Best Things to Do in Orlando Beyond the Theme Parks

1. Explore Central Florida Waterways: Best Boating & Sailing Tours & Rentals

Orlando is surrounded by more than 100 scenic lakes and rivers—perfect spots for locals and visitors alike to escape the crowds and enjoy the outdoors. The good news? You don’t need to own a boat to get out on the water. With plenty of boat rental options available, you can either take the helm yourself or choose a private sailing tour with an experienced captain to relax and soak in the views. Either way, Orlando’s lakes offer a refreshing way to explore the city from a whole new perspective.

• Rent a Powerboat – One of the top boat rental services in Central Florida is Boats to You Rentals. Rent a 20-foot party barge pontoon to cruise with friends. Or check out their 12 passenger deck boat for speed and watersports.
• Explore Florida Springs – Central Florida is famous for its bass fishing, gators, gentle manatees—and yes, even wild monkeys. Just two hours from Orlando, Silver Springs offers a one-of-a-kind chance to paddle through crystal-clear springs. Take a tour and explore the diverse wildlife the Sunshine State is known for.  Click on the tours below to learn more about what they offer.

• Book a Private Sailing Tour– You don’t have to head beach-side to enjoy a memorable sailing experience. Sailing Orlando brings the magic of sailing right to Central Florida’s lakes. Named one of the most romantic things to do in Orlando by Orlando Date Night Guide, Sailing Orlando offers private, two-hour cruises aboard a 25-foot MacGregor sailboat. 

• Go Fishing – led by a U.S. Coast Guard–licensed Captain and team, this Orlando Bass Fishing Charter offers private freshwater and saltwater fishing experiences near Orlando. They cater to anglers of all skill levels on lakes like Butler and Lake Conway. Learn more about this experience or book a tour at Native Bass Fishing Charters.

2. Find the Offbeat and Unexpected

There are plenty of attractions and things to do in Central Florida that don’t involve long theme park lines. If you’re craving something a little different, Orlando has some quirky, memorable, off-the-beaten-path experiences to offer.

• Take to the skies with a helicopter tour – See the city from a whole new perspective with an exciting helicopter ride over the theme parks, lakes, or downtown skyline. It’s surprisingly affordable and a great way to snap some unforgettable photos. View the theme parks from the air with this Disney & Seaworld Combo Tour or be a VIP on the Celebrity Grand Tour and fly over homes of famous Florida residents!

• Visit the “Alligator Capital of the World” – Gatorland is one of Orlando’s oldest and most underrated attractions. You can zip line over a swamp of gators, explore a zoo full of native Florida wildlife, feed baby gators and even pose for a photo while sitting on a real-life alligator. It’s way more fun (and less crowded) than you’d expect. Don’t forget a bathing suit: the splash pad is perfect for little ones to cool off after exploring the park.

• Or if you’d rather spot gators in the wild – head down to Kissimmee for a 30-minute airboat ride through the swampy backwaters of Central Florida. It’s a thrilling (and breezy) way to see gators in their natural habitat, along with birds, turtles, and other local wildlife.

• For some indoor family fun, check out Orlando’s arcade scene – Spots like Dave & Buster’s, Main Event, and the Mario Andretti Indoor Karting & Games offer everything from classic arcade games and bowling to high-speed kart racing and virtual reality experiences. Whether you’re looking to challenge friends, enjoy some friendly competition, or just have a blast away from the crowds, these entertainment hubs deliver nonstop action and laughs.

• Who doesn’t love chocolate? Orlando’s only micro-batch chocolate factory & museum offers 45-minute tour through a cacao greenhouse, old-world machinery, and a “river of chocolate,” complete with tastings along the way! Learn more about this tour at the Chocolate Kingdom Adventure Tour and see why we added it as one of the most delicious things to do in Orlando.

3. Get Cultured: Orlando’s Art, History & Local Flair

Orlando’s arts scene is wildly underrated. From vibrant street murals to historic museums and delicious food tours, there’s no shortage of ways to experience the real Central Florida.

