How and Where to Eat Alone Without Feeling Weird
Places like food halls and markets-- like Tampa’s Armature Works, downtown Miami’s Julia & Henry’s, Fort Lauderdale’s Sistrunk Market, and Orlando’s Plant Street Market-- are perfect for solo travelers. You can grab what you want, sit where you want, and it’s super normal to be on your own.
Try cafes with counter service. You’ll find these throughout Orlando’s theme parks, including Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café in Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park, Universal Studio’s Today Café, and SeaWorld’s Lakeside Grill, as well as all over the state: just do a Google search for your destination.
Sit at the bar (even if you're not drinking). Bartenders are usually chatty, and it’s absolutely normal to dine solo at the bar. Bonus: It’s usually faster service too.
Pick casual or outdoor spots. Florida’s full of chill outdoor cafes, beachside grills, food trucks, and patios. These spots are often filled with all kinds of solo folks just vibing, so you won’t stand out. Think Wynwood in Miami, St. Pete’s Pier, or a taco truck in Tampa.
Bring a “prop” — a book, phone, or journal. There’s no shame in having a little distraction while you eat, and reading or journaling makes solo dining feel intentional, not awkward. Or hey, people-watch — Florida doesn’t disappoint here.
Go during off-hours. Hit restaurants before peak lunch or dinner rush. Less crowded = less pressure, and staff tend to be more relaxed.
Chat up locals or staff (if you're in the mood). Floridians can be super friendly. If you're open to convo, bartenders and servers often love recommending places or chatting a bit. Just a “What do you recommend here?” can start something easy and casual.
Remind yourself no one’s paying that much attention. Most people are more focused on their own meals than watching you eat a burger solo. Seriously.
Solo Safety
Florida’s generally a safe place for solo travelers, but being smart and prepared makes it even better.
Trust your gut — always. If something feels off, it probably is. Whether it's a sketchy street, an overly friendly stranger, or a weird situation — bounce.
Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas. Tourist spots are generally safe, but some areas can change their moods after dark. Stick to well-lit, populated places and use rideshare or taxis if you're unsure.
Keep an eye on your drink. Classic advice, but it really matters. Never leave your drink unattended, and avoid accepting open drinks from strangers.
Share your location with someone you trust. Use features like Find My iPhone or Google Maps location sharing so a friend/family member knows where you’re at, especially if you’re doing outdoor or remote stuff.
Stay aware at the beach. Watch for strong currents, obey flag warnings, and don’t leave valuables unattended. Florida's beaches are beautiful but can be unpredictable.
Be weather-aware. Florida weather turns quick — lightning storms are no joke. Keep an eye on local forecasts and don’t mess with hurricanes or severe weather alerts.
Use legit transportation options. Stick to Uber/Lyft, licensed taxis, or reputable shuttle services. If renting a car, don’t leave anything visible inside — smash-and-grabs can happen in touristy areas.
Keep copies of your ID and travel documents. Snap pics or use cloud storage. Losing your ID or wallet alone can be a pain, so having backups helps.
Avoid flaunting valuables. Leave flashy jewelry, large wads of cash, or designer gear at home or in the hotel safe. Blend in where you can.
Know emergency numbers and local resources. 911 is standard for emergencies, but it’s also good to know where the nearest hospital, urgent care, or police station is — especially if you’re doing outdoor activities.
Solo Travel Groups
If you want to meet people:
Platforms like Meetup.com host a variety of solo travel groups across Florida. These groups organize events ranging from casual meetups to structured trips, allowing you to connect with fellow travelers. Simply search for "solo travel" or "travel buddies" along with your specific Florida city to find local gatherings.
Search Facebook Groups for active, Florida-based solo travel or community groups. Try searching with words like: "Florida Outdoor Adventures"; or "Hiking in Florida for Beginners." It’s an easy way to ask questions, join group outings, or find people in the same area.
Even if you’re not staying there, hostels and backpacker hubs often host group tours, pub crawls, beach days, or social nights you can join. Here’s a list of Florida hostels.
Day tours and group activities are great for meeting people. You’re solo, but tours = instant community for a few hours or a day. The visitors services of your area will have tours listed under “things to do” on their websites. Here’s a list of visitors services and links to them.
Volunteer Opportunities deliver a cool way to meet people, especially locals who care about the same stuff you do. Check out Voluntourism: Making a Difference on Your Florida Vacation for resources.
Wander and Shine
So go ahead — book the flight, pack your flip-flops, and let Florida show you that solo doesn’t mean alone. It means free.
For more about vacationing solo in Florida, check out Solo Travel to Florida – Women Lead the Way.
