A Comprehensive Guide to Orlando, Florida – Beyond the Theme Parks

There’s a reason 75 million visitors flock to Orlando each year, and it’s not just for the mouse. Don’t get us wrong—Disney World is amazing and should be on every theme park enthusiast’s itinerary, but Orlando offers so much more. It’s a dynamic city filled with lively parks, public art, and acclaimed restaurants. And that’s before you consider incredible day trips to the Kennedy Space Center or New Smyrna Beach.

Having family near Orlando, I’ve visited countless times over the years, usually for a week at a time. I’ve grown to cherish this unique city. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re seeking activities beyond the theme parks, our expert guide to Orlando will help you maximize your experience.

When is the best time to visit Orlando?

There’s no bad time to visit Orlando, but here are a few insights to guide your choice. First, regardless of the season, holidays tend to be crowded and pricey (including the days surrounding the holiday). Additionally, keep in mind the rainy season runs from May to October. Fortunately, in beautiful Florida, the downpours are intense but often brief.

Hurricane season runs from June to November. In recent years, weather events like Hurricane Ian have led to theme parks such as Disney World and Universal Studios closing for several days. If you plan to visit Orlando during hurricane season, it’s wise to book flexible flights, accommodations, rental cars, and more.

The peak tourist season in Orlando occurs from March to April and from June to August. With kids on spring and summer breaks, major attractions like theme parks tend to be quite crowded. Expect high humidity and temperatures frequently reaching the 90s.

The shoulder season in Orlando spans May and September through November. In May, temperatures hover in the mid to high 80s, while they cool to the upper 70s by November after the intense summer heat. During this period, you’ll generally find better deals on lodging.

December typically marks the low season (except for the Christmas to early January period when schools are on break). The weather is cooler yet very pleasant, with average temperatures in the mid-70s. This is usually when you can find the best rates, provided you avoid school breaks and holidays.

How many days should you spend in Orlando?

While you could easily extend your visit without regret, the average tourist in Orlando typically stays for 5-7 nights. This duration allows ample time to explore the theme parks (if that's part of your plan), as well as downtown Orlando and some beautiful Florida beaches.

Is getting around Orlando easy?

Most long-distance travelers arrive at Orlando International Airport. If you're staying at a Disney-area hotel and don’t plan to venture far from the resort, you might find that taking the Mears Connect shuttle is more cost-effective than using Uber or renting a car, although this can vary based on your group size. The shuttle runs 24/7.

For Florida residents, the newly launched Brightline provides quick train service linking Orlando to cities like Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami. Alternatively, Sun Rail offers train service with stops in Poinciana (about 30 minutes from Disney World), downtown Orlando, Kissimmee, and DeBary.

Downtown Orlando boasts an excellent public transportation network. LYMMO offers free Bus Rapid Transit service daily to major downtown attractions like Lake Eola Park and the Bob Carr Theater. However, LYMMO does not serve the airport or theme parks. Enjoy the pleasant Florida weather by utilizing Orlando’s bike and scooter share program as well.

What are the must-see attractions in Orlando?

You might have heard that Orlando is home to some theme parks. Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Legoland, and more are all nearby. If these attractions are your main reason for visiting, that's fantastic! However, there’s also a wealth of activities to enjoy outside the theme parks.

Explore the charm of downtown Orlando

Don't miss out on downtown Orlando during your trip to the Sunshine State. Lake Eola Park serves as the city's centerpiece, featuring a paved, wheelchair-accessible walking path that encircles the lake. Vibrant gardens flourish against the Orlando skyline, while both swan boats and real swans glide across the water. A newly installed wheelchair lift enhances accessibility to the ADA-compliant swan boats. If you're visiting Lake Eola on a Sunday, don't miss the Orlando Farmer’s Market, where local vendors display seasonal produce, crafts, plants, and even homemade dog treats.

In 2024, an impressive 48 Orlando restaurants received accolades from the Michelin Guide, so come with an appetite. For a top-tier dining experience, try Natsu Omakase, which features just two seatings each night and imports most of its seafood from Japan. For something more casual, Super Rico offers delicious Colombian dishes like Churrasco and fried green plantains topped with steak, chicken, and mushrooms.

While wandering downtown, keep an eye out for public art. Orlando is home to over 900 pieces, including paintings, sculptures, tapestries, and mixed media, displayed in city hall, community centers, public buildings, and parks.

Explore the Harry P. Leu Gardens

The Harry P. Leu Gardens spans 50 acres of botanical beauty. In Florida's warm climate, there's always something blooming, making every visit unique. The gardens are alive with the scents and colors of roses, hibiscus, bananas, tree orchids, and citrus trees throughout the year. Additionally, you'll find the Historic Leu House Museum here, a mansion built in 1888 that has been lovingly restored to offer a glimpse into the past.

Enjoy a Show at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is celebrated as one of the best venues in the world for acoustics. Spanning two city blocks, it features various performance spaces, a school of the arts, event rooms, and an outdoor plaza with a spacious lawn. The center hosts a diverse array of performances, including family-friendly events, Broadway tours, and local theater productions.

Dive into the Wonders of Kennedy Space Center

Orlando is just 50 miles from the Kennedy Space Center, making it a fantastic day trip destination. You can easily spend a whole day there, so give yourself plenty of time. Highlights include interactions with real astronauts, hands-on astronaut training simulators, and immersive virtual reality experiences. It’s a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Discover New Smyrna Beach

Take an hour's drive to New Smyrna Beach, where you can enjoy 17 miles of pristine sandy shores, some of the best surfing conditions in Florida, and a charming, walkable downtown filled with boutiques, art galleries, and eateries. Nearby, Blue Springs State Park serves as a manatee sanctuary, especially bustling with these gentle giants from mid-November to mid-March, which you can view from accessible paths and observation decks.

My top recommendation for Orlando

One of my favorite activities in Orlando might sound a bit cheesy if you haven't experienced it, but I highly suggest visiting Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition. While other cities have their own Titanic museums, this one is still a must-see due to its unique collection of over 300 artifacts retrieved from the wreck, alongside 500 personal items from the passengers. Costumed actors meander through lifelike recreations of the Titanic’s interior, providing a captivating and haunting experience. The exhibition regularly hosts themed events like dinner galas, formal teas, and guided tours.

What’s my budget for a trip to Orlando?

• Standard room for two: starting at $100 per night

• Basic Airbnb for two: starting at $100 per night

• Mears Connect roundtrip ticket: $32 for ages 10 and up, $26 for ages 3-9, free for children under 3

• LYMMO Bus Rapid Transit in downtown Orlando: Free

• Theme park entry: typically at least $120 per person per day

• Coffee: around $3

• Sandwich: approximately $8

• Dinner for two: starting at $60

• Cocktail in downtown Orlando: starting at $14

Continue planning your Florida adventure:

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