Despite what you may think with its reputation for expensive theme parks, there are still plenty of cheap things to do in Orlando Florida (and believe it or not, affordable ways to visit the theme parks). Orlando is the perfect destination for adults looking for an array of activities to keep their vacation tranquil with a spicy touch.
Whether you were able to escape with your significant other for a weekend getaway or a week-long stay (or even if you had to bring the kids along), Orlando is the perfect place for constant entertainment and a stress-free landing spot for your vacation.
Discover many more amazing things to do in Florida USA over in our Travel Guide series.
Here are the best cheap things to do in Orlando for adults
There are plenty of unique things to do in Orlando for adults which you have probably never considered because all the hype is around Disney and Universal. Here are some alternative ideas for your Orlando itinerary:
1. Daytona Beach
A day trip to Daytona is among a collection of cheap things to do in Orlando Florida. Not only is this beach a crazy party destination for college students during Spring Break months, but it is also a quiet and casual getaway destination year-round after.
If you are looking for a beach getaway outside of the city, this hour-long drive up to the quiet town of Daytona is just perfect for a day trip. It must be noted, though, that there is one other week in which the town gets a bit hectic and that is during the renowned Daytona 500 at its historic International Speedway. Anytime after that week and outside of March or April is a perfect city break. Discover more with these 10 things to do in Daytona Beach Florida.
You can spend the first half of the morning touring the Speedway and the later afternoon into the evening at the beach for sunset. It makes for the perfect combination of cheap things to do in Orlando.
2. Take Bahamas swimming pigs tours to Pig Beach
Flights to Bahamas are becoming more and more relevant which means day trips to Bahamas from Orlando are entirely possible. You can take Exuma day trips to Pig Island where the Exuma pigs in the Bahamas live and see millions of visitors every year.
Staniel Cay day trips (Exumas) are more than just a trip to swimming with pigs Bahamas tours. There is a wide range of things to do in Bahamas that you can access when traveling Florida to Bahamas day trips by plane.
Your one day cruise to Bahamas will feature swimming with sharks, scenes from the James Bond Hollywood hit ‘Thunderball’, endangered iguanas, lively coral reefs, secluded sand bars, historic yacht clubs, and much more. How is that for an exotic getaway!
Bahamas Air Tours offers the best escapes to the islands. Check them out for your mini Bahamas vacation!
3. Nightlife
You might be surprised to know there are cheap things to do in Orlando for adults when it comes to a night on the town. One of the best places to go for a drink and other entertainment is Universal CityWalk where the drinks may not be the cheapest in town but it is certainly worth it!
Universal CityWalk features the best selection of eateries in town as well as nightly entertainment usually in the form of karaoke with a live band. The best spot is at Hard Rock Live where there are often some of today’s most popular rock bands performing.
Most people don’t expect a lot of nightlife in Orlando as it is known for its theme parks and as a family destination. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Hint: If you are staying at one of Universal Resorts’ hotels, they offer free water taxis back to your accommodation. It is the best way to end the night!
4. Theme parks
OK — like mentioned, theme parks usually aren’t a part of a list of cheap things to do in Orlando, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some that are more affordable than Disney’s Magic Kingdom or Universal Studios. Here are some popular theme parks which won’t break the budget and burn a hole in your wallet.
- Fun Spot America
- Busch Gardens (Tampa)
- Legoland Orlando
- SeaWorld Orlando
TIP: Alternatively, if you wish to see the most theme parks as you can, you can opt for an Orlando CityPASS and capitalize on discounted rates to a group of theme parks. These passes range from 3-10-day passes (Disney Resorts) to 1-2-day passes for Legoland Parks. It is cheaper to buy the passes in the off-season of travel so it is suggested to buy early even if you are not vacationing until the summertime.
5. Kayaking through the Everglades
A trip to the Everglades doesn’t have to mean an expensive helicopter tour or even a half-day boat ride via florida airboat tours across the swamps. If you are on a budget, one of the cheap things to do in Orlando is to take a day to kayak through the Everglades.
Most kayaking companies still require a tour guide for precautionary reasons (no one will complain about that when floating through the Everglades eery murky waters). Take a day to adventure through one of the most diverse natural ecosystems in the United States and North America. What you will see will be an environment you can’t find anywhere else in this hemisphere.
Fair warning — be prepared to deal with the intense Florida humidity and insects swarming. It shouldn’t be a problem for those who appreciate the wonders of the Everglades, though. If you must take a helicopter tour, at least make your tour reservation for the early morning or late evening when you can watch the sunrise/set over the Everglades and most wildlife come out from hiding in order to feed. Even flying through the air above the Everglades can be considered one of the most fun things to do in Orlando Florida.
6. Catch a surreal Orlando sunset
For those who travel often on a budget, you know one of the best affordable activities is to catch a nightly sunset. No matter where you are, sunset is always free entertainment and, in Orlando, it is always a good one.
There are so many great spots to watch the sun go down in Orlando. If you are looking for cheap things to do in Orlando with your significant other, look no further. Here are a few of our favorites (check out a few of these locations on your stay in Orlando and you are sure to find ‘your spot’ sooner or later):
- ICON Orlando Observation Wheel
- Citrus Club
- Lake Ivanhoe Park
- Lake Eola Park
- Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando Resorts
- The Waterfront
- One80 Skytop Lounge
- Grills Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar
Alternatively, a short drive to the Tampa Bay area to watch the sun go down over the Gulf of Mexico is another great option!
Check out all the fun things to do in Orlando Florida
Not only can you find affordable entertainment, but there are so many unique things to do in Orlando for adults that you have probably never considered. This list is just the beginning of the fun to be had. Go for an adult-only vacation to Orlando and leave the kids at home. There are enough cheap things to do in Orlando to keep yourselves busy for a budget stay as long as you want!
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