If you have a late flight from Orlando International Airport (MCO), you do not necessarily have to spend your final hours sitting at the airport. Several worthwhile attractions, restaurants, outdoor spaces and shopping destinations are located relatively close to MCO, making it possible to squeeze a little more out of your last day in Orlando.
For travelers wondering what to do near Orlando Airport before a flight, these five options work particularly well because they keep you in the southern and southeastern parts of Orlando rather than sending you deep into the theme-park corridor.
1. Walk Through the Lake Nona Sculpture Garden
For something relaxing and easy to fit into a shorter window, head to the Lake Nona Sculpture Garden, located behind the Lake Nona Wave Hotel.
The 50,000-square-foot outdoor garden combines tropical landscaping with large-scale works by internationally recognized artists. It is free and open to the public, making it an especially convenient choice if you have an hour or two to spare before heading to MCO.
Lake Nona itself is one of the closest major dining and entertainment districts to Orlando International Airport, and Visit Orlando describes the neighborhood as being just minutes from MCO.
Best for: A relaxed walk, photos, couples and travelers with limited time.
2. Grab Lunch or Drinks at Boxi Park Lake Nona
If your last day revolves more around eating than sightseeing, Boxi Park is an easy place to spend a few hours.
Located in Lake Nona Town Center, the open-air venue is built around repurposed shipping containers and features casual food, drinks, outdoor seating, beach volleyball and live entertainment.
It is particularly useful for groups because everyone can choose something different without committing to a long sit-down meal. You can also walk around Lake Nona Town Center afterward if you still have time.
One thing to keep in mind: Boxi Park does not operate the same hours every day, so check its current schedule before making it part of your pre-flight plans.
Best for: Lunch, casual drinks, families and groups.
3. Spend a Few Hours at Nona Adventure Park
Travelers who would rather end their Orlando vacation with an activity can head to Nona Adventure Park.
The Lake Nona attraction includes an inflatable aqua park, cable wakeboarding, kayaking, paddleboarding and a 60-foot climbing tower with ropes-course elements.
This is better suited to travelers with several hours before their flight rather than those working with a tight schedule. If you are flying later in the evening, however, it can turn what might otherwise be a wasted checkout day into one more genuine vacation day.
Best for: Families, teenagers, active travelers and later flights.
4. Shop or Eat at The Florida Mall
Forgot a souvenir? Need somewhere indoors during a hot or rainy Florida afternoon? The Florida Mall is one of the most practical options near MCO.
The mall is Central Florida’s largest shopping center and is located just minutes from Orlando International Airport.
Because you can spend as little or as much time here as you want, it works particularly well on a departure day. Pick up last-minute gifts, have lunch, grab coffee or simply enjoy the air conditioning before heading to your terminal.
Best for: Shopping, bad-weather days, families and short layovers before a flight.
5. See One More Classic Florida Attraction at Gatorland
If you still have half a day available, Gatorland gives you a final dose of old-school Florida before leaving Orlando.
The wildlife park is located in South Orlando and is home to alligators, crocodiles and other animals, along with additional attractions and experiences. Most importantly for departure-day planning, Gatorland says it is approximately 15–20 minutes from Orlando International Airport, depending on traffic.
Unlike squeezing in another major theme park, Gatorland can be a much more manageable final-day excursion when your ultimate destination is MCO.
Best for: Families, wildlife fans and travelers with several hours before departure.
Making the Most of Your Last Day Before Flying From MCO
The easiest strategy is to stay relatively close to the airport. Lake Nona is particularly convenient, since the Sculpture Garden, Boxi Park and Nona Adventure Park are all in the same general area southeast of MCO. The Florida Mall and Gatorland are useful alternatives if you are approaching the airport from Orlando’s tourism districts.
Whatever you choose, leave a generous transportation buffer for traffic, airline check-in, security and returning a rental car if necessary.
And there is one other logistical problem to solve: your luggage.
If you have already checked out of your Orlando hotel, Airbnb or vacation rental, carrying suitcases around can make a final afternoon considerably less enjoyable. Bagzee offers luggage pickup in Orlando and delivery to Orlando International Airport, so travelers can have their bags sent ahead to MCO and retrieve them before checking in for their flight.
That means your last few hours can actually be spent in Orlando — whether that is having lunch in Lake Nona, seeing alligators, shopping or simply taking one final walk — rather than organizing the day around your suitcases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do close to Orlando International Airport?
Lake Nona offers some of the closest sightseeing and entertainment options to MCO, including the Lake Nona Sculpture Garden, Boxi Park and Nona Adventure Park. The Florida Mall and Gatorland are also convenient options for travelers heading toward the airport.
What can I do in Orlando if my hotel checkout is at 11 a.m. but my flight is at night?
Consider spending the afternoon in Lake Nona, shopping at The Florida Mall or visiting an attraction such as Gatorland. If luggage is the problem, arrange hotel storage or a luggage pickup and airport delivery service so you do not have to carry your bags throughout the day.
Is Lake Nona close to Orlando Airport?
Yes. Lake Nona is located southeast of Orlando International Airport and is described by Orlando’s official tourism organization as being just minutes from MCO.
Can luggage be delivered to Orlando International Airport?
Yes. Bagzee’s Orlando service provides luggage pickup from hotels, Airbnbs and other Orlando addresses and transports the luggage to MCO for travelers to retrieve before their flights.