Orlando Attractions
Orlando, Florida, is the perfect place to experience the thrills of an exciting vacation! Whether you're looking for theme parks, museums, restaurants or arenas, there's something for everyone in Orlando. Headstrong Vacation Homes have curated a list of the city's most incredible attractions so that you can make the most of your stay. From thrilling roller-coasters to calming botanical gardens and modern art galleries, Orlando will satisfy your vacation needs with its vast amount of attractions.
Theme Parks & Water Parks
Walt Disney World
Get ready for the most magical experience at Walt Disney World, a vast and awe-inspiring entertainment complex that covers over 42 square miles of Orlando, Florida. Known worldwide as the happiest place on earth, Walt Disney World is home to four theme parks, two water parks, and various resorts and entertainment venues that offer fun and excitement for visitors of all ages. Each theme park transports you to a different world filled with thrilling rides, immersive experiences, and beloved characters from Disney classics.
Whether you're embarking on a journey through space at Magic Kingdom's Tomorrowland, discovering exotic cultures at Epcot's World Showcase, or exploring the wild jungles at Disney's Animal Kingdom, every corner of Walt Disney World is full of wonder and fun. Young and young-at-heart visitors can meet their favourite Disney characters, watch spectacular shows with fireworks, and indulge in delicious cuisine from all over the globe. Walt Disney World is an experience like no other, where memories are made, and dreams come true for millions of guests every year. So come along, join the fun and let Walt Disney World take you on an unforgettable adventure of magic and fantasy!
Legoland Orlando
More than just a theme park, Legoland is a true celebration of creativity and imagination. It's a place where visitors can be inspired to build their childhood dreams and create new ones that will last a lifetime. Spend a day in a world of Lego as you watch your childhood fantasies come to life!
The park is full of incredible Lego-themed attractions, from its exhilarating roller coasters to the fascinating Lego-themed water park. You can experience the thrill of the twists and turns of a Dragon Coaster or take a toot aboard a Lego train to explore the sights at the park. You can also have fun with immersive activities that challenge your imagination and creativity, such as building a LEGO robot or creating your own Lego masterpiece. In addition to these fantastic experiences, the park provides various rides and attractions that cater to visitors of all ages.
Universal Orlando
With its many thrilling rides and attractions, Universal Orlando offers non-stop fun and entertainment around every corner. Take a journey into the magical world of Harry Potter at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, check out the heart-stopping roller coasters at Islands of Adventure, or explore the dinosaur-infested Jurassic World. With jaw-dropping shows and interactive experiences, Universal Orlando brings your favourite movies and TV shows to life, making you feel like you're part of the action.
No matter what your interests are, Universal Orlando has something for everyone. You can enjoy everything from virtual reality rides to live performances featuring beloved characters from some of the most iconic movies ever. Universal Orlando is the ultimate destination for thrill-seekers and movie buffs, offering an experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories for years.
Restaurants
Kadence
Kadence restaurant in Orlando, Florida, is a must-visit destination to satisfy your culinary cravings. This Asian-inspired restaurant is in the heart of Audubon Park, attracting foodies from around the city. Inspired by the traditional kaiseki style of Japanese cuisine, Kadence's chef and owners decided to mix things up by adding in their unique twist. The restaurant's menu is diverse, offering diners an array of flavours that are sure to entice, featuring dishes like toro nigiri or scallop sashimi.
But more than the food makes Kadence such a standout dining experience. The restaurant is also a sight to behold, with its modern and sleek interiors that blend beautifully with the surrounding trees and greenery. The inviting atmosphere and personalized service will make you feel right at home the moment you step indoors. And to finish your five-star dining experience, you can head to the intimate bar area to sip on some of the signature cocktails specially crafted with refreshing and flavorful ingredients. If you're craving Japanese-inspired cuisine with a twist, then Kadence Restaurant will amaze you with its exceptional dining experience.
Selam Ethiopian & Eritrean Cuisine
At Selam, you'll indulge in various mouth-watering dishes, each bursting with tantalizing spices and traditional Ethiopian flavours. Sink your teeth into savoury stews such as Doro Wat, made with juicy chicken marinated in various spices and stewed with onions and tomatoes, and Tibs, made with lamb, beef or chicken and served with sesame-flecked injera. Vegans and vegetarians will appreciate the variety of vegetarian dishes, such as Misir Wat, a lentil stew simmered with fiery spices.
In addition to the food, Selam's friendly staff and unique cocktails are something to be cherished. You'll have a great time sipping on cocktails like the Selam Green Daiquiri, made with fresh lime, mint, and tequila while indulging in the deliciousness of Ethiopian cuisine.
Hungry Pants
Hungry Pants is a unique concept, blending world cuisine with a focus on Asian-inspired dishes. From the minute you step inside, you'll be greeted with a casually stylish interior that will set the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. Their vibrant and delicious dishes reflect the owners' commitment to using only the freshest and highest quality ingredients.
