Things to Do at Universal CityWalk: What You’ll Find Beyond the Theme Parks

You finally made it to Orlando, the kids are buzzing from roller coasters, and you’re ready to ditch the long lines for something a little more…grown-up. That’s where things to do at CityWalk swoop in like your vacation’s second wind.

Instead of rushing back to the hotel, imagine stepping into a neon-lit playground packed with food, live music, and shopping that doesn’t feel like an afterthought. From outrageous milkshakes to karaoke with a full band, the things to do at Universal CityWalk hit every craving and curiosity.

It’s the kind of place where you can grab a sushi burger, belt out a 90s anthem, and pick up movie merch all before midnight. And trust us—you’ll want to keep scrolling because this is one spot that will completely change how you end your Universal Orlando day!

Concerts, Movies, and Margaritas, Oh My!

Hard Rock Live

Catch a headliner without leaving CityWalk at Hard Rock Live, a 3,000-seat venue that feels both massive and intimate at the same time. From chart-topping musicians to comedians who actually make you laugh, the lineup is stacked with big names and fan favorites.

Acoustics are sharp, seating is comfy, and the vibe? Pure rock-and-roll energy. Think of it as your chance to turn a theme park trip into a full-on concert night.

Universal’s Great Movie Escape

Step into the story instead of just watching it at Universal’s Great Movie Escape, a pair of immersive escape rooms that drop you into Jurassic World or Back to the Future. Each challenge is packed with film references, puzzles, and high-tech effects that’ll have you shouting clues like you’re in a blockbuster finale.

Whether you’re wrangling raptors or tinkering with time-travel tech, the pressure feels like part of the fun. It’s brain-teasing entertainment with a cinematic twist you won’t find anywhere else.

Hollywood Drive-In Golf

Grab a putter and prepare for 18 holes of spooky-fun at Hollywood Drive-In Golf, where glowing neon aliens and campy 1950s horror scenes set the stage. It’s one of those things to do at CityWalk that makes both kids and grown-ups feel like they’ve stepped into a retro movie set.

Expect silly surprises, eerie sound effects, and enough photo ops to keep your camera busy. Best of all, the course stays open late, so you can end your Universal day with a little competitive glow-in-the-dark action.

Rising Star

Ever wanted backup singers to make you sound like a superstar? Rising Star is the karaoke bar that grants that wish with a live band and a crowd ready to cheer you on.

Even if you’re not brave enough to grab the mic, the atmosphere is infectious, and watching others belt out classics is half the fun. Pair it with a cocktail and suddenly you’re living your best cover-song fantasy. This is karaoke turned all the way up to eleven.

Universal Cinemark

Escape the Florida heat with plush recliners and stadium seating at Universal Cinemark, the on-site movie theater that makes catching a flick feel like part of your vacation. Screens are massive, sound is crystal clear, and yes — the popcorn is dangerously good.

Whether you’re squeezing in the latest superhero release or cooling down between park days, it’s a reliable break from the action. The best part? It’s right in the middle of CityWalk, so the fun continues before and after the show.

Red Coconut Club

Dance floors, live DJs, and themed nights come together at Red Coconut Club, the kind of spot that keeps CityWalk buzzing after dark. For anyone hunting down Universal CityWalk Orlando things to do, this vibrant club tops the list with tropical cocktails and plenty of energy.

The vibe swings between laid-back lounge early on and high-energy party as the night heats up. If you’re looking to trade theme park lines for lively beats, this is where you’ll want to end the night.

Meals You’ll Swear You’re Sharing (But Aren’t)

The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium

Steampunk vibes and sugar highs collide at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium, where milkshakes are piled so high they practically defy gravity. This isn’t just dessert; the menu also packs hearty entrées like braised short ribs and flatbreads to balance out the sweets.

The milkshakes, though? Think whole slices of cake, candy bars, and clouds of whipped cream stacked like edible art. It’s indulgence at its finest and one of the most over-the-top things to do at CityWalk for foodies with a sweet tooth.

NBC Sports Grill & Brew

Catch the big game without missing a bite at NBC Sports Grill & Brew, a massive sports bar-meets-restaurant with nearly 100 screens. The food is as bold as the atmosphere, serving everything from nachos the size of your head to towering burgers and street tacos.

Pair it with one of their 100+ beers on tap, and you’ve got game-day vibes even if your team isn’t playing. It’s the kind of place where you settle in for a “quick snack” and end up staying for two quarters.

Voodoo Doughnut

Bright pink boxes and outrageous flavors make Voodoo Doughnut impossible to walk past. The lineup includes classics like glazed and jelly-filled, but the real stars are quirky creations topped with cereal, cookies, or even bacon.

