The Gardens are beautiful and a great place to reconnect with the world. We went to see the…read moreNight-Blooming Cereus. It's a once a year blooming that is amazing. The trails are an easy walk and quite beautiful. I highly recommend it.

i had a great time walking around this garden located in winter park. there was a wedding…read morehappening, a family gathering elsewhere by the river, & the whole space was buzzing w/ summer energy. there is a whole area of the garden i have yet to explore but good thing is - it's free! i was a little lost on the map, it would have been nice to have a more clear distance gauge because some of the lines look like the trail is super long when in reality it's not and just the placement of buildings/parking too. i'll be back to conquer that map !! or maybe i'll stay a while and smell the roses.

What a fantastic park! Located just outside of Camping World Stadium, I recently learned that Lake…read moreLorna Doone Park is one of the oldest parks in Orlando. It underwent a major renovation in 2021 where they added lots of amenities and made everything brand new. Even now, 5 years later, everything has been so well maintained and still feels like new. They have a free miniature golf putting course, an awesome splash pad, shaded playgrounds, basketball courts, and a nice nature walking path. You'll also find shaded picnic pavilions and a community garden. My son absolutely loves coming here. The parking lot can be a little tricky to find because my GPS using Google Maps never takes me to the right place. Don't let the location detour you from visiting. It's such a nice park and feels very safe.

Lake Lorna Doone Park is one of the oldest parks in Orlando. It is just north of Camping World…read moreStadium. The neighborhood and the park is named after one of the earliest property owner's daughter's favorite novel, Lorna Doone, written by English author, Richard Doddridge Blackmore, published in 1869. Lake Lorna Doone was the site of the South's first integrated Little League Baseball game on August 9, 1955. The 1955 little league season was the first after US Supreme Court rulings had eliminated "separate but equal" conditions in the nation's schools and public parks. The Pensacola Jaycees were declared winners of their local district by Little League headquarters in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. When local officials would not allow them to play against the all-white teams they instead advanced to the Florida State Tournament which was held at Lake Lorna Doone Park. They ended up losing to host Orlando in the second round, 5-0 but they were welcomed by the hometown crowd and given encouragement. In 2021, 12 acre Lake Lorna Doone Park underwent an $8 million renovation. Added to the park was the nine hole Arnold Palmer Putting Experience, fitness stations, a playground, football fields, basketball courts, a splash pad and the Winnie Palmer Nature Trail. I especially liked the nature trail where I got to see native plants and wildlife. With the upgrades, this park now has all of the amenities needed to inspire a healthy, active lifestyle for the West Lakes families who live in this neighborhood and all who visit.

Nestled on the shores of Lake Maitland, Kraft Azalea Garden is one of the most peaceful and…read morebeautiful spots in Central Florida. From the moment you walk in, you're surrounded by towering cypress trees draped in Spanish moss, creating a calm, almost magical atmosphere. The lakefront views are absolutely stunning, especially around sunset when the light reflects off the water--it's the perfect place to relax, take photos, or just unwind. The historic Exedra monument adds a unique touch and makes for a great backdrop. What really stands out is how quiet and serene it feels, even though it's so close to everything in Winter Park. Whether you're going for a peaceful walk, a picnic, or just some time to clear your mind, this hidden gem delivers every time

Excellent park with easy parking. Take deep breaths of fresh air, and enjoy the breeze. Sit on a…read morebench. No restrooms that I found, but Park Avenue is nearby, drive over. Great place to find peace.

This park is about 45 minutes from me and yet we've been several times. It's just that good! Theres…read moreso many different areas and things to play on. There's a big play area for the older kids and a smaller but plenty big area for the younger kids to play on. My son is only 17 months but loves to climb and I can appreciate that this park was designed for smaller kids in mind and there are less places where he could yeet himself off so as a parent I don't have to watch every single step he makes.

Cute park hidden in the neighborhood. Fairly quiet for all the people there. Didn't notice any dogs…read moreso not sure if it's pet friendly.

Great paddle boarding spot. There's bathrooms at the parking lot, which is super convenient…read more Unfortunately, I paddled here on a fairly windy day so paddling against the current was very difficult. Would definitely come back here on a less windy day with friends! There are a bunch of scenic boat tours that circle around the lake, as well as a few people on jet skis but other than that, it was fairly quiet on the water!

