Orlando is home to some of the world's famous theme parks, such as Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld. Millions of people visit these theme parks each year for a wide range of rides, attractions, and entertainment options. Orlando's 11.1-mile thoroughfare, International Drive or I-Drive, is also a major tourist destination for its shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the city also has several natural attractions, including the Wekiwa Springs State Park, the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, and the Ocala National Forest. But whether tourists opt to go on a kayak adventure in the Wekiwa River or visit an art gallery, Orlando's warm weather makes it an ideal place for any activity, even at night.
10 Take A Sunset Boat Tour Of Lake Eola
A sunset boat tour of Lake Eola is a popular activity for visitors to Orlando, Florida. The tour itself is an unforgettable treat for visitors as they take in stunning views of the city skyline and colorful sunset. During the tour, visitors get interesting commentary from the boat captain about the beautiful freshwater lake's history, wildlife, and local landmarks. Visitors can also enjoy a picnic or snack on board the boat for a romantic evening or a relaxing time with family and friends. Lake Eola is surrounded by scenic walking paths, gardens, and park areas.
- Address: Lake Eola Park, 512 E Washington St, Orlando, FL
- Hours: Mon to Sun 6 am - Midnight
Rental of swan boats is from 10 am to 7 pm only, Tuesday to Sunday, and closed on Monday.
9 Experience The Nightlife Downtown
Drive all the way to downtown Orlando for an exciting nightlife experience. From swanky rooftop bars to bustling nightclubs, the area offers a variety of entertainment options for all tastes.
Some popular spots include The Beacham, a historic venue that hosts concerts and dance parties, and The Courtesy, a speakeasy-style bar with inventive cocktails. For a unique experience, check out the ICEBAR Orlando, where you can sip drinks in a bar made entirely of ice. Other notable mentions include The Woods, a whiskey bar with a rustic atmosphere, and Tier Nightclub, a high-energy dance club with multiple levels and VIP areas.
- Address: The Beacham 46 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL; The Courtesy 114 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL
- Hours: The Beacham (Sat 5 pm - 2 am; Sun 10 pm - 2 am; Mon to Thur 10 am - 5 pm; Fri 12 pm - 2 am); The Courtesy (Mon to Sat 5 pm - 1 am)
8 Indulge In Late Night Eats
While Orlando does not have one specific staple food, the city is home to a diverse culinary scene with many different types of cuisine available. Some dishes are popular in the region, and it has some of the best places to grab a bite at night.
Orlando is known for its barbecue scene, with many restaurants offering up delicious smoked meats, sides, and sauces. 4 Rivers Smokehouse is known for its smoked meats and sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, and baked beans. Many restaurants in Orlando also serve up their own version of Cuban Sandwich, like the Black Bean Deli. It is open until 9 pm most nights. The city also has the best key lime pie spots, providing a refreshing treat that's perfect for the warm Florida weather.
- Address: 4 Rivers Smokehouse 3200 South Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL; Black Bean Deli, 1835 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL
- Hours: 4 Rivers Smokehouse (Mon to Sat 11 am - 8 pm); Black Bean Deli (Mon to Sun 8 am - 8 pm)
7 Go On A Ghost Tour
Like any other town or city, Orlando has a darker side and a haunted past. Thrill seekers will not be disappointed in visiting Orlando, as a ghost tour takes visitors on a spooky adventure through some of the city's most haunted locations. The tour of Orlando's historic buildings, graveyards, and cemeteries is an exciting way to learn about its haunted history.
The tour offers a unique perspective on the city's past, combining local history with spine-tingling tales of the supernatural. Expert guides have chilling tales of ghostly apparitions, unexplained events, and paranormal activity backed up by historical facts and research.
6 Catch A Show Or Concert
Orlando is home to several theaters and concert venues, including the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and the Amway Center. These venues offer world-class entertainment with state-of-the-art technology and acoustics, making for a memorable and immersive experience. Both venues are located in downtown Orlando, which offers a lively atmosphere with many dining and entertainment options before or after the show.
An experience of Broadway shows ballet performances, or major concerts and sporting events in a stunning setting makes up for a memorable trip to Orlando.
