15 Unique Things to Do in Orlando for Adults + Day Trips from Orlando

Looking for some unique and exciting things to do in Orlando for adults? Look no further! As a local travel planner with 17 years of experience exploring Florida’s best-hidden gems, I’ve created the ultimate guide to help you make the most of your visit. Get ready to discover the top things to do in Orlando for adults, including insider tips on the best restaurants, places to stay, and local hotspots.

While Orlando is known for its 12 theme parks, it’s also a great destination for adults looking for fun and adventure. From the vibrant nightlife to outdoor activities such as parks or wine tasting at a local winery, there’s plenty to explore. And don’t forget about the amazing day trips from Orland, like the stunning Anna Maria Island or the ecological wonder of Ten Thousand Island.

But that’s not all! My guide also includes all the insider tips you won’t find anywhere else. So whether you’re seeking the perfect spot for a romantic dinner, the best place to catch a local show, or simply the most Instagrammable spots in the city, my guide has got you covered. Get ready to experience the best of Orlando for Adults like a true local!

READ NEXT: 23 Epic Things to Do on Anna Maria Island, Florida

Before your trip, pre-planning, researching, and understanding what you are looking for will help make your travels far more successful and safe. In this section, you will find all the essentials to plan a fun trip and have the best time on your trip to Orlando, FL:

Essential Tips Before you visit Orlando

• GET DISCOUNTS CARD: If you wish to see and do a lot in Orlando, and want to save good money, get the Eat, Shop, and Play Discount Card 
• RESTAURANTS: Orlando’s Restaurant Row is a mile-long stretch on International Drive that offers all types of cuisines at various price ranges, located just 5 minutes from International Drive.
• BUY TICKETS IN ADVANCE: You’ll get the best deal on tickets for everything from dinner shows and art exhibits to museum passes and mini golf if you plan when you want to go and buy tickets beforehand. I recommend booking Get Your Guide to find great deals and discounts on tours, attractions, and more across the city.
• EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS IN ORLANDO: Offering a myriad of landscapes, including canal-connected lakes, bald-cypress swamps, saltwater marshlands, and untouched pinewoods, there are many opportunities to see the natural beauty of Florida during your exploration in Orlando for adults.
• FLORIDA GUIDE BOOK: Prepare in advance for your trip. Here are some of the excellent Florida guidebooks that can help you to prepare for your trip to Orlando, Florida.

Flying to Orlando

If you are flying, then get to Orlando International Airport. Here’s a complete list of airlines that operate out of Orlando International Airport. If you are driving, I-95, I-75, and I-4 are the highways you should be looking at. In addition to Orlando International Airport (MCO), the area is serviced by Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) just 30 miles from downtown Orlando.

Getting around Orlando

The easiest way to get around Orlando is by car. I-4 connects almost all the main areas in Orlando. You can compare all the best deals and you can rent your car here. 

You can also book a reliable airport transfer from Orlando Airport to your hotel here. Public transport is also available if you wish to try that. LYMMO Bus is a great way to navigate downtown Orlando. Plus, it is free and you save on the parking fee. 

1. HARRY P LEU GARDENS: A relaxing Orlando activity for adults

Let’s start this amazing list of fun things to do in Orlando for adults, with this botanic garden. Leu Gardens has an amazing 50 acres of botanical oasis, only minutes away from Downtown Orlando. Each garden is designed specifically to further the mission to inspire visitors to appreciate and understand the plants.

This garden and the historical home were donated to the city of Orlando in 1961 by Mr. Harry P. Lew and his wife, Mary Jane. Harry P. Leu and his wife, Mary Jane, purchased the property in 1936. Mr. Leu owned a very successful industrial supply company. The Leus traveled extensively and brought back plants and seeds for their garden.

The beautiful gardens bear witness to the legacy Mr. Leu left to the City of Orlando. Here you can discover palms, cycads, and flowering trees. Enjoy azaleas, vines, bromeliads, and tropical philodendrons.

