Adventurous Things to do in Orlando

There are so many interesting things to do in Orlando, it’s hard to know where to start. Forever exciting and full of life, the City Beautiful has much to offer for the adventurous explorer – you just need to know where to look! The city’s world-famous theme parks are an absolute must-visit for thrillseekers coming to the area. There are a lot of other entertainment opportunities at hand too, for those just looking to relax. If you want to get active, make sure to check out some of the area’s beautiful green spaces. So, if you’re planning to make the trip have a read through our guide of the best things to see and experience in the area.

Have Fun Outdoors

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Calling all outdoorsy types! If you’re looking explore the natural beauty of Orlando, look no further than Disney Wilderness Preserve. Situated just south of the city, this spot provides the perfect way to view animals in their natural habitat in a kind and considerate way. Covering over 12, 000 acres of lakes and flatwoods, the reserve offers a fantastic respite from the city. This place is especially well-recognized for its diverse array of plants and wildlife, with over 1,000 species thriving on its premises. At the park, you can hike along the footpaths or take off-road buggy tours to learn more about the environment around you. In addition, the park offers a lot of exciting recreational activities, including swimming, movie nights, and campfire activities. No matter what you choose to do, we’re sure it’ll be great!

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For those looking to kick things up a notch, don’t worry – we've got you covered! Bringing the thrill of exercise into a beautiful outdoor space, Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park provides a thoroughly unique entertainment experience for you and your loved ones. Built into the natural pine forests of Kissimmee, this invigorating aerial obstacle course works to test your balance, strength, and sense of adventure. Travel treetop to treetop on Tarzan ropes. Fly through the trees on daring ziplines. Challenge your friends with 50-foot-high climbing ladders. As exciting as it is unique, this one would make the perfect family day trip.

Make a Splash

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If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, then you just might enjoy the next item on our list. A fantastic fit for Orlando weather, Universal’s Volcano Bay is the perfect tropical-themed waterpark that wins our vote. Not exactly one for the faint-hearted, this place offers a broad variety of edgy and exhilarating rides to be enjoyed. Make a splash on the Taniwha Tubes. Test your limits through many twists and turns on the Krakatau Aqua Coaster. For the bravest of guests only, brave a 125-foot drop on the Ko'okiri Body Plunge. The waterpark also has a beach area, cabanas, and many great food options. With so much do and experience, Universal Bay makes for the ultimate action-packed family day out. We love this place because it’s impossible to leave without a huge smile spread across your face.

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Seated along the southeastern coastline, the city can get pretty hot and sometimes humid throughout the year. Thankfully, the Orlando Watersports Complex provides a great way to take a break from the heat with a wide array of activities to keep you entertained. A great stop for sporty types and nature lovers alike, this place is recognized as one of the largest wakeboard parks within the United States. The park offers a whole host of exciting and challenging watersports, from waterskiing and kneeboarding to paddleboarding and boating. If you’re a beginner, there’s no need to panic – you’ll have experienced professionals to guide you along, as well as the right equipment to ensure personal safety. If you’re looking for a new to appreciate the great outdoors, this place has it down.

Have a Blast!

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Of course, when visiting Orlando, you’re likely to be making a stop at some of its famous theme parks – it's practically a requirement, really. Still, with so many to choose from, it can be overwhelming to pick a spot – but that’s where we come in! A resounding favorite for millions of visitors to the Sunshine State, the Magic Kingdom is recognized for being one of the most popular theme parks in the world. A total classic for families and group travellers alike, this place pretty much has it all. With an impressive offering of over 40 attractions, rides, and shopping destinations, you’ll never be bored here; more likely, you’ll be hard-pressed to fit everything in! Favorites include Space Mountain, It’s a Small World, and Country Bear Jamboree. Staying true to its reputation, the park brings the magic of Disney to life for visitors of all ages.

As one of the busiest cities in the United States, sometimes it can be difficult to fit in all that Orlando has to offer. Luckily, Bob’s Balloons offers visitors the opportunity to admire it all from way up high. Yup, you heard us. Take to the skies in a hot air balloon for an exciting one-of-a-kind experience. Float peacefully over the bustling streets and wondrous swamplands whilst spotting famous attractions as you go. Whilst you fly, learn more about the city from your pilot. A thoroughly exciting and unique experience, the hot air balloon provides a new perspective of the city. Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture snapshots of yourself in the sky!

Orlando is a city made for adventure. With a fantastic mix of urban and nature attractions, you’ll always find something to keep you busy. The city’s world-class amusement parks typically come to mind when people first think of the City Beautiful. Still, if you do your research, you’ll find that there’s a lot more to be discovered. If you’re looking to explore the wilderness, Orlando presents no shortage of unique activities set against the backdrop of its remarkable flatwoods and swamplands. For sports enthusiasts, there are countless training venues to be enjoyed. And for those who are looking for something a little different, the city goes all out with a broad range of one-of-a-kind experiences and day trips to be enjoyed. Wherever your interests may lie, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes. To make the best out of your vacation, check out Go City’s All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass. For more information, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.

