Table of Contents:
DOWNTOWN ORLANDO
NEAR DOWNTOWN
OTHER ORLANDO SIGHTS
Orlando is best known for theme parks, but most of them are not in the Orlando city limits.
There are numerous blogs, YouTube, and websites that specialize in the parks. This is not one of them.
This page is about the town of Orlando.
Its history, culture, and sites.
Come to the Orlando area for its award-winning theme parks, but leave time to see Orlando, the city as well.
See Orlando Downtown.
Lake Eola and Park.
This lake and surrounding green area is the emblem of Orlando. A walk (or jog) around the lake is just under one mile. Pedal a swan boat, enjoy the real swans or relax. Entertainment takes place year-round at the Walt Disney Amphitheater.
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
Presenting Broadway, opera, ballet, concerts, and more, the center is an anchor for the southern part of downtown.
Church Street.
The Old Orlando Railroad Depot and several surrounding buildings house retail and entertainment venues.
Cathedral Church of St Luke.
The 1924 church is still home to the St. Luke’s Mission of the Episcopal church. Francis Eppes, Thomas Jefferson’s grandson, began the church in his home.
Orange County Regional History Center.
The historic courthouse building is worth seeing by itself. Inside, the museum houses exhibits on local and regional history dating back more than 12,000 years.
Atlantic Coastline Station.
This Spanish-Mission style building has been greeting train travelers to Orlando since the 1920s.
Fort Gatlin Memorial Marker.
The first settlement in the Orlando area by Europeans was a fort.
Tinker Field.
Just west of downtown is this listing on the United States National Register of Historic Places. Its history includes being spring training home of the Brooklyn Dodgers, Cincinnati Reds, Minnesota Twins, and Washington Senators. Martin Luther King Jr. made his only public speech in Orlando here during March of 1964.
Black Bottom House of Prayer.
This historic 1925 church, in the current Parramore neighborhood, is a key player in Orlando’s history.
Wells’ Built Museum of African American History & Culture.
This small museum offers an in-depth look into Orlando’s local African American history through the last 100+ years.
Thornton Park.
Just east of Lake Eola is this bohemian residential area with popular boutiques, cafes, and classic bungalow homes.
H.H. Dickson Azalea Park and Washington Street Bridge.
This park and bridge, near Thornton Park, date from circa 1924 and 1926. Both are Orlando Historic Landmarks. The blooming season for Azaleas is late February to early April, but the park is lovely year-round.
The bridge is the only concrete structure of its type in Orlando.
See Orlando North of Downtown.
Loch Haven Park.
On the east side of the Ivanhoe Village area, between two lakes, is Loch Haven Park. Some refer to this area as the Museum Area due to the abundance of museums and cultural offerings.
Orlando Museum of Art.
The collection includes ancient and contemporary works from the Americas. There is also an impressive collection of African art as well as temporary exhibits.
The Mennello Museum of American Art.
The collection includes paintings and sculptures of American art. The prize permanent collection is paintings by American Folk artist Earl Cunningham.
Orlando Science Center.
This science museum provides experience-based opportunities for learning about science and technology. There is something for all age groups.
Orlando Fire Museum.
This museum in a 1926 fire station covers local fire department history somewhat tricky to find behind the Science Center. It is only open on weekends.
Audubon Park Garden District.
Due east of Lock Haven Park is this Orlando Main Street neighborhood. Corrine Drive is the “main street” of this hip neighborhood of shopping and eating outlets.
East End Market.
This two-story indoor market includes bakeries, cheese, meat, and other artesian crafts. There is some outdoor seating, but it goes fast.
Harry P Leu Gardens.
The gardens began circa 1936 when Mr. and Mrs. Harry P. Leu purchase the Leu House and 40 acres. During their travels worldwide, they bring back many exotic plants and more than 200 varieties of camellias.
College Park
This neighborhood, northwest of downtown, has streets with college names such as Princeton, Yale, and others. It also has many 20th-century cottages, green spaces, and lakes.
Writer Jack Kerouac’s House.
The beat generation writer’s house serves as a non-profit center for up-and-coming writers.
Astronaut John Watts Young’s Boyhood Home.
John Young is one of the few astronauts to fly on four different classes of spacecraft. They ranged from the Gemini to the Space Shuttle.
Winter Park.
Dating from 1881, Winter Park was a planned city from the beginning.
Park Avenue.
Winter Park History Museum.
Rollins College.
Cornell Fine Arts Museum.
On the grounds of Rollins College, this teaching museum features a permanent collection from alumni and residents.
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art.
This museum houses an art nouveau collection and American Decorative Art and Sculpture. It is home to the world’s most comprehensive collection of the works of Louis Comfort Tiffany.
Mead Botanical Garden.
Just south of downtown Winter Park is this lovely garden and park.
Kraft Azalea Garden.
Dating from 1938, the garden is most beautiful in the early Spring with the blooming azaleas.
Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens.
The house of this acclaimed Czech sculptor is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
Maitland.
Also featuring historic homes, gardens, and lakes, Maitland, just north of Winter Park, compliments its neighbor.
Art & History Museums Maitland.
The grounds are home to four different, unique museums.
The Waterhouse Residence Museum.
This 1884 home of pioneer settler William H. Waterhouse will take you back to early Florida. Guides lead tours through this original home.
The Maitland Historical Museum.
Run by the historical society, this museum will give you an additional view of the town’s history.
The Maitland Art Center.
The center began as an art colony circa 1937. Today it is home to contemporary art exhibitions, residency programs for professional artists, and art instruction.
West.
International Drive.
I-Drive is Orlando’s “strip. This area of individually-owned activities, stores, bars, and restaurants resembles something between a mall and an amusement park.
ICON Park.
The closest thing to an amusement park in this area, the highlight is the 400-foot “Wheel.”
Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe.
Dating from 1979, this is the local Roman Catholic Diocese’s response to Disney World.
Orlando Main Streets.
This program highlights several local establishments, including restaurants and bars, in nine specific (and hip) Orlando neighborhoods.
See Further Afield of Orlando.
North
Wekiva Springs State Park.
Approximately 20 minutes north of Orlando, this is a popular place for canoeing and kayaking on the Wekiva River. Close to Kelly Park.
Deland.
This historical town offers several glimpses into Old Florida. The historic 1921 Athens Theater is an anchor of the downtown area. The Stetson (like the hat) Mansion is also a popular attraction. This gilded age estate dates from 1886.
See East of Orlando.
Kennedy Space Center.
This is a must-visit for every boy and girl (regardless of age) who dreams of going into space. Tour the center, complete with the shuttle Atlantis, or choose other activities.
Canaveral National Seashore.
This is not a full-service beach. There are facilities but no restaurants. This is a chance to enjoy the beach and a pristine barrier island.
South of Orlando.
Kissimmee.
Although it has things to see and do, it is most famous for less expensive accommodations and dining near Disney.
See Orlando West
Winter Garden.
This charming (and growing) community 15 miles west of Orlando was once on the Central Florida Railroad. The trackbed is now part of the West Orange Trail. This 22-mile paved path is for biking, walking, or running.
Mt Dora.
This charming town northwest of Orlando is known for its antique shops and festivals. These include seafood, arts, and bicycle festivals. Nearby Tavares and Eustis are also charming and accessible via the chain of lakes.
See Orlando Summary.
As you can see, Orlando is a lot more than just theme parks.
Visit all the theme parks. They are great.
But save some time to see Orlando. It’s a great city.