Widely recognized as the most popular destination for families, Orlando offers adults – or kids at heart – plenty of their own unbelievably real experiences. Armed with a childlike sense of wonder and a thirst for adventure, grown-ups will delight in Orlando’s opportunities to explore – no kids required.

Be a Big Kid at the Theme Parks
VIP tours are a great way to feel like a kid again, while experiencing the theme parks at a more leisurely pace. Private VIP Tours at Walt Disney World Resort include door-to-door transportation from guests’ resorts to the theme parks, VIP viewing areas for nighttime spectaculars and a customizable itinerary. Universal Orlando Resort also offers the VIP Tour Experience to give guests exclusive backstage access and instant boarding to the most popular rides, including all attractions at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Another grown-up way to explore the parks is to visit during one of the many annual food events, including SeaWorld’s Seven Seas Food Festival in the spring and Epcot International Food & Wine Festival in the fall.

Relax at the Resort Pool
From lazy rivers and secluded grottos to private cabanas, an afternoon at one of Orlando’s resort pools is a great way for adults to take in the year-round warmth. Some of the more notable adult-only pools include Hilton Orlando’s “Quiet Resort Pool,” complete with private whirlpool and cabanas; the cabanas at JW Marriott Bonnet Creek Resort and Spa; and adults-only pool “The Oasis” at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, which has underwater audio and a Jacuzzi for ultimate relaxation. 

Enjoy a Night on the Town

Orlando isn’t just about daytime fun at theme parks and resort pools. Adults can also indulge in after-hours fun throughout the destination – like at the incredible nighttime entertainment districts or upscale speakeasies.

  • Visitors don’t even need to leave the theme parks and tourist hot spots for nightlife -  Universal CityWalk, Pointe Orlando, ICON Park, and Disney Springs are all walkable hubs for after-sunset fun.
  • A plethora of nightlife options await travelers in the City Beautiful, from the recently renovated Bösendorfer Lounge inside the Grand Bohemian to the epicenter of dancing and nightlife found along Wall Street and Orange Avenue downtown. With spectacular views of downtown Orlando and a full range of handcrafted cocktails featuring locally made spirits.
  • AC Sky Bar, a 18th-floor rooftop bar inside the AC Hotel by Marriott Orlando Downtown offers guests the opportunity to experience downtown Orlando from above as they enjoy chef-made tapas and small plates. 
  • Stylish Mathers Social Gathering welcomes patrons to relax and mingle in its 1800s atmosphere and enjoy house made cocktails and lite bites, while local speakeasy Hanson’s Shoe Repair provides a fun twist on a night out, requiring a password for entry.
  • Cocktails & Screams, Orlando’s first and only Halloween-themed bar, features décor, creepy music and an all-around spooky atmosphere that will chill even the most sinister spirits.
  • HighT, a newly opened Alice in Wonderland-themed bar, offers an immersive experience including crafted cocktails and decorated rooms for adults to enjoy.
  • 1Up, popular nostalgic arcade bar complete with drinks, arcade games, trivia and a life-sized Barbie Dream House.
  • Orlando’s first spirit-free speakeasy, Bandbox, is a tasting lounge and bottle shop serving non-alcoholic craft cocktails, apéritifs, beer and wine along with elixirs, bitters, tonics, leisure sodas, shrubs, CBD sodas and vintage fizzy pop.

Take a Beer or Winery Tour

Those looking for a refreshing way to spend the afternoon or evening can “hop” over to one of Orlando’s many breweries for a taste of local brews.

  • Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co., an independent craft brewery and tasting room, located in the historic Ivanhoe District, celebrates the spirit and pioneering ways of early 20th century Lake Ivanhoe founder George I. Russell. Motorworks Brewing in downtown Orlando features a seven-barrel brewhouse with 15-barrel tanks for onsite production.  Park Pizza and Brewing Co., located in Lake Nona, serves up wood-fired pizza and house-brewed beer in a relaxed setting with an outdoor patio.  Beer lovers who enjoy seeing the process of beer-making will love Crooked Can Brewing Company, which is located inside Plant Street Market in historical downtown Winter Garden and holds Sunday tours lead by knowledgeable tour guides who delve into the history of their beer and the liquor barrel aging process.
  • Wine lovers will find their happy place at The Imperial, located inside Washburn Imports at Ivanhoe Village, which is a neighborhood bar housed in a furniture store specializing in boutique wines, craft beers and cocktails.  Florida’s only sustainable winery, Quantum Leap, offers a tasting room and free tours upon request. Meanwhile in Clermont’s rolling countryside, Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards offers complimentary VIP winery tours and tastings along with live entertainment during weekend events.

Explore Like a Local

Beyond the theme parks and attractions, Orlando’s neighborhoods and nearby cities offer endless adventures with dining, nightlife, arts & culture, outdoor recreation, shopping and more.

