The Retreat East is located at 1705 France Dr, Orlando, FL, east of the University of Central Florida and within reach of major commercial corridors like East Colonial Drive and Alafaya Trail. The surrounding area includes a mix of shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment options accessible by car or bike. From retail and dining to nearby entertainment districts, students have a variety of ways to spend time outside of class.
What Shopping Options Are Near The Retreat East?
Students living at The Retreat East have access to retail areas along East Colonial Drive and Alafaya Trail. These corridors include grocery stores, pharmacies, and everyday services that students use throughout the week. Larger shopping centers nearby provide additional options for errands and retail.
Popular shopping options accessible from The Retreat East include:
- Publix Super Market: 0.5 miles (10-minute walk or 3-minute bike ride)
- Walmart: 1.1 miles (5-minute drive or 7-minute bike ride)
- CVS Pharmacy: 1.6 miles (6-minute drive or 8-minute bike ride)
- Target (Waterford Lakes): 1.9 miles (8-minute drive or 12-minute bike ride)
What Dining Options Are Near The Retreat East?
Students living at The Retreat East have access to dining options along East Colonial Drive and surrounding streets near UCF. These areas include a mix of quick-service restaurants, casual dining spots, and takeout options that remain active throughout the week. The concentration of restaurants near campus and along Alafaya Trail gives students consistent access to food options within a short drive.
Popular dining options near The Retreat East include:
- Cheba Hut Toasted Subs: 0.1 miles (2-minute walk or 1-minute bike ride)
- Goodfella’s Pizzeria: 0.3 miles (6-minute walk or 2-minute bike ride)
- Siam Garden: 0.3 miles (6-minute walk or 2-minute bike ride)
- Old Cuban Cafe: 0.3 miles (6-minute walk or 2-minute bike ride)
- Twistee Treat: 0.4 miles (8-minute walk or 3-minute bike ride)
- Viet-Nomz: 0.6 miles (14-minute walk or 4-minute bike ride)
Student Areas and Nightlife Near UCF
Student activity around UCF is spread across a few key areas rather than concentrated in a single walkable district. The area along Alafaya Trail near campus includes restaurants, dessert spots, and casual gathering places where students spend time during the week. Waterford Lakes Town Center adds another cluster of retail and dining, with restaurants, shops, and a movie theater located within a short drive of the property.
For nightlife, students often travel beyond the immediate campus area. Downtown Orlando includes bars, live music venues, and late-night destinations, with areas such as Wall Street Plaza and Church Street drawing activity in the evenings. These locations are typically a 20 to 25-minute drive from The Retreat East.
Arts, Entertainment, and Local Attractions Near The Retreat East
The area surrounding UCF includes a mix of entertainment venues and outdoor spaces that students visit during the week and on weekends. Some locations are near campus, while others are located in surrounding parts of Orlando.
Popular destinations accessible from The Retreat East include:
- Regal Waterford Lakes: 1.6 miles (7-minute drive or 11-minute bike ride)
- Lake Claire Recreation Area: 3.6 miles (11-minute drive or 18-minute bike ride)
- Addition Financial Arena: 4.1 miles (14-minute drive or 20-minute bike ride)
- Acrisure Bounce House (UCF Stadium): 4.2 miles (14-minute drive or 20-minute bike ride)
Living at The Retreat East places students within driving distance of the areas that shape daily life around UCF. With access to retail along East Colonial Drive, dining near campus, and entertainment options throughout Orlando, residents have multiple ways to spend time outside of class while staying connected to the university area.