Here’s How to Staycation in Lake Nona
Lake Nona’s options for accommodations, entertainment, restaurants and relaxation help you disconnect, recharge and return to work, school and family reenergized. Here are the best places to stay and things to do on a Lake Nona staycation so awesome, you’ll wonder why you ever wanted to go anywhere else.
Have A Blast
No matter who you’re staycationing with, there’s something to please everyone.
Families should beeline for Nona Adventure Park, which combines inflatable slides and obstacles with a cable park, and 60-foot climbing tower, ropes course and rock wall. Ready to try something new? Book a wakeboarding, kneeboarding or waterskiing lesson at Nona Wake. Take a break from the excitement at Splashes Bistro, and refuel with pizza, sandwiches, wraps, burgers and more.
Just about every sport is represented with pro-style venues in Lake Nona, and all of them are open to the public. Soccer lovers can head to XL Soccer World for a pick-up game of footy with friends. Head to the USTA National Campus for their open tennis time — rackets and balls are provided, even for the little ones. Golfers can hit some down the fairway at Drive Shack, right off Lake Nona Blvd.
If you’re looking to try a new fitness experience while you’re on staycation, try out one of the boutique fitness options near the Pixon community, including Rukus Cycling Studio, Club Pilates or Neighborhood Barre Lake Nona, each of which offer drop-in rates for first-timers. Laureate Park residents can swim a few laps or relax at the Laureate Park Aquatic Center, and all Lake Nona residents can also check out the new Lake Nona Performance Club (opening July 2021), with a vast array of activities and fitness options for mind, body and spirit.
Forget pricy museums, Lake Nona’s public art is free for all, and each installation is within a short drive or walk of each other. Take a stunning selfie at the Global Wings Project mural in the courtyard of Lake Nona Town Center, or visit Lake Nona’s four-legged best friend, DISCO, just steps away at the entrance to Lake Nona Town Center’s southeast entrance. A full list of public art can be found here.
Relax and Recharge
Whether taking a breather from all the fun in the middle of the day or relaxing with a drink at sunset, you’ll want to grab bites and sips at one of Lake Nona’s best restaurants.
Don’t miss the woodfired pizza and craft brews at Park Pizza & Brewing Co., gourmet small plates and shareables at Chroma Modern Kitchen + Bar and Turkish delights at Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine. Sit on the patio and enjoy the weather while the kids expend whatever energy they have left in the Lake Nona Town Center courtyard.
Chroma Modern Bar + Kitchen
Boxi Park, Central Florida’s first culinary and entertainment venue made entirely from repurposed shipping containers, is a must for an evening of staycation bliss. Visit one of the food-focused containers for a dish or two, then choose a beverage to go with. Settle at one of the picnic tables or in one of the lounge chairs and enjoy the musical stylings of the band or DJ on the stage and let the kids dance along.
Canvas Restaurant should be your sunset-watching headquarters at least one night of your Lake Nona staycation. The patio is one of the most sought-after evening spots in town, and with a cocktail and a few appetizers in-hand, it can’t be beat. Toast to discovering your neighborhood anew. Even if you’re at home in Lake Nona, it’s still the perfect getaway.
Whether you want to watch the game, meet up with some girlfriends for cocktails or reconnect on a special date night, Nona Blue Modern Tavern features delicious dishes and more than 16 craft beers on tap. The craveable Blue Cheese Kettle Chips are fresh-fried and topped with creamy blue cheese bechamel sauce, chopped bacon, balsamic glaze and chopped green onions.
Want to get swept away? Book a massage or facial at Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa for the ultimate escape. You’ll forget you’re not in Cabo when you’re in the good hands of one of their licensed massage therapists or aestheticians. It’s a perfect way to spend a few hours with your sweetheart or BFF.
Rest Your Head
Staycationers currently have multiple options for accommodations within Lake Nona: Courtyard by Marriott, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, the Residence Inn by Marriott and SpringHill Suites by Marriott. These three hotels all offer various amenities, including gyms, outdoor pools (a must for the kiddos), free breakfast and more.
The Courtyard and Residence Inn are both located in the heart of Lake Nona at Lake Nona Town Center, close to restaurants, shopping, and Boxi Park, Lake Nona’s entertainment and culinary hub. The SpringHill Suites is just down the road, located at Lake Nona Creekside.
Very soon, the Lake Nona Wave Hotel will open its doors. The Wave Hotel will feature 239 guestrooms and suites all designed with wellness in mind, as well as a rooftop pool and patio area and destination lounge space. The WAVE Hotel is anticipated to open later in 2021.
