You're standing on Memory Mall, the sun is absolutely nuking the pavement, and you realize you've spent the last four hours staring at a Canvas dashboard. It happens to the best of us. Whether you're a freshman trying to figure out if there's life beyond the Student Union or a local who just ended up living near Alafaya Trail, finding legitimate things to do around UCF can feel like a chore if you don't know where to look. Most people just default to the same three fast-food spots or hit the gym. That's fine, I guess. But if you actually want to enjoy the 407 without driving forty minutes to the tourist traps on I-Drive, you've got options.
Honestly, the area around the University of Central Florida is a weird mix of suburban sprawl, high-tech research parks, and surprisingly quiet nature preserves. You just have to navigate the traffic first.
The natural side of East Orlando
People forget that before it was a massive research university, this part of Orlando was basically just scrubland and swamps. You can still find pockets of that. Take the Arboretum. It’s right on campus, but most students walk past it without a second thought. It’s over 80 acres. You can actually volunteer there to get your hands dirty, or just hike the trails when you need to decompress after a brutal organic chemistry exam.
If you're willing to drive maybe ten minutes north, you hit Little Big Econ State Forest. This isn't your curated city park. It’s rugged. The Kolokee Trail specifically follows the Econlockhatchee River, and if you’re quiet enough, you’ll see gators that look like they survived the Cretaceous period. It’s one of the best things to do around UCF if you need to remember what silence sounds like. Bring bug spray. Seriously. The mosquitoes in the Florida backcountry don't play around, and they will see a college student as a walking buffet.
Then there’s Blanchard Park. It’s a staple for a reason. The paved trail runs for miles along the Little Econ River. You’ll see everyone there—serious cyclists in spandex, families feeding turtles, and students trying to longboard without hitting a rogue pebble. It’s a great spot for a cheap date or a solo run. It connects back toward the Dean Road area, making it a massive green artery in an otherwise concrete-heavy part of town.
Where the locals actually eat and hang out
Forget the chains for a second. If you want the real East Orlando experience, you have to go where the alumni still hang out. Lazy Moon Pizza is the obvious answer, but it's a cliché because it works. A slice is bigger than a human head. It’s cheap. It’s loud. It’s basically the unofficial cafeteria for anyone living in Northgate or Science Drive.
But if you want something that feels a bit less like a dorm room, head over to Sus Hi Eatstation. It started right here and has blown up, but the original vibe near campus is still the best. It’s fast-casual sushi that actually tastes good.
- Public House: If you're of age, this is the spot. It’s tucked away in a strip mall (as is tradition in Orlando) and has one of the best craft beer rotations in the city. No sticky floors, no Top 40 blasting—just a solid place to talk.
- The Cloak & Blaster: This is the gaming pub. It’s nerdy in the best way possible. They have a massive library of board games and a menu themed around fantasy and sci-fi. It’s one of those things to do around UCF that feels specific to the culture of the school.
- Vespr Coffeebar: For the coffee snobs. It’s moody, the lighting is low, and the espresso is legit. It’s a better vibe for writing a paper than the Starbucks in the library where you’re constantly distracted by someone shouting about a lost hydroflask.
The "I need to do something active" list
Sometimes you just need to move. If the RWC is too crowded—which it usually is around 5:00 PM—you have to get creative. Astro Skate on Goldenrod is a throwback. It feels like 1994 in there in the most nostalgic way. It’s cheap, it’s chaotic, and it’s a great way to burn off some stress.
If you’re into climbing, Blue Swan Bouldering isn't too far of a trek toward the downtown/Creative Village area, but many UCF students make the pilgrimage. Bouldering is basically just vertical puzzle solving. It's a workout that doesn't feel like a workout until you can't open your water bottle the next morning because your forearms are spent.
For something a bit more "Florida," you can rent kayaks at the Lake Claire Recreational Area right on campus. It’s free for students. You can paddle around, look at the cypress trees, and pretend you don't have a 1,500-word essay due at midnight. It’s one of those perks people pay for at resorts, but you get it for being a Knight.
The Arcade and Hobby Scene
East Orlando has a weirdly high density of hobby shops and "barcades." Arcade Monsters in Oviedo is just a short hop from the north entrance of campus. You pay one flat fee and everything is on free play. They have everything from vintage Pac-Man cabinets to modern Japanese rhythm games that require the reflexes of a fighter pilot.
If you're into TCGs or tabletop gaming, Cool Stuff Games is a local titan. They host tournaments constantly. Even if you aren't a competitive player, it's a fun place to browse. The community there is generally welcoming, provided you don't mind the smell of cardboard and intense concentration.
Beyond the "UCF Bubble"
At some point, you have to leave the 32816 zip code. Park Avenue in Winter Park is only about 20 minutes away, but it feels like a different planet. It’s fancy. It’s expensive. But walking through Central Park or hitting the Morse Museum (which houses the world’s most comprehensive collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany glass) is a great change of pace.
If you want something weirder, check out Cassadaga. It’s about 40 minutes north. It’s the psychic capital of the world. Even if you don't believe in mediums or spirits, the town itself is fascinating and slightly eerie. It’s a perfect Saturday road trip when you’re bored of the suburban sprawl.
🔗 Read more: Why Silver Spring House Restaurant Cincinnati Still Owns the Chicken Game After Decades
Then there’s the Enzian Theater in Maitland. It’s an independent cinema where you can eat a full meal while watching an indie flick or a cult classic. It’s surrounded by old oaks and has an outdoor bar called the Eden Bar that is arguably the prettiest spot in Central Florida for a drink.
Why the UCF area is actually underrated
People love to hate on East Orlando. They say it’s just traffic and strip malls. And yeah, Alafaya is a nightmare during rush hour. But the variety of things to do around UCF is actually pretty staggering once you stop looking at the major intersections. You have access to some of the best Vietnamese food in the state (hit up Pho 88 or anything in the nearby Mills 50 district if you're willing to drive 15 minutes), world-class research facilities, and hidden nature trails.
The trick is to stop thinking of it as just a place where you go to school or work. It’s a legitimate ecosystem. You can spend a morning kayaking with gators, an afternoon playing obscure Japanese arcade games, and an evening at a craft brewery that feels like a neighborhood secret.
👉 See also: Why Marta Restaurant New York is Still the King of Thin Crust Pizza
Practical Next Steps for Exploring
If you're feeling stuck, don't try to do everything at once. Pick one "vibe" and go from there.
- If you're broke: Hit the UCF Arboretum or Lake Claire. It’s free, outdoorsy, and requires zero planning.
- If you have $20: Go to Arcade Monsters. The flat fee covers you for hours, and it’s the best bang-for-your-buck entertainment in the area.
- If you want to feel like an adult: Drive to Winter Park and walk the trails at Mead Botanical Garden, then grab a coffee on Park Ave.
- If you're hungry but picky: Go to the District Eat and Play in the Oviedo Mall. It’s a weird location, but they have escape rooms, axe throwing, and decent food all in one spot.
The reality is that "around UCF" is a massive area. Don't let the traffic keep you trapped in your apartment. There’s a lot more to this corner of Orlando than just textbooks and football games. Go find it.