Orlando, a city in central Florida, is famous for its theme parks. However, there’s more to Orlando than just theme parks. Here is a suggested weekend guide to Orlando, minus the theme parks, with offerings of where to visit, dine, and stay. I hope you can appreciate how hard it is to go to Orlando and see other things when Disney and Universal’s big names are forever tempting.
Explore Lake Eola
The stunning Lake Eola, nestled in the heart of the vibrant cityscape of Orlando, offers a captivating sight. Amidst towering skyscrapers, this majestic lake promotes outdoor activities and family enjoyment. Among its attractions are the swan-shaped paddle boats, gliding gracefully across the picturesque waters, providing a front-row view of the splendid scenery.
The regal LED-lit fountain is a great focal point, offering a showy display.
The 23-acre lake’s pristine banks are adorned with beautiful flowers and trees, providing shaded areas. The Walt Disney Amphitheater also hosts various performances, including concerts, movies, and plays. One lap around the lake measures approximately 0.9 miles, which is perfect for tracking your walking progress.
Visit Harry P. Leu Gardens
My new favorite thing in Orlando (after the theme parks) is visiting the extremely well-kept ornamental Harry P. Leu Gardens, boasting 2,000 plant species, butterflies, and birds. This 50-acre botanical oasis holds jaw-dropping beauty around the park with themed gardens and collections that will keep you busy for hours.
You can find it all, from majestic trees to hearty roses and delicate camellias, butterfly gardens to fruit trees and citrus groves at Harry P. Leu Gardens. The herb garden and vine collections were my favorites.
Stroll Around Disney Springs
Disney Springs is a vibrant and exciting complex offering a delightful blend of food, shopping, and entertainment. Capture the picturesque scenery and visit the carousel, LEGO Store, the Springs, and World of Disney. Engaging musicians creates an enchanting atmosphere around Exposition Park and Marketplace Stage.
There’s a diverse shopping selection with over 110 stores, including renowned brands like Alex and Ani, Build-a-Bear Workshop, and Coca-Cola Store. Indulge in the delectable offerings of Chicken Guy, Sprinkles, and Amorette’s Patisserie for dining.
For an extravagant experience, consider riding the Dream Boats, vintage amphicars that gracefully navigate the serene waters. Rides last around 20 minutes.
Check Out Thornton Park
One of my favorite Orlando neighborhoods is Thornton Park, a shaded area with oak tree-lined brick streets, cute bungalows, wine bars, and some great eateries. There are also a few boutiques and eye-catching murals to take pictures of, like this one of Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
The most fantastic street is Washington, which transports you somewhere in Europe. They even have a place to sink your teeth into your favorite Quiche (the Lorraine is spectacular) and croissants at Benjamin French Bakery & Cafe. Enjoy the fountain in the heart of the hipster neighborhood and the bars or restaurants with intimate outdoor seating.
Wander Down International Drive
It would be a shame to come to Orlando and not experience the ultimate tourist-in-mind street with every attraction you can imagine. International Drive, I-Drive, is an 11-mile strip of road located near the theme parks. It’s a commercial tourist destination with plenty of entertainment options, shopping, and dining experiences.
It is home to the gorgeous ICON Park giant 400-foot-tall observation Wheel and a multitude of family-friendly attractions, activities, and entertainment venues that are worth their own vacation.
And speaking of the Wheel, each pod is air conditioned and affords 360-degree views. A pod can fit around 15 passengers, and each ride lasts approximately 20 minutes.
StarFlyer, Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, Sea Life Orlando Aquarium, and Arcade City are a few other attractions in the area that are popular with the crowds. Pointe Orlando is another I-Drive area to explore, with shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Main Event Entertainment, a 49,000 square foot play space, includes a high ropes adventure course, tasty restaurant, high-tech bowling, video games, pool tables, shuffleboard, and V Play Virtual Reality (zombie thriller game). It will surely provide hours of laughs and thrills, plus bring out your competitive side.
Shop at the Outlet Mall Discounts
The Orlando International Premium Outlets are the ultimate destination for wardrobe updates. This shopping mecca boasts 180 designer and name-brand stores, including Lacoste, Lindt Chocolate, Hey Dude, kate spade, Robert Graham, and Victoria’s Secret.
It is Florida’s largest and most unique shopping mall, with millions of shoppers annually. Consider buying a suitcase from the mall to carry your purchases conveniently. Arriving at the mall when it opens is recommended due to congestion in the surrounding area.
Visit Mills 50
Orlando offers an exceptional free attraction through the Mills 50 street murals. These impressive artworks bring new life into building walls, electrical boxes, utility cabinets, and dumpsters with vibrant, larger-than-life scenes.
Among the cherished murals is the #OrlandoStrong, paying tribute to the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting. A few that I love getting shots of are Floyd’s 99 Barbershop (842 N Mills —Freddie Mercury), iFixYouri (1200 E. Colonial), and Pho 88 Restaurant (730 N. Mills).
Discover Celebration Florida
Celebration, Florida, is a master-planned community designed by Walt Disney himself. It embodies the quintessential small-town charm fostered by a close-knit community. It offers picturesque downtown boutiques, tranquil sitting spots, scenic bird-watching opportunities, and delightful dining experiences.
Situated minutes from the Walt Disney World complex, Celebration provides a distinct ambiance that sets it apart from merely an extension of the amusement parks. Exploring the pet store, indulging in a meal at the retro Downtown Diner, and perusing the offerings at the Town Center provide enjoyable pastimes.
The Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando is a charming AAA Four-Diamond boutique hotel and part of the Autograph Collection. It offers a grand retreat, although I have yet to stay there myself.
