Your 1 day Orlando itinerary doesn’t need to be spent at the theme parks. It may be what the city is best known for but there is much more to uncover.
It isn’t called The City Beautiful for nothing.
It’s brimming with excitement and pleasure, unique flavors, hidden gems, and unrivaled beauty. So many miss out on the magic that lies within.
But that’s where we come in at The Florida Hipster Blog. Follow along to find out all the things to do in Orlando to have one of the most unforgettable days where we do all the planning for you!
Let’s jump into your perfect Orlando itinerary.
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1. Start with Breakfast @The Diner
Fuel up for an awesome 24 hours in Orlando by starting your morning off right @The Diner. It is the most important meal of the day, so be sure to take time to enjoy it.
Why not have a little fun and try out their waffle tacos! Make it a waffle breakfast street taco or a pollo loco, smothered gravy, and fried chicken all inside topped with bacon. Even my mouth is watering!
Woke up with a sweet craving, then the Sunday Funday is what you are searching for. Don’t worry you will burn all those calories off with the adventures we have planned ahead for you.
Classic favorites, favorites with a twist, create your own breakfasts, and even lighter sides. There is something for everyone on their mouth-watering menu. This is one place you MUST add to your 1 day Orlando itinerary!
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2. Take a nice stroll in Dickson Azalea
Walk off your fabulous breakfast strolling through 3.5 acres of beauty in Dickson Azalea. It is one of Orlando’s hidden treasures and best-kept secrets. Shhhh!
Once used by cattle herders as a watering hole it has since been transformed into an urban oasis.
Step into a world of paradise. Moss-covered trails and magical bridges explode with every color of green imaginable.
You won’t believe your eyes! What seems like a jungle scene at one of the theme parks is actually some of Orlando’s most spectacular natural beauty.
3. Enjoy the Swan Boat Ride Downtown Orlando
Have you ever wondered what it is like to glide through the waters as one of the most majestic and beautiful-looking creatures? Well, wonder no more.
Hop aboard your own larger-than-life swan as you sail across the historic Lake Eola waters. Don’t forget to bring your furbabies They are welcome on the voyage too.
These aren’t your typical paddle boats. These are the famous pedal-powered giant swan boats of Orlando. You can’t say you have truly visited Orlando unless you have taken one of their iconic swan boat rides.
Swan swooning is an ultimate must! Typically closed on Monday so check the hours ahead and best of all no reservation is needed
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4. Grab a Donut at Salty Donut
Time for a quick pick me up. A sugar fix will cure that by grabbing a donut at Salty Dog. You donut want to miss this place!
You can find Salty Donut located in Audobon Park. From butterbeer, and key lime meringue pie to guava & cheese. You won’t know where to start.
But donut stop at just one. There’s strawberry milk cake, brown butter and salt, and even a vegan cinnamon roll donut.
This is one place you MUST add to your 1 day Orlando itinerary!
ORDER NOW to secure your Universal Studios theme park ticket! GET MY TICKETS.
5. Enjoy a Cup of Coffee and Walk Through the Shops of Downtown Baldwin Park
Check out the quaint streets of scenic downtown Baldwin Park with a cup of java in hand.
Escape into several blocks of window shopping of all the cute little stores, charming cafes, and fantastic restaurants. It is hard to believe that this now enchanting area was once a former US Naval Base.
Dog-friendly streets and picturesque views at Lake Baldwin are overlooked by Harbor Park, it’s a breath of fresh air!
6. Visit Icon Park and Have Lunch at Uncle Julio’s or The Hampton Social
The energy is buzzing in Icon Park with live music and an electric atmosphere. Free parking and free admission. Need I say more??
Uncle Julio’s serves up authentic Mexican food to satisfy any Tex-Mex craving. If you show up on a Tuesday then you are in for a feast- it’s Taco Bar Tuesday.
Cool off with one of their margaritas of the month, you can’t go wrong. The awesome made-from-scratch menu is available all week long.
Oh, and did I mention their chocolate piñatas? Now I did!
Coastal vibes and rose all day sounds like your vibe, then your lunch is waiting for you at The Hampton Social.
Spend over $25 then be sure to get your parking validated as a bonus.
7. Walk Your Lunch off at SEALife Aquarium Orlando, and Madame Tussaud’s Museum
Time to walk that lunch off, re-energize and be a kid again! It’s fun for all ages.
