Orlando attraction guides rarely start with culture and art; yet the city offers a delightfully robust array of choices, which could be a relaxing respite from theme park overload! Dive into independent films, art galleries, ballet and philharmonic orchestras performances or museums, including one especially tasty option: the World of Chocolate Museum and Café!

Let that big kid inside you out at the dozens of land and water theme parks. Enjoy thrill rides, moviemaking excitement, fascinating land and sea creatures, futuristic fun and shows. But don’t miss out on fun outside the theme park gates too. Orlando is a 170-course golf nirvana: many prestigious tournaments are held here and the city earned “North American Golf Destination of the Year” by International Association of Golf Tour Operators. And we haven’t even begun to cover the hot air balloon and airboat rides, tennis, boating and fishing! If pampering is what you’re after, spas here rival any luxury locale. You’ll find Waldorf Astoria® Spa, the Mandara Spa at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and the Ritz-Carlton Spa® Orlando, Grande Lakes, to name a few.

Orlando shopping is like everything else in this city: bigger than life! Take your pick: multiple malls with national retailers like Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdales; huge designer outlet centers; and fun, quirky boutiques all compete for your attention. VisitOrlando specifically recommends downtown Orlando for “hard-to-find clothing labels, home décor and antiques.” The bigger theme parks also have their own dedicated shopping and entertainment districts as well.

Orlando is most famous for its unique dinner shows, especially fun for groups and families. From Medieval jousting to murder mysteries and country hoe-downs, talented performers and tasty cuisine often share the same spotlight. If you seek a more refined ambiance to entertain clients or celebrate a romantic milestone, Orlando is also home to top-rated fine-dining, elegant wine bars and sophisticated clubs. High on the list: the renowned Victoria & Alberts, describing itself as a “tiny oasis of opulence” that dazzles you with award-winning cuisine and luxurious surroundings. Other high-end eateries: Chatham’s Place; Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops; and Norman’s at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando