Park Name	Key Features
Lake Eola Park	Urban oasis, fountain, swan-shaped paddleboats, events
Leu Gardens	Tropical botanical garden, rose bushes, butterfly garden
Harry P. Leu Gardens	Botanical gardens, formal rose garden, butterfly garden, tropical stream
Mead Botanical Garden	Rose garden, herb garden, tropical greenhouse, walking trails
Blue Jacket Park	Lakefront beach, playgrounds, athletic fields, walking trails
Bill Frederick Park	245-acre recreation area, Turkey Lake, multi-use trails
Downey Park	Large playground, athletic fields, picnic pavilions, walking paths
Lake Lotus Park	106-acre park, 20-acre lake, walking trails, picnic pavilions
Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve	440-acre preserve, forests, marshes, lakes, natural trails
Discovery Cove	Theme park with swimming, snorkeling, white sand beach
Wekiwa Springs State Park	Over 13,000 acres, hiking, biking, equestrian trails, river activities
Shingle Creek Regional Park	1,500 acres, biking/hiking trails, equestrian facilities, tennis courts

Here are 12 of the top parks in Orlando that are worth visiting during your stay.

Lake Eola Park

Name and Location: Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando, FL

History and Significance: Iconic downtown park with a waterfront promenade around the lake.

What to Expect: Walking paths, gardens, fountains, live music, farmers market, and lake views.

Visitor Information: Open daily, free admission.

Located right in the heart of downtown Orlando, Lake Eola Park is a beautiful urban oasis. The park’s centerpiece is the large Lake Eola fountain that can shoot water spectacularly high in the air.

Visitors can stroll or jog around the lake on the paved path, rent a swan-shaped paddleboat to take out on the water, relax in the grassy areas or check out one of the many events and performances that take place at the park’s amphitheater. On Sundays, visit the farmer’s market that sets up on the park’s west side.

Leu Gardens

Name and Location: Leu Gardens in Orlando, FL

History and Significance: Stunning 50-acre botanical garden open to the public since 1961.

What to Expect: Diverse gardens, plants, walking paths, gazebos, and scenic photo spots.

Visitor Information: Open daily, admission fee charged.

Transport yourself to a tropical paradise at Leu Gardens. This 50-acre botanical garden contains nearly 3,000 rose bushes, towering palm trees, colorful tropical flowers and plants from around the world.

Wander through the formal gardens, visit the butterfly garden, relax by the koi pond or take a guided tour to learn more about the unique plant species. The grounds also contain an antique plant shop selling rare plants and gardening gifts.

Harry P. Leu Gardens

Name and Location: Harry P. Leu Gardens in Orlando, FL

History and Significance: Beautiful 50-acre botanical garden dating back to 1936.

What to Expect: Themed gardens, walking paths, lakes, scenic backdrops for photos.

Visitor Information: Open daily, admission fee charged.

Located just north of downtown Orlando, Harry P. Leu Gardens contains nearly 50 acres of lush botanical gardens, lakes and trails. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the property’s history and expansive plant collection.

Highlights include the formal rose garden with over 2,000 bushes, the butterfly garden that attracts both butterflies and hummingbirds, and the tropical stream garden flowing with small waterfalls. The tranquil setting makes it easy to spend hours exploring the winding paths.

Mead Botanical Garden

Name and Location: Mead Botanical Garden in Winter Park, FL

History and Significance: Manicured botanical garden with collections of camellias, azaleas, and more.

What to Expect: Walking trails, blooming flowers and trees, birdwatching, art exhibits.

Visitor Information: Open daily, nominal admission fee.

For another scenic escape, visit Mead Botanical Garden in Winter Park. The gardens contain nearly 50 acres of displays like a rose garden, herb garden, tropical greenhouse and walking trails around lakes and through oak hammocks.

One standout is the Matecumbe Dome, a small tropical greenhouse filled with fragrant orchids and bromeliads that will make you feel transported to a rainforest. The scenic settings and peaceful vibe make Mead Botanical Garden a relaxing urban oasis.

Blue Jacket Park

Name and Location: Blue Jacket Park in Orlando, FL

History and Significance: Sprawling city park featuring athletic fields and courts.

What to Expect: Tennis, basketball, volleyball, playgrounds, picnic tables, open fields.

Visitor Information: Open daily, free admission.

Located in the Baldwin Park neighborhood, Blue Jacket Park is a 25-acre green space featuring a lakefront beach, playgrounds, athletic fields and walking trails. Families can spread out a picnic, let the kids play, take a stroll along the waterfront trail or cast a fishing line into the lake.

There is also a skate park and leash-free dog park. Various sports leagues and camps use the multipurpose fields and courts as well.

Bill Frederick Park

Name and Location: Bill Frederick Park in Orlando, FL

History and Significance: Large city park with a recreational lake and trails.

What to Expect: Walking trails, fishing pier, disc golf, playgrounds, picnic areas.

Visitor Information: Open daily, free entrance.

Nature lovers will enjoy exploring Bill Frederick Park, a 245-acre recreation area in southwest Orlando. The park contains Turkey Lake, a 100-acre freshwater lake perfect for canoeing, kayaking and fishing. Eight miles of multi-use trails provide opportunities for hiking, jogging or cycling.

Equestrians can bring their horses to ride on the park’s trails. Other amenities include pavilions, picnic areas, a playground and campsites for tent or RV camping. The peaceful setting with lake views makes it easy to forget you’re still in the city.

Downey Park

Name and Location: Downey Park in Orlando, FL

History and Significance: Historic city park established in 1925.

