Orlando

Eco-friendly travel guide to Orlando advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to explore the attractions in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Orlando, Florida, United States of America.

Skyline of Orlando

Air quality: 3 / 5

Exploring by foot: 3.2 / 5

Exploring by bicycle: 3.4 / 5

Public transportation: 3.75 / 5

Parks: 5 / 5

Outdoor activities: 4 / 5

Locals' English level: 5 / 5

Safety: 3.9 / 5

Accommodation: US$30- $1,300

Budget per day: US$110 - $1,500

Responsible Travel

Offering a range of entertainment, dining, and lodging options that suit all tastes, budgets, and styles, Orlando is famed to be one of the most popular vacations as it welcomes people from different parts of the world consistently. Visiting “The City Beautiful” can be a very exciting thing to do and as a favorite world-class destination for many, it doesn't disappoint its visitors with the sheer variety of attractions and things to do it offers. As you'll be moving around to enjoy what the city has in stock for you, here are a few tips you could use to travel responsibly;

Your transportation options are rife. The SunRail train network and the LYNX bus lines function as a part of the city's public transit options. To get to some locations around the city and some other major attractions, you can take the complimentary shuttles offered by most of the hotels and resorts; although, at times, a reservation is needed to enjoy their offers. There are several options to get around the metro area but the easiest way to see everything you want to in Orlando is by taking cabs or renting a car. Nevertheless, take note that taxis can get expensive, a large number of the attractions are a short drive from Interstate 4, and the roads in the city are well signposted and tailored for visiting tourists. If you want to enjoy getting around the city's metro area conveniently, Orlando's transportation system should be able to cut it.
Renting a car is the easiest way to get around Orlando. Renting a car is very ideal and recommended if you would love to peruse a host of attractions within driving distance of the city, enjoy the wildlife, head farther to see the beaches, and explore beyond the metro area. There are good public transport options to enjoy in the city with the efficient services rendered by the SunRail trains and Lynx buses but then, getting a car is the most convenient way to traverse the four-lane highways of the city. Orlando is big and before you start seeing taxis as a better alternative, it's advisable that you dead the thought because it's not budget-friendly.
Do well to consider the complimentary shuttles. An easy and convenient way to save money is by using the shuttles, particularly if you know that you'll be frequenting the city's amusement parks. Guests can enjoy the provided complimentary shuttles by the resorts and parks and use them to move around the parks and areas like International Drive. Obliging to the complimentary shuttles is a smart way to travel around the city and it's a better option to opt-in for if renting a car isn’t feasible.
Wear your comfortable, supportive shoes. You probably won't need those sandals and flip flops you've been on but you'll surely find comfortable and sturdy trainers to be needful when you get to Orlando and you want to take your time to visit and explore some nice spots. And, this is actually because there will be lots of walking and standing in queues on your park days, and your best bet is to be on convenient footwear.
Orlando is an international city. As earlier mentioned, Orlando is visited by people from different parts of the world. Although English is the common language spoken in this city and, of course, the United States dollars is the only currency accepted for businesses, you'll see all types of money from all over the world and hear different languages here. So, you shouldn't actually find this surprising, and as a responsible traveler, it's expected of you to respect people's beliefs and values.
Buy tickets in advance. Buy your theme park tickets online and ahead of time if you want to get the best deal. More so, make sure you schedule special experiences if you'll be hitting up some of the major theme parks in the city. If you buy tickets beforehand as you make plans for when to go, you give yourself the chance of getting the best deal on tickets on all from mini-golf and museum passes to art exhibits and dinner shows. You can enjoy discounts for buying tickets in advance on the websites of Walt Disney World and Universal and there are different price packages on the 7 major theme parks in Orlando.

