Megan duBois

There’s no shortage of things to do in Orlando. Think incredible theme parks, delectable dining, and girls' night out activities that don’t break the bank. The best things to do are spread throughout the city, so there's always something to do nearby no matter where you live or what hotel you’re booking. Whether you’re into culture through live local music, someone with a green thumb looking to up your gardening game, or a theme park enthusiast who wants to break a record for the most times on a certain roller coaster, there’s plenty to do in Orlando. Even if you live in the City Beautiful or visit it often, I’m sure you haven’t done every single thing on this list of attractions, museums, and theme parks. So the real question is, how many of the best things to do in Orlando will you be adding to your weekend adventures? March 2025: I love March. The weather in Orlando is finally starting to warm up, but not so much that you can’t enjoy being outside. Winter brought unseasonably cold weather to Florida (hello, snow in some Northern parts of the state), and it seemed so gloomy for much of the season. Now that the flowers are starting to bloom and days are getting longer, I can’t wait to get outside and enjoy more of what the city has to offer.  This season’s guide to the best things to do in the city includes festivals at the theme parks and plenty of spots to enjoy outdoor dining, and we’re getting closer to the opening of Universal Orlando Resort’s new theme park, Universal

When most people think of Orlando, they think of the theme parks, but just beyond the castle gates, there’s a whole culinary wonderland waiting to be explored. The best restaurants in Orlando can be found everywhere, from hip neighborhoods to high-rise hotels overlooking Disney World. If you’re still not convinced that Orlando is a worthy foodie destination, then consider that the Michelin Guide has given out a handful of stars to restaurants across the city, plus recommendations for dozens of eateries for every budget. Whether you live in Orlando or just visit for the rollercoasters, these are the spots to seek out for an incredible meal. March 2025: I love March because the weather is finally perfect for enjoying meals al fresco with friends and family. While not every restaurant on this season’s list offers outdoor dining, many of the establishments do, which means you can enjoy a great meal and the great weather. Some long-time favorites of mine, like Wine Bar George and Four Flamingos, are still on the list. There are also a handful of newer places like UniGirl, Edoboy, and Otto’s High Dive that are worth the drive to get to, no matter what part of town you’re in. itters. RECOMMENDED:🎢 The best theme parks in Orlando🏖️ The best beaches near Orlando🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Orlando This guide was updated by Florida-based writer Megan duBois. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, s

There’s nothing better than a beach day. The sun and surf, great company, and the smell of sunscreen in the air just give off big summer vibes. While Orlando’s theme parks and water parks have man-made stretches of sand where you can work on your tan or learn to surf (looking at you, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park), if you’ve made it to Florida, you’re going to want to get to the real thing. If you hop in a car and drive an hour east of Orlando, you’ll hit one of the most iconic beaches in Florida, Cocoa Beach, but there are many other beaches near Orlando worth the drive to on the east and west coasts. Whether you’re looking for a day of relaxation or a day filled with water sports and games on the sand, there’s a beach vibe for everyone. Keep reading to find the perfect beach near Orlando for you. This guide was updated by Orlando-based writer Megan duBois. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.  RECOMMENDED: The best parks in Orlando

Orlando truly has it all. You’ve got epic theme parks and cute historic neighborhoods, plus a host of museums and restaurants you’ll want to explore. Just as the city is diverse, so are the accommodations available, and not every place is built the same. Sure, you could stay in one of the ritzy resorts or a budget-friendly hotel, but there’s also the option to book an Airbnb in Orlando for something a little homier. No matter the length of stay or how big your travel party is, the top home rentals in the city offer something for every type of family. From romantic getaways in the treetops to themed houses, these are the best Airbnbs in Orlando. This guide was updated by Orlando-based writer Megan duBois. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

When you think of Orlando, you likely think of the incredible theme parks with towering coasters and attractions that dot the city skyline. In fact, Orlando is known as the theme park capital of the world, with over a dozen parks within a short distance of each other. If you haven’t been to one of the parks in a while, now is a great time to go because 2024 and 2025 are set to bring some of the biggest and best new additions to the area's parks. Just this year, Disney added a new attraction based on the popular movie The Princess and the Frog, and Universal launched its new kid-friendly land based on popular DreamWorks characters and films. And don’t even get us started on what’s coming in 2025 (hint: it’s an all-new theme park at Universal Orlando Resort called Epic Universe). With so much happening at the best Orlando theme parks, now is a great time to visit or plan your next trip. This guide was updated by Orlando-based writer Megan duBois. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.  RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Orlando🍣 The best restaurants in Orlando🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Orlando🏰 The best Disney World hotels

