8 Great Things to do for Adults in Orlando

Orlando, Florida, is a favorite vacation spot in the United States and has been for some time, and for good reason. Though many people associate Orlando with the Disneyworld and Universal theme parks— which you don’t want to miss out on, to be fair —there’s so much else to do in the area!

The gorgeous weather in Orlando means that it attracts tourists year round, but if you’re at a loss for what to do in this city, don’t worry! This list is full of places that will be a lot of fun for adults to visit in Orlando, and several of them happen to be supported by GiftYa.

While you’re planning your Orlando vacation, you may also want to consider purchasing a GiftYa virtual gift card to one of the locations on this list. With the GiftYa app, you can send a loved one a balance for any participating location, which they can then set up with an existing card so they won’t have to remember to bring anything extra in their wallet.

It’s the perfect gift for a friend or family member who may be going on vacation to Orlando, so you can treat them to a little part of the experience. Of course, there are plenty of other cities with GiftYa supported locations as well, so it’s not just Orlando.

Still, while you’re planning out where you should go in Orlando as an adult, you might consider purchasing a GiftYa for one or several of the locations on this list.

Madame Tussauds Orlando

“World’s greatest wax museum” in a central area of Orlando!

The wax figures at Madame Tussauds truly are stunning likenesses, and definitely worth seeing. Image courtesy of Instagram.

8387 International Dr | Orlando | madametussauds.com

This wax museum has a large number of hyper-realistic wax figures who look like all of your favorite celebrities. While kids might not be quite as entertained, it’s the perfect place for adults to go for a fun photo opp— plenty of celebrities visit to take pictures with the wax figures of themselves, as seen above!

The wax figures themselves come in several categories; history & leaders, sports, music stars, TV stars, movie and film stars, and A-List party. You can even take pictures with wax figures of your favorite fictional characters— the section Justice League: A Call for Heroes features wax figures from DC movies, including the Flash, Superman, and Aquaman.

Madame Tussauds opens at 10 a.m. every day of the week, and stays open until 10 p.m. on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. The museum closes at 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and midnight on Tuesdays.

“You can capture some really fun photos with the wax figures which we took full advantage of. It was fun to get silly with your favorite celeb… and you can take as much time as you want.” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa for Madame Tussauds Orlando

The Spa Orlando

Voted best Orlando massage and for good reason.

If you want your nails to look nice in your vacation photos, this could be the perfect place to stop at the beginning of your trip— especially after an exhausting flight. Image courtesy of Instagram.

2626 Edgewater Dr | Orlando | thespaorlando.com

Aptly named, this is the spa to visit if you find yourself in Orlando and need a moment to relax and rejuvenate. You can come for a massage, a manicure or pedicure, a facial and skincare treatment, or even all three with a spa package!

The massages are the most popular type of treatment, however, and so you won’t want to pass up on that opportunity, much less the options available. Swedish massages, hot stone massages, deep tissue massages, couples massages, aromatherapy messages, relaxology massages, and prenatal massages— this place has it all.

The Spa is open from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays, and from 8:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. 

“Upon arrival The Spa smelled so good, with a calming essence throughout the space. The receptionists were so friendly and helpful. I checked in and was offered water, juice, coffee, or wine!” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa for The Spa

Blue Martini Lounge

An upscale hot spot for drinking and dining at Pointe Orlando.

This restaurant and bar is the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion in Orlando. Image courtesy of Instagram.

9101 International Dr #1182 | Orlando | bluemartini.com 

There’s nowhere better for adults to go on vacation than a bar, and Blue Martini Lounge is so much more than that. There are 3 different bars that all come with their own unique and exciting nightlife experience— more casual diners flock to the outdoor patio, those who want to witness the amazing live entertainment are indoors and close to the stage, and customers who are looking for a more exclusive and private dining experience can make use of the VIP lounge.

‘Happy Hour’ at Blue Martini Lounge is legendary for the great discounts customers can have on the entire menu, whether they’re ordering a party martini, wine or cocktails, blue food, or from the party menu. You can also book catering for a private event!

Blue Martini Lounge may be closed on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays, but every other day of the week this restaurant is open all night— from 6 p.m. until 2 a.m.

“This place was such a cool spot, I ended up coming back Thursday night which happened to be Latin night. Night full of dancing and lots of great people just having a good time. Definitely will be coming back.” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa for Blue Martini Lounge

Harry P. Leu Gardens

Azaleas, camellias, and philodendrons— oh my!

The plants aren’t the only things to see at these botanical gardens— observe the beautiful wildlife as well. Image courtesy of Instagram.

1920 N Forest Ave | Orlando | leugardens.org 

These botanical gardens are another great place for adults to visit in Orlando and take stunning pictures surrounded by flowers. Harry P. Leu Gardens amasses 50 acres, and consequently has countless things to see, not to mention that it’s only minutes from the downtown Orlando area!

