50+ Romantic Things to Do in Orlando for Couples
The Florida Travel Girl is a free-to-use resource. I may earn a commission, at no additional cost to you, on purchases made from links I have personally chosen to recommend.
There are many romantic places to spend a day with your partner in Florida, but for most, Orlando rarely comes to mind. Many conjure up the image of kids and theme parks, however, the City Beautiful actually has a variety of fun experiences for couples. I have found over fifty romantic things to do in Orlando for any budget or time of year.
I have broken my list up into outdoor, exciting, educational, and weekend things to do, as well as day trips. Before that, I want to dive into unique and romantic things to do in Orlando that you can’t experience elsewhere.
This city is a vacation destination that people from all over the world visit, so it is worth taking advantage of for a date!
Unique Things for Couples to do in Orlando
For those who want to experience what makes Orlando special, this first section has the best ideas! All of these eleven romantic things to do in Orlando will give couples a way to enjoy what is so unique about the area. My husband and I have done all these things and made so many wonderful memories on these dates. Here are some for you to try as well!
1. Paddle a Swan Boat
A simple, but sweet date in Orlando is to rent one of the swan boats at Lake Eola Park. Here you can paddle on the water and see the sights of the city. Afterward, I recommend having a picnic in the park or grabbing a bite from a local restaurant.
2. Spend the Day at Discovery Cove
This next one is a splurge, but sure to be an amazing and romantic experience. Couples can go to Discovery Cove for the day and enjoy the all-inclusive water park. Entry includes swimming with dolphins, snorkeling with fish and rays, relaxing on the lazy river, and unlimited food and drinks.
3. Taste Your Way Through the Chocolate Museum
If you have a sweet tooth, I highly recommend visiting The Chocolate Museum & Café for an educational and decadent date. You start by learning about the origins and history of chocolate, followed by seeing how chocolate is made and some remarkable sculptures made out of chocolate. Of course, the tour ends with samples of all different kinds and a chance to purchase more in the café!
4. Steal the Magic at Disney
It’s not actually stealing, I just mean spending a free day at Disney World! Most people do not realize that you can visit Disney Springs, the Boardwalk, and Disney Resorts for free. I think one of the most romantic things to do in Orlando is to spend some time walking around Disney Springs, taking a free boat ride, and grabbing a meal or shopping. You can also enjoy a walk on the Boardwalk or a surrey ride rental. For a romantic experience at the resorts, I recommend making a dinner reservation and then taking a monorail or a skyline ride! If you time it right, you can even see the fireworks after.
5. Wipeout at Nona Adventure Park
If you are looking for an exciting date, you have to check out the Nona Adventure Park. This is a one-of-a-kind outdoor activities center with a ropes course, an aqua course, and wakeboarding! I recommend couples do the Climbing Tower or wakeboarding for an exhilarating experience.
6. Catch a Show at the Dr. Phillips Performing Center
Orlando has some of the best theater in the state, and Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando is an amazing place to see it. Take your significant other to a play, concert, or stand-up show here for an unforgettable night.
7. Attend a Match
With four major sports teams right in Orlando, this is the ideal place to catch a game together. Head to either the Amway Center or the Exploria Stadium to watch a soccer, basketball, or hockey game.
8. Plan a Brewery Crawl
There are so many amazing Orlando breweries, that I recommend beer lovers take a stroll and try a few. You can walk from Persimmon Hollow to Motorworks to Broken Strings. In Winter Park, you can walk from Ten10 to GB’s Bottle Shop to Ivanhoe Park Brewing.
9. Go for a Spa Day
Being the vacation capital of the world, Orlando has so many world-class spas to visit. For relaxing and romantic things to do in Orlando, visit the Blue Harmony Spa or the Relâche Spa for a day of pampering. You can get a massage, facial, or treatment and then enjoy the lounge and hot tub after!
10. Try a Foodie Tour
Either you can plan your own progressive dinner date or take a guided food tour through Downtown Orlando. With so many excellent local restaurants, this is a fun and romantic way to indulge your tastebuds.
11. Take a Mural Tour
Orlando is right behind Miami with some of the best street art in the state. Whether on foot or by car, see how many colorful murals you can spot, and make sure to get some pictures!
Outdoor Things to Do as a Couple in Orlando
If you want to get some fresh air, there are so many outdoorsy romantic things to do in Orlando! On gorgeous winter and spring days, couples can spend time at parks or in the gardens. And for hot summer months, I recommend cooling off on the water. Here are the best dates I have had outside in Orlando.