One of the most daunting parts of planning a vacation or staycation is deciding where to stay. After all, you need to think about price, amenities, location, and more. You are supposed to be relaxing! While there are dozens of hotels around the greater Fort Lauderdale area, some of the best hotels are just steps away from the beach, and one is even shaped like a giant guitar. A day in the Venice of America is all about time spent at the sandy beaches, top-notch restaurants, and exploring the things to do, and ends with you jumping into a cozy hotel bed as you gaze out the window to the ocean waves. There are plenty of hotels with waterfront views, mermaid shows, and luxury facilities to choose from in the area. Some resorts even have rooftop pools and award-winning restaurants. No matter what type of hotel you’re looking for or what your budget is, there’s something for everyone here. Updated August 2024: Incoming, we've spruced up this list with not one, but two new irresistible stays: The Westin and Element Fort Lauderdale. Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

One hundred and fifty miles south of mainland Florida, Key West floats at the end of the road as the southernmost point in the continental United States. An offbeat, come-as-you-are island, it’s long attracted writers, artists, drifters, and outdoorsmen drawn to its freedom and natural beauty. From afternoons fishing or snorkeling near the Gulf Stream to casual day drinking on legendary Duval Street and the nightly sunset celebrations at Mallory Square, Key West has a way of bewitching its visitors. The charming Old Town district, lined with pastel “conch” cottages and Victorian-style mansions is also home to some of the island’s nicest resorts and historic inns that sit close to a whole host of great restaurants, bars, and attractions. But you’ll also find incredible hideaways in more off-the-beaten-path areas, from marina-front resorts on salty Stock Island to private cottages on Sunset Key and modern hotels across New Town. Read on for the best hotels to experience your own slice of Key West’s paradise. RECOMMENDED:🏠See the best Airbnbs in Key West🍲 Dine at the best restaurants in Key WestStay at the best family-friendly hotels in Key West This guide was recently updated by Travel Writer Shayne Benowitz. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to

Key West is one of those places that is so idyllic it can be hard to believe it’s actually real. Picture the scene: palm trees swaying gently in the breeze, surrounded by crystalline turquoise waters, basking in year-round sunshine - absolute bliss. If that ain’t the good life, we don’t know what is. And there are few better ways to properly indulge in Key West than by renting an Airbnb. The city’s finest Airbnbs range from abodes that are mere steps away from the area’s biggest attractions to those that are perfect for lounging by the beach. We’ve sifted through all of Key West’s Airbnb rental options to find the ones that are totally unmissable: read on to find out more. Updated September 2024: The best hidden gems are often right under our noses, which is why we're leaving no stone unturned. How else would we know about this secret villa or this Old Town cottage? RECOMMENDED: 🏝Why not stay at one of the best hotels in Key West?Or the best family-friendly hotels in Key West? This guide was recently updated by Travel Writer Shayne Benowitz. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

