What to eat in Orlando in February: Seasonal delicacies
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PubSub chicken tender sub
This local favorite is a made-to-order sandwich from Publix supermarkets, layering hot fried chicken tenders, pickles, and sauces in a soft sub roll. It reflects everyday Florida eating rather than restaurant dining and is widely loved by Orlando residents. It is inexpensive, portable, and works well for park picnics. Order it fresh at the deli counter and customize toppings to taste.
The medianoche is a Cuban sandwich on slightly sweet bread, filled with roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, then pressed warm. In Orlando it reflects the city’s Cuban community. Black Bean Deli is noted in local guides as a top spot, serving affordable plates and sandwiches in a casual counter-service setting that works for quick lunches between attractions.
Rock shrimp, landed off Cape Canaveral, resemble tiny lobsters with firm, sweet meat. Dixie Crossroads in Titusville, about an hour from Orlando, is a long-established place to try them broiled with butter or fried. Portions are generous and pricing mid-range. It is a practical dinner stop if you pair a Kennedy Space Center visit with local seafood on the return journey.
Central Florida is known for citrus, and simple options like fresh orange juice or orange-flavored soft-serve highlight that. Orange World in Kissimmee, housed in a giant orange-shaped building, sells soft-serve cones, bottled juices, and even orange wines. It is an easy stop on US‑192 if you are staying near Disney and want quick refreshments plus a kitschy souvenir shop visit.
During late winter, Plant City’s Florida Strawberry Festival serves classic strawberry shortcake: fresh berries over cake with whipped cream, assembled to order. It is a seasonal dessert closely linked to the region’s harvest. Stands at the fairground offer variations, so you can choose cake style and toppings. It makes a practical dessert break during a day of rides and concerts.
Stone crab claws are a Florida specialty harvested roughly October to May. In Orlando, seafood restaurants such as Big Fin Seafood Kitchen on Restaurant Row serve chilled claws with mustard sauce when in season. Market pricing reflects limited supply, so they are a splurge, but one order can be shared. They suit seafood eaters seeking a local dish during autumn or winter visits.
Ethos Vegan Kitchen in Winter Park offers plant-based takes on American comfort dishes such as pot pies and burgers. It caters to vegans and vegetarians who want full meals rather than salads and is useful for mixed groups since portions are substantial but moderately priced. It is a practical lunch or dinner stop before or after exploring Park Avenue and nearby museums.
February offers some of Orlando’s most comfortable weather—pleasantly warm days and cool nights. Outdoor attractions are at their best, and food festivals and Mardi Gras celebrations add color. Crowds are moderate, except around Presidents’ Day and special events.
Pro tips for visiting Orlando in February
Early February is quiet, but Presidents’ Day and Mardi Gras weekends bring crowd surges—book ahead.
Ideal time for outdoor attractions—zoos, kayaking, and gardens are at their best.
Reserve Valentine’s Day dinners early, as restaurants fill quickly.
Check event calendars for Daytona 500 and other festivals that may impact hotel availability.
Pack a light jacket for cool evenings and early mornings.
Orlando in February at a glance
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Weather
Maximum temperature: 24°C
Minimum temperature: 12°C
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Daylight
Around 11 hours 20 minutes of daylight
Sunrise: 7am
Sunset: 6:20pm
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Key events
EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, ZORA! Festival (Outdoor Festival of the Arts), Black History Month Celebrations, Florida Strawberry Festival (Plant City)
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Crowds
Fewer tourists, shorter queues at attractions, and a quieter overall vibe, as locals may be on holiday.
This winter festival turns EPCOT into a multi-sensory gallery, with Disney Broadway concerts, food studios plating art-inspired bites, and interactive murals. It suits families and art lovers who prefer mild weather and lower humidity. Expect moderate park crowds on weekends and book dining and park reservations early in January and over Presidents’ Day.
ZORA! honors author Zora Neale Hurston in historic Eatonville with African American art vendors, performances, and regional food. It is ideal for visitors interested in Black history and culture. Crowds gather mainly during daytime and early evening. Parking and local roads can be busy, so arrive early and plan extra time if you are driving from the resort areas.
Universal’s Mardi Gras overlays select evenings with New Orleans–style parades, beads, and concert headliners plus a food festival. It is included with park admission, though weekend concert nights are busiest. Expect higher evening attendance and longer stays in the park. Book nearby hotels early for Saturday dates and consider visiting on a non-concert weekday for lighter crowds.
Downtown Orlando Dragon Parade & Lunar New Year Festival
Held in the Mills 50 District, this Lunar New Year celebration features dragon and lion dances, martial arts displays, and an Asian street food and craft market. It is a good option for families and photographers. Streets close around the route, so parking can be tight. Arrive early for curbside viewing and bring cash for smaller food and souvenir vendors.
Around Lake Eola, more than 30 Orlando restaurants serve small plates alongside domestic and international wines, plus live music. It is popular with adults and older teens rather than young children. Crowds build through late afternoon and evening, and sample costs add up, so budget time and spending. Lines for signature booths and main stage acts are longest around sunset.
Throughout February, museums and community venues host exhibits, talks, concerts, and film screenings exploring African American history in Central Florida. The Wells’Built Museum and public libraries offer special programming. Activities are dispersed across the city, so visitors can select individual events. Schedules vary year to year, so check listings shortly before visiting.
About an hour west of Orlando, Plant City’s Strawberry Festival mixes a traditional fairground with headline concerts and extensive strawberry treats. It is popular with locals who make day trips for shortcake and shows. Expect regional traffic spikes and paid parking near the grounds. Buying concert tickets and checking weekday vs weekend pricing helps plan a visit efficiently.
Late February typically brings Orlando City SC’s first home Major League Soccer match, with pre-game fan zones, tifos, and a loud supporters’ section. It is a good way to experience local sports culture. Downtown streets around Exploria Stadium get busy, and parking lots fill early. Arrive well before kickoff or use the city’s LYMMO shuttles and rideshare drop zones.
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