Best Things to Do in Orlando, FL (2026): 25 Local Picks

Looking for the best things to do in Orlando beyond the theme parks? This list covers the local side of Orange County: tubing the spring run at Kelly Park, swimming at Wekiwa Springs, Tiffany glass at the Morse Museum, a Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour and improv at SAK Comedy Lab.

25 picks · Updated October 2026

1
Wekiwa Springs State Park

Park in Apopka, $
A clear spring that holds around 72 degrees all year, with a swimming area, on-site canoe and kayak rentals and miles of trails. Reserve your day-use entry, since visits require one.
- Outdoor
- Nature
- Water
- Family
Call Wekiwa Springs State Park Website for Wekiwa Springs State Park (opens in a new tab)Directions to Wekiwa Springs State Park (opens maps)
2
Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art

Museum in Park Avenue, Winter Park
Home to what it calls the most comprehensive Louis Comfort Tiffany collection, including a full chapel interior built for the 1893 world's fair. An essential Park Avenue stop in any weather.
- Indoor
- Rainy day
- Date idea
- Visitor favorite
Call Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art Website for Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art (opens in a new tab)Directions to Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art (opens maps)
3
Scenic Boat Tour

Tour in Park Avenue, Winter Park, $
An hour on a pontoon through Winter Park's chain of lakes and narrow, moss-draped canals, past lakefront homes. Boats leave hourly from the end of Morse Boulevard, first come first served.
- Outdoor
- Water
- Family
- Date idea
Call Scenic Boat Tour Website for Scenic Boat Tour (opens in a new tab)Directions to Scenic Boat Tour (opens maps)
4
Lake Eola Park

Park in Downtown, Orlando
Downtown's signature park, where you can circle the lake on a paved path, rent a swan pedal boat and catch shows at the amphitheater. The Sunday farmers market adds food and crafts.
- Free
- Outdoor
- Water
- Date idea
Call Lake Eola Park Website for Lake Eola Park (opens in a new tab)Directions to Lake Eola Park (opens maps)
5
Kelly Park / Rock Springs

Park in Apopka, $
The classic Central Florida tube float down the cool, clear Rock Springs run. Tickets are sold online only with a daily cap, and you bring your own tube.
- Outdoor
- Nature
- Water
- Family
Call Kelly Park / Rock Springs Website for Kelly Park / Rock Springs (opens in a new tab)Directions to Kelly Park / Rock Springs (opens maps)
6
Harry P. Leu Gardens

Park in Audubon Park, Orlando, $
Botanical gardens near Lake Rowena with themed plantings, the historic 1888 Leu House and one of the area's largest camellia collections, which blooms December through March.
- Outdoor
- Nature
- Date idea
- Family
Call Harry P. Leu Gardens Website for Harry P. Leu Gardens (opens in a new tab)Directions to Harry P. Leu Gardens (opens maps)
7
Audubon Center for Birds of Prey

Park in Maitland, $
Walk a paved path past eagles, owls and hawks that cannot return to the wild at this Maitland rehab center. About an hour and $10, it is an easy win with kids.
- Outdoor
- Nature
- Family
- Kids
Call Audubon Center for Birds of Prey Website for Audubon Center for Birds of Prey (opens in a new tab)Directions to Audubon Center for Birds of Prey (opens maps)
8
Enzian Theater

Venue in Maitland
A nonprofit single-screen cinema cafe showing independent and international films with dinner served at your seat. The Eden Bar under the oaks is a great pre-show hangout.
- Indoor
- Rainy day
- Date idea
- Local favorite
Call Enzian Theater Website for Enzian Theater (opens in a new tab)Directions to Enzian Theater (opens maps)
9
SAK Comedy Lab

Entertainment spot in Downtown, Orlando
Running on Church Street since 1991, SAK builds every improv show from audience suggestions and counts Wayne Brady among its alumni. A fun, inexpensive night downtown.
- Indoor
- Rainy day
- Nightlife
- Date idea
Call SAK Comedy Lab Website for SAK Comedy Lab (opens in a new tab)Directions to SAK Comedy Lab (opens maps)
10
The Plaza Live

Venue in Milk District, Orlando
An independent mid-size hall near the Milk District that books touring rock, R&B, jazz and K-pop acts, plus comedy, podcasts and film nights. Check the calendar before your trip.
- Indoor
- Rainy day
- Nightlife
- Live music
Call The Plaza Live Website for The Plaza Live (opens in a new tab)Directions to The Plaza Live (opens maps)
11
Orlando Wetlands

Park in Christmas (east Orange County), Orlando
Around 1,650 acres of marsh in east Orange County with more than 18 miles of trails and some of the region's best birding. Entry is free, and volunteers run free weekend tram tours.
- Free
- Outdoor
- Nature
- Local favorite
Call Orlando Wetlands Website for Orlando Wetlands (opens in a new tab)Directions to Orlando Wetlands (opens maps)
12
Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens

