55 Best Things to Do in Orlando for Adults (2024)

Looking for fun things to do in Orlando as adults? It’s no secret that Orlando is a world-famous family destination. However, this city also has plenty for adults searching for fun and excitement while on vacation.

1. Disney Springs

Disney Springs is the free-to-enter entertainment district at the Walt Disney World Resort. Here, you’ll find plenty of attractions and entertainment options, including:

• Splitsville Bowling Alley
• AMC Movie Theatre
• Cirque du Soleil
• Aerophile

There are also several stores here, including the largest Disney Store in the world. However, my favourite thing to do at Disney Springs is eating!

Disney Springs is home to a great range of restaurants. Some of my favourites include:

• Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill
• The Boathouse
• The Daily Poutine

2. Kennedy Space Center

I’m not that into space. Therefore, I’ve often overlooked NASA’s Kennedy Space Center when visiting Orlando.

That was until my most recent trip to Florida when I decided to drive out to the coast. I only expected to spend a couple of hours at Kennedy Space Center.

However, this incredible, thought-provoking attraction kept me engaged all day. In fact, even with six hours here, I still didn’t get to experience everything!

3. Winter Park

The nearby Winter Park proves that the Orlando area is more than just theme parks.

This city is known for its tree-lined avenues and sprawling parks and has much to offer visitors. Some of my favourite things to do at Winter Park include:

• Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour
• Kraft Azalea Garden, Mead Botanical Garden
• The Winter Park History Museum
• Rollins Museum of Art
• The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art

4. Universal Orlando Resort

The Universal Orlando Resort is currently home to two theme parks:

• Universal Studios Florida
• Universal’s Islands of Adventure

These two theme parks are joined by the entertainment complex CityWalk and the Hogwarts Express.

The proximity of Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure means you can visit both theme parks in one day. However, if this is your first visit to the Universal Orlando Resort, I’d suggest 2 – 3 days here where possible.

5. My Beer Spa

My Beer Spa combines two of the best adult activities:

• Relaxing at a spa
• Drinking cold beer

Though bathing in beer may seem strange, it is incredibly relaxing and great for your skin. That’s because beer contains anti-inflammatory ingredients that help in skin rejuvenation.

6. Titanic: Artifact Exhibition

The Titanic Artifact Exhibition is one of the most popular attractions in Orlando. Here, you’ll get to explore the Titanic’s history and tragedy. As you enter the exhibition, you’ll be transported to the grandeur of the Titanic’s era with:

• Artefacts recovered from the ocean floor
• Engaging displays
• Historical information
• Multimedia presentations

7. CityWalk, Universal Orlando Resort

Universal CityWalk is the free entertainment district at the Universal Orlando Resort. Located just outside of the theme park gates, this area is a combination of:

• Stores
• Restaurants
• Entertainment

Some of my favourite things to do at Universal CityWalk include:

• Watching films at the Universal Cinemark Cinema
• Playing mini-golf at Hollywood Drive-In Golf
• Shopping at the Universal Studios Store

8. ICON Park

ICON Park is a free-to-enter entertainment complex on International Drive. This area is home to an extensive range of:

• Attractions
• Dining
• Live Music
• Stores

Popular attractions and activities at ICON Park include:

• The Orlando Starflyer
• The Orlando Museum of Illusions
• SeaLife Center
• Madame Tussauds wax museum
• The Wheel

9. Orlando Magic

If you are a fan of sports, then be sure to visit The Amway Center in Downtown Orlando. This venue is home to the world-famous NBA team, the Orlando Magic.

The Orlando Magic typically play 40 home games throughout the season. As such, if you’re in Orlando at the right time, then you can catch a game!

However, even if games aren’t being played at The Amyway Center, you can still tour the stadium and visit the Orlando Magic’s official store.

10. Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World

Magic Kingdom is one of the most popular theme parks in the USA – if not the world. Before having children, I visited Magic Kingdom with my wife on our trips to Orlando.

So, while the best age to visit Disney World is between 3 and 9 years old, don’t let that put you off visiting this epic theme park as adults without kids.

Magic Kingdom is one of four theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort. It is perfect for those who love Disney nostalgia and princesses.

11. Downtown Orlando

If you want a more laid-back Orlando trip, consider heading downtown. This area of the city provides an authentic taste of city life with:

• Trendy Cafes
• Diverse eateries
• Eclectic shops.

Some of the top entertainment venues in Downtown Orlando include Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and The Amway Center. However, the centrepiece of Downtown Orlando is the serene Lake Eola Park.