When you think of the best parks in Orlando, you may instantly go to the theme parks, but we’re talking about green spaces and art installations. All around the city, from downtown to the outskirts of Orlando, parks of all kinds welcome locals and tourists to sit and enjoy the quiet sounds of nature. Not only do these parks give people a look at Florida’s unique landscapes, but you can also float in freshwater springs, enjoy sculptures from master artists, and more. Even cooler is that the best parks are often in the best neighborhoods, so after you’re done basking in the sun or hitting a walking trail, you can stop in for a bite to eat at one of Orlando’s best restaurants or sip on a cocktail during happy hour. With all of that in mind, these are the 11 best parks in Orlando. RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Orlando🍣 The best restaurants in Orlando🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Orlando🎡 The best things to do with kids in Orlando Megan Dubois is a journalist covering theme parks, travel and more. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Whether you’re a local or a tourist in Orlando, everyone can enjoy the simple pleasures of evening happy hours. With discounted bar snacks and cheap cocktails or mocktails, many of Orlando’s best restaurants and bars also boast an incredible happy hour. No matter what neighborhood or theme park you're exploring, there’s a spot near you to belly up to the bar and enjoy a drink or two with friends. We’ve found a mix of cool local spots serving everything from flatbreads and fried green tomatoes to marinated olives and charcuterie boards paired with well drinks and glasses of wine. These are the 14 best happy hours in Orlando, and you’ll want to add them to your list of things to do in the city. Be sure to use a rideshare or designate a non-drinking driver to get to and from happy hour. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Orlando This guide was updated by Florida-based writer Megan duBois. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Seafood lovers, rejoice! Even though Orlando isn’t right on the ocean, it’s still home to dozens of seafood restaurants ranging in style from high-end spots and steakhouses to 1950s-style oyster bars where everyone is family. The best seafood restaurants in Orlando are shipping their seafood daily from nearby towns, so you know you’re getting a fresh catch. No matter what neighborhood you live in or what theme park resort you’re visiting, there’s an incredible seafood restaurant nearby. If you’re like me and can’t get enough shrimp, oysters, lobster, and more, keep reading because these are the best seafood restaurants in Orlando. Just be sure to don a lobster bib if you’re going to really indulge somewhere. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in OrlandoThe best restaurants in Orlando This guide was updated by Florida-based writer Megan duBois. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Orlando’s food scene is as diverse as the people who visit its incredible theme parks. From high-end dining worthy of a date night away from the kids to family-friendly restaurants that expose locals to new cuisines, there is no shortage of restaurants in Orlando. And even better for locals and tourists looking for a true epicurean experience, Orlando has caught the eye of the Michelin Guide, which has started awarding stars, Bib Gourmand designations, and Selected Restaurants for spots all over the city from downtown to the theme parks. If you’re looking to dine at one of the seven-starred restaurants or sole green-starred restaurants, then you’re in luck because they range from incredible sushi spots to theme park crown jewels. This guide was written by Orlando-based writer Megan duBois. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.  RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Orlando

Orlando finally has its own stand-up sushi bar called Edoboy. The unique dining experience has been in the Michelin Guide since 2023 and offers diners a traditional way to eat sushi and other Japanese specialties at an eight-person standing counter. The menu is filled with delightful hand rolls and nigiri, along with house specialties like miso soup that’s made in-house daily from bones out of the fish used for sushi. Reservation time slots for Edoboy only last an hour, and because of that, you can only order a maximum of 12 pieces. I love to splurge on a piece or two of bluefin fatty tuna called toro, then go into some of the torched nigiri options. The aka ebi, or sweet red prawn with uni butter, is a savory delight, while the Japanese scallop and mayo (hotate-kewpie) is another favorite. Traditional handrails like spicy tuna are also a bit hit here. End your meal with miso soup, which doesn’t count against your 12-piece limit.

Tori Tori has been part of the Michelin Guide since 2022, and it’s easy to see why. The Japanese pub is known for its good vibes and good food. Start with one of the restaurant’s signature highballs, a classic drink in Japan. I love the Chu-Hi option, which is a mix of iichiko shochu, tropical fruits, and supremely effervescent soda. With your drink, you’re going to want to order some of Tori Tori’s shareable plates. The blue crab dip and nori potato chips are a great starter. Skewers are also popular here, with options like spicy yuzu shrimp, pork belly, and king oyster mushrooms, all of which are worth adding to your tab. Larger plates that may stretch a little farther include blue crab and garlic confit fried rice, as well as wok-seared Brussels sprouts with Japanese mayo and a variety of toppings. I love bringing a big group of friends with me here so we can try more of the menu as we catch up with each other.

Orlando’s Mills50 neighborhood is filled with unique dining options, from traditional Lao cuisine to ramen hot spots. One of the most viral (and well-deserved) new spots in the neighborhood is UniGirl, an onigiri shop inside the Mills Market. Every day, the shop makes fresh Japanese stuffed rice balls called onigiri, which are filled with everything from tuna and fried chicken to shrimp tempura and spicy salmon. If you’re feeling really adventurous, consider the unagi, a fan-favorite stuffed with barbecued freshwater eel and a sweet and sticky sauce. Don’t forget to look in the refrigerator for additional sides and drinks to go with your onigiri. You’ll find everything from potato salad to house-made mocktails behind the glass doors. After enjoying my fill of onigiri, I like to walk around the Mills Market, which is home to five different Asian food stalls, including ones specializing in Bahn mi and Cantonese cuisine. This is definitely the spot to hang out if you want to try a little of everything.

