Famous Landmarks in Orlando. Attractions, Monuments, Sightseeing

Iconic Landmarks

Orlando's most recognizable landmarks are its expansive theme park resorts, alongside distinguished city features.

Walt Disney World resort Resort and Universal Orlando Resort stand as global entertainment hubs, each offering unique, immersive experiences based on popular tales and franchises. Beyond the green spaces, Lake Eola Park provides a serene urban green space, while International Drive hums with points of interest, including The Wheel at ICON Park, offering panoramic city views. GetYourGuide has tickets for many attractions.

Visitor Information

Hours: Theme park hours differ depending on the season; check official websites for current operating schedules and attraction closures.
Fees: Theme park tickets range from $110-$190+ per day, depending on the recreational area and date. Multi-day tickets often lower the per-day cost.
Booking: Purchase theme park tickets in advance online for better pricing and to link with park apps (crucial for Disney park reservations).
Lake Eola Public garden: Open daily dawn to dusk, free entry. Paddle boat rentals have a fee.

Insider Tips for Theme Parks

Maximizing Your Visit

Early Arrival: Get to parks before opening ("rope drop") for shorter waits on popular rides.
Evening Shows: Stay for fireworks and parades. Use park apps to find less crowded viewing spots.
Park Apps: Use My Disney Experience or Universal Orlando Application for real-time-time queue times, mobile food ordering, and navigation.
Off-peak Times: Mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) plus without-public holiday periods usually have fewer crowds.
Low Seasons: January (after New Year) and September often have the lowest crowd levels.
Guided Options: VIP and specialty tours available at extra the charge for high-end experiences and expedited access.

Photography Pointers

Lake Eola Park: Visit in the morning or late afternoon for ideal lighting. The fountain is beautifully lit nightly.
Viewpoints: Upper floors of parking garages or hotels near I-Drive can offer city or fireworks views.
The Wheel at ICON Park: Get an elevated perspective of the locality, especially at sunrise or sunset. GetYourGuide has tickets.
Park During Shows: Consider popular attractions during parade or meal times for shorter lines.

Always check official park websites for the most up-to-the latest information about hours, shows, and ride closures.

Museums & Cultural Institutions

Orlando Gallery of Art (OMA): Collections of American, African, and ancient American art; hosts traveling exhibits.
Orlando Science Center: Interactive STEM exhibits, planetarium, giant screen theater; popular with families.
Dr. Phillips Center for the Theater And dance: Premier venue for Broadway shows, concerts, ballet.
Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition: Displays recovered artifacts, offering a past and emotional experience.

Specialized & Niche Museums

Madame Tussauds Orlando:
Wax institution with realistic figures of celebrities and historical icons.
SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium:
At ICON Park, showcases diverse marine life.
SKELETONS: Museum of Osteology:
Exhibits real animal and human skeletons.
Ripley's Believe It or Not! Orlando:
An "Odditorium" of strange relics and interactive exhibits.
Mennello Museum of American Art:
Focuses on conventional and contemporary American art.

Historical Sites

Orlando's historical sites reflect its development from a frontier town to a modern metropolis, rather than ancient societies.

Glimpses into the Past

Downtown Orlando:
Features some historic buildings around Lake Eola and the central business district (e.g., Angebilt Hotel, Rogers Building).
Church Street Station:
A historic train station downtown, now an entertainment complex, retaining original Victorian architecture.
Eatonville:
North of Orlando, one of the oldest incorporated African American towns, significant as author Zora Neale Hurston's hometown.

Religious Sites:
Various churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples serve the local community, mainly places of worship. The National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe, is a prominent Catholic shrine.
Places Of remembrance:
Civic monuments exist downtown, like statues around Lake Eola. The Pulse Interim Memorial offers a location for reflection.
Archaeological Sites:
No significant ancient archaeological places within Orlando proper. Major sites are not main tourist attractions in the area.

Natural Attractions

Central Florida, beyond theme parks, offers the beauty of nature with unique springs plus damplands. Explore green spaces and gardens like Harry P. Leu Green spaces or Shingle Creek Regional Park. Wildlife viewing opportunities include Gatorland and Everglades airboat tours. Freshwater springs are popular day trips outside the city. Orlando is not on the coast; the closest coastlines can be found on the Atlantic coast (Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach) about an hour east.