12. Go Hiking at the Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve
For nature enthusiasts, this preserve has over three miles of trails through a natural Florida ecosystem. You will be able to see a variety of plants and animals while breaking a sweat on a hike here.
13. Take a Stroll Through the Harry P. Leu Gardens
One of the most romantic things to do in Orlando outside is plan a visit to the Leu Gardens. There are 12 different areas to explore, each with a variety of plant species to learn about.
14. Pick Fresh Fruit
There is nothing sweeter than spending the day picking fruits and berries with your partner. Orlando is surrounded by a variety of farms that offer pick your own blueberries, strawberries, or citrus, depending on what is in season.
15. Go on a Scenic Boat Tour
Relaxing with your loved one on a boat is so romantic and the vibe of Winter Park makes it even better. I recommend taking the afternoon boat tour here, where you can see the sights and learn about the history of the area.
16. Hike the Oakland Nature Preserve
Other great trails for hiking enthusiasts include Tucker Ranch Complex, the West Orange Trail is nice, and best of all, the Oakland Nature Preserve. Here you will find a preserve full of shady trails, views of nature, and even a butterfly garden.
17. Catch Some Fish at Big Sand Lake
If you want to try your hand at fishing, the best place in Orlando is Big Sand Lake. You can put your boat in at the Bay Vista Boat Ramp and catch species such as largemouth bass and bluegill!
18. Take a Ride on the Bike Trails
Over in Lake Nona, there are a few romantic things to do in Orlando including going on a bike ride. With almost fifty miles of trails here, including parts of the Southeast Trail, there is so much to explore while cycling.
19. Explore Lake Rianhard
At the end of the Celebration Town Center is Lake Rianhard and a couple of gorgeous outdoor parks. If the weather is nice, taking a walk around the lake with a partner and even your dog is always a scenic date. Finish it off with a coffee or ice cream!
20. Cool Off at the Freshwater Springs
Orlando is a short drive from half a dozen freshwater springs, ideal for swimming, paddling, or picnicking. Head to Wekiwa Springs or Rock Springs early in the morning to beat the crowds and enjoy a swim or float together.
Fun Couple Things to Do in Orlando
Another way to have a fun date with your partner is to get your adrenaline going with an exciting activity! There are so many romantic things to do in Orlando that can add some excitement to your life. Between playing sports, going on exhilarating rides, or climbing to new heights, here are my favorite active date ideas
21. Race Each Other at Andretti Indoor Karting
For a go-kart experience unlike any other in Orlando, visit Andretti for some go-kart races. It’s the world’s longest indoor course with elevation changes and banked turns. Speed Demons will love trying this and even the ropes course or the laser tag!
22. Spend the Day Riding Water Slides
There are four water parks in Orlando (Volcano Bay, Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, and Aquatica) and all of them are so much fun for a date! Couples can go on tube slides together, wade in the lazy river, and soak up the sun together at a water park.
23. Play Some Golf at TopGolf
Another I-Drive experience I love is TopGolf. You do not need much golf experience to have fun here and can come for as short as long of a time as you want. I especially love getting a couple of drinks and appetizers while playing too!
24. Visit a Theme Park Together
Though this is a splurge, spending a day at a theme park with your partner is worth it. In Orlando, you can visit any of the eight theme parks, like the Magic Kingdom or Universal Orlando Resort, and experience rollercoasters, water rides, fireworks, and more. Be on the lookout for Florida resident deals to save some cash!
25. Go for a Ride at Icon Park
A big attraction on International Drive is Icon Park, which I would say is different from a theme park. It is free to visit and walk around and get some food. However, if you are not afraid of heights, you can pay to ride the giant Ferris Wheel for some awesome views!
26. Experience Glow in the Dark Paddleboarding
I usually find paddleboarding to be relaxing, although it is a challenge to balance the first time you do it. If you are feeling confident, try a glow paddle tour with Epic Adventures. You get to experience paddleboarding in the dark while on light-up boards.
27. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
See Orlando from above with a hot air balloon flight! Disney Springs offers fifteen-minute experiences for only $25 per person and you can see Walt Disney World Resort from above. If you really want to go all out, you can also book a private hot air balloon tour over Orlando for $425 for a couple!
28. Play a Game of Mini Golf
If putt-putt is more your style than TopGolf, there are a variety of excellent courses here. Fantasia Mini Golf at Disney is a cute and colorful experience. Universal CityWalk also has Hollywood Drive-In Golf, where you can do either a haunted house course or a space course. Both have way better theming than any other city!
