10 attractions Updated September 23, 2026

Orlando attractions beyond the parks

The places you can visit without a park ticket

Disney Springs, Gatorland, the museums, the gardens and the springs: what each costs, when it is open and who it is actually worth the drive for.

Turquoise spring and wooden footbridge beside Florida-style shops at Disney Springs Town CenterWorth it

Disney Springs

The one Disney district with free garages and no ticket. Come for an evening walk and a meal; skip the shopping unless you want Disney merchandise.

Free entry, free garages Garages open 9 a.m. Lake Buena Vista
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Pairs well with

Disney Springs evening loopAerophile at Disney SpringsThe Boathouse
A water taxi on the canal through Universal CityWalk, with Hard Rock Cafe on the bankIt depends

Universal CityWalk

Universal's dining strip between the parks. Before 6 p.m. it costs $35 to park; after 6 p.m. it is free on most nights. Go in the evening or not at all.

Free entry; $35 parking by day Free garage after 6 p.m. Universal Orlando Resort
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Pairs well with

Universal Studios FloridaUniversal Islands of AdventureHalloween Horror Nights
An American alligator basking with its jaws open on a wooden ledge at GatorlandWorth it

Gatorland

An alligator park on Orange Blossom Trail since 1949. Half a day, free parking, shows on a fixed schedule. The best value non-theme-park day near Disney.

Adults $34.99, kids $24.99 Daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m. South Orange Blossom Trail
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Pairs well with

Gator bitesAirboat rides near OrlandoKissimmee and US-192
The Orlando Eye wheel above palm trees and shops at ICON Park on International DriveSkip it

ICON Park and The Wheel

The I-Drive complex around the 400-foot observation wheel. Free parking and free to walk around. With the wheel closed for maintenance, the combo tickets lose their point.

Wheel closed for maintenance Free garage, floors 4 to 7 8375 International Drive
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Pairs well with

International DriveSeaWorld OrlandoOrlando on a rainy day
Lake Eola fountain and amphitheater with downtown Orlando towers behind, under grey cloudsWorth it

Lake Eola Park

Downtown Orlando's central park: a 0.9-mile loop, pedal swan boats, a fountain and a Sunday market. The live swan flock is gone as of July 2026; the boats remain.

Free; swan boats $15 Park open 6 a.m.–midnight Downtown Orlando
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Pairs well with

Lake Eola and Thornton ParkDowntown Orlando and Thornton ParkFree and cheap things to do in Orlando
White facade and green-awninged entrance of the Morse Museum on Park Avenue in Winter ParkWorth it

Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art

The world's key Tiffany collection, including his chapel from the 1893 Chicago fair, in a quiet museum on Park Avenue. $8, or free on Friday evenings in season.

Adults $8, under 12 free Closed Mondays 445 N. Park Ave, Winter Park
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Pairs well with

Winter Park and Park AvenueWinter ParkHarry P. Leu Gardens
A shaded garden path with benches and red flowers under tropical trees at Leu GardensIt depends

Harry P. Leu Gardens

Fifty acres of botanical garden on Lake Rowena, ten minutes from downtown. Quiet, cheap and at its best in camellia and azalea season. The historic house is closed for now.

Adults $15, kids $10 Daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (fall) 1920 N. Forest Ave, Orlando
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Pairs well with

Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American ArtOrlando Science CenterLake Eola Park
The white, drum-shaped Orlando Science Center behind live oak trees in Loch Haven ParkIt depends

Orlando Science Center

Four floors of hands-on exhibits and a domed theater in Loch Haven Park. A strong rainy-day pick with children under 12; adults without kids can skip it.

Adults $29, youth $22 online 10 a.m.–5 p.m., closed Weds Loch Haven Park, Orlando
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Pairs well with

Orlando on a rainy dayOrlando with kidsHarry P. Leu Gardens
Swimmers in the clear green spring pool at Wekiwa Springs State Park, ringed by dense forestIt depends

Wekiwa Springs State Park

A swimming spring at a steady 72 degrees, 17 miles north of downtown. Cheap and genuinely beautiful, but you cannot just turn up: book a day-use slot first.

$6 per vehicle Reservation required Apopka, north of Orlando
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Pairs well with

Tubing at Kelly Park (Rock Springs)Blue Spring State ParkCrystal River manatee swims
Old Town Kissimmee's jukebox-style entrance signs and colorful Ferris wheel under a blue skyIt depends

Old Town Kissimmee

An 18-acre retro strip of bars, shops and fair rides on US-192. Unremarkable on a Tuesday; worth an evening on Friday or Saturday when hundreds of classic cars parade the bricks.

Free entry and car shows Saturday cruise 8:30 p.m. US-192, Kissimmee
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Pairs well with

Kissimmee and US-192GatorlandLake Buena Vista and Disney Springs

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Theme parks 14 Experiences 9 Events 9 Day trips 6 Walks 4 Areas 6 Hotels 14 Restaurants 16 Local food 8 Bars 5 Plan 11 Itineraries 6 Worth it? 8 Guides 5 Articles 3