Air Quality and Pollution

Orlando is a great city with fine weather year-round but the city's air quality has been rated "fair" by many reports and it's considered to be generally acceptable for most individuals. Above all, Orlando compensates with its nice weather. The city's temperature is rarely below 39°F or above 94°F and it typically varies from 52°F to 91°F over the course of the year. The winters in the city are partly cloudy, cool, and short while the summers are mostly cloudy, wet, oppressive, hot, and long.

Respect the Culture

Orlando is ranked as one of the top vacation destinations in the world and it is known for many things. Its plentiful tourist attractions and theme parks draw people from different parts of people, and being a city often bustling with tons of people from different parts of the world with varied beliefs and traditions, treating people fairly, and respecting people's identical values and dispositions could be a great way to show respect for the city's culture.

Top 10 Places to Visit

With its family-friendly theme parks and several world-famous attractions, Orlando has a lot to offer its visitors and residents. Fondly referred to as The City Beautiful, Orlando is a must-visit destination on many travelers’ lists as it boasts plentiful attractions, unique wedding venues, great restaurants, and many more. Universal Studios, Walt Disney World, and SeaWorld are some of the most famous attractions in Orlando but beyond these popular amusement parks, you'll find a wide array of other nice places you can visit in the city;

Orlando Museum of Art: The architecture of this museum gives visitors a glimpse into mid-century aesthetics and it did experience a continuous growth throughout the 20th century. It's one of the region’s main cultural institutions and its focus is to encourage love and education regarding art. The museum opened its doors in 1924 and it's home to contemporary pieces, African art, much-loved Art of the Ancient Americas, and a wide range of permanent art collections. The Orlando Museum of Art is one of the exciting points of interest in Orlando.
Kennedy Space Center: It will impress you with the scale and assembly features of its Vehicle Assembly Building which is regarded to be one of the largest buildings in the world. You can enjoy a chance to feel what it’s like to lift off with its Shuttle Launch Experience and you can see a beautiful shuttle floating in midair with the Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit. There are plenty of activities and exhibits to enjoy here. There's a visitor complex full of interesting things to check out and a bus tour allows you to view the grounds. The Kennedy Space Center is worth the trip for its an iconic place that can’t be missed and it has been the main launch center for NASA since 1968
Harry P. Leu Gardens: It appeals to many with its fruit collections, floral clocks, citrus groves, palm gardens, conifer collections, bird gardens, butterfly gardens, themed gardens, and lots more! There’s no end to the variety of flora that you can view here for it's teeming with over 230 cultivars and 2,000 plants. Going on a guided tour of the gardens and the Leu House Museum is one of the most fun things to do in Orlando. You can get a completely different landscape with different visits at different times of the year because different plants begin to bloom throughout the year. The gardens boast semi-tropical and tropical spaces and they aren’t far from downtown Orlando. An industrialist; Mr. Leu, founded these lush botanical gardens.
Blue Spring State Park: It has multiple picnic tables, 6 rental cabins, and 51 campsites across the state park. Kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes are available for rent. There are crystal clear 73-degree waters year-round for swimmers to enjoy and there are scuba divers often seen exploring caves in the spring. Water sports of all kinds can be partaken in here and Blue Spring State Park is worth a visit even in warmer months. There are great photo opportunities provided by the beautiful, slightly bumbling creatures moving along, and visitors can enjoy a walk along the boardwalk. This place is one of the most well-loved vacation spots in Orlando.
International Drive: This place grows and gets bigger year after year. From outlet malls and nightclubs to hotels, themed restaurants, and lots more, there are multiple spots to check out here, and you can never run out of what to see. With theme parks, the main water parks, and resorts only a short distance away, you'll find all of the fun parts of Orlando coalescing around this one long road and converging around this area. This place is almost akin to Florida’s version of the Las Vegas Strip and you’re never too far from International Drive no matter where you are in Orlando.
