People seem to think that dating needs to be expensive. We at Orlando on the Cheap feel that’s not the case. All you need is some creativity — and a little help from us!
Orlando offers many options to make sure your dates are not only romantic but also budget-friendly. Here is our roundup of romantic Orlando dates under $30.
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ROMANTIC ORLANDO DATES UNDER $30
Mount Dora, Florida. Image courtesy: Visit Lake, FL
- Visit Mount Dora
With quaint streets, boutiques, and small-town charm, Mount Dora is one of the most romantic towns in Central Florida. There are plenty of special events throughout the year like the Lighting of Mount Dora during the holidays and art and craft festivals, but any day is a good time to check out this local gem. - Downtown Sanford
The city hosts a variety of very popular FREE outdoor events like the Sanford Food Truck Fiesta, Sanford Block Party, Sanford Porchfest Music Festival, and St. John’s River Festival of the Arts. While in the beautiful historic town, take in the views of Lake Monroe from the Riverwalk, go shopping, and then stop at one of the best German restaurants, Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Cafe, where you can “prost” (cheers) with Das Boot, share a gigantic pretzel, and enjoy live authentic German music.
Welcome to Winter Garden. Image: @officaldowntownwintergarden
- Stroll through Winter Garden
Historic downtown Winter Garden has several romantic ways to spend time together with bike trails, a classic movie theatre, a variety of shops, restaurants, Plant Street Market and Crooked Can Brewery, and a popular farmers’ market on Saturdays. - Orlando Museum of Art
Escape to the galleries to reflect and get inspired as a couple. The Orlando Museum of Art features a variety of art collections from traditional to contemporary. The venue also hosts special events throughout the year.
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- Thornton 2nd Thursday Wine & ArtWalk
On the second Thursday of every month, celebrate the arts with an evening of food, wine, shopping, and showcases by Orlando-based artists. You’ll receive a wristband, wine glass, and a map of 25+ locations where you will be greeted with a complimentary libation. - SAK Comedy Lab
The couple who laughs together stays together. Get your giggle on at SAK Comedy Lab where a professional ensemble of improv actors graces the stage every night. - Bach Festival Society
Add a little culture to your date night calendar with community events by the Bach Festival Society. Check their website for special events throughout the year. - Stargazing
Take your date night out of this world (literally) with a visit to the Planetarium at Seminole State College where weekly interactive shows bring thousands of stars and the stories behind them into clear view. - Music at the Casa
Casa Feliz in Winter Park opens its doors on select Sundays for live music and free tours of the historic house and James Gamble Rogers II Studio. Bring along a picnic to enjoy in the beautiful flower gardens.
Image courtesy: The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art.
- Visit a museum
Orlando has a long list of museums, gardens, and cultural attractions. Here are a select few that offer designated free entry days.
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Enzian Theater in Maitland.
- Enzian Theater
This alternative cinema offers independent, foreign, and classic films and has arguably one of the prettiest outdoor bars in Orlando, Enzian’s Eden Bar. It also hosts the monthly free outdoor movie series, Popcorn Flicks in the Park, in Winter Park’s Central Park.
Movie Night at Leu Gardens happens on the first Friday of select months.
- Movie Night at Leu Gardens
On starlit evenings, you and your sweetie can snuggle up on a blanket in the beautiful 50-acre Harry P. Leu Gardens. Hundreds of lovebirds flock to Date Night at Leu Gardens on the first Friday of most months when the outdoor screen shows romantic flicks and blockbuster hits.
MORE CHEAP DATE IDEAS IN ORLANDO
- Wine Room at Winter Park
Wine aficionados and newbies alike will enjoy a DIY wine-tasting experience at The Wine Room at Winter Park, where the Enomatic Wine Serving System gives guests the chance to sample selections of over 150 different types of wine simply with the touch of a button. Couples load up a debit card with cash and then wander through the living room-esque locale sipping wines and noshing on gourmet cheese plates. - Lakeridge Winery
Travel through the rolling hills of Clermont for an unexpected Florida wine experience. Lakeridge Winery entertains visitors with free events featuring live music, artist vendors, crafts, and food. You can also stop by any day of the week for complimentary wine tours and tastings.
Plant Street Market & Crooked Can in Winter Garden, Florida.
- Farmers’ Markets
Buy fresh flowers for your date, taste the local fare, and stock up on produce to cook dinner together. Our favorite markets are Winter Park on Saturdays and downtown Orlando with live music and a wine/beer garden on Sundays. We also love to shop at Plant Street Market in Winter Garden and East End Market in Orlando. Both are indoor markets that are open daily.
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Pick your own strawberries at farms near Orlando.
- Pick your own strawberries
If you are interested in harvesting fresh fruit at a local farm, check out Oak Haven in Sorrento where you can pick strawberries and sample wine on the weekends. Throughout the year, you can also pick your own blueberries, visit sunflower fields, and pick pumpkins.
Lake Eola resident swans. Image: Melody Larson.
- Picnic
There’s nothing more romantic than a picnic, especially in a picturesque setting. Fortunately, Orlando has many to choose from such as Lake Eola in downtown Orlando, Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs, or Central Park and Azalea Park in Winter Park. Pack a spread of finger foods, a bottle of wine, and a blanket for a relaxing day at the park. - Old Sugar Mill Grill at De Leon Springs
Start your day by making your own pancakes at the Old Sugar Mill Grill located next to the natural swimming hole of De Leon Springs. The server will provide you with the batter and toppings for you to cook on a built-in griddle. After your meal, take a dip in the chilly springs or rent a canoe to explore the springs. - Sample local brews
For beer connoisseurs, brewmasters mix up fermenting magic at a variety of local breweries. Stop by one of these breweries for a flight or pint:- Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co. in downtown Orlando
- Sanford Brewing in Sanford and Maitland
- Crooked Can Brewing Company, and the flagship of Plant Street Market in Winter Garden.