The menu at Hungry Pants is an explosion of flavour, with a range of delicious options to suit all tastes. The Korean fried chicken is one of their signature dishes - crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and smothered in a range of sauces that leave you wanting more. Other dishes like the Szechuan seafood and the Japanese coconut milk curry will transport your taste buds to a new level of sensory delight.
Museums
Orange County Regional History Center
Explore Orange County, Florida's vibrant history at the Orange County Regional History Center! Housed in a beautiful historic building in downtown Orlando, this museum contains fascinating exhibits and artifacts. Step back in time and discover the area's past through stories and interactive displays. Discover how Native Americans first populated the area, explore European exploration and settlement, and learn about Central Florida’s notable people and places. From Seminole tools to 20th-century artifacts, there’s something of interest for everyone at the Orange County Regional History Center.
You can also experience life during pioneer times with examples of traditional clothing, furniture, toys, cooking techniques, tools and more on display. Don’t miss out on special events like lectures by local authors or museum-sponsored field trips! Make sure to visit the gift shop to pick up a souvenir before you leave, too – it has a great selection of books about local history for all ages.
Museum of Military History
Visit the Museum of Military History and learn about Orlando, Florida’s rich military history! Located in downtown Orlando near the Orange County Regional History Center, this museum contains interactive exhibits and artifacts that tell the stories of some of Central Florida's most famous battles. From weapons used in WWII to tanks and aircraft from around the world, you can get an up-close look at some impressive military hardware. Learn about Florida's involvement in the Civil War and explore a replica barracks from Camp Hart on display.
The Museum of Military History also features special events like lectures by veterans, base tours, and more. Whether you’re a history buff or just curious about local landmarks, visiting the Museum of Military History will be an enlightening experience!
Museum of Illusions Orlando
The Museum of Illusions in Orlando, Florida, is a mind-boggling experience that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about perception and reality. As soon as you step through the doors, you'll be transported into a world of optical illusions and mind-bending exhibits that will challenge your senses in the most exciting way possible. With over 50 interactive exhibits to explore, this one-of-a-kind attraction has something for everyone.
One of the Museum of Illusions highlights is the Ames Room, where visitors can play with perspective and size perception. By standing in a specially designed room, you'll appear to shrink or grow in size as you move around, creating a surreal and unforgettable experience. And if that's not enough, you can also try creating illusions with the help of the museum's interactive exhibits, including holograms, mirrors, and more. Whether you're a fan of science or art or just looking for a fun and unique experience, the Museum of Illusions is not to be missed.
Nature Parks & Gardens
Lake Louisa State Park
At Lake Louisa State Park, visitors can choose from various outdoor activities, such as swimming, fishing, kayaking, hiking, and cycling. The sparkling clear lake is a prime destination for fishing enthusiasts, and anglers can expect to catch aquatic species like largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish.
The park's trails are perfect for hikers and cyclists exploring the natural beauty of Florida's wilderness. Its well-maintained paths will guide you through densely forested areas home to wildlife like deer and foxes, and raccoons. Kayaking through the calm waters of Lake Louisa is also a popular activity to enjoy here.
Kelly Park Rock Springs
Kelly Park Rock Springs is a natural wonder hidden just a short drive from Orlando, Florida. The park is a real-life oasis, tucked away in the countryside and surrounded by sprawling forestland. Visitors flock to the park to experience the thrill of crystal-clear waters flowing at a refreshing 68 degrees, perfect for keeping cool on a hot summer's day.
One of the most exciting things at Kelly Park Rock Springs is to dip in the clear, blue waters. As you splash around in the natural spring, you can spot turtles and fish swimming alongside you, adding to the exhilaration of being in such an untouched environment. If you're feeling courageous enough, you can even take the plunge and swim down the river's course, experiencing the thrill of the current as you travel along. And for those who would instead take it easy on land, the park also offers picnic areas, and hiking trails.
Orlando Wetlands Park
Orlando Wetlands Park is a breathtaking, 1650-acre living laboratory that allows visitors to explore one of Florida’s most unique and ecologically diverse landscapes. Dubbed as a birdwatcher's paradise and an angler's dream, the park is spectacular. As you venture into the park, you'll be greeted with a maze of intertwining trails that take you through various habitats, including freshwater marshes, swamps, and woods.
Replete with native plants and wildlife, including alligators, deer, otters, snakes, and turtles, the Orlando Wetlands Park is a true marvel of nature. Home to many fish species, the park even offers visitors the ability to fish in designated areas. Whether you're a bird watcher, photographer, wildlife enthusiast, or just someone who wants to escape into the serene beauty of Florida's natural world - this park has something special for everyone.