What to eat in Orlando in March: 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.
March brings warming temperatures and the start of spring break crowds. Parks are lively, with special events and longer hours. Flower blooms and festivals brighten the city, but lines can be long—arrive early and plan for busy days.
Pro tips for visiting Orlando in March
Spring break crowds peak from the second week—arrive at parks before opening for shorter waits.
Daylight Saving Time begins mid-month, shifting sunset later and extending evening activities.
Book hotels and park tickets by December/January for March travel.
Take midday breaks to avoid peak crowds and enjoy evening shows.
Popular events like Winter Park Art Festival and MEGACON draw additional visitors.
Orlando in March at a glance
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Weather
Maximum temperature: 28°C
Minimum temperature: 15°C
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Daylight
Around 12 hours of daylight
Sunrise: 7:30am
Sunset: 7:30pm
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Key events
Universal Orlando Mardi Gras, Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival, Black History Month Celebrations, Florida Strawberry Festival (Plant City)
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Crowds
Tourist-heavy, with long queues at attractions, crowded streets, and seasonal events adding to the buzz.
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What to pack
Shorts, t-shirts, light sweater, rain jacket, sunscreen, hat.
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Seasonal treats
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival bites, strawberry shortcake, food truck sliders at Tasty Takeover
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.
Central Park in Winter Park becomes a large juried art fair, with works from about 200 artists and over 300,000 visitors. It appeals to collectors, casual browsers, and families. Parking near Park Avenue is challenging; SunRail and remote lots help. Expect busiest crowds from late morning to mid-afternoon and consider early or later visits if you prefer more space.
This spring festival features elaborate topiaries of Disney characters, themed gardens, outdoor kitchens, and weekend concerts. Weather is usually warm but not yet peak-summer humid, especially in March and April. Weekends draw local visitors, so plan EPCOT weekdays if possible. Concert seating is first-come; arrive early for popular bands.
IndiaFest takes over Lake Eola Park with Bollywood and classical dance, live music, fashion shows, and a wide range of regional Indian food stalls. A Holi-inspired color throw often happens in late afternoon. The event suits families and groups; white clothing is recommended if you join the color activities. Parking downtown fills quickly, so consider arriving by rideshare.
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.
This PGA Tour stop at Bay Hill Club & Lodge brings elite golfers and spectators to Orlando. Fans line fairways and hospitality areas, especially around the closing holes. Traffic near Bay Hill and nearby hotels increases during tournament days. Spectators should plan for full days outdoors with limited shade and consider shuttle options where available.
Hosted at the Central Florida Fairgrounds, this day-long festival highlights Caribbean music and food with multiple stages and vendors. It suits adults and older teens who enjoy reggae, soca, and dancehall. Lines grow later in the afternoon as headline acts approach. On-site parking is available, but traffic can be heavy at peak arrival and departure times.
This multi-day showcase uses the Dr. Phillips Center to present orchestral concerts, theater, dance, and visual art from University of Central Florida students and faculty. Many events are free or low cost. It is ideal for culture-minded visitors staying downtown. Schedules vary, so checking specific performance times and booking required tickets in advance is important.
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