Top Rated Parks to Visit in Orlando

"In the historic neighborhood of Thornton Park is this fantastic smart home that is just 10 minutes from DT and a quick drive to all the tourist attractions you’re here for. This home is uniquely designed with the most lively and vibrant colors to keep your energy high. And we can’t forget to mention the outdoor patio."

"Butting up to the heart of downtown Orlando, Lake Eola Park offers Insta-worthy views, a .9-mile walking sidewalk and some very large swans. (Really, they’re huge.) If you’re there on a Sunday, stop by the market. Throughout the year, there are tons of free activities (like movie showings), so bookmark this calendar."

"Stroll the less-than-a-mile-long loop around Lake Eola Park in Downtown Orlando, where you can snap photos of the swans (both real and of the paddleboat variety) gliding through the water. If you time it right, you might also be able to catch a free concert or event at the park’s Walt Disney Amphitheater."

"Cool off in the icy spring-fed swimming hole, hike miles of trails and paddle the tranquil, still waters of the Wekiva River. Central Florida Nature Adventures, inside the park, offers 2½-hour guided tours, rents kayaks and canoes (two hours $17, per additional hour $3) and supplies overnight camping supplies. Reserve primitive riverside campsites in advance."

"Wekiva is a Creek Indian word meaning "flowing water"; wekiwa means "spring of water." The river, springs, and surrounding 6,400-acre…"

"This park is not to be confused with Kraft Azalea since this park is actually located south of Lake Eola near Downtown Orlando!. This park is actually a local’s secret!. If you’re wanting some privacy without being in the public’s eye but still want a beautiful park with flowers and moss trees, this is the spot!"

"The beauty of nature is perfectly exemplified by this park in the middle of downtown Orlando. This urban park is much like a nature reserve, and has plenty of lush landscapes, greenery, rocks, tunnels, and bridges. Whether you want a lush backdrop or a rustic stone backdrop, Dickson Azalea park has you covered."

"Demetree Park was opened to the public in 1988 and has ever since, served a community park with numerous exciting sights and events. The park sits on 24.6 acres and has several paths and boardwalks which allow you enjoy scenic natural views. Demetree Park is suitable for relaxation and unwinding, bird watching and walking tours."

"Blue Jacket Park was originally a reserved space for Orlando Naval Training Center. The park is located near Glenridge Middle School. Today, the 75-acre piece of land is a popular public park in Orlando, famous for a wide variety of outdoor activities."

"Bill Frederick is a popular park that sits alongside the Turkey Lake and covers an area of 183 acres. Turkey Lake ranks among the top-five lakes popular for fishing in the entire state of Florida. The park is located on S Hiawassee Road."

"Located to the northeast in Orlando and just a few minutes away by car, Orlando Fashion Square can be your next stop if you want to do some light shopping. Regardless of whether you want to buy jewelry, or you’re looking for training shoes, this mall has got you covered. There are events held here every season and you can check out their movie theater as well."

"Now for the strangest mall in Orlando, the Fashion Square Mall over by Winter Park. This is by far the weirdest mall I’ve ever been to, and no matter what day or time you go, it’s always eerily empty. Aside from a couple of good staples, like a Macy’s and a Hot Topic, the mall consists almost entirely of off-brand stories, quick-service restaurants."

"Orlando Fashion Square can be found in Northeast Orlando, a stone’s throw from Orlando Executive Airport. Whether you’re searching for a pair of new trainers, some new jewelry or a spot of lunch, there’s always a wide choice available. Seasonal events are held at the mall and there’s also a movie theater."

"Slinging breakfast and lunch to a devoted legion of customers – and likely creating new ones daily – Nick's Family Diner showcases all of this culinary genre's classics along with hearty and satisfying Greek and Italian specialties. Whether you're in the mood for a good old burger deluxe or want to step outside diner business as usual and go for a daily special – perhaps the stuffed meatloaf – Nick's should deliver the good nicely. Soul food aficionados might want to give the chicken and waffles a try."

"Family-owned and operated, this quaint diner will make you such a big breakfast, you’ll have trouble getting out the door!. In what used to be an old Pizza Hut, Nick and his family built their legacy. The diner is beloved by locals, and with good reason!"

"The service is fast and friendly and the place is always packed with regulars. The waffles, pancakes, sandwiches and eggs are all always absolutely on point."

"Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has locations across the USA, and fortunately that includes a convenient joint on Vineland Avenue. Delicious burger combo meals, chili cheese dogs, and creamy frozen custard desserts are always a crowd-pleaser and always inexpensive. Whether you’re feeding a family or just yourself, Freddy’s is the kind of fast food you know won’t let you down in both price and flavor."

"The International outlets are nearly identical to the ones on Vineland, however, I often find the layout of these to be slightly less confusing and overall a slightly better ambiance. With a nearly identical selection of stores, peruse discounted candles, clothing, shoes and more, the Orlando International Premium Outlets sit at 180 stores, with Vineland having 160. It’s Florida’s largest outlet shopping destination and is located only 5 miles from Universal, and 10 from Disney."

"You can’t leave Orlando without doing some serious shopping, and Orlando International Premium Outlets is a great place to get all the best from your favorite designers and brands at a reduced rate. The venue is designed like a strip mall: open air, lots of room to walk and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the warm Florida sunshine. Several dining venues offer a variety of food and drink, including smoothies and burgers."

"A bargain shopper’s dream, the Orlando International Premium Outlets on International Drive has 175 stores filled with deeply discounted high-end fashion, jewelry, gifts, perfumes, luggage, and so much more. Inside the largest outlet mall in the southeast you’ll find stores featuring brand names such as Coach, Cole Haan, Guess, Lacoste, Nike, and Polo Ralph Lauren."

"Waterford Lakes is relatively sprawling for a walkable, outdoor shopping center, and it could use some shade, but the "camouflaged" rock speakers piping in music as you stroll its sidewalks are a nice touch. The concentration of shopping, however â€" big-box operations like BestBuy, Bed, Bath & Beyond and Super Target, mall-staples that include Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works, chain restaurants such as Five Guys Burgers, California Pizza Kitchen and Miller's Ale House, and even small, specialty food shops like Sweet! By Good Golly Miss Holly â€" makes it a natural one-stop venue for area residents looking to knock a few errands off at once and grab something to eat in the process. Interestingly, Waterford Lakes also hosts quite a few events, farmer's markets, carnivals and festivals, which can make your regular weekend visit into a more pleasant diversion than expected."