Whenever someone visits me in Orlando, this is usually what our Sunday looks like. I have also followed this exact itinerary many times with my boyfriend. I love the vibes and activity that downtown Orlando provides, especially the area around Lake Eola! In fact, the Lake Eola area is one of my recommendations for places you need to check-out in Orlando.
Customize this plan to meet your needs best and almost all of these activities can be rearranged to fit your schedule. I recommend taking this trip down in the late morning on Sunday. This is because I enjoy walking around the Farmer’s Market in addition to the lake, and the farmer’s market will only be there on Sundays from 10am-3pm.
I recommend aiming to get to the parking garage around 11am and planning to have lunch first thing once you arrive, so bring some hungry bellies!
There are a couple of parking garages in this area (they do charge though) and there is also street parking scattered throughout the area. However, I hate scouring for a parking spot, so we have always parked in one of two garages:
- MAA Parkside Garage (Corner of E Central Blvd. and S Osceola Ave.) This garage is closer to Lake Eola.
- Parking Garage located on E Washington St between N Eola Dr. and Summerlin Ave.: This one is a bit farther of a walk, but a prime location to get to our dining location and a quick walk back from Lake Eola.
Now that we are parked and ready to go, let’s do this!
Arrive downtown around 11am and find parking.
#1 Lunch at Jinya Ramen Bar
Our first stop is Jinya Ramen Bar! Jinya opens at 11am. This restaurant is walking distance from Lake Eola, and it has such delicious food. The ramen is flavorful, and the noodles are top notch. There are also wonderful cocktails and appetizers available. We have always had amazing service at Jinya and are always so impressed with our experience.
#2 Grab a tea from Rare Tea
After a satisfying lunch, head right next door and pick up some tea from RareTea for stroll around the farmer’s market and Lake Eola! I am a big fan of their matcha teas as well as their Thai milk tea. However, everything we have gotten from RareTea has been delicious!
#3 Enjoy the Orlando Farmer’s Market
The Farmer’s Market is open from 10am-3pm and various booths line the sidewalk around Lake Eola. You can find everything from handmade jewelry, to dips and jerky. And of course, there are booths to pick up fruits, vegetables and plants!
#4 Take a stroll around Lake Eola
After perusing the market, continue on your journey around Lake Eola. The total path is 0.9 miles so plan accordingly. There is so much to see on your walk around the lake. There are usually always people performing and lots of wildlife to see.
#5 Admire all the wildlife and grab some 25-cent feed from a dispenser
You will see lots and lots of swans, ducks and turtles as you make your way around. There are also many varieties of birds that call Lake Eola home. There are green dispensers around the lake that you can get food out of for just a quarter.
#6 Paddle your heart out in a Swan Boat on Lake Eola
While not necessary that you take a swan boat out for a ride, they are so much fun! The swan boat is just $15 for 30 minutes and can fit up to 5 people (although I think that might be a squeeze, but 4 fit more than comfortably). The line usually looks pretty long, but we were surprised by how quickly we got a boat! The process was well organized, and we really enjoyed our time.
#7 Want a sweet treat? Stop by The Greenery Creamery
This stop is a little bit out of the way, but if you are looking for a sweet treat to top off the afternoon, The Greenery Creamery is just a short walk away from Lake Eola. This ice cream shop has lots of unique flavors and even offers vegan options!
You can also make this day last even longer by exploring more of the restaurants and shops in Lake Eola. Also, take your time walking around Lake Eola and maybe even bring a blanket and a good book to relax with. If you try this plan out, let me know what you think of it or if you have any additional recommendations.
As always, if you have any questions, comments or concerns, I would love to hear from you! Happy Travels! ~Colette
