Orlando is best known for it’s theme parks, but there is so much more to do in the Orlando outside of the rides and attractions. If you would like to add an extra experience to your Orlando vacation, here are 10 top unique and fun things to do in Orlando outside of the theme parks to please animal and nature lovers, thrill seekers, science and history fans, beach combers, as well as foodies.
This article includes affiliate links so that if you book an experience using the links provided, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you! You can book and cancel your experience all on your own or as part of a trip with me as your travel advisor.
1. Everglades Airboat Tour
The Florida Everglades guided tour by airboat allows you to enjoy the awesome views of alligators and other wildlife without feeling threatened. This tour/activity has a maximum of 15 travelers. See wildlife, such as alligators, in their natural environment. Catch great views of the swamps from stadium-like seating. Enjoy commentary as you ride from your guide. Choose from two tour duration times and multiple start times.
What’s included: live commentary on board, local driver guide, life jackets, and rain gear (if needed during sun showers).
Read more about Florida Everglades Airboat Tour 2022 – Orlando HERE.
2. Manatee Snorkel Tour
Get up close to Florida’s manatees on this small-group snorkeling adventure. With an expert guide leading the way, swim alongside these gentle giants in Kings Bay. All tours include a full 5mm wetsuit (for extra warmth), mask, snorkel, towel service, heated changing facilities, and hot showers. Photos and video of your excursion are available for purchase. Swim alongside manatees on a snorkeling adventure. Tour takes place in Kings Bay where manatees live year-round.
What’s included: use of full 5mm wetsuits (for extra warmth), a mask and snorkel, Coffee and/or Tea, Hot chocolate, bottle water, towel Service, a US Coast Guard certified captain, and a professionally insured in-water guide, All taxes, fees and handling charges are also included.
Read more about the Manatee Snorkel Tour with In-Water Divemaster/Photographer 2022 HERE.
3. Glass Bottom Kayak Eco Tour
Nature lovers will enjoy this tour into a unique part of Rock Springs Run known as “Emerald Cut.” The first part of the tour is an upstream paddle through calm waters and overhead tree canopy, with stops to hop off your clear kayak and into the fresh spring water. Keep your eyes peeled for for fish, turtles, birds, small alligators, and more. Clear kayak tour Local guide See wild animals in their natural habitat Kayak and safety gear provided
What’s included: 2 to 2.5-Hour Guided Clear Kayak Eco Tour of Rock Springs with a small-group for a more personalized experience (up to 10 travelers), multiple stops to take photos or view the surrounding wildlife, and an opportunity to swim in the spring water or use the rope swing for even more fun! Quick instruction from guides on basic paddle techniques prior to tour. Enjoy a unique kayaking experience where you can view the water below you as you paddle and learn unique facts along the way about the local waterways, wildlife, and more. Animals you may see include: turtles, birds, fish, otters, deer, alligators, and more! Use of 100% Clear Kayaks is also included.
Read more about 2-Hour Glass Bottom Guided Kayak Eco Tour in Rock Springs (Small-Group) 2022 HERE.
4. Explore Kennedy Space Center
Take an out-of-this-world day trip to the awe-inspiring Kennedy Space Center from Orlando. Spend hours exploring NASA’s world-class facility, launchpads, and rocket exhibits like Saturn V. You have a chance to participate in the simulated Shuttle Launch Experience, see stellar IMAX films, and get first-hand space stories at Astronaut Encounter. Upgrade to have lunch with a veteran astronaut and other sightseeing experiences. Kennedy Space Center tour from Orlando with optional upgrades Tour NASA’s launch headquarters and the Shuttle Launch Experience Explore the Rocket Garden, Apollo/Saturn V Center and see two IMAX films Get up-close-and-personal with veteran astronauts at the Astronaut Encounter show Upgrade your tour for an unforgettable opportunity to have lunch with an astronaut! Upgrade to Space Pass Plus to visit the Vehicle Assembly Building and other intriguing sights Pickup and drop-off from selected locations in Orlando
What’s included: transportation to Kennedy Space Center from centralized pick up locations and admission to Kennedy Space Center.
Read more about Kennedy Space Center Day Trip with Transport from Orlando 2022 HERE.
5. Visit ICON Park
Access three of Orlando’s most thrilling attractions with this great-value three attraction pass. Admire spectacular views over Orlando and the East Coast as you ride The Wheel at ICON Park™ and take your time exploring the entertainment district. Then, spot more than 5,000 fish and marine animals at the SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, and pose for photos with all your favorite celebrities at Madame Tussauds Orlando. Included are prepaid tickets to all three attractions saving you time by skipping the ticket lines. Spectacular views of the city and the ocean from The Wheel at ICON Park. Spot sharks, sea lions, and clownfish at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium. This is a self-guided visits so that you can spend as long as you like at each attraction.
What’s included: One (1) Ride on The Wheel, Madame Tussauds Orlando, and SeaLife Aquarium.
Read more about 2 or 3-Attraction Pass: Wheel at ICON Park, Madame Tussauds & SeaLife Aquarium 2022 HERE.