Appreciate the sight of familiar annual flowers and the beauty of roses and camellias. Stroll under the awe-inspiring branches of camphor trees, elms, and oaks. Here you can also appreciate some permanent and rotating exhibits, as well as some outdoor sculptures. 

INSIDER TIP: The Harry P. Lew Gardens offer Free admission Mondays throughout the year, which means you can visit the multiple gardens without paying for things such as the Butterfly Garden, The Horseshoe Fountain, Lake Rowena Overlook, and the Idea Garden, you can check more information

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2. ORLANDO BREWERY TOUR: One of the best things to do in Orlando for Adults

Orlando has so many fun things to do for adults, and if you are a beer lover, then there are many excellent breweries in Orlando to check out. Enjoy visiting one for a flight and some live music or sometimes making the whole day by stopping at a few.

In the theme park area, Ellipsis Brewing and Dead Lizard Brewing are the closest to visit and offer an excellent array of brews from IPAs to stouts. If you do not mind driving to Downtown Orlando, there are many more options there! Sideward Brewing and Rockpit Brewing are the absolute best, as they both have fun atmospheres, tasty food, and an ever-rotating selection of unique beers.

However, Ten-10 Brewing, Broken Strings Brewery, and The Ravenous Pig Brewing are great spots in the area to visit as well. If you really want to make a day trip out of your Orlando brewery experience, I recommend making the drive to Crooked Can in Winter Garden or Deviant Wolfe in Sanford. Both are located in historic downtowns and nearby some outstanding, local restaurants to visit. Whether you visit a brewery for beer tasting, an outdoor event, or the occasionally offered brewery tour, you are in for an enjoyable experience in Orlando.

INSIDER TIPS: If you are planning to visit different Breweries in Orlando, consider buying the Orlando eat, and play discount card, and save money. 

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Read Next: 30 Dream Destinations for Your Bucket List

3. CYCLING THE WEST ORANGE BIKE TRAIL

You can also find fun things to do in Orlando for outdoor lovers like go bike ride at the West Orange Bike Trail. It is a 22-mile, paved bike trail to the west of downtown Orlando, and it is another fun activity to do in Orlando for Adults and it should feature on everyone’s Florida bucket list! This unique activity takes you from Apopka through rural and suburban surroundings past Lake Apopka to the historic Winter Garden; a former citrus town full of old Florida charm.

The entire route is broken down into 4 stations with most people riding a shorter section from the Killarney Station to the Winter Garden Station. This route is 4.8 miles each way and includes some of the best stops on the entire route.

Along this flat trail, you’ll come across top Orlando sites such as the Oakland Nature Preserve which is a 1.5-mile boardwalk hike through Floridian forest until you reach a platform overlooking Lake Apopka. Stopping off here is definitely recommended.

Upon reaching Winter Garden, take the time to bike around the town and appreciate the old buildings. Then, head to Plant Street Market. This foodie haven is full of treats including ice cream, mac ‘n’ cheese, and juices. And don’t forget to stop in at Crooked Can Brewing Company to sample their delicious craft beers.

INSIDER TIP: After your bike riding in Orlando, consider visiting the Orlando Madame Tussauds Museum and treat yourself to a fun time. 

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4. WINTER PARK: My Top Pick Thing to Do in Orlando for Adults

Located just 20 minutes northeast of downtown Orlando, Winter Park is a hidden gem that’s well worth a visit. This college town, is home to Florida’s first four-year university, the highly regarded Rollins College. But that’s not all this area has to offer. The highlight of Winter Park is Park Avenue, a charming tree-lined street filled with shops, museums, and eateries that are some of the best in Orlando.

But Winter Park is not just about shopping and dining. It’s also a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. With a robust park system and a chain of 12 pristine lakes, there’s no shortage of natural beauty to explore. And one of the best ways to experience the beauty of Winter Park’s lakes is on the Winter Park Chain of Lakes kayak paddle. During this one-hour narrated tour, you’ll see all kinds of wildlife, from herons to alligators, and pass by multimillion-dollar mansions and landmarks like Rollins College and Kraft Azalea Gardens. It’s a fun and relaxing way to take in the beauty of this hidden gem.

