Top Orlando Attractions You Can't Miss

Orlando may be famous for its theme parks, but after years of visiting the City Beautiful, I can assure you there’s much more to see. World-class entertainment, gorgeous gardens, fantastic restaurants, quirky attractions, shopping, and some pretty fabulous neighborhoods all deserve a spot on the itinerary.

These are my picks for the top Orlando attractions you can’t miss, including the big names and a few places that may surprise you.

This colorful Greetings From Orlando mural celebrates some of the City Beautiful’s most recognizable sights and makes a fun photo stop.

Experience Broadway-Caliber Entertainment

One of my favorite things to do in downtown Orlando is catch a show at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. This gorgeous venue brings in Broadway tours, concerts, comedians, ballet, opera, and plenty of other big-name entertainment throughout the year.

And they don’t mess around with Broadway productions. I’m talking Hamilton, Wicked, and other shows you’d expect to travel to a much bigger theatre city to see.

The building itself is beautiful, too, with sleek contemporary architecture and terrific views of the Orlando skyline. Check the calendar before your trip because scoring tickets to a show here makes for a fantastic night out—and gives you an entirely different Orlando experience.

The gorgeous interior of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, one of my favorite places in downtown Orlando for Broadway shows and live entertainment.

Visit SeaWorld Orlando

I’ve been visiting SeaWorld Orlando for years, and the park has changed tremendously. Today, it combines marine life, animal encounters, seasonal festivals, family attractions, and some seriously impressive roller coasters.

You’ll find dolphins, sharks, sea turtles, orcas, and one of my favorites—the penguins. Seriously, how can you resist those faces?

Colorful SeaWorld Orlando lighthouse beside a bright blue lagoon and tropical landscaping.

Then there are the thrill rides. Mako, Ice Breaker, and Pipeline: The Surf Coaster have turned SeaWorld into a legitimate contender for coaster lovers.

Keep an eye on the calendar, too. SeaWorld hosts excellent seasonal festivals with food booths, concerts, and special events that can add even more value to your visit.

Group of king and chinstrap penguins gathered on the snowy habitat at SeaWorld Orlando.

Wander Through Harry P. Leu Gardens

Need a break from rides, crowds, and sensory overload? Harry P. Leu Gardens is your place.

Just minutes from downtown Orlando, these 50 acres feel worlds away from the tourist corridor. Winding paths take you beneath enormous oak trees and through collections of palms, roses, camellias, tropical plants, and whatever happens to be showing off during your visit.

It’s peaceful, beautiful, and one of those Orlando attractions that doesn’t get nearly enough attention.

The historic Leu House Museum is also on the property, and special events throughout the year include outdoor movies, plant sales, and seasonal celebrations.

Gorgeous tropical flowers and the historic Leu House are just a glimpse of what you’ll find while wandering the 50-acre Harry P. Leu Gardens.

This is the Orlando I love showing people who think the city begins and ends with theme parks.

Order at the World’s Largest Entertainment McDonald’s

Only in Orlando. International Drive is home to the World’s Largest Entertainment McDonald’s (6875 Sandlake Road), and this is definitely not your neighborhood Golden Arches.

The massive restaurant is around 19,000 square feet and comes complete with an arcade, huge PlayPlace, and a much larger menu than you’d find at a typical McDonald’s (such as pizza and pasta).

Is it quirky? Absolutely. A little over the top? Of course. But that’s exactly why it belongs on an Orlando itinerary.

You know you’re in Orlando when even McDonald’s is an attraction. The World’s Largest Entertainment McDonald’s on International Drive serves up neon, an arcade, and a menu that goes way beyond the usual Big Mac.

Snap Photos at the Iconic Lake Eola Bandshell

For one of my favorite views of downtown Orlando, head to Lake Eola Park.

The colorful bandshell sitting along the water with the city skyline behind it makes a fabulous photo op, but don’t just snap the picture and leave.

Walk the nearly mile-long path around the lake, check out Orlando’s famous swans, rent one of the swan-shaped paddle boats, or simply grab a bench and enjoy the scenery. The park also hosts concerts, festivals, markets, and community events throughout the year.

Lake Eola is one of those places that makes Orlando feel like an actual city rather than simply a vacation destination—and I love that about it. All 23 acres of it.

Lake Eola bandshell overlooking the water and downtown Orlando skyline.

Explore Walt Disney World Resort

Of course, Disney has to be on the list. How could it not?

Walt Disney World Resort is home to four major theme parks—Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom—and each one delivers an entirely different experience.

Magic Kingdom brings the nostalgia, EPCOT gives me great food and a trip around the world without needing my passport, Hollywood Studios has Star Wars and Toy Story, and Animal Kingdom is easily one of the most beautiful theme parks anywhere.

Disney Skyliner gondolas glide above EPCOT’s colorful landscaping, offering one of the most fun ways to travel between select Walt Disney World parks and resorts.

And Disney goes way beyond rides. Resorts, character experiences, restaurants, festivals, golf courses, water parks, and entertainment could easily fill an entire Orlando vacation.