6. Take a Ride on the Orlando StarFlyer
Experience a ride on the Orlando StarFlyer, the “world’s tallest swing ride” standing at 450 feet tall. Move up and down and rotate around the giant tower at speeds of up to 45mph. No other attraction combines safety and thrills like the Starflyer. The Orlando Starflyer concept began in 2012 when Funtime had a mobile Starflyer located next to the London Eye during the London Olympics. It was obvious during this time there was a great synergy between the two attractions. In 2015 when the Orlando Eye was being developed the Funtime Group approached the developer Unicorp and proposed that they build the world’s tallest swing ride, the 450’ Starflyer next to the Eye. Working together for the next 2 ½ years Funtime and Unicorp have brought you Orlando’s 2 tallest attractions, together on International Drive.
What’s included: admission Ticket for the Orlando StarFlyer swing ride. Ticket Purchase Valid for One (1) Ride on Orlando Starflyer Experience the “world’s tallest swing ride.”
Read more about Orlando StarFlyer Swing Ride Admission Ticket 2022 HERE.
7. Dolphin Sightseeing Tour
Swap the hustle and bustle of Orlando for a day of relaxation and wildlife spotting at Clearwater Beach. Avoid the decision fatigue of searching for somewhere to eat as lunch is included at a beachside restaurant. After lunch, go on a narrated speedboat tour to look for bottlenose dolphins in their national habitat. No need to book a taxi—round-trip transportation is included. Relax and enjoy a day at Clearwater Beach with lunch included at a beachside restaurant.
What’s included: beach time, lunch at a local beachside restaurant, 1-hour narrated boat tour aboard the worlds largest speed boat the – Sea Screamer, roundtrip transportation from International Drive, Disney and Kissimmee areas, and a professional, certified, and licensed tour guide.
Read more about Clearwater Beach Speedboat Tour and Lunch 2022 HERE.
8. Tour St. Augustine
Step back in time with a visit to enchanting St. Augustine — one of America’s oldest towns — on this full-day tour from Orlando. This 10-hour excursion arrives in St Augustine by mid-morning, giving you hours to spend on your favorite activities. Stroll along cobbled pathways, admire Spanish Colonial architecture, indulge in delicious seafood at a waterside restaurant, see historic landmarks, and add on an optional sightseeing cruise or trolley tour. 10-hour trip to St Augustine from Orlando Explore and enjoy a relaxing lunch in colonial St Augustine, self-proclaimed oldest city in the US! See historic landmarks like Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest fort in the US. Upgrade to include a scenic cruise through Matanzas Bay or a 90-minute sightseeing trolley tour. Tour includes round-trip coach travel from select Orlando hotels.
What’s included: hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only), boat cruise (if option selected at time of booking), trolley tour (if option selected at time of booking).
Read more about Saint Augustine Day Trip from Orlando 2022 HERE.
9. Winter Park Food Tour
Taste your way around Winter Park without the hours of prior research on this food-themed walking tour. Visit an area known for its great food scene—Park Avenue, and benefit from local knowledge on the most delicious specialties to try. As well as food commentary, the guide keeps you entertained with stories of visiting celebrities and the history of the local area. Discover local haunts rather than the tourist hotspots. Learn about Winter Park’s history as well as its food scene. Taste as you explore—food and drink tastings are included. Receive special discounts off food venues and future tours.
What’s included: a sample selection of delicious food and beverage items at each tour stop. A VIP Guide who will share a brief history of Park Avenue and interesting facts along the way. 10% discount all day on purchases and meals after the tour given by each tour stop location. Demonstrations and presentations during each visit are also included.
Read more about Winter Park Foodie Walking Tour 2022 HERE.
10. Treetop Zipline Tour
Calling all thrill-seekers! Secure your entry in advance to a safe and professional zip-lining facility—the Treetop Express. Rather than only experiencing the buzz of zip lining once, the package includes five zipline flights and two Skywalk Bridges. No need to worry if it’s your first time—an introduction and practice session are included, and you can start slow and build your way up. Enjoy multiple flights—go on five different ziplines at the Treeptop Express. Feel the adrenaline rush of zip-lining over Gator Lake. Stay hydrated—there are lots of water stations Experts are on-hand to help—ask guides for advice at the course. Soar over Gator Lake at an incredible speed during your last zip line flight. The zip line flights start slow and low to the ground and gradually get as high as 155ft high.
What’s included: 5 Zip Line Flights & 2 Skywalk Bridges, brief introduction to zip lining including a practice zip line flight.
Read more about Treetop Express Zip Line and Sky Bridges Tour 2022 HERE.
Orlando has something for everyone
Orlando has so much to see and do for everyone. This list of 10 unique and fun activities is just the beginning. To see more review-based activities in Orlando click HERE. You can book any of the activities or tours above using the links or I’d be happy to lend my travel planning expertise to help you plan all aspects of your vacation. Schedule a complimentary consultation today and become a Beautiful Tomorrow Travel insider to receive occasional emails with travel information and receive a free, 10-page vacation planner.