Bok Tower Gardens: It's somewhat difficult to imagine the Bok Tower Gardens as the arid stretch they once were with the aid of palms, flowers, fruit shrubs, 10,000 azaleas, 1,000 oaks, and lots more. Under the funding of Edward W Bok, a magazine editor, it first came to life in the 1920s. As you attend the concerts or perhaps, listen to carillon concert music, you can take a fun stroll at the winding trails and paths and well-kept gardens at the undeniably attractive Singing Tower with an imposing gothic. The majestic Bok Tower – specifically the Singing Tower is worth seeing here and you should stop by the Bok Tower Gardens in downtown Lakeland if you seek things to do in downtown Orlando.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: You'll be taken through mock-up places like Hollywood Boulevard, Echo Park, Toy Story Land, and Sunset Boulevard when you take a stroll through Disney’s Hollywood Studios. With Los Angeles flair all over, ideas of the fancy city’s magic, and sprinkles of show business, this site is themed on golden age Hollywood. This place is one of the top 10 tourist attractions that Orlando has to offer and it's well-known that without a visit to a Disney site, a trip to Orlando, Florida, is not complete. To enjoy hilarious and delightful performances in a huge auditorium and be showcased the MuppetVision 3D show, and some of Disney’s most loved animators, you'll find its Animator space, amidst its several dedicated spaces a fine spot to be.
Discovery Cove: This place is family-friendly and it offers fun for all. There are go-kart tracks, bumper cars, carousels, games, fairground rides, classic rides, and so much more here. Standing 76 meters high and purchased from MGM Grand Adventures is its SkyCoaster and there's a 44 mile per hour maximum speed and a 20-meter drop featured on its wooden roller coaster; White Lightning. If you crave some inexpensive excitement, you should drop by here as it offers free admission without skimping on great rides. Discovery Cove is never too overcrowded because daily attendance is limited. You can drop by here for a delightful underwater walk, partake in great food and drink, feed tropical birds in a free-flight aviary, swim with marine wildlife, or take dips in pools or lagoons, snorkel. Repleted with exciting and relaxing things that you can do, it offers a feeling of visiting an island resort, but right in Orlando itself. If you have kids with you on your Orlando trip, do well to bring them here to have an experience of this fine spot.
SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium: It has a celebrity of its own – Ted the sea turtle and you can enjoy reaching out and feeling starfish and other similar creatures with its available touch tanks. All sorts of demonstrations with the wildlife are performed by the presenters who dive into the tanks. You can catch interesting showcases at the dive shows and there's a regular timetable followed for this. You can enjoy the sensation of walking among the creatures under the sea and being underwater and, sharks, eels, turtles, and fish swim through the sparkling water. For viewing a wide array of marine animals, you’ll get treated to a 360-degree underwater “tunnel” as you explore the aquarium. You'll love it here if you're a lover of marine life. It's Florida's only international aquarium chain-style exhibit and it provides incredible excitement for all ages.
Walt Disney World Resort: It's home to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, a selection of entertainment and dining options, and four golf courses. Should you wish to spend the night, you'll find plenty of resorts and hotels you can oblige to. After you've enjoyed the various facilities the parks have to offer, you can try out a backstage tour or scoot through EPCOT on a Segway. This place has something for just about everyone, it's family-friendly, and it's one of the best things to do in Orlando. It's a fine blend of four theme parks and two water parks in a single place and it's one of the most famous locations in the world.

The beautiful Boy Gardens

Explore

Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando, and Walt Disney World are some of the principal tourist attractions in Orlando and it's believed that your visit to this city stays incomplete if you deny yourself the opportunity of experiencing the atmosphere of these places. Orlando draws tens of millions of visitors every year as it's situated in one of the most visited tourist regions in the world and investors are encouraged by the presence of these mega-amusement parks which keep drawing people from far and near, as you'll now find more dozens of golf courses, thousands of restaurants, and countless resorts, motels, and hotels in the Orlando area, amidst a host of other attractions and things to do.