Sarah Harris
Go City Travel Expert

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Where to Stay in Orlando

Blessed by year-round beautiful weather and sunny skies, Orlando is best known for its major attractions like Magic Kingdom, Universal Studios, and Seaworld. For anyone making their way to the City Beautiful for the first time, choosing a place to stay can be a little overwhelming. Still, we’re here to tell you that there’s no single winning spot to make your roots – rather, you should choose somewhere to suit your vacation plans and reasons for visiting. If you’re looking to hit the theme parks, then International Drive is where you’ll want to be. For nightlife and culture, you couldn’t do much better than downtown Orlando. Or, to live like the locals, check out Eatonville. Wherever you choose to stay in the city, you’ll have a great time. Check out our list for further guidance on which area would be right for you. International Drive Whilst there’s much to see and do everywhere in the city, International Drive remains a popular tourist hotspot for its proximity to the city’s most famous attractions. Stay here, and you’ll be well within reach of top theme parks like Magic Kingdom, Universal Studios, and Aquatica. Though its theme parks are the area’s main draw, if you conduct a little research you’ll find ample reason to love this vibrant area of the city. Not unlike the ‘Vegas Strip’, the area offers clusters of hotels, restaurants, shops and attractions to choose from. From great entertainment districts to fun shopping opportunities, International Drive really has it all. Serving as a major tourist corridor since 1972, this area provides accommodation choices for all types of travellers. No matter what price range or style you’re looking for, you’re sure to find something to suit you. Travelling is made easy in this part of the city, with excellent bus services and even some hotels offering free shuttles to the main amusement parks. Whether you’re travelling with family or going solo, we recommend this spot for those who like to be in the center of all the action. Kissimmee Another great option for tourists is of course Kissimmee. A little further out from all the hustle and bustle, this area presents a great mix of nature and urban attractions to keep everybody happy. Whilst the area is still very close to Orlando’s most famous theme parks, you’ll find that there’s so much more to love about Kissimmee. From Fun Spot America to the Monument of States, there’s a lot to see here. Most visitors rent out condos or villas in gated communities, creating a relaxed vibe that is ideal for families and big groups. If you decide to go down this route, you’ll have access to the community park, clubhouse, and a common pool. A tried-and-true classic, there’s no going wrong when you stay in Kissimmee. Winter Park For those looking to explore a different side of the city, Winter Park may be your best bet. Once considered a winter resort, this charming area presents much to do for culture vultures and art lovers. For those with a thirst for knowledge, the area has the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum, Cornell Fine Arts Museum and Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum amongst many others. It doesn’t stop there though – Winter Park is also a prime destination for nature lovers, with over 70 parks in the vicinity which host various events, festivals and celebrations throughout the year. Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun or catch a late-night movie under the stars, you’ll never be bored in Winter Park. Staying in this area also means that you’ll still be super close to all those quintessential Orlando attractions, without feeling overwhelmed by them. Win-win! Eatonville If you’re looking for somewhere a little bit more relaxed, why try Eatonville? Located just a few miles north of the city, this area is often recognized for its unique history, as it was one of the first all-black self-governing municipalities in the United States. Today, this thriving cultural gem is a great place to stay in the city, offering something a little different from your typical Orlando vacation. Here, you’ll find fantastic one-of-kind cultural amenities, including the Zora Neale Hurston Museum and the Moseley House which are well worth the visit. Its dining and drinking scenes boast killer bars and restaurants – try southern-style fried fish at Soul Food Fantasy, or for something a little sweet, head over to DaJen Eats Café & Creamery. Offering a laidback ‘’live like the locals’’ experience, we love this spot because it allows us to see more of the area. Downtown Last but most certainly not least, we recommend downtown Orlando for those traveling without kids. Matching the vibrant energy of Winter Park, the city’s historic center is known as a total hub of cultural activity. Daytime attractions are definitely not far and few between; with the Amway Center, Lake Eola Park, and Wells’ Built Museum just a stone's throw away, there’s a lot to see here. Come nightfall, the area is fun and bustling with life. If you’re wondering about dining options (and let’s be real, why wouldn’t you be?) don’t worry – the area presents some of the best bars and restaurants in the city. Getting around the area is pretty simple – you can hail down passing cabs, check out the city’s metropolitan bus system, or just walk it. Never one to disappoint, we particularly love this area to stay in because it’s always reforming itself, coming up with cool and interesting new things to do. Crammed with iconic sites and bursting with fun, Orlando is well-recognized as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. A trip to the City Beautiful is a dream come true for many, so putting the right amount of research into where you stay is key. Whether you’re looking to hit the theme parks, visit the area’s best museums, or just relax, your chosen location will play heavily into your vacation. Of course, there isn’t one spot that is truly best for everyone – just one that is right for you. Wherever you choose to stay, just remember – the city is what you make of it. See the sites, discover new things, and most importantly, have fun! To find out how to save money on your trip, check out our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass. For more details, make sure to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
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5 Days in Orlando

