What to do in Orlando, USA - Besides Theme Parks (Disney, Universal Parks and more)

What to do in Orlando, USA - Besides Disney and Universal Parks

Orlando in Florida, United States, is one of the most popular destinations for tourists and in this guide, we will show you that there is a lot to do and visit besides theme parks such as Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Parks.

If your trip through the United States is longer and with other destinations, be sure to read our post on:

Table of Contents

Tickets and visit to Disney and Universal parks

Let’s start with the basics, if you want to visit Universal and Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, there are several options to buy tickets, including transfer and accommodation.

Now let’s get to the main subject of this guide. 🙂

What to visit in Orlando besides the parks

Unforgettable tours to do in Orlando beyond the Disney and Universal parks.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex there are many exhibits, shows and attractions, including Space Shuttle Atlantis®, Shuttle Launch Experience, Gateway complex, Rocket Garden and Heroes & Legends featuring US Astronaut Hall of Fame presented by Boeing.

The “Journey to Mars: Explorers Wanted” exhibit, which includes a live interactive theatrical presentation about the Red Planet, is not to be missed.

At the Gateway complex, discover current and future cutting-edge innovations in space exploration from NASA and its commercial partners. And experience four unforgettable journeys to distant worlds in one immersive tour.

The Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour takes you to the Apollo / Saturn V Center which features a massive, fully restored Saturn V rocket, one of only 3 in the world.

At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the world’s largest collection of astronaut memorabilia.

Not only will you see tributes to the heroes of the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo and Space Shuttle programs, but also what’s happening now and next at Kennedy Space Center, America’s multi-user spaceport.

What do in Orlando - In addition to the Disney and Universal parks - Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Important: Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral are working space launch facilities, therefore tours may change or be closed due to operational requirements.

Buy tickets for the visit:

If you prefer to buy with transport:

Guided tour of Downtown Orlando and The Wheel at ICON Park

It is possible to take guided tours of the city and discover its many local points of interest, starting with the lovely district of Lake Eola, the heart of downtown Orlando. Another point to visit is Winter Park, which offers tourist boat trips, which sail between numerous houses in the city and its college from the waterway.

Guided tour in downtown Orlando and The Wheel at ICON Park

Close to Mickey’s parks, it is possible to go to Disney Springs and enjoy 4shopping, strolling and eating something. Another interesting place to visit is the Orlando ICON.

Where you can admire the city from above on the East Coast’s tallest observation wheel, The Wheel at ICON Park. At a height of 120 meters with breathtaking views of the city and the central Florida landscape, including lakes, theme parks and even the Atlantic coast on a clear day.

You can tour the most amazing places Orlando has to offer. Around the different sides of the city, taking the opportunity to shop, have fun or just relax.

See options for excursions and guided tours:

Museums and other parks

In addition to the Disney and Universal parks, there are other amusement and theme parks worth visiting in Orlando. As well as some museums, which like everything else in the United States, are major tourist attractions.

Some of them (click on the name to see prices and availability):

Medieval Times

Celebrate with a four-course medieval feast in an 11th-century European castle complete with jousting, medieval artifacts and spectacular shining armor. Enjoy the live show of the six “Kings of the Kingdom”.

Orlando Magic NBA Basketball Tickets

Enjoy world-class basketball, edge-of-your-seat excitement and fun for all ages while watching a live Orlando Magic game. Enjoy amenities such as bars, restaurants and fan lounges while watching the game.

Ticket to the Andretti Indoor Karting attraction

Feel the adrenaline of an electric kart race on Orlando’s world’s longest multi-level track with this attraction ticket to the Andretti Indoor Karting center. Get a safety briefing before your race.

WonderWorks

Enter the wild world of WonderWorks Orlando and enjoy games and attractions from another galaxy. Watch a performance in the mobile 4D theater, climb glow-in-the-dark ropes and play a game of laser tag.

Titanic Artifacts Exhibit

Visit the Titanic, the ill-fated ocean liner, in an incredible exhibit in Orlando that brings together several galleries and interactive exhibits.

Crayola Experience

The Crayola Experience is where the magic of Crayola comes to life. With 70,000 square feet of attractions, take a guided tour of the Crayola Experience, Orlando’s most colorful family destination for interactive and creative play.

Cirque du Soleil “Drawn to Life”

Use this ticket to visit Cirque du Soleil’s “Drawn to Life” show in Orlando. The performance will transport you into the world of Disney animation through Cirque du Soleil’s signature acrobatic style.

This new show follows the story of Julie, a brave and determined girl who discovers an unexpected gift left by her late father: an unfinished piece of animation.

Guided by a strange pencil, she embarks on an inspiring quest peppered with her childhood Disney memories. Through this journey, she will learn to imagine new possibilities and animate the story of her future.

