Orlando Travel Guide
Weather, best time to visit, and the best food, culture, nature and activities.
Food & Drink
- California GrillContemporary American · $$$$
Located atop Disney's Contemporary Resort, offering stunning views of Magic Kingdom fireworks. Features contemporary American cuisine with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
- The Ravenous PigAmerican Gastropub · $$$
A popular gastropub in Winter Park known for its sophisticated take on Southern-inspired dishes and an excellent craft beer selection.
- Morimoto AsiaPan-Asian · $$$
An upscale Pan-Asian restaurant at Disney Springs, helmed by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. Offers delicious sushi, dim sum, and various Asian specialties in a grand setting.
- Seasons 52American · $$$
A fresh grill and wine bar focusing on seasonal ingredients and healthy preparations, with most dishes under 475 calories. Offers a diverse menu and an extensive wine list.
- Disney Springs
A vibrant outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment complex at Walt Disney World, featuring live music venues, bars, and lounges like The Edison and House of Blues.
- Universal CityWalk
Located at the entrance to Universal's theme parks, offering a variety of clubs, bars, restaurants, and live entertainment, including karaoke and dance clubs.
- Church Street Station
A historic district in downtown Orlando with a collection of bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues, offering a lively atmosphere.
- Wall St. Plaza
A popular pedestrian-only block in downtown Orlando with several interconnected bars and restaurants, often hosting outdoor block parties and events.
Culture & History
- Orlando Science Center
An interactive museum offering engaging exhibits for all ages, focusing on natural sciences, technology, and space.
- Orlando Museum of Art
Features collections of American art, African art, and art of the ancient Americas, as well as various temporary exhibitions.
- Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
Located in Winter Park, this museum houses the world's most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, including jewelry, pottery, paintings, and leaded-glass windows.
- AMC DINE-IN Disney Springs 24
A large, modern cinema complex offering 24 screens, including DINE-IN theaters with full meal and beverage service delivered to your seat.
- Regal Pointe Orlando Stadium 20 & IMAX
A popular cinema featuring 20 screens, including IMAX, with stadium seating and a wide selection of current releases.
- Cinemark Orlando and XD
Offers multiple screens with comfortable seating, a concession stand, and an XD auditorium for an enhanced viewing experience.
- Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
While it typically starts late summer (late July/early August), this festival at Epcot features global marketplaces offering international food and beverage samples, culinary demonstrations, and live concerts.
- Fourth of July Celebrations
Various fireworks displays and patriotic events are held across Orlando and its theme parks to celebrate Independence Day.
Nature & Outdoors
- Cocoa Beach
A classic Florida beach town on the Space Coast, popular for surfing, sunbathing, and its iconic pier. About an hour's drive east of Orlando.
- Daytona Beach
Famous for its hard-packed sand that allows cars to drive on certain sections. Offers a lively boardwalk, pier, and various watersports. Located northeast of Orlando.
- New Smyrna Beach
A charming coastal town known for its beautiful, uncrowded beaches, artsy vibe, and excellent surfing conditions. A quieter alternative to Daytona.
Active & Fun
- LA Fitness
A well-known national chain with multiple locations across Orlando, offering a wide range of cardio and strength equipment, group fitness classes, and sometimes pools.
- Planet Fitness
Another popular chain with several locations, known for its 'Judgment Free Zone' and affordable memberships, offering basic cardio and strength training equipment.
- YMCA of Central Florida
Several community-focused YMCA locations offering extensive fitness facilities, including pools, gyms, and various programs for all ages.
- Stormalong Bay at Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts
More than just a pool, this 3-acre water wonderland features a lazy river, a sand-bottom pool, a 230-foot-long waterslide, and multiple whirlpools. Access is for resort guests only.
- Universal's Hard Rock Hotel Pool
A 12,000-square-foot resort pool with a sand beach, 260-foot waterslide, two hot tubs, cabanas, and even underwater music speakers.
- Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Pool
Features a sprawling 3-acre lazy river pool, a zero-entry pool, and a waterslide. A relaxing oasis surrounded by lush landscaping.
- Walt Disney World Resort
Comprises four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom) and two water parks, offering a vast array of attractions, shows, and dining.
- Universal Orlando Resort
Features two theme parks (Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter) and a water theme park (Volcano Bay), known for thrilling rides and immersive experiences.
- SeaWorld Orlando
A marine zoological park and theme park featuring animal shows, aquariums, and thrilling rides.
- LEGOLAND Florida Resort
A theme park designed for families with children aged 2-12, featuring Lego-themed rides, shows, and attractions. Located about 45 minutes southwest of Orlando.