See Bob Ross’s Gravesite
A fun off-the-beaten-path thing to do in Orlando is paying Bob Ross’s gravesite a visit at Woodlawn Memorial Park in neighboring Gotha. Watch for the upright marble colonnade with the young Jesus statue in the back of the cemetery, and then walk back about eight rows. The flat marker on the ground is generally decorated with trinkets, paintbrushes, and flowers. His flat gravestone is marked with a friendly Bob Ross face, signature afro, and beard.
Depending on your starting location in Orlando, Gotha is around 15 minutes away.
Experience Hall on the Yard
Orlando’s Hall on the Yard, an expansive venue, offers a diverse selection of gourmet dining options including Japanese, Indian, and modern Southern cuisine, alongside a variety of cocktails. As one among several food halls in the Orlando area, Hall on the Yard features nine culinary tenants, five curated event spaces, and three cocktail bars, encompassing nearly half of its eye-catching 31,000 square foot development.
It is closed on Mondays.
Universal Citywalk
Between the entrances of both Universal Orlando Resort theme parks, the Universal CityWalk is another free attraction and mega food, drink, and entertainment complex. For lunch, go to Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar for ultimate Crab Rangoon Dip (with wonton crisps) and The High-Class Hillbilly (bbq pork with bacon coleslaw and chives.)
Satisfy your sweet tooth with an irresistible treat from Toothsome Chocolate Emporium. Chances are you’ve already seen their drool-worthy desserts on Instagram, and now it is time to taste them for yourself. I’m a big fan of the Strawberry Cheesecake milkshake, but my daughter prefers Peanut Indulgence.
If this sounds too heavy, you can always grab doughnuts from Voodoo Doughnut.
See the Coolest (and Solar Powered) McDonald’s in the World
McDonald’s opened a sustainable flagship restaurant in Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida. It is the world’s first net zero energy quick-serve restaurant, ensuring improved environmental impact through cleaner air, enhanced biodiversity, and reduced ambient temperature with SemperGreenwall living walls adorned with tropical plants.
The restaurant advocates sustainability by offering engaging ‘green’ amenities, such as customer-powered bicycles that illuminate the McDonald’s logo on the restaurant. How Instagram-worthy is that? Guests can also partake in educational games exploring sustainable energy. This McDonald’s operates solely on energy harnessed from the Sunshine State’s abundant resource — sunlight. Note that prices are above average for the discerning customer.
Where to Stay in Orlando
Westgate Vacation Villas is a top property, featuring a superb water park, multiple restaurants, and a long list of amenities. It caters to all types of travelers, including families and extended families. Accommodations range from studios to four-bedroom villas, accommodating up to 16 guests. The pet-friendly rooms at Westgate Vacation Villas Resort offer home comforts, including kitchen supplies.
Rooms are stylish and spacious, many with oversized jacuzzi tubs.
In addition to the extensive amenities offered at the resort, the swan boats and Jurassic Golf course with life-size dinosaurs added to the overall experience. The property also provides fourteen swimming pools and a complimentary trolley service for convenient transportation throughout the vast grounds.
For a truly indulgent stay during your Orlando weekend, I highly recommend the Four Seasons Resort Orlando, a Walt Disney World affiliate, offering a luxurious stay and stunning grounds. Rooms exude elegance, featuring advanced technology, plush fabrics, heavenly beds, and ample space.
As Orlando’s only AAA Five-Diamond Resort, it boasts a five-acre water park, Explorer Island, with splash zones, fountains, water slides, and a zero-entry pool for kids. Guests can also enjoy the popular lazy river and the chic adult-only pool, Oasis, where pool waitstaff serves food and drinks.
Check out this Where to Stay in Orlando 2023 Edition post to read more about Orlando hotels.
Orlando Dining Options
TripAdvisor reports 3588 restaurants in the greater Orlando area. From my experience of about 75, I confidently recommend two standout breakfast options: Hash House a Go-Go and Sofrito Latin Cafe. Hash House a Go-Go, now a well-established national chain, offers an extensive menu of clever breakfast combinations and delectable dishes.
The cast-iron skillet hashes are excellent, while the farmhouse scrambles are a close runner-up.
Sofrito Latin Cafe showcases the delightful flavors of Cuban and Miami cuisine, satisfying the palates of visitors to Orlando. Indulge in a Cordadito coffee drink alongside your favorite Latin pastries, such as Argentinian, Venezuelan, Colombian, and Cuban empanadas, ham croquettes, mini quesitos, and more. Try their divine guava and cheese Cuban pastelito.
Consider Yellow Dog Eats in Gotcha for lunch, a renowned eatery offering custom-made craft BBQ and pulled pork sandwiches. Vegans and vegetarians will also find ample options on the menu. Notable recommendations include the What the Fig pulled pork sandwich or The Rufus, topped with cherry pepper rings, brie cheese, and raspberry melba. The homemade queso is also worth mentioning.
Another highly recommended place is Santiago’s Bodega, an exquisite tapas bar known for delightful eats paired with exceptional sangria. The restaurant boasts a charming and chic ambiance. The menu comprises soups, salads, and a variety of hot and cold tapas. Indulge in the must-try beef carpaccio and the delicious prosciutto-wrapped dates.
For the main course, savor the succulent beef short ribs or the flavorful chicken skewers with lemon tarragon sauce. Patio seating is available for a pleasant al fresco dining experience. There are three other Santiago’s Bodega locations: Altamonte Springs, Key West, and Fort Lauderdale.
Orlando: A City in Its Own Right
Orlando is more than just a destination for theme parks. With plenty of things to do and see, Orlando can be the perfect weekend getaway for families, blog readers, and road-trippers. Explore the city’s beautiful nature spots, trendy neighborhoods, delicious eateries, and luxurious hotels, and create a memorable trip minus the theme parks.
Check out our other Florida posts:
Best Things to See and Do in Stuart, Florida