Things To Do In Orlando Florida That Arent Disney World

Disney World may have made Orlando a top tourist destination, but the city is brimming with a kaleidoscope of entertainment options besides Mickey Mouse. Here’s our roundup of 12 things to do while in “The City Beautiful.”
Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Madame Tussauds Orlando

Rub elbows with Taylor Swift and Albert Einstein at the Madame Tussauds Orlando house of wax. The chain museum is famous for its replicas of iconic celebrities and historical figures since it first opened its doors in England over 200 years ago.

Admission: $35 for adults (13+ years)

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ at Universal Studios

If flying broomsticks and mail owls are your types of things, then pay a visit to Universal’s Islands of Adventure™ theme park where you can visit a replica of Harry Potter’s magical world. Walk through the halls of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, drink butterbeer at Diagon Alley, buy a Gryffindor scarf, and best of all—get a magic wand at Ollivanders.

Universal CityWalk

The equivalent of Downtown Disney, Universal’s CityWalk is an open-air complex with dining options, plenty of shopping, and nightlife entertainment. Access is free, and it sits just before the entrance of any of the Universal Studios theme parks. Grab lunch at the Hard Rock Café or karaoke with friends at CityWalk’s Rising Star. For adult entertainment, finish the evening at the Red Coconut Club.

Shopping at outlets

Shop major brands at cut-rate prices with a pit stop at either of Orlando’s outlets: Orlando International Premium Outlets or Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets. Brands include Armani, Ann Taylor, Guess, Calvin Klein, and Carolina Herrera, among other high-end stores.

The Chocolate Museum

Give in to your sweet cravings with a visit to The Chocolate Museum, which boasts 25 sculptures made of out of solid chocolate and a tasting room where you can sample some of the finest chocolates in the world. The guided tour takes about 45 minutes and explains the origins of chocolate as well as a look into the machinery used to make it. Those on their honeymoon can also book a sweet date for a wine and chocolate pairing.

Wine and Chocolate Pairing $29.90

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition

An interactive recreation of the famous ship, this museum allows visitors to get on board the Titanic and stroll through its Promenade Deck as well as its rooms. Actors dressed in the fashion of the period guide the tours, while an extensive Underwater Room displays over 400 artifacts recovered from the wreckage.

Admission: $21.95 for adults, $15.75 for children (5–11), $19.75 for seniors (65+)

SeaWorld

SeaWorld’s sprawling theme park offers visitors a close-up look at some of the ocean’s most magnificent creatures. The park boasts a manta ray aquarium, five species of penguins in their frosty habitat of Antarctica, a chance to see orcas through a special underwater viewing window, and bottlenose dolphin performances at the Dolphin Day Show, among other spectacles.

Admission: $132.99 for adults (ages 3+)

Sleuths Mystery Dinner Show

Sleuths Mystery Dinner Show offers guests a chance to participate in a mystery crime investigation. The 2.5-hour show includes a funny 45-minute comedy skit where guests will be presented with clues and can participate in the interrogation process all while nibbling on a fancy feast. Winners receive fun prizes at the end of the show. (Plus, prices include unlimited beer and wine!)

Admission: $63.95 + tax for adults, $28.95 + tax for children 3–11

Orlando Museum of Art

Founded in 1924 by a group of art enthusiasts, the Orlando Museum of Art preserves notable works of modern art by local and international artists.

Admission: $15 for adults, $5 for children (4–17), $8 for seniors (65+), $5 for students with valid ID

Golf at Hawk’s Landing Golf Club

Located at the Orlando World Center Marriott Resort, this golf club boasts over 220 acres of green for golfers to play. The course has nine ponds that come into play on 16 holes, and there’s a putting green for golfers to use.

Admission: Price varies from $45–135

Spa at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes

Treat yourself to a “zero gravity” massage as you sway in a rocking hammock that transports you to total serenity. The spa at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes offers unique services such as a therapeutic hot stone massage to an exfoliation massage with herbs from the resort’s organic garden. The spa also offers facials, manicures, as well as access to the glorious spa pool.

Bill Frederick Park

Nature lovers can spend the day at the Bill Frederick Park, which lies alongside Turkey Lake—one of the top lakes for fishing in Florida. Visitors can go fishing, kayaking and even camp on-site or rent a cabin to spend the night—a great alternative to hotel lodging.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.