Locals know there’s a whole side of the city beyond the theme parks, where nightlife, walkable attractions, thrill rides, shopping, and entertainment take over.
International Drive brings it all together. As Orlando’s main tourism corridor, there is no better place to experience the city beyond the parks.
For easy walkability as you explore this unique neighborhood, stay at Avanti International Resort. This affordable hotel puts you right in the center of it all with a prime location that makes it easy to maximize your time in the city. Think of it as your home base for 48 hours of adventure, where the best of Orlando is waiting right outside your door.
Friday: Arrival and a Night on International Drive
Arrive Friday afternoon, drop your bags, and take a moment to settle in.
By the time you step out onto International Drive, the night has already started. Music spills out from open doors, neon lights reflect off the pavement, and there is activity in every direction.
Stepping outside of the resort, you will naturally be drawn to ICON Park right across the street. The massive Orlando Eye and StarFlyer tower over the park as major local landmarks. Live music echoes from surrounding restaurants, and the scent of carnival-style sweet treats drifts through the air. Grab a drink, take a walk through the promenade, and snap a photo in front of the Orlando Eye before exploring more of I-Drive.
Hop on a rentable scooter or walk just a few blocks, and you will find yourself at Pointe Orlando, a vibrant nightlife and entertainment hub with more than 40 establishments in a pedestrian-friendly complex. Here, you’ll find restaurants, night clubs, cinemas, theme bars, entertainment, and shopping. Pointe Orlando’s newest establishment brings celebrity energy at Still Lounge Orlando by Dre & Snoop, an elevated nightlife experience that blends the smooth sophistication of a top-tier cocktail lounge with the energy and cultural influence of hip-hop’s most legendary duo.
Saturday: Exploring International Drive
Morning: Start Close to the Resort
Mornings on International Drive start nice and easy. Grab a coffee at the hotel’s cafe or Lobby Barista, step outside into the sunshine, and take your time.
Experience ICON Park in a different light. Plan to visit attractions like SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, where a 360-degree tunnel surrounds you with marine life moving overhead, and Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, where you can pose for photos with your favorite celebrities.
If you are looking for something with more adrenaline, the Orlando StarFlyer lifts you 450 feet in the air with sweeping views across the area. For an even bigger thrill, the Orlando Slingshot launches riders up to 400 feet in the air, reaching speeds of 100 mph in just seconds.
Midday: Attractions at Your Own Pace
Next, hop on the I-Ride Trolley to explore the full stretch of the I-Drive District, where storefronts, attractions, and restaurants line the route and make it easy to hop on and off as you go.
Stop by Fun Spot America Orlando for an amusement park experience with a classic county fair feel. Race through multi-level go-kart tracks, ride the White Lightning wooden coaster, or explore funhouses and arcade-style games filled with bright lights and familiar sounds. For even more to explore, head to Dezerland Park Orlando, Florida’s largest indoor family entertainment center, featuring 12+ attractions, an epic auto museum, and entertainment for all ages.
As you travel along the I-Drive corridor, you will not have to look far for what comes next. Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf offers a laid-back challenge with shaded paths, waterfalls, and a classic adventure-style course, while Museum of Illusions Orlando and WonderWorks Orlando bring a more hands-on, unexpected experience. Curious about a viral treat you saw on Instagram? JoJo’s ShakeBAR offers over-the-top milkshakes and trendy treats. For fun and games, visit Main Event Sports Bar with a traditional American menu, all the games on TVs plus family bowling, a ropes course, and laser tag.
Afternoon: Reset at the Resort
After all the fun, head back to Avanti International Resort for some afternoon poolside relaxing under the Florida sun. Grab a drink from the pool bar, order something to eat, and unwind before heading back out.
Saturday Night: Orlando After Dark
Start your night at Universal CityWalk Orlando. With famous dining establishments, entertainment, and live music,it’s a full night out in Orlando all in one place, and no park ticket is needed. Universal Orlando offers free parking most evenings after 6:00pm. Afterward, test your skills at some of I-Drive's popular 24-hour arcades like Arcade Monsters and Arcade Time , where your senses glow like their neon lights with the latest high action arcade games, some 80’s retro favorites and pinball.
Sunday: Shopping and a Relaxed Finish
Before heading home, there is time to squeeze in some major designer outlet shopping.
Orlando International Premium Outlets is Florida’s largest outlet mall with over 180 stores featuring popular brands like H&M, Banana Republic, Calvin Klein, GAP, DKNY, Nike, Coach, and Adidas, while Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets offers 160 stores like Lucky, Guess, Ann Taylor, American Eagle and an upscale wing with Michael Kors, Prada, Gucci, Ferragamo, Jimmy Choo, Versace, Armani and Tory Burch. Both of these outlet malls are on the I-Ride Trolley Route.
Smaller souvenir shops along International Drive are also worth a quick stop for easy last-minute finds before you wrap up your trip.
Your Home Base on International Drive
A weekend in Orlando offers more activities beyond the theme parks With International Drive adventures to fill your time, from nights out and local attractions to quieter moments in between.
Staying at Avanti International Resort provides an experience that keeps you steps away from it all while still giving you space to relax and enjoy a resort-style atmosphere. Book your stay and prepare to experience a different side of Orlando.
FAQ
Can you explore Orlando’s best attractions without a theme park ticket?
Absolutely. When you stay on International Drive, you are in the center of a city that never stops. From the heights of ICON Park and the Orlando StarFlyer to the immersive exhibits at Museum of Illusions, the district offers a full weekend of entertainment all within a walkable radius of Avanti International Resort.
What is the best way to get around International Drive without a car?
The I-Ride Trolley is the most convenient way to navigate the 11-mile corridor. With stops located right outside the resort, it runs daily and connects you to both Premium Outlet centers, dozens of restaurants, and major entertainment hubs like Pointe Orlando. For shorter trips, the district is highly walkable, allowing you to move between venues at your own pace.
Where is the best nightlife and live music on I-Drive?
The energy of the district peaks at Pointe Orlando and ICON Park. You can find high-energy live music at Tin Roof, a sophisticated lounge atmosphere at Blue Martini, or the late-night hip-hop vibes of Still Lounge. Most of these iconic spots are just a short walk or a quick trolley ride from the resort, making it easy to experience Orlando "after dark."
Are there 24-hour activities or late-night entertainment nearby?
Yes, International Drive stays active long after the sun goes down. For those who aren't ready to end the night, spots like Arcade Monsters and Arcade Time offer 24-hour gaming and retro vibes. Many restaurants and lounges in the area stay open well past midnight, ensuring there is always something to do regardless of the hour.
Is parking free at the major I-Drive entertainment hubs?
While parking in a major city can be tricky, there are local secrets to keep in mind. ICON Park offers a free multi-level parking garage, which is a rare find in the city. At Pointe Orlando, many restaurants and venues provide parking validation with a purchase, so it’s always worth asking your server to stamp your ticket before you head out.
