Looking for things to do near Orlando Airport, Florida in 2023? With so much to see and do, there is something here for all ages.
Orlando, Florida is a bustling city located in central Florida, known for its theme parks, entertainment, and year-round sunshine. Located about an hour’s drive from the coast, Orlando is home to a wide range of attractions, including Walt Disney World, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld.
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Don’t have time to read the whole article? No worries! Less than 1 hour from Orlando Airport, visiting the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is your best option.
The city is also home to a number of museums, galleries, and cultural attractions, making it a great destination for all types of travelers.
The areas near the Orlando Airport are also home to a wide range of things to do. From outdoor adventures in the Everglades to shopping and dining in the International Drive area, there is something for everyone in the Orlando area.
Best Things To Do Near Orlando Airport
1. Take a Tour of Kennedy Space Center
Located about an hour’s drive from Orlando Airport, the Kennedy Space Center is home to the launch pads and facilities used by NASA to send spacecraft into orbit.
You can take a tour of the space center and see behind-the-scenes areas, such as the Vehicle Assembly Building and the Launch Control Center.
You can also meet an astronaut, watch a rocket launch (if one is scheduled during your visit), and learn about the history of space exploration. I’d previously worked in the aerospace industry, so seeing all the many details of the USA space flight programs was very interesting. Entry with the digital pre-purchased tickets was a breeze – no stopping at the ticket booth or kiosks that could delay our entry.
In addition to touring the space center, you can also visit the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, which has a range of interactive exhibits and attractions.
You can see a full-scale replica of the Space Shuttle Atlantis, explore a simulated lunar colony, and learn about the future of space travel. There are also several restaurants and gift shops on site.
Location: Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953, United States
Best Things To Do Near Orlando Airport
2. Visit Walt Disney World
Located just a short drive from Orlando Airport, Walt Disney World is home to four theme parks, two water parks, and a wide range of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
At the Magic Kingdom, you can visit classic attractions like Cinderella’s Castle and Space Mountain, while Epcot offers a blend of rides, exhibits, and cultural experiences from around the world.
Animal Kingdom is home to exotic animals and thrilling rides, and Hollywood Studios features movie-themed attractions and live shows.
In addition to the theme parks, Walt Disney World also has two water parks: Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.
Typhoon Lagoon features a huge wave pool, water slides, and a lazy river, while Blizzard Beach is known for its ski slope-themed attractions and snow-capped mountain.
No matter what type of adventure you’re looking for, Walt Disney World has something for everyone.
Location: Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Best Things To Do Near Orlando Airport
3. Go on an airboat tour of the Everglades
An airboat tour of the Everglades is a unique and exciting way to experience the natural beauty of the Orlando area.
Located about an hour’s drive from Orlando Airport, the Everglades is a vast wetland ecosystem home to a wide range of plant and animal life, including alligators, birds, and fish.
An airboat tour allows you to explore this unique environment in a fast and thrilling way, zipping across the water on a flat-bottomed boat propelled by a giant fan.
There are several companies that offer airboat tours of the Everglades, many of which depart from locations in the Kissimmee or Orlando areas.
These tours typically last between one and two hours and offer the chance to see alligators in their natural habitat, as well as a wide range of other wildlife. Some tours also include stops at other attractions, such as a wildlife sanctuary or an alligator farm.
Best Things To Do Near Orlando Airport
4. Explore the Wetlands
The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area located about an hour’s drive from Orlando Airport.
The refuge is home to a wide range of plant and animal life, including more than 1,500 species of plants and over 500 species of animals. It is also an important stopover point for migratory birds, making it a great destination for birdwatching.
Visitors to the refuge can take a self-guided tour, hike or bike on one of the many trails, or go on a guided tour with a ranger. The refuge also has several boardwalks and observation towers that offer the chance to see wildlife up close.
In addition to the wildlife, the refuge also has a visitor center with exhibits on the history and ecology of the area.
