East Coast Archives | Passport Symphony

Orlando is not only a place to take the family, honeymooners or friends, but also a city that can be explored impulsively, and on your own. Hidden food markets, art walks and calm lakes are just but a few of the sides of Orlando that become alive as you take your own time to explore them. Solo travel means you can do what your intuition dictates, like spend more time at a mural, get into a conversation with a local in a cafe or turn off the road and visit some odd antique store and in this article, we’ll cover some of the best things to do alone in Orlando. Getting Around Orlando Although the buses and the SunRail system cover most parts of the city, there is no better alternative to having your own wheels. By renting a car out of the airport in Orlando International Airport, you can go beyond the tourist core into the beaches, picturesque lakes, or even the charming neighboring town of Winter Park. There are no complex roads, no big parking problems and most of the hotels provide valet or self parking. Having your own car is also time-saving and you are free: you don’t need to hurry to the last bus or wait until someone will pick you up. Where to Stay as a Solo Traveller Orlando has something in store for everyone’s taste, from hotels in downtown to charming Airbnbs in languid suburbs. Downtown Orlando is the place to be in case you are seeking convenience, art and nightlife, being close to Lake Eola and numerous bars, galleries and live music places. If you want to feel comfortable with convenient access to the theme parks without the high resort prices, International drive (I-Drive) full of attractions, restaurants and cheap hotels. Where to Eat (Alone) Dining solo in Orlando isn’t something to dread—it’s something to savor. The city’s food scene is diverse and welcoming, with plenty of spots that feel natural for solo diners. Food halls like East End Market let you sample multiple vendors without the fuss of formal dining. Trendy brunch cafés like Se7en Bites and ramen bars like Domu offer bar seating, perfect for striking up a chat or simply enjoying your own company. If you’re near Disney Springs, Wine Bar George is ideal for a glass of wine and small plates. And if you ever feel shy about dining indoors, Orlando’s food trucks and kiosks are your best friends for a quick, delicious bite in the sun. Now that we covered some basics, let’s get to the most important part of this article- some of the best things to do alone in Orlando. 1. Wander the City Arts Factory (Downtown Orlando) The City Arts Factory is a cluster of galleries displaying local and international artists in the heart of Downtown Orlando. Each of the rooms has something different to offer, there are paintings, photography, sculptures, etc. but the exhibits change every month. Being a lone traveler, it will be a refreshing and thought-provoking experience, the sort of environment that will allow you to take your time and allow the art to stimulate inner reflections. You can combine this with a break in a local coffee shop and a walk to the Lake Eola to clear your mind. Best of all, this gallery has no entrance fee. Stay nearby: AC Hotel by Marriott Orlando Downtown – sleek, safe, and steps from the art scene. 2. Relax at Lake Eola Park (Downtown Orlando) Lake Eola Park is one of the most iconic Orlando destinations and no trip to the city is complete without it. It’s a quiet place in the midst of the city including swan boats, jogging tracks and open lawns where one can relax and do some people-watching. There is an active farmer’s market on the weekend where you can taste local products or buy a smoothie to enjoy on the water. It’s a pleasant spot to spend an hour or two by oneself, reading a book under a tree, or making a journal, or watching the colored lights of the fountain in the dark. Stay nearby: Aloft Orlando Downtown – modern and ideal for exploring on foot. 3. Explore Thornton Park Garage Murals (Downtown Orlando) The Thornton Park Garage murals are a short walk away from lake Eola, transforming the ordinary parking building into a rich outdoor gallery. The levels are home to massive street art by the most renowned muralists in Orlando, and frequently visited by photography enthusiasts. It’s a fairly quiet solitary placevisit, where you can leisurely appreciate every wall at your own pace. Finish your trip with a coffee, cocktail in one of the sophisticated cafes of the neighborhood it is one of the most underestimated artsy neighborhoods in Orlando. Stay nearby: Eo Inn