25 Best Orlando Attractions | 2024 (with Photos)

Orlando, Florida is a world-renowned tourist destination that attracts millions of visitors every year. Known for its sunny weather, top-notch amusement parks, and a variety of tourist attractions that cater to visitors of all ages, the city has something for everyone.

From thrilling roller coasters to interactive museums and lush green spaces, there are endless opportunities for fun and adventure in Orlando. In this article, we'll highlight 25 of the best tourist attractions in Orlando that you won't want to miss.

Table of Contents

1. Walt Disney World Resort

2. Universal Orlando Resort theme parks

3. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

4. SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium

5. Legoland Florida

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1. Walt Disney World Resort

Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, FL is a massive entertainment complex that spans over 25,000 acres and includes four theme parks, two water parks, hundreds of restaurants, hotels, shops, and countless activities.

Visitors can explore the iconic Magic Kingdom, go on thrilling adventures at Disney's Hollywood Studios, experience the wonder of nature at Disney's Animal Kingdom, and explore the future at Epcot.

Whether you're a family with young children, a group of friends seeking adventure, or a couple looking for a romantic getaway, Walt Disney World has something for everyone.

2. Universal Orlando Resort theme parks

Universal Orlando Resort is another top-rated Orlando attraction with two theme parks for a lot of family fun, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure Park.

Visitors can enjoy a visit to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and Marvel Super Hero Island. With cutting-edge attractions, thrilling rides, live shows, and interactive experiences, Universal's Islands of Adventure Park promises fun for the whole family.

3. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

The Kennedy Space Center near Orlando, FL offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the history of space exploration. Its most popular exhibit is the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, which features the actual Space Shuttle Atlantis, the fourth space shuttle to be built by NASA.

Visitors can get up close and personal with the massive spacecraft and even experience a simulated space launch. With the chance to see real spacecraft, meet astronauts, and learn about the science and technology that has shaped the modern world, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is a must-visit attraction in Orlando.

4. SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium

SEA LIFE Aquarium in Orlando, FL is an indoor aquarium featuring over 5,000 creatures from more than 200 species, including sharks, turtles, and colorful tropical fish. The aquarium also has a touch pool where you can feel the spiny skin of a starfish or the rough shell of a sea urchin.

Visitors can also watch feeding sessions and attend educational talks to learn more about marine conservation. With its fun and educational exhibits, SEA LIFE Aquarium is a must-visit attraction for families and anyone interested in the fascinating world of marine life.

5. Legoland Florida

LEGOLAND Florida in Orlando, FL features over 50 rides and attractions, all built around the iconic LEGO brick. Visitors can enjoy LEGO City, DUPLO Valley, and the LEGO Kingdoms, where they can go on thrilling roller coasters and see incredible LEGO sculptures.

The theme park also has a water park with slides and splash zones, as well as a LEGO-themed hotel. With so much to see and do, LEGOLAND Florida is the perfect destination for families with young children or anyone who loves LEGO.

6. Ocala National Forest

The Ocala National Forest is one of Florida's hidden gems. This vast forest spans over 383,000 acres and offers a wide range of recreational opportunities for visitors, including hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, and camping.

Visitors can explore the many hiking trails, including the Florida Trail, a 1,300-mile trail that runs from the Ocala National Forest all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. Other highlights include Juniper Springs, where visitors can swim, kayak, or take a dip in the natural spring.

7. Orlando Museum of Art

The Orlando Museum of Art is one of the popular tourist attractions for art enthusiasts. The Orlando Museum of Art features a vast collection of contemporary and modern art, including paintings, sculptures, and mixed media works.

Visitors can explore the museum's numerous galleries and see special exhibitions, showcasing works from renowned artists from around the world. With its vast collection and exciting exhibitions, the Orlando Museum of Art is one of the top tourist attractions in Orlando for anyone who appreciates art.

8. The Wheel at ICON Park

The Wheel at ICON Park stands at a height of 400 feet, making it one of the tallest observation wheels in the world. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Orlando skyline, including landmarks such as Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and Disney World theme parks.

The Wheel is a fantastic attraction for anyone who wants to experience Orlando, FL from a unique perspective. The ICON Park complex also features a range of dining and shopping options, as well as other attractions such as SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium and Madame Tussauds Wax Museum.

9. Gatorland

Gatorland in Orlando, known as the "Alligator Capital of the World," provides a glimpse into the fascinating world of alligators and other exotic animals. The amusement park has a free-flight aviary, a petting zoo, and animal shows that showcase the park's reptiles, birds, and mammals.