Orlando is a place for both the young and old. Although a lot of people tend to feel Orlando offers more interesting activities for children, the truth of the matter is that there are limitless opportunities for adults to have a great time in the city as well, especially with the Kennedy Space Center which is within easy reach of the city and the Leu Gardens which make for nice escapes. Although Disney and Universal dominate the tourist market in this city, you can treat yourself to the plenty of fun alternatives that engulf the city. If taking a tour to the world-famous Kennedy Space Centre on the eastern shores isn't convenient, you can airboat your way around the vast alligator-infested swamps, stroll through the inner-city parks on foot, or explore the quaint downtown quarter.

City Parks

When you’re in the middle of sunny Florida, you'll never find a lack of things to do because you're greeted by NASA shops, The Hulk, and Mickey Mouse the moment you get off the plane at Orlando’s International Airport, and this points to the plenty of fun awaiting you in the city of Orlando. There are several attractions for people of all ages to enjoy in Orlando' and when you speak of parks in this city, what comes to mind is the plentiful amazing theme parks that give Orlando the reputation it has today as a favorite vacation spot for many. You can’t think of theme parks without thinking of Florida and most of these popular theme parks have already been featured on the list of our top 10 places to visit in Orlando. However, as you seek to have some cool fun at some of the best parks Orlando has to offer, here are some of them;

ICON Park: If the night is clear, you'll be able to see the Kennedy Space Center, International Drive, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and the Universal Resort from your bird’s eye view. There are 30 capsules, and each one can fit 15 passengers. People who crave to see the stunning city lights tend to hop in just before sunset and there's a gorgeous 360-degree view of the panorama of the state offered by each pod in the wheel which is air-conditioned. The wheel here is a mix of luxury and fun that many love; it's the highest across the East Coast, and it's not just the tallest in Florida. All thanks to the mind-boggling 400-foot tall observation wheel which makes this place a very nice place to be.
Walt Disney World Resort: It's home to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, a selection of entertainment and dining options, and four golf courses. Should you wish to spend the night, you'll find plenty of resorts and hotels you can oblige to. After you've enjoyed the various facilities the parks have to offer, you can try out a backstage tour or scoot through EPCOT on a Segway. This place has something for just about everyone, it's family-friendly, and it's one of the best things to do in Orlando. It's a fine blend of four theme parks and two water parks in a single place and it's one of the most famous locations in the world.
Discovery Cove: This place is family-friendly and it offers fun for all. There are go-kart tracks, bumper cars, carousels, games, fairground rides, classic rides, and so much more here. Standing 76 meters high and purchased from MGM Grand Adventures is its SkyCoaster and there's a 44 mile per hour maximum speed and a 20-meter drop featured on its wooden roller coaster; White Lightning. If you crave some inexpensive excitement, you should drop by here as it offers free admission without skimping on great rides. Discovery Cove is never too overcrowded because daily attendance is limited. You can drop by here for a delightful underwater walk, partake in great food and drink, feed tropical birds in a free-flight aviary, swim with marine wildlife, or take dips in pools or lagoons, snorkel. Repleted with exciting and relaxing things that you can do, it offers a feeling of visiting an island resort, but right in Orlando itself. If you have kids with you on your Orlando trip, do well to bring them here to have an experience of this fine spot.
Lake Eola Park: You'll find over 50 vendors selling wares at the farmers’ market it boasts which is at the south-east of the park and active on Sundays. There are plays, concerts, and outdoor movies to be enjoyed at the Walt Disney Amphitheater that sits on the western side of this place. Shaded with plenty of trees such as palms and cypresses, a paved path, pretty flower beds, and neatly trimmed grass, you'll find the banks to be equally attractive. When it's dark out, you have the lovely fountain which is decorated with LED lights that make for quite a treat. This lake is more like a sinkhole and while you will spot some people heading out on paddle boats shaped like swans, you'll find others strolling, jogging, or running. This park has a soothing atmosphere and a serene environment and it's a favorite among the tourist places in Orlando.

The magnificent Lake Eola Park

National Parks

There are only a handful of national parks in Florida and the National Seashore over near Titusville on the east coast is the only national park near Orlando.