on the Park – a charming boutique stay overlooking Lake Eola. 4. Visit the Orlando Museum of Art (Loch Haven Park) The Orlando Museum of Art is situated close to the Loch haven park and is a place where art is fused with the careless spirit of Florida. The displays also change on an annual basis, varying in terms of ancient artifacts to contemporary installations. Individuals visiting the museum usually value the way the floor plan is designed to promote silent discovery, and there are also performing arts centers and gardens in the vicinity, where you can spend the whole afternoon just relaxing and enjoying art at your own pace. Stay nearby: Comfort Suites Downtown Orlando – comfortable and conveniently close to Loch Haven Park. 5. Admire Tiffany Glass at the Morse Museum (Winter Park) In winter park, a short ride out of downtown, The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art contains the largest collection of works of Louis Comfort Tiffany in the world. The sun-lit stained glass, mosaic and jewelry of the museum fill their serene halls with shine. It’s one of those places that as a lone traveler can find peace and relaxation, while being surrounded by beauty with its detail and color. The brick-paved streets, cafes, and boutiques along Winter Park are also a great place to take a stop after exploring the museum, have a nice brew, and see a different, artsy side of Orlando. Stay nearby: The Alfond Inn at Rollins – elegant, artistic, and located in the heart of Winter Park. Enjoying this post? Then you may also like our guide to traveling solo to San Diego. 6. Stroll the Gardens at Lukas Nursery & Butterfly Encounter (Oviedo) Lukas Nursery & Butterfly Encounter, located approximately 25 minutes out of the city, is one of the best places to visit in Orlando for solo travelers. Go through a great greenhouse of flying butterflies, which land on your hands, or upon your shoulders, or see the very impressive array of tropical flora and orchids in the nursery. To individual travelers, it is a meditative experience, one that’s quiet, soft and relaxing. It is perfect on people that like photography, nature, or just have a relaxing moment and get away from the hustle and bustle of Orlando. Stay nearby: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Orlando East/UCF Area – peaceful, with quick access to Oviedo. 7. Experience Modern Design at the Modernism Museum (Mount Dora) The Modernism Museum is a small, interactive museum that honors design of the 20 th and 21 st centuries, and it is situated in the storybook town of Mount Dora, roughly 40 minutes northwest of Orlando. The exhibits have been made of icon mid-century furniture and feature cutting-edge contemporary art objects like those by George Nakashima and Wendell Castle. The museum is not very big but still one cannot go and explore it on their own without being over-impressed, especially if you’re into creativity and craftsmanship. After the tour, you can spend the afternoon wandering the charming streets of Mount Dora, which feature cafes, antique stores, and lake scenery, an ideal slow-paced day outing for a solo traveler. Stay nearby: Lakeside Inn – historic, cozy, and just a short stroll from the museum. 8. Go Mural Hunting in Kissimmee Located just sout of Orlando lies the old town of Kissimmee which has turned its streets into a breathing gallery of color and imagination. Below the downtown is a sprinkling of large, colorful murals in praise of local heritage, wildlife, and Latin American influences. The mural hunting in Kissimmee can be both invigorating and de-stressing to a solo traveler who has a chance to stroll at will and with the camera in his or her hands. Stay nearby: Flamingo Inn – budget-friendly and perfectly placed for mural walks. 9. Take Pictures of the Code Wall at Lake Nona The Lake Nona neighborhood is among the most futuristic neighborhoods in the whole of Orlando that combines technology, art and sustainability. The glowing art installation at the side of the Lake Nona parking garage is known as the Code Wall and is inspired by computer programming. The wall is also lit in dynamic patterns at night, which represents the digital heartbeat of the city. It’s an ideal destination of individual travellers who are fond of modern architecture, design or photography. Then, you can make your way around Boxi Park, a food street with converted shipping containers instead of food trucks - the perfect place to have a quick bite on the go and enjoy the live music under the night sky. Stay nearby: Lake Nona Wave Hotel – ultra-modern with design-forward interiors and nightlife nearby. 