Museum in Winter Park
The former home and studio of sculptor Albin Polasek on Lake Osceola, where you can tour the house galleries and walk lakeside gardens full of his work.
- Date idea
- Outdoor
- Indoor
- Local favorite
Call Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens Website for Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens (opens in a new tab)Directions to Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens (opens maps)
13
West Orange Trail

Park in Winter Garden
About 22 paved miles of rail-trail through Oakland and downtown Winter Garden, with bike rentals near the Winter Garden station. Ride to Plant Street for lunch.
- Free
- Outdoor
- Nature
- Family
Call West Orange Trail Website for West Orange Trail (opens in a new tab)Directions to West Orange Trail (opens maps)
14
Winter Park Farmers' Market

Market in Park Avenue, Winter Park
Saturday mornings in Central Park's West Meadow bring produce, plants, baked goods and coffee. Pair it with a walk down Park Avenue or the boat tour.
- Outdoor
- Free
- Family
- Local favorite
Call Winter Park Farmers' Market Website for Winter Park Farmers' Market (opens in a new tab)Directions to Winter Park Farmers' Market (opens maps)
15
Mead Botanical Garden

Park in Winter Park
Free, shaded trails, a boardwalk over wetlands, a butterfly garden and a pond full of turtles and wading birds. A quiet break that takes as long as you like.
- Free
- Outdoor
- Nature
- Family
Call Mead Botanical Garden Website for Mead Botanical Garden (opens in a new tab)Directions to Mead Botanical Garden (opens maps)
16
The Beacham

Venue in Downtown, Orlando
A 1921 Orange Avenue venue that bills itself as Orlando's longest-running independent stage, hosting touring concerts and late-night events downtown.
- Indoor
- Nightlife
- Live music
- Adults
Call The Beacham Website for The Beacham (opens in a new tab)Directions to The Beacham (opens maps)
17
Blue Swan Boulders

Entertainment spot in Downtown, Orlando
A bouldering-only gym near downtown with day passes and Bouldering 101 classes, so beginners can try climbing without ropes. Coffee and tea are on hand.
- Indoor
- Rainy day
- Date idea
- Good for groups
Call Blue Swan Boulders Website for Blue Swan Boulders (opens in a new tab)Directions to Blue Swan Boulders (opens maps)
18
Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake

Park in Dr. Phillips, Orlando, $
A $5-per-car city park on Turkey Lake with a disc golf course, fishing pier, trails and cabins for an overnight stay, close to Dr. Phillips.
- Outdoor
- Nature
- Water
- Family
Call Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake Website for Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake (opens in a new tab)Directions to Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake (opens maps)
19
Oakland Nature Preserve

Park in Oakland
A long boardwalk runs through wetlands out to Lake Apopka, with upland trails and a small education center. Guided kayak outings and Science Saturdays add structure.
- Outdoor
- Nature
- Water
- Family
Call Oakland Nature Preserve Website for Oakland Nature Preserve (opens in a new tab)Directions to Oakland Nature Preserve (opens maps)
20
Orlando Family Stage

Venue in Loch Haven Park, Orlando
Professional theater for young audiences in Loch Haven Park, staging classic children's stories and holiday shows, with camps and toddler classes too.
- Indoor
- Rainy day
- Family
- Kids
Call Orlando Family Stage Website for Orlando Family Stage (opens in a new tab)Directions to Orlando Family Stage (opens maps)
21
Winter Park Playhouse

Venue in Winter Park
A small professional playhouse on Orange Avenue running a mainstage series and the Florida Festival of New Musicals. An intimate theater night close to Park Avenue.
- Indoor
- Rainy day
- Date idea
- Local favorite
Call Winter Park Playhouse Website for Winter Park Playhouse (opens in a new tab)Directions to Winter Park Playhouse (opens maps)
22
Kraft Azalea Garden

Park in Winter Park
A small lakeside garden on Lake Maitland where the Exedra monument, shaded by giant cypress, is a favorite place for sunset photos.
- Free
- Outdoor
- Nature
- Date idea
Call Kraft Azalea Garden Website for Kraft Azalea Garden (opens in a new tab)Directions to Kraft Azalea Garden (opens maps)
23
Cady Way Trail

Park in Winter Park
About seven paved miles linking east Orlando, Baldwin Park and Winter Park, with water fountains and shaded rest stops. Leashed dogs are welcome.
- Free
- Outdoor
- Local favorite
- Dog friendly
Call Cady Way Trail Website for Cady Way Trail (opens in a new tab)Directions to Cady Way Trail (opens maps)
24
Audubon Park Community Market

