Ultimate Day Trip: What to do in Orlando Besides Disney

See Art Orlando is thought to be the largest permanent sculpture collection of different pieces by different artists under consturction at one time.  ©Dawn Damico

Florida Travel / What to do in Orlando besides Disney

When you find yourself in Orlando and are not in the mood for roller coasters or larger-than-life animations, you may wonder what to do in Orlando besides Disney. Don’t get me wrong, theme parks can be fun with or without kids; however, sometimes you want to take it down a notch and enjoy the city differently.

You might be surprised to learn that Orlando offers far more than theme park thrills. While marketing heavily emphasizes attractions like Disney World, the city’s true character lies in its diverse experiences and local charm. Orlando has worked hard to create memorable moments for every type of traveler.

68 Million Visitors Can’t Be Wrong

In 2023, Orlando welcomed nearly 68 million visitors—a number that doesn’t even account for locals making day trips to this vibrant destination. While many arrive for Disney World, Sea World, and Universal Studios, the city has evolved. Orange County, Florida continually reinvents itself, offering something new with each visit. From business conventions to sports venues and a growing culinary scene, Orlando has depth beyond its theme parks.

I’ve found myself in Orlando multiple times recently, primarily flying through its airport for quick business trips. Whenever possible, I extend my stay to truly experience the city rather than just passing through.

Now, let’s find out what to do in Orlando besides Disney.

Orlando was named the Best Foodie City in the country in 2023 and Michelin Guide has recognized 48 Orlando Restaurants.  ©Dawn Damico

Start your day in Thornton Park, a charming neighborhood where brick-paved streets wind past locally owned shops and restaurants. 

Lake Eola serves as a picturesque backdrop. It’s an urban oasis featuring mature oak trees and public art. A pleasant waterfront path traces the lake’s edge, background music piped in from speakers provided by Disney set the mood, and a variety of swans glide across the shimmering water.

Because “drinking at breakfast is frowned upon,” we sought out a top-rated brunch. Nestled on the ground floor of a residential mid-rise, Soco Restaurant answered our quest with their brunch experience that elevates Southern comfort food. The space welcomes you with high ceiling, painted black, abundant natural light, and warm wood and brick accents.

Soco: Southern Comfort

Soco, which stands for Southern Contemporary Cuisine, offers a brunch menu that reimagines Southern classics. Standout dishes include Fried Chicken and Waffles, Deviled Eggs, Shrimp and Grits, and a Honey Whipped Goat Cheese Gratin with Strawberry Salad. The beverage program is equally impressive, with an extensive selection of wines, beers, spirits, cocktails, and coffee to complement your meal.

We started with Slow Roasted Barbecue-Glazed Pork Belly Biscuits because what is brunch without bacon? The thick, smoky meat pieces arrived with a sweet chow chow glaze that perfectly balanced rich and tangy flavors. 

Our second selection, the Avocado Toast, was a work of art. Topped with salmon and goat cheese, the beautiful presentation was so intricate it looked more like a crunchy sushi roll than a traditional breakfast item.

Culinary Genius Throughout the Day

Under the direction of Executive Chef/Partner Greg Richie, Soco Restaurant embodies a progressive culinary approach that prides itself on delivering genuine Southern hospitality. I give them high marks for both and look forward to returning for their other menus served for Dinner, Pre-Theater, and Happy Hour.

Every Sunday from 10am to 3pm, the Lake Eola Farmers Market comes alive. This dog-friendly event offers:

• Fresh local produce
• Artisanal food stalls
• Unique market items

After brunch, stroll through the Farmers Market near East Central Blvd. and North Eola Drive to enjoy Florida’s year-round sunshine. The market’s setting is true magic. Lake Eola provides a backdrop of lush greenery and expansive lawns, with a mostly shaded 0.9-mile walking path circling the water.

