With a tight schedule, a demanding job, or multiple college deadlines, having a weekend getaway in Orlando, FL might be the perfect solution for when you need a short break from your routine! You don’t have to spend a full week in Orlando or plan your trip months ahead to guarantee yourself a great time, a simple 2-day itinerary is everything you need to relax and recharge over the weekend.

Plan Your Weekend Getaway In Orlando FL

Orlando is one of those places where you have so many things to do and places to visit, that you could just stay forever and never get bored. But if your goal is to take a couple of days off to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of your daily life, take note of this 48h Orlando itinerary and start planning a trip to Orlando, Florida.

Thinking of traveling solo but the fear is holding you back? These 8 ways to solve anxiety about traveling alone might help!

Want to check the 10 Best Things to Do in Orlando? Click here!

Saturday in Orlando FL

Start your trip by checking in to the Marriott Village Hotel – my top recommendation. Around lunchtime, take a free shuttle to the heart of Downtown Orlando and spend the day walking by Lake Eola while you grab some bites at nearby bars and markets. In the afternoon, head to ICON Park and watch the sunset on the tallest observation wheel on the East Coast.

Make sure to have some time to rest and relax, but also do fun things!

Where To Stay In Orlando?

The first thing you should do when planning a weekend getaway in Orlando, FL is find a hotel with everything you need to make your vacation enjoyable, from security and good cleaning service to a great location and irresistible amenities. So, if you don’t want to waste time scrolling through dozens of hotel ads, The Marriott Village Orlando is exactly what you need.

The Marriott Village Orlando

I stayed at The Marriott Village on one of my recent trips and it surpassed all my expectations. Apart from outstanding service and affordability, you can enjoy:

• On-site restaurants
• Gym
• Swimming pool
• Free breakfast
• Free shuttle service
• Free parking

You can stay at any of the three hotels that make up The Marriott Village:

• Courtyard
• SpringHill Suites
• Fairfield Inn & Suites

All three hotels are perfectly located near the top attractions in Orlando, including the best-known theme parks, downtown, and Vineland Premium Outlets Mall.

Learn more about my experience at The SpringHill Suites here!

Suggested Hotels In Orlando, FL

• Budget ($) — Holiday Inn Orlando
• Best Value ($$) — Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
• Luxe ($$$) —- Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek
• Unique ($-$$$) —- The Marriott Village

Where to Eat in Orlando, FL on Saturday

• Breakfast/Brunch – Se7en Bites & Market On South
• Lunch – Yellow Dog Eats & Black Rooster Taqueria
• Dinner – Domu & Pig Floyd’s Urban Barbakoa

Things To Do In Orlando on Saturday

After you’ve had some rest from your trip, you’re ready to begin your weekend getaway in Orlando FL. Start exploring the vibrant atmosphere of this unique city that comes to life on weekends!

Head to Lake Eola Park For A Walk

Located in Downtown Orlando, Lake Eola Park is the perfect place to have some fresh air and clear your mind while walking by the lake, admiring the beautiful flower beds, and taking pictures of the fantastic views of Orlando’s skyline. 

Other things you can do at Lake Eola Park:

• Feed the swans with corn (you can get it at the swan feeders)
• Take a ride on a swan-shaped pedal boat around the lake
• Watch live events and concerts in the Walt Disney Amphitheater
• Martial Arts and Yoga Classes on weekends
• Stop for a lunch break at Relax Grill

Tip: There is free parking on Eola Drive on the east side of the park.

Gideon’s Bakehouse

Gideon’s Bakehouse is a small bakery in Disney Springs. This shop has become insanely popular for having the best cookies in Florida and a Harry Potter/witchy-themed ambiance. The amazing quality of its cookies and cakes attracts so many customers, that the waits are usually quite long and you have to check in for a virtual queue. But their loyal fans know that those delicious, spooky treats are worth it.

Tip: After you check in, Gideon’s Bakery sends you a text message to let you know when you can join the queue at the entrance. So, go check in at the bakery first thing before doing anything else. Then you can wander Disney Springs and do all your shopping until it’s your turn.

ICON Park

Finish your afternoon at ICON Park and watch the sunset on the Ferris Wheel, the tallest and most iconic observation wheel on the east coast.

ICON Park’s variety of amusement attractions, restaurants, and shopping areas have made this district one of the best-known and most visited spots in Orlando – and only 15 minutes away from your Marriott Village hotel.

These are the top things you should try:

• Ferris Wheel – a ride that takes you 400 ft above the ground for incredible views of Orlando’s nearby parks and lakes.

• Madame Tussauds – take photos with full-scale wax statues of your favorite celebrities, historical figures, and movie characters.

• SEA Life – watch more than 5,000 species swimming all around you in the 360° ocean tunnel.

• Museum of Illusions – this attraction full of optical illusions is a great opportunity to challenge your mind and take some original photos for your feed.

• Orlando StarFlyer – take a ride on the world’s tallest swing rides to see unique views of the city.
• Foodie Walking Tour – a guide will take you on a gastronomic tour as you sample Orlando’s most delicious food and hear a bit of history about each restaurant.

Night-time Activities In Orlando

Now, let’s add some extra fun to your weekend getaway in Orlando FL. After spending the full afternoon exploring ICON Park, head back to the hotel Marriott Village and indulge in some delicious food at their in-house bistro while prepping for a Saturday night out. 

