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Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando, Florida
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  • States:
    Florida

Just because you’ve grown up doesn’t mean you should count Orlando out as a dream vacation destination.

Beyond the theme parks and family-oriented attractions, you’ll find a world of decadent dining, exciting entertainment and outdoor excursions ranging from easygoing to high-octane. Whether you’re craving big-city thrills or quiet escapes, Orlando has something for you. Dive in and discover some top picks for grown-up getaways in The City Beautiful.

Outdoor Excitement

Take advantage of the year-round warm weather and unique Florida landscapes by getting some fresh air on your Orlando vacation. Enjoy clay shooting, bass fishing, archery and all-terrain vehicle riding at Revolution Adventures, an off-road park occupying nearly 100 hectares of green space in Clermont. For a unique thrill, set off in a Mucky Duck, an amphibious vehicle you can enjoy driving on both land and water. Connect with nature on an airboat ride through Florida’s natural swamps. Tour operators like Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures and Spirit of the Swamp Airboat Rides take you right into the heart of the Central Florida Everglades, where you may even spot some wildlife like alligators and egrets. Find even more fun on the water on the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour, a laid-back cruise through the canals and lakes of the luxe Winter Park neighborhood. Featuring views of beautiful homes and guided narration exploring area history, this excursion is a can’t-miss for lovers of history and architecture. You can also rent clear-bottom kayaks from Get up and Go Kayaking and explore Winter Park’s peaceful canals at your own pace.

Sailing through peaceful canals on the Winter Park Boat Tour

Sailing through peaceful canals on the Winter Park Boat Tour
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Culture and Nightlife

When the sun goes down, the fun is just beginning in Orlando. Kick off your night downtown, where you’ll find a walkable nightlife hub with plenty of notable bars and entertainment venues. Beloved local spots include combination cocktail and coffee lounge The Robinson Room, Halloween-themed speakeasy Cocktails and Screams, and Florida-based craft beer taproom Motorworks Brewing. Enjoy a spectacle of sight and sound at the Dr. Phillips Center, whose four unique theaters host live shows nearly every night of the week. Catch concerts in the intimate music room Judson’s Live, stand-up comedy in state-of-the-art Steimetz Hall and heart-pounding Broadway musicals in the Walt Disney Theater, among other artistic offerings.

Near the theme parks, the exciting International Drive District is chock full of lounges and entertainment venues to keep the fun going all night long. Linger over live music and dancing at Mango's Tropical Cafe and Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar, then play a round of bowling and relax in the luxurious cocktail lounge at Kings Dining & Entertainment. Take to the skies aboard the 120-meter-tall Orlando Eye, the star attraction of International Drive’s ICON Park – you can even grab a glass of champagne and toast to your adventures during your ride. Sports fans can find plenty to love as well – pick up tickets for the Kia Center to catch the Orlando Magic basketball team or the Orlando Solar Bears ice hockey team in action, or see the Orlando City and Orlando Pride soccer teams take to the pitch at Inter&Co Stadium.

Inter&Co Stadium decked out in the colors of Orlando City Soccer Club

Inter&Co Stadium decked out in the colors of Orlando City Soccer Club
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Shopping and Dining

Satisfy your hunger – and your hunt for souvenirs – at premium eateries and retailers across the Orlando area. Visit the Mills 50 neighborhood and enjoy an evening of elevated American fare at The Strand, a Michelin-Guide-recognized eatery featuring rotating menus made from scratch with seasonal ingredients. The Lowes Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort is home to BiCE Ristorante, where you'll enjoy authentic Italian cuisine with luxurious views of the resort harbor. More international flavors await in local favorites such as Sticky Rice Lao Street Food, Nile Ethiopian Restaurant and German-style biergarten Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Cafe. Shoppers can’t miss a visit to the Park Avenue District in Winter Park, a scenic, walkable street full of boutique shops. Browse luxury and international retailers at The Florida Mall and The Mall at Millenia, then hunt for deals from nearly 180 of your favorite brands at Orlando Premium Outlets. You’ll discover even more prime shopping and diverse food options in exciting entertainment districts located near Orlando’s world-class theme parks. Head to Disney Springs to savor creative fare in innovative eateries, like chef-driven pan-Asian cuisines at Morimoto Asia, and browse nearly 100 shops and retailers. Nearby Universal CityWalk keeps the thrills going, with immersive themed dining and vibrant atmosphere.

The modern dining room of Morimoto Asia in Disney Springs

The modern dining room of Morimoto Asia in Disney Springs
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Getting There:

Fly into Orlando International Airport (MCO), Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) or Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB), then rent a car to explore Orlando. The SunRail commuter train provides rail service throughout Orlando, while the Brightline high-speed passenger train connects the area to several major cities in South Florida.