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10/05/2025 • 10 mins
Best things to do in Orlando
Sunny. Fun. Exhilarating. That’s Orlando in a nutshell. It can be hard to make time to see and do everything here, as there’s so much to explore – so planning is essential. It’s best to create an itinerary to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
We’re about to run through all the fun things to do in Orlando. These include activities, events, destinations, and the like.
Discover the best things to do in Orlando with a Hertz car rental. Your Florida adventure starts here. Fasten your seatbelts, we’re going for a ride in The City Beautiful. Ready? Let’s go.
Discovery Cove
6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando, FL 32821
Ever wanted to swim with dolphins? Well, now’s your chance. You can finally tick it off your bucket list with a trip to Orlando’s Discovery Cove. And feed some tropical birds while you’re at it. You can even take selfies with otters, and much more. It’s a great option if you’re travelling with young children – they’ll love it.
You can jump in the Grand Reef to experience the wildlife up close. There are places to grab a bite to eat and catch your breath. If you’re a fan of posting on the ‘gram, it’s a snapping haven. Drive over in your Hertz car rental and dive into a fun escapade.
Universal Orlando Resort
6000 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32819
There are more than a whopping 51 things to do at Universal Orlando Resort. From the Jurassic World VelociCoaster to riding the Hogwarts Express, you’re in for an adrenaline-fueled time that’ll long stay in the memory. Essentially, it’s a five-in-one theme park, which includes Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Epic Universe, Volcano Bay, and Universal CityWalk.
It’s a place where boredom doesn’t exist – with something for both adults and kids to do. You can opt for day passes, or there are hotels on site if you want more time to discover it all. No trip to this neck of the woods is complete without a trip to Universal Orlando Resort, a must-have on your Orlando itinerary.
Explore Universal Orlando Resort
Walt Disney World Resort
Florida, USA
Orlando has lots of theme parks – it’s a buffet of rides and exhilarating fun. Join Mickey Mouse and friends at Walt Disney World Resort, the rival to Universal Orlando Resort. It’s comprised of four theme parks and two water parks, as well as dining, retail, and leisure.
Magic Kingdom lets you see the Cinderella story live show, as well as the Mickey and Friends parade. You can also speed across the globe in a Tron-like run. Step into the world of tomorrow at Epcot, like in the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind attraction. Fancy a splash? Blizzard Beach is a waterpark – a pleasurable way to cool down in the Florida heat.
Orlando International Premium Outlets
International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819
Fancy some retail therapy while in Orlando? Try the International Premium Outlets – a shopper’s paradise with over 180 stores. Armani, Adidas, Boss, Calvin Klein, fashionistas are spoiled for choice. If you’re feeling peckish, you’ve got Asian Chao, Five Guys, Chicken Now, and more to feed your appetite.
It’s 773,586 square feet of shops, welcoming around 17 million visitors annually. A mega-mall, with everything concentrated in one space, removing the inconvenience of walking around a downtown area, for example. Park your Hertz car rental in the parking lot and enjoy International Premium Outlets, one of the top indoor things to do in Orlando.
Everglades
Florida, USA
The Everglades are for those with an adventurous spirit looking for day trips from Orlando. Pique your wanderlust in vast wetlands and waterways. Hop on an airboat and explore the area in thrilling style, catching glimpses of the local wildlife. It’s not just about theme parks and rides in Orlando; if you’re lucky enough, you might spot an alligator, turtles, and exotic birds in their habitat.
It doesn’t have to be fast. If you take your time and slow down, you can really be present here in the glorious surroundings. Golden hour sunsets in panoramic vistas are a photographer’s dream. It’s away from the busy metropolis of downtown Orlando, a way to unwind in green flora and blue waters, while topping up your vitamin D with Floridian rays.