Hang Out At Universal CityWalk

Universal CityWalk is the place to go whether you’re looking for a calm night walking under the stars and bright, colorful buildings or you feel ready to dance the night away.

This nighttime complex is open every day and offers multiple entertainment options, the hottest restaurants and clubs in the city, and free parking after 6 pm.

Must-Try Speakeasies In Orlando

Drive to Downtown Orlando, where you’ll find the highest concentration of nightclubs and pubs. I suggest making your first stop at Taco Kat to grab some tacos and quick bites. And if you go to the other entrance of the taco shop, you’ll discover the hidden speakeasy-style club.

If you’re in the mood for some music and dancing, you can try Celine for a fan, casual atmosphere, techno music, and live shows. You can also have some drinks at the rooftop lounge bar for an amazing view of the surrounding buildings and maybe make some new friends.

Another great option is The Courtesy Bar for a great variety of unique drinks with funny, creative names. The smaller size of the bar, the friendly bartenders, and the on-point music selection gives this place the perfect atmosphere for a night out with friends.

Kings Entertainment Orlando

If nightclubs and crowded pubs are not really your thing, Kings Dining & Entertainment might be a good alternative for you and your friends to hang out and chill. You can enjoy:

• Luxury bowling
• Pool tables
• Live music
• Retro video gaming
• Top-notch meals and drinks

Sunday

After a fun Saturday night in the city, you’ll probably be a bit tired. So, start the second day of your weekend getaway in Orlando, FL by sleeping in among those comfortable sheets until you’re ready to go on with your Orlando itinerary.

Get some free breakfast at the Marriott Village Hotel and hit up the gym or the pool before check-out – so you can really make use of all the amenities. Around lunchtime, prepare for a drive to keep exploring the rest of the city and its many hidden gems.

Where to Eat In Orlando On Sunday

In case you were wondering where to eat in Orlando on a Sunday, I got you covered. There are so many good places in every area of Orlando that it’s really difficult to narrow them down. However, here are my top picks for a great Sunday lunch:

Kadence – it has a relaxed atmosphere, communal bar seating around the chef’s prep area, and a seasonal menu with original sushi dishes that you won’t find anywhere else.

Reyes Mezcaleria – beautifully decorated Mexican restaurant with vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Tabla India Restaurant – the best place to taste Indian cuisine in Orlando. If you don’t mind spicy food, this one’s a must-try.

Things To Do In Orlando On Sunday

To keep the adventure going during your Orlando getaway, drive to the Farmers’ Market by Lake Eola around lunchtime and enjoy local crafts, food, and vintage stores. Then, in the afternoon, drive to Central Park for some breathtaking views, museums, and boat trips.

Some More Hidden Gems In Orlando, FL

If you’re in the mood for more and want to make the most out of your weekend getaway in Orlando FL, you can pay a visit to some of these must-see hidden gems in Orlando.

Farmers Market by Lake Eola

Farmers’ Market is a popular gathering spot in Winter Park held every Saturday morning. You’ll find everything from clothes and handicrafts to artisanal foods and plants. Orlando locals know this is the place to go for fresh, quality products at affordable prices and a friendly atmosphere to hang out.

Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens

The Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens is a historic site and home of Czech-American sculptor Albin Polasek’s art collection with over 200 works. You can wander the peaceful garden full of sculptures and learn about Polasek’s history through artworks, photographs, and videos displayed all over the residence.

The museum also offers guided tours, a gift shop, and free parking.

Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards

Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards is known as Florida’s largest premium winery. This picturesque destination opens its doors to the public every day to enjoy tours around the place, free wine tasting, live music festivals, and 127 acres to have a picnic under the trees.

The Morse Museum

The Morse Museum holds the world’s largest collection of works by artist and designer Louis Comfort Tiffany. Inside, you can watch educational videos that describe Tiffany’s history and the process he used for creating his glass artwork. And some of the beautiful exhibits you’ll find include:

• Jewelry
• Pottery
• Paintings
• Furniture
• Glass lamps

Tip: Don’t miss the stunning cathedral behind the wooden doors at the end of the tour!

Final Thoughts

You’ve come to the end of your Orlando itinerary and now it’s time to go back home. With that said, I think it’s important to notice that you don’t need to wait until the holidays or to have an elaborate plan for a one or two-week vacation in Orlando in order to disconnect from your busy life. Just decide on a date during the weekend, pack a small bag, and hit the road; you already have a 2-day itinerary to take with you 😉

It’s good to remember that we need some time for ourselves once in a while. Even if it’s just a weekend getaway, it can make a whole lot of a difference.

And don’t forget to have fun!

XO,

Anna

P.S. To ensure you actually feel rested after you come back from your trip instead of being more tired, check out my best self-care tips to reduce stress while traveling. They will come in handy!

Anna

Anna is a traveler, blogger, and entrepreneur who can’t keep herself still. She’s always on the move, whether working hard on a new passion project or exploring a new city as a part-time digital nomad. Dare to keep up? Check out The Tatted Nomad for everything digital nomad, social media marketing, mental health, and travel (and to see her latest addition, Novah, her service dog and travel companion). As a psychotherapist (to be) she also offers insights about your mental health related questions – anything you see that isn’t covered but you have questions about? Let her know!

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