Donated to the city of Orlando in 1961 by the man for which the gardens are named, guests can stand under palms, camphor trees, elms, flowering trees, and oaks while they take time to look at and smell the roses— and plenty of other flowers besides! There are also a lot of events at different points in the year, so maybe see if your vacation can match up with one of them!

Hours at Harry P. Leu Gardens are from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. every day of the week.

“Beautiful flowers and plants. Very nicely spread out, the perfect spot for a nice peaceful walk or to just relax or meditate. Being your camera if you're into photography! Would definitely recommend if gardens are your vibe.” - Yelp Review

Disney Springs

A boardwalk-like space full of shops, restaurants, and entertainment!

You’re never too old for ice cream, especially not when it’s hot outside, and you’re never too old for Disney movies either! Image courtesy of Instagram.

1486 Lake Buena Vista Dr | Lake Buena Vista | disneysprings.com

Located in nearby Lake Buena Vista, you definitely don’t want to miss out on a visit to Disney Springs if you’re in Orlando. With over 100 places to shop, 26 entertainment opportunities, and 65 places to dine— both sit-down and quick service —it truly has something for everyone, and especially for adults.

Here, you can have a drink and a delicious meal, enjoy a show, and search for souvenirs for your loved ones all in one stop. Some guest favorites on the entertainment activities side of things are the Splitsville Luxury Lanes bowling alley, the Vintage Amphicar, and the Aerophile— “world leader in balloon flight.”

Disney Springs is open from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays and from 10 a.m. until 11:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, but hours may differ at individual locations, so be sure to check what the details are for the places you want to stop at!

“Disney Springs is a huge waterfront promenade offering a plethora of shopping, dining, and entertainment options for adults and children of all ages - and is FREE to enter! Like all things Disney, Disney Springs is clearly mapped out and easy to navigate.” - Yelp Review

Orlando Museum of Art

An accessible art museum in a great area of Orlando.

There are always new exhibitions at this museum, so make it a regular stop on your visits to Orlando! Image courtesy of Instagram.

2416 N Mills Ave | Orlando | omart.org 

A great location if you want to get out of the heat— or a potential torrential downpour —is the Orlando Museum of Art! You can book a tour or just browse through the beautiful artwork, of which there is always something new due to the exhibitions that pass through depending on the time of year!

Founded in 1924, this museum aims to inspire creativity, curiosity, and a passion for art in guests. It’s a beautiful space, both indoors and out, and would be a great way to spend some time during your stay in Orlando.

The museum is closed on Mondays, open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Tuesdays through Fridays, and open from noon until 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

“I have visited the Orlando Museum of Art on multiple occasions, though the Art in Bloom Festival was one of my favorites. They brought in speciality vendors, food, and floral arrangements to compliment their paintings.” - Yelp Review

Universal Orlando Resort

Three exciting theme parks and countless things to do.

Even if you’re not a big fan of rides, Universal Studios is a great place to visit while you’re in Orlando. Image courtesy of Instagram.

6000 Universal Studios Plz | Orlando | universalorlando.com

Whether you want to spend the day in Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, or Volcano Bay— and we recommend all three —you’re sure to have a ton of fun. Universal is incredibly popular among adults because of all the exciting rides!

But if you’re not much of a thrill-seeker and prefer to keep your feet firmly planted on the ground, there’s still plenty of things to do! Universal’s parks have shops, restaurants, shows, and plenty to see.

Hours at Universal Studios are from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Mondays and Saturdays, 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesdays through Fridays, and 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Sundays.

“My vote for best theme park for adults, with islands of adventure a close second. You must get the express pass to get the full experience and not wait [in] lines all day.” - Yelp Review

SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium

A great place to spend a rainy day in Orlando.

There are so many different animals to see at Sea Life! Image courtesy of Instagram.

8849 International Dr | Orlando | visitsealife.com

Come see sharks, sting rays, turtles, seahorses and more at this wonderful Orlando aquarium! There are plenty of entertaining exhibits, including a 360 degree ocean tunnel, the jelly wall, the indian ocean, a feeding frenzy, and coastal rockpool, but you can have a lot of fun just walking around!

Though Sea Life Orlando Aquarium is a popular spot for school field trips and children, it’s also a lot of fun for adults, too! Book a behind the scenes or virtual reality tour, or just roam around the space and see all there is to see— and there’s a lot!

Sea Life is open from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays, from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Fridays, and from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

“We always hit an aquarium when there is one… This is by far the best one we have EVER been [to.] Sea Life is extremely clean and has so many fun exhibits to explore.” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa for SEA LIFE

If you’re planning a trip to Orlando, consider visiting one of the locations on this list, and consider purchasing a GiftYa virtual gift card while you’re at it!