International Drive
International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819
If you fancy some Orlando sightseeing, head to International Drive, also known as I-Drive – a hotpot of entertainment, dining, and a whole lot more. Pop by Madame Tussauds and take selfies with waxworks of famous celebrities such as Dwayne Johnson and Lionel Messi. The Sea Life Aquarium also lets you see the sea life up close. Plus, there’s a melting pot of different gastronomic delights to try at the eateries here, suitable for all budgets alike.
If recreation is more your thing, there’s golfing, bowling, go-karts, axe-throwing and more. If you want to relax and wind down, there are many spa options – such as Orlando Spa Oasis and Armandeus Orlando . Fancy a sing-along? Test out your vocal cords and perform with your friends at O'Shucks Pub & Karaoke Bar. If mystery is your thing, you can test your detective skills and do your best Sherlock Holmes impression at Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows, while feasting on the delicious menu. An eclectic mix of puzzle solving mixed with food.
Lake Eola Park
Orlando, FL 32801
You don’t always need to go miles outside of the center to get away from the hustle and bustle. Experience tranquility is the heart of Orlando at Lake Eola Park, a sidewalk 0.9 miles in length circling the lake. Jetting away to Florida on an amorous couple’s holiday? Taking a stroll by Lake Eola Park is one of the most romantic things to do in Orlando. Bring your partner and take in the calm waters and scenic urban bliss. This is one of the top free things to do in Orlando.
Add to the experience by renting a swan-shaped paddle boat and cruising on the lake itself. There are real swans too; some may even stop by and pose for a picture with you. Experience a variety of hues in the colorful flower beds, which are easy on the eye. Picnic tables let you serve up treats as you relax in the area. And every now and then, there are events held here, such as the Diwali Festival of Lights or sponsored charity walks.
Kia Center
400 West Church Street, Orlando, FL 32801-2515
The Kia Center is where three of Orlando’s sporting franchises call home – the NBA’s Orlando Magic, ECHL’s Solar Bears Ice Hockey, and indoor football’s Orlando Predators. See the athletes up close if you’re lucky to be in town on game day. Concerts are held here too, with the likes of Andrea Bocelli serenading the crowd with their favorite hits.
The numbers are staggering. There are over 200 events, and just over a million visitors here every year. Wrestlemania 33, NCAA March Madness, and the NBA All-Star Weekend have all taken place here historically. There are lots of convenient parking spaces for your Hertz rental car at the arena’s GEICO Garage from SR408 and I-4. If you’re into sports, a trip to the Kia Center is a sure-fire addition to the top 10 things to do in Orlando.
Orlando Science Center
777 East Princeton Street, Orlando, FL 32803
Fan of science? You need to visit the Orlando Science Center, one of the greatest indoor things to do in Orlando. It came to life in 1955, with almost 700,000 visitors walking through the doors every year. The exhibits include the Tiny Green Home, an exhibition paying homage to the importance of sustainability and recycling. There’s also Our Planet, Our Solar System, an interactive exhibition looking at our galaxy.
It's a great place to embrace your curiosity, unleash it and let it run wild while discovering our planet and beyond. The exhibits are hands-on too; you don’t have to be a passive visitor, you can get involved and have an exciting interactive experience. Physics, engineering and maths are just a few of the areas you can get stuck into. What are you waiting for? Add it to your Orlando bucket list – you won’t regret it.
Explore Orlando Science Center
Museum of Illusions Orlando
8375 International Drive, Icon Park Suite #250, Orlando, FL 32819
Reality and fantasy get blurred here at the Museum of Illusions. It’s one mind-bending optical illusion after another here. From the Ames Room to the Infinity Room, they’re designed to bedazzle your senses. There are also holograms, 3D images that constantly change – they even sometimes pop out of their frame. And you’ll get to know a thing or two about the technology itself.
There are great photo opportunities too, some that will make you look bigger than the furniture, and make you appear sideways, or upside down. You’ll be bound to be very present when coming here – the experience breaks the patterns of the norm and helps you step out of your reality. The best part is, it’s one surprise after another; it keeps getting better the more you explore. One of the most fun things to do in Orlando.
Learn more about Orlando
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