Estimated reading time: 15 minutes
People think of Orlando as a place of entertainment with its many Theme Parks, most of which are actually outside of the city limits. Orlando itself the fourth largest city in Florida and a major hub for business and government services. I’ve visited Orlando with my family many times, but this trip was the first time I actually stepped foot in Downtown Orlando. How does Downtown Orlando hold up as a travel destination? Stay till the end to see suggestions for a non-theme park-oriented trip to the Orlando area.
Table of contents
Lake Eola Park
My Dad and I went Orlando in order to visit my sister, arriving on a Sunday. My sister, now being a local, recommended we visit the Orlando Farmers Market at Lake Eola Park. This had to have been the largest farmers market I’ve ever seen, as there was an endless supply of vendors with food, drinks, and crafts. After a thorough search of all the options, I settled on Ethiopian and Tequeños paired with a giant cup of homemade lemonade.
Afterwards, the three of us walked around Lake Eola Park. We found out later at the History Center (mentioned below) that Lake Eola is not a lake but a sinkhole. It’s a very stable sinkhole since there’s a large fountain in the middle and a bandshell on the water’s edge.
Lake Eola Park is lovely and a popular hangout location for locals. Besides the bandshell, there’s a play area, rock garden, Chinese pagoda, and rental swan boats.
Walking Downtown
After walking Lake Eola, we went off to explore more of Downtown Orlando. Orlando is a mix of different styles with gleaming skyscrapers alongside Victorian buildings.
The skyscrapers primarily (but not exclusively) surround Lake Eola. They tower over the lake/sinkhole and provide dramatic contrast. Office buildings are not what comes to mind when one thinks of Orlando.
A good portion of Downtown Orlando is lined with trees, which compliments the many historic buildings located throughout the city. Besides the Victorian Church Street (mentioned below), the Downtown is a mix of styles, including Mediterranean, Colonial, and Art Deco. There’s also the Brutalist public library, but the less said about that the better.
Downtown Orlando was a happening place that Sunday. Beside normal city crowds, one plaza was full of drunk college age students. My sister theorized that they were University of Central Florida students celebrating their graduation.
I noticed vibrant public art while walking through the Downtown. I managed to capture a couple of them on camera.
Church Street
While exploring Downtown Orlando, we walked through Church Street. It was the place to be several decades ago, but now much of it is pretty much abandoned. I did see a sign say “Church Street Improvement Coming Soon,” so maybe in a few years it will be successfully revitalized.
While some of Church Street has seen better days, the Church Street Market is thriving and does have open businesses. I did not go into any of them, but it did make for a good place to take photos.
History Center
On Tuesday, Dad and I went to the Orange County Regional History Center. The History Center is conveniently a couple blocks away from Lake Eola Park. Be aware that at certain times people are not allowed on Heritage Square Park in front of the museum, or else security will scold you.
The History Center provided a fascinating look at the history of Orlando and Orange County. I learned so many new things, such as how ranching once played an important role in Central Florida’s economy. There’s also a section devoted to the history of the Disney Theme Parks, which is not something one normally finds in a local history museum.
Conclusion
Overall, I enjoyed seeing a side of Orlando that is usually forgotten about in the popular consciousness. I hope this blog post shines a light on this mostly unknown side of Orlando. So next time you plan on visiting Orlando, consider taking time out of your trip to visit the Downtown area. As for what I did on Monday, you will have to come back to look at my blog post about EPCOT.
Much of Downtown Orlando is pretty walkable, but you would need to drive to exploring the greater Orlando area. The Farmers Market at Lake Eola Park happens every Sunday from 10:00-3:00, more information found here. The Orange County Regional History Center is open everyday and is a five minute walk from the Lake Eola Park’s bandshell.
Restaurant Recommendations
Metro Espresso Pizza: My mother and sister discovered Metro Espresso Pizza while moving my sister and has become a favorite place. They serve very good pizza and other Italian dishes that my sister recommends.
Taco Kat: As Dad and I were leaving that Tuesday, we needed a convenient location to eat lunch and say goodbye to my sister. As Taco Kat is only steps away from the History Center, we decided to go there. They serve good tacos and quesadillas.
Other Things to Do
Whether you want to take a vacation to Orlando without going to the Theme Parks or just want to add another stop to your vacation, I offer extra thing to do below. Here are some places I have been on a previous trip 15 years ago, or wished to go to on this trip in the greater Orlando area. All three museums closed on Monday.
Mennello Museum of American Art: I went to this Museum back when it was called the Earl Cunningham Museum. It still showcases his artwork (in the folk style), as well as works from other artists. Check out the giant tree in front of the Museum while you’re there. EST 10 minutes drive from Downtown.
Orlando Museum of Art: This Museum showcases American art from the 19th and 20th century. It also has a collection of African and Mesoamerican Art. EST 11 minutes drive from Downtown.
Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens: This Museum showcases the sculptures of Albin Polasek, as well as goes over his life. I still think about the story about him waiting 40 years to marry his first wife, then remarrying again a year after her death. EST 20 minutes drive from Downtown.
Nature: There is plenty of nature parks in the greater Orlando area so I will list them in order from closest to furthest from Downtown Orlando. In order: Wekiwa Springs State Park, Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve, Seminole State Forest, Little Big Econ State Park, Green Mountain Scenic Overlook and Trailhead, and Lake Louisa State Park.
Sports: My sister would like me to mention that the Kia Center and the Inter&Co Stadium are within walking distance from each other. If you are staying in a Downtown hotel, one could easily walk to both places within 20 minutes or so.