SeaWorld Orlando

Connect with the marine world at the magnificent SeaWorld: watch killer whales leap at the One Ocean show, ride like lightning on the Manta roller coaster, experience the thrilling and refreshing adventures of Antarctica on the Empire of the Penguin attraction, and be part of an epic journey among sea turtles on TurtleTrek.

Marvel at the power and grace of killer whales at the Shamu Show One Ocean show. In it, the orcas jump towards the sky and perform choreographies that splash water. Opt for a seat in the “Splash Zone” and get underwater views of whales moving their fins, which can guarantee you a refreshing splash.

If you’re into thrills, the Manta coaster bends you parallel to the ground and launches you into a twisting stretch from an inverted vertical drop. In Antarctica: The Empire of the Penguin attraction takes you into an ethereal past with icy vistas on a trailless ride that ends at a penguin exhibit. The absence of glass allows you to get closer to these charming animals and experience their ideal, icy conditions.

SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium

The SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium gives you the opportunity to come “face to face” with sharks, stingrays, turtles and more. Prepare for a world of gleaming scales, gigantic tentacles and razor-sharp teeth in this thrilling underwater encounter.

LEGOLAND® Florida

LEGOLAND® Florida is just a 45-minute drive from the Orlando theme parks and downtown Tampa. Families with children ages 2 to 12 and LEGO® fans of any age are invited to spend 1 or 2 enjoyable days exploring the park’s 50+ rides, attractions and shows.

Buy your tickets here: LEGOLAND® Florida

Madame Tussauds

Enjoy a visit to the incredible Madame Tussauds Orlando and see Justice League heroes Ryan Gosling and many other stars. Delight your friends with the best selfie ever. Pose with Taylor Swift and save the world with Wonder Woman.

Buy your tickets here: Madame Tussauds

Natural activities in Orlando and region Florida

There are some tours in Orlando and nearby regions to visit the fauna and flora of the region that are worth knowing.

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a 1.5 million-acre wetland preserve, a natural wonder, located in the southern tip of the state of Florida.

There are tours that explore the narrow waterways and surrounded by the forest of the Everglades with the intention of seeing Florida’s emblematic reptile in its natural environment, the alligator, which can reach up to 4.5 meters in length and weigh up to 450 kg.

Natural activities in Orlando and Florida region - Everglades National Park

You can also admire the beauty of rare and endangered birds gliding through the skies and also other wildlife that can be seen along the way, such as turtles, bald eagles, blue herons and deer. This tour is perfect for groups and families looking to explore and experience the unexpected side of Central Florida.

In the Everglades there are approximately 2,400 airboats registered in nearby counties and many of them are operated on this lake system throughout the year. You simply cannot visit Florida without taking an airboat tour – it truly is a unique experience!

Be sure to check out the Gem Mining Station. You can purchase buckets full of native Florida treasures and take them to the mining station and look for various rocks, alligator teeth, shark teeth, rocks and other treasures.

Search for some options for guided Everglades tours:

Crystal River

This tour presents tourists with incredible and different shades of crystal clear blue water and trails to see all kinds of local animals.

You can take a scenic boat ride on the Crystal River and see the endangered Florida manatee. You can swim and snorkel with manatees, as well as take an airboat ride on the Withlacoochee River. While in the region, be sure to visit Homosassa State Park, which is home to a variety of endangered species, including the local panther.

Fun, relaxed and light-hearted, this full-day tour and swim with the manatees is the perfect choice for the whole family!

Check out some options for guided tours:

Clearwater Beach

Discover the beauty of the Gulf of Mexico. Relax on Clearwater Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Florida, with fine, white sand and warm ocean waters.

There are several walks that can be done on the beach:

Visit the Marine Aquarium to see dolphins
Pirate Cruise with treasure hunt games and many other activities
Trip on a Dolphin Encounter Boat to see dolphins in their natural habitat
Deep sea fishing
Ride the Sea Screamer, the largest speedboat on the US East Coast

Enjoy the sun and tan in the sea.

Check out some options for excursions and guided walks:

**Other “natural walks” in Orlando and region**

In addition to these tours that we detail, there are other excursions and guided walks in natural reserves and close to nature that are worth checking out:

Other "natural tours" ; in Orlando and region

Ticket offers and transfers to Orlando parks

There are several lodging options in Orlando, whether inside or outside the parks. Be sure to research and choose the one that fits within your needs and prices.

Where to stay in Orlando – Hotel, hostel and apartment tips

There are several lodging options in Orlando, whether inside or outside the parks. Be sure to research and choose the one that fits your needs and prices.

Booking.com Booking.com

General international travel tips

For general travel tips, be sure to check out:

What to do in Orlando, USA – Besides Theme Parks (Disney, Universal Parks and more)

Tickets and visit to Disney and Universal parks