View of the National Seashore during sunset

Beaches

Laid-back Florida beaches situated pretty close to Orlando make for an ideal getaway when you’re ready to take a break from the theme parks. There are tons of beaches within easy driving distance if you don't mind heading to the coast. If you seek surroundings that are more idyllic with the warmer and calmer sea, you should check over on the Gulf Coast, and there are big waves and buzzing attractions offered at the Atlantic beaches on the east coast which are the closest.

Daytona Beach: There are world-class dining and shopping, golfing, deep-sea fishing, kart racing, motorcycle racing, and an array of watersports to enjoy here. This beach is one of the finest beaches that's very close to Orlando and the tradition of this place is that you're to cruise the hard-packed sands of the beach after you've rolled down your car windows. This beach gains more popularity because of the abundance of accommodations right on the Atlantic it offers and its nearness to Orlando isn't the only factor that makes it ideal. You can choose to spend a night or two here if you wish. Zoom over to Daytona International Speedway and investigate its legendary pier.
Cocoa Beach: Encompassing 52,000 square feet chock-full of beach gear, you'll find the world's largest surf shop here; the Ron Jon Surf Shop, and you can save time to discover here. On its gentle waves, you can learn to surf, kiteboard, windsurf, or perhaps, enjoy parasailing. More so, you'll find free live musical entertainment, fishing opportunities, gift shops, four bars, five restaurants, a historical landmark, and a pier that extends 800 feet into the ocean to enjoy. This beach is just over an hour from Orlando and it's a cool place to escape to for the quintessential Florida beach experience.
Ponce Inlet: This getaway beach near Orlando is for you if you admire awe-inspiring beauty, nature, and adventure, but have an aversion to high rises and crowds. It has a cute lighthouse and there's a speedboat available for rentals here. You can enjoy everything from fishing and jet skiing to parasailing and other watersports you can think of. Thick with sand you can drive on, Ponce Inlet features a wide beach, and it's a great option for beach lovers to consider.

Daytona Beach

Landmarks

Madame Tussauds is one of the best landmarks in Orlando. The goal of this place is to give visitors access to the Merlin Entertainments magic and there are unforgettable experiences to be appreciated and enjoyed by visitors. This place still remains as popular as ever, despite the fact that it opened more than 200 years ago. It's situated in the heart of International Drive and it's the only location in Icon City.

Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum and Orange County Regional History Center are other landmarks you should try to check out before you leave this city.

Orange County Regional History Center

Museums

Museums in Orlando are great for art connoisseurs and families alike and some of them boasts age-old oak trees, serene lakes, and admirable grounds. Feel free to bring a picnic while you enjoy exploring history, science, and art at any of the top museums in the city. There's a booming cultural scene tucked within the City Beautiful and this could be disbelieving for those who had thought that Orlando is just about cotton candy and fairground rides and limited to the thrilling theme park adventures and family fun it offers.

Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art: From lamps to a recreated chapel built-in 1893, mosaics to enamels, furniture to jewelry, and paintings to stained glass, it's renowned for having the most complete Tiffany collection in the world. If you appreciate an old-fashioned aesthetic and you're a history buff, you'll love it here. This museum made its way over to its current location in the 1990s and it has gained more popularity with its bigger collection. The museum itself first came to life in 1942 and it's one of the coolest things to do in the vicinity of Orlando’s Winter Park.
Cornell Fine Arts Museum: Entrance comes with a half-hour tour and it's free of charge. There's a gift shop here providing wonderful souvenirs and this museum is an educational and fascinating place to go for both adults and kids with its scavenger hunts, several events for kids, and interactive events. There are works of Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Thomas Moran displayed here. You'll find photographs, archeological artifacts, contemporary American works, collections of European Old Masters, and lots more in the George D. and Harriet W. Cornell Fine Arts Museum with over 5,000 exhibits. Situated within the oldest college in the city, Rollin’s College, it's in the general vicinity of Lake Virginia, and it houses some of Florida's most sophisticated, most revered, and oldest art collections.
Orlando Science Center: It's akin to a museum and it's privately owned. Showcasing all things scientific in fun and engaging ways with its wide range of exciting, jaw-dropping exhibits, It's a cool experience for people of all ages, and it's very educational. Taking a trip to the Orlando Science Center is very ideal if you’re coming along with kids. At the Dr. Phillips CineDome or the 3D Adventure Theater, there are shows that you can watch with each admission. There's something interesting to enjoy at each portion of the science center. Let's take it from the highest level; Level 4, Our Planet. Here, children can enjoy digging through a giant pit to find fossils of all kinds at DinoDigs, there are Hubble Space Telescope images straight from NASA, and the Solar System is illustrated by an interactive exhibit. Concepts like electricity, gravity, and magnetism are discussed on level 2 with hands-on exhibits further made available at this Kinetic Zone. Level 1 is NatureWorks and it's repleted with cypress swamps, mangroves full of reptiles, beautiful coral reefs full of fish, and lots more.
Mennello Museum of American Art: The 350 years old Spanish moss-covered oak tree; The Mayor, is worth checking out here. You'll find statues and sculpted art of all kinds packed at its Sculpture Garden. Merging with the paths of the Orlando Urban Trail and offering a slice of paradise outside, the Mennello Museum of American Art as well offers a nice gift shop that sells books, souvenirs, memorabilia, crafts, and jewelry. Every second Sunday, there are regular free admission days available for families, and during certain times of the year, the flavor gets livelier with seasonal exhibits like the Folk Art Festival. Carefully arranged throughout the premises are hand-blown glass, statues, and drawings, and you wouldn't just find paintings at this museum, although it houses quite a number of most loved paintings. You'll love it here if you're a fan of art and history.
Orlando Museum of Art: The architecture of this museum gives visitors a glimpse into mid-century aesthetics and it did experience a continuous growth throughout the 20th century. It's one of the region’s main cultural institutions and its focus is to encourage love and education regarding art. The museum opened its doors in 1924 and it's home to contemporary pieces, African art, much-loved Art of the Ancient Americas, and a wide range of permanent art collections. The Orlando Museum of Art is one of the exciting points of interest in Orlando.

Mennello Museum of American Art

Eat

There's a wide variety of restaurants you'll find in Orlando ranging from American and Peruvian to Asian, Latin-inspired, and Turkish.

Traditional Local Restaurants

Some of the best traditional local restaurants in Orlando are:

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen
Tradewinds Restaurant
LongHorn Steakhouse
Everglades Restaurant
Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine - Lake Nona
The Strand
Canvas Restaurant & Market

Vegetarian and Vegan

To get the best vegan and vegetarian offers in Orlando, you can visit any of these places:

Valhalla Bakery: There are tarts, donuts, pies, and soft pretzels to be enjoyed here. The patrons of this place are often glad to swing by because they know they'll be treated to good brownies, muffins, cakes, lemon bars, and cupcakes. There are 100% egg-free, dairy-free desserts whipped up by Celine Mariah Duvoisin and you should do well to stop in at Valhalla Bakery if you crave a fine dinner with dessert.
Dharma Fine Vittles: It's formerly called Dixie Dharma and it was established in the year 2014. Dishes like bbq pulled jack fruit, baked mac n' cheese, chipotle sloppy joes, cookies, southern vittles, and a host of other treats are some of what the kitchen prepares for the patrons here. It's a brick and mortar at Market on South foodhall and it used to be a vegan cart and catering.
Veggie Garden: It offers to take food-to-go for those who do not wish to sit and enjoy their meal and it has a small space with seating for those who have a little time to spare for a quick bite. Featuring a signature soup broth made from distinct types of fruit and vegetables, its menu items are mostly vegan apart from the egg, and it serves vegetarian Vietnamese cuisine.
V.L.C Vegan Eatery: It's renowned for offering Asian foods like ginger 'beef,' dumplings, vegan sushi rolls, and spicy tofu. With many years of experience cooking plant-based food, patrons are blessed by the practical knowledge of the owner who is also the head chef. This restaurant is situated in the Waterford Towers.
Loving Hut: It conducts free vegan cooking classes and it serves everything from vegan dessert and non-alcoholic beverages to coffee and vegan food. It has several locations which are family-owned and operated. It's opened by an advocate for a veg living; the followers of Supreme Master Ching Hai, and it's part of an international chain of vegan restaurants.