So, if you’re looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of Orlando’s theme parks and want to explore a charming town with plenty of outdoor activities, Winter Park is the perfect choice.

INSIDER TIP: Winter Park offers outstanding restaurants and is considered to have some of Orlando’s top culinary artists. I recommend joining a Flavors of Winter Park foodie walking tour, to take full advantage of the great food scene.

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5. LAKERIDGE WINERY & VINEYARDS TASTING TOUR

If you are like me, a wine person, I recommend heading to Lakeridge Winery & Vineyard.  Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards opened its doors in February 1989 in Clermont, Florida, and sits on a beautiful 127-acre estate in gently rolling countryside some 25 miles west of downtown Orlando.

The winery hosts complimentary vineyard tours and tastings 7-days a week, and the tours run every 30 minutes with a 15-minute video introduction. You’ll then have the opportunity to witness and experience the production process, from growing the grapes to labeling the bottles.

Once you understand what goes into making a superb bottle of wine, you get to the best part: You get to taste it! Lakeridge ranks as Florida’s largest premium winery and remains a pioneer in the development of premium and sparkling wines from the native Muscadine grape varieties Noble, Carlos, and Welder, as well as Vinifera varieties to including Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Petite Sirah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. At the tasting table, guests are presented with a wide range of wines to try.

INSIDER TIP: The open hours of the Lakeridge Winery are Saturdays 10:00 am – 5:00 pm and Sundays 11:00 am – 5:00 pm. Consider buying the Orlando eat and play discount card, and save money when you choose to take the winery tour.

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6. OLD TOWN ORLANDO: A Very unique thing to do in Orlando for Adults

This is a very unique place to visit in Orlando for adults. Old Town is an amusement park located in Kissimmee, Florida. Appropriately named, it is an homage to a time when parks were smaller and less crowded with the re-creation of a simpler time in Florida towns.

You don’t need a complicated park hopper, a multi-day pass, or race training to sprint from ride to ride to avoid 2-hour long wait times for this old-fashioned park, just a few hours in your itinerary is all you need to spend some family-friendly fun walking around this 18-acre old-time attraction.

Among the tree-lined, brick pedestrian streets, there are historically modeled buildings, with over 75 shops, restaurants, bars, and rides. When we were there in October, there was an entire haunted house with spooky characters roaming the streets. The carousel is centrally located so that you and your family can take a trip back in time on this classic ride. For the adventurous, they even have the Hurricane roller coaster. It stands 5-stories tall and looks out over the streets of the park.

The A&W Restaurant is a popular place to eat in Old Town. This old diner serves up an All-American hamburger and of course, the A&W root beer float that you can’t miss in this nostalgic eatery. On the weekends, there are car shows throughout the park. Muscle cars and nostalgic cars park down Main Street for your viewing pleasure. They have several other themed events throughout the year that locals and tourists frequently attend at this classic American park.

INSIDER TIP: After you visit Old Town, take your family and head over to Citywalk at Universal Studios to catch another great-themed dinner at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company Restaurant.

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7. NIGHTLIFE OF ORLANDO: Orlando for adults is fun, fun, and fun

One of the most underrated things to do in Orlando for adults is enjoy a night out in the city’s vibrant nightlife scene. There is an abundance of effortlessly cool nightclubs, cocktail lounges, hipster breweries, rooftop bars, and more to explore, each with its own unique appeal – most of which are centered around the downtown within walking distance of each other – though the gay scene of Orlando is a short drive away in the Milk District.  

The Wall Street Plaza is the best place to go if you are not sure what to do, with half a dozen venues all spilling out onto a pedestrian zone where you are only ID’d at the entrance – almost like a mini-music festival. Then there is the ultra-cool Player 1 Video Game Bar, which has funky cocktails, free arcade games, and plenty of kitschy neons and movie memorabilia.

