Downtown Orlando acts as the city's cultural, historical and commercial center. In recent years, this region has seen a lot of improvement in order to attract more tourists. This tour will take you through Lake Eola Park, a favorite among the locals, and then proceed with some great museums, historic buildings, and other places of value. Be sure to take your time and enjoy this wonderful downtown Orlando walking tour.
1) Florida Citrus Bowl
The Florida Citrus Bowl is a 70,000 seat capacity stadium in Orlando, Florida. Originally named the Orlando Stadium, it was constructed in 1936 as part of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration Project. Subsequent names include the Tangerine Bowl from 1947 to 1975, the Citrus Bowl 1976, and the Orlando Stadium 1977 to 1982. The current name has been in place since 1983.
Major events such as the Capital One Bowl, Champs Sports Bowl, East-West Shrine Game, Florida Classic, MEAC/SWAC Challenge, Monster Jam, and the 1994 FIFA World Cup have taken place at the arena. In addition, the stadium has been the site of movies, television shows, and many concerts. Famous musicians such as Paul McCartney, Van Halen, the Rolling Stones, and Cheap Trick have performed concerts at the Florida Citrus Bowl. It is also the site where the 1996 Olympic soccer matches were held.
The stadium has strict rules on what can and cannot be brought into the stadium. In addition, patrons are subject to inspection by security personnel at any time. The Florida Citrus Bowl also offers accommodations for up to 100 people through their Dex Imaging Skyline Club. Luncheons, weddings, and business meetings are just some of the events the Skyline Club hosts.
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2) Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre
Located on Livingston Street, the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center is a 2,500 seat performance arts venue that features ballets, theater and musical performances from popular artists. Originally known as the Municipal Auditorium, the building was named after former mayor Bob Carr in 1978 after an extensive renovation. The building has been the location of many performances since its opening in 1927. It is one of the oldest performance venues in the city and a part of the Orlando Centroplex.
The center is home to some of the biggest and best theatrical performances in Florida. The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, and Cats are but a few of the events the venue has hosted. In addition, the Orlando Opera, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, the Festival of Orchestras, the Florida Symphony Orchestra, as well as many other shows and exhibits, call the center home. The building has frequently been updated to stay abreast of new technology. It has continental-style seating and is handicapped and hearing impaired accessible. It is available for business conferences or seminar use. The building will be replaced with the Dr. P. Phillips Orlando Performing Arts Center in 2014. The box office is open from 9 am to 6 pm.
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3) Lynx Central Station
Located near the intersection of Amelia Street and Garland Avenue, in Downtown Orlando, the Lynx Central Station is no ordinary terminal. This beautifully designed station puts most to shame. If you need to quickly make your way around the city, this transport system provides quick and easy access to the city’s bus system. The 18,000 square foot terminal features stunning design, an air-conditioned waiting area, and serves millions of passengers in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake, Polk, and Volusia counties. More than 85,000 rides are provided each weekday. A total of 28,023,186 passengers used the system in 2011.
The station is the central hub of the massive Lynx Network. It provides access to the zero-fare LYMMO Bus and services 30 bus routes. In the future, its proximity to the proposed commuter rail line will also provide access for Sun Rail commuters to the Lynx Bus Routes. The Amway Arena, the FAMU College of Law, and many major businesses, recreational, and entertainment venues are located within a short distance from the station. The Lynx Central Station is open Monday through Thursday from 6 am to 10 pm, Friday from 6 am to midnight, Saturday from 10 am to midnight and Sunday from 10 am to 10 pm.
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4) U.S. Post Office & Courthouse
The U.S. Post Office & Courthouse, which opened in 1941, was Orlando's first post office. It was built in 1917 on land that was previously owned by the Catholic Church, then later bought by the federal government. The building was designed by Louis A. Simon who opted for a conservative design.
5) Cathedral of St. Luke
Located on Magnolia Avenue, the Cathedral of St. Luke holds the designation as Florida’s first Episcopal cathedral. The place of worship was established in 1892 and features stunning stained glass windows. In 1922, the old church was moved to the south side of the plot to make space for a new cathedral that was completed in 1925. Boston architects Frohman, Robb, and Little designed the current building.
More than just a place of worship, the cathedral offers free musical concerts that range from classical to jazz to opera and has a bookstore and library. The church is also home to the renowned Orlando Deanery Boychoir.
The bookstore contains a vast selection of cards, crosses, religious literature, ornaments, and other items. Bookstore hours are 9 am to 12 pm on Sundays and 5 pm to 7 pm on Wednesdays. The bookstore can also be opened for groups by appointment.
