Things to do on a rainy day in Orlando: Visit a mall

Mall at Millenia, Christmas 2007. Photo by Michael Salerno

As a tourist mecca, it shouldn't come as a surprise that Orlando is rich in shopping opportunities. Even if you're not in the mood to spend, window shopping is a great way to pass the time.

Orlando has a wide selection of malls, featuring a varied assortment of retailers. So wherever you decide to shop, you might just find something you're looking for.

The Florida Mall on South Orange Blossom Trail is conveniently located near Orlando International Airport and many of Orlando's attractions. As one of the largest and most popular malls in the Central Florida area, the Florida Mall is home to over 200 retailers, including Macy's, JCPenney, Dillard's, Nordstrom and Sak's Fifth Avenue. The mall even has its own hotel, the Florida Hotel and Conference Center. The Florida Mall is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The Mall at Millenia, located southwest of Downtown Orlando, is a world-class shopping destination with over 150 shops. Anchored by high-end department stores Bloomingdale's and Neiman Marcus, the mall boasts luxury shops such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Gucci. If the luxury shops are not in your price range, don't worry; the Mall at Millenia also has the same specialty shops you can find at any standard mall, including Bath and Body Works, FYE and Abercrombie & Fitch. Aside from its shops, the mall is also revered for its fashionable dining selections, including the Cheesecake Factory, PF Chang's and Brio Tuscan Grille. It is also home to the Blue Martini, a premier nightlife destination in Orlando. The Mall at Millenia is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., though the hours of some retailers and restaurants may vary.

The Fashion Square Mall on East Colonial Drive is considered one of the Orlando area's "original" malls, having operated since 1973. The mall features over 150 retailers, including Macy's, JCPenney, Sears, and Dillard's. If you want to catch a movie in the middle of your shopping experience, this is the mall for you - Fashion Square Mall has its own movie theater, Premiere Cinema 14. Fashion Square Mall is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Orlando also offers outlet shopping at Orlando Premium Outlets and outdoor malls at Pointe Orlando and Downtown Disney. Though it's not recommended that you plan a rainy day around these locations, some outdoor shopping experiences have covered areas, so you can avoid getting drenched.

Another recommended Orlando mall for a rainy day is the Festival Bay Mall, which you can read more about here.

For more rainy day travel ideas in Orlando, click here.