When the weather is beautiful in Orlando, there is nothing cheaper or more relaxing than a scenic walk. We have plenty of nice paths to stroll at local parks, county trails and picturesque gardens. Most of the walking paths are completely free, unless otherwise noted.
Here is your guide to where to walk in Orlando. Is there a walking path you think we should include? Please let us know.
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BEST WALKING PATHS IN ORLANDO
COUNTY TRAILS
The recreational trail system is Central Florida’s best kept secret with hundreds of miles of paved and natural trails for biking, walking and exploring. Whatever adventure you choose, it’s free to journey through the trails of Central Florida: Seminole County trails, Orange County trails, Lake County trails, Volusia County trails.
Lake Eola resident swans. Image: Melody Larson.
PLACES TO WALK IN ORLANDO
Lake Eola Park
512 Washington Street, Orlando, FL 32801
407-246-4484
Orlando’s iconic 43-acre recreational area is located in the heart of downtown. The lake is the main feature with its iconic fountain and a .9 mile sidewalk. Go on the self-guided See Art Orlando tour and feed the resident swans. Soak in spectacular views of Orlando’s skyline and marvel at the massive fountain that dances to jazz music every night at 8pm and 9pm. The park is dog friendly.
Harbor Park Lake Baldwin Park. Image: Melody Larson.
Harbor Park
4990 New Broad St, Orlando, FL 32814
407-246-2283
Lake Baldwin in Baldwin Park offers a lake view, benches, a dock and a gazebo. You can also walk to the nearby restaurants like Tactical Brewing and Café 906 in the same block.
Harry P. Leu Gardens
1920 N. Forest Avenue, Orlando, FL 32803
407-246-2620
The 49-acre botanical oasis features paths that meander under majestic oak trees, and through rose, butterfly, and vegetable gardens. The gardens host regular events like a monthly Movie Night on the first Friday of the month, free admission on select first Mondays, free story times, annual plant sales and free plant clinics. Price: $10 for adults, $5 for kids age 4-17, free for kids age 3 years and younger.
Central Park walking paths. Image: City of Winter Park
WHERE TO WALK IN WINTER PARK
Central Park
251 S. Park Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
407-599-3334
The crown jewel of Winter Park with 11 acres of sidewalks, big oak trees, fountains and a rose garden. Stroll down Park Avenue to window shop at all the stores and end your day with a picnic in the park. Keep in mind, dogs are not allowed in the park.
Mead Gardens
1300 S. Denning Drive, Winter Park, FL 32789
407-622-6323
Mead Gardens Map
FREE 47-acre natural habitat in Winter Park with a variety of hiking trails and paths for biking, walking and exploring nature.
Cranes Roost Park. Image: City of Altamonte Springs
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS WALKING PATHS
Cranes Roost Park
274 Cranes Roost Blvd, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
407-571-8180
The 45-acre park is located in the middle of the city, right next to the Altamonte Springs Mall. Park in the mall parking lot and walk over to explore. The lake is surrounded by a one-mile loop walkway and boardwalk with benches and shaded seating areas.
Lake Lotus Park
1153 Lake Lotus Park Road, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714
407-293-8885
150-acre park with woods, wetlands, fishing, a playground and a 1 mile boardwalk.
Lake Lily, Maitland. Image: Melody Larson.
WALKING IN MAITLAND
Lake Lily Park
Lake Lily Drive, Maitland
The beautiful park in Maitland features a large lake with a circular 1/2 mile walking trail and boardwalk, a playground, lily pads, benches and picnic tables. There is also a dog-friendly Farmers’ Market on Sundays, 9am – 2pm.
Manatees at Blue Spring State Park. Image: Melody Larson
WALKING IN ORANGE CITY
Blue Spring Park
2100 W French Avenue, Orange City FL 32763
386-775-3663
This park is a designed manatee refuge in the winter (mid-November through March). You can’t swim with the manatees during manatee season, but you can view them in the crystal clear water from the boardwalks. The Pine Island Trail at the park is 3.6 miles one way. Get here early since there are usually lines to get into the park. The cost is $6 per vehicle.
Sanford Riverwalk. Image: Melody Larson.
SANFORD WALKING PATHS
Sanford Riverwalk
E Seminole Blvd, Sanford, FL 32771
407-328-0018
Take a relaxing stroll along Lake Monroe on the palm tree-lined sidewalk at the Sanford Riverwalk. The path is about 4 miles long. Watch the boats cruise by and take a break at one of the swing benches.
Black Bear Wilderness Trail
5298 Michigan Avenue, Sanford, FL
407-665-2211
This wilderness trail is free and open to the public. Hike the primitive 7.1 mile loop through wetland habitats and on the boardwalk along the St. John’s River. Leashed dogs are allowed.
WALKING PATHS IN OVIEDO
Overlook Park
1988 Spring Avenue, Oviedo, FL
407-665-2001
Walk along the boardwalk that takes you above Lake Jesup and puts you right near the alligators. You can view them in their natural habitat at this densely populated lake. Lake Jesup has an estimated alligator population of almost 13,000 and is second only in the state to Lake Okeechobee. Warning: Never feed alligators. Observe and photograph them from a safe distance.
UCF Arboretum
110 Apollo Cir, Orlando, FL 32816
407-823-3583
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