The library includes one of the most complete liturgical collections in the southeast as well as a children’s section. Over 5,000 volumes of collected works are available for viewing. Library hours are 10 am to 3 pm on Mondays and Wednesdays. Church services are 7 am on Monday, 12:05 pm on Wednesday, and 8 am, 10:15 am, and 5 pm on Sunday.
6) Orange County Regional History Center
The Orange County Regional History Center is known as one of Central Florida’s best museums. Located on Central Boulevard, the center features thousands of unique items that tell the history of Central Florida’s history. The exhibition hall was established in 1927.
The museum contains a wide range of objects. Furniture, toys, dolls, artwork, business items, quilts, hats, military items, and technology are some of the many items you will see. Of most interest are the 16,000 postcards and photographs that date back to the 1870s. The postcards and photographs offer an intimate glimpse into the past.
The center has several programs that are geared towards the needs of patrons. The Passport History Summer Camp, History Holiday Camp, and Spring Break Camp allow children to pursue their interests in history. Exhibits on current events and lectures from university professors occur frequently and programs for schools and organizations offer a unique glimpse into the museum’s collections. Dinners that feature respected speakers and game nights allow adults to participate in the fun.
Visiting hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm. The Docent Program hosts museum expeditions and gives volunteers of the museum’s history center.
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7) Lake Eola Park
Located on Rosalind Avenue in Orlando, Florida, the Lake Eola Park is a popular meeting place for locals and visitors. The attractive and picturesque recreational area is famous for the Linton E. Allen Memorial Fountain, located in the nearby Eola Lake, which changes colors at night. Park visitors will enjoy the 43 acres of sidewalks that allow one to jog or walk while enjoying the scenic views. In addition, there are gondolas and swan-shaped boats available for rental that glide up and down the lake.
There is something for everyone at Eola Lake. A playground for children, a small outdoor terrace café when you need a bite to eat, and the nearby Walt Disney Amphitheatre are some of the treats you will enjoy when you visit. There is also a Chinese pagoda on the grounds.
Many popular events take place in the park. The Spin City Classic features professional and amateur bicycle races every March. Each July, a fireworks exhibit celebrates the Fourth of July, and Fiesta in the Park features arts and crafts, as well as entertainment. In addition, martial art classes occur every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday in the park. The park is open Monday through Friday from 6 am to 12 am.
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8) Orlando Science Center
The Orlando Science Center is one of the best interactive science complexes in the United States. It became part of the Central Florida Museum in 1955 and opened in Orlando Loch Haven Park in 1960. The center makes science fun for kids and adults. Field trips, family science nights, workshops, interactive exhibits, and movies are just some of the treats you will enjoy when you visit.
The four-floor complex houses 10 presentations and has one of the state’s largest refractor telescopes. In addition, the 207,000 square foot building has many display spaces, an observatory, a theater, a café, and a store that has science-themed gifts and memorabilia.
A wide-range of exhibits and multimedia presentations ensure that the needs of all will be met. The magnificent NatureWorks display offers an intimate look at reptiles, while the DinoDigs exhibit takes you back to the times of the prehistoric age. A highly recommended visit is the Our Planet Our Universe presentation that teaches children about astronomy and earth science. The center is open Sunday through Tuesday from 10 am to 5 pm and Thursday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. They are closed on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
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9) Orlando Museum of Art
Located in Loch Haven Park and established in 1924, the Orlando Museum of Art features work from artists around the world. William Michael Harnett, Suzanne McClelland, Georgia O’Keefe, and John Singer Sargent are just a few whose works you will enjoy when you visit.
The museum strives to promote and educate the public about visual art. Educational programs for adults and children include tours and lectures. Accredited courses allow participants to learn about art at an intimate level. In-service programs are also offered to teachers.
One of the most stunning elements is the Cobalt and Citron Tower glass display made by artist Dale Chihuly. The museum has 12 onsite and 13 offsite exhibits. After-work parties occur each Thursday. Another event to not miss is the annual Festival of Trees. The event features designer trees and vignettes each December. It is said that over 20,000 people enjoy the festival each year. In addition, the Antiques Vintage and Garden Show held every February allows patrons to purchase antique furniture, paintings, jewelry, oriental rugs, and so much more.
The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 4 pm and Saturday through Sunday from 12 pm to 4 pm. They are closed on Monday and during major United States holidays. Facility rental services are also available for groups as small as 50 or as large as 1,000.
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