Street Food

Meals like BBQ, sushi, and duck tacos are served by the new breed of food truck that litter the city and there are cold sandwiches and hot coffee to be enjoyed at some of the old trucks in the city. With all made more enjoyable with live entertainment, there are organized weekly gatherings in downtown and in different parts of the city by some of the gourmet food trucks which are plentiful in the city, and they give you the opportunity of enjoying good street food.

Drink

There are dozens of cafes and pubs in Orlando and you'll find the locals at any of these places where they're grabbing a thing or two.

Tap-water

Orlando's tap water is safe to drink but it seems to have a specific aftertaste. The Orange County Utilities ensure that the city's tap water is safe for all to drink and you should feel safe and relaxed to drink the tap water in Orlando.

Organic Cafés

Dandelion Communitea Cafe and Drunken Monkey are some of the best organic cafés you'll find in Orlando.

Breweries

Orlando loves beer and drinking beer just got more enjoyable with these breweries:

Orlando Brewing Company
Crooked Can Brewing Company
Dead Lizard Brewing Company
Ten10 Brewing Company
Hourglass Brewing
Ellipsis Brewery & Taproom
Something's Brewing

Activities

Orlando offers no shortage of things to do when it comes to filling your vacation itinerary and here are some outdoor activities you can joyfully indulge in:

Go orange picking at the Showcase of Citrus
Check out Orlando’s largest park — Lake Eola
Explore the exotic gardens of Harry Leu Gardens
Visit an island oasis
Go tubing at a natural spring — Kelly Park
Bike a scenic trail — West Orange Trail
Sail around the Scenic Boat Tour at Winter Park
See art on a walking tour
See the natural wonders of Orlando — The Arboretum
Spend a day at the Central Florida Zoo
Ride on a riverboat

Lake Eola is a must visit when in Orlando

Yoga and Retreats

You can trust any of these places for your yoga and retreats in Orlando:

The Yoga Shala
Orlando Hot Yoga and Pilates
Live Oak Yoga & Massage
Inspirit Yoga Studio
Elevate Yoga Center

Accommodation

From elaborately themed resorts to basic chain hotels, you'll find your accommodation options to be rife in Orlando and the city has more than 400 hotels, which means you'll definitely find something that catches your interest. RV sites, campgrounds, and timeshare resorts are other accommodation options, and if you want to do like most tourists, stay at a hotel on International Drive; I-Drive, and you'll never miss any action going on in the city.

Green Hotels

Look no further than these Orlando's eco-friendly resorts if you desire to stay green in this city and reduce your carbon footprint:

Island Bay Resort
The Natural Place
Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista in the Walt Disney World Resort
Bluegreen Vacations Orlando Sunshine Resort
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes

Hostels and Guest Houses

Best Western Orlando Gateway Hotel, Hotel Monreale Express International Drive Orlando, and Monumental Movieland Hotel are some of the best hostels and guest houses in Orlando.

Apartments

Apartments are often in high demand in Orlando because of the plenty of people trooping in the city consistently and if you'll be staying in an apartment, do well to make plans earlier, and you can also talk to the locals around you.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a great way to travel and spend less on accommodation and you could be lucky to find a host in Orlando.

