Interesting places to visit in Orlando - things to do, sights, and attractions
Orlando is a city of imagination and lakeside calm, a place where world-famous theme parks share the spotlight with serene gardens, inventive cuisine, and creative neighborhoods. Whether you’re here for a family adventure or a weekend of culture and food, the city rewards curious travelers with variety and sunshine. And because the attractions are spread across a wide area, many visitors prefer to rent a car Orlando to move effortlessly between parks, neighborhoods, and nature escapes.
Why Orlando captivates travelers
Beyond the roller coasters and character parades, Orlando offers a balance of outdoor beauty and cultural depth. Lakes sparkle in nearly every neighborhood; leafy streets lead to cozy cafes and murals; and a growing arts scene centers around the Dr. Phillips Center and independent venues. Warm weather most of the year makes it easy to enjoy parks, springs, and nearby beaches. With plentiful car hire deals in Orlando, it’s simple to tailor a trip that moves at your own pace.
Top tourist attractions and must-see places
Walt Disney World Resort
Four theme parks and two water parks create a world of fantasy with nightly fireworks, immersive lands, and world-class dining at Disney Springs. Arrive early to make the most of the day, and consider park-hopping to catch a nighttime spectacular.
Universal Orlando Resort
Two parks plus Volcano Bay water park promise blockbuster rides and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. CityWalk adds nightlife, restaurants, and live music. Driving between Universal, Disney, and I-Drive is easiest with car rental Orlando, letting you start early and beat line rushes.
SeaWorld Orlando & Discovery Cove
From high-thrill coasters to up-close marine encounters, SeaWorld mixes rides and conservation. Discovery Cove, a serene day resort, offers snorkeling over coral reefs and gentle lazy rivers.
ICON Park and The Wheel
International Drive’s entertainment hub features The Wheel, Madame Tussauds, restaurants, and bars. It’s a perfect evening spot after a day at the parks, especially when you rent a car Orlando and can come and go on your own schedule.
Lake Eola Park
In the heart of downtown, swans glide across the water and locals gather for weekend markets. Rent a swan boat or stroll the path at sunset to see the skyline glow.
| Attraction | Distance from Downtown | Typical Drive Time | Parking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walt Disney World (Magic Kingdom) | ~21 mi / 34 km SW | 30–45 min | Large paid lots |
| Universal Orlando Resort | ~9 mi / 14 km SW | 15–25 min | Garages, paid |
| SeaWorld Orlando | ~12 mi / 19 km S | 20–30 min | Surface lots, paid |
| ICON Park (I-Drive) | ~10 mi / 16 km SW | 18–30 min | Garage, often free |
| Orlando Science Center | ~3 mi / 5 km N | 8–12 min | Garage, paid |
| Harry P. Leu Gardens | ~3 mi / 5 km NE | 10–15 min | On-site, free |
| Gatorland | ~15 mi / 24 km S | 25–35 min | On-site, paid |
| Kennedy Space Center | ~55 mi / 88 km E | 60–75 min | On-site, paid |
Drive times vary with traffic and weather.
Distances in Orlando can be deceiving, especially during peak hours. With cheap car hire Orlando, you can arrive before the crowds, stash essentials in the trunk, and easily hop to dinner or a show afterward without juggling multiple transfers.
Best neighborhoods and areas to explore
- Downtown & Lake Eola: Scenic paths, swan boats, food trucks, and festivals. Great for skyline views and Sunday markets.
- Thornton Park & the Milk District: Craftsman homes, indie bars, murals, and beloved bakeries; perfect for an evening stroll.
- Ivanhoe Village & Mills 50: Vintage shops, Asian eateries, street art, and lakefront vistas. Try boba, ramen, and Vietnamese coffee.
- Winter Park: European-style avenues, the Morse Museum’s Tiffany glass, lakeside boat tours, and refined restaurants.
- Baldwin Park & College Park: Lakeside trails, family-friendly dining, and quaint boutiques.
- Winter Garden: A charming historic downtown with a rail-trail, weekend market, and the Plant Street Market food hall.
These districts are spread out, which is why many travelers choose car rental Orlando to experience several in one day-from morning coffee in Mills 50 to sunset on the Winter Park chain of lakes.
Museums, parks, and entertainment
Balance the thrill of theme parks with Orlando’s cultural side. The Orlando Museum of Art and the Mennello Museum (set by a tranquil lake) are perfect for a calm afternoon. The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum in Winter Park houses the world’s most comprehensive collection of Tiffany glass-stained-glass lamps and windows that shimmer like captured light.