10. Vintage Hunt at Orange Tree Antiques (Winter Park) Orange tree Antiques Mall in winter park is a heaven for those craving a nostalgic experience. This giant mall has aisles of antique finds - mid-century furniture, vinyl records, jewelry, postcards, and timeless decor. So, if you’re into vintage hunting,this is one of the best place to window shop in Orlando. Each turn of the street shows something new, and the sellers are enthusiastic in telling the stories behind the precious items being displayed. Stay nearby: SpringHill Suites Orlando Altamonte Springs/Maitland – affordable and close to Winter Park’s charm. 11. Visit the Artifact Candle Foundry (Ivanhoe Village, Orlando) Situated in a fashionable Ivanhoe Village area, the Artifact Candle Foundry is a private and interactive experience, perfect for solo travelers looking for an artistic and relaxing experience. You have the opportunity to pour your own candle, and you can even customize your own label. You can complete the trip with visiting some of the nearby shops for a quick bite or a cup of coffee and enjoy the view of Lake Ivanhoe after a candle-making session. Stay nearby: Comfort Suites Downtown Orlando – convenient for exploring Ivanhoe Village’s shops and lakeside cafés. 12. Walk the Springs Hammock Preserve Trail (Apopka) In case you want to spend some time in nature on your own, head north to Apopka and take a hike in the Springs Hammock Preserve Trail which has several miles of shaded and wetland-lined hiking trails and old-growth forests. The paths are quiet, well maintained, and full of birdsong, moss trees and the sight of a deer here and there. Individual travelers will enjoy the way safe it is and how meditative it is - ideal to empty your mind, reconnect with nature or take photos of wildlife. Grab some water, some comfy shoes, and curiosity and you will be walking away feeling refreshed and re-centered, only miles away, yet in a completely different world than downtown Orlando. Stay nearby: Hampton Inn & Suites Orlando-Apopka – quiet and comfortable with easy trail access. 13. Cruise the Apopka Wildlife Drive (Apopka) The Apopka Wildlife Drive is one of Central Florida’s best kept secrets. The trail is 11 miles long, and is located in the Lake Apopka North Shore Wildlife Area where you can see alligators, herons, turtles and hundreds of species of birds, all from the comfort of your car. It’s open from Fridays till Sundays and is thus a perfect weekend getaway. It’s a calm and exhilarating place, where you have all the time to take your pace, capture pictures and enjoy the silence without any interruption. The drive showcases a different, scenic wilder aspect of Florida and provides a pleasant break of the city life. Stay nearby: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Apopka – clean, modern, and minutes from the nature reserve. 14. Visit the Citrus Tower (Clermont) The Citrus Tower in Clermont, which is situated some 30 minutes west of Orlando, provides the panoramic view of rolling hills and citrus groves of Central Florida. The tower was originally constructed in 1950s, in the spirit of the booming citrus industry in the region, however, it today turns out to be a nostalgic representation of the old Florida allure. The glass elevator can take you all the way to the top, and the observation deck will offer a 360-degree view, but on a clear day, you can see miles away. Stay nearby: Home2 Suites by Hilton Clermont – relaxed comfort just down the road. Enjoying this post? Then you may also enjoy our guide to things to do alone in Miami and our guide to things to do in Miami in the rain. 15. Visit the Orlando Cat Café (Clermont) The Orlando Cat Café is a must-visit place for animal lovers; it‘s located just a short drive away from the city, near the Citrus Tower. As its name suggests, the café is famous for being home to dozens of adoptable cats that can be seen hanging around and playing with guests. It’s the perfect place for solo travelers, ones missing their pets, or tohers who just wish to relax in a peaceful and cordial atmosphere. You are free to read a book or to write your journal and have a cat sitting next to your latte taking in the atmosphere. Stay nearby: Fairfield Inn & Suites Clermont – welcoming and pet-friendly. 