Nerd? Geek? Whatever you call yourself I promise there’s something here for you
Orlando is the perfect city to geek out in. If you’re a fan of Disney, Star Wars, Harry Potter, or Marvel, you already know that Orlando theme parks are must-visit destinations. But you might not know how many nerdy things there are to do outside of the theme parks. The city is a hotbed of geek culture and arcade bars. According to a study by WalletHub, Orlando is the number two city for gamers in the country based on gaming environment. So welcome all gamers! But, if gamer is not the kind of nerd you consider yourself, worry not! There’s tons of nerd activities in Orlando for every kind of geek. Do you love history? Would you rather spend your days curled up with a good book? Have an amazing collection you want to expand on? We’ve got you covered!
Shopping
Echo Base Collectables – Are you nostalgic for toys and collectables from the past? This is THE location for vintage toys including a huge selection of Star Wars toys and collections from many other beloved franchises.
BAMF Comics and Collectables – Find the comic for every fan here. BAMF carries everything from the most well-known to the most underground comics out there.
Gods & Monsters – This is one of Orlando’s great gathering places for nerds. Here you can buy comic books and other fandom items, join in on some social gaming, or check out one of their many monthly events.
ACME Superstore – One of the largest comic shops not just in Orlando, but anywhere. Find all kinds of comics including very rare and valuable ones as well as shelves of toys and other memorabilia.
Boom-Art by Rogers Studio – You won’t find any other place like this, a store created by two former Ringling Bros clowns that sells nostalgic one-of-a-kind art and furniture. Check it out for a unique nerdy experience.
Sci Fi City – If board games, RPGs, or card games are your favorite geeky things, this is the place you don’t want to miss. It comes stocked with everything you could want in those categories.
Cool Stuff Games – This is the best place to meet like minded geeks who love tabletop games like you. They have daily and weekly events to bring people together and inspire some healthy competition.
Orlando Coin Exchange – If you want to expand your coin collection in Orlando, this is the place to do it. They are an honest business that strives to give you the best prices. Call for an appointment if you’re looking to sell.
Big League Cards – Voted the best card shop in the nation two years running! Here you’ll find both sports and entertainment cards available new or vintage.
The Collective: A Comic & Game Community – This comic shop aims to create a community around nerd culture where like minded people can come together. Come to find comics, books, collectables, and more.
Writer’s Block Bookstore – Bookworms rejoice for Orlando’s cutest independent book store. It’s located right off of Park Ave in Winter Park, so you can add it into a full day of shopping!
Dining and Drinking
Naroodle Noodle Shop – Quick service Japanese restaurant themed after the anime Naruto. Watch the show while you eat delicious food.
The Geek Easy – They describe themselves as being like a sports bar but with geeky things instead of sports. Come to drink and eat with people just like you. Check out their facebook for specific events happening daily.
Cloak and Blaster – “Where everyone knows your game!” Come for all kinds of tabletop games and amazing nerdy food and theming based on your favorite franchises.
Player 1 – gamer bar where you can enjoy craft beer while playing video games with friends old and new. You can rent from their large collection of games for many different consoles, or you can play on their classic arcade games for free after you pay a cover charge.
Joysticks Arcade Lounge and Retro Bar – What set Joysticks apart from other arcade bars is the atmosphere. Hang out on the interesting nerdy furniture or enjoy some of their fun arcade games while you drink specialty themed cocktails and shots.
Hourglass Brewing – If you like beer and you’re also a nerd, this is the place for you. They have tons of nerdy beers as well as tabletop and console games that you can enjoy in their geek-friendly space.
Soupa Saiyan – Noodle restaurant themed after Dragon Ball Z. Come for the delicious food, stay for the cool theming that any fan is sure to love.
Educational
Orlando Science Center – Learn about science in a hands-way with exhibits such as DinoDigs and The Flight Lab. Come back again and again for tons of great events and new exhibits opening all the time.
Nerd Nite Orlando – “Be there and be square”. Nerd Nite is a monthly event on the second Thursday of the month that allows all kinds of nerds to come together to learn something new. Each month features a different speaker talking briefly about their area of expertise while the audience asks questions and drinks beer.
Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust Planetarium at Seminole State College – Explore space when you attend one of the Planetarium’s one-of-a-kind presentations. This is a must of any lover of astronomy.
SKELETONS: Museum of Osteology – If you like to see how things work from the inside out, you can’t miss this unique museum. Come here to find 500 skeletons from animals from all over the world.
The Dorothy Lumley Melrose Center – You can learn how to do just about anything at the Melrose Center. Use their audio, video, and production studios; check out the simulation lab to drive something new; or take classes to learn how to use all the professional grade equipment.
Jack Kerouac House – The home Jack Kerouac lived in while his most famous novel, On The Road, was published is located in the College Park district of Orlando. The house is not available to tour, but there’s a plaque outside to tell you all about the history of the home and its famous owner.
Orange County Regional History Center – If you’re fascinated by the history of places, this is one of the best museums to visit. It has a comprehensive view of the history of Florida that’s sure to teach you something new.
Winter Park History Museum – A smaller museum than the Orlando one, but still worth checking out if you love history.
Wells’ Built Museum – Learn about Central Florida’s African-American history in a building that was once one of the regions first black hotels.
Entertainment
Medieval Times – It might seem a little cliche, but Medieval times is a great way to experience history in a hands-on way, especially if you have kids with you.
Enzian Theater – A theater that views and explores film as an art form. They show independent and classic films that you are not likely to see anywhere else. Grab a bite to eat and a drink at their Eden Bar and enjoy conversation with like-minded film buffs.
Arcade Monsters – this arcade has a little bit of something for everyone. Play vintage arcade games while you have food and drinks or participate in a tournament.
Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows – If you’ve always wanted to be a part of a mystery party, this is the ultimate place to do it. Here you will become a part of the story while you solve the crime with your team.
Titanic Experience – You can be a part of history at the Titanic Experience. Here you will see tons of artifacts from the actual ship and you will get to become one actual passenger of the Titanic to see if you survive until the end.
