Where to walk in Orlando

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.

Where to walk Orlando: image of a couple walking on a shaded trail

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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.

Where to walk in Orlando: image of residents swans at Lake Eola park in downtown Orlando
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.

Places to walk in Orlando: image of lakeside shore at Harbor Park Lake Baldwin
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.

Image of butterfly at Leu Gardens Orlando
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.

Walking paths Orlando: image of Central Park walking path in Winter Park
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.

Walking in Orlando: image of people walking at Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs
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. 

Walking paths near Orlando: image of Lake Lily in Maitland, Florida
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 ½ 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.

Where to see manatees: image of Manatees swimming at Blue Spring Park
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.

Where to walk in Orlando: image of Sanford Riverwalk at Lake Monroe in Sanford, Florida
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
Trail map

A free 82-acre nature park open to the public on the UCF campus. There is a grassy area, picnic tables, a nature trail, and a boardwalk trail. UCF offers Arboretum tours and you can also explore on your own while geocaching.
 
 
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