  • In Downtown Orlando, adults can enjoy a live performance at the prestigious Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts or an improv show at SAK Comedy Lab. Acclaimed downtown restaurants include The Boheme at Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando, DoveCote Restaurant, Reyes Mezcaleria and 310 Lakeside. For some outdoor fun in the city, visitors can take a stroll around Lake Eola Park or ride a swan boat on the lake surrounded by Orlando’s impressive city backdrop.
  • Dining and indie flair are the main draws of the Ivanhoe Village district. Adventurers can experience a sunset or glow paddleboarding excursion at Epic Paddle Adventures. Foodies can enjoy an upscale meal with an unbeatable lake view at Russell’s on Lake Ivanhoe or enjoy some quality antiquing at local antique shops in the area. The Hall on the Yard, a full-service food hall, delivers nine diverse culinary offerings and three premium cocktail bars in an eclectic environment.
  • Named after its centrally located T.G. Lee dairy plant, The Milk District serves as a progressive lifestyle, music and cultural hub with numerous places to catch live music, starting with the newly renovated The Plaza Live, which hosts the Orlando Philharmonic and a wide range of shows. For shopping, the Milk District Spot is home to local homegrown vendor pop-ups. And every Tuesday night, Tasty Tuesdays features local food trucks with everything from vegetarian plates to American gastropub favorites.
  • Mills 50 is one of Orlando’s oldest neighborhoods and is heavily influenced by Asian and Pacific-Islander culture. The area doesn’t lack great places to eat, as it features many of Orlando’s 46 MICHELIN Guide restaurants. They include Bib Gourmand honorees The Strand Food & Drink and Z Asian, as well MICHELIN Guide Recommended eateries Black Rooster Taqueria, Edoboy, Hawkers, Shin Jung, Sticky Rice, Tori Tori and more.
  • Thornton Park is a stylish dining and nightlife area known for brick-lined, canopied streets with a distinctly European feel. Foodies will love some of the popular eateries, including local favorites such as Soco Restaurant and The Stubborn Mule. The nearby Maxine’s on Shine, nestled between Thornton Park and Mills 50, has a warm and intimate atmosphere perfect for brunch, lunch or dinner with friends. After dinner and drinks, adults can finish off the night at one of the area’s entertainment and nightlife locations, including The Abbey for themed music nights and live theater, the Stardust Lounge underground club and others.
  • Those looking for one-of-a-kind treasures can head over to College Park. Shops like Driftwood Market, Bijou’s Boutique and Top Drawer Consignments sell unique items perfect for any collector or treasure hunter. The district’s culinary options range from counter-service to fine dining, like The Taproom at Dubsdread, Turci Pasta and Tin & Taco.
  • Winter Park’s Park Avenue is the perfect place to enjoy upscale shopping and some of Central Florida’s most unique shops, explore the area’s boutique hotel, The Alfond Inn, a experience a meal overlooking the cobblestoned streets at eateries like blu on the avenue, Michelin Recommended Prato and AVA Mediterragean, unique art at The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, delicious wines at The Wine Room, a scenic cruise through three lakes on the tranquil Winter Park chain with Scenic Boat Tour, a stay at the Alfond Inn and more.
  • Many of the top reasons to visit Lake Nona are its dining options, including chef-driven restaurants like Michelin Recommended BACÁN at the Lake Nona Wave Hotel, Chroma Modern Bar + Kitchen and Canvas Restaurant & Market. More great food, plus beach volleyball, nightly live entertainment, a kids' playground, a dog park and more, can be enjoyed at Boxi Park, a deconstructed food hall built from repurposed shipping containers. Those who love sports and adventure will enjoy water sports at Nona Adventure Park; tennis, Padel or pickle ball at USTA National Campus and golf games at Drive Shack Orlando.
  • Located 15 minutes north of downtown Orlando, the historic town of Eatonville was incorporated in 1887, making it one of the first self-governing, all-Black municipalities in the U.S. — and the oldest still in existence today. Visitors will find a collection of restaurants, historical sites and museums. It is also where American Folklorist Zora Neale Hurston grew up and is honored by the Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts, providing gallery space for artists of African descent.

Experience Orlando’s Romantic Side

While Orlando offers lots of fun and exciting activities, visitors can also experience opportunities to celebrate at many of the city’s most romantic settings.

  • Michelin Star-rated Capa, located on the top floor of the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, and California Grill at Disney's Contemporary Resort offer high-end dining with spectacular views of the nightly theme park fireworks.
  • Soseki, a Michelin Star-rated Japanese-fusion restaurant located in Winter Park, offers an intimate 10 seat multi-course dining experience featuring a modern take on omakase.
  • Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian is widely recognized as one of the finest restaurants in the southeastern U.S., including a AAA Five Diamond Award, a Five-Star rating from Forbes Travel Guide, and glowing Zagat reviews.
  • The VIP chef’s table dining experience at Chef’s Table at the Edgewater offers an intimate setting along with the opportunity to converse directly with the chef, expanding their palates and food knowledge.
  • At ICON Park, guests can sip on a glass of champagne during a picturesque, private ride on The Wheel, a 400-foot observation wheel, followed by a night of live music at Tin Roof or Ole Red and see Flamenco dancers at Tapa Toro tapas bar and restaurant.

Attend a Sporting Event

Sports fans will appreciate a variety of sporting events held year-round in Orlando.