Location: 1247 State Road 3, Titusville, FL 32796
Best Things To Do Near Orlando Airport
5. Visit the Morse Museum of American Art
Located in the city of Winter Park, the Morse Museum of American Art is about a 20-minute drive from Orlando Airport.
The museum is home to a world-renowned collection of decorative arts, including works by Louis Comfort Tiffany. The museum’s collection includes Tiffany jewelry, pottery, paintings, and other decorative objects.
In addition to the Tiffany collection, the Morse Museum also has an extensive collection of American art pottery, including works by artists such as Grueby, Marblehead, and Rookwood.
The museum also has a collection of American paintings, including works by Edward Hopper and Georgia O’Keeffe.
Location: 445 N Park Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
Best Things To Do Near Orlando Airport
6. Take a walk or bike ride on the West Orange Trail
The West Orange Trail is a 22-mile recreational trail that stretches from the city of Apopka to downtown Winter Garden.
Located about a 30-minute drive from Orlando Airport, the trail is a popular destination for walking, biking, and rollerblading. The trail follows an old railroad corridor and passes through a range of scenic landscapes, including forests, wetlands, and orange groves.
The West Orange Trail is paved and well-maintained, making it suitable for a wide range of ages and abilities.
There are several access points along the trail, as well as amenities such as restrooms and water fountains. The trail is also home to a number of interesting sights, including historic homes and churches, as well as several parks and nature preserves areas.
Location: 20 N. Forest Ave, Apopka, FL 32703
Best Things To Do Near Orlando Airport
7. Play a Round of Golf near the Orlando Airport
Orlando is home to a wide range of golf courses, making it a great destination for golfers visiting the area. About a 30-minute drive from Orlando Airport, the city has courses to suit all skill levels and budgets.
Some of the top courses in the area include the Arnold Palmer-designed Bay Hill Club and Lodge, the Jack Nicklaus-designed Grand Cypress Resort, and the Greg Norman-designed ChampionsGate Golf Club.
In addition to these high-end courses, Orlando also has a number of public courses that are more affordable and open to the general public.
Some of the top public courses in the area include Dubsdread Golf Course, Shingle Creek Golf Club, and The Legends at Orange Lake Resort.
No matter what your skill level or budget, you’ll be able to find a course that suits your needs in the Orlando area.
Bay Hill Club and Lodge: 9000 Bay Hill Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
Grand Cypress Resort: 1 N Jacaranda St, Orlando, FL 32836
ChampionsGate Golf Club: 1450 Masters Blvd, Championsgate, FL 33896
Where to stay: Best Hotels in Orlando, United States
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Best Things To Do Near Orlando Airport
8. Visit the Orlando Museum of Art
About a 20-minute drive from Orlando Airport, The Orlando Museum of Art is a must-see destination for art lovers.
The museum is home to a wide range of art from various periods and cultures including works by artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe, Edward Hopper, and Pablo Picasso, as well as a large collection of African art.
In addition to the permanent collection, the Orlando Museum of Art also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. The museum also has a number of educational programs and events, such as lectures, workshops, and art classes.
The museum also has a gift shop and a cafe, making it a great place to spend a few hours exploring the world of art.
Location: 2416 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
Best Things To Do Near Orlando Airport
9. Go shopping at the Mall
The Florida Mall and The Mall at Millenia are two popular shopping destinations for visitors to the Orlando area.
Located about a 20-minute drive from Orlando Airport, these malls have a wide range of stores, including department stores, specialty shops, and dining options.
The Florida Mall is the largest mall in Central Florida, with more than 250 stores and restaurants.
The Mall at Millenia is a high-end mall with more than 150 stores and a number of luxury brands.
Both malls have a variety of stores to suit all tastes and budgets and have a range of dining options, from fast food to sit-down restaurants.
Florida Mall: 8001 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32809
The Mall at Millenia: 4200 Conroy Rd, Orlando, FL 32839
Best Things To Do Near Orlando Airport
10. Experience the nightlife
Universal CityWalk is a dining, entertainment, and shopping complex located at Universal Orlando Resort.
