Derrik J. Lang

Universal Orlando Resort continues to prove it's a theme park powerhouse in Orlando. Not only are its two original parks, Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure, home to Harry Potter and Jurassic Park-themed attractions. I’m excited because its newest theme park, Universal Epic Universe, is set to expand the stories of some of the most beloved franchises of all time. But just outside the theme parks is Universal City Walk, a sprawling entertainment and dining district where you can find the likes of everyone from Jimmy Buffett to a lovable robot named Jaques. If you’re looking for something to do at Universal on your arrival day without the burden of buying a park ticket for a partial day, CityWalk is ideal. I love that it’s free to enter; there’s plenty to see, do, and eat at CityWalk, so I can really make a whole day of exploring. And if you’re staying at an onsite hotel, you can walk, take a water taxi, or take a complimentary shuttle to CityWalk for free, too. Keep reading to learn more about what’s available at Universal CityWalk. RECOMMENDED: The best Orlando theme parks for the whole familyThe best things to do in Orlando besides the theme parks This guide was updated by Florida-based writer Megan duBois. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Why is everyone vacationing in the same place? I often wonder this during travel spikes, scrolling social media to see people with nothing in common having the same experiences. Are we all spring skiers now? Is everyone actually having fun, or are we just yielding to a trend? It’s time we all dig a little deeper, skip the cookie-cutter trip and set off somewhere different. Forget what everyone else is doing! Let’s explore our own interests—and while we’re at it, do it where it’s not so crowded. To help you find the perfect underrated summer travel destination, we tapped our network of writers with plenty of experience discovering cool places. We’re showing new sides to cities and regions you already know and sharing choice spots that might be new to you. From wine tasting your way through Boise, Idaho, and encountering wildlife in Oakland, California, to ferry hopping in Southeast Alaska, these aren’t your typical summer escapes. A little less popular and still very exciting, these underrated U.S. destinations are calling your name this summer.

A trip to Orlando often means expensive theme park visits and pricey meals. Plus, some of the best things to do in the city beyond the theme parks can also be budget breakers. If you’re trying to find something that will keep cash in your pocket, there are plenty of free activities everywhere you turn in the city. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day floating down one of Florida’s most beautiful springs, exploring the hallways of a museum or want to take in some live music, you can do it all on the cheap. And if you really want to spend some time at Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando Resort, there are some free activities there too. Keep reading to make the perfect nearly-free day in Orlando. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

There’s magic to be found across Orlando—and not just inside the city’s many theme parks. From lush gardens and parks to crystalline springs, a diverse array of attractions await Central Florida visitors and locals alike beyond Space Mountain and Hogwarts. While there’s no denying riding roller coasters and meeting Mickey Mouse are fun (but expensive) things to do, it’s worth noting that venturing outside that bubble will lead to an even deeper appreciation for everything that The City Beautiful has to offer, including priceless glass art and a groundbreaking soccer team. Peruse our list of the best attractions in Orlando and expect a magical time around the corner, no matter where you choose to spend it. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in OrlandoRECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in OrlandoRECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Orlando

Orlando might be known as theme park haven, but have you ever wondered what happens after dark? Well we’ve got news: they go clubbing. And the nightlife here comes in all shapes and sizes.  Here you’ll find pulse-pounding EDM hubs, LGBTQ+ spots, country clubs and jazz bars, and a load of places somewhere in between. Don’t expect Miami or Vegas levels of crazy, but the nightlife scene here is something special. Ready to party? Here are the best clubs in Orlando right now.  RECOMMENDED:🍸 The best bars in Orlando🌮 The best restaurants in Orlando🎢 The best theme parks in Orlando🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Orlando This guide was last updated by Megan duBois, a writer based in Orlando. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.  

If you’re ready to graduate from singing in your car or shower—or just like watching folks make fools of themselves—karaoke venues abound in Los Angeles, from a totally random 1980s-themed dive bar in Bellflower to lavish lounges throughout Koreatown. When the urge to wail “Don’t Stop Believin’” (or any other song, please please please) hits you, here are the top spots to unabashedly croon into a mic and cheer on strangers who’ve dared to take the stage. Unlike bars with specific karaoke nights, these venues offer the chance to act like a contestant on The Voice multiple times a week. No audition or spinning chairs necessary. RECOMMENDED: More karaoke in Los Angeles

It's perpetually summer in Central Florida, which makes special events all the more important to mark the seasons because, well, the weather is pretty much always warm. Thankfully, Orlando plays host to several celebrations that commemorate the holidays, as well as the culture, art, athleticism, foods and restaurants that make the city oh-so-wonderful. Whether you want to be scared out of your mind during Halloween or taste dishes from around the world without leaving the United States, you’ll find a local event or festival that you’ll want to return to over and over again each year. We promise: the best events in Orlando will cater to you all—from museum-obsessed culture fiends to cinephiles and, of course, theme park lovers.

There are surprisingly few karaoke options on the Westside, which makes Palms’ Boardwalk 11 a mecca for amateur performers. The feel-good dive hosts karaoke every day from 8pm to 2am on the most adorable little stage. There’s a diverse selection of tracks—from punk rock to show tunes—that are frequently updated and curated by the KJs (that’s karaoke jockeys to the uninitiated). Boardwalk 11’s menu is loaded with dozens of beers on tap, as well as comforting classics like tater tot nachos and gooey mac and cheese. Plus, the sprawling venue is super spacious, making it a sweet spot for office parties, birthday celebrations and nights out with your crew.

From about a block away, you can hear wannabe pop stars inside the Gaslite, Santa Monica’s divey karaoke gem that provides casual libations and a high-energy, lowbrow vibe. Anything goes at this dimly lit watering hole featuring a diverse-yet-welcoming clientele, ranging from aging hipsters to UCLA undergrads. The raucous, judgement-free atmosphere makes for a prime spot for potentially shy singers. That bar itself is open from 4pm until 2am daily, but karaoke doesn’t begin until 6pm on Fridays and Saturdays and at 8pm every other night.

With 13 private karaoke rooms and a full-service restaurant that slings New American cuisine and craft cocktails, the Venue is the chicest spot in town for karaoke. The well-designed digs can accommodate group sizes from standard (1–12 guests) to massive (24–50 guests). The rooms are each equipped with the latest karaoke systems boasting more than 10,000 available songs. The sophistication comes at a steep price, though: There’s usually a $100 food and drink minimum and hourly rates start at $40 and go up from there. But if you want some burrata while you sing Madonna, this is the place.

While most L.A. karaoke bars are unapologetically dive-y, the full-service Pharaoh Karaoke Lounge in Koreatown is surprisingly sexy. The swanky lighting and interior design touches make Pharaoh feel more like a Vegas club than a truck stop diner. The lavishness of the 37 private karaoke rooms, of course, comes at cost with drink minimums and service changes at every turn. (Hey, we said it felt like Vegas!) The limited song selection also leaves something to be desired when compared to other area k-bars. However, Pharaoh is most definitely a stylish choice for crooners looking to reenact Lost in Translation.

If you’re not keen on Taylor Swift and Drake infecting your karaoke playlist, venture to this ‘80s-themed bar and restaurant in Bellflower where the song selection always veers toward the era of big hair and shoulder pads. It’s the only place in the L.A. area where you can sip a Dirty Dancing cocktail and munch on a Pac-Man burger while waiting to sing Oingo Boingo. Depending on the evening, karaoke usually happens either on the main stage or, if a band is booked, in the backroom. New Wave frequently hosts special nights that pay tribute to specific artists like Duran Duran and Prince, so if you wanna go crazy, check the schedule beforehand.