For a more upscale affair, head to the Hanson’s Shoe Repair speakeasy (you’ll need to call in advance for the password) or try Mathers Social Gathering, a parlor-style cocktail spot with antiques and boutique spirits. For clubs, you’ll want to try the over-the-top EVE or Latino hotspot Mango’s Tropical Cafe. The weekends are always the best time to head out if you are looking for a crowd, with student nights and after-sports games being the busiest.

However, a large part of Orlando’s nightlife charm is that there is always something going on, somewhere, and being located so close together, it generally isn’t hard to find. Just plan on not heading to the theme parks early the next day; chances are your head is going to hurt just a little.

INSIDER TIP: Another great start for a night in Orlando for Adults, you can watch the Orlando Magic Basketball Game and be prepared to have tons of fun!

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8. KENNEDY SPACE CENTER VISITOR COMPLEX

The Kennedy Space Center is the perfect day trip from Orlando for all adults and fellow space nerds out there.   This will be a full-day trip full of all things space.  You can see former rockets, replicas, and more. 

There is the rocket garden right by the entrance where you can just walk around and admire the replica rockets and capsules or you can listen in on a free walking tour.  You can even go into the capsules to see how small they really are.   There are exhibits for everything. 

There is one that talks about the wildlife on the island since it’s all technically part of the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge, the Heroes and Legends exhibit with a really great 3D movie and memorabilia, the Atlantis complex, and the Apollo/Saturn V complex. Make sure you sign up for a bus tour of some sort to see the VAB (Vehicle Assembly Building) and launchpads.  Finally, if you plan ahead a bit, you could even manage to see a launch!  

INSIDER TIP: If you don’t want to drive, you can sign up for the Kennedy Space Center Day Trip From Orlando. Or if you decide to drive your own vehicle I recommend buying the ticket in advance to the Kennedy Space Center and skipping the lines.

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9. MERRITT ISLAND WILDLIFE REFUGE: A day trip from Orlando for nature lovers

This is a great option for a day tour from Orlando for adults. If you are looking for a nature experience amongst the theme park land of Orlando, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is the place to visit!

This reserve spans 140,000 acres just north of Titusville and boasts views of alligators, rare birds, and even the NASA Vehicle Assembly Building. It is the perfect Orlando day trip to get a taste of real Florida any time of year, but the ideal time to visit is October through April because of the cooler weather and less risk of rain.

Whether you are interested in hiking, paddling, or just taking a scenic drive, you can experience all this here. I recommend everyone take the 7-mile Black Point Drive loop where you can see a variety of birds and of course alligators. After this, a hike through either the Oak or Palm Trails is enjoyable.

Third Culture Kitchen, The Brix Project, and Dixie Crossroads are all excellent spots for a local meal. If you are feeling up to it, you can spend the night at the new Hyatt Place Titusville or an Airbnb and visit the famed Kennedy Space Center in the morning. Whether you choose to make a weekend out of Titusville or simply take a day trip to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, you are guaranteed a fun and unique experience! 

INSIDER TIP: Once you have had enough of the preserve, you can head to Canaveral National Seashore for some beach time or to Downtown Titusville for some exploring.

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10. BLUE SPRING STATE PARK: If you love manatees, it is a must-day tour from Orlando

Blue Spring State Park is one of the best freshwater rivers in Florida, and one of the top places to see manatees in the wild in Florida it also happens to be just a short drive from Orlando.   This is one of the best state parks in Florida for that reason, but it’s also good for hiking and paddling.  It’s located in Orange City, Florida, and can be visited year-round. 

Of course, if you want to see the manatees, the best time to visit will be in the winter months when it’s cooler outside and they come into the warm water, but if you’ll be in Orlando in the summer, you can still visit to see the springs, paddle, and hike. If you do go in the winter get there nice and early or later in the day because mid-day is extremely busy.  One day is plenty to enjoy the park, but make sure you book your manatee encounters ticket in advance.  

