More than likely you’ve been on a date at one of the least secret spots in Orlando (Wall Street Plaza, the theme parks, Mall of Melania, etc). It’s time to diversify your date spots. With that in mind, here are some out of the ordinary, and a bit exclusive date ideas you might not know about like underground springs, hole-in-the-wall eateries, hidden gardens and a lot more.
Kelly Park
400 E. Kelly Park Rd., Apopka, 407-254-1902
Kelly Park houses another one of Florida’s best natural springs, at 68 degrees year round, Rock Springs offers a refreshing break from reality. The park also features a 2.4-mile trail for the couple that enjoys hiking, kayaking and canoeing for those who fancy water sports and tubing down the springs for the laidback pair.
Photo via melikinis/InstagramOrlando Meats
728 Virginia Dr., 407-598-0700
Tired of the traditional and well known Keke’s and First Watch for breakfast and brunch needs? Check out this cool little urban place; Orlando Meats, dives head first into this meat market that is a meat-lovers escape.
Photo via annastamatic/InstagramScenic Boat Tour
312 E. Morse Blvd., Winter Park, 407-644-4056
Looking for an outdoor adventure with your sweetheart? Try Winter Park’s hour-long guided Scenic Boat Tours through the winding canals and lakes in the serene Winter Park chain. On the tour you’ll be put on an 18 passenger pontoon, so if you were thinking about a double date sometime soon, why not go on a boat?
Photo via lindley_obrien/InstagramBarnie’s Coffee & Tea Co.
118 S. Park Ave., Winter Park, 407-629-0042
The courtyard at Barnie’s is sure to make any love bird’s heart flutter with joy (if not from the caffeine induced palpitations) from this tucked away alley where intimate conversations are welcomed and love is encouraged. Order a nice cup of joe and eye-gaze your way right into romance.
Photo via maggsye/InstagramBok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales, 863-676-1408
A beloved wedding venue, it’s no wonder Bok Tower Gardens makes a perfect date destination. This national historic landmark have several gardens each designed with purpose, a magnificent Signing Tower featuring a 60-bell carillon and a breathtaking 1930s Mediterranean-style mansion. Bok Tower Gardens will have you forgetting you’re in Florida.
Photo via Bok Tower Gardens/InstagramDe Leon Springs State Park
601 Ponce de Leon Blvd., De Leon Springs, 386-985-4212
A nice little watering hole and a place to take a break from Florida beaches, De Leon Springs is one of the nicest places to dip your feet into and sunbathe at. With a 625-acre park at your disposal and water that is a constant 72 degrees all year round, why would you even consider going to a beach?
Photo via jacksontj5/InstagramThe Moonlight Walking Tour
1603 Greenwood St., 407-246-2616
This free cemetery tour will have you pulling in your S.O. a little bit closer as you’re guided through tombstones of this 100-acre cemetery as you learn about notable Orlando locals. Beware, the tour reservations fill up fast so book your tour asap.
Photo via thatshitkcrae/InstagramThe Greek Corner
1600 N. Orange Ave., 407-228-0303
The Greek Corner will transport you to the Cyclades Islands with the blue-and-white restaurant resembling traditional Greek homes stacked high. The food will help with the experience when the the aroma of lamb fills the air and the taste of authentic Greek cuisine hits your taste buds.
Photo via nigga_lips2/InstagramDevil’s Den Spring
5390 N.E. 180 Ave., Williston, 352-528-3344
One of Florida’s prehistoric spring Devil’s Den dwells in an underground cave northeast from Orlando and is totally worth the day trip. Scuba divers and snorkelers are welcomed to plunge into this 72 degree crystal clear water year around.
Photo via fresquita/InstagramMayan Chapel & Courtyard
231 W. Packwood Ave., Maitland, 407-539-2181
Most known as a wedding venue, Maitland Art Center’s Mayan Courtyard, is everything you would hope for in an romance inducing atmosphere. Get lost in the ancient sculptures and Mayan architecture that’ll have you forgetting you’re in Florida.
Photo via earth.to.rachael/InstagramThe Hillstone
215 S. Orlando Ave., Winter Park, 407-740-4005
Dine on the edge of Lake Killarney and catch the breathtaking sunsets from the Hillstone patio. There is a dress code that must be followed in order to be seated and served, strictly formal attire, so put on your best suit and tie or gown and take your date here for a nice romantic evening.
Photo via michaelgonick/InstagramTako Cheena
932 N. Mills Ave., 407-757-0626
A nifty little date spot that confuses your mind but excites your tastebuds is Tako Cheena, the Asian fusion taco spot, is a great place to visit with your date after visiting the exhibits at OMART located just a few blocks down.