With so much to see, do and experience in sunny Orlando, it should come as no surprise that the city is one of America’s top tourist destinations. The best things to do in the area run the gamut – from out-of-this-world fun to greatly educational. Those seeking a little adventure are sure to find it here – with famous theme parks like Disney World and Universal Studios right at your fingertips, you’ll never be bored. Or, how about soaking up the sun at Orlando’s unique nature reserves? If you still have time to venture downtown, make sure to check out the fantastic cultural institutions in the area and grab a bite at some of the city’s best restaurants. Whatever your pleasure, you’re sure to find something for you. Still, don’t worry if it's all a little bit overwhelming – that's what we’re here for! If you’re planning to make the visit, check out our list of the best things to do in the area. Let’s get started! Day 1 - See The Sites Travelling can be exhausting for many, which is why we’re starting off with something a little more low-key. If you’re looking for a relaxed day trip to kick off your vacation in the City Beautiful, look no further than the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. As fascinating as it is engaging, this museum works to present a comprehensive view of space travel and aviation for a broad audience. The center is divided into ‘’Mission Zones’’, each focusing on different areas of space travel – from the Race to the Moon to the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, this place has all the bases covered. Still, if you’re coming to step into the shoes of a real astronaut, you won’t be disappointed. Perhaps the institute’s biggest draw, the institute’s Shuttle Launch Experience recreates a rocket’s takeoff into orbit. Offering a fantastic educational experience for those of all ages, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend our first afternoon in the city. Come evening time, we recommend checking out Universal CityWalk where the fun never stops coming. Drawing in the crowds all throughout the year, this popular tourist attraction is known for providing world-class entertainment, shopping and dining options of all kinds. Before grabbing a bite to eat, we recommend checking out some of the fun activities available; challenge your friends and family with a game of minigolf, catch a movie at the Cinemark theater, or even partake in a spot of karaoke – the choice is yours! This walkable entertainment district also boasts a wide variety of restaurants and dinner shows to choose from to keep everybody happy. Whether you’re looking for elevated American fare or easy quick service options, you’re sure to find it here. Great for those travelling with family, there’s a little something for everybody here. Day 2 - Hit the Theme Parks Of course, you can’t visit Orlando without checking out Magic Kingdom. Quite possibly the most famous theme park in the world, this legendary stop is not only a major part of the city’s identity, but plays into American identity as a whole. Bringing iconic Disney productions to life for generations, this place is often billed as ‘’the happiest place on earth’’ - and with good reason. To prepare for visiting, we recommend wearing your comfiest walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothes – and bringing lots of sunscreen! With over 40 rides, attractions and shopping destinations to choose from, there’s a whole lot to see here in just one day. Don’t worry about fitting it all in – just make sure you get to see your favorites! Remember to take some snaps to capture those great memories whilst you’re there. We recommend staying at the park until the evening time, since Disney runs a spectacular firework show over its famous Cinderella Castle – trust us when we say that you won’t want to miss it! Day 3 - Take a Break After a tiring day at the theme park, you might just be looking for something a little bit more relaxing. Well, look no further than the Disney Wilderness Preserve. Tucked away just south of the city, this hidden gem is the perfect place to take in the natural wonders of the area and enjoy a peaceful hike. With over 12, 000 acres of flatwoods and swamplands to be explored, you could easily spend an entire day here. Located on Everglades National Park, the site exhibits an entirely unique ecosystem currently found nowhere else on earth. Walking through the site, you’ll be able to enjoy over 1, 000 species of plants and animals, including 70 species of butterfly, 80 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 151 species of bird. Exceptionally serene and fascinating to explore, the place offers the perfect respite from the city. Day 4 - Try the Classics Now, you can’t go to Orlando and only visit one theme park. That’d be nuts, right? But how do you choose which one to make your way to next? Well, we kind of let the people do the work for us here. Standing as the most popular amusement park outside of the Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Studios is a long-time favorite choice for visitors and locals alike. Perfect for all film and pop culture lovers, the park is famed for its fun entertainment industry theme. Universal is made up of eight different areas, each with their own unique theme. There’s a lot of ground to cover here – but we’re sure you can handle it! Exploring the park, you’ll find over 40 rides, attractions and live shows to choose from. No matter what your favorite flick may be, you’re sure to find something that’s right up your alley. Living up to its name, this place truly offers an entertainment experience that everybody can enjoy. Day 5 - Wind Down Enjoy the last day of your vacation by exploring the downtown area of the city. The historic center of Orlando presents an entirely different energy that’s definitely worth getting into. Forever lively and thriving with cultural activity, this place presents a great mixture of popular tourist attractions and hidden treasures at your disposal. If it’s museums that you’re after, then you won’t have to look too far – the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum and Wells' Built Museum will be right within walking distance. Or, if you’re a lover of the performed arts, the Dr Phillips Center for the Performing Arts provides world-class entertainment across a wide array of genres. Aside from what the area has to offer in the realm of culture, the neighborhood is brimming with great shopping opportunities, restaurants and bars to be discovered. Offering something a little different from the typical Orlando tourist experience, we love this spot for its ’'live like the locals’' vibe. Maybe five days doesn’t seem like a lot – but with the right amount of planning, you should be able to fit in everything, your way. To find out how to save money on your trip, check out our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass. For more details, make sure to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris

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