If you still think Orlando is for kids, we've got news for you! Orlando is all grown up and chock full of adult things to do. The world-famous theme parks remain one of the main attractions, but even they have grown up. They offer themed attractions, architecture and one-of-a-kind experiences, and super thrilling rides to please everyone. There are tons of things to do in Orlando, Florida for adults.
The destination of Orlando provides hundreds of unique attractions beyond the theme parks, a hot culinary scene, sizzling nightlife and entertainment, and plenty of museums and culture. If that's not enough, Orlando sits in Central Florida with access to some of the most beautiful natural resources the Sunshine State has to offer, including crystal blue springs and lakes, incredible recreational opportunities, and miles and miles of sandy beaches, all within a short ride from Orlando’s center.
The diversity and quality of the experience Orlando offers guarantees tons of epic things to do in Orlando for adults. Your only quandary will be in deciding which adventure to tackle first. Regardless of your age, the occasion you're celebrating, or you're traveling companions, we've got you covered. Outdoor adventures, relaxing spas, foodie fun, taking on the most thrilling rides, hitting the nightlife, or chilling at a water park, there is something for everyone. You will not run out of things to do for adults in Orlando, Florida.
1 - The Parks - A Touch of Magic
If you can't bear to visit Orlando without a touch of the magic, we get it. Find your inner child or challenge yourself to power through the most thrilling rides and attractions at your favorite park.
Disney's Epcot is Orlando's most adult-oriented Disney theme park. Take the "drink around the world" challenge or create your own pub crawl across all of the country pavilions. You may even hit the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival during the fall season.
Animal Lovers will want to visit Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park for a Kilimanjaro Safari to view exotic animals from all over the world. Movie fans will enjoy a peek behind the curtain at Disney's Hollywood Studios and a visit to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge for a live performance. Shop, enjoy the other attractions and enjoy the fireworks.
Adrenaline junkies will want to devote some time to get that heart pumping with a thrilling roller coaster ride or two. Some of the more extreme coasters are Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at Universal Studios Florida that bursts through a movie set at 65 mph. Incredible Hulk at Universal's Islands of Adventure rips from 0 to 40 mph in 2 seconds and tops out at 67 mph with seven inversions.
Mako at SeaWorld Orlando is Central Florida’s tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster, hitting speeds up to 73 mph and soaring to 200 feet in the air. For more, read our Guide to Disney World Rides.
If you want to soak up some Disney or Universal vibes without paying for admission tickets, we suggest a visit to Disney Springs, a shopping and dining complex with a distinct Disney vibe and some excellent dining. Grab a drink and enjoy the lake as you people watch. Disney Springs offers tons of shops, restaurants, and bars, making it great for people looking for something fun to do after dark.
Another option is Disney's Boardwalk, a shopping, dining, and entertainment venue designed to replicate a mid-century boardwalk town.
Don't overlook Universal Orlando, and be sure to visit Universal's CityWalk for shopping, entertainment, and great eats. The parking after 6 pm is free, and entry is always complimentary.
2 - Beat the Heat in a Water Park
If you are visiting in the warmer months, we can't recommend a day in one of Orlando's epic water parks strongly enough. Choose from Disney's Blizzard Beach for a themed aquatic adventure with plenty of thrills and chills or Universal's Volcano Bay, the place for super thrill-seekers with rides built around its massive volcano.
Discovery Cove is your choice if you want an all-inclusive day among the dolphins and a snorkel amongst the tropical fish and rays. Take in the sun or bask in a lazy winding river.
3 - Outdoor Adventure
If you’re a doer, not a watcher, you'll want to get into the action at Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park. Show your stuff at this attraction located near Walt Disney World in Kissimmee. They bring the thrills with 97 exciting challenges for climbers of every skill level. This progressively challenging aerial obstacle course is set high atop the trees in a natural pine forest.
You'll swing on the Tarzan Ropes, climb ladders 50-feet high, leap into hanging nets, cross wobbly suspension bridges, cross swinging logs, and soar through the trees on a giant 425-foot zip line. If you are looking for thrills and maybe some bragging rights, this is the place for you! Reservations are recommended.
4 - Unique (and Romantic) Attractions
If you're looking for something unique and romantic, take a ride on The Wheel at ICON Park. ICON Park is a 180-acre entertainment park that is home to the 400-foot high Wheel. You'll soar in a private capsule on this observation wheel for an incredible view of the city and the parks. Order up the champagne and let the romance begin.
5 - Sizzling Nightlife - Downtown Orlando
Locals and visitors alike flock to Downtown Orlando when the sun goes down. Located just 20 minutes from the heart of International Drive, you'll find an impressive range of global and regional dining options. But when the sun goes down, Downtown Orlando comes alive. This is the district of world-class nightlife. Read here for other Top Things to do in Orlando.
Check out Savoy Orlando or Southern Nights to hit the dance floor or the hip Skylounge at Amway Center. Party with the pros at any of the seven bars at Wall St. Plaza or discover one of the many hidden speakeasies the area is known for.
6 - Romantic Neighborhood of Winter Park
Orlando is home to many charming and eclectic neighborhoods. One of our favorites is Winter Park, with its neighborhood district, which is perfect for strolling. The downtown area is full of interesting and unique shops and restaurants, as well as plenty of wide-open space to enjoy nature. Visit Charles Hosmer Morse Museum while you're there to see the most extensive collection of Tiffany glass in the world.
7 - Surf's Up - Road Trip!
Hop in the car for a quick hour ride east to the surfing mecca of Florida, Cocoa Beach. The beautiful stretch of beach offers parking, changing rooms, and showers. The nearby pier is nostalgic and full of eateries and entertainment.
A trip to Cocoa Beach is not complete without a visit to the iconic Ron Jon Surf Shop. Their flagship facility offers 52,000 square feet of surfing gear, swimwear and other apparel, and all things "beach life." You may even want to book a surf lesson.
Add a visit that any NASCAR fan dreams about, a tour of Daytona Speedway in the offseason, or schedule your trip to coincide with the world-famous Daytona 500.
Head north and visit Kennedy Space Center, where you'll be within feet of the space shuttle Atlantis, learn about the heroes of space exploration, take an insider look at the U.S. space program, and do an astronaut simulation. There is much to learn and enjoy at Kennedy Space Center.
Other things to do in Orlando, Florida for Adults
Hundreds of things to do in Orlando for adults await. Kayaking on a crystal clear lake, cracking the code in an Escape Room to free your team, indoor skydiving, go-karting, the perfect dinner overlooking a Lake, a ride in a swan-shaped paddleboat, zipping across the Everglades in an airboat, getting up close to alligators and so much more. Orlando is a diverse and exciting destination ready to delight and entertain visitors of any age and taste.