• Downtown Art & Food Tour – Experience Orlando’s creative side with a guided walk-through galleries, murals, and historic landmarks—plus tasty bites along the way. It’s a perfect blend of art, culture, and local flavor in the heart of the city. Check out what this tour’s about – Click Here.

• Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales is a peaceful, 250-acre sanctuary with lush landscapes, walking trails, and iconic Singing Tower carillon. Built in 1929, this National Historic Landmark offers incredible views from one of Florida’s highest points, a charming café, kid zone play area, and seasonal concerts and events. It’s the perfect day trip for garden lovers and history buffs.

• Located west of Orlando in Clermont, Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards is Florida’s largest premium winery nestled on a scenic 127‑acre estate. Join daily guided tours and tastings (last tour at 4 pm), sip award-winning wines made from the native Muscadine grape and sample local bites.

• Discover your creative side at KT Artistry, in a step‑by‑step art classes for beginners and experienced painters alike. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed paint‑and‑sip evening or a structured beginner workshop, everything you need is provided — just bring your inspiration and enjoy the fun. Seach for classes here.

• Explore contemporary exhibits at the Orlando Museum of Art. Located in Loch Haven Park, this cultural staple hosts art festivals, events and family-friendly workshops.

• Take a stroll down the brick-lined streets of Park Avenue in Downtown Winter Park. Browse local art galleries, catch a show at the Winter Park Playhouse, or visit the Morse Museum. Boutique shops and sidewalk cafés line the streets, making it the perfect place to soak up some culture, savor delicious food, or enjoy wine tastings at The Wine Room—all just minutes from Orlando.

4. Eat Like a Local

Theme park food is fine, but let’s be honest — you can do way better. Check out some of our favorite local restaurants and foodie tours you can only find in Central Florida.

• Maxine’s on Shine (Downtown Orlando) – Nestled in the heart of Downtown Orlando, Maxine’s on Shine is a cozy, artsy bistro that has become a beloved local gem. Founded and lovingly run by the Thompson family for over 15 years, this family-owned bistro serves up comfort food classics with a twist. Enjoy great wine and live music on the weekends. Find their menu and learn more here.

• The Polite Pig (Disney Springs) – Owned by local chefs James & Julie Petrakis, the Polite Pig brings a modern twist to classic BBQ with smoked meats, house-made sauces, and craft cocktails. It’s a sleek, contemporary spot with local flavor near the tourist side of Orlando. Check it out!

• Café Tu Tu Tango (International Drive) – A vibrant celebration of food, art, and culture – this Orlando-original tapas restaurant serves up a creative menu of globally inspired small plates—like Thai shrimp skewers, street corn, and Cuban sliders. Enjoy local artists and live performers, an eclectic vibe, and shareable dishes.  It’s one of the most unique dining experiences in Orlando. Learn more and make a reservation!

• Cavo’s Bar & Kitchen (Thornton Park, Orlando) – A family-owned local favorite since 2019, Cavo’s blends Northeast-style bar food—think Philly cheesesteaks, meatball subs, and scratch-made wings—with a lively, sports-bar atmosphere in the heart of Thornton Park. Definitely the place to watch the Eagles game. Check them out or follow them on Instagram.

• Big John’s Rockin’ BBQ (Downtown Kissimmee) – Right in historic downtown Kissimmee, this casual smokehouse serves up pulled pork, brisket, and ribs with classic sides. The rock ‘n roll theme and live music give it a fun, family-friendly vibe. See what they serve.

• Or take a guided food tour to find hidden gems, hear stories of the city’s history and sample bites from local restaurants. Check our some these Orlando Foodie tours!

Final Thoughts on Things to do in Orlando

Orlando is so much more than thrill rides and character breakfasts. From scenic lakes, to vibrant local eats, cultural gems, and alligators–  there’s a whole other side of The City Beautiful waiting to be explored.

So if you’re looking to skip the crowds, ditch the turnstiles, and find new things to do in Orlando— you’ve got options. And believe us, they’re a lot more relaxing than standing in a 90-minute line for a 60-second ride. Whether you’re a local looking for new places to visit, or a tourist looking to explore Central Florida, we hope you enjoyed this roundup of alternative experiences beyond the theme parks.