12. Florida Mall

The Florida Mall is the third largest shopping mall in Florida. Home to more than 200 stores, you’ll find everything from luxury fashion to high-street brands here. Some of the most popular stores at the Florida Mall include:

• Hot Topic
• Apple
• BoxLunch
• American Girl
• GameStop
• Bath & Body Works
• Build-A-Bear Workshop
• Coach
• Zara
• Victoria’s Secret
• Uniqlo
• Vans

13. Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World

Animal Kingdom is one of four theme parks at Disney World and is less ‘Disneyfied’ than Magic Kingdom. This makes Animal Kingdom a popular choice for adults visiting Walt Disney World.

One of the highlights of Animal Kingdom is the Kilimanjaro Safari. This hour-long experience takes you out in an open-air vehicle for a guided tour of the savanna. During this tour, you’ll likely see some of the park’s residents roaming free, including:

• Giraffes
• Lions
• Tigers
• Hippos
• Cheetas

14. Blue Spring State Park

Blue Spring State Park is around an hour’s drive north of Orlando. This park is best known as a winter refuge for West Indian manatees. However, it’s also an excellent place for outdoor activities.

Popular things to do at Blue Spring State Park include:

• Swimming
• Snorkelling
• Scuba diving
• Canoeing
• Kayaking

15. Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World

Another of the more mature parks at Disney World is Hollywood Studios. This theme park has dedicated areas for Toy Story and Star Wars and several thrilling rides. Some of my personal favourites include:

• The Hollywood Tower of Terror
• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
• Slinky Dog Dash

Hollywood Studios also has some fantastic immersive dining experiences, including:

• Oga’s Cantina
• Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater
• Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano

16. Harry P. Leu Gardens

Harry P. Leu Gardens is a 50-acre garden established by Mr. Harry P. Leu and his wife, Mary Jane, who travelled the world collecting unique plants and seeds. The garden is divided into several sections, including:

• The Rose Garden: Home to 200 different varieties of roses.
• The Butterfly Garden: Home to various species of native butterflies.

You can explore these gardens at your own pace or take a guided tour. Alternatively, the park hosts several special events throughout the year.

17. SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando offers a unique blend of thrilling rides and animal encounters. This theme park is home to a variety of marine animals, including:

• Killer whales
• Dolphins
• Sealions

In addition to its animal encounters, Seaworld boasts several thrilling rides. My personal favourite is Mako, the tallest, fastest and longest rollercoaster in Orlando.

18. EPCOT

EPCOT is one of four theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort. Adults often favour this theme park given the more mature theming and special events such as:

• The Food & Wine Festival
• The Flower & Garden Festival

EPCOT was often overlooked by both imagineers and guests visiting Walt Disney World. However, the park has just undergone the most expensive refurbishment in Disney’s history. This includes:

• New rides
• New attractions
• New dining experiences

This means EPCOT is, now more than ever, a fantastic theme park in Orlando.

19. TopGolf Orlando

TopGolf Orlando is a golfing entertainment venue. Think of it like bowling but for golf. Players can choose from various games with different objectives for all skill levels.

This modern facility includes several private golfing booths, a bar and a restaurant. This makes TopGolf perfect for an afternoon or evening activity while in Orlando.

20. Helicopter Ride

Orlando is home to several helicopter tour companies. These tours are perfect for an adrenaline junkie looking to see some of the city’s famous landmarks and attractions from above.

However, my favourite helicopter tour company in Orlando is MaxFlight Helicopter Services. This company offers three different tours, each with narration from a highly-trained pilot.

21. Fun Spot America

Fun Spot is one of Florida’s oldest theme park brands, with two locations: Orlando and Kissimmee.

These theme parks aren’t as modern or high-end as Disney World or Universal Studios. However, they are much more affordable, making them a great place to visit if you’re in Orlando on a budget.

22. Orlando Brewing

Orlando Brewing is Florida’s only organic brewery offering a range of locally brewed beers on tap. Unsurprisingly, the main focus of this brewery is beer. However, there’s also a small food menu for those looking to visit this venue over lunch or dinner.

23. Orlando Museum of Art

The Orlando Museum of Art is located in Loch Haven Cultural Park. This renowned museum showcases a diverse collection of artworks from various periods. From contemporary pieces to traditional artworks.

24. Discovery Cove

Discovery Cove is a unique animal interaction location. Here, you can swim with bottlenose dolphins, snorkel with tropical fish and even hand-feed exotic birds. A trip to Discovery Cove is ‘all-inclusive’ and includes:

• Unlimited food, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages
• Select beers and wines (for guests 21 and older)
• Animal safe sunscreen
• Lockers
• Wetsuit rental
• Snorkel rental

25. Quantum Leap Downtown Winery

Situated in Downtown Orlando is Quantum Leap Winery. Here, you’ll find some of the best wines in Florida. Quantum Leap Winery has a unique and affordable wine selection which can be enjoyed on the patio.