Located about a 20-minute drive from Orlando Airport, CityWalk has a wide range of restaurants, bars, and clubs, as well as a variety of stores and entertainment options.
CityWalk is known for its lively nightlife scene, with a number of bars and clubs that stay open late. The complex also has a number of live music venues, such as the Hard Rock Live and the Hollywood Drive-In Golf.
In addition to the dining and entertainment options, CityWalk also has a number of stores, including a Universal Studios Store and a number of souvenir shops.
Location: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
Best Things To Do Near Orlando Airport
11. Take a dip in the pool at the YMCA
Located about a 10-minute drive from Orlando Airport, the International Drive YMCA is a fitness and recreation center located in the heart of the International Drive tourist district.
The facility has a wide range of amenities, including a pool, fitness center, basketball courts, and a rock climbing wall.
The International Drive YMCA also has a variety of programs and activities for people of all ages. There are fitness classes, sports leagues, and recreational programs for kids and adults.
Location: 19 E Central Blvd, Orlando, FL 32801
Best Things To Do Near Orlando Airport
12. Go on a Food Tour
A 10-minute drive from Orlando Airport, the Mills 50 District is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood known for its lively food scene, with a wide range of restaurants and food trucks offering a range of cuisines.
The neighborhood is also home to a number of independent retailers and art galleries, making it a great destination for shopping and exploring local culture.
One way to experience the food and culture of the Mills 50 District is to go on a food tour.
There are several companies that offer guided food tours of the neighborhood, taking you to some of the best restaurants and food trucks in the area. These tours typically include multiple stops, allowing you to sample a variety of dishes and learn about the history and culture of the neighborhood.
Best Things To Do Near Orlando Airport
13. Visit the Harry P. Leu Gardens
A 20-minute drive from Orlando Airport, the Harry P. Leu Gardens is a 50-acre botanical garden is home to a wide range of plant species, including camellias, roses, and azaleas. The gardens also have a number of specialty gardens, such as a butterfly garden and a palm garden.
The Harry P. Leu Gardens have a historic home that is open for tours, as well as a museum with exhibits on the history of the gardens.
Location: 1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
Best Things To Do Near Orlando Airport
14. Take a Brewery Tour
Orange County Brewers is a craft brewery located 20-minutes from Orlando Airport.
The brewery is known for its innovative and flavorful beers and has a taproom where you can sample a variety of beers, as well as a kitchen serving a range of pub-style food.
Orange County Brewers offers brewery tours that give you the chance to see behind the scenes at the brewery, learn about the brewing process, and sample a variety of beers.
The brewery also has a number of special events and tastings throughout the year, such as beer pairing dinners and beer festivals.
Location: 1117 International Pkwy #1701Lake Mary, FL 32746
Best Things To Do Near Orlando Airport
15. Go Horseback Riding near the Orlando Airport
40 minutes from Orlando Airport, Rock Springs Run State Reserve is a state park located in the city of Apopka.
The park is known for its horseback riding trails, which wind through the park’s natural landscape of forests, wetlands, and rolling hills.
There is a stable where you can rent horses or bring your own, and the trails are open to both experienced riders and beginners.
As well as horseback riding, Rock Springs Run State Reserve also has a number of other recreational activities suck as hiking trails, fishing areas, and a picnic area.
Location: 4759 County Road 435, Apopka, FL 32712
Best Things To Do Near Orlando Airport
16. Learn about Florida’s History
The Orange County Regional History Center is a museum located about a 20-minute drive from Orlando Airport.
The museum is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of Central Florida including a wide range of exhibits and displays, covering topics such as the region’s natural history, Native American history, and early European settlement.
In addition to the permanent exhibits, the Orange County Regional History Center also has a variety of temporary exhibitions and events throughout the year.
Location:65 E Central Blvd, Orlando, FL 32801
