Curator’s statement
Drive one hour due east of Disney and you arrive at Florida's Space Coast beaches. Home to regular rocket launches, one of the largest sea turtle populations in the world and miles upon miles of laidback beaches with perfect waves for learning to surf and plentiful open-air casual waterfront and beach shack vibe eateries. Or, stay in Orlando and chill, spa, shop, (wine?!) and dine (and stay cool!) in one of endless options.
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Where to stay in Orlando, Florida
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Things to do in Orlando, Florida
THE BEACHES
Get Active: Learn to Surf! Ohana, Neilson and Cocoa Beach Surf Company are some local favorites, all based in Cocoa Beach
(Fun Fact, Kelly Slater, 11x World Champion, was born and raised in Cocoa Beach himself!)
Activities/Destinations
Kennedy Space Center! This is really the spot for infinity and beyond from babies to grown ups!
Patrick Airforce Base Beaches - Protected, beautiful and don't cost you a dime, also, all of the beaches in the Space Coast are home to one of the worlds largest populations of sea turtles - I love the motto leave no trace, make no mark!
Stay: Historic Top Rated Port De Hiver Hotel In Melbourne Beach - Happy hour daily for guests with beer/wine and hors d'oeuvre.
ORLANDO
Check Out: Downtown Lake Eola - Live orchestra, swan boats and real swans too, plenty of lakeside eateries to grab a drink and app at!
Lake Nona/Boxi Park - Escape the crowds of the parks and catch a laid back vibe at this ultra family friendly community hangout area glow in the dark boxes that make up a little market, live music and delicious dining options.
Spa: Ritz Carlton Orlando, super spacious and airy, peaceful and the best amenities, famous spa pool and skinny margaritas
Stay: Ritz Carlton, JW Marriot - These two properties link and the enormous lazy river makes an excellent day of chilling at the pool off from the parks.
Places to eat & drink in Orlando, Florida
Restaurant Recommendations
On my list, Micchellin Star Domu - Ramen, eccentric cocktails and no reservations.
Sticky Rice Lao Street Food - Say no more. Sticky rice and anything = drool.
Chroma - Perfect for your big crowd, focus is on on small plates, something for everyone in this chic interior.
COCOA BEACH & BEYOND
4th Street Fillin' Station - Think chirizo breakfast tacos and nitro coconut cold-brew also they have brunch happy hour (clever concept) in a comfy airy, green, outdoor setting (a ton of fans going) with the base as a massive garage, there's also a separate ice cream shoppe with loaded milkshakes.
Mel's Tiki Cafe Stay - The yummiest Poke bowls from a woman owned bad a$$ restaurant that the secret got out on!
Fat Snook- 5 star dining off a two-lane portion of A1A- new American, heavy on seafood with all the best kind of twists in modern boho vibes.
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Travel Advisor
Jenny Liu
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Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out our Travel Advisor Becky Tenaglia 's guide, 1 Week in Walt Disney World. This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Orlando.