Photo via callie_alexa/InstagramClermont’s Citrus Tower
141 US-27, Clermont, 352-394-4061
Before Disney World and Universal Studios came to take centerstage in Florida, there was Florida’s Citrus Tower, built in 1956. The Citrus Tower sits at 226-foot high (equal to 22 stories) where visitors can enjoy panoramic breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Photo via thepiscesyourmotherwarnedabout/InstagramThe Imperial Wine Bar & Beer Garden
1800 N. Orange Ave., 407-228-4992
The perfect date spot for a couple where one loathes beer and fancies wine and the other enjoys beer and isn’t too keen on wine. The Imperial offers over 40 beers and 45 wines to choose from. This strictly bar-styled joint offers a limited menu of bar food and table service isn’t a thing, but when you come to sip on some brews or wine with your S.O. that doesn’t really matter.
Photo via The Imperial Wine Bar & Beer Garden/InstagramGuang Ming Temple
6555 Hoffner Ave., 407-281-8482
Find your inner peace at one of Central Florida’s Buddhist Temple where you can walk the tranquil grounds, learn about the culture and meditate until you’ve come close to reaching Nirvana. Take a break with their giant Buddha statue in their vegan tea/snack room for a quick bite.
Photo via namastelena/InstagramLakeridge Winery & Vineyards
19239 US-27, Clermont, 352-394-8627
If you need a nice little romantic getaway for a day, Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards is the perfect place to visit. Overlook the sun setting on more than 80 acres of vineyards while sipping on their popular Sunblush wine or take a complimentary winery tour and have a taste of everything Lakeridge has to offer.
Photo via dnacooper/Instagram903 Mills Market
903 S. Mills Ave., 407-898-4392
903 Mills Market is a cute little neighborhood eatery perfect to stop and grab a bite at. The menu is extensive and similar to that of a deli with sandwiches, salads and wraps with a touch of breakfast fare as an added bonus.
Photo via kiwi0681/InstagramHarry P. Leu Gardens
1920 N. Forest Ave., 407-246-2620
Walk through 50-acres of a botanical garden oasis, with over 12,000 plants, on a self-guided tour through the green and flourishing flowers. The gardens feature art and the Leu House Museum on the premise where tours are offered, allowing visitors to learn the history of Harry P. Leu himself.
Photo via welcome_to_btown/InstagramTiffany Chapel at the Morse Museum
445 N. Park Ave., Winter Park, 407-645-5311
Louis Comfort Tiffany debuted his internationally acclaimed chapel at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The glass stained windows made their way to Orlando after some careful reconstruction that gives Orlando residents a chance to visit the masterpiece any day of the year.
Photo via ashley_winter/InstagramPonce Inlet Lighthouse
4931 S. Peninsula Dr., Ponce Inlet, 386-761-1821
As you climb the spiralling staircase up to the top of this 175-foot lighthouse you might be worried about falling, but the only time you’ll be falling is in love with the view in front of you once you reach the top. We don’t mean the view of your date, but the view that overlooks Daytona Beach to the north, New Smyrna Beach to the south, the Halifax River to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.
Photo via viagensdicas/InstagramMediterranean Street Food by Shishco
118 Lake Ave., Maitland, 407-661-1336
Go on a date to this little Mediterranean shack that is easy to miss if just cruising by. Although a quaint little place and hiding in plain sight, your date will be very impressed with your ability to take them off the beaten path and to a hole-in-the-wall with big flavor.
Photo via lynnadelphia/InstagramMennello Museum of American Art
900 E. Princeton St., 407-246-4278
The museum’s sole focus is on the paintings of artist Earl Cunningham whose work is as bright and vivid as it is intricate. The gallery is accompanied by mother nature’s work of art with the surrounding area featuring large oak trees that provide enough shade to have a picnic under before you walk through the museum.
Photo via jetspent/InstagramSapporo Ramen
5080 W. Colonial Dr., 407-203-6777
Have you ever had a ramen date before? No, we aren’t talking about your .29¢ high in sodium ramen. We’re talking about the authentic Japanese slurp-inducing ramen. Ya know, the one with the egg in it. Sapporo Ramen is perfect for you and your S.O. first experience at the Japanese fan fare.
Photo via cosmoshaman/InstagramThe Waterfront Orlando
4201 S. Orange Ave., 407-866-0468
The Waterfront provides guest with killer views and a casual yet romantic atmosphere as the sun starts to set over the water and the glimmer of string lights start to illuminate from above. Whether for brunch (with bottomless mimosas), lunch or dinner, The Waterfront is always sure to be a nice date destination.
Photo via The Waterfront/WebsiteFlorida Bioluminescence Kayaking
Multiple locations, 407-519-8711
Graze across the surface of the bioluminescent water in Merritt Island as a dope date idea. You have your option of traditional kayaks or clear boats, both with a two seater option. Experience the glo year round, with warmer weather you can see the glowing plankton at Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge and in colder months there are radiant comb jellies at Kelly Park.
Photo via BK Adventure/Facebook