  • Orlando is also a hub for sports fans to cheer on their favorite teams. The Amway Center is a fixture for sporting events downtown, serving as home base for Orlando Magic basketball games and Orlando Solar Bears hockey games.
  • The Exploria Stadium hosts Orlando City Soccer and Orlando Pride games. As well as The Beautiful Game (June 23, 2023), Fulham FC vs. Aston Villa FC as part of the Premier League Summer Series (July 26, 2023), and Juventus vs. Real Madrid in the Soccer Champions Tour (Aug. 2, 2023). The last two matches are hosted by the FC Series.
  • As the home of American tennis, fans can check out the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) National Campus, featuring a 65-acre complex, the largest tennis facility in the world.

Shop ‘til You Drop

From luxury malls to top-notch outlets and theme park merchandise, the diversity and quality of shopping in Orlando is like no other destination, giving visitors the chance to explore a range of shops to find the perfect souvenir or gift representing their visit to the City Beautiful.

  • Stylish and sophisticated, The Mall at Millenia offers everything from the latest Apple gadgets to international high-end retailers. With more than 150 stores and 1.1 million square feet of retail space, there’s something for every taste, as well as complimentary personal styling and shopping services that include hotel delivery of purchases, valet parking, Visit Orlando destination concierge and currency exchange services.
  • Both Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort have their own shopping and entertainment complexes. 
    • ​Disney Springs features more than 150 shops and restaurants, including the world’s largest Disney character store, on-trend shops like ZARA, Lucky Brand, Free People, Vince Camuto, Lilly Pulitzer, UNIQLO and Oakley. One-of-a-kind accessories are available from Unode50, while the Star Wars Galactic Outpost is filled with toys, apparel and collectables inspired by the saga.
    • Universal CityWalk offers more than a dozen shops and boutiques, like Quiet Flight Surf Shop, the Universal Studios Store and popular timepiece retailer Fossil. Unique dining and nightlife experiences also accompany the many shops inside Universal CityWalk.
  • Winter Park’s Park Avenue offers 10 tree-lined blocks of brick streets, historic buildings and a mini-version of Manhattan’s Central Park. Visitors will find everything from boutiques to shops selling fine wines and pooch-friendly pastries. National retailers like Williams Sonoma and Pottery Barn share sidewalk space with locally owned boutiques like Tuni and Violet Clover.
  • Thanks to three outstanding open-air outlet malls close to the theme parks, Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores, Orlando International Premium Outlets and Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets offer visitors the opportunity to shop high-end brands at value and outlet pricing.

Experience an Adrenaline-Fueled Adventure

Aside from countless roller coasters at its theme parks, Orlando is home to multiple sky-high attractions fit for any adrenaline-seeking junkie.

  • Nona Adventure Park is the ultimate outdoor park adventure featuring the largest aqua park in Central Florida, a water park and an adventure tower. After your adventure, stay for a drink at the bar and listen to live music at sunset.
  • Screamin’ Gator Zip Line at Gatorland allows guests to clip in and zip off on an exciting outdoor adventure soaring 1,200 feet through the air and over the Alligator Breeding Marsh, complete with 130 alligators watching from below.
  • Fly high at Wallaby Ranch Hang Gliding Flight & Park, with year-round Discovery Tandem Flights and hang-gliding instruction using the latest Tandem aero towing techniques to provide the safest most enjoyable experience.

Catch a Performance

Theater and live music enthusiasts will find a plethora of opportunities to enjoy live entertainment throughout Central Florida – from indie band performances to Broadway-produced shows.

  • Fans of theater will enjoy the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, featuring well-known musicals, such as “Hamilton” and “Wicked,” as well as musical performances by top artists like Josh Groban, The Beach Boys and Gladys Knight at the center’s various theaters including the acoustically perfect, The Steinmetz Hall, which achieved an N1 sound rating - the lowest level at which humans can detect sound.  
  • The Amway Center in downtown Orlando hosts a variety of award-winning artists – both classic and new.
  • For something a little more grass-roots, visitors can catch a performance from Indie bands and artists at The Social or The Plaza Live in downtown Orlando.
  • The Enzian Theater shows indie films, cult classics and hosts the annual Florida Film Festival every spring. Come early to enjoy a drink at the theater bar.
  • The Timucua Arts Foundation presents and inspires great music and art in Central Florida through performance and education – all within the confines of an ordinary house 

 

About Visit Orlando

Visit Orlando is The Official Tourism Association® for Orlando, the most visited destination in the United States, Theme Park Capital of the World® and No. 1 meeting destination in the country. A not-for-profit trade association that brands, markets and sells the Orlando destination globally, we represent more than 1,400 member companies comprising every segment of Central Florida’s tourism community.

Visit Orlando connects consumers and business groups with all facets of Orlando’s travel community, whether for a vacation or meeting. Home to seven of the world’s top theme parks — as well as refreshing water parks, activities to connect with nature, vibrant neighborhoods, a dynamic dining scene with Michelin recognized restaurants, and a robust calendar of entertainment and sports events — Orlando is a diverse, welcoming and inclusive community for all travelers. Find more information at VisitOrlando.com or OrlandoMeeting.com.

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