Visitors can also enjoy the park's thrilling zipline that takes them over the park's alligator-filled ponds. With its exciting animal encounters, Gatorland is one of Florida's unique theme parks and a top attraction for anyone looking to experience the wild side of Florida.

10. The Mead Botanical Garden

Mead Botanical Garden spans 47 acres and features a range of habitats, including wetlands, forests, and meadows. Mead Botanical Garden is home to a wide variety of native Florida plants and wildlife, making it a great destination for nature lovers and birdwatchers.

Visitors can explore the garden's numerous trails and boardwalks, which wind through the various habitats, providing an opportunity to observe the plants and animals up close. The garden also offers guided walks, providing an opportunity to learn more about Florida's unique ecology.

11. Disney's Typhoon Lagoon

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon is a popular water park in Orlando that offers visitors a range of exciting attractions and a nice sandy beach. The park's attractions include wave pools, lazy rivers, and thrilling water slides.

The theme of the park features a range of tropical elements and a story of a typhoon that washed ashore an abandoned tropical paradise. Visitors can also relax on the park's sandy beach, which offers a chance to soak up the warm Florida sun and enjoy the park's tranquil atmosphere.

12. Mennello Museum of American Art

The Mennello Museum of American Art is a hidden gem in Orlando that features a unique collection of American art. One of the highlights of the museum is its stunning sculpture garden, with outdoor artworks surrounded by beautiful flora and fauna.

Visitors can explore the garden's meandering pathways and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere while admiring the works of art. The museum also hosts regular educational programs, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of American art and culture.

13. SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld in Orlando, FL is a world-renowned marine park with over 200 acres of attractions. SeaWorld Orlando offers an immersive experience with marine life, including dolphins, whales, sea lions, and sharks.

Visitors can enjoy thrilling rides like Kraken Unleashed, and Infinity Falls, or watch spectacular shows like One Ocean, Dolphin Days, and the Sesame Street Party Parade. SeaWorld Orlando also offers unique animal encounters, such as the opportunity to swim with dolphins or touch a stingray.

14. Harry P. Leu Gardens

Harry P. Leu Gardens is a picturesque oasis just minutes from downtown Orlando. This 50-acre botanical garden has an impressive collection of tropical and subtropical plants, including camellias, roses, azaleas, and bromeliads.

The gardens feature paved walkways that wind through a butterfly garden, a tropical rainforest, and a bamboo forest. Visitors can also explore the Leu House Museum and learn about the life of the Leu family, who donated the gardens to the city of Orlando in 1961.

15. Lake Eola Park

Lake Eola Park is a scenic destination in the heart of downtown Orlando. This 43-acre park surrounds a beautiful lake and offers a range of outdoor activities, such as jogging, picnicking, and boating.

Visitors to Lake Eola Park can also take a stroll around the lake and enjoy stunning views of the city skyline. Lake Eola Park is also home to the Walt Disney Amphitheater and the iconic Lake Eola Fountain, which lights up at night and adds a touch of magic to the surroundings.

16. Fun Spot America

Fun Spot America in Orlando is a family-owned and operated amusement park that offers a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages. One of the park's main attractions is the White Lightning wooden roller coaster, which is the only wooden roller coaster in Orlando.

The park also offers other rides, including go-karts, bumper boats, and thrill rides. Visitors can test their skills at the arcade, play mini-golf at the golf courses, or enjoy a snack at one of the park's food vendors. Fun Spot America also offers affordable prices and free parking, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.

17. Orlando Science Center

The Orlando Science Center is a world-class science museum with interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that explore various scientific fields, including biology, physics, and technology. It is one of the most interesting attractions in Orlando, FL.

The science center also features a 300-seat giant screen theater, a state-of-the-art planetarium, and a rooftop observatory that offers stunning views of the night sky. The Orlando Science Center offers summer camps, workshops, and STEM programs, making it a popular destination for schools and families.

18. Crayola Experience

The Crayola Experience, located inside the Florida Mall, is a fantastic attraction for the whole family. With 70,000 square feet of interactive exhibits and live shows, the Crayola Experience is perfect for families looking to have a fun and educational experience.

Visitors can create their own unique crayons, make personalized coloring pages, and even star in their own coloring books. The attraction also offers a 4-D coloring adventure and endless hours of entertainment for children and adults alike.

19. Discovery Cove

Discovery Cove is a day resort in Orlando that offers a unique and immersive experience for the whole family. Visitors to Discovery Cove can swim with dolphins, snorkel in a tropical reef, and interact with a variety of exotic animals, including rays and tropical birds.

