ICON Park: 8 Incredible Ways To Make the Most of Your Next Date Night
Whether you’re ready to step out of the vacation resorts for the evening or you’re a Central Florida local seeking a new adventure for a new experience for a night out, you may turn to the smaller offerings that International Drive has to offer. While it can be hard to find adult-friendly locales in a city known for family fun, it’s not impossible.
Located right off International Drive in downtown Orlando, ICON Park is one of the better-kept secrets in a city known for some of the world’s best tourist destinations. Since Parking and Admission are completely free, it’s a great alternative to Disney Springs or Universal Studios Citywalk when you aren’t feeling up to the same level of crowds.
From some fantastic (and relatively inexpensive) attractions, delicious food options, and a laidback atmosphere, ICON Park might be the perfect spot for your next Downtown Orlando night on the town!
1 – Take a Ride on The Wheel
As “the brightest beacon in the Orlando sky,” there’s no missing The Wheel at ICON Park. It’s a far cry that most carnival Ferris wheels and even many rushed theme park attractions. This 400-foot tall observation wheel takes you up above the street level bustle and gives you a bird’s eye view of Central Florida landmarks from these glass-covered air-conditioned capsules. From the top, you can spot the iconic Disney World and the entirety of Universal Orlando Resort, as well as the Kennedy Space Center and the natural majesty of Big Sandlake and Little Sandlake.
For a little extra, you can rent a private capsule and enjoy a glass of bubbly or a beer as you gently rise above the skyline. What’s more romantic than watching the sunset from 400 feet above the ground from the quiet of your own capsule in The Wheel?
2 – Visit the SeaLife Orlando Aquarium
While it’s not the biggest animal park in the area, the Sea Life Aquarium at ICON Park is a fantastic little trip through the oceans of the world. This indoor aquarium features a host of sharks, touch pool animal encounters (haven’t you always wanted to touch a starfish?), and a friendly rescue turtle to visit on your trip!
Sea Life is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, making it a great choice if you’d like to support ocean conservation with your ticket. One of the coolest features is the 360-degree ocean tunnel that lets you walk 20 feet alongside sharks, sea turtles, and some beautiful undersea life. Even better, the aquarium is open late each night to give you more time to explore without the family crowds.
3 – Explore the Sweet Offerings at the Sugar Factory
There’s a reason this brasserie is so well-loved by celebrities from Jennifer Lopez, Rupert Grint, James Charles, to even Lil Wayne. Made famous for their ‘Couture Lollipops”, Sugar Factory at ICON Park is a café, candy shop, and tourist attraction you’d be remiss not to visit. They have an extensive menu of snacks, sandwiches, and burgers, begging to be paired with some of the most amazing milkshakes you’ve ever seen.
Their extensive bar menu blends sweets with spirits in delicious, often surprising combinations. These “Goblets” are considered the highlight of a visit on date night. The best part? They’re open to 1 AM on weekends, giving you the chance to have a sexy sweet treat long after bedtime.
4 – Enjoy Live Music While You Dine at Tin Roof
Blending better-than-bar food with live music every night of the week, this restaurant is consistently rated one of the best in the area. Tin Roof is a great dining spot for music lovers. With weekly drink specials, delicious wings, and if you’d rather try an outside dining experience, their patio offers a view of Icon Park and The Wheel.
5 – Get Down at the Hookah Bar at iLounge Istanbul
If you’re looking for an unusual way to spend an evening – and share a few drinks after dinner – you may find the appeal in iLounge Istanbul. While there are plenty of chain bars and cookie-cutter clubs, this one stands out for the originality of concept and execution success.
It’s a full-service bar, a hookah lounge, and a live DJ dance venue. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and great food, iLounge Istanbul is the clear winner for after-dinner excitement. Their cocktails are amazing, and the atmosphere is perfect for letting loose at the end of the night.
6 – Snag a Photo with a “Celebrity” at Madame Tussauds
Madame Tussauds is an internationally known celebrity attraction at ICON Park that puts you up close and personal with some truly uncanny wax figures of your favorite stars. The wax museum is an excellent way to spend an evening, especially since it gets you out of the Florida heat! Half the fun comes from the photo ops, letting you join your favorite actors in their most iconic roles, often with props on hand that bring you right into the scene. They even have a Justice League exhibit, allowing you to strike your best heroic pose with Batman, Wonder Woman, and even Aquaman!
7 – Unleash Your Inner Child at Arcade City
This all-ages indoor arcade is perfect for anyone young or young at heart. It has some fantastic games, the chance to win some exciting prizes, and a fun atmosphere that will make you feel like a kid again. You can grab one of the pre-loaded play cards and enjoy a few hours of old-school games before dinner.
8 – People Watch on the Central Green
If you are more interested in a leisurely walk around ICON Park, you can easily spend hours wandering through the unique selection of shops and cafes. There is no end to things to see during your visit.
However, you can always grab takeout from one of the nearby restaurants and find a spot on the central green, a large courtyard in the park’s center. From there, you can relax, enjoy some sun (or shade) and do a little bit of people-watching while you spend time with your special someone.
However you’d like to spend your evening out, ICON Park has the variety and flavor to make your experience memorable! What are your favorite evening hotspots for an adults-only evening?
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Photo: Jared via Flickr
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