Whenever we go paddle boarding, we always start from Dinky Dock. The nearby canals offer plenty to…read moreexplore, and the whole area has a relaxed, family-friendly vibe. It's a scenic little spot and a great place to visit during the summer. Lots of shade and not too crowded, perfect for a laid-back day by the water. It's also great for wildlife watching, we've seen all kinds of birds and even a few otters here. Parking can be tricky on busier days, but if you arrive early, you'll usually find a spot. Bathrooms are available and surprisingly decent for a dock area.

What a sweet little park to enjoy a short walk, a picnic or to partake in bird watching. There are…read morebenches here and there to sit on. Would be a nice spot with the right eye to take photos. The oaks are old and hold so much wisdom. The hard part is finding where to park. The only spot is on the side of the road. I saw people walking dogs through the park too. It's shaded and if you want sun, there are parts that the sun shines through. Enjoy!

5 Star update for a park that is beautiful for stolling during Azalea blooming season, as well as…read morefor events and weddings. This is one of my favorite parks ever. As the name implies, this park is at its peak during azalea season, but don't be discouraged if these colorful blooms are till hidden- there is so much more to discover in this park. Take a walk along the path that meanders under the bridges and around the creek. You'll find tons of special spots where you'll want to pause, take a picture, and enjoy a moment of peace (just thinking about it is putting me in a zen mood!). The park also has a nice stage area which is small, but can be used as a wedding location (I've been a bridesmaid here!). I wouldn't recommend going to the park at night, as it doesn't have lights and can get a bit creepy, but during the day make sure to get your pup on a leash, pack a light lunch, and get ready for the best picnic ever!

I was born in Orlando in 1961, so Lake Eola has been a part of my entire life. I rarely make it…read moredown here anymore, but I had an appointment near here and as I parked, I look at the park and the lake and made sure that I would spent some time after the meeting, and I am glad that I did. It is so beautiful here, a sanctuary in the middle of the hustle and bustle of downtown Orlando. I walked around the lake, people watching, enjoying the foliage, the trees, the wildlife, so serene and tranquil. If I lived downtown, I would be here every day. I highly recommend taking a trip here and getting away from the city for a few minutes- you will be glad you did.

I went to this park for the corporate 5k event. It is a nice park to walk around with the big lake…read morein the center and the famous fountain. At night it is nicely lit with many colors and I believe every hour they have a music and fountain show. There is an amphitheatre, and there were musicians playing for the event. There are a lot of ducks and swans, which can dirty the place because of the feathers and poop. You used to be allowed to feed them food from a small stand, but due to health concerns, it's now banned. There is a playground, but it's for kids only. There are 2 bathrooms area, but it can get dirty occasionally. There are a couple restaurants to enjoy near the park too. A nice park to have a nice walk, job, and exercise. Overall: B

This is one of the biggest and coolest parks that I enjoy going to. I've visited this park for…read moresoccer practice, grass, volleyball games, and kickball practice as well. If you're looking to get some steps in, running, and still feel secured in the neighborhood, this Park is a place to do it. It is also in close proximity to the shopping center in Baldwin Park. I really love all of the homes that surround this park is. Each is unique and beautiful in its own way. The park is well maintained for all types of activities such as baseball, volleyball, soccer like football and other outdoor activities. After a workout you can easily walk to the shopping center area and get a cup of coffee, glass of wine or some of the best sushi in Orlando.

I love me a good park and I have to say that Blue Jacket Park (BJP) is one of the nicest in central…read moreFlorida. It checks off all of boxes for me: walkable, nice scenery, public access to a variety of sporting activities, kid-friendly, pet-friendly, visual variety, open green spaces, occasional events, and easy parking. My wife and I go here regularly for walks with our baby but I've come plenty of times in the past to play basketball, go jogging, and play tennis. I haven't been able to play as many sports recently but love that the option is available there and that the area is fairly well kept by the city. One of my favorite things to do is grab a drink from a nearby spot, like coffee at Lineage or a snack from The Salty Donut, and go for a nice, long stroll around the park. It's always so nice to see people using the park and is at its best during the fall when the weather is gorgeous and Blue Jacket is full of people enjoying the public amenities. I love going to the occasional event at the park whether it's a local makers market, or the hot air balloon festival they have there each year. I've gone to a number of parks around town and other than Barnett Park, BJP is the next best in the area if you live near downtown. Lake Eola is third in my opinion. Worth the visit if you just want to stretch your legs and be off of your phone.