Hidden Gems

Beyond major attractions, Orlando has lesser-known spots for one-of-a-kind activities. Discover the tranquil Kraft Azalea Garden in Winter Park or the nature trails at Tibet-Butler Preserve. Explore local microbreweries for a taste of the local scene. Downtown Orlando's Audubon Park Garden District offers area shops and cafes. Consider historic Sanford or Winter Garden for small-town charm. The Wheel at ICON Park and Lake Eola offer unique photo opportunities.

Parks & Gardens

Lake Eola Park: (Downtown) Urban park with swan paddle boats, walking path, and the iconic Linton E. Allen Fountain. Harry P. Leu Gardens: 50-acre botanical oasis with themed gardens, a butterfly garden, and historical house tours. Mead Botanical Garden: (Winter Park) Free garden with going on foot trails and an amphitheater. Shingle Creek Regional Park: Trails plus possibilities for kayaking through Florida's natural wetlands.

Wildlife & Nature Encounters

Discover Florida's unique fauna in dedicated parks or natural habitats.

Gatorland: Referred to as the "Alligator Capital of the World," offering presentations and exhibits focused on alligators and crocodiles.
Everglades Airboat Tours: Experience fast-paced tours through natural wetland habitats to see alligators, birds, and other wildlife.
Discovery Cove: A sister park to SeaWorld, for unique aquatic animal encounters like swimming with dolphins (extra cost) and snorkeling.

Beyond The Parks

Orlando's allure stretches beyond its world-famous theme parks, offering rich cultural experiences, tranquil natural escapes, and city exploration.

From the arts and history found in its downtown core to the serene beauty of its state parks and gardens, visitors discover different facets of Central Florida.

Arts & History Exploration

Explore Orlando's cultural side, discovering its museums, galleries, and historical areas.

Highlights

Discover the varied collections at the Orlando Museum of Art.
Walk through the historic Church Street Station district downtown.
Visit Eatonville, a historically important African American town.

Urban Green Spaces

Find tranquility plus for fun opportunities within the city's parks and arboretums.

Top Spots

Walk through the themed gardens at Harry P. Leu Gardens.
Enjoy paddle boating or a leisurely walk at Lake Eola Park.
Discover the tracks and butterfly garden at Mead Botanical Garden.

Family-Friendly Museums

Engage the whole family with interactive and educational museum experiences.

Interactive Learning

Explore hands-on exhibits at the Orlando Science Center.
Meet wax figures of celebrities at Madame Tussauds Orlando.
Discover marine existence at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium.
See real animal skeletons at SKELETONS: Museum of Osteology.

Performance Arts & Live Music

Catch a show or live performance at Orlando's premier venues.

Entertainment Venues

Enjoy Broadway shows, concerts, and ballet at the Dr. Phillips Hub for the Theater And dance.
Listen to live music groups at The Social or The Beacham in the central business district Orlando.
Attend classical and contemporary plays by Orlando Shakes.

Unique Perspectives & Local Charm

Off-the-Beaten-Path

Find peace at Kraft Azalea Garden in Winter Park, a quiet lakeside oasis.
Hike diverse Florida habitats at Tibet-Butler Preserve for a natural escape.
Visit The Glass Knife in Winter Park for visually stunning pastries and desserts.

Emerging & Local Favorites

Explore local shops, cafes, and restaurants in the Audubon Park Garden District.
Discover Sanford's Historic Downtown, with its growing food scene plus one-of-a-kind shops.
Spend a pleasant day at Winter Garden's Downtown, home to Plant Street Market.

Sightseeing Essentials

Plan your sightseeing trips efficiently with these considerations.

Best Time to Visit

For theme parks, weekdays during off-peak seasons (late January, early February, late August, September) offer lower crowds and often better weather. Spring and Fall are generally pleasant for outdoor activities.

Transportation

A rental car offers the most flexibility. Ride-sharing services are readily available. Lots of accommodations have shuttle buses to major adventure parks. The I-Ride Trolley on International Drive helps navigate that area.

Beach Day Trips

Remember Orlando is inland. Cocoa Beach and Daytona Beach (Atlantic Coast) are roughly 60 minutes east. Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach (Gulf Coast) are about 1.5-2 hours southwest, known for calmer waters.

Planning Your Itinerary

Theme Park Focus

Allocate entire days for each major theme park. Prioritize trips and shows using park apps. Consider Park Hopper tickets if you want to visit multiple parks in one day, though this means less time in each.