Vegan options mean everyone can join the sugar party, which is good because you’ll definitely want to grab more than one. Don’t be shocked if you end up treating doughnuts as your official dinner — it’s basically tradition here.

Bigfire

Pull up a chair at Bigfire, where the smoky aroma of wood-fired cooking greets you before you even see the menu. From flame-grilled steaks to gooey s’mores you roast right at the table, the food here is comfort with a campfire twist.

The interior feels like a modern lodge — warm, rustic, and just fancy enough for date night while still family-friendly. Add the waterfront views, and suddenly it’s more than just dinner; it’s an experience worth lingering over.

The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar

Yes, sushi and burgers sound like an odd couple, but The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar makes the mash-up deliciously genius. Their “burgushi” rolls layer sushi-grade fish with burger toppings for combos you didn’t know you needed.

Not into fusion? No problem — they’ve got a full lineup of traditional sushi, gourmet burgers, and craft cocktails to keep everyone happy. It’s the kind of spot where picky eaters and adventurous foodies can actually agree on a meal.

Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville

Slip into island time at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, where every night feels like a beach party — even in the middle of Orlando. Expect tropical cocktails, live music, and a laid-back menu stacked with Caribbean flavors and American favorites.

Cheeseburgers, conch fritters, and of course, margaritas keep the vibe playful and easygoing. By the time the house band kicks in, you’ll be swaying along and forgetting all about tomorrow’s park schedule.

Souvenirs That Go Way Beyond “I Heart Orlando” T-Shirts

Universal Studios Store

Think of the Universal Studios Store as the grand finale of every park day, only you don’t need a park ticket to shop here. The shelves are stacked with movie merch, apparel, and collectibles from Harry Potter to Minions, plus a new corner dedicated to Super Nintendo World.

It’s huge, easy to get lost in, and the perfect spot to grab those last-minute souvenirs you swore you’d buy “later.” Just be warned: it’s almost impossible to walk out with only one thing in your bag.

Universal Legacy Store

Nostalgia gets a front-row seat at the Universal Legacy Store, where retro décor and throwback merch celebrate Universal’s history. You’ll spot nods to classics like Jaws, E.T., and Back to the Future — the kind of treasures fans love showing off.

Even the displays are worth browsing, with old movie props and behind-the-scenes photos scattered throughout. It feels part shop, part mini-museum, which makes browsing here just as fun as buying.

Hart & Huntington Tattoo Company

Yes, you really can get inked on vacation — and Hart & Huntington Tattoo Company makes the idea surprisingly tempting. This edgy-meets-upscale tattoo parlor offers professional artists, clean studios, and even its own line of apparel if you’re just browsing.

The designs range from small souvenirs (think tiny lightning bolts or palm trees) to full-scale masterpieces for the bold. Whether you’re here to commit to some permanent art or just pick up a T-shirt, it’s the most unique shop at CityWalk by far.

The Smart Way to Buy Tickets So You Can Splurge Elsewhere

Planning a trip to Universal Orlando is exciting until you realize how quickly the cost of a single park ticket can drain your budget. Add in food, souvenirs, and maybe a round of drinks at CityWalk, and suddenly your wallet is crying louder than the haunted house screams at Halloween Horror Nights.

We get it — theme park vacations are supposed to be fun, not stressful, and the last thing you want is to spend the whole trip second-guessing every purchase. Nobody should have to choose between riding roller coasters and indulging in a milkshake the size of their head.

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That’s where we step in with the fix: Save up to 24% off when you book your tickets through Tripster! It’s the easiest way to stretch your budget without sacrificing the experiences that make these theme parks unforgettable.

So go ahead, snag those discounted tickets, and use the savings for extra meals, souvenirs, or a spontaneous splurge at CityWalk. Book smart now, and you’ll thank yourself later at 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, where the real fun begins.

Ready to Find Out What Makes CityWalk More Than Just a Park Add-On?

After a day of thrills, the real magic begins with all the things to do at CityWalk that keep the fun rolling long after the rides stop. From outrageous eats to live entertainment, it’s no wonder so many visitors call it the highlight of their trip.

Planning your Orlando adventure gets even better when you lock in deals on Orlando attractions, shows, and hotels before you arrive. With vacation packages through Tripster, you can bundle park tickets with stays and live performances into one easy plan that keeps the stress low and the fun high.

So, whether you’re mapping out all the things to do at Universal CityWalk or exploring every corner of the theme parks, the right planning makes all the difference. Don’t just dream about it — start planning today and make this trip the one everyone talks about!

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