26. Volcano Bay

Volcano Bay is, in my opinion, the best water park in Orlando. Part of the Universal Orlando Resort, this incredible water park features 20 waterslides across 27 acres.

One unique feature of Volcano Bay is the free waterproof TapuTapu wristband. A TapuTapu eliminates standing in line for attractions. Instead, you can use a TapuTapu to:

• Hold your place in the water park’s virtual lines
• Open your Volcano Bay locker
• Make cash-free payments

27. SAK Comedy Lab

If you’re looking for a unique place to spend an evening in Orlando, then be sure to check out SAK Comedy Lab. This 250-seat comedy club has entertained audiences with performances for over 40 years.

The price for a ticket to one of the comedy shows here will vary depending on the event. All show timetables and prices are available on the Sak Comedy Lab website.

28. Teatro Martini

Teatro Martini is one of the most fun things to do on an evening in Orlando. This lively theatre is a great place to have a unique dining experience that you can’t find anywhere else.

The pirate-themed Teatro Martini is a circus meets speakeasy. You can enjoy funny, crazy, and entertaining shows while having premium-quality food and drink.

The shows at Teatro Martini include comedy skits, clowns, magicians, and acrobats. The award-winning performers and intricate choreographies are a lot of fun to watch.

29. Typhoon Lagoon

Typhoon Lagoon is one of two Walt Disney World Resort water parks. This incredible water covers 56 acres and recently underwent a 4-month refurbishment.

This water park typically sees more families with young children than the nearby Volcano Bay. So, if you want a more mature water park experience, skip Typhoon Lagoon!

30. Aprons Cooking School

Aprons Cooking School has the most unique dining experience on this list. Not only will you savour elaborate dishes, but you’ll also learn a couple of cooking tricks to try at home.

The instructors at Aprons are professional and friendly as well. Most importantly, they’re passionate about food. Further, their engagement makes the cooking demonstration rather fun.

If you want to avoid a cooking class as part of your dinner, you’ll still enjoy the delicious food and the perfect wine pairing.

31. Lakeridge Winery

Lakeridge Winery is tucked away in the rolling hills of Clermont, a 30-minute drive from Orlando. This is the largest winery in Florida and a great place to visit if you’re interested in wine.

Lakeridge Winery offers complimentary guided tours and tastings daily. Here, you’ll have the chance to taste some of the expertly crafted wine made here, which will leave a memorable impression on your palate.

32. Aquatica Orlando

Aquatica is another of Orlando’s famous water parks. This fantastic water park is unique in that it combines animal interactions with incredible water rides. One of my favourite rides at Aquatica is Reef Plunge.

Reef Plunge shoots you down an enclosed, clear waterslide that passes through a dolphin-filled aquarium.

33. Island H2O Waterpark

Island H2O is part of the Margaritaville Resort. This water park combines epic slides with technology, giving it a modern twist.

One of the most popular water slides at Island H2O is Live Streaming. This unique ride lets you choose a theme, music, and lighting – you can even film the ride experience and share it on social media.

34. Central Florida Zoo

Located in Sanford, a 30-minute drive from Downtown Orlando, is the Central Florida Zoo. This zoo and botanical gardens have more than 350 animals, including:

• Leopards
• Cheetahs
• Giraffes

There’s also a petting zoo and feeding station for those looking to get hands-on with the animals.

35. Airboat Swamp Tour

Florida boasts extensive untamed wetlands, which are best explored aboard an airboat. Thankfully, there are several companies offering airboat rides near Orlando. However, my favourite company is Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures.

Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures offers a variety of tours, each of which has an informative and entertaining guide.

36. Chocolate Museum & Cafe

The Chocolate Museum & Café educates and immerses you in the rich world of chocolate. Here you’ll learn about:

• The origins of cocoa beans
• The chocolate-making process
• The cultural significance chocolate has around the world

You’ll also find several intricate chocolate sculptures and displays. Each showcases the artistry and craftsmanship behind chocolate creations.

37. Gatorland

Gatorland is one of the oldest attractions in Central Florida. Home to thousands of alligators and crocodiles, you can safely observe these reptiles in their natural habitat here.

Gatorland offers various shows and educational demonstrations. However, I recommend the “Screamin’ Gator Zip Line” for those seeking thrills.

Admission into Gatorland is incredibly affordable. Especially compared to other attractions in Orlando, making it a popular choice for those visiting the city on a budget.

38. iFLY Orlando Indoor Skydiving

Located off International Drive, you’ll find the iFLY indoor skydiving arena. This facility has been specially designed to allow guests to experience the feeling of skydiving.

During your flight, you’ll be guided by experienced instructors. The event lasts 45 minutes, during which you’ll learn how to maintain stability and control inside the wind tunnel.

