Things to do when visiting Orlando that aren’t Theme Parks

Lifestyle
Written By Lindsey Thompson

When most people think of an Orlando vacation, theme parks tend to be a majot part of the agenda. On a flight back from Chicago, I made friends with a couple seated near me that was headed to Orlando for a vacation, and while I was ready to make an entire list of places they should visit and foodie destinations to add into their itinerary, I was gutted to learn they wouldn't be leaving theme park property.

They would be missing an entire world beyond the roller coasters, long, sweaty lines, turkey legs, and screaming children. Whether you're a foodie, an art lover, a nature enthusiast, or someone who likes to explore nooks of different cities to see their shops and personalities, Orlando offers several things to do that have nothing to do with theme parks. From botanical gardens to shopping at local farmers markets, tasting your way through our diverse culinary offerings, the City Beautiful has unique experiences.

As a resident for too many years to mention, I don't frequent the theme parks, and I don't often say there is nothing to do. From Main Street Districts to the suburbs, here's a hearty list of things to do in Orlando that have nothing to do with the theme parks.

Visit a Local Farmers Market

  • Winter Garden on Saturday mornings in Downtown Winter Garden (the best in my opinion)

  • Audubon Park Night Community Market Monday Nights in the Stardust Parking lot (a fav)

  • Downtown on the back end of Lake Eola on Sunday mornings

  • Winter Park on Saturday mornings by New York Ave, blocks from Park Avenue

  • Windermere on Friday mornings at Town Square Park

  • Lake Mary Farmers Market Saturday mornings near City Hall

Explore our Main Streets

College Park

Eats + Drinks to Try:

Audubon Park (Baldwin Park nearby)

Eats + Drinks to Try:

Visit local shops:

Things to do:

Mills 50

Eats + Drinks to Try:

  • Deli Desires - a personal favorite for a breakfast sandwich and coffee - right now they are running a great lunch special combo for $15 which is a great deal

  • The Strand - a personal favorite for dinner. Farm to table fare with a small menu of standards and rotating seasonal specials.

  • Haan - this is currently my favorite coffee shop in Orlando. The drinks are solid, and it is Korean-inspired, so you will find really good seasonals here.

  • Sampaguita - Filipino ice cream shop with unique flavors as well as Halo Halo

  • Death in the Afternoon - a small, moody bar serving up cocktails and small plates

  • Kaya - the only Green Michelin Star restaurant in Orlando. Filipino-inspired with a higher priced tasting or you can sit at the bar and dine a la carte

  • Black Rooster - a beloved Taqueria in the area

  • Phở Hương Lan - a small hole-in-the-wall Pho joint that is a favorite of locals

  • Matcha Cafe Maiko - not local, but a good spot for Matcha drinks and soft serve

  • Veggie Garden (vegan) - this tiny shop has some great vegetarian and vegan options

  • Bamita - a tiny walk-in spot (no seating) for delicious Vietnamese coffee and banh mi sandwiches

  • Qreate Coffee - local coffee shop, great for remote work

Visit local shops:

Museums:

City District (Downtown Orlando)

Eats + Drinks to Try:

Things to Do:

Ivanhoe Village

Eats + Drinks to Try:

Bar Crawl:

Visit local shops:

Milk District

The Milk District is an up-and-coming neighborhood with many young entrepreneurs behind the helm. Just East of downtown, you'll find some very popular eateries and local shops hidden behind sprawling big-box shopping centers.

Eats + Drinks to Try:

Places to Hang, Work, or Meet People:

Things To Do:

Winter Park (not a Main Street District)

Eats + Drinks to Try:

Visit local shops:

Cultural Things to Do:

Non-Touristy Things To Do

Eatonville

Notable places to eat:

Museums:

EXPLORE THE “BURBS”

Altamonte, Casselberry, Longwood, Oviedo, Apopka, Dr. Phillips, Windermere

LOCAL EATS:

LOCAL COFFEE/BOBA

THINGS TO DO:

UCF/East Side

Eats + Drinks:

Things to Do:

  • Mirai Arcade

  • Lots of shopping at the Waterford Lakes Town Center

  • Shows and events at the UCF Arena

  • UCF Arboretum

  • Head to Gamers Inc.

Pine Hills - West Orlando

Eats + Drinks:

Winter Garden

Eats + Drinks:

Local Shops to Check Out:

Things to Do:

  • Explore Plant Street Market (live music on the weekends)

  • Rent a bike and explore the West Orange Trail

  • Visit the popular Farmers Market on Saturday mornings

  • Take in a live show at the Garden Theatre

  • Tour the Winter Garden History Heritage Museum

  • Take your kids to the Splash Pad

  • Winter Garden Railroad Museum

  • Kids Summer Movies at the Garden Theatre

Downtown Kissimmee

Drinks + Eats:

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I was not compensated to make any recommendations. Any people or businesses recommended are those I have personally used during my years of living in Orlando.

All photos are the property of LemonHearted Creative.

Lindsey Thompson
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