By Kate Cohen
July 10, 2025
The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) hosts some of the country’s largest gatherings, expos, conferences, and events every year.
In addition to its beautiful facilities, the OCCC also happens to be in one of the best cities for world-class entertainment: Orlando.
If you’re traveling to The City Beautiful for an event at the OCCC, you’ll find yourself amid some of Orlando’s best attractions, restaurants, and nightlife.
Even if you’re traveling without a car, there’s still plenty to eat, see, and do near the OCCC within walking distance.
The OCCC is located on International Drive, or I-Drive — a bustling metropolis for tourism and hospitality.
As long-time residents of the I-Drive/Convention District, we’ve put together a guide to the best restaurants, attractions, and live entertainment for you to enjoy without going far from the convention center.
Here are our favorite things to eat, see, and do near the OCCC.
Key Takeaways
- Where to Eat Near the OCCC
- What to Do Near the OCCC
- What to See Near the OCCC
- Stay at Rosen Centre for a Comfortable and Convenient Visit
Where to Eat Near the OCCC
I-Drive is home to a huge variety of restaurants that can satisfy any appetite.
If you’re looking for familiar favorites, you’ll find everything from dine-in restaurants like Olive Garden and The Cheesecake Factory to your fast-food comfort go-to’s.
If you look a little closer, however, you’ll find a variety of fabulous restaurants unique to the area surrounding the OCCC.
Here are a few of the best spots within walking distance of the OCCC where you can enjoy a memorable meal.
Everglades
Everglades Restaurant is an American steakhouse paying homage to Florida’s unique and eccentric wildlife.
Located in the lobby of Rosen Centre, this is one of the most accessible restaurants from the OCCC. Just follow the Skywalk, a short pedestrian bridge connecting the hotel to the convention center.
At your table, you’ll be surrounded by larger-than-life sculptures of native Floridian flora and fauna, including manatees, alligators, and roseate spoonbills.
The menu features a variety of fresh salads, prime steaks, and other premium dishes including Florida favorites like Alligator Bay Chowder and key lime pie.
Harry’s Poolside Bar & Grill
Across the lobby from Everglades Restaurant is Harry’s Poolside Bar & Grill, an island-inspired eatery with a relaxed vibe and a stellar menu.
With indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the expansive Rosen Centre pool, guests can kick back and enjoy fresh cocktails and innovative dishes.
Enjoy appetizers like Island Coconut Shrimp and Cayman Island Calamari before moving onto flavorful sandwiches, juicy burgers, and of course, indulgent desserts.
Taverna Opa
Taverna Opa is a vibrant Greek restaurant that will have you dancing in your seat – or maybe on top of your table.
With a menu full of authentic Greek fare that will transport you to the Mediterranean, Taverna Opa is as much about entertainment as it is eating.
The restaurant is in Pointe Orlando, an open-air entertainment destination with restaurants, nightclubs, a movie theatre, and family-friendly entertainment. It’s about a ten-minute walk from the OCCC.
Café Tu Tu Tango
Also located in Pointe Orlando is Café Tu Tu Tango, an artsy and eclectic restaurant celebrating the fusion of art and cuisine.
Their menu features a variety of flavorful small plates and shareables perfect for crafting a meal the entire table will love.
Pair your meal with a fun art-inspired cocktail like the Dali Parton, Banksy Smash, or Lichtenstein Lemonade.
If you’re looking for a great weekend spot for Bottomless Brunch (with bottomless Bloody Marys and mimosas), be sure to check out Café Tu Tu Tango.
Helena Modern Riviera
Another popular outdoor entertainment complex near the OCCC (about a 20-minute walk) is ICON Park, where you’ll find Helena Modern Riviera.
This stylish restaurant has a menu inspired by the airy, coastal restaurants found throughout the Mediterranean.
Enjoy dishes like Sicilian Arancini, escargot, Moroccan lamb shanks, cast iron mussels, and lobster and seafood linguine, all made with fresh ingredients.
Dining with a group? Try their family-style menu for a feast fit for a world traveler.
What to Do Near the OCCC
Perhaps you find yourself with some free time between conference sessions, or you’ve added a day or two to your trip to explore the area on your own.
Luckily for you, there’s plenty of exciting entertainment close to the OCCC, making it easy to take on your next adventure.
Here are some of our favorite attractions, activities, and things to do near the OCCC.
