The Orlando Bucket List: 28 things to do in and around town

From unleashing your inner brat to celebrating Puerto Rican culture, here’s 28 ways to get the most out of Orlando.

In Orlando, there’s no shortage of things to do, sights to see, and foods to eat. But finding a starting point can be overwhelming. We’re here to simplify things with your guide to all things Orlando.

Things to Do in Orlando

Mead Botanical Garden

Open every day and always free to the public, Mead Botanical Garden is a massive park located in Winter Park, just north of Orlando. This natural space contains many different habitats including wetlands, a creek, a pond, butterfly gardens where hummingbirds feed, and the longleaf pine canopy uplands, where hawks soar among the trees. To learn more about the species that call this space home, take a tour from one of the park’s naturalists, or plan your visit during one of the Orange Audubon Society’s regular birding excursions.

The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art

Who knew that the world’s most comprehensive collection of Tiffany signature, leaded-glass artworks resides in Winter Park, northeast of Orlando, at the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art? For only $6 for adults, the Morse Museum’s collection of works by artist and designer Louis Comfort Tiffany includes plenty of his iconic leaded-glass lamps, as well as jewelry, pottery, paintings, and art glass. The crown jewel of the museum’s collection is the Byzantine-inspired chapel featuring century-old art objects created by Tiffany for an 1893 world’s fair in Chicago. Brightly colored windows, mosaics, and objects of marble, jewels, glass, and stone make up this awe-inspiring room.

Wekiwa Springs State Park

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It only costs $6 per vehicle for the whole family to revel in a day of lush, natural beauty at Wekiwa Springs State Park, located just north of Orlando in Apopka. Swim in the crystal-clear, spring-fed waters that maintain their cool, 72-degree temperatures year-round, or escape the crowds that often make this park reach capacity before high noon by paddling a canoe down the gentle currents. This second-magnitude spring has been a tourist attraction since the 1860s, and it continues to pump out 43 million gallons of water each day.

Public Art in the Mills 50 District

When you reach the corner of Mills Avenue and State Road 50 (or Colonial Drive) just north of downtown Orlando, find a spot to pull over, strap on some comfortable walking shoes, and head north on foot to begin a free tour of the Mills 50 District’s vibrant series of murals and art boxes. You won’t be able to travel far without spotting a public art project–even the electrical boxes, dumpsters, and storm drains feature bold splashes of paint from Orlando artists of all ages and backgrounds.

Charli XCX Concert

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Unleash your inner brat! Let loose, feel the beat, soak up the atmosphere, and appreciate the music at Charli XCX’s “Sweat” concert at the Kia Center on October 6.

Boardwalk Bowl

If you’re on the hunt for an unbeatable bowling experience that combines the thrill of the game with an electrifying atmosphere, then you simply can’t overlook Boardwalk Bowl in Orlando. It’s a beacon for bowling enthusiasts and fun-seekers alike. This sprawling entertainment complex boasts an impressive 80 lanes, making it one of the largest in the Southeast. Whether you’re aiming to perfect your game, celebrate a special occasion, or simply enjoy a night out with friends and family, Boardwalk Bowl caters to all.

Explore the City on a Scooter

For the more urbane, there’s always the possibility of exploring beautiful Downtown Orlando on a scooter. You read that right. All around the town you’ll find scooters to rent and ride to your next destination. Orlando’s Scooter Share is made possible through smartphone apps, GPS technology, and dockless returns. Just check out some of the nearby return and pickup locations for scooters around the city, and hit the road for a fun adventure!

Our Favorite Orlando Restaurants

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Tako Cheena

Tako Cheena is a casual and affordable Asian fusion eatery inspired by food truck culture—stop in for some finger-licking Asian Glaze Chicken Wangz tossed in a homemade, tangy teriyaki sauce, or try to finish a nearly one-pound burrito “the size of a baby’s arm,” stuffed with your choice of proteins like Korean beef, Indian butter chicken, or Thai sweet and spicy curried chicken.