29. Take a Tree Trek Course
Another one of the best romantic things to do in Orlando for daredevils is to take a tree trek. Orlando’s Tree Trek Adventure Park has ziplines, Tarzan swings, suspensions bridges, and all sorts of climbing for an epic date.
Educational Things to Do in Orlando
If you are looking for things to do in Orlando that offer the opportunity to learn a bit, I also have ideas for that! Visiting a museum or taking a class can let couples learn a lot about each other and find new things to talk about. I recommend these activities for couples wanting an educational date.
30. Explore the Orlando Science Center
The Orlando Science Center offers the most educational exhibits of any place in the city. Though some are kids-focused, adult couples will love the exhibits about space, dinosaurs, tiny homes, and food sustainability. There is also a maker space where you can create your own designs (even with a 3D printer) and an observatory with Florida’s largest telescope!
31. Spend a Day at the Central Florida Zoo
Seeing animals and learning about them can be one of the most fun and romantic things to do in Orlando! This zoo is home to giraffes, bears, sloths, crocodiles, and more, that can be viewed any time of day. Along with learning about the different animal species, there are also exhibits about conservation and biodiversity.
32. Visit the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum
Over in Winter Park, there is so much gorgeous art to see at the Morse Museum. This American art museum is home to the works of Louis Comfort Tiffany and other turn-of-the-century artists. It allows guests to learn about different styles of art from stained glass to pottery.
33. Take a Cooking Class
Cooking is one of the most romantic experiences a couple can do together and Orlando provides a variety of opportunities for that. Truffles and Trifles have weekly classes where you can learn a number of cooking techniques from French pastry and dessert techniques to sushi making. At the end of class, you get to eat your creation as well and leave with the knowledge to cook it at home in the future!
34. See Sea Life at an Aquarium
There are a few aquariums in Orlando, including one at Epcot, but the Sea Life Orlando Aquarium at Icon Park is the perfect place for a date. Couples can visit for $35 per person and see sharks, sea turtles, rays, and more. In addition to seeing these creatures up close, visiting is a great opportunity to learn about local Florida sea life and the greater ocean.
35. Visit the Orlando Museum of Art
If you want to get the creative vibes flowing, a date at the Orlando Museum of Art is sure to help. This expansive gallery features an array of exquisite art from many cultures, that offers so much to learn about.
36. Take a Painting Class
For a more hands-on art experience, a painting class is sure to be a romantic experience for couples. You can try painting a canvas at Painting With a Twist, pottery with Super Awesome Cool Pottery, or fluid painting with The Dirty Pour Project. These are all wonderful ways to express yourself with your partner!
Romantic Day Trip Ideas
There are so many romantic things to do in Orlando, but venturing just an hour outside of the city offers all sorts of new opportunities too! This next section includes the best day trips for couples to take together. If you don’t mind a bit of a drive, check out one of these nearby spots for a fun day of exploring.
37. Visit the Bok Tower Gardens
By far, one of the largest and most beautiful gardens in Florida is the Bok Tower Gardens. This is a wonderful day trip for couples. You can see the 250-foot singing tower, stroll through the gardens and sanctuary and bring a picnic basket to indulge in outside. It’s a beautiful place surrounded by so much nature and therefore perfect for a romantic day!
38. Go Surfing in Cocoa Beach
Though there are tons of beautiful beaches in Central Florida, for a unique couples thing to do, you can take a surf lesson at the legendary Cocoa Beach! Lessons are offered by multiple places near the Ron Jon house and you can spend a couple of hours getting the hang of the surf on a longboard. If you already know how to surf, come here and enjoy the waves, or even try something new, like kiteboarding!
39. Take a Tube Ride at Rainbow Springs
For a full-day float trip, the closest place to visit near the Orlando area is Rainbow Springs. This is a gorgeous state park for couples to enjoy swimming, paddling, or hiking on any day, but in the summer, you can float down the river.
40. Walk the Riverwalk in Tampa
One of my favorite cities in Florida is Tampa, and it is only an hour away from Orlando! Couples can easily spend a day here, whether you visit the gardens, zoo, aquarium or local breweries. I recommend ending the day by taking a sunset walk on the riverwalk and getting dinner at Armature Works.
41. Go on the Cool Craft beverage Trail in DeLand
Just a short drive north of Orlando is the charming town of DeLand. The main street here offers so many romantic things to do, from antiquing to live music. Best of all, there are so many local breweries, bars, and wineries and you can make a crawl of trying everything on the beverage trail!
42. Swim with Manatees in Crystal River
For an experience unlike any other, take a snorkel tour of Crystal River. In the winter, there are so many manatees that you can swim near them in the wild! Conversely, in the summer, this is a great place to get on the water and go scalloping.