What to Expect: Open green space, mature trees, walking paths, picnic tables.

Visitor Information: Open daily, free admission.

Families with young children will love Downey Park, located off Sand Lake Road. This 30-acre park contains a large playground with climbing structures, slides, swings and imaginative play elements. Kids can burn off energy while parents supervise from shaded benches.

Other amenities include a lake with a boardwalk trail, athletic fields, picnic pavilions and walking paths circled by towering oak trees draped in Spanish moss. Various sports leagues use the baseball diamonds, soccer fields and tennis courts as well.

Lake Lotus Park

Name and Location: Lake Lotus Park in Altamonte Springs, FL

History and Significance: Scenic park featuring a pristine 20-acre lake.

What to Expect: Walking trail circling the lake, playground, splash pad, picnic areas.

Visitor Information: Open daily, free admission.

Escape to nature without leaving the city at Lake Lotus Park in Altamonte Springs. The 106-acre park contains a 20-acre lake surrounded by paved walking trails shaded by moss-draped oaks and cypress trees. Joggers, walkers, cyclists and skaters take advantage of the scenic trails and pristine setting.

Pack a picnic to enjoy lakeside at one of the pavilions. Signs provide information about the native plants and wildlife found in the park like bald eagles, osprey, otters and alligators.

Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve

Name and Location: Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve in Orlando, FL

History and Significance: Protected natural area with forests, wetlands, and trails.

What to Expect: Nature trails for hiking, bird watching, cycling, photography.

Visitor Information: Trails open daily from sunrise to sunset, free.

For a more rugged natural experience, head to Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve near Orlando International Airport. The 440-acre preserve contains forests, marshes and lakes circumnavigated by eight miles of natural trails.

Hikers, mountain bikers, trail runners and nature enthusiasts will enjoy hitting the trails to spot birds and wildlife. A scenic boardwalk crosses through a marsh area thick with cypress trees and lily pads. Free trail maps are available at the trailhead.

Discovery Cove

Name and Location: Discovery Cove in Orlando, FL

History and Significance: Premium all-inclusive day resort with aquarium access.

What to Expect: Swim with dolphins, snorkel reefs, interact with animals, relax on beaches.

Visitor Information: Open daily, admission ticket required.

While known as a theme park, Discovery Cove also provides a peaceful, park-like tropical setting. Visitors can enjoy an all-inclusive day experience that includes swimming with dolphins, snorkeling a coral reef filled with tropical fish, wading with rays and tropical birds or just relaxing on a white sand beach.

The lush landscape features winding paths bordered by palm trees, fragrant flowers, rocky waterfalls and peaceful rivers. With limited attendance, the park never feels crowded. The calm ambiance makes it easy to relax surrounded by the beauty of nature.

Wekiwa Springs State Park

Name and Location: Wekiwa Springs State Park near Orlando, FL

History and Significance: Pristine state park with crystal clear springs.

What to Expect: Hiking, kayaking, canoeing, swimming in natural springs. Camping available.

Visitor Information: Open daily, state park entrance fee required.

Located along the Wekiva River, Wekiwa Springs State Park contains over 13,000 acres of natural landscapes. Outdoor enthusiasts will find miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails to explore. The river offers opportunities for canoeing, kayaking and fishing.

Swim in the cool, clear spring where the water temperature stays at 72 degrees year-round. The park is also known for its abundance of wildlife like alligators, eagles, hawks, deer, turtles and Florida black bears. Camping facilities are available for overnight visits.

Shingle Creek Regional Park

Name and Location: Shingle Creek Regional Park in Orlando, FL

History and Significance: Large Orange County park featuring bike trails.

What to Expect: Paved biking, walking, and horse trails spanning 5 miles. Picnic areas.

Visitor Information: Trails open daily, free admission.

Shingle Creek Regional Park spans 1,500 acres in the Orlovista district of Orlando. Eight miles of biking and hiking trails follow along tributaries, lakes and through shady oak hammocks. The park contains extensive facilities for equestrians with miles of trails, stables and a competition arena.

Other amenities include tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, disc golf, fishing piers, picnic areas and a playground. A scenic trail leads to the ruins of an old homestead from the late 1800s/early 1900s.

Lake Jessup Conservation Area

Name and Location: Lake Jessup Conservation Area near Orlando, FL

History and Significance: Protected wetlands habitat and recreational area.

What to Expect: Nature trails, fishing, kayaking, wildlife viewing.

Visitor Information: Open daily. State permit required for fishing/boating.

The 5,400-acre Lake Jessup Conservation Area east of Orlando provides excellent opportunities for fishing, hiking, bicycling and horseback riding. The landscape contains freshwater marshes, hardwood swamps, scrub oak forests and pine flatwoods.

Visitors can cast for bass, catfish and crappie from the fishing pier or rent kayaks and canoes for paddling the lake. Five miles of trails cater to hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians. An interpretive center offers exhibits about the region’s ecosystems and wildlife inhabitants.

Conclusion

Orlando may be best known for its world-famous theme parks, but it also offers an abundance of outdoor green spaces, parks and nature preserves. Beyond the thrill rides and crowds, you can find tranquil lakes, verdant gardens, scenic trails, and places to relax in nature.

From downtown urban parks like Lake Eola to expansive natural areas like Wekiwa Springs State Park, Orlando offers a spectrum of outdoor recreational options. Getting out and exploring the metro area’s scenic parks and preserves will provide a nice change of pace during your Orlando getaway.