You don't need a big wallet to celebrate Valentine's Day… just a big heart! For those looking for some budget-friendly suggestions, here are 22 to consider for a romantic Valentine's Day week in Orlando.
*Updated for 2019*
DIY Dates You Can Do Anytime
1. Take a romantic stroll around Leu Gardens through the rose garden, butterfly garden, and Leu House Museum. $20
2. Pick up a Heart Shaped Strawberry Box from Peterbrooke Chocolatier in Winter Park (around 8-10 long stemmed, hand-dipped and decorated chocolate dipped strawberries) you two can share while sitting in the beautiful Central Park Rose Garden. Available in an assortment of white, dark and milk chocolate; call ahead for single chocolate flavor or customized boxes. $21
3. Take a ride on the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour! This one-hour guided tour will take you through Winter Park’s lakes, past Kraft Azalea Garden and Rollins College, and provides a myriad of information on the history of the city. $28
4. Take a tour of the picturesque Casa Feliz Historic Home, and enjoy a musical performance while you wander around! Every Sunday from 12-3pm the museum is open to the public for tours and live music during Music At The Casa. Upcoming performers are: Opera Singer Shirley Wang on February 17. $5 suggested donation
5. Hit up Tasty Takeover in the Milk District on Tuesdays from 6:30-10pm for a food truck crawl! Don’t forget to stop in one of the nearby bars to enjoy some adult beverages. Check out our full Milk District write up for more info on the area and all it has to offer. FREE admission, food prices vary
6. Pedal your way around Lake Eola aboard one of their their adorable swan boats! A half-hour ride will give you a gorgeous view of Downtown Orlando buildings and the iconic fountain in a fun way that every Orlandoan should experience. You can choose to make it a competition and put the pedal to the medal, or make it a leisurely ride enjoying the breeze and sights. $14
7. The Orlando Solar Bears will compete against the Jacksonville Icemen on February 15th. Games start at 7pm and are a wonderful budget-friendly date night in our stunning Amway Center. Tickets start at $12.25 a person. For more reasons why a Solar Bears date is one of our favorites, check out this article our editor, Stephanie, wrote! Around $27
8. You can’t live in Orlando without attending an Orlando Magic game! Tickets start at $14 and there’s even a game on Valentine’s Day against the Charlotte Hornets. Around $30
9. Going to movie is a tried and true date night staple, but have you ever been to the Enzian Theater? This single-screen cinema cafe shows a number of independent and foreign films as well as cult classics and is home to the Florida Film Festival. Hungry? Order dinner inside the theater to enjoy during your movie, or take a seat at Eden Bar for some post-movie food and drinks. $16
10. East End Sessions, Saturday Serenades are held select Saturdays from 2-5pm in East End Market’s courtyard. This free outdoor event features live music from different artists. Upcoming artists are Run Raquel on February 2 and Jessica Delacruz on February 16. FREE
Fun Events
11. Pack a picnic and head to Central Park in Winter Park for Popcorn Flicks in the Park, a free monthly outdoor movie series hosted by Enzian Theater. Bring your honey, a blanket, some chairs and some food to enjoy while watching February's movie, Roman Holiday. The movie date is Thursday, February 7 and the movie starts at 7pm. FREE
12. Leu Gardens Valentine’s Concert: Ricky & the Buzzcatz are performing on Thursday, February 14, 2019 from 7-10 pm. Make sure to pack some eats to enjoy at the garden, and you can bring adult beverages, too! $30 in advance (tickets purchased on Valentine's Day will be $20 per person)
13. The Indie Folk Fest at Mennello Museum of American Art will take place February 16 from 12-5pm. This family friendly (and pet-friendly!) event is held in Loch Haven Park and features local, national and regional art, local music, food, and beverages. FREE
14. February's Thornton Park Wine & Art Walk will take place on Valentine's Day this year from 6:30-9:30pm. For just $15 per person you'll get art vendors, live music, and over 25 businesses that will be holding tastings along your stroll. $30
15. Join us at Arthur Murray Dance Studios (Lake Mary) for Tapas & Tango February 15. During this post-Valentine's Day event, you'll learn to tango while sharing tapas and wine with your partner. $30
Worth The Drive
16. For $10/person you and your date can enjoy one of the most picturesque wineries in Central Florida: Lakeridge Winery. Their 29th Annual Winefest is a 3-day long event featuring live music, complimentary wine tastings, and winery tours. Food, soft drinks, and Lakeridge wine will be available for purchase. The festival hours are: Friday, February 8 through Sunday, February 10 from 10am-5pm (open at 11am on Sunday). $20
17. Make the drive to Bok Tower Gardens on Valentine's Day for live jazz on the cafe terrace from 5:30-7:30pm followed by an 8pm evening carillon concert with Geert D’hollander. Arrive early to stroll the beautiful gardens at sunset. $24
Art exhibits
18. The Cornell Fine Arts Museum is located inside of the Rollins College campus, so after a stroll on Park Ave, this is the perfect place to go. They are closed Mondays but offer extended hours every Tuesday. Cornell Fine Arts Museum has free admission and is open to the public. Closed Mondays. FREE
19. 1st Thursdays at Orlando Museum of Art: February’s event will be held on the 7th from 6-9pm and the theme will be Children and the Language of Love, where artists can either repurpose or include doors, windows into their art pieces (painting, photography or sculptures). $30 (free for OMA Members)
20. Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art: Enjoy free admission to this museum on Park Avenue in Winter Park Friday evenings November-April from 4-8pm. The museum is home to the most comprehensive collection anywhere of Louis Comfort Tiffany Glass. FREE-$12
Feature image by Arlene Laboy