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Orlando may be best known for its fun-filled theme parks, but there is so much more to see and do in this sunny city.
Located in the heart of Central Florida, Orlando is one of the USA’s most popular destinations. Don’t miss this lively city’s lesser-known attractions, such as the dazzling ICON Park entertainment complex. Go off the beaten path for a thrilling airboat ride and more memorable fun. And be sure to visit the city’s shopping and dining districts, with hundreds of options from high-end boutiques and classic souvenir shops to quick meals and satisfying sit-down fare.
Classic Orlando Attractions
Orlando is home to year-round entertainment attractions you can explore without buying a theme park ticket. Don’t miss the action-packed ICON Park entertainment complex featuring a variety of rides, attractions and dining options. Here, you can go for a spin on the 122-meter-tall Wheel at ICON Park for stunning citywide views; stroll the famed Madame Tussauds wax museum to see lifelike superheroes, movie stars, sports legends and more; and get an adrenaline rush with a twirl on StarFlyer, the world’s tallest swing ride. At The Florida Mall, take the whole family to the Crayola Experience for hands-on creative fun. Or suit up and soar with an indoor skydiving adventure at iFLY.
Soaring to dizzying heights on the StarFlyer swing ride at ICON Park
Go Off-the-Beaten Path
Explore some of Orlando’s unexpected attractions for a remarkable day of nature and art. Stroll the hiking trails and boardwalks of Mead Botanical Garden for a tranquil escape punctuated by butterflies, flowers and stellar birdwatching. Kick things up a notch with Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures for a wild ride through swamps to see native Florida wildlife, including alligators, in their natural habitat. After the ride, families traveling with kids will want to stop at the mining trough to hunt for fossils and gems. For a cultural outing, get inspired while browsing the galleries of the Orlando Museum of Art, home to a wide range of ancient and contemporary works.
Cruising through Everglades-like swamplands with Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures
World-class Shopping & Dining
If you’re seeking souvenirs to take home or want to refuel after a fun-filled day, there are many shopping and dining options in Orlando. Pay a visit to Disney Springs, a massive outdoor shopping and dining complex. Savor delicious treats such as the giant cookies from Gideon’s Bakehouse, and ride Aerophile to nearly touch the clouds on the world’s largest hand-painted helium balloon. It’s no wonder Universal CityWalk bills itself as “the epicenter of Awesome.” It’s packed with unique dining and shopping options with an energetic atmosphere reminiscent of its adjacent theme parks. And at Pointe Orlando, browse the outdoor shops for unique retail offerings, and hop around restaurants and bars for any occasion.
Shopping outing with friends at Disney Springs
Getting There
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is about a 30-minute drive from the city’s downtown district.
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