Sofrito Latin Café

Sofrito Latin Café, located in Orlando just northeast of Lake Buena Vista, home to a handful of Disney resorts, honors traditional cuisine from across Latin America and offers handcrafted drinks and meals at affordable prices. Choose from a wide selection of empanadas made in the styles of Cuba, Venezuela, and Colombia, or go for a tripleta sandwich made with steak, roast pork, ham, and gouda on pan sobao. Don’t forget to order some ham croquettes, made with lightly breaded, fried ham and bechamel fritters.

Otto’s High Dive

There are good restaurants, and then there are Michelin-approved restaurants. Fortunately, Otto’s High Dive is the latter. The eatery earned the Bib Gourmand rating from Michelin, which prized the eatery for its charming vibe and “unfussy but well-executed food.” Sold!

Ziggie’s Pizza

A local favorite known for its brick-fired, 12-inch personal thin-crust style pizzas. Each is topped with basil and olive oil drizzle. On Wednesdays they have B.Y.O.P. (build your own pizza). Ziggie’s Pizza was founded and operated by brothers Christian and Floyd Ziegler. The restaurant’s menu also offers a variety of salads and desserts.

Stone Fired Pizza

From the outset, Stone Fired set itself apart by sticking to traditional methods. The dough recipe involves a meticulous 3-day fermentation process. This slow fermentation not only enhances the flavor but also creates a crust that’s light, airy, and perfectly crisp. Their stone oven, imported from Italy, reaches temperatures upwards of 900 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring each pizza emerges with a beautifully charred crust and a smoky flavor that’s impossible to replicate in a conventional oven.

That’s why our readers recently named it the best pizza in Orlando.

The Earthy Kitchen

You probably know the story by heart: You love pastelón, mofongo, and empanadas, but for a long time you haven’t been able to enjoy many of the island’s most delicious dishes because you’re vegetarian.

Well, welcome to this small but enormously charming restaurant where you can enjoy a meatless pernil sandwich, a spot-on pastelón, delicious alcapurrias, and mofongo balls, among other Boricua staples.

At The Earthy Kitchen, they refuse to compromise on quality, so they use only the best seasonal, local ingredients. Together with the charming staff and relaxed ambiance, this little nook in Orlando is a great place to introduce your non-vegan friends to the delights of a plant-based menu. And they not only deliver with a minimum order of $15 but can cater your next event as well.

For more information visit HERE.

Crocante Restaurant

At Crocante, every dish is a masterpiece, a culinary sonnet that sings praises of its Puerto Rican roots. Think of their menu as the ultimate guide to all the rich, unexplored flavors of the island. Their mofongo, a dish that has clearly become a beloved staple across Orlando’s Puerto Rican eateries, is nothing short of legendary here. But what sets Crocante apart is their meats. The Roti Kan Kan with mushroom demi-glace is nothing short of miraculous (no wonder it’s in limited supply) and their rotisserie chicken is second to none.

Ceiba

Ceiba, named after the majestic tree that holds cultural significance in many Latin American countries, offers a menu that reflects its rich heritage. Executive Stephen Ullrich, a culinary maestro, aims to embody a “contemporary expression of Mexican cooking and pays homage to curated ingredients that tell the story of the country’s treasured dishes and artisan purveyors,” according to a recent press release. From the moment you step into Ceiba, you are transported to a world where traditional flavors meet contemporary flair.

Kabooki Sushi

The menu at this James Beard-nominated sushi spot spotlights the innovative spirit of Kabooki Sushi’s chefs, who play with simple ingredients to craft sublime flavors. These culinary maestros take the freshest ingredients and turn them into something extraordinary, blending kaiseki-style sushi with modern innovation.

Orlando Volunteer Opportunities

In a community so vibrant, it’s important to find a way to give back. Here are some of our favorite volunteer opportunities:

• Volunteer at the United Against Poverty food pantry, where you can clean, organize, or take inventory in the Emergency Food Pantry.
• Collect old used blankets, towels, and sheets and drop them off at a local animal shelter. At Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando there’s a chance you can become a Bark Buddy, Kitty Cuddler, or a Community Engager. There are ways you can help animals in need!
• Check the Keep Orlando Beautiful calendar to participate in a community cleanup or park beautification
• Support the LGBTQ+ community by volunteering to work at the front desk for The Center, a non-profit organization aimed at informing, educating, advocating, and supporting your fellow neighbors.