Nature lovers can wander the camellias and rose garden at Harry P. Leu Gardens, paddleboard on Lake Ivanhoe, or cool off at Wekiwa Springs State Park. For performance lovers, the Dr. Phillips Center presents Broadway tours and concerts, while the Amway Center hosts big-name acts and the Magic basketball team. With car hire deals in Orlando, reaching a matinee show or an evening kick-off is smooth and stress-free.
Orlando monthly average temperatures
Warm winters and hot summers make outdoor activities possible year-round; pack light layers in winter and plan midday breaks in summer.
Local cuisine and restaurants worth trying
Orlando’s dining scene mirrors its diversity-Latin flavors mingle with Southern comfort and inventive fine dining. Favorite experiences include:
- Winter Park dining: Prato (Italian with flair) and The Ravenous Pig (modern gastropub) are perennial favorites.
- Mills 50 eats: Black Rooster Taqueria for elevated tacos; DOMU for house-made ramen and signature wings.
- Bakeries & brunch: Se7en Bites serves unforgettable Southern-inspired pastries and hearty breakfasts.
- Seafood & raw bars: The Osprey in Baldwin Park highlights Florida seafood with bright, coastal flavors.
- Food halls & markets: East End Market (Audubon Park) and Plant Street Market (Winter Garden) invite grazing from multiple vendors.
Having your own wheels via rent a car Orlando lets you plan progressive dinners-sunset appetizers in Baldwin Park, mains in Winter Park, and dessert downtown-without watching the clock.
Day trips and nearby escapes by car
Orlando sits in the center of Florida, making it a launchpad for memorable day trips:
- Kennedy Space Center (1–1.25 hours): Rocket history, space shuttle Atlantis, and occasional launches you can see and hear.
- Cocoa Beach (1–1.25 hours): Soft sand, surf lessons, and a classic pier-ideal for a sea-breeze afternoon.
- Blue Spring State Park (45 minutes): Winter manatees gather in crystal waters; summer brings tubing and picnics.
- Wekiwa Springs State Park (25 minutes): Spring-fed swimming, shaded trails, and kayaking.
- Mount Dora (40 minutes): Antiques, lake views, and tea rooms in a charming historic town.
- Tampa & Busch Gardens (1.5 hours): Big coasters and Gulf-side city vibes.
Public transportation rarely reaches these places directly. That’s why car rental Orlando is so helpful-turn the key, set your playlist, and chase whatever horizon calls that day.
Practical travel tips: parking, driving, and navigation
- Tolls: Major expressways include SR 528 (Beachline), SR 417, and SR 408. Check your rental’s toll policy-many vehicles support E-PASS/SunPass. If you prefer, bring your own transponder to avoid per-day fees.
- Theme park parking: Expect substantial daily rates (often $30+). Arrive early for closer spots, and note tram service from lots to park gates.
- Downtown parking: Garages are plentiful and signed; many charge hourly or a flat evening rate. ParkMobile and similar apps simplify payment for street spots.
- Traffic & timing: Aim for early park arrivals and take midday breaks. Summer afternoons often bring quick showers-keep a light rain jacket in the car.
- Navigation: I-4 can clog during rush hours. Alternatives like John Young Parkway, Universal Blvd, and Turkey Lake Rd sometimes flow faster.
- Fuel & EV charging: Gas stations line the main corridors; EV fast chargers are growing along International Drive, downtown, and near malls.
To keep costs low, compare cheap car hire Orlando options in advance and look for unlimited mileage and transparent toll policies. Booking early often unlocks better car hire deals in Orlando, especially around holidays and spring break.
FAQ
Do I need a car in Orlando?
You can rely on shuttles and rideshares for a park-focused trip, but a vehicle broadens your options. With car rental Orlando, you can easily visit multiple neighborhoods in one day, reach state parks, or catch a rocket launch on the coast.
When is the best time to visit?
Fall and winter bring mild temperatures and lighter crowds (outside of holidays). Spring is pleasant; summer is hot and great for water parks-use an early/late park strategy and mid-day breaks.
Is parking difficult?
Theme parks have extensive lots; downtown offers garages and metered spots. Plan for fees at major attractions, and verify whether your hotel charges for parking.
Conclusion: the freedom to explore
Orlando’s magic lies in its variety. Theme parks and space exploration, lakes and gardens, independent theaters and inventive cuisine-you’ll find it all within an hour’s drive. Choosing to rent a car Orlando lets you weave these experiences together, at your own rhythm, from sunrise rope drops to twinkling skyline nights.