Market in Audubon Park, Orlando
A Monday evening market in the Audubon Park Garden District focused on Florida-grown and Florida-made food, from produce and cheese to pies and honey.
- Outdoor
- Free
- Local favorite
Website for Audubon Park Community Market (opens in a new tab)Directions to Audubon Park Community Market (opens maps)
25
The Social

Venue in Downtown, Orlando
A small downtown club on Orange Avenue for close-up shows from touring indie and local acts, a few doors from The Beacham.
- Indoor
- Nightlife
- Live music
- Adults
Call The Social Website for The Social (opens in a new tab)Directions to The Social (opens maps)

The best things to do in Orlando by area

Winter Park is the easiest place to fill a day: the Morse Museum, the Scenic Boat Tour, Polasek's sculpture gardens, Mead Botanical Garden and the Saturday farmers market are all a few minutes apart. Maitland, just north, adds the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey and Enzian Theater.

Downtown Orlando centers on Lake Eola, SAK Comedy Lab and the Orange Avenue music venues, with Leu Gardens and the Audubon Park market a short drive away. For springs and trails, head northwest to Wekiwa Springs and Kelly Park in Apopka or west to the West Orange Trail and Oakland Nature Preserve. Orlando Wetlands is the far-east nature escape. On the southwest side, Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake offers disc golf, fishing and cabins close to the tourist corridor, a handy break if you are staying near International Drive.

Things to do in Orlando by season

Summer is spring season. Wekiwa and Kelly Park stay cool all year, which makes them the best way to beat July heat, but both cap attendance, so book or buy tickets early and arrive in the morning. Plan indoor stops like the Morse Museum, Enzian or Blue Swan Boulders for afternoons, when thunderstorms are common.

Fall through spring is trail and garden season. That is the time to bike the West Orange or Cady Way trails, walk the boardwalks at Oakland and Mead, and see Leu Gardens' camellias in bloom from December to March. Birding at Orlando Wetlands is at its best in the cooler months too, and the farmers markets in Winter Park and on Lake Eola are at their busiest and most pleasant from October through April.

Tips for planning your days

Mix one outdoor activity with one indoor activity per day so the weather never ruins plans. Many of the best options are free or under $20, including Lake Eola, Mead Garden, the trails, the Audubon Center and Bill Frederick Park.

For evenings, check the calendars at The Plaza Live, The Beacham, The Social and Winter Park Playhouse a week or two ahead, and book SAK and Enzian on weekends. Theme park traffic on I-4 can be heavy, so cluster activities by area rather than crossing the county twice. A good one-day plan is Winter Park in the morning, Maitland for lunch and the birds, and Enzian for an evening film, all within a few miles of each other.

About this list

Every place here is a locally run business in Orange County with its own website, which we checked for hours, menus and contact details. We leave national chains off our best-of lists and favor places with a clear specialty.

This page covers 25 things to do in Orlando. You'll find them in Downtown, Park Avenue, Audubon Park and Milk District, spread across Orlando, Winter Park, Apopka and Maitland.

Where menus list prices, most of these sit in the $ range.

What comes up again and again on their menus and websites: Picnic areas.

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do in Orlando besides theme parks?

Plenty. Swim in the 72-degree spring at Wekiwa Springs, tube down Rock Springs at Kelly Park, see the Tiffany collection at the Morse Museum and ride the Scenic Boat Tour in Winter Park. In the evening, catch improv at SAK Comedy Lab, a film at Enzian or a concert at The Plaza Live.

What are the best outdoor things to do in Orlando?

Wekiwa Springs State Park and Kelly Park are the top picks for swimming and tubing in clear spring water. Lake Eola Park is the classic downtown walk, and the West Orange Trail and Cady Way Trail are great for biking. For birding, head to Orlando Wetlands or the Oakland Nature Preserve boardwalk.

What can I do in Orlando at night?

SAK Comedy Lab runs improv shows downtown, and The Plaza Live, The Beacham and The Social host touring concerts. Enzian Theater in Maitland serves dinner with independent films and has an outdoor bar. Lake Eola Park is also pleasant for an evening walk, especially when the amphitheater has a concert or movie.

Do I need reservations for Wekiwa Springs or Kelly Park?

Yes, plan ahead for both. Wekiwa Springs requires a reservation for day-use visits, with a $6 per vehicle entry fee. Kelly Park sells tickets online only with a daily cap, and you must bring your own tube since none are rented on site. Both fill up quickly on summer weekends, so book early.

What is a good thing to do in Winter Park?

Take the hour-long Scenic Boat Tour through the chain of lakes, then walk Park Avenue to the Morse Museum and its Tiffany chapel. On Saturday mornings, the farmers market in Central Park is a local tradition. Mead Botanical Garden and the Polasek sculpture gardens are calmer options nearby.