16. Embrace the Nostalgia at Old Town (Kissimmee) Yes, Old Town Kissimmee is blatantly touristy, but this retro entertainment area feels like going into a neon filled postcard in the 1980s, filled with vintage car displays, carnival games and old school diners. Being on your own in Old Town allows you the liberty of bending over to the corny- this is where you can get a handful of cotton candy, ride the Ferris wheel, or simply window shop as much as you want to. It is a free and easy location that makes you remember that not every solo travel should be serious; it can be about the feeling of joy and nostalgia. Stay nearby: Celebration Suites – spacious and right next to the action. 17. Play Games at Arcade Monsters (Oviedo) If you were a fan of the arcades as a child, Arcade Monsters in Oviedo will give you a chance to time travel to the past. It’s one of the biggest arcades in Florida, filled with both classic pinball machines and retro consoles, or new rhythm games and art inspired by anime. It also has a bar, which serves craft drinks and snacks, so one can easily spend an evening there alone without feeling awkward. Stay nearby: Hampton Inn & Suites Orlando/East UCF Area – great amenities and a short drive away. 18. Indulge in Sweet Bliss on a Self-Guided Doughnut Tour Orlando boasts of an underestimated doughnut scene, and while you’re there, taking a self-guided doughnut tour is one of the best things to do alone in orlando. Begin in East Orlando and head west and explore shops like Valkyrie Doughnuts, Dochi, DG Doughnuts, Donut King, Donuts To Go and Sip n Dip. As a lone rider, the adventure provides you with a fun task of the day: map out your path, take pictures, and indulge yourself on your way. Stay nearby: Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando – central location for easy access to multiple stops. 19. Browse Local Finds at Shiraz Market (Kissimmee) If you’re a fan of off-the-beaten path and authentic experiences, go to Shiraz Market, a multifamily international grocery store and cafe that serves Middle Eastern spices, teas, and baked goods. It’s in Kissimmee, and it has the multicultural pulse of Central Florida. Individuals can window shop and taste their cookies with pistachios or discuss with the welcoming employees about traditions. Stay nearby: Park Royal Orlando – budget-friendly and conveniently close to downtown Kissimmee. 20. Explore The Historic Church Street Historic Church Street is one of Orlando’s most iconic haunted destinations. Visitors have often reported seeing a woman from the 19th century standing in front of an old mirror at one of the bars. Some people say that they feel a tug at their clothes when no one is around. Others claim to have seen the spirit of a priest standing just outside the building. The street has long been a center for ghost tours and events like Terror on Church Street, mixing real local legends with some theatrics over the years. Nearby stay: Rosen Inn, an elegant downtown hotel that puts you right in the heart of the city’s nightlife and history. 21. Go Kayaking At Shingle Creek If you’re seeking an exhilarating outdoor experience in Orlando, look no further than kayaking at Shingle Creek. You can rent kayaks from nearby outfitters or bring your own and just go. As you navigate the creek, you can admire its diverse wildlife, including turtles, herons, and even the occasional alligator. In addition to kayaking you can also indulge in other activities, like taking a long walk, go on an airboat tour, or just have a relaxing picnic in the nature. Nearby stay: Rosen Shingle Creek Resort, a peaceful resort with sweeping views of the creek and easy access to outdoor adventures. 22. Take A Cruise In A Vintage Car Indulge in an unusual Orlando experience by taking a cruise in a vintage car at The Boathouse restaurant. Unless you’re from around, I bet you didn’t know that you can cruise in a vintage amphicar in Orlando. Heck, most people don’t even know that amphicars exist outside of Hollywood movies. After the cruise, savor a delectable meal at The Boathouse, known for its fresh seafood and waterfront dining ambiance. Nearby stay: Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, a lakeside retreat within walking distance of The Boathouse. 23. Take A Walk In Bok Tower Gardens If you’re looking for a great place to relax and be on your own for a while, the Bok Tower Gardens is the perfect serene oasis near Orlando. You can take a relaxing stroll, admire the vibrant flowers, breath fresh air that smells of oaks, listen to the melodies of the carillon bells but also admire the exquisite architecture of the Singing Tower. Nearby stay: The Fountains at ChampionsGate, a tranquil and comfortable base about half an hour from Bok Tower Gardens. 