Top 5 Things to do in Orlando During Weekends

May 7, 2025

Orlando is sometimes dubbed the "Theme Park Capital of the World," and yep, that's a fact. But there's a whole lot more to this place than roller coasters and character costumes. A local looking to kick some excitement into your weekend or a traveler looking to see Orlando outside of the typical tourist script, this city's got depth—deep, offbeat, tasty depth. So if you just so happen to have a Saturday and Sunday off, these are the top 5 things to do in Orlando during the weekend.

1. Get Your Thrill Fix at the Theme Parks (Because, Obviously)

Alright, let's just get this one out of the way—because come on, it's Orlando. If you've never been to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, or SeaWorld, you owe it to yourself to go at least once. Weekends are nuts, sure, but there's something to the vibe that makes it all worth it. Whether you're screaming your head off on VelociCoaster, sipping a Butterbeer at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, or watching fireworks above Cinderella's castle, these are the stuff of legend. Tip: get there early, preload park apps with wait times, and accept that you won't do it all. Half the fun is plotting your return trip. And if the name-brand parks are out of your budget or too pricey, go to ICON Park on International Drive. It has various things to do in Orlando such as restaurants, rides, and a large observation wheel with lots of views—bonus: it's cheaper.

2. Unwind at Lake Eola Park (Yes, Orlando Has Swans!)

If you’re craving a breather from the high-octane theme park energy, head downtown to Lake Eola Park. This place is unexpectedly peaceful, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun softens and the swans start doing their little swan things. You can also rent one of the swan paddle boats, ride the loop around the lake (about a mile), or simply park your bum on the grass and people-watch. Something's happening all the time—yoga in the park, food festivals, art fairs, or the every-Sunday Sunday Farmer's Market. The market itself is an event: live music, local fresh produce, craft beers, and the occasional tutu-dog.

3. Eat Local at East End Market

Next in the list of things to do in Orlando, eating from local gems. If your stomach ever growls, skip the chain restaurants and hike on over to East End Market in the Audubon Park Garden District. This casual, neighborhood-focused food market is packed to the gills with local flavor—read: literally. You can spend from freshly baked bread at Olde Hearth Bread Company to out-of-this-world ramen at Domu. Get a specialty coffee at Lineage and a sweet treat at Gideon's Bakehouse (yes, those famous half-pound cookies). Bonus: the atmosphere is so—trendy without being snooty. There's even an outdoor fruit stand, plant stand, and occasional outdoor live acoustic music. It's one of those restaurants where you go in "for lunch" and end up lingering all afternoon because it's just that good.

4. Get Artsy at the Orlando Museum of Art or Catch a Show Downtown

Orlando isn’t all thrill rides and food trucks—it’s got a creative side, too. If you’re in the mood for culture, there are a number of things to do in Orlando. You can check out the Orlando Museum of Art. The collections range from classic to contemporary, and there are rotating exhibits that keep things fresh. If museums aren’t your thing, there’s always the Orlando Science Center right next door—especially fun if you’ve got kids in tow.

5. Sip, Stroll, and Soak Up the Local Vibes in Mills 50

Last but not the list of things to do in Orlando, there are mills. Orlando’s Mills 50 District is hands-down one of the coolest, most underrated parts of the city. It’s artsy, diverse, and full of surprises. If you’re into murals, dive bars, Vietnamese food, and indie boutiques—this is your place. Just a suggestion, you can also visit Houston for a memorable experience. Final Thoughts By the end of 2025, Orlando is expected to surpass the pre-pandemic record of 6.5 million foreign visitors, according to the most recent figures. There are a number of things to do in Orlando during the weekend. Fireworks and theme parks are on the menu, also lake vistas and sidewalk grub. The heart of what characterizes this city isn't what the activities are—it's how they mix. You're screaming on a roller coaster one moment, and the next you're wine-sipping and listening to jazz on a patio in the city. So if you're a homecoming son or daughter, or simply a visitor who'd like to see Orlando beyond the tourists' guides, these five places will give you the entire essence of what this city has to offer.