Day trips are a necessary component of having a great, ongoing relationship with your partner. They allow you to connect during the drive to and from your destination while helping you make new memories. You'll have plenty of new memories to make if you follow our guide to a day trip in Melbourne, Florida.
Situated along Florida's Space Coast, the city of Melbourne is located a little less than 90 minutes from downtown Orlando.
Melbourne borders the Indian River Lagoon and nearby Melbourne Beach is a quiet and relaxing place to spend the day sunbathing or reading your favorite book. From the shops you'll find in Historic Downtown Melbourne to the trendy Eau Gallie Arts District, Melbourne boasts a variety of ways to spend a wonderful day with your love.
Day Trip from Orlando to Melbourne
Important note: Many of the local businesses in this area are closed on Sundays. There are three main areas to explore in Melbourne:
- Melbourne Beach
- Eau Gallie Arts District in Melbourne
- Downtown Melbourne (New Haven Ave)
Jump over to our list of romantic day trips from Orlando.
ARTS
Every First Friday of the month, the area galleries host an evening Art Walk from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Being an Arts District, you will certainly find a number of art galleries and shops.
EAU Gallery is a great place to start. This local art gallery in Melbourne represents the local art scene well. With a beautiful collection of original works of art as well as prints and gifts, there's lots to explore here. When exploring the EGAD (Eau Gallie Arts District) and Melbourne at large, EAU Gallery is a great place to start. Be sure to view their website for monthly events.
Right around the corner is Highland Art Studios. You and your sweetheart can sign up for one of their many classes. Or simply browse the vast variety of art and gifts.
You and your exploring partner can go on a self-guided mural tour of the Eau Gallie Arts District using this map that provides location and artist information for 24 murals in the area.
SHOPPING
Many boutique shops double as shops and fine art galleries. One such place is Shambala. Browse charming artwork, Fair Trade products, jewelry, gifts, and more.
There are multiple storefronts along Eau Gallie Blvd and Highland Ave, the main intersecting streets of EGAD. Keep in mind, many local businesses are closed on Sundays.
Take a drive, 30 minutes from the arts district to experience a true flea market in the south. You won’t have to choose between grabbing a bite to eat and shopping so long as you make a trip to Renningers Flea & Farmers Market.
Featuring both open air and enclosed air specialty shops. Once you’ve picked up some groceries, scour the vendors for home decor, plants, clothing, antiques and more. The market spans over 20 acres. Just know, this is a true southern flea market experience – very different from what you'll find in Downtown Melboune at the arts district.
EATS
The Eau Galle Arts District has plenty of dining options.
The Cottage Irish Pub
1385 Highland Avenue, Melbourne, FL
You don’t get to say every day that you had food and drinks in a real, traditional Irish pub. If you choose The Cottage Irish Pub, you’ll be treated to a restaurant owned and operated by the Hogan family from County Mayo, Ireland. Enjoy a perfect pour of your favorite pint on the porch while tasing some of the traditional Irish meals. There's also a new beer garden out back, and The Snug, a cozy, romantic little room, tucked inside the small pub room.
FM Pizza
1437 Highland Ave, Melbourne, FL 32935
Casual and delicious – two words that describe the perfect pizza joint. FM Pizza boasts a unique location by being inside a historic bank. Locals and visitors alike flock here to get fresh, creative pizza. My husband and I loved the BLT Pizza – the perfect combination of meat and veggies.
Pineapples
1434 Pineapple Ave Melbourne, Florida
Rooftop alert! Pineapples is a multistory restaurant and bar with a beachy casual vibe. Happy Hour is offered Monday – Friday, 3pm – 6pm. And there are lunch specials to help you save a few dollars.
There's even more to explore throughout Melbourne.
Ebb & Flow
2655 N Hwy A1A, Melbourne, FL 32903
Head to the beautiful and brand new Element Melbourne Oceanfront to cap off your day trip. Just 20 minutes from EGAD, and 10 minutes from Downtown Melbourne, a rooftop style dining experience awaits.
Ebb & Flow is open to everyone, not just those staying at Element Melbourne Oceanfront. Enjoy the open air dining area or the lounge seating. Sip on signature drinks, each one pretty and delicious – bartenders are usually happy to make mocktail versions as well. I loved the NA version of the signature Ebb & Flow drink, it's pretty in purple too!
