| Driving
Orlando, Florida, skyline with "city I love" text overlay

For many people, Orlando, Florida, is synonymous with Disney World, Magic Kingdom, and Epcot, but that’s not all there is to see in the aptly nicknamed “City Beautiful.” Allow us to be your tour guide as we explore some of our favorite things to do in Orlando and see why it’s a City We Love!

Things to Do in Orlando

Check out our recommendations in these videos where we share our favorite attractions, from popular places you may have already heard of to off-the-beaten-path locales you’ve yet to explore. Then scroll down to watch a couple videos of these great things to do in Orlando, FL!

Watch The City I Love: Orlando – Part I

Watch The City I Love: Orlando – Part II

1. Wekiva Island

Want the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure? Look no further than Wekiva Island, where there are enough activities to keep everyone happy. Explore the Wekiva River by canoe, kayak, or paddleboard, or kick back under a cabana with a cold drink in hand if that’s more your speed. Did you know the river stays a refreshing 72 degrees year-round? How could you not dive into the fun?

2. East End Market

Eat your way through the East End Market, where you’ll find freshly baked bread and sweet treats, locally roasted coffee, organic juices, artisan cheeses, and so much more! Seemingly endless options abound for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making this neighborhood hub a great place to cover your cravings any time of day.

3. Showcase of Citrus

Nothing says “Florida” like a Florida orange, and at Showcase of Citrus, you can pick them straight outta the citrus groves. Citrus fruits thrive in Florida’s sandy soil and subtropical climate, and the state produces more than 70% of the United States’ supply of citrus! The family-owned and operated business is open every day of the year, so pack a picnic lunch and get to picking – and don’t forget to treat yourself to an orange Creamsicle made with farm-fresh fruit!

4. Gatorland

Did you know more than a million alligators live throughout Florida? And that alligators are native to only the U.S. and China? While you probably don’t want to run into one in the wild (chomp, chomp!), you can see them up close — and safely — at Gatorland, a gator park that calls itself “The Alligator Capital of the World.” From baby alligators to 14-footers and rare breeds, you’ll get to make all kinds of gator friends!

5. Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures

When you think about Florida’s wetlands, you may picture the Everglades in South Florida, the largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S. However, the wetlands span most of the Sunshine State and can be found in Central Florida as well. One of the best (and most fun!) ways to explore the wetlands is by airboat, also called a fan boat: a flat-bottomed watercraft that moves with the help of a large, fan-like propeller. Visit Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures and soar through the swampy wetlands of Kissimmee at speeds of up to 45 miles per hour, and enjoy the surrounding nature and wildlife for a one-of-a-kind, uniquely Floridian experience.

6. ICON Park

Orlando’s ICON Park is a one-stop shop for all your dining and entertainment needs. Take a ride on the 400-foot Ferris wheel for a bird’s eye view of the entire city and surrounding lakes, strike a pose with your favorite celeb at Madame Tussauds wax museum, get your game on at Arcade City, or check out any one of the other attractions at this massive entertainment complex. When dinner rolls around, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from, including Buffalo Wild Wings, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Uncle Julio’s Mexican Restaurant, and more!

7. À La Cart

If you love the idea of food trucks, but prefer something more akin to a sit-down restaurant experience, À La Cart might strike the perfect balance! The food truck park concept has a steady rotation of multiple mobile food vendors every month, indoor and outdoor dining areas, and a courtyard where you can play lawn games. Tacos, barbecue, and gourmet donuts are just a few examples of what you can expect.

8. Discovery Cove

This all-inclusive day resort is the place to visit if you want to finally check off all those bucket list items. Swim with dolphins? Check. Snorkel with tropical fish in a coral reef habitat? Check. Enjoy unlimited food and drinks? Check. While Discovery Cove is one of the pricier attractions in the Orlando area, Florida residents can get 20% off the normal rate. Plus, they’ll send you exclusive promotions when you sign up for their email.

Driving into Orlando? Make sure you’re covered with a car insurance policy. Call 1-877-GO-DIRECT (1-877-463-4732) or stop by your local Direct Auto for a free, no-obligation quote today!