It’s that time of year again; Romance is on everyone’s mind. But whether you’re coupled or not, self-love should always be a priority, too. That’s why we’ve assembled a list of Orlando’s options for solo dates to take yourself on this Valentine’s season.
Luckily for us, Orlando is home to plenty of ways to relax, be thrilled or really just escape reality (and other humans). No matter how you want to love yourself, the City Beautiful probably has an option that’ll get you excited. So hang out with animals, pretend you’re flying, or smash stuff — we won’t judge how you choose to self-love.
Orlando Cat Cafe
532 Cagan Park Ave., Clermont
Spend an afternoon relishing the unconditional love and affection offered by all the cats and kittens at Orlando Cat Cafe. It’s only $10 a head, and you can check out all the whiskered faces you’ll see at the cafe before you even get there. Cats are better than humans, anyway. Credit:Photo via Orlando Cat Cafe/FacebookIndoor skydiving
8969 International Drive, Orlando
Fly far, far away (figuratively) at iFly Orlando’s indoor skydiving park. It’s the thrill of skydiving without all the hassle or, you know, fear. Credit:Photo via iFly Orlando/FacebookGo horseback riding
Various locations
Live out your wildest Wild West dreams with a guided horseback ride through Central Florida. Some ranches, like Hidden Palms Ranch, offer private rides, if you want to be truly alone (with your tour guide, of course). Credit:Photo via Hidden Palms Ranch/FacebookRent a private karaoke room
Various locations
You can really sing solo wherever you want, but a little stardom never hurts. Elevate your solo imaginary performances with a private karaoke room, where no one can judge you. Credit:Photo via The Voice of Orlando/YelpFlorida Bioluminescence Kayaking Night Tour
Haulover Canal, Courtenay Pkwy N or Kelly Park, 400 E Kelly Park Rd, 407-519-8711 https://www.bkadventure.com/package/bioluminescence-kayaking-night-tour/
Every night, a bioluminescent kayaking tours departs from either Haulover Canal or Kelly Park. See the water light up as bioluminescent sea life surrounds your kayak and using the natural light provided to explore Florida’s wildlife after hours.
Photo via Florida Bioluminescence Kayaking Night Tour Credit:Photo via BKAdventure.comHot air balloon ride
12375 FL-535, Orlando
This one’s for the Orlandoan thrill seeker in all of us. Visit one of Central Florida’s many hot air balloon locations and get really, really high for a sunset skyline ride. Credit:Photo via Painted Horizons Hot Air Balloon Tours/FacebookTitanic: The Artifact Exhibition
7324 International Drive, Orlando
Really escape reality with this one. Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition takes you back to 1912 with artifacts, costumed actors and full-scale rooms recreated after those on the ship’s maiden voyage. But this time, you get to go home after a couple of hours. Credit:Photo via TitanicOrlando.comPicnic at an Orlando park
Various locations
In the heart of downtown Orlando, Lake Eola Park is a prime location for a little self-love wrapped up in a picnic basket. Or try Dickson Azalea in the Milk District, Mead Botanical Garden in Winter Park, or just plop down in the yard. Credit:Photo via Lake Eola Park/YelpTake a “seed-to-table” cooking class
26 E. King St., Orlando
Hone your cooking skills and learn about sustainable eating at the Emeril Lagasse Foundation Kitchen House and Culinary Garden with the fine folks of the Edible Education Experience. Credit:Photo via Edible Education/FacebookHorse-drawn carriages in Winter Garden
104 S. Lakeview Drive, Winter Garden
Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage through Orlando’s historic district of downtown Winter Garden. No glass slippers required.
Photo via Soul Haven Ranch/Instagram Credit:Photo via Soul Haven Ranch/InstagramGo to a rage room
4065 L.B. Mcleod Road, Orlando
Rage Room Orlando is the perfect place to let off a little steam, vent out some pent-up aggression or just break things for the fun of it. Credit:Photo via Rage Room Orlando/FacebookTake a glassblowing class
130 Bomar Court, Longwood
Take a day to yourself to learn a new skill with a glassblowing class with Orlando Glass Center. It’s a little more elevated than simply painting, plus there’s fire. Add a little suspense (safely) to your creative solo date. Credit:Photo via Orlando Glass Center/FacebookEden Bar
407-629-0054, 1300 South Orlando Avenue, Maitland
Many Reddit users have claimed Eden Bar’s truffle fries to be their “favorite in town” and a “top notch” pick for best fries in Orlando. Other users raved about their chicken and fries combo. Credit:Photo via Enzian TheaterVisit an Orlando farmers market
Various locations
If you want to enjoy some solo time without being completely alone, an Orlando farmers market is the perfect place to do some strolling, browsing and practicing self-care. The Audubon Park Community Market happens every Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. at 1842 E. Winter Park Road, and specializes in hyper-local produce. Credit: Photo by Rob BartlettVisit a local plant store
Treat yourself to a little greenery or gardening goods at an Orlando-area plant shop like Palmer’s Garden, a one-stop shop for all your locally grown green-baby needs. Credit:Photo via Palmer's Garden and Goods/FacebookWine Tasting in Winter Park
270 S. Park Ave., Winter Park
The Wine Room in Winter Park will win you huge points on elegance for a pretty decent cost. Guests purchase a wine tasting “debit” card that can be used to purchase samples of 150 different wines. Credit:Photo via The Wine Room/FacebookExplore Park Avenue
Winter Park
Plan a solo date at Winter Park’s Park Avenue shopping district, where you can explore plenty of eateries, shops, boutiques and charming sights to see. Don’t trip on the cobblestones. Credit:Photo via Park Avenue District/YelpTake an airboat ride
As much as we try to build over it, the swamp persists. Take your Wisconsin uncle out to relive the credits of Miami Vice. Credit: Photo via Adobe