Walk under the sea and stay dry? Yep, that’s possible at SeaLife Aquarium Orlando.
Get a fish eye’s perspective or even a shark’s, turtles, and eels. They are all surrounding you in the mesmerizing 360-degree ocean tunnel.
This is one place you MUST add to your 1 day Orlando itinerary!
The coastal rockpool gets you up close and personal with starfish. So personal you can even pet the starfish if you are feeling daring. You only live once, right?!
Always wanted to brush arms with a celebrity. Well, welcome to Madame Tussaud’s Museum. The place where dreams come true!
Have your eyes gaze upon Aquaman, dine with Audrey Hepburn and go head-to-head with Jackie Chan. Charge up your phone because your photo-ops will be endless.
Make it a double or triple play. It’s well worth it if you plan on seeing more than one attraction, saving 37 % to 48%. We love finding a deal here at The Florida Hipster Blog!
Save over 45% on admission with the ICON Play Pass TODAY!
8. Grab a Sweet Treat at the Sugar Factory
Don’t store away that inner child just yet, you are in Icon Park after all.
The Sugar Factory is calling your name with all your childhood sweet tooth favorites. The groovy and fun atmosphere screams happiness and good times.
The colorful candies pop and so do the memories. So, grab yourself a sweet treat and indulge. We all deserve it and you are on holiday remember!
Get over 30% off on your Orlando CityPass here!
9. Get a Quick Game in at the Escape Game Orlando, TopGolf Orlando, or Andretti Indoor Karting and Games Orlando
Keep the energy alive and flowing still on International Drive at Escape Game Orlando.
Carry on feeling like a kid, “The Playground” is calling your name. Or a bit devious and “The Heist” or “Prison Break” is more up your alley. There are 7 different escape rooms to choose from so book the one you want online or give them a call.
Good news, parking is free so pull into the lot behind the building!
Go-Karts and Golfing!
Golf more your afternoon style? TopGolf Orlando has your tee time. It’s more than just your everyday driving range.
Complimentary clubs are provided if you don’t have your own, televisions in every bay, and climate control so you don’t break a sweat. So get out there and have a swing of a good time!
Active police, fire, military, or EMS personnel? Then Andretti Indoor Karting and Games Orlando want to thank you for your service and protection with a 20% discount.
Still, feeling the sugar rush from your sweet treats? A little adrenaline and energy to burn off? Hit the racetrack at Andretti Indoor Karting and Games Orlando.
Experience the rushes of excitement going through the track up to 35 miles/hour.
Not quite ready for the track then check out the games. Pro racing simulators might be just what you are looking for to fulfill your race car driver dreams.
The little ones are not left out if you bring them along! Mini Mario Karts are available if you have young ones on your trip for 4-7 years old.
This is one place you MUST add to your 1 day Orlando itinerary!
10. Have Dinner at Jinya Ramen Bar
Time to take a breath and unwind. Just don’t be scared if you walk in the door and everyone shouts out at you.
It’s all in good humor. Irasshai means welcome, so come on in and be seated.
Wonton Chicken Ramen can’t be beaten. But the Shrimp Wonton Ramen does hold its own though. Choose for yourself ramen, small plates, rice bowls, and currys.
They also serve up gluten-free ramen and a Flying Vegan harvest. Just check out their vegetarian and gluten-free menus for more.
This is another place you MUST add to your 1 day Orlando itinerary!
11. End the Night with an Orlando Magic Basketball Game or Show at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Discover the essence of Orlando ending the night with an energetic Orlando Magic basketball game. It’s the true way to feel the spirit of O-Town and end the most brilliant day on a high note.
A show at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Orlando could possibly rival this. It’s a showdown.
This is one place you MUST add to your 1 day Orlando itinerary!
Whether it be theater, orchestra, ballet, comedy, music, or dance. The stage comes alive with only the best. So, choose the tickets that bring the feeling of Orlando home to you.
Get more Orlando travel planning tips right here!
More Things to Do in Orlando on Your 1-Day Itinerary
Now that you have your perfect Orlando itinerary together, let’s go through some of the BEST things to do here in this beautiful Florida city!
Best Kid Restaurants in Orlando
- Rainforest Cafe
- T-Rex Cafe
- Toothsome’s Chocolate Emporium
- Sugar Factory
- Planet Hollywood
Recommended: 10 BEST Kid Restaurants in Orlando that YOU Can’t Miss!