Book Theme Park Tickets

Non-Park Days

Schedule days to see the sights other Orlando attractions like ICON Park, Gatorland, or the Orlando Science Center. This can offer a refreshing break from the recreational areas.

Find Local Attractions

Cultural & Nature Excursions

Dedicate time for downtown Orlando, Winter Park, or a trip to a natural spring. These experiences offer a appreciation of The central part of Florida.

Explore Nature Tours

Dining Reservations

Make booking a table, especially for popular restaurants inside or outside the green spaces, well in advance to prevent being disappointed.

Book Restaurants

Rest & Relaxation

Pace yourself. Include rest days or half-days at your accommodation pool or a quieter activity. Orlando trips can be tiring.

Find Relaxing Stays

Accessibility Information

Orlando attractions are generally very accommodating for travelers with disabilities.

Theme Parks & Mobility

Thrill parks have wide-ranging accessibility guides and services for guests using wheelchairs or ECVs.
Many shows and sights provide assistive listening devices or sign language interpretation with advance notice.
Specific types of accommodation exist for people who are visually impaired and hearing difficulties; confirm park websites.

Photography Guidelines

Capture your memories while respecting guidelines.

Tips for Great Photos

Photography is generally allowed at attractions, but do not use flash photography in dark rides.
Selfie sticks are often prohibited on rides for safety reasons.
Be mindful of cultural institutions' rules on photography, especially in art galleries.
Capture natural beauty at the parks and springs, but avoid disturbing wildlife.

Essential Planning Note

Always check official websites for current operating hours, how much tickets are, and reservation requirements before your visit, because these might change frequently.

For the best experience, plan your theme park days using their dedicated apps for wait times and mobile ordering.

Seasonal Events & Festivals

Orlando's calendar is dotted with special events, enhancing the visitor experience.

Epcot's Year-Round Celebrations

Epcot at Walt Disney World hosts several major international festivals throughout the year, each with unique offerings.

Epcot Festivals

International Flower & Garden Festival: (Spring) Beautiful topiaries, outdoor kitchens, and concert series.
International Food AND Beverages Festival: (Fall) Culinary booths from around the world, demonstrations, and special events.
International Celebration of the Arts: (Winter) Visual, culinary, and theater and dance experiences.

Holiday Magic & Local Events

Beyond Epcot, Orlando embraces various holiday festivities and community events.

Seasonal Highlights

Christmas/New Year: Adventure parks feature elaborate decorations, special shows, and events.
Halloween Horror Nights (Universal): A popular ticketed event in fall for fright fans.
Local Community Events: Look at local schedules for art walks, farmers markets, and cultural festivals.

Sporting Events

Orlando hosts various sporting events throughout the year, drawing fans and participants.

Sporting Highlights

Orlando City SC: Major League Soccer (MLS) team plays at Exploria Stadium.
Orlando Magic: NBA team plays at the Amway Center.
Golf Tournaments: Professional and amateur golf events at numerous courses.

Check team schedules and venue listings for tickets and game dates.

Concerts & Shows

A range of live bands and dramatic productions grace Orlando's stages year-round.

Venues for Live Entertainment

Amway Center: Hosts major concerts, comedy shows, and family entertainment.
Dr. Phillips Center: Broadway tours, ballet, and orchestral performances.

Review upcoming events schedules for the dates you are traveling for diverse options.

Conventions & Expos

Orlando is a major convention city, hosting numerous industry and consumer expos.

Major Venues

Orange County Convention Center: One of the largest in the US, hosts major trade shows.
Resort Convention Facilities: Many large resort hotels offer their own convention spaces.
Consumer expos cover interests from pop culture to home improvement.

These happenings can impact hotel availability and traffic, so check schedules.

Special Attraction Considerations

Tickets & Passes

For theme parks, consider multi-day tickets or annual passes if staying longer. Look into combo passes for numerous non-park attractions.

Weather Preparedness

Florida weather changes quickly. Pack for sun, heat, and sudden rain showers. Hydrate frequently. Sunscreen and headwear are advisable.

Footwear

Comfortable walking shoes are essential for theme parks and other attractions where you will spend extended periods on your feet.

Booking Tip for Attractions

For many Orlando attractions, notably theme parks and popular tours, advance online booking is advisable. This are able to get your spot and sometimes offer better rates than same-day purchase.

Famous Landmarks in Orlando