3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Golf, gators and good beer — Here's an Orlando itinerary for the guys
We all know that Orlando, Florida, caters to kids and families. But that's just the theme parks. Orlando is also a becoming a hub for guys' getaways and bachelor parties. From riding muddy ATVs and driving cool amphibious vehicles that patrol both land and water, to pursuits including epic golf, boating and classic cars, see why Orlando is the guys' trip you didn't see coming.
When the rough-and-tumble boys don't mind getting dirty, escape the city noise of Orlando and head to Revolution Adventures Florida, a massive outdoor facility located in the nearby countryside of Clermont. The 230 acres serve as a playground for those in search of thrills or chills. Slip on a helmet and hop on an ATV to power through wooded trails and different terrain with a guide, hitting mud pits as fast as you can. (You must be at least 16 years old to ride the ATVs.)
Even cooler — rent the Mucky Duck, an amphibious 8-wheel vehicle that lets drivers transition from land to water. For something more peaceful, there's bass fishing and boating on their private lake, and other activities like axe throwing and clay shooting.
While Orlando may be landlocked, there's still the chance to get out on the water. Dapper dudes can hop aboard a private 25-foot MacGregor sailboat from Sailing Orlando to cruise around Lake Fairview. They offer sailing lessons or scenic tours during the day and at sunset, perfect for small groups like bachelor parties or guys' trips.
If that seems too calm for your group trip, book an airboat experience with Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures in Kissimmee, where you'll zip through the river of grass at speeds up to 50 mph. This is an opportunity to experience the wild beauty of Florida, possibly spotting gators and other wildlife, or an incredible sunset on the lake. If you need more big-energy adventure, there's even a night tour, which ups the chances of seeing nocturnal hunters like gators.
While Miami may be the best spot to catch a constant parade of swanky, fast cars, automobile enthusiasts and history buffs will be blown away by the Orlando Auto Museum.
Located in Dezerland Park on busy International Drive, the museum plays host to a car collection worth more than $200 millon. Walk through 20 themed rooms that house more than 2,000 vehicles, ranging from cars used in famous shows like 'The Dukes of Hazzard,' to the Batmobile and Bat Boat that starred in the iconic Batman movies. There are also 1920s classic cars and military vehicles. When you're done dreaming, Dezerland Park is also home to the largest pinball arcade in Florida, glow-in-the-dark mini golf and indoor karting.
If you're the type of dude who wants to look good for a boys' night out or simply enjoys being pampered, Men's Luxury Spa in Orlando offers everything from four-handed massages (where two therapists work together to knock out knots), to facials, haircuts and other grooming services. There's also the chance for IV drips — if your group has partied too hard — and access to wellness hacks like a cold plunge and infrared sauna.
Another idea for a bachelor party: Book a soak in a private spa room at Orlando's Beer Spa, where you can quaff local beers on tap while getting baby-soft skin.
Speaking of beer drinking — there is no shortage of craft breweries in Orlando. Beer aficionados could build an entire vacation around the city's breweries. Start your beer crawl at local favorites like Ivanhoe Park Brewing, Ten10 Brewing Company and Motorworks Brewing. Also, worth noting for the sports fanatics: Tom's Watch Bar is Orlando's biggest sports bar, with more than 50 beers and 125 TV screens for those who don't want to miss a game.
If the group chat is shouting for a golf trip, you'll find a bevy of top courses in Orlando. At The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club Orlando, Grande Lakes, you'll find challenging greens and a peaceful natural setting on the 18-hole course by legendary golf course designer Greg Norman.
Another stunning option is Grand Cypress Golf at Evermore Orlando Resort, where your group can choose from two playing experiences with 36 holes of golf. Both The Ritz-Carlton and the new Evermore Orlando Resort (which has a lagoon pool that looks like you're in the Caribbean) are also great hotel options for a luxury guys' trip.