The menu is casual, light, and wholesome. During our hosted dining experience my husband loved the Dragon Rice Bowl, and I enjoyed sharing the Meditteranean Flatbread with him, and our son. Raise a glass to the ocean views and celebrate another perfect day in Florida.
Backwater Breakfast and Lunch
Downtown Melbourne, 1904 Municipal Lane, MLB FL 32901
You’ll have two mouthwatering dining options when eating at Backwater Breakfast & Lunch: the griddle table or regular table.
Show off those cooking skills by making your own pancakes on your own griddle table. You’ll get 12oz of batter in a squeeze bottle (makes about 3 large pancakes). Choose from buttermilk, whole wheat, seasonal, vegan or gluten free batter. From there, pick your toppings, add a side of bacon or biscuit and gravy, and get to making your pancakes.
Ember & Oak
712 E. New Haven Ave, Melbourne, Fl 32901
Steak and wine are an undefeated combination when it comes to a romantic meal with your partner. Ember & Oak is a modern steakhouse meets shared plates concept featuring fresh, made in-house dishes that have been cooked over an oak wood fire. The Wine Room at Ember & Oak offers 48 hand-selected bottles “on tap” in a self-serve environment.
Not in the mood for a meal? You can enjoy a bottle of your favorite wine, recommended by the in-house Sommelier, along with a tapas menu of snacks, cheeses, and charcuterie.
ALSO TRY:
- MASA Taqueria Y Cantina – serving authentic Mexican cuisine with house made tortillas and tasty margaritas in EGAD
- Nomad's Canteen – combine the power of the ocean with music, art, and great food in EGAD
- Oiu Bake – charming bakery and coffee shop in EGAD
- Apocalypse Coffee Roasters – modern coffee house using eco-friendly roasting technology and organic beans
DRINKS
The Oleander Club
1453 Highland Avenue, Melbourne, FL 32935
Nearly a century ago, it was illegal to have an alcoholic drink in public. However, during prohibition that didn’t stop people from creating their private speakeasy and cocktail clubs buried deep within the city. The Oleander Club serves fresh, craft made cocktails within an art-filled and reserved environment. You’ll find this prohibition-style club in the Eau Gallie Arts District (EGAD) of Melbourne.
Intracoastal Brewing Company
652 W Eau Gallie Blvd Melbourne, FL 32935
Also located in the EGAD is Intracoastal Brewing Company. The microbrewery has a rotating menu of over a dozen brews as well as 2 year-round offerings. Come for live music on the weekends and the wide open patio style seating where you can mix and mingle.
Lourdes Library
587 W Eau Gallie Blvd., Unit 105 Melbourne, FL 32935
Speakeasy alert! Lourdes Library is perfect for a date night, providing one of the best-themed environments of any bar in the area. Keep an eye on Lourdes Library's Facebook or Instagram to know the “book of the week.”
When you visit Lourdes Library that week you'll need to find that particular book of the week and hand it to the librarian there. The librarian will help you with getting a library membership card, which is essentially a small cover charge. Soon you'll be inside the actual speakeasy enjoy craft cocktails in a sophisticated environment.
Note, there is a “smart casual” dress code, essentially no flip-flops, beach wear, or workout wear. All this adds up to an ideal date night environment.
New Hotel
Would you rather stay the night or two, instead of just the day? We enjoyed a hosted stay at the brand-new Element Melbourne Oceanfront. And recommend it for an affordable and relaxing place to stay. The pool is located on the 2nd level, with a rooftop-style view of the ocean and a wonderful poolside bar & restaurant, the aforementioned Ebb & Flow.
If you select an oceanfront view room you will be treated to waking up to the sunrise and sparkling blue waters. Element brand hotels are focused on wellness, so enjoy a wholesome breakfast in the morning (included in your stay), and move your body at the 24/7 fitness center.
Stroll along the beach hand in hand, thanks to the hotel's direct beach access right by the pool.
Whether you choose to spend the day or a few days, Melbourne and Melbourne Beach are some of the quiet places we love near Orlando for quality time together.
Originally posted by Arlene Laboy January 2020, updated by Dani Meyering in August 2024