Top Farms in Orlando
- Beck Brothers Citrus
- Wildflower Farm
- Freshfields Farm
- Lake Meadow Naturals
- Legend Acres Farm Petting Zoo
Recommended: Top 10 Farms in Orlando You MUST Visit
Best Place to Pick Oranges in Orlando
- Showcase of Citrus
- Bekemeyer Family Farm
- Red Hill Groves
- Vo-LaSalle Farms
- Pappy’s Patch U-Pick Strawberries
Recommended: Orange Picking in Orlando: 5 Best Orange Groves You MUST Visit
Best Places to Get Dessert in Orlando
- Mr. Puffs
- The Salty Donut
- Smallcakes Cupcakery & Creamery
- Insomnia Cookies
- VooDoo Doughnuts
Recommended: BEST Dessert in Orlando: 19 Places You Won’t Regret Visiting!
Best Brunch in Winter Park
- Briarpatch Restaurant
- The Parkview
- Hamilton’s Kitchen
- Boca Winter Park
- Sixty Vines
Recommended: What’s the Best Brunch Spot in Winter Park? Here are 10 Locations to Help You Decide
Best Places to Get Wings in Orlando
- Chi-Kin
- Island Wing Company Grill and Bar
- Jerkman BBQ
- Josie’s Pizza and Wings
- Mad Crab Seafood and Wings
Recommended: Top 10 Places to Get the BEST Wings in Orlando, Florida
Top Places to Get Ice Cream in Orlando
- Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream
- Twistee Treat
- Allen’s Creamery & CoffeeHouse
- Beaches & Cream Soda Shop
- Smallcakes Cupcakery & Creamery
Recommended: 10 Places to Get the BEST Ice Cream in Orlando
Best Hibachi in Orlando
- Kobe Japanese Steakhouse
- Maki Hibachi
- Hibachi Express
- Sake Bar II (Kissimmee)
- Island Flamed Luck Hibachi
Recommended: What’s the BEST Hibachi in Orlando? These Are the Top 10 Places YOU MUST VISIT
Best Things for Couples to Do in Orlando
- An EPCOT Festival
- Bonnet Creek Epicurious, A Curated Progressive Dinner
- One of Orlando’s Best Lounges
- Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Festival
- Sangria University at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Recommended: 27 Unique and FUN Things to Do in Orlando for Couples
Best Steakhouse in Orlando
- Shula’s Steakhouse
- Yachtsman Steakhouse
- Bull and Bear
- STK
- Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse
Recommended: Looking for the Best Steakhouse in Orlando? These are the Top 10 Places YOU MUST TRY
Best Sushi in Orlando
- Kadence
- Kabooki
- Morimoto Asia
- Seito Sushi
- Soseki Modern Cuisine
Recommended: 10 BEST Sushi Spots You Have to Try in Orlando, Florida
Best Things to Do in Orlando with Babies and Toddlers
- An Orlando Farm
- Orlando Science Center
- Crayola Experience
- My Little Town
- SEALife Orlando Aquarium
Recommended: 19 Fun Things to Do in Orlando with Toddlers and Babies that’s NOT Disney
Top Places to Get Breakfast in Orlando
- Hash House A Go Go
- @The Diner
- FK Your Diet
- Maple Street Biscuit Company
- KeKe’s Breakfast Cafe
Recommended: 10 Best Breakfast Spots in Orlando You CAN’T MISS
Best Places to Get Brunch in Orlando
- Formosa Gardens
- Wine Bar George
- House of Blues
- FK Your Diet
- Bar 5 Lounge and Grill
Recommended: 15 Amazing Places to Get the BEST Brunch in Orlando
Best Burgers in Orlando
- The Whiskey
- Portillo’s
- Mooyah
- Shake Shack
- Freddie’s
Recommended: What’s the Best Burger in Orlando? These are 15 Spots You Can’t MISS!
Best Gardens in Orlando, Florida
- Harry P Leu Gardens
- Mead Botanical Garden
- Kraft Azalea Garden
- Central Park Rose Garden in Winter Park, Florida
- Dickson Azalea Park
Recommended: 8 Magical Gardens in Orlando You Have to Visit
Top Breakfast Buffet in Orlando
- The Boheme Jazz Brunch Buffet
- Cape May Cafe
- BOMA-Flavors of Africa
- Whispering Canyon
- Harvest Bistro
Recommended: What’s the BEST Breakfast Buffet in Orlando? These Are 11 Places You Can’t Miss!