The Discovery Cove resort offers a relaxing, tropical atmosphere, with sandy beaches, palm trees, and lagoons. In addition to the animal experiences, visitors to Discovery Cove can enjoy a lazy river, a freshwater pool, and various waterfalls.

20. Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens

The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Sanford, Florida, offers visitors the chance to experience the wonders of the animal kingdom and explore the beauty of nature. The Central Florida Zoo features over 400 animals representing over 100 species.

Visitors can interact with domestic animals in the petting zoo and get up close with reptiles and amphibians in the zoo's Herpetarium. The botanical gardens showcase a wide variety of plants and trees, including a butterfly garden and a tropical rainforest.

21. The Florida Everglades

The Florida Everglades in southern Florida is unlike any other place in the world. The Everglades is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including alligators, panthers, manatees, and a variety of bird species.

Visitors can take an airboat ride through the wetlands, which is an exhilarating experience that offers a chance to see the wildlife up close. You can also learn about the heritage of the Seminole Tribe, who have lived in the area for centuries.

22. Cornell Fine Arts Museum

The Cornell Fine Arts Museum, located on the campus of Rollins College in Winter Park, offers visitors the chance to experience world-class art in a beautiful setting. Its collection features over 5,000 works of art, spanning from ancient to contemporary art.

The museum is known for its outstanding collection of European Old Master paintings and its collection of American art from the 18th century to the present. The museum is free to the public, making it accessible to all, and is housed in a beautiful Mediterranean-style building.

23. Disney Springs

Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney) is a vibrant outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment complex that features over 100 stores and boutiques, ranging from high-end fashion brands to unique souvenir shops, making the place a shopper's paradise.

Foodies will delight in the restaurants, cafes, and food trucks, serving up everything from international cuisine to classic American fare. Disney-owned hotels can be pricey, but there are many other options within walking distance of Disney Springs.

24. Kelly Park

Kelly Park is a popular outdoor recreation area located just outside of Orlando. It's renowned for its crystal clear waters and scenic hiking trails, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The highlight of Kelly Park is undoubtedly its natural lazy river, which offers a relaxing and refreshing float down the stream. This scenic park is an excellent spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and experience the natural beauty of Florida.

25. Lake Buena Vista

Lake Buena Vista is a community in the city of Orlando, Florida, located just a short distance from Walt Disney World Resort. The area is known for its numerous hotels, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Visitors can also take a ride on the iconic Characters in Flight hot air balloon for panoramic views of the area. The community also features a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants, and is home to several popular dinner theaters, including the famous Medieval Times.

FAQs About Orlando Attractions

Let's also explore some frequently asked questions related to Orlando attractions.

What is the number one tourist attraction in Orlando Florida?

The number one tourist attraction in Orlando, Florida is Walt Disney World, which is an entertainment complex that includes multiple theme parks, water parks, hotels, restaurants, and shops. It is one of the most visited Orlando attractions, drawing in millions of visitors each year.

What are some things Orlando, FL is known for?

Orlando, FL is known for its theme parks, such as Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld Orlando. It is also famous for its warm and sunny weather, which makes it a popular destination for golfing and outdoor activities. Orlando is also home to the Amway Center where the Orlando Magic NBA team plays.

What kind of attractions are in Orlando, Florida?

There are hundreds of amazing attractions in Orlando, FL from theme parks and water parks to museums, art galleries, golf courses, and cultural centers.

Some of the most popular attractions include Walt Disney World (with Magic Kingdom and Epcot), Universal Studios (with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Marvel Super Hero Island**)**, SeaWorld water park, LEGOLAND Florida, Discovery Cove, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, and the Orlando Science Center.

Travelers who visit Orlando can also enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment at locations like Disney Springs, Universal CityWalk, and International Drive.

What attraction brings people to Orlando, Florida?

The primary attractions in Orlando, Florida that draw tourists are the world-famous theme parks, which include Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld.

Apart from the top-rated Disney parks and water parks, Orlando, FL boasts a warm climate and abundant sunshine that also attracts millions of visitors looking for fun outdoor activities and leisurely vacations.

Summing Up: Best Orlando Attractions 

As you can see, there are many awesome attractions in Orlando, FL. From the magic of Disney theme parks to the adrenaline rush of thrill rides, there is no shortage of fun things to do in Orlando.

Whether you're planning to visit Orlando, FL with your family or friends, make sure to add some of our top attractions to your itinerary, such as Magic Kingdom and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

And don't forget to cool off at a water park during your Orlando vacation. So start planning your trip to the Sunshine State today, book your tickets, and set out on an adventure of a lifetime.