- Address: Dr. Phillips Center 445 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando, FL; Amway Center 400 W Church St, Orlando, FL
- Hours: Dr. Phillips Center (Mon to Sat 12 pm - 4 pm); Amway Center (Mon to Fri 11 am - 4 pm)
5 Take A Helicopter Tour
See how magical Orlando is at night from a helicopter and get a unique perspective of the city's iconic landmarks. You can have a bird’s eye view of the sprawling Disney World Resort, the iconic Orlando Eye Ferris Wheel, the Florida sunset, or the beautiful Lake Eola.
During the flight, the pilot fills the tourist in on all the details of the trip while soaring above the city's skyscrapers and famous attractions. Taking in the stunning views of the city's illuminated skyline through a helicopter tour can be an exhilarating experience. The helicopter ride also provides a romantic and memorable experience, making it perfect for couples looking for a special night out.
4 Experience The Orlando Eye
This 400-foot-tall observation wheel offers breathtaking views of the city at night, including a stunning light show. The Orlando Eye is also illuminated at night with colorful LED lights, making it a stunning sight to behold. It offers panoramic views of Orlando and the surrounding area, including downtown, theme parks, and natural landmarks.
In addition, the Orlando Eye is located in ICON Park, which is a popular entertainment destination with many restaurants, bars, and shops. Visitors can make an evening out of the experience by combining a ride on the Orlando Eye with a meal, drinks, or shopping.
- Address: ICON Park, 8375 International Dr, Orlando, FL
- Hours: Mon to Sun 10 am - 2 am
3 Explore The Universal Orlando Resort
Theme park enthusiast or not, Universal Orlando Resort is a must-visit destination in Orlando even after dark. One of the biggest draws of Universal Resort is its selection of thrilling rides and attractions, many of which are based on popular movies and TV shows. From the high-speed roller coaster of the Incredible Hulk to the 4D experience of the Transformers ride, visitors are sure to find something to get their adrenaline pumping.
In addition to the rides, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter within Universal Studios is a must-see for Harry Potter fans. Visitors can explore Hogwarts Castle, drink butterbeer, and shop for wands at Ollivander's.
- Address: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL
- Hours: Mon to Sun, 9 am - 9 pm
Take advantage of Single Rider lines, so you can skip the regular line and get on the ride faster.
2 Visit Universal CityWalk
Universal CityWalk is a place where visitors have diverse dining options, unique shopping experiences, live entertainment, and bustling nightlife, all at one stop. Adjacent to the Universal Orlando Resort theme parks, CityWalk is a convenient place to visit before or after a day at the park.
CityWalk comes alive at night with bars and clubs like Red Coconut Club, Bob Marley - A Tribute to Freedom, and the Rising Star karaoke lounge. Live performances from local artists, street performers, and comedy acts can be enjoyed at venues like the Hard Rock Live Orlando and the Blue Man Group. This vibrant entertainment complex also has a variety of dining options - from fast food to fine dining and a wide array of specialty shops and boutiques.
- Address: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL
- Hours: Mon to Sun 8 am - 1 am
1 Visit Disney World Resort
Visiting Orlando's Disney World at night is a completely different and magical experience. The parks come alive with vibrant lights, colorful fireworks, and stunning nighttime shows that transport visitors to a different world. The illuminated Cinderella Castle, glowing parades, and amazing fireworks displays make for everyone's breathtaking experience, young and old alike.
Some of the parks also offer nighttime experiences, such as the Nighttime Safari at Animal Kingdom, which is an opportunity to see animals in their nocturnal habitats. Visitors can also watch the Disney fireworks from several different viewing areas throughout the park. The cooler temperatures and smaller crowds make the nighttime a more pleasant and enjoyable experience.
- Address: 1375 N Buena Vista Dr, Orlando, FL
- Hours: Open 24 hours
The FastPass system allows you to skip the line for certain attractions, so take advantage of it. You can reserve FastPasses up to 30 days in advance if you're staying off-site and up to 60 days in advance if you're staying at a Disney World resort.