Best Orlando Day Trips & Things to Do

Orlando Transportation Overview

You may choose to rent a car, but Orlando also offers a variety of public transportation options. The LYNX bus system covers the city and surrounding areas with a large range of routes perfect for city tour Orlando. A one-way trip costs $2, and an all-day pass is $4.50. For the downtown area, the free LYMMO bus is a convenient option. Additionally, the I-Ride Trolley runs along International Drive, connecting many hotels, attractions, and shopping centers. A one-day pass is $6, a three-day pass is $8 and a five-day pass is $10. If you plan to travel to Miami or Fort Lauderdale, the Brightline Intercity Train also offers service.

Orlando Theme Parks

Orlando is best known for its world-class theme parks, which are a major draw for visitors from around the globe. These parks offer immersive experiences and thrilling rides. The Walt Disney World Resort is one of the largest resorts in the world and contains four different theme parks.

Universal Orlando Resort, which features movie-themed parks and water parks.

SeaWorld Orlando, is known for its marine life shows and ocean-themed rides, where you can get up close and personal with marine life through Seaworld Orlando tours. It combines animal shows, exciting roller coasters, and educational exhibits.

Attractions in Orlando Other Than Disney

Besides the famous theme parks, many other attractions and activities in Orlando are not to be missed:

Gatorland: A combination zoo, theme park, and wildlife sanctuary where you can see alligators up close and even experience an exciting zip line.

Airboat Tours Orlando: Travel through the Florida Everglades in search of wildlife such as alligators and a variety of birds. A thrilling adventure.

Discovery Cove: Offers unique interactive experiences with marine animals, such as swimming with dolphins.

SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium: Offers a 360° tunnel showcasing a variety of marine life.

ICON Park: A collection of attractions including the Orlando Eye Ferris Wheel, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, and Sea Life Aquarium.

WonderWorks: An upside-down museum with interactive science exhibits and wacky experiences.

The Artifact Exhibition: A display of authentic artifacts from the wreck of the Titanic.

Free Attractions in Orlando

Even if you're on a budget, Orlando has many free attractions worth visiting. Take Lake Eola Park, for example, an iconic park in the heart of downtown where you can walk, picnic, rent a swan boat, and enjoy a fountain show.

Tibet-Butler Preserve, a wildlife haven near Walt Disney World, offers miles of hiking trails and is the perfect place to liberate yourself from the bustle of the city. Or UCF Arboretum, a free 82-acre nature park. A trip to CityArts provides free access to several art galleries.

Orlando Florida Day Trips

From Orlando, you can easily reach other popular destinations in Florida. Drive an hour to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to explore NASA's space history. For sun and surfing, Cocoa Beach is one of the closest beaches to Orlando, about an hour's drive away for an Orlando beach experience. Or head further afield to Clearwater Beach, which is about a two-hour drive away. Known for its white sand and calm waters, it is often voted one of the best beaches in the United States. Also, here you take a boat ride for dolphin watching. For a less busy location, drive half an hour to Mount Dora, a charming town known for its antique stores and scenic lakes, and enjoy the serenity of the lake!