Orlando's Lake Eola Park, surrounded by office buildings and high-rise residential complexes, is a 44-acre landscaped oasis in the midst of downtown Orlando. The park's walking path, nearly a mile long, circles the lake and is dotted with couples, families, joggers and dog-walkers. Pack a picnic, feed live swans, enjoy the huge playground or take in a show or concert at the Walt Disney Amphitheater. Each evening, the lake's iconic fountain has multicolored lights that dance and dazzle as part of a choreographed show set to music.
How to get to Lake Eola Park
With East Central Avenue, North Eola Drive, East Robinson Street and North Rosalind Avenue as boundaries, the park is a convenient walk from Orlando's central business district. If driving from attractions such as Universal Studios or Walt Disney World, head east on Interstate 4, take Exit 82B and continue straight onto South Garland Avenue before taking the third right onto West Central Boulevard. In .4 miles, turn left onto North Rosalind. The park will be directly on your right. Several parking garages are within a short walk, including one at the corner of East Central and North Rosalind and one a block south of the park at 302 East Pine Street.
Best and worst time to go to Lake Eola Park
Although the park's hours are 6 a.m. to midnight, to fully enjoy Lake Eola's serenity and scenery, visit in early morning to enjoy a quiet stroll or simply sit on one of the park's many benches before the bustle of morning rush hour. For families with toddlers, mid-to-late mornings are best from spring to early fall, before the business lunch crowds and Florida's afternoon heat and thunderstorms come into play. From 5:30 to dusk, especially on nice evenings, the park's walking paths can be packed.
Admission to Lake Eola Park
Park admission is free, but if you're driving, you'll have to pay for parking. Street parking is available for a nominal hourly fee, but can be hard to find during business hours and early evenings, when nearby garages are your best bet. Typical parking garage rates range from $2 to $3 per hour, with a daily maximum of $15 to $20.
Must see/do at Lake Eola Park
Lake Eola's light and water extravaganza, featuring its circa-1957 fountain, is held nightly, at 8:00 and 9:30 p.m., and lasts about six minutes. Want to get out on the water? Rent a swan-shaped paddle boat from the dock on the lake's north side. The boats seat five, cost $15 per half hour and are available from 7 a.m. to late evening. Or check out the Orlando Farmer's Market, held at the park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays, and its booths brimming with fresh produce, baked goodies, crafts and jewelry.
Other places to visit near Lake Eola Park
The Relax Grill, in the park's northwest corner, lives up to its name with outdoor water-view seating and casual American-Mediterranean cuisine, including gyros and grilled fish entrees. Eola Wine Company has a laid-back vibe, including more than 70 wine selections by the glass and over 30 craft beers, plus cheese plates, flatbreads and desserts. For museum buffs, the Orange County Regional History Center, less than a 5-minute walk west of the park at 65 East Central Blvd., features exhibits showcasing more than 12,000 years of Central Florida history.
Insider tip for visitors to Lake Eola Park
The City of Orlando has put Lake Eola's swans and ducks on a no-carb diet that prohibits them being fed bread or popcorn. Instead, bring leafy greens or buy approved pellets from several coin-operated feeders.
Author's bio: Kevin Adams is a freelance writer who has lived in Orlando for more than a decade and has had travel articles appear on USAToday.com and in Golfweek magazine.
