I live in Florida. Here are 5 things everyone should do in Orlando that have nothing to do with Disney or Universal.
As a Florida local, I go to Orlando often. I like its theme parks, Disney and Universal, but the city has more to offer, from boat tours to spas.
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Megan duBois
- I live in Florida and love exploring Orlando, especially outside the many theme parks.
- The city has Michelin-recommended restaurants, like Bombay Street Kitchen.
- There's also a variety of activities near downtown, like candle making and afternoon tea.
I'm from Jacksonville, Florida, but I frequently love heading to nearby Orlando.
It's obviously home to some of the best theme parks in the world — Disney World and Universal Studios — but the city has so much more to offer.
After visiting Orlando at least twice a month for the past decade, I've found some great activities and places to go beyond the theme parks.
Here are some of my top recommendations.
Megan duBois
One of my favorite things to do in Orlando is head to Winter Park for a scenic boat tour.
The hourlong ride takes passengers through a chain of lakes to see beautiful homes and learn the history of Winter Park.
One of the best parts is that you can bring your own food and drinks. Sometimes, I'll stop at a nearby bakery to grab a breakfast pastry and coffee to enjoy on the ride.
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
There are a host of wonderful restaurants in Orlando, and I love trying them with friends and family.
For a fancy night out, I suggest Capa at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando, which has one Michelin star and exceptional dining.
Although it's technically a Disney partner hotel, it definitely feels far enough removed from the theme parks. The rooftop restaurant does offer great views of Disney World's nightly fireworks, though.
If I'm looking for something more affordable but just as delicious, I love Michelin-recommended Bombay Street Kitchen.
The Indian street-food restaurant is known for its stuffed dosas, chaats, and tandoor-fired meats. Don't skip dessert either — the frozen malai kulfi is a delightful mix of flavors and textures.
Megan duBois
Downtown Orlando and its surrounding neighborhoods have a ton to offer.
For example, on a recent trip, I explored Thornton Park and took an hourlong candle-pouring class at Artifact Candle Foundry. I mixed oils to create a custom scent and hand-poured the wax into the candle base.
The Tea Room Experience is another downtown highlight. Its enchanting afternoon tea is filled with tasty bites, a large menu of teas, and fantastic service. I also loved how cute the room is with its floral decor and teacups on display.
Megan duBois
There are a lot of live-music venues around Orlando, but Judson's Live at the Dr. Phillips Center is a personal favorite.
The cute spot feels more like a speakeasy than a concert hall, and I love that the roster of performances mostly features local artists.
Most shows are about an hour long, which makes it easy to enjoy some live music alongside my other nighttime plans.
Megan duBois
There's nothing better than a spa day. One of my favorites is Conrad Spa Orlando, which is close to the local theme parks but feels worlds away from the crowds and chaos.
It offers a full menu of treatments and a beautiful inside lounge. However, the real star is the outdoor water garden.
The space is filled with lounge chairs, a heated pool, a cold plunge, and a vitality pool guests can use before or after a treatment.