As I took the elevator from my room at the Lake Nona Wave Hotel down to the lobby restaurant, Bacán, I knew I was in for a treat. I had passed by the restaurant multiple times during my stay, and it was finally time to sit down and enjoy a meal at the restaurant that celebrates the bounty of the Americas. Upon entering, I was greeted by a larger-than-life mural of Pachamama, an Incan goddess, on the back wall. What followed was a delight for the senses. The open kitchen gives you a look into the culinary ballet that takes place each night. I started with a cocktail, Tunki, a Pisco-based drink with honeydew melon juice that was light and refreshing on a warm Florida day. The tuna crudo was a perfect complement to the cocktail, thanks to the chili crunch and radish that was scattered around the plate. The star of the menu is the half truffle chicken, where a Lake Meadows Farms chicken is cut into three pieces and served in three different ways. The thigh was served as a roulade, while the leg was golden brown with perfectly crispy skin, and the breast was succulent after being sous-vide. Even though I was full, dessert was a must-have for me. The La Morada sweet finish was a perfect ending of churros, roasted pineapple, sorbet, and caramel.

If you’re looking for a feel-good restaurant where the vibes are immaculate, the drinks are strong, and the food isn’t boring bar food, Otto’s High Dive is the spot to be. Located in Orlando’s Milk District, the Cuban restaurant and rum bar is known for its creative drinks and flavorful dishes. If you’re feeling a classic Cuban drink, opt for the Coquito, a mix of rum, sherry, coconut, condensed milk, almond, and spices for a taste of the islands. Even better, you can buy the drink in bottles to take it home with you too. The food menu is just as impressive, with a wide variety of raw bar options like oysters (I love the baked oysters with chili-lime butter and chicharron crunch), tuna ceviche, and crab salad. There are also Cuban classics like ropa vieja served with rice and black beans and some of the best charred lobster in the city served with a sour orange vinaigrette. If you just want snacks and a drink, consider Otto’s happy hour, which runs on weekdays from 4 to 6pm. Here, you can get $12 cocktails like mojitos and the house Cuba Libre. Pair your drink with a bar snack like fish dip, chicharrones, or shrimp skewers. Even better, oysters are half-off during happy hour, too.

Italian restaurants in Orlando are a dime a dozen. They are in every neighborhood and in many hotels, but one that’s really doing it right is Ravello at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort. In fact, the restaurant has a 100 percent Italian designation from the Italian Taste Certification, which grades Italian restaurants based on multiple factors. While the resort's lobby area may be loud and chaotic as people filter in and out going to the nearby theme parks, Ravello is a serene escape where you can sit back and relax over a house-made bowl of pasta, pizza, and more. If you only get one thing, be sure it’s the signature veal ravioli, which is stuffed with veal, spinach, and ricotta and tossed with wild mushrooms and truffle essence for a decadent, savory dish. If you are traveling with kids, the restaurant offers a complimentary Pasta & Play service. The resort's kids club supervisors supervise kids ages 4 to 12 while they enjoy supervised activities outside on the Spa Lawn as the adults enjoy another glass of wine or dessert. Reservations can be made in the Four Seasons app via the chat feature.

Every time I go to Wine Bar George, I’m impressed with the restaurant in the heart of Disney Springs. As you step inside, it feels warm and cozy, with a large bar that's first come, first served. Then, upstairs, both dining rooms are welcoming, with large picture windows overlooking Disney Springs and the nearby lake. On warm Florida evenings, I love requesting one of the small outdoor tables, where the ambiance of Disney Springs comes to life thanks to an adjacent stage that often hosts live bands. When it comes to the food, I’ve tried nearly every iteration of the menu for lunch and dinner, and nothing disappoints. Mainstays include macaroni and cheese bites, meatballs, and a seasonal salad for shareable, while larger skirt steaks and whole fish are family-size entrees for dinner. At lunch, you’ll find lighter fare like chicken salad and BLT sandwiches, all with a distinct wine country twist. Of course, this wouldn’t be a wine bar without wine, and every option on the menu is available by the ounce, glass, or bottle. Even better is that the restaurant’s namesake, George Miliotes, walks around to greet people. He’s one of just under 300 Master Sommeliers in the world, so you can ask him nearly anything about wine, and he’s going to be able to help you out.

