Orlando's Best: Self-Guided Driving Tour of Iconic Landmarks & Fun
About this English self-guided 1h:19m driving tour in Orlando
Welcome to Orlando, Florida—better known as The City Beautiful. Most visitors know Orlando for its theme parks, but there’s so much more to this city than roller coasters and castles. Today, on this driving tour, we’ll explore the Orlando that locals know and love: a vibrant blend of history, culture, sports, shopping, and yes, a little bit of quirkiness along the way.
The city’s story stretches back to the mid-1800s, when it was little more than a military fort and a few scattered homes. There’s still debate over the name—some say Orlando was named for a soldier, Orlando Reeves, who died here during the Seminole Wars. Others insist it comes from Shakespeare’s character Orlando. Either way, the name stuck. For decades, Orlando grew slowly as a hub for cattle and citrus groves. In fact, by the late 1800s, this was one of the top citrus-producing regions in the country.
Everything changed in the 1960s when Walt Disney quietly bought thousands of acres of Central Florida swampland. In 1971, Walt Disney World opened, and overnight Orlando transformed from a modest agricultural town into one of the most visited cities in the world. Today, more than 70 million people come here every year, making it one of the top tourist destinations on the planet.
But what makes Orlando truly special is its variety. The city is home to over 100 lakes, including Lake Eola downtown, famous for its swans and lighted fountain. It has professional sports teams, a thriving arts scene, world-class shopping, and some of the most diverse communities in Florida. You’ll find neighborhoods full of history, dining districts with flavors from around the globe, and entertainment that goes far beyond theme parks.
On this tour, we’ll start downtown, visiting cultural landmarks and historic sites, then roll past modern sports arenas and quirky attractions. From there, we’ll cruise down International Drive, Orlando’s entertainment corridor, before wrapping things up near the theme park resorts at Disney Springs.
So buckle up, relax, and enjoy the ride. By the time we’re done, you’ll see Orlando in a whole new light—not just as the theme park capital of the world, but as a city with heart, history, and a unique personality all its own.
- 1For the best experience, begin at the tour's recommended starting point and follow the stops in order.
- 2Want to start somewhere else? Simply use Start At on the tour screen, before tapping Start Tour, to begin from any stop.
- 3Need to detour or skip a stop along the way? Tap Tour Assistant (
![UCPlaces AI Bot Icon]()
) to use Force Play, Skip, and Back, for full flexibility.
) to use Force Play, Skip, and Back, for full flexibility.
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Places (POIs) visited during this tour
520 E Central Blvd, Orlando, FL 32801, USA
But Lake Eola isn’t just about the view. This park is home to the famous swan boats that you can actually rent and pedal around the lake—an Orlando tradition for both locals and visitors. Speaking of swans, real ones live here too. In fact, Lake Eola has five different species of swans, and the city takes great pride in caring for them.
As you circle the lake, you’ll notice the Walt Disney Amphitheater, a striking shell-shaped stage that hosts concerts, plays, and festivals throughout the year. From farmers’ markets on Sunday mornings to yoga classes and art fairs, Lake Eola is where Orlando comes together.
It’s easy to see why they call Orlando the “City Beautiful”—this lake and its park really set the tone.
28-2 N Magnolia Ave, Orlando, FL 32801, USA
Even if you don’t go inside right now, it’s worth noting this building as the keeper of Orlando’s past. It’s a reminder that long before theme parks and skyscrapers, this city had a rich history that shaped the “City Beautiful” you’re driving through today.
Place 1
Lake Eola Park
Place 2
History Center
Place 3
Church Street Station
Place 4
Dr. Phillips Center
Place 5
Orlando City Hall
Place 6
Kia Center (formerly Amway Center)
Place 7
Inter&Co Stadium
Place 8
Camping World Stadium
Place 9
Orlando – The City Beautiful
Place 10
The Mall at Millenia
Place 11
Universal CityWalk
Place 12
Ripley's Believe It or Not!
Place 13
ICON Park
Place 14
Pointe Orlando
Place 15
WonderWorks
Place 16
Aquatica Orlando
Place 17
SeaWorld Orlando
Place 18
Discovery Cove
Place 19
Vineland Premium Outlets
Place 20
Disney Springs