Camping

You can enjoy camping in Orlando at any of these places:

White Loop Group Campsite
Bill Frederick Park
Holiday park
Lake Breeze RV Park
Yates Campsites
Cherokee Park

How to Get There

There are several options to explore to get in Orlando and it depends on your proximity to the city.

Air

The primary airport in the city is Orlando International Airport. It's Florida's second busiest airport and it has two key components: landside and airside.

The secondary airport serving Orlando is Orlando-Sanford International Airport and there are as well other regional airports serving the city.

Inside the Orlando International Airport

Bus

ATC Buses, Greyhound, Runways Transportation Company, and Megabus offer a means of getting to Orlando from other neighboring cities.

Lynx bus in Orlando

Train

Orlando has an Amtrak station that connects to other points as far north as New York City and it as well provides service to other destinations. You can also use SunRail to travel from Kissimmee.

Hitchhiking

According to Florida state law, hitchhiking is legal but hitchhikers must stay on the on-ramp shoulders and not walk on interstate highways.

Others

Train, bus, and air are the common means of getting into Orlando conveniently.

Moving Around

There are plenty of public transport options in Orlando due to the city's exceptional tourist attractions and with a varying degree of cost, privacy, and comfort, you have different options from hotel shuttle services and taxis to public transport to opt-in for. Nevertheless, car is king in Orlando and this is your best and most convenient option to get around the city.

Walk

Orlando is a sprawling city and you should feel safe walking around but do well to make use of common sense when necessary.

Bicycle

You should feel safe biking around Orlando but you should be conscious of people often walking around and the usual traffic congestion in the city.

Electronic Vehicles

You should be able to rent an electronic vehicle in Orlando.

Public Bus

Orlando's public bus system is known as LYNX and rides cost $2. There's as well a free circular route around downtown Orlando provided by LYNX which is the LYMMO service.

Tram, Train and Subway

SunRail is the city's train system but take note that it doesn't operate on weekends and some federal holidays. An all-day pass costs $9.50 and the base one-way fare is $2.

Sustainable Shopping

Shopping sustainably in Orlando is easy and all you have to do is to patronize stores and shops that are socially conscious and environmentally friendly.

Food Markets

Food markets are great spots to spend the day for the live music and entertainment make the atmosphere livelier as the day progresses and the crowds grow. Food and farmers markets offer some of the areas most coveted finds; whether you enjoy delicious baked goods, unique treats from handmade, organic soaps, or farm-fresh produce.

Orlando Farmer’s Market
Winter Park Farmer’s Market
East End Market
Winter Garden Farmers Market
Rennigers

Flea Markets

International Drive Flea Market, OBT Flea Market, and East Colonial Outdoor Flea Market are some of the popular flea markets in Orlando.

Second Hand Stores

Second-hand stores are plentiful in Orlando:

Village Thrift Shop
Dechoes Resale
Andee's
Goodwill
Orlando Union Rescue Mission
2nd Chances Resale Shoppe

Eco-Fashion

There are ample sustainable fashion stores in Orlando and eco-minded fashion-conscious consumers will find an array of places to shop ethically. Andee’s and Tammy Jo Fashion are some of them.

Recycling

The Solid Waste Division is in charge of trash and recycling services in Orlando and if you want to recycle in this city, you can either drop your recyclables at drop-off locations or put them in your recycling cart to be picked up.

Waste

Trash and yard waste collection is done by the Solid Waste Division.

Work and Study Abroad

Orlando is mostly known as a vacation for relaxation with its plentiful theme parks but it's still home to more than 35 higher institutions of learning which make it a fine location for work and study abroad.

Exchange Student

Exchange Student program is commonly run by most of the universities in the city.

Au Pair

There should be opportunities for au pairs in Orlando. You can make researches online or mingle with some of the locals around for helpful hints.

Volunteering

Community Service Center, Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, Hands On Orlando, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, and Volunteers for Community Impact are some of the nonprofit organizations you can volunteer for in Orlando.