna Beachwhere you’ll find 17 miles of sugar sand beachessome of Florida’s best surfing waves and a cutewalkable downtown brimming with boutiquesart galleries and restaurants. Nearby Blue Springs State Park is a designated manatee refuge with hundreds of manatees from mid-November through mid-March that visitors can see via a wheelchair-accessible path and viewing platform.
My favorite thing to do in Orlando
My favorite thing to do in Orlando might seem a little cheesybut I always recommend Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition. Yesthere are Titanic museums elsewherebut that doesn’t make this one any less worthwhile since each exhibition is different. This one has more than 300 artifacts recovered from the wreckage and 500 personal items from passengers.
Costumed actors wander through full-scale room recreations of the Titanic’s interiorpulling you into an eerieimmersive experience. A regular roster of programs includes dinner galasformal teas and guided tours with rotating themes.
How much money do I need for Orlando?
Basic room for two: $100 a night (and up)
Basic Airbnb for two: $150 a night (and up)
Ticket for Mear Connect: $32.00 roundtrip for ages 10 and up$26.00 roundtrip for ages 3–9 years oldchildren under 3 are free
LYMMO Bus Rapid Transit service in downtown Orlando: Free
Theme park ticket: variesbut expect to spend at least $120 per person per day
Cup of coffee: $3.00
Sandwich: $8.00
Dinner for two: $60 (and up)
Cocktail in downtown Orlando: $14 (and up)
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