Up in the Orlando Eye, the city stretches out beneath you and the sun glints off the skyline. But why let the adventure stop there? The heart of International Drive buzzes with energy, offering something for every mood—whimsical attractions, hands-on family fun, unforgettable eats, and quirky surprises, all within strolling distance. Whether you want to snap a pic with a celebrity, touch a stingray, or refuel with flaming cocktails, you’re in the city’s play zone. Here’s a tour of all the must-dos near the Orlando Eye for a day worth repeating.
Our favorite things to do near the Orlando Eye include:
- Madame Tussauds Orlando
- SEA LIFE Aquarium
- Museum of Illusions Orlando
- WonderWorks
- Congo River Adventure Golf
- The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show
- Tin Roof Orlando
- ICON Park entertainment area
- Chocolate Kingdom
Madame Tussauds Orlando: Meet the Stars
Just below the Orlando Eye, you’ll find yourself face-to-face with A-listers and legends at Madame Tussauds. This isn’t your dusty wax museum from childhood—here, you mingle with life-size celebs, sports heroes, and superheroes. Want a group photo with Wonder Woman and Aquaman? Make it happen! Basketball fans can “shoot hoops” with Shaq, and music lovers can hop on stage with Taylor Swift or Bad Bunny.
The ambiance is playful and interactive—props and sound effects set the scene, with staff always happy to snap photos. And if you’ve got any budding TikTok stars in your group, the eye-popping backgrounds will keep those uploads coming. Madame Tussauds Orlando is the selfie capital of ICON Park and a fun diversion for all ages, rain or shine.
SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium: Underwater Adventure in the City
One step further and you’re immersed in a colorful underwater world at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium. You’ll journey through tunnels surrounded by sharks, rescued sea turtles, jellyfish, and rainbow-hued reef fish. The star feature is the 360-degree Ocean Tunnel, where rays and sea turtles swim gracefully overhead.
Families, in particular, will love the hands-on touch pools—dip your fingers in and feel a sea anemone’s gentle wiggle! Interactive displays make learning about sea habitats fun, and helpful staff are always nearby to answer those “what’s that fish?” questions. Quiet corners and calming blue surroundings mean it’s a favorite spot to cool off and recharge after the Orlando heat. SEA LIFE blends education and fun—no sunscreen required.
Museum of Illusions Orlando: See, Snap, and Be Amazed
Museum of Illusions Orlando: See, Snap, and Be Amazed
Reality? That's negotiable at Museum of Illusions Orlando, just minutes from the Eye. Step into rooms that twist perspective and challenge your senses—gravity-defying tunnels, upside-down spaces, holographic portraits, and more. Every room is designed for mind-bending photos, so you’ll come away with snaps that’ll confuse (and wow) anyone back home.
You don’t just look, you play! Peer into vortex tunnels, pose for “giant and miniature” family shots, and trick your mind with interactive brain teasers. The décor is ultra-modern, with a fun, immersive vibe—think fluorescent colors and geometric patterns everywhere. It’s the best place on I-Drive for a family photo session. Be ready to laugh, learn, and wonder how your brain ever got fooled so easily.
WonderWorks Orlando: Upside Down, Right Side Fun
Cruise a couple blocks down International Drive and you’ll spot the striking, upside-down building: WonderWorks Orlando. Inside? A whirlwind of over 100 hands-on exhibits blending science, creativity, and pure fun. Want to lie on a bed of nails or try hurricane-force winds? This is your spot.
Everything is interactive—so go ahead and launch your own space shuttle, design roller coasters, or challenge your friends in the glow-in-the-dark ropes course. The ambiance is lively, and there are laughs for every age. Whether you’re traveling with curious kids or are a grown-up who just loves to learn by doing, you’ll leave WonderWorks full of stories to tell.
Congo River Adventure Golf: Putt Putt with a Twist
Ready for some friendly competition? Congo River Adventure Golf brings the wilds of the rainforest to International Drive, complete with waterfalls, caves, and—wait for it—live baby alligators you can feed. The course winds through creative obstacles, making every hole an adventure.
The vibe here is relaxed and playful—think Indiana Jones meets silly family fun. Coconut trees and river bridges put you in vacation mode, and evening games (when the lights come on) feel even more magical. Whether you’re going for a hole-in-one or just out for laughs, there’s zero pressure—just lots of fun memories made.
The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show: Laugh, Eat, Be Amazed
The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show: Laugh, Eat, Be Amazed
Round out your night at The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show, where pizza, popcorn, and magic tricks fly in equal measure. The setting is cozy and casual, with everyone seated up close to the stage.
The magician-comedians engage the whole crowd, pulling guests up for hilarious stunts and sleight-of-hand. The atmosphere is light-hearted and interactive—by the end of the night, you’re rooting for your favorite tablemates and swapping stories over dessert. The unlimited pizza and drinks make this a filling, fuss-free dinner option with a side of genuine laughter.
Tin Roof Orlando: Live Music, Good Eats, Local Buzz
If you’re craving an evening with live tunes and a laid-back vibe, Tin Roof Orlando (steps from The Eye) never disappoints. The décor screams “Nashville-style roadhouse,” decked with music memorabilia, neon signs, and plenty of friendly bustle.
Tin Roof’s menu dishes out Southern-inspired favorites like Nashville hot chicken sandwiches and fried pickles. Signature cocktails like the “Back Porch Lemonade” keep the mood high, while local bands and touring acts light up the stage nightly. The energy is infectious—whether you’re on the spacious open-air patio or singing along inside, it’s a local favorite for music and mingling.
ICON Park: More Than Just a Wheel
While the Orlando Eye stands as the centerpiece, ICON Park offers a full-on entertainment district with over forty restaurants, bars, boutiques, and attractions to explore, all within a walkable plaza. Stroll through open-air promenades, hop on the carousel, or sip cocktails around the central fountain while palm trees sway above.
Looking for something to nibble on? Try Yard House for a massive menu and even bigger beer selection, or Sugar Factory for wild milkshakes topped with candy towers. The whole space feels vibrant day and night, lit with mood lighting, happy chatter, and the occasional festival or live music set. It’s the best spot to unwind or refuel between sightseeing.
And there you have it—adventure, eats, play, and a sprinkle of sugar, all within a hop, skip, and a spin from the Orlando Eye. Whether your crew is craving discovery or downtime, International Drive has a little something for everyone, and every day here feels like a celebration. Happy exploring!
Enjoyed this? Check out Orlando’s Hidden Gems off the Beaten Path or Best Museums in Orlando
Step up your sightseeing with Go City®
We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.
See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® – just choose a pass to get started!
?_a=BAVAZGDY0)