39. Orlando International Premium Outlets

If you love to shop, then be sure to visit the Orlando Premium Shopping Outlet. There are two Premium Outlets in Orlando:

1. International Drive
2. Vineland

Each location has more than 100 different stores selling items at a discount of up to 80% compared to the RRP. Some of my favourite stores at the Orlando Premium Outlets include:

• Disney’s Character Warehouse
• Coach
• Nike
• Adidas
• Yankee Candle

40. The Escape Game

There are several escape rooms in Orlando. However, my personal favourite is The Escape Game.

This venue has six different themed escape rooms for visitors to choose from. Each room requires you to work together to solve puzzles before the timer runs out.

41. Medieval Times

Medieval Times is one of the best dinner shows in Orlando. Here, you’ll journey to the age of knights, kings, and chivalry. Witness epic battles, jousting tournaments, and displays of bravery as knights compete for victory.

You’ll be transported into a medieval realm as you enter the grand castle. Enjoy a delicious meal fit for royalty and be engrossed in this multi-award-winning performance.

42. ICEBAR Orlando

As the name suggests, ICEBAR is an Orlando bar made entirely of ice. ICEBAR is an excellent spot to hang out with friends and take fun pictures. Since it can get a little chilly there, the staff provides you with coats and gloves to keep you warm.

43. Nearby Beaches

There are still several beaches near Orlando, perfect for a day trip. These beaches offer a variety of activities, including:

• Fishing
• Dune crawling
• Surfing
• SUP

44. Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens is located in Tampa Bay, a short drive from Orlando. This incredible adventure park combines world-class rollercoasters with an immersive animal safari.

The format of Busch Gardens is similar to Animal Kingdom. However, the rides at Busch Gardens are significantly more thrilling.

45. ESPN Wide World of Sports

The ESPN Wide World of Sports is a must-visit if you’re into sports. Spread across 220 acres, this state-of-the-art complex is home to ten world-class venues.

As such, the ESPN Wide World of Sports can accommodate 60 different sports, including:

• Softball
• Track
• Baseball
• Football
• Soccer

46. Fruitland Park

A one-hour drive from Orlando is Fruitland Park. This city offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and historic charm. There are several historical and cultural landmarks here, including:

• The Casino Community Center
• Gardenia Park
• Lake Griffin State Park

47. Classic Car Show

Every Saturday, you’ll find the incredible Classic Car Show in the Old Town of Kissimmee.

This event has been taking place for over 30 years and is a nostalgic throwback to a bygone era. The parade features many custom, exotic, and special interest vehicles that will impress.

48. Andretti Indoor Karting & Games

Andretti is one of the most popular indoor entertainment arenas in Orlando. Popular activities here include:

• Go-Karting
• Laser Tag
• Ropes Course
• Arcade Games
• Virtual Reality

However, one word of warning. Visiting Andretti Indoor Karting & Games can be expensive since you must pay for each attraction separately.

49. Putting Edge

Putting Edge is a mini-golf course that takes you through an immersive and vibrant world.

Walking around the mini golf course, you’ll be surrounded by glowing artwork and neon lights. All of which results in a one-of-a-kind mini-golf adventure that combines skill and fun.

50. Farmers Market

Orlando and the surrounding area are home to several farmers’ markets. Each market has a delightful mix of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and local crafts. Some of my favourite markets near Orlando include;

• Winter Park Farmers’ Market
• Lake Eola Farmers’ Market
• Maitland Farmers’ Market
• Clermont Farmers Market

51. Little Big Econ State Forest

A 30-minute drive from Orlando is Little Big Econ State Forest. This sprawling nature preserve covers over 10,279 acres and is a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

A highlight of Little Big Econ State Forest is the trails. These extensive trail systems cater to hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders alike.

52. Mennello Museum of American Art

The Mennello Museum of American Art is located inside Howard Phillips’ house in Loch Haven Park. This captivating cultural institution celebrates the richness and diversity of American art.

The curated exhibits offer a comprehensive view of American art from traditional to contemporary.

53. Kelly Park

Kelly Park is roughly a 30-minute drive from Orlando. This incredible park is best known for its natural spring, Rock Springs.

Rock Springs maintains a consistent temperature of 68°F year round and feeds into a crystal-clear creek. One of the best activities for adults in Orlando is tubing along this one-mile-long natural water ride. Tubes can be rented from vendors outside the park. Alternatively, you can bring your own.

54. Semoran Skateway

The Semoran Skateway is the perfect place for a nostalgic roller skating experience. This beloved roller skating rink has been a local favourite for decades.

With a range of skating sessions, including open skate times and themed events, there’s a skating event here for everyone.

55. Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park

Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park is the most thrilling obstacle adventure in Orlando. This venue is perfect for thrill-seekers looking to traips through the treetops.

The Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park offers several different party packages. Alternatively, single-person entry can be bought online or in person.