Orlando
Orlando is home to famous amusement parks like Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando Resort.
Universal is divided into two parks – Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, but the highlight for many is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. You’ll need the park-to-park pass or annual pass to see all three parks in one day.
There are a lot of things to do at Universal. Ride all of the rides, drink as many cups of Butterbeer as you possibly can, and get a wand so that you can interact with all of the “magic” points throughout Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade.
After the parks close around 8-9 p.m., consider visiting Universal CityWalk. This is Universal’s version of our Strip, and there is no admission cost. From dance clubs to karaoke bars with live bands behind you, this is a good place to go after you’ve been in the parks. There is a movie theater, a mini golf course, and a few places to eat. As with most nightlife places, they close in the hours of the a.m.
If you want to head away from the parks, there are a few places nearby. If you’re looking for a place to eat, there is a little pizza place called Lazy Moon. With pitchers of local brews and creative pizzas, this late night pizzeria stays open on the weekends until 2:30 a.m.
There is also a video game bar down the street. Player 1 Video Game Bar has multi-generational video game consoles ranging from arcade machines to the newest generation. You can play the stand up machines for free and place your drink in supports while you play. You can also rent out an Xbox One or PS4 for a couple of bucks and play all the newest games out there on large flat-screen TVs.
Cocoa Beach
As far as the beaches go, Cocoa Beach is known for surfing on the Atlantic side. About an hour from Orlando, Ron Jon Surf Shop’s flagship store has been there for the past 50 years and is open 24 hours a day, where they have a surfing school and host events frequently. If you and a couple of friends want to learn how to surf, it costs $50 a person for one hour and $65 for two hours. If you are here to soak up the sun, make sure to wear plenty of sunscreen and get ready to play beach volleyball.
Deerfield Beach
If you are on a tighter budget, wanting to see more beaches and less amusement parks, the Coral Springs area might be more suited to your liking. About three hours south of Orlando, this community is just north of Miami and quieter, too. There are plenty of beaches to choose from here, with Deerfield Beach being the closest. With tiki bars and beach volleyball, this beach is full of life and geared towards a younger crowd. Consider coming early on in the day so you can get a spot in one of the parking decks.
Hollywood Beach
Hollywood Beach is a little further south. This beach is famous for its boardwalk lining the area just inland from the sand. There are many shops and restaurants lining the double lane asphalt walkway. Roller skating, skateboarding and bicycling is a common sight on the boardwalk.
If you are near Hollywood Beach, consider going to Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor. Here you can get a kitchen sink full of ice cream. With over 40 different flavors, there are plenty of options to choose from. With bananas, whipped cream, cherries and sparklers on top, this giant dessert is best to be shared with friends. So much for all that work you did in the gym.