If you want to paddle but don’t want to own your own, you can join paddling tours.  There are also boat tours if you don’t want to paddle yourself around.  If you want to do some swimming, you can snorkel while you’re out there and if you dive, you can even do that here as long as you’re properly certified. Unfortunately, you can’t actually swim with the manatees here but it’s still 100% worth visiting just to see them.

INSIDER TIP: I recommend booking manatee encounters tour in advance to go kayaking with manatees. But if you really want to swim with manatees while visiting Florida, you can take a boat ride down the Crystal River – just buy your ticket in advance, and experience one of the few places on the planet where you can swim in the wild with manatees.

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11. NEW SMYRNA BEACH: A short day- trip from Orlando

New Smyrna Beach is the sweetest little town and it is easily accessible from Orlando, making it a great day trip from Orlando for adults who love to enjoy the beach.  Here, as the bright lights and big thrills of the theme parks fade, you can get a little slice of real America from years gone by.

The seafront here is beautiful with a sandy beach and some of the best surfing waves around. In the town, itself are all the spots for a fun trip from yesteryear – ice cream parlor, gift shops, boutiques, saltwater taffy. 

Come for a day trip from Orlando or a long weekend to really relax and unwind and if you feel like catching the best action around then see dolphins where they should be seen, in the wild by visiting the Marine Discovery Centre. Here you can see the Bottlenose Dolphin jumping in the river which is an incredible sight. The real strength of New Smyrna Beach though is its vibe as a peaceful retreat, to walk the sand, visit little independent shops and get a slice of the past in the best possible way.

INSIDER TIP: There are some fantastic family resorts in Florida based around New Smyrna Beach including The Black Dolphin Inn and SpringHill Suites and great restaurants too such as AA Garden Fusion and Riverpark Terrace check more hotel prices

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12. HONEYMOON ISLAND & CALADESI ISLAND: Off-the-beaten-path day trip from Orlando

If you are looking for a short day trip from Orlando, Honeymoon Island State Park is a great place to explore. With 4-miles of amazing beaches to explore and a 3-mile hiking trail through one of the last remaining virgin slash pine forests.  

Honeymoon Island is a great place for outdoor lovers, as it offers many options like soaking in the sun, swimming, fishing, kayaking, biking, and hiking. You can also take a ferry across the channel to Caladesi State Park, an island with pristine beaches and turquoise water, it is also less crowded and less rocky than the beaches of Honeymoon Island, or you can rent a kayak and go explore the Caladesi Island from Honeymoon island. Here you will find one of the best places to go kayak in Florida!

If you love nature, this is a place for you as the chances to see birds such as eagles, osprey, great horned owls, and ground animals including gopher tortoises, raccoons, and armadillos. Also, it is easy to spot manatees and dolphins close to shore. 

The Park is open 365 days per year, from 8 am until sunset. To enter the State Park, you have to pay an entry fee of $8 per vehicle. Honeymoon Island State Park is located about twenty-five minutes north of Clearwater Beach in the Tampa Bay area on Florida’s west coast, at the end of the Dunedin Causeway.  

INSIDER TIP: If you decide to spend the night or the weekend on Honeymoon Island, please note that there is no option for accommodations inside Honeymoon Island & Caladesi Island. But is just a short distance drive from Clearwater or Dunedin. Check hotel options in Clearwater Beach or Dunedin accommodation options. 

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13. CLEARWATER BEACH: A very short drive from Orlando

One of the best things to do outside Orlando for adults is to take a day trip to the breathtaking Clearwater Beach. Here you will enjoy a pristine beach, plus great options for restaurants and bars with feet in the sand.  Clearwater Beach is frequently voted one of the Best Beaches in Florida for a reason. 

Situated in the Gulf of Mexico, it is a popular coastal escape with a very relaxing vibe. It is about a 2.5-hour drive from Orlando, but well worth driving for a day trip or for a weekend gateway from Orlando. It is a fantastic strip of soft sugary white sand, lapped by jade waters and surrounded by resorts and residential areas, including mine since I am lucky to call this place home. 