I’ve visited countless times, and there is always something new to see.

Beauty and the Beast come to life in topiary form at EPCOT, surrounded by colorful flowers in the France Pavilion.

Shop at Orlando International Premium Outlets

If your idea of cardio involves carrying shopping bags, you’ll do just fine in Orlando.

Orlando International Premium Outlets on International Drive is enormous, with stores including Nike, Coach, Adidas, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, and Polo Ralph Lauren.

My biggest tip? Go early. This place can get absolutely packed, particularly on weekends and holidays. Getting there before the masses makes the whole experience infinitely more enjoyable.

Palm trees, sunshine, and plenty of bargains make Orlando’s Premium Outlets an easy place to spend a few hours between theme park days.

Spend an Evening at Disney Springs

You don’t need a theme park ticket to get a dose of Disney magic. Disney Springs is one of my favorite places to eat, shop, stroll, and people-watch in Orlando—and admission is free.

Shopping is a big part of the Disney Springs experience, with everything from familiar brands to Disney-only finds spread throughout the massive complex.

There are dozens of restaurants, shops, bars, and entertainment options, but The Boathouse is always high on my list. Wine Bar George, Morimoto Asia, Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, and Gideon’s Bakehouse are other popular choices.

Come hungry.

I especially like Disney Springs in the evening when the lights come on, live music is playing, and the waterfront is buzzing. It feels like its own attraction rather than an add-on to Walt Disney World.

The Boathouse waterfront restaurant and colorful buildings at Disney Springs in Orlando.

Ride The Wheel at ICON Park

You can’t miss The Orlando Eye at ICON Park towering above International Drive.

At 400 feet tall, the observation wheel gives you a bird’s-eye view of Orlando, including the tourist corridor and theme parks in the distance.

Best of all, the capsules are enclosed and air-conditioned. If you’ve experienced Orlando in July, you understand why that little detail deserves mentioning.

I’d time your ride for sunset or after dark if possible. Seeing Orlando’s lights—and potentially fireworks in the distance—makes the experience even better.

Explore Everything ICON Park Has to Offer

Don’t ride The Orlando Eye and immediately leave. ICON Park has enough going on to keep you busy for hours.

Madame Tussauds Orlando and SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium are here, along with the Museum of Illusions and several other attractions. You’ll also find plenty of restaurants, bars, sweet treats, and outdoor spaces.

It’s especially convenient when you’re traveling with people who want different things. Split up, explore, eat, have a drink, and meet back under The Orlando Eye. Easy peasy.

A young visitor explores the colorful underwater exhibits at SEA LIFE Aquarium, getting an up-close look at marine life and coral displays.

Spend an Afternoon at Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando Resort has become a vacation destination all its own, especially if you’ve got a Harry Potter fan in the family.

Walking through Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade is pure magic, and yes, you should absolutely get the Butterbeer.

Thrill seekers have VelociCoaster and The Incredible Hulk Coaster, while you’ll also find attractions featuring Minions, Jurassic Park, and other familiar favorites.

And don’t forget Universal CityWalk. Restaurants, bars, entertainment, mini golf, and nightlife make it worth sticking around long after you’re finished riding coasters.

Hogsmeade looks especially magical at sunset, when the lights come on and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter takes on a whole different personality.

Shop Luxury Brands at Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets

Orlando has another outlet shopping heavyweight near Disney: Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets.

This one leans a little more upscale, with luxury brands such as Gucci, Prada, Tory Burch, Jimmy Choo, and Burberry mixed in with plenty of other familiar names.

I find this location a bit more polished and enjoyable for browsing. And let’s face it—sometimes window shopping at Gucci is entertainment enough.

Explore Orlando’s Trendy Thornton Park Neighborhood

This is another side of Orlando I wish more visitors took time to see.

Thornton Park, just east of downtown and near Lake Eola, has brick-lined streets, colorful buildings, boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops, wine bars, and a distinctly local personality.

Come for brunch, stay for shopping, then grab a cocktail (The Stubborn Mule is impressive!) or dinner. The neighborhood also hosts markets, art events, and festivals throughout the year.

It doesn’t feel like tourist Orlando—and that’s precisely the point. And by the way, my favorite dine-in spot is Benjamin French Bakery & Cafe.

Fun murals, local restaurants, and loads of personality make Thornton Park one of my favorite places to experience a more local side of Orlando.

Final Thoughts on Orlando’s Best Attractions

Orlando is one of those places I can visit over and over without running out of things to do. Sure, the theme parks are spectacular and deserve their fame, but they’re only part of the story.

Spend some time downtown. See a Broadway show. Walk around Lake Eola. Wander through a garden. Eat something fabulous. Shop until your feet hurt. And by all means, ride a few roller coasters and snap some character greetings.

The more you venture beyond Orlando’s obvious attractions, the more interesting the City Beautiful becomes. And after all my visits, I’m still finding new reasons to go back.

Top Orlando Attractions You Can’t Miss