Public Art in Downtown

After browsing and purchasing fresh produce, plants, and prepared foods, you can linger in the park-like setting or explore more of Downtown Orlando. Public art enthusiasts will appreciate the six installations that are part of the See Art Orlando collection, unveiled in 2013. The 40-foot-long Muse of Discovery sculpture invites interaction. Sit in her hand and listen carefully, she might just reveal your hidden potential.

Near the Take Flight art piece, you can feed the swans while enjoying panoramic views of Orlando’s skyline, the Lake Eola Fountain, and the Rainbow-colored Disney Amphitheater. Further along the path, you’ll encounter the Red Chinese Ting, a monument undergoing renovation during our visit. This structure symbolizes international friendship, specifically mirroring Orlando’s sister-city relationship with Guilin, China.

Orlando’s urban trails provide the perfect way to explore the city. Pick up your snacks and beverages at the market or downtown Orlando before heading out on your bike adventure. 

Orlando Urban Trail

This wide, three-mile trail runs along the spine of Orlando’s trail network. The highlights are six lakes, two bridges, and oak-shaded pathways.

Shingle Creek Trail

When this trail is completed, it will connect Orlando with Orange County, Osceola County, and the city of Kissimmee. It starts at Eagle Nest Park and travels along the Shingle Creek waterway. 

Cady Way Trail

Located four miles northeast of Downtown Orlando, the trail rides near Audubon Park, Baldwin Park, Colonial Town Center, and Coytown. Loop trails take you around Lake Baldwin and Lake Susannah.

Did you know the original name for Disney Springs was Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village?  ©Dawn Damico

Our original plan was to visit Universal City Walk; however, the $32 parking fee deterred us because we were only planning a brief dinner. Instead, we decided to return on a different day when we planned for more time. Wine Bar George was on my list of culinary destinations in Orlando so we headed to Disney Springs. This entertainment center has that Disney feel without the extra ticket prices and crowds.  

Luck was on our side when we scored a corner window seat in the upstairs dining area, perfectly positioned to watch the sidewalk bustle transform from day to night. 

Wine Bar George

Wine Bar George boasts an impressive 200+ wine list, earning the prestigious title of Best Short Wine List in the World by The World of Fine Wine.

Our knowledgeable server guided us through our small plates and wine pairings. The House-Made Meatballs atop Triple Cheese Polenta emerged as the evening’s standout dish. We enjoyed our meal with two red wines: a Spanish 2019 Sierra Cantabria Reserva Unica (a blend of 97% Tempranillo and 3% Graciano) and a 2021 Villa Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva.

Gideon’s Bakehouse

After dinner, we followed our noses to Gideon’s Bakehouse. Before committing to the line, we asked a family if the wait was worth it. They assured us with an enthusiastic yes!

Gideon’s is a single-owner small business that bakes their cookies and desserts 100% by hand. Their original location is at East End Market, which I’m definitely putting on my list of places to visit next time I’m in Orlando.

As we waited, we learned that their son had recently returned from a school trip to Sicily and he shared his experience with us. Then, when we entered the Bakehouse, the conversation switched to the decor which is weird and wonderful.

It was a mad scientist’s laboratory set up in a vintage bakery: walls lined with antique bookshelves, gothic candles flickering, and glass domes protecting dried herbs. The space reminded me of the playful eeriness of the Haunted Mansion—but with massive, decadent cookies. 

We chose a couple chocolate chip cookies then headed outside where a live band entertained us by the lake as we bit into the ooey-gooey goodness. Pure, sweet, indulgence.

Looking for what’s happening now at Disney Springs? Click Here for a great resource!  ©Dawn Damico

Disney has perfected pretty, and enjoying Disney Springs at night is no exception. 

As the evening winds down and the crowds thin out, you enjoy a landscape of light and music. Colors light up water features while lanterns and twinkling lights illuminate the streets. We were even entertained with a laser light show synchronized to music.

Our day in Orlando ended with a little bit of magic. While we were looking for what to do in Orlando besides Disney, we created a partly themed, partly local experience that made for a memorable day beyond theme park thrills.

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