Day Trips from Orlando

Ocala National Forest

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Slap on some sunscreen, pack your bag full of snacks, and hit the trails of Ocala National Forest, 66 miles of designated Florida National Scenic Trail that winds through diverse environments including longleaf pine, sand pine, and hardwood. This peaceful corner of the earth located less than 90 minutes north of Orlando isn’t just a hiker’s paradise, though—swimmers and boaters alike gather at Juniper Springs, a natural spring bubbling up within this north central Florida subtropical forest. Paddle a kayak from the spring through the Juniper Run waterway, and keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of the shiny, snake-like American eel, the only species of eel found in North America’s fresh waters.

St. Augustine

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Whether it’s a peaceful beach visit, a bustling day of shopping and dining, or a historical adventure you seek, St. Augustine delivers. Only 90 minutes from Orlando, the Ancient City is home to 42 miles of relatively underpopulated shoreline where sometimes, the only sound you’ll hear is the white quartz sand squeaking underneath your feet. Historic Downtown St. Augustine offers excitement for history buffs, foodies, and shopping aficionados alike: Opt for a guided tour of the two dozen historical sites that dot these 400-year-old cobblestone streets (or a ghost tour if you dare,) visit the many apparel and gift shops that line St. George Street, and top off your visit with locally sourced seafood and hand-crafted cocktails at The Floridian.

Bok Tower Gardens

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You only need to drive about 90 minutes south from Orlando to reach the majestic beauty of Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales. When you arrive, plan to spend about 3-4 hours on the grounds to experience all that this nearly century-old site has to offer, including Olmsted Gardens, acres of lushly landscaped garden complete with dazzling displays of magnolias, azaleas, and camellias, and The Singing Tower, where carillon bell concerts are held each day at 1 and 3 p.m. Make sure to stop by El Retiro for a tour, too—this 20-room, Mediterranean Revival-style mansion transports visitors back to the opulence and elegance of the previous century.

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

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Since 1947, curious road travelers have been lured to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park by the real-life fantasy that is its live mermaid show. Currently, mermaids perform three, 45-minute shows each day at this park named by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, located 90 minutes due east of Orlando. Witness the artistry and skill required to swim and dance 15-20 feet below the surface against the strong, bubbling currents of a Florida natural spring, and then perform your own underwater feats at Buccaneer Bay, a family-friendly water park featuring a lazy river and two slides leading into the Weeki Wachee spring.

Sebastian Inlet State Park

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A morning and afternoon spent at Sebastian Inlet State Park, 90 minutes southeast of Orlando on Florida’s Treasure Coast, contains a multitude of family-friendly adventures. Begin your day by plunking down some beach chairs and an umbrella in the sand on the south side of the inlet to watch hopefuls from the world over attempt to surf the Monster Hole, a particularly challenging area that produces massive waves and frequently reports shark sightings and interactions. When you’ve gotten your fill of the action, mosey to the north side of the inlet to rest in the shallow, gentle waters of the tidal pool, protected by a rock barrier from the currents of the inlet.

Kennedy Space Center

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Blasting off to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex at Cape Canaveral won’t even take you a whole hour from some parts of Orlando. Time your visit right so you can watch a NASA or SpaceX rocket launch over the ocean or meet an astronaut, many of whom appear at the complex for several days of question-and-answer sessions, demonstrations, and of course, autographs. The Rocket Garden is another can’t-miss attraction, featuring rockets from NASA’s Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs, as well as the modern Delta II rocket that launched NASA’s Spirit and Opportunity Mars rovers.

Crystal River

This coastal city in western Florida boasts ample opportunities to commune with nature and wildlife, as well as learn about Florida’s history. Crystal River, located 90 minutes northwest of Orlando, serves as a sanctuary for manatees who gather in its temperate waters to stay warm each November through March. Paddle or swim near these gentle giants at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, and then drive 12 minutes northeast to Crystal River Archaeological State Park. This 61-acre historic landmark contains what’s left of a 2,500-year-old Native American ceremonial center, including burial mounds, temple mounds, and the remains of a plaza used by native Floridians for 1,500 years.

Mount Dora

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It only takes 30-40 minutes of driving north up State Road 429 from Orlando to feel like you’ve entered another world. In Mount Dora, time moves a bit slower, and there’s always something to celebrate.