You can plan to swim in this calm and clear water of the Gulf, soak in the sun or if you are looking for more activities in the area you can visit Pier 60 with souvenir shops, restaurants, street performers, bars, and live music every day at sunset. 

INSIDER TIP: For anyone visiting Orlando, I always recommend spending at least a full day or 2 days visiting Clearwater Beach. You can easily book a day trip transportation here. 

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14. WILD FLORIDA AIRBOAT SAFARI RIDE

This is a must-do activity for any adult visiting the Orlando area who is looking to enjoy the ecosystem of Florida. The Everglades National Park is an ecosystem and a World Heritage Site makes a great side trip from Orlando. You can visit this heaven for lovers of outdoor activities, with loads of nature, many hiking trails to choose from, and water activities like snorkeling and the traditional airboat.  

If you have more time in this area, make sure to visit the  Ten Thousand Islands Wildlife Refuge, the second largest mangrove forest in the world forming fascinating labyrinths of water and islands with very rich wildlife, including some endangered species.

You’ll glide across the swamps as you search for herons, otters, and what everyone comes to see – the American alligator. Also included in this tour is your admission to the Wild Florida Wildlife Park, a great activity to do in Orlando for adults. 

INSIDER TIP: You can take advantage of round-trip transportation from the center of  Orlando right out into the Everglades National Park, where you’ll enjoy a 30-minute airboat ride through one of the United States’ most intriguing and unique

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15. ICHETUCKNEE SPRINGS: A great day trip from Orlando for adults

Going tubing at Ichetucknee Springs State Park in Florida, just under 2.5 hours north of Orlando, is a great day trip. At the heart of this huge State Park is the Ichetucknee River which is 6 miles long and flows through shaded hammocks and wetlands, and it is considered one of the best rivers to go tubing in Florida.

The river is fed by natural springs and maintains a pretty warm temperature of around 72F all year round. On top of this, the springs are also home to manatees (large, fully aquatic, mostly herbivorous marine mammals sometimes known as sea cows), turtles, and more. 

The best way to experience the refreshing spring waters and see the wildlife, including the manatees, is to float or kayak down the river! It takes about 2 hours to float from the midpoint to the end depending on how much you swim/kick yourself down the river. Once you reach the end, you can either do it all over again by walking back to the start or by taking the tram provided.  The park has great picnic facilities and plenty of hiking trails to explore to make an even longer day trip out of it. 

INSIDER TIP: If you don’t have your own float, you can rent from Ichetucknee Tubing Centre for around $5 a day. They’ll help you strap it onto your car and you’re good to go! 

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There are so many options for accommodations in Orlando, Florida. I have selected a variety of great options for you. If you are planning to visit the Theme Parks too, it is best to stay in the Lake Eola area.

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From sipping wine at a vineyard to going to visit some of the beautiful parks, or taking a short day trip from Orlando, there are many fun things to do in Orlando for adults. Make sure that next time you visit Orlando, you get out of the theme parks and explore the surroundings, and find something unique to do. 

If I missed anything, or if you have any questions or comments, I would love to connect and hear from you. Leave me a comment below and I hope you continue to explore the unique and authentic things to do from the places you visit. 

Here is some further information I think you might need to plan your  trip:

• 14 Reasons you should Travel as a Couple
• 23 Epic Things to Do on Anna Maria Island
• Ultimate Guide for the Best Beaches on Anna Maria Island
• 10 Best Places to Go River Tubing in Florida
• 15 Fun Things to Do in Orlando for Adults
• 150+ Memorable Florida Captions (Sharable Images)
• 20 Amazing Off The Beaten Paths in Florida Revealed by a Local!
• How to visit Ten Thousand Island, the hidden ecological paradise in Florida
• A complete guide to visiting Honeymoon Island State Park, FL
• A complete guide to visiting Caladesi Island State Park, FL
• 10 Best Places to Go Kayaking in Florida