An Underrated Walkable Haven in the Heart of Downtown Orlando, Florida

In Central Florida, a neighborhood that serves as the “centerpiece” of downtown Orlando truly provides a pedestrian-focused experience. The Lake Eola community is an underrated, walkable community where you can get most of your errands done without a car. The district’s main area is Lake Eola Park, which is a 23-acre space developed around a natural sinkhole. When you fly into Central Florida, you’ll find this park is about 12 miles from Orlando International Airport (MCO). If driving, the toll roads are highly recommended to save time and headaches from traffic.

The park is open to the public for free and has several entry spots, as it circles around the lake. Be sure to hydrate and wear sunscreen because it gets rather hot in the Sunshine State, just sayin’. When you’re walking around, you can see swans in the park as it’s home to about five different species, which were first seen in the area in 1922. In the middle of the lake is the Linton E. Allen Memorial Fountain, which is a landmark in the City Beautiful that displays a light and music show on many nights throughout the year. You’ll also come across The Walt Disney Amphitheater on the west side of the park. It’s an outdoor venue for community get-togethers, concerts, and theatrical productions. It’s a great spot to listen to live music and watch fireworks over the lake.

You’ll see the area is also a great community for families and has a playground for children. It’s also a dog-friendly park that welcomes pets, and you will notice potty bag dispensers along the walking path (be mindful and use them). Speaking of animals, the park had a past life as a zoo. All of these things have made Lake Eola Park a go-to spot for getting outside and being part of downtown Orlando.

The community next to Lake Eola Park has many activities, restaurants, bars, and cafes. When you’re ready to escape Orlando crowds in this charming Florida lakeside neighborhood, inside the park, you can rent swan-shaped paddle boats for a 30-minute excursion on the water (be ready for your legs to get a workout though). The Walt Disney Amphitheater, with seating for 1,157 people, offers shows, concerts, plays, and movies. The park is the location for major yearly festivals like the Fiesta in the Park, an arts and crafts show, the LGBTQIA+ Pride parade, and the city’s Fourth of July event, Fireworks at the Fountain. Every Sunday, you can check out the Orlando Farmers Market on the southeast side of the park, with vendors selling food, art, and goodies.

You’ll also run into quite the selection of restaurants and bars. If you’re looking for a low-key meal right on the water, Relax Grill is inside the park and has a Mediterranean-inspired menu. Nearby, Osphere Neighborhood Grill & Bar has American-style dishes. If you want a fine-dining steakhouse meal, Kres Chophouse is in a 1930s historical building. When you head more into downtown Orlando, you can grab a delicious bottomless brunch at The Boheme at the Grand Bohemian Hotel, which has Modern European food. The local bar options include Eola Wine Company, with a plethora of wine options, and Aku Aku Tiki Bar, with a chill vibe and tasty drinks. You can pop into cafes around Lake Eola like Foxtail Coffee Co., which has a spacious patio, and White Wolf Cafe, a staple since 1991, which serves up American breakfast and lunch dishes. You can also get into the City Beautiful spirit by stopping into the I Love Orlando Cafe for a quick coffee and bite.