7 Orlando Experiences That Will Refresh Your Outlook on The City in 2023

It’s a new year, but if you’re feeling bored in the same old city, perhaps it’s time to shake things up. Read on to discover events and activities in Orlando that will keep you busy all year long. 

1. Harry P. Leu Gardens 

• If you live in or around Orlando and haven’t spent time exploring the sprawling 50 acres of lush greenery at Leu Gardens, 2023 is the year to change that. Featuring over 15,000 species of plants, it would be difficult to see the garden in its entirety in one day, but for those looking to make the most of their time, the Leu Gardens website has recommended route directions listed on its FAQ page. 

2. Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour 

• Since 1938, Scenic Boat Tours have been taking tourists and locals alike for hour-long tours of Winter Park’s chain of lakes, beginning on Lake Osceola. The 18-passenger pontoon boats depart every hour, on the hour from 10 to 4 every day. Guests on the tour can expect to see plenty of sub-tropical flora and fauna, a reminder of what life was like before the sprawling estates of Winter Park sprung up along Scenic Boat Tours’ route. 

3. Popcorn Flicks in the Park 

• A long standing favorite institution among Orlando movie buffs, The Enzian Theater has programmed a series of free monthly movie screenings in Winter Park’s Central Park. On the second Thursday of every month, people gather with lawn chairs, blankets, picnics, and loved ones to watch a classic; and this month, you could be one of them. 

4. Critical Mass 

• On the last Friday of every month, cyclists join together in Orlando’s Loch Haven Park and proceed to ride through Downtown, completely taking over the usually car-dominated streets. This tradition began over a decade ago and goes on rain or shine. If you’d like an excuse to go for a bike ride and a way to feel connected to your community, Critical Mass is it. 

5. Orlando Fringe Festival 

• Celebrating its 32nd year in 2023, the Orlando Fringe Festival is a haven for Orlando’s art and theater communities. Featuring eight main venues and countless satellite venues, Fringe allows artists total control of their live productions, which are chosen to be staged via a lottery system. The main festival is from May 16-29, but there is a Winter Mini-Fest from January 12-15 to tide over the public. 

6. Museums 

• Orlando is home to several highly enriching museums that are worth checking out but are often overlooked by long-time residents. For lovers of art, there’s The Orlando Museum of Art and The Morse Museum, for science enthusiasts, The Orlando Science Center, and for history buffs, The Orlando Regional History Center. Take an afternoon to take in culture and artifacts from far and wide, as well as from right here at home. 

7. Orlando’s Foodie Events 

• Orlando is home to dozens, if not hundreds, of restaurants and food trucks that offer flavors that are out of this world. At events like the monthly 407 Food Faire in Ivanhoe Village, or even Lake Eola’s weekly farmer’s market, you’ll find any cuisine that you could possibly be craving, and then some. 

So, if you’re feeling burnt out on things to do in Orlando, attending and experiencing a few of the things listed above is guaranteed to provide a new sense of admiration for our city in this new year.