24. Unwind at Kelly Park Rock Springs Stretching over 17 miles of trails and greenery, Kelly Park Rock Springs is one of the best places for trekking, camping, and relaxing in the Orlando area. You can tube on a crystal clear river, see a free-flowing natural spring, rent kayaks or canoes, try bioluminescent kayaking in Titusville, have a picnic, or just get off the beaten track while in Orlando. It still surprises me to this day how close to 60 million people visit Orlando every year but only a handful make it to the springs… Nearby stay: Kings Landing Campground & Cabins, a rustic getaway close to the park’s entrance for those who want to stay surrounded by nature. 25. Fly at Wallaby Ranch In case you’re not familiar with it, Wallaby Ranch is one of the world’s largest hang gliding flight parks. The park was opened in 1991 and at the time, it was the first aero-tow hang gliding flight park in the whole world. Aerotowing basically means hang gliders are towed into the air with ultralight tow planes 2,000 feet in the air and are left to glide around for 15-20 minutes before landing. It’s an amazing way to experience Florida from new heights. Of course, there’s an instructor with you but you can even get a chance to take over the control for a minute or two. Nearby stay: Hampton Inn Orlando-Maingate South, offering a comfy stay just a short drive from Wallaby Ranch. 26. Explore The Historic Milk District You might think that there aren’t any historic districts in Orlando but they do exist. One of them is the historic Milk District. This district was named Milk District because it was home to one of the first milk shops in the city. Today, it’s a vibrant district that’s one of Orlando’s main cultural hubs with a range of diverse eateries, colorful street art, unique antique shops, rich music and arts scene, and a lot of cool cafes and bars. Nearby stay: The Delaney Hotel, a chic boutique stay right near the district’s cafes and nightlife. 27. Visit Jack Kerouac’s House We previously mentioned Jack Kerouac Alley in San Francisco in one of our previous posts but it was his house in Orlando where he wrote the manuscript for the legendary Dharma Buns (sequel to On The Road). If you’re a fan of travel writing, you probably heard of him and you’ll surely like this place. I know I sure did; it was one of my favorite things to do alone in Orlando. Today, the property is a writers’ retreat and even though it technically isn’t open to the public, Kerouac fans who ask nicely are always welcome for a quick tour of the place. Nearby stay: Comfort Suites Downtown Orlando, a relaxed stay near the literary heart of the city. 28. Check Out One Of Only Two Skeleton Museums In USA Orlando’s Museum of Osteology is one of only two such museums in America (the other one is in OKC). Visiting this museum is a great educational experience; visitors get the rare chance to learn about numerous different vertebrae from animals around the world. To get a glimpse of what the museum is all about, check out their museum blog; I’m sure it will tickle your imagination and make you want to visit. Are you a fan of museums and are planning an East Coast itinerary? Make sure to check out our post about the best museums in Williamsburg. Nearby stay: The Florida Hotel & Conference Center, conveniently located for easy access to attractions across the city. 29. Explore Orlando’s Abandoned Attractions Last but not list, no list of things to do alone in Orlando couldn’t be complete without showcasing some of the city’s abandoned attractions. If you’re driving to the inevitable part of Orlando (the theme parks), drop by the old, forgotten “singing runway”. The runway was closed for airplanes in the 70s but if you drive faster than 45-50 miles per hour, you’ll hear When You Wish Upon a Star echoing from the pavement. Nearby stay: Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld, a perfect midpoint for exploring both Orlando’s popular and offbeat sides. How did you like this list of things to do alone in Orlando? Did you ever visit any of them? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments below. Like it? Pin it.

17 Scary Haunted Places In Atlanta For A Spooky Experience

Guide To Columbia University Tunnels- Everything You Need To Know

15 Abandoned Places In Orlando To Explore

14 Incredible museums in Williamsburg VA you just have to visit

Cheap Shopping in NYC- Helpful Tips, Tricks, and Places Where you can shop in NYC on a Budget

The Ultimate Guide to Solo Travel in NYC- Everything You Need To Know