While it’s true that beautiful aesthetics are not directly linked to good experiences, that doesn’t stop people from flocking to all the cool spots they see on Tiktok.
I’ve been asked quite a few times specifically for places with “great aesthetics” around Orlando, so here’s a list. Some places deliver on all fronts, and the visual vibes are the cherry on top. But remember, not all neon signs let you bask in the glow of complete bliss.

The Frosty Fox

Over in Baldwin Park, this boba shop skipped the cutesy decor and went straight to sophisticated and modern for the girlies that might want to have a work meeting over boba instead of coffee.

Natural Vibez

This local herb shop in College Park is a dream for all the natural, homeopathic peoples out there, and the space keeps it organized and fun with a selfie spot and images of inspiring people.

The House on Lang

Not only is this local boutique full of cute decor and clothes, but the backyard space is truly one of the best community spaces we have. Regular events with local makers, food trucks, movie nights and markets are held regularly.

The Guesthouse/Sunroom

If you prefer happy hours surrounded by warm wood tones and lots of plants, or maybe with the dusk setting accompanied by the sparkling glow of a vintage airstream, the Guesthouse or their sister bar the Sunroom are pretty spots to bring your friends.

Sugardough Bakehouse

It’s one of Orlando’s most delectable bakeries, but clean white and wood tones let your eyes focus immediately on the prize - the pastries.

Cafe Barista

This cafe in Kissimmee is beautiful, mixing earth tones with minimal styling, but more importantly the coffee is really good.

Moge Tee Downtown Orlando

Make sure to look up if you visit the Moge location downtown. The eye catching orbs floating above you make you feel like you are in your own shimmering cup of boba.

Piante Design

In a sea of plant shops, Piante is hands down my favorite. They recently revamped their space off Park Avenue. While it was always a calming and magical place to buy something you will eventually kill, the new look and hues of the dried flower bar is a serotonin boost even if you don’t buy anything.

Propagate Social House in Apopka

The interior and outdoor patio give all the jungle plant vibes with a touch of color, eats, pop-ups, and most importantly - COFFEE.

Purple Ocean Superfood Bar in E. Orlando

Tropical vibes are in full effect here with trendy painted arches, neon signs, and gorgeous açaí bowls that are my favorite in town.

Domu - Dr. Phillips

While the Domu in the East End Market is the original that started it all, the Dr. Phillips location is a truly gorgeous space serving up the same delicious and addicting Domu Wings.

Ava MediterrAegean

I’m still waiting for my reservation date to get here, so right now I can’t tell you if the price tag at Ava is worth it (I peeped a $90 steak), but it sure does look stunning enough to investigate with at least a cocktail and appetizer. If it’s not, believe me I will let you know.

BACÁN

Another upscale restaurant I haven’t been to yet (gas to Lake Nona would literally cost me $100 on it’s own), but it sure does look decadent. If you live on that side of Orlando, it looks like it would be perfect for special occasions and celebrations. I was invited to dine there but you know that’s not my style. I’ll report back sometime this year…maybe.

The Neighbors at East End Market

Full of color and warm tones, not to mention a beautiful glow at sundown, this spot on the second floor of the East End Market offers all the happy vibes with a cocktail or mocktail in hand. Not to mention all the local shopping you can do, supporting several local makers.

Modernism Museum Mt. Dora

Mt. Dora’s mural scene leaves much to be desired, but you can still get an art fix thanks to the Ultimate David Bowie Memphis Collection on display at the Modernism Museum. It’s full of vibrant colors and patterns that are sure to inspire you.

Shen Tea

A boba tea shop that is pretty in pink. Shen Tea in Winter Park feels full of Kawaii aesthetic with happy plushies, neon signs, never-ending pink tones, and delicious pastries and boba.

Sunny State Co.

Shopping is just better in a bright, colorful environment. Sunny State Co. brings all the happy vibes not just with a trendy selection of items, but fun murals and a selfie area to do a fit check.

Three Bird Cafe in Winter Garden

Giving downtown Winter Garden a more modern feel, this cafe is a pretty spot for coffee and more.

Quigley Coffee in Sanford

From the abstract mural, to colorful records and art, this small space really maximizes its square footage in cuteness and good coffee.

Light on the Sugar in Winter Park

We love a space that takes us out of Orlando, and the new Light on the Sugar does just that. Neutral tones, cozy seating in sleek archways, and cream puffs to die for.

The Winter Park Library

A true architectural gem in Winter Park, the new library offers some deep jewel tones, razor sharp angles, and a slight nod (in my opinion) to brutalist architecture on the exterior.

The Monroe in Downtown Orlando

A mix of modern and historic Florida, the Monroe gives off a warm and inviting feeling. Hand-painted murals, the mixing of patterns and tones all work in this incredibly well-designed space.

