Port 27:
A Charming Lakeside
Day Trip Near Orlando.
Craft beer. Lake views. A perfect sunset.
A brand-new Nantucket-style village on Lake Hamilton, just 45 minutes from Orlando. Almost no one knows about it yet, and that's exactly why you should go.
The Hidden Gem
The Nantucket of Central Florida.
There's a brand-new place in Central Florida that most Orlando visitors haven't found yet. Opened in 2025, Port 27 is the creation of the Sosa family, immigrants who have called Orlando home for more than 16 years and poured years of planning into this dream.
Picture a small, charming coastal-style village: white clapboard buildings with shingle roofs, panoramic views of Lake Hamilton, and wooden boardwalks stitching everything together. It's a tight-knit cluster of boutiques, cafes, a brewery, and restaurants, all arranged around the lake.
It's everything touristy Orlando isn't: a craft brewery with the brewing tanks in plain sight, authentic international food, a place to actually relax after intense park days, and a sunset over the water that you won't forget. Here's everything you need to know to plan your visit.
What You'll Find
What's at Port 27?
A village built for wandering, eating well, and slowing down.
Restaurants & Cafes
Antica Trattoria serves wood-fired pizza and fresh pasta in an elegant Italian setting. The Burger Bar does premium artisan burgers, while Van de Walle is a Belgian cafe famous for handmade chocolates and rich hot cocoa. Add Juice It, food wagons, and a fresh gelato counter for the full lineup.
The Brewery
A working craft brewery with the tanks on full display and beer made right on-site. Tours are available, and the upper level can be rented for events with sweeping lake views.
Artisan Shops
A handmade candle shop with one-of-a-kind gifts, a record store stocked with vintage vinyl and indie finds, and local boutiques full of artisan goods. There are also craft workshops, painting, and creative classes; check the calendar before you go.
The Boardwalk Views
This is the real difference-maker. You stroll wooden boardwalks with panoramic views of Lake Hamilton, with benches, tables, and chairs scattered throughout so you can sit and take it all in. The sunset here is absolutely spectacular.
The Appeal
Why Port 27 is special
Preserved old-Americana atmosphere
Unlike touristy Orlando, Port 27 carries the feel of an early-1900s American coastal town: white clapboard architecture, wooden boardwalks, and natural lake views. It looks like a movie set.
Built by an immigrant family
The Sosa family spent years building this dream. They're warm, welcoming hosts, and you feel at home the moment you arrive.
No tourist crowds
Unlike packed Disney Springs or chaotic International Drive, Port 27 is calm and unhurried. You can actually relax here.
Food you won't find in the parks
Authentic Italian, real Belgian treats, genuine Mexican flavors: this is food you simply won't get inside a theme-park restaurant.
Fair prices
The premium restaurants don't charge Disney-resort prices. You eat well while spending roughly 40 to 50 percent less.
Plan Your Afternoon
A perfect 3-to-4-hour visit.
Port 27 isn't a place to spend the whole day. It's where you come to spend a relaxed afternoon, with the sunset as the grand finale. Here's a sample itinerary:
Make a Day of It
Pair it with nearby stops
Port 27 fits neatly into a bigger day trip.
LEGOLAND (15 min)
The ideal day trip: LEGOLAND Florida in the morning, then Port 27 for the afternoon and sunset.
Tampa or Clearwater
Spend the morning and early afternoon at Tampa or Clearwater Beach, then stop at Port 27 on your way back to Orlando.
Bok Tower Gardens (20 min)
This iconic garden and bell tower makes a perfect cultural complement just 20 minutes from Port 27.
Getting There
How to get there & which car to rent.
Address: Lake Hamilton, FL (US-27 and Kokomo Road). From Orlando, it's about 45 minutes south on US-27. Take US-27 South straight through, continue for roughly 45 minutes, pass Haines City, and watch for the Port 27 signage before you reach Dundee. Parking is free, and there are no tolls on this route.
Which car suits the trip? For a couple on a day trip, a Tesla Model Y or Hyundai Tucson is comfortable and efficient, while a convertible Mustang makes for a cinematic arrival. Families will appreciate the space of a Sienna or Pacifica for a relaxed day out. For a premium couples getaway, the Cadillac Lyriq or a quiet Tesla Model Y matches the European feel of the destination.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Discover Port 27
with GS Car Rental.
Rent with GS Car Rental and reach this special lakeside village in comfort. Personal service on WhatsApp from booking to return, free airport delivery, and locals who know Port 27 firsthand.