Miami favorite The Wharf's Fort Lauderdale location is right along New River, a lively addition to the spate of new businesses setting up shop in the historic Las Olas district. The Wharf Fort Lauderdale brings the Hamptons to Florida with its whitewash fencing, white-and-navy nautical decor, dog-friendly Astroturf, and boat parking along the 480-foot-long dock space. And the massive space parties just as hard.  Within the expansive 1.25-acre event space are four bars and five food-court–style eateries helmed by local restaurants. Look out for noteworthy concepts including classic American fare from Lunchroom by be nice Restaurants (the group also responsible for local favorites Coconuts, Foxy Brown and Top Hat Delicatessen), Asian fusion spot Mrs. Balloo, pan-Asian cuisine from chef Timon Balloo and pizza from chef Jose Mendin’s The Piefather. During the day The Wharf is a casual eatery and hang-out spot for people of all ages, including families, but at night the 21+ crowd gets the place to themselves for drinking and dancing. Bar top seating encourages groups to sit and linger while they enjoy cocktails and outdoor games like cornhole, while seafaring elements make for perfect photo opps—not that we think this crowd needs the motivation to snap rosé selfies for the ’Gram.  Those looking for a more traditional restaurant experience should pop next door to RIVERTAIL, run by James Beard-nominated chef José Mendín. The seafood-driven restaurant has an impressive raw bar menu

We're willing to bet you know at least one kid who loves Peppa Pig. The British TV show has been enthralling youthful audiences around the world for almost two decades and has even generated a generation of American kids with fake British accents (seriously). Well, all those millions of young Peppa fans will soon have their own dedicated theme park in the United States that they can bug their parents to visit. Move over Disney World, Peppa Pig is headed to Florida.  The new theme park is slated to open in Orlando, Florida in 2022 and will feature rides, attractions, a water play area and live shows all catering to preschool-age children and their families. Kids will have the opportunity to meet Peppa, George, Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig and the rest of the animal gang as you explore the adorable world that looks like it’s been dropped right out of your TV and into central Florida.  Peppa fans will love rides such as Grandad Dog’s Pirate Boat Ride, where little piggies can hop aboard and set sail for Pirate Island, and Peppa Pig’s Balloon Ride, where you get to fly high above the park in one of Miss Rabbit’s hot air balloons. Other rides feature characters like Grampy Rabbit and Mr. Bull.  The park will also feature two play zones: A splash pad where kids can mimic jumping in muddy puddles (Peppa's favorite pastime) filled with fountains, slides and interactive water features perfect for hot Florida summers and a Pirate Island where everyone in the family can look for buried treasur

After a year of being deprived of the special kind of magic that is Disney World fireworks, the theme parks are introducing two new shows this fall—just in time for the park’s 50th anniversary.  The celebration begins October 1, and the resort-wide party is set to last a whopping 18 months and feature fun new attractions, destination-worthy new dishes and (drum roll, please) two brand-new firework shows at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT.  At Magic Kingdom Park, the new ’Disney Enchantment’ show will light up the night with dazzling colors around Cinderella Castle and down Main Street, USA. The show will feature an all-new soundtrack, lighting, fireworks and projections—not just on the castle itself, but all the way down Main Street, too.  Artist concept courtesy Disney Meanwhile, when the lights go down around World Showcase Lagoon at EPCOT, Mickey fans will be in awe of the highly anticipated new show, ’Harmonious.’ The fireworks display will be one of the largest ever presented at a Disney park, combining Disney music with pyrotechnics, actual moving fountains, and fantastic lighting. For the ’Harmonious’ soundtrack, classic Disney songs have been reinterpreted and re-recorded in more than a dozen languages by a group of 240 different artists from around the world.  Can’t wait that long for some Disney magic? Disney World is currently open for business, and starting July 1, both Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT will bring back their fireworks shows with the same nighttime spectacula