Orlando EYE
The Orlando EYE is one of the standouts of the Orlando skyline. This towering observation wheel in ICON Park offers some of the most exquisite views of Central Florida at any time of day.
Travel to heights over 400 feet in stabilized, air-conditioned capsules that let you safely take in the views from every angle.
See if you can spot Orlando’s world-famous theme park icons from up high. On clear days, you might see the Space Coast over 50 miles away!
The 20-minute ride is a wonderful way to enjoy the beauty of Orlando. Time your trip at sunset when the sky comes alive with color or after dark when theme parks have nightly fireworks shows in the distance.
Indoor Skydiving
Looking for a quick thrill in your spare time?
iFLY on I-Drive offers a unique indoor skydiving experience with state-of-the-art wind tunnels and skilled instructors.
The equipment is engineered for stability, meaning you’ll get to experience the adrenaline rush of skydiving without the sensation of falling.
They’ll provide the signature red jumpsuit – all you have to do is show up ready to take flight (with a little instruction beforehand, of course).
Dave & Busters
Dave & Busters is the perfect place to blow off some steam after a long day.
This exciting destination is jam packed with arcade games and immersive attractions to keep you playing for hours.
Challenge friends and family to some lighthearted competition while you enjoy refreshing beer and craveable cocktails.
Burgers, flatbreads, wings, protein bowls, and other upscale sports bar food await you when you work up an appetite.
Topgolf
Show off your swing at Topgolf Orlando in one of their outdoor hitting bays.
Equipped with cooling fans in the heat and heaters for when temperatures drop, you can challenge friends, family, and colleagues to a high-tech golf game any time of year.
Each bay includes HDTVs so you can tune into your team’s big game, and food and beverage delivery from the kitchen and bar straight to your table.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a novice or a pro, everyone can enjoy golfing at Topgolf Orlando.
Main Event
Not quite sure what you’re in the mood to do? Main Event has it all.
Arcade games? Check. Bowling? Check. Billiards? Check. Virtual reality? Check. Laser tag? Check.
And we can keep going.
It’s also your one-stop shop for delicious food and drinks that will keep you coming back for more.
What to See Near the OCCC
There’s a reason I-Drive is known as Orlando’s entertainment district.
In addition to theme parks, attractions, and restaurants, it’s also a go-to for great live entertainment.
If you have time to catch a show, check out these venues close to the OCCC.
Live Music at Tin Roof Orlando
Tin Roof Orlando is an ICON Park hotspot and a go-to for musicians and music lovers alike.
This bar serving “better than bar food” has two unique spaces each featuring their own bar, stage, patio, and more.
You’ll find live music playing every night, as well as special trivia nights and music events depending on the day. Check their calendar to see what you might find onstage while you’re in town.
Dueling Pianos at Howl at the Moon
Howl at the Moon is a dueling pianos bar with electrifying live entertainment every night.
Incredible musicians will be rocking out covers of your favorite dance hits and party anthems for an evening that will have you on the dance floor.
Howl at the Moon is also known for their drink menu, including fanciful cocktails, flavorful mocktails, and their legendary shareable buckets.
Sleuth’s Mystery Dinner Shows
A dinner show is always an entertaining way to spend an evening in Orlando.
Sleuth’s Mystery Dinner Shows has been an Orlando mainstay for over three decades.
Every night of the week the theatre presents a different show where the audience has to help solve a mystery while enjoying a multi-course meal.
Will you figure out who dunnit? Audience members who successfully solve the crime go home with fun awards and prizes.
Funny Bone Comedy Club
If standup comedy is your vibe, head to Funny Bone Comedy Club in Pointe Orlando for a night of laughs.
Here, you’ll find premier comedians from all over the world presenting hysterical sets as you enjoy food and drinks.
Check out their extensive schedule to see who’s taking the stage during your trip to Orlando.
Stay at Rosen Centre for a Comfortable and Convenient Visit
If you’re traveling for an event at the Orange County Convention Center soon, there’s no better place to stay than Rosen Centre.
Our Skywalk connects our beautiful hotel directly to the OCCC, meaning you’re only a short walk away from the excitement of your convention, conference, or expo.
As a guest at Rosen Centre, you’re invited to enjoy amenities like our beautiful, seasonally heated swimming pool and complimentary shuttle transportation to Orlando’s theme parks.
Plus, you’re never far from the best of everything I-Drive has to offer.
Book with us today and see for yourself how we can make your Orlando stay as comfortable and convenient as possible.