- For more breweries in Orlando, check out this list.
Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour. Photo courtesy of Visit Orlando.
- Winter Park Boat Tour
Float through the canals and lush landscape of Winter Park’s waterways on a tranquil Scenic Boat Tour. - Orlando Sports
Orlando has a wide variety of teams to support including Orlando Magic Basketball and Orlando City Soccer. And for the most part, you can find tickets for a reasonable cost. Orlando Solar Bears hockey tickets start as low as $20 each. - Lake Eola Swan Boats
For an iconic Orlando date, paddle out on Lake Eola via a swan boat. $15 per half hour. - Ice skating
Don’t forget your sweaters and socks when you visit Orlando Ice Den, where the Olympic-sized ice skating rink is kept at a chilly 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Skate rentals, as well as hot chocolate, are available on-site. If a solid, dry floor is more your speed, Semoran Skateway Rollerskating, has an adult night every Sunday.
Visit freshwater springs in Central Florida. Image courtesy: Visit Lake, FL
- The Springs
Rent a canoe at Wekiwa Springs, a tranquil and untouched state park north of Orlando where a beautiful spring and river give couples the option for swimming and paddling. Take a day trip to Silver Glen Springs for a refreshing dip in crystal-clear water. During a cold snap, visit Blue Spring State Park for a chance to spot hundreds of manatees. Or rent tubes to float down Rock Springs at Kelly Park in Apopka. Keep in mind, many of the springs are very popular destinations during the summer months. Plan to arrive early, or better yet, go during the week.
Check out more of Central Florida’s natural springs.
Wekiva Island in Longwood
- Wekiva Island is that secret watering hole locals don’t want visitors to discover. Located along the shore of the spring-fed Wekiva River, this eco-friendly oasis has it all — from recreational activities to a bar that serves beer and wine. Spend the day lounging in Adirondack chairs, playing volleyball, swimming in the cool waters, and listening to live music.
- Go for a hike
For a true Florida primitive adventure, hike through Black Bear Wilderness Trail, a 7.1-mile loop through wetland habitats and along the St. John’s River. - Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is an 11-mile drive with a chance to view native animals in their natural habitat including 174 bird species. The drive is open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
- Stroll through gardens
- Harry P. Leu Gardens: 50-acre botanical oasis boasting a rose garden, butterfly garden, and vegetable garden. Free entry on select first Mondays.
- Mead Gardens: FREE 47-acre park with an amphitheater, butterfly garden, boardwalk, and bike trail.
- Kraft Azalea Gardens: FREE with old cypress trees, a fountain, benches, and a view of Lake Maitland.
- Bok Tower Gardens: This National Historic Landmark is best known for its famous, 205-foot, art deco and neo-Gothic Singing Tower, and includes nearly 50 acres of elegant gardens.
- Rent bikes or scooters
Explore the City Beautiful with your date by renting bikes or scooters through the Orlando Bike Share program. - Ride the Sun Rail
Another fun way to explore together is by riding the SunRail. Stop off in Winter Park for lunch on Park Avenue or take the train to Church Street for cocktails and apps. - Wild Florida’s Drive-Thru Safari Park
Animals roam freely through the 85-acre park, home to more than 100 exotic animals and native Florida wildlife like white-tailed deer, bison, cracker cows, zebras, watusi, oryx, and more. - Explore the trails
Seminole County’s award-winning recreational trail system is a Central Florida best-kept secret with more than 60 miles of paved and natural trails. Whatever adventure you choose, it’s free to journey through the trails of Central Florida. Explore Central Florida’s trails:
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The Wheel at ICON Park.
- The Wheel
Take a ride on the Wheel for breathtaking views of Orlando from 400 feet up. After the sky-high experience, explore the shops, attractions, and restaurants at ICON Park.
Disney’s Boardwalk.
THEME PARK EXPERIENCES WITHOUT A TICKET
Disney Springs
With a nod to Central Florida’s refreshing natural springs, this outdoor escape features 120 acres of unique boutiques, award-winning restaurants, and lively entertainment.
Check out the latest Florida Resident deals for Disney.
Universal CityWalk
This action-packed hotspot features an eclectic collection of themed restaurants, nightclubs, a movie theatre, shopping, and non-stop entertainment. Take in the sights and sounds, and then board the free water taxi service to cruise canals that meander throughout Universal Orlando Resort. Hop off to explore the resorts and entertainment along the way.
Disney’s Boardwalk
Take a step back in time at Disney’s Boardwalk, a quarter-mile promenade boasting endless charm and architecture inspired by 20th-century coastal destinations like Coney Island. Watch street entertainers, take a boat ride through the Disney waterways, and tour one-of-a-kind shops.
To keep up with the latest news on deals, discounts, and free events in Central Florida, sign up for the Orlando on the Cheap newsletter. You can also follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
MORE THINGS TO DO IN ORLANDO:
- 10 outdoor dates under $20 in Orlando
- Best free & cheap outdoor adventures in Orlando
- Things to do this weekend in Orlando
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By Laura Perry & Kristen Manieri, founder of Orlando Date Night Guide, a website that’s been giving date night ideas to Orlando couples since 2007.
