7 Of The Most Beautiful Parks In Orlando, Florida

Orlando is home to some of the most beautiful parks in the country. Florida's climate makes it easy for flowers and plants to flourish making for stunning gardens. You will also find the countries largest butterfly population in Florida, so you could imagine how magical the parks are. Orlando is also known as The Land Of Lakes as the city is home to over 100 lakes! Most of Orlando's most stunning parks are right next to sparkling lakes. Read on to discover 10 of the most beautiful parks in Orlando, Florida.

1. Mead Botanical Garden

Located in Winter Park, Mead Botanical Gardens is easily one of the best parks in Orlando. At Mead you will find a bike trail, a small pond and stream (you can swim here), wedding venues, event venues, a butterfly garden, statues, classes, and more.

This tranquil park is perfect for anyone who wants to spot wildlife (you can find tourists, birds, fish, and more), learn more about the plants found in Florida, have a fun family day, or just be outside. This dog friendly park is a lovely place to spend a morning or afternoon in Orlando.

Address: 1300 S Denning Dr, Winter Park, FL 32789

Hours: 8am - dusk

Website: https://www.meadgarden.org/

2. Harry P Leu Gardens

Built in 1858, the historic Leu Gardens is a 50 acre property full of gardens, historic homes, fountains, statues, and offers stunning views of Lake Rowena. The only downside of Leu Gardens is that you have to pay to enter. Our tickets cost about $20 (subject to change) which I thought was a bit of a tall order to walk around a park.

Leu Gardens is definitely worth it if you have kids and want a fun, but educational thing to do in Orlando. My favorite things to see in this park were the butterfly garden and the 1858 Harry P. Leu house. If you are a plant person you will have to opportunity to see unique and rare plants in Leu gardens. Visit this page to see what's in bloom at Leu Gardens.

Address: 1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando, FL 32803

Hours: 9am-6pm

Website: https://www.leugardens.org/

3. Loch Haven Park

Located right next to the Orlando Museum of Art, Loch Haven Park is 45 acre park full of walking trails, plenty of wildlife, gorgeous trees, and even has an outdoor museum. This dog friendly park is in between 3 lakes (Lake Estelle, Lake Rowena, and Lake Formosa)

If you are a theater geek, keep an eye out for outdoor shows by the Orlando Theater. Loch Haven Park is home to two outdoor theaters.

The most notable thing about Loch Haven Park is "The Mayor". "The Mayor" is a massive oak tree that is over two hundred years old. This is easily the largest, most beautiful, and captivating tree I have ever seen. If you are in Orlando you must see "The Mayor"!

Address: 777 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803

Hours: 6am - 11pm

Website: https://www.orlando.gov/Parks-the-Environment/Directory/Loch-Haven-Park

4. Black Bear Wilderness Area

Located in Sanford (about 30 minutes outside of Orlando) is the stunning Black Bear Wilderness Area. This massive 1,600 acre park is home to swamps, trails, boardwalks, kayaking areas, and scenic views of the St. Johns River.

While at the Black Bear Wilderness Area be sure to walk the 7 mile Black Bear Wilderness Trail. This picturesque trail leads you through swamps (with boardwalks), along the river, and the trees. While walking this moderately difficult hike keep an eye out for birds, deer, wild pig, alligators, and bears!

Address: 5301 Michigan Ave, Sanford, FL 32771

Hours: Sunrise - Sunset

Website: https://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/locations/black-bear-wilderness-area.stml

5. Lake Eola Park

Lake Eola Park is probably the most popular park in Orlando. While it is definitely not my favorite park in the city, It is still worth a visit. Lake Eola is situated right in downtown Orlando. So it is a great place to walk around after dinner at a nearby restaurant or with a coffee from one of the awesome cafes in the area.

The park surrounds the rather small Lake Eola and offers amazing views of Orlando. You will see swans and ducks in the lake along with plenty of Florida's native birds at the park. Be careful at night because Downtown Orlando can get a bit dodgy (especially at night).

Address: Lake Eola Park, East Washington Street, Orlando

Hours: 6am - 12pm

Website: https://www.orlando.gov/Parks-the-Environment/Directory/Lake-Eola-Park

6. Blue Springs State Park

Manatees are some of the most amazing and adorable creatures in the world. These gentle giants call Florida home and one of the best places to see these rare animals in at Blue Springs State Park in Orange City. Located just 40 minutes north of Orlando, Blue Springs State Park houses upward of 300 hundred manatees in the winter months. You will see the manatees in the winter, but in the summer they head to the ocean.

Along with the manatees you can also find a small playground, bike lanes, picnic tables, a small cafe, kayaking, hiking trails, and more!

Address: 2100 W. French Ave. Orange City FL 32763

Hours: 8am- sundown

Website: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/blue-spring-state-park

7. Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens

Located in Winter Park, The Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens is a adorable sculpture garden. This garden is home to authentic works for Albin Polasek, views of Lake Osceola, the historic Polasek house, and plenty of greenery.

Albin Polasek was a Czechia sculptor that resided in Winter Park. Polasek made a name for himself by creating over 400 sculptures that "tell a story". You will also have the opportunity to go inside of his once house and see where he lived and worked.

Address: 633 Osceola Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789

Hours: 10am - 4pm

Website: https://polasek.org/

Top 3 Orlando Hotels

The Ritz Carlton Orlando (Luxury Orlando Hotel) - The Ritz Carlton never fails to impress. If you are a luxury traveler, than The Ritz Carlton is for you. This Ritz in Orlando is Italian inspired and situated next to the Grande Lakes. The property offers an eighteen hole golf course, eleven restaurants, tennis courts, three outdoor pools, and trails nearby that are perfect for running, biking, or walking. If you are staying at the Ritz you can also use the waterpark at the Marriott hotel next door.
Castle Hotel (Mid-Range Orlando Hotel) - The Castle Hotel is an adorable boutique hotel home to an outdoor pool, restaurant, gym, bar, and more. The hotel has a castle feel with small, but notable details that will remind you of a castle. The Castle Hotel is a memorable stay for kids and adults because of the uniqueness of the theme.
Avanti Palms Resort (Budget Orlando Hotel) - Avanti Palms Resort offers a resort feel for an affordable price. At Avanti Palms Resort you can find two restaurants, a pool, a gym, a bar, and clean rooms. The Avanti Palms Resort is perfect if you are looking for a budget hotel in Orlando.

When To Visit Orlando

The best time to visit Orlando is during the spring or winter because of the mild temperatures and lack of rainfall. Summer and fall are considered hurricane season, and are both usually very hot. Central Florida typically gets hotter than the coasts, so come prepared if you don't do well with heat.

The temperatures in the summer and fall are typically 80s and 90s fahrenheit. Winter and Spring are typically around 70s and 80s fahrenheit.