Chill out in Orlando with tried-and-true travel tips and tranquil must-do’s.
Orlando is the most visited destination in the United States, boasting incredible sights, flavors and experiences for all ages and interests. In fact, it would take you 121 days of nonstop fun to see everything there is to do in Orlando — so you might as well give in and allow yourself some time to relax during your next trip.
Whether you prefer to go, go, go or take it easy on vacation, be sure to take some time to relax with these top tips and laid-back must-do’s during your next stay.
Orlando vacation planning made easy — and free. Make a complimentary appointment with Visit Orlando’s Vacation Planners at a time and date of your choosing for the latest insider advice, special offers and more ahead of your next visit.
No matter your travel style, make sure to build in some breaks to recharge between activities. If you’re visiting the theme parks, consider booking a midday character dining meal, stopping for a sweet treat, or heading back to your resort for a refreshing afternoon nap.
If you’re more of a wilderness warrior, take some time between zip-lining, hang-gliding and off-roading to soak up the untamed beauty of your surroundings. I promise, you’ll enjoy the day a lot more if you’re refreshed and energized rather than exhausted from trying to squeeze everything in.
It’s always wise to research your destination in advance, and our Vacation Planners are happy to step in and help you make the most of your trip. Still, things don’t always go according to plan. As a chronic over planner myself, I’ve found it’s helpful to have a loose idea of what you’d like to see and do during your trip, while still leaving some flexibility for delays, cancellations, or even just a change of heart.
I recommend advance booking for Orlando theme park tickets, major concerts, sporting events, select high-profile dining reservations and guided tours, but aside from that, you can wing it in Orlando and still have a great time.
Whether you’re traveling solo or with friends and family, make sure you come prepared with snacks, sunscreen, water, battery packs and anything else you may need to keep the fun going. This is especially true if you’re traveling with kids or picky eaters. A favorite snack, some cold water and a quiet spot in the shade have saved many long afternoons out with my family.
If you start to feel fatigued, take a 10-minute break to fuel up, cool down and clear your mind — or plan your next steps.
Hilton Orlando
Plan a Rest Day
If you’re visiting Orlando for several days, consider designating a rest day for sleeping in, relaxing at the pool and exploring at a leisurely pace. After all, you’re on vacation!
Stay up all night, grab a late brunch or a poolside massage, then spend some quality time chasing whatever strikes your fancy. For an extra-indulgent touch, consider booking a cabana or a Resort Pass to our most extravagant resort pools for a full day of laid-back fun.
Get a Taste of Orlando With Wandering Palm Food Tours, Courtesy Thuy Vi Gates, Tracy Kuch and Chris Gotshall
Book a Guided Tour
If you plan on powering through your vacation without any rest time, at least cut yourself some slack and book a guided tour at your next stop. From docent-led tours of Orlando’s top museums to sunset sailing adventures in our downtown core, you’ll discover plenty of ways to take it easy and just enjoy the ride. You can even try behind-the-scenes tours of our theme parks, walking tours of historic downtown Orlando, or a tasty culinary tour for foodies on the go.
JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes
Work It Out
It might sound counterintuitive, but making time for physical activity can be a great way to relax and reenergize during your vacation. Orlando has plenty of ways for you to chill out, soak up some mind-body goodness, and soothe your muscles, all without missing a second of the action.
Go for a serene bike ride, join a laid-back yoga flow at our breweries and museums, paddle through our natural springs, or take a stroll through our theme parks and scenic gardens. Remember, park hopping totally counts as cardio.
Relaxing Activities & Tranquil Hidden Gems
Now that you know some of the best ways to relax and go with the flow on vacation, here are some of the best spots to visit in Orlando for a mental reset.
Other great options include the The Mennello Museum of American Art sculpture garden in Loch Haven Park, the Art & History Museums of Maitland, the Lake Nona Sculpture Garden, the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens or Kraft Azaela Garden in Winter Park, and other serene getaways. Many locations also host hands-on classes, workshops and cultural events for a creative boost.
Winter Park
Explore Orlando’s Neighborhoods
For a laid-back day that requires very little planning, choose one of Orlando’s ultra-walkable neighborhoods or surrounding cities and spend the afternoon shopping, dining and exploring whatever catches your eye.
Winter Park: Just north of downtown Orlando, Winter Park is filled with serene canals, cafe-lined streets, lakeside views and plenty of unique museums, parks and gardens to capture your imagination.
Winter Garden: Downtown Winter Garden is another charming choice, with loads of locally owned shops and restaurants, a brewery, a performing arts space, and idyllic bicycling along the West Orange Trail.
Celebration: Finally, Celebration is a picture-perfect locale near Walt Disney World® Resort where you can score an old-fashioned ice cream cone, shop for unique gifts, and take a leisurely stroll or electric tricycle ride along the lake.
And that’s just the beginning! Explore nightlife, dining, themed bars, entertainment, galleries and anything else that floats your boat throughout our unique neighborhoods.
Swan Boats in Orlando’s Lake Eola Park
Enjoy a Swan Boat Ride on Lake Eola
Is there anything more iconic — or relaxing — than a swan boat ride in downtown Orlando’s Lake Eola Park? We doubt it. Hop aboard and score a new perspective of the city skyline from one of our pedal-powered boats.
For the ultimate relaxing getaway, head to Discovery Cove®, a tranquil oasis where you can stroll on white sandy beaches, hand-feed exotic birds, and snorkel with thousands of tropical fish. It’s all-inclusive, with unlimited food and drinks, complimentary snorkel and wetsuit rentals, up-close animal encounters, and reef-safe sunscreen and towels. In other words, you don’t have to plan a thing — unless you want to up the thrill factor and book select upgrades in advance.
Stay Connected to Orlando
You never know what we’ll dream up next. Connect with Visit Orlando’s Vacation Planning Services for free, personalized assistance, and follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, Threads and YouTube for valuable offers, exclusive tips, fresh attractions and the latest events. You can also subscribe to our eNewsletter for more information from Orlando: Theme Park Capital of the World.
Beth Bell loves travel, theme parks and exploring new places, especially if there’s food involved. She’s a content senior representative at Visit Orlando.
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