Best Oysters in Orlando
- The BOATHOUSE
- Wine 4 Oysters
- The Osprey Seafood and Spirits
- Atlantic Beer & Oyster
- Clermont Oyster Bar
Recommended: Top 10 Places to Get the BEST Oysters in Orlando TODAY!
Best Lunch in Orlando
- Boba Queen
- Jam Hot Chicken
- Kura Sushi
- Mamak Asia Street Food
- Chick’n’Cone
Top Places to Get Breakfast in Orlando on International Drive
- Hash House A Go Go
- @The Diner
- The Hampton Social
- First Watch
- Moma’s Cafe
Recommended: Top 10 Places to Get the Best Breakfast in Orlando on International Drive
Best Crab Legs in Orlando
- J Crab House
- Hot N Juicy Crawfish
- Mad Crab Seafood and Wings
- EZ Crab Shack
- King Cajun Crawfish
Recommended: Top 10 Places to Get the Best Crab Legs in Orlando
Best Breakfast in Kissimmee
- Maple Street Biscuit Company
- Metro Diner
- Keke’s Breakfast Cafe
- Loading Gastrobrunch
- Island Grove Wine Company at Formosa Gardens for Brunch
Best Restaurant in Orlando, Florida
- La Luce
- Bull and Bear
- Victoria and Albert’s
- Kadence
- Seito Sushi
15 Free Things to Do in Orlando
- Hangout in Disney Springs
- Relax in a Beautiful Orlando Garden
- Explore the Boardwalk at Disney World
- Hangout in ICON Park
- Party it Up in CityWalk
- Explore Old Town Kissimmee
- Visit an Orlando Farm
- Take a Break in Lake Eola and Watch the Swans
- Explore Downtown Winter Park
- Take a Hike on the Tibet-Butler Preserve
- Go on a Free Wine Tour Tasting the Best that Florida has to offer at Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards
- Discover One of the Majestic Springs of Florida like Rock Springs
- Have Fun at the Winter Garden Farmer’s Market
- Walk Around the Mall at Millenia
- Resort Hop at Walt Disney World
Top Romantic Getaways in Orlando
- Spa Day
- Wine Tasting at Orlando ICON
- Luxury Stay at an Orlando Hotel
- Weekend Cruise
- Go on a Relaxing Boat Tour in Orlando
Recommended: 19 Romantic Getaways In Orlando You’ll Fall In Love With
Where to Stay in Orlando
- Swan and Dolphin Resort
- Signia
- Encore Resort
- Disney’s Riviera Resort
- Universal Orlando Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Recommended: Where to Stay in Orlando: Top 10 Hotels and Resorts for ALL Budgets
What’s the Best Time to Travel to Orlando?
You’ll find the best weather from March through May. Any month during this timeframe will be the best time to travel to Orlando.
Plus the temperatures to be warm and pleasant during the day. Plus, there’s the bonus of cheaper airfare and hotels.
The best part is that fewer people go to the theme parks in spring, so you won’t have to battle your way through as many crowds if you visit during this time.
Get your Weekend Hotel Deals from as low as $45/night TODAY!
More Fun Things to Do in Orlando From Our Sister Site
- 15 Most AMAZING Indoor Activities in Orlando for Adults
- 35 Incredible Things to Do in Orlando Other than Disney
- 10 Best Day Trips from Orlando for Solo Travelers (Less than 3 Hours Away)
- What’s the Best Beach Close to Disney World? Top 9 Florida Beaches Near Disney
- Orlando Halloween Events: 23 Things to Do in Orlando For October 2022
- 5 Fun (and SCARY) Things to do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks
- 41 Spectacular Things to Do in Orlando for Adults
Wrapping Up Your 1-Day Orlando Itinerary
Well, there you have it! Your epic 1-day in Orlando itinerary exploring some of the best sights and activities that this wonderful Floridian city has to offer.
At The Florida Hipster Blog, we want to make sure everyone gets a chance to discover the secret treasures of Orlando. What are you waiting for, get out there and have some fun!
What’s the one thing you must have on your Orlando itinerary? Let us know in the comments section below!
UP NEXT: Day Trips from Orlando: 34 Incredible Places to Visit Less than 3 Hours Away!