43. Spend the Day in Downtown St. Petersburg
Another fun city to explore for couples is St. Petersburg. This downtown is super artsy with museums, murals and music. In addition to enjoying the sights, there is also a pier perfect for a romantic date night.
44. Check out the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks
For a taste of Greece without a flight, Tarpon Springs is the perfect day trip! You can enjoy Greek delicacies and learn about the history of the sponge docks. I highly recommend taking a dolphin boat tour while you are here too!
45. Explore the Eau Gallie Arts District in Melbourne
Of course, I have to recommend this Central Florida town to explore. It is my home of Melbourne! I always recommend visiting Eau Gallie, because there is a lot to do in this adorable arts district. Enjoy cafes, breweries, and bars in between perusing galleries and shops. The beach is just across the bridge if you want to cool off as well.
46. Relax in Clearwater
If you are looking for a dreamy beach day, Honeymoon Island is the most popular spot. The water is warm, calm, and clear here, perfect for floating and finding shells. Head to Dunedin after for dinner and a drink. I especially love the rooftop bar at The Fenway Hotel!
47. Blast off at the Kennedy Space Center
One last fun day trip for couples is a visit to the Kennedy Space Center. Here you can see rockets, and space shuttles and learn about the space race. If you time it right, you can even catch a rocket launch and get a front-row view!
Weekend Things to Do in Orlando for Couples
For those looking for romantic things to do in Orlando on the weekend, obviously, all the suggestions above apply! But there are also a few weekend-specific date ideas, I figured would be worth mentioning! Here are some things that happen most weekend in Orlando worth checking out with your partner!
48. See a Drag Show at Hamburger Mary’s
Dinner and a show is always a fun date idea and Hamburger Mary’s has some of the most entertaining ones every weekend. On Friday nights, check out the Variety Show, Saturday Nights the Cabaret and there is also brunch and a show on Saturdays and Sundays! The shows are a great mix of comedy and music and the food is excellent too.
49. Check out the Weekly Farmers Market
There are Farmer’s Markets in Winter Park, Lake Eola, Winter Garden, and Clermont, each offering a unique selection of goods. We love taking a stroll through one on the weekends with our pup. It’s one of the easiest romantic things to do in Orlando and affordable too!
50. Take a Yoga Class at Lake Eola Park
Every Sunday, you can take an outdoor yoga class with Miriam at Lake Eola Park! For only $10, this is the best way to relax in the outdoors.
51. Experience Art After Dark
Every Friday night, the Lake Nona Town Center comes alive with art, music, and vendors for a fun start to the weekend. Here you will get the chance to eat or drink, see some dazzling artwork and enjoy the vibrant community.
52. See an Outdoor Movie
There are so many places to catch a romantic outdoor movie each weekend in Orlando. Some of my favorite locations include Leu Gardens, Park Avenue, Ivanhoe Park Brewing and Avalon Park. Bring some snacks and drinks and use it as an opportunity to snuggle under the stars!
Know Before You Go: Romantic Things to Do in Orlando Florida
I hope this guide helped you find some new and exciting things to do with your partner! This city has a little something for everyone and personally, I have never been bored while in Orlando. Whether you are a local or visiting, here are some things to keep in mind when experiencing these romantic things to do in Orlando.
- Keep an eye on the weather when planning a date in Orlando. Florida weather can change quickly, especially in the summer with storms popping up. It also is much hotter here than on the coast, so do not plan to be outside all day in the summer.
- If you are looking to visit any of the theme parks, make sure to look for Florida Resident deals! Kelly, this blog’s trusted travel agent, can help you find the best rates!
- You will have to pay for parking in the city and near tourist locations. Pretty much most places in Downtown Orlando and on I-Drive have a small parking cost. If you are concerned, look it up ahead of time or take an Uber.
- Avoid I-4 during rush hour as much as possible. This is where there is the worst traffic! Traffic in the city is bad all around between 4 PM to 7 PM most days though.
- If you are looking for a place to grab a meal after experiencing one of these attractions, check out my complete Orlando restaurants guide.
Did I miss one of your favorite romantic things to do in Orlando? Let me know in the comments if you have any other ideas!
For more ideas for things to do with your loved one in Central Florida, check out my Central Florida Attractions Guide and my Central Florida Date Ideas!
If you want to keep track of the things you have done in Orlando, I have a Printable Bucket List available on Etsy! It usually costs a few dollars, but you can get it for free when you sign up for my email newsletter here.