Golden Hour in Baldwin Park

Golden Hour is a place to gather for wine, but it feels like your extremely trendy friend’s place that was featured on Apartment Therapy. Whimsical lighting, cool mint tones, mixed with modern accents make this a pretty hip place to sip some natural wine.

Handlebar in Mt. Dora

Parts of Mt. Dora still feel like they haven’t changed over the past few decades, but like a breathe of fresh air, the upstairs space at the Mt. Dora Marketplace has given visitors a space to swoon over. The Handlebar offers craft cocktails with a view overlooking downtown Mt. Dora.

Susuru near Disney

One of my favorite restaurants in the attraction area is Susuru, not just because the Izakaya menu never disappoints but because of the fun atmosphere. From the host stand all the way back into the bathroom hallways, you’re gonna wanna check out every square inch of decor.

Whippoorwill in the Milk District

Coffee bar by morning, beer and wine by night - with the occasional food pop-up. This local hub in the Milk District is a favorite for locals with inviting tones, cool furniture, and colorful bathrooms.

The Jungleroom in College Park

To plant lovers, just about any plant shop is aesthetically pleasing, but the Jungleroom takes it a step further. You actually want to stay here and hang out in this inviting space.

Financier Bistro in Winter Park

This cafe gives us a small taste of a swanky European cafe, but on Park Avenue. A decadent bar, rich tones, mesmerizing floors, and cool furniture make this an upscale coffee date.

Blended Bistro Boba in Lake Mary

I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen a prettier boba shop, but the pristinely white and gold decor at Blended Boba in Lake Mary makes a boba stop feel like a special occasion.

Tori Tori in the Mills 50 District

I never thought I would say give me all the green hues, but Tori Tori mastered the look with touches of marble, gold, and atmospheric lighting at this hip spot in Mills 50.

Domu Chibi

A quick-serve ramen shop serving up bright whites and pops of pink make this a happy spot for a lunch break on the East side of town.

Gasp in Winter Park

Gasp is what my bedroom would have looked like in the 90s if my parents had given me an allowance. Everything screams cute, happy nostalgia, and you’d be hard-pressed to leave here empty-handed.

Bynx in Downtown

Part coffee cafe, part record shop. Bynx created a cool vibe over in downtown Orlando with lots of warm tones and some pops of geometric accents.

Hellcats in Winter Park

Dark and bold, Hellcats is filled with locally designed items that will attract the individualist in you while while still embracing a bit of tongue-and-cheek trendiness.

Lineage Coffee near UCF

Long after the bright white mixed with light wood tones trend is beyond us, I will still think the UCF Location of Lineage is beautiful with clean lines and warm curves to accompany one of the best lattes in the city.

Love at First Sip in Winter Garden

This Boba tea shop in Winter Garden is smaller than most studio apartments, but doesn’t let you notice that as you are enveloped with an abundance of pink floral decor.

Warehaus in College Park

Yes, this is a Furniture warehouse. However, thanks to expert picking and restoration by the owners, there is always an updated, well-merchandised space to swoon over that you will shamelessly try to re-create in your own home.

Live Trends in Winter Garden

This plant shop in Winter Garden is packed with plants and home decor in a bright and airy space using mother nature’s greatest decor tool.

Deeply Coffee in Downtown

Minimal design, gorgeous lighting, and really good coffee means you will probably see lots of photography/videography happening at Deeply Coffee.

Craft & Common in Downtown

Craft & Common is one of the most popular coffee shops downtown, and only part of that can be attributed to the bright space, fun wallpaper, and lively greenery. The coffee is top notch.

The Glass Knife 

Food aside, the Glass Knife is truly a stunningly beautiful spot in Winter Park. While decor should never outshine the quality of food, it's hard not to get wrapped up in aesthetics and take one too many photos of all the details down to the bathroom sink.

The sitting room at Reyes Mezcaleria

Before you sit down to enjoy tacos and elote you must take a moment to appreciate the room that was expertly put together by Sue Chin. Each piece was hunted down at local shops and hand picked by Sue who has impeccable taste and makes all her spaces photo ready and truly inspiring.

The coffee window at New General

To my knowledge it's the only coffee window in Orlando, and New General made sure it was going to be a hard one to beat. A minimalist approach and a single neon sign make it a pretty hip coffee experience without needing to even step inside.

Owl's Attic

Transport yourself back in time whenever you walk into the Owl’s Attic. The smell of incense, and racks of polyester tantalize the senses, but head back into modern day when you walk into their expanded space next door where you can shop local makers.

Darling Authority College Park

Forget the mall. This clothing store in College Park is a fun spot to grab an outfit for any occasion, not to mention all the additional items they have that you can shop online.

Mamak

Maybe it’s because yellow is my favorite color, or perhaps because Mamak doesn’t get the love it deserves, but this spot serves up a modern style plus my favorite Roti Canai in town.

All photos are mine unless otherwise credited. Explore your city, support local business. Until part II :)