10 Most Popular Streets in Orlando
Take a Walk Down Orlando's Streets and Squares
Orlando’s streets and squares offer plenty of exciting things to see and do. The magic of this Florida city is tangible beyond its world-class theme parks. Once you’ve felt the thrills of Orlando’s tallest and fastest rollercoasters or met your favorite Disney characters, exploring its city centre presents an abundance of sights, activities, and events.
Come for the bedazzling and top-rated theme parks, and stay to experience Orlando hospitality. This city is abuzz with an over-the-top restaurant scene, unique entertainment opportunities, and ample places to go shopping. Here are Orlando’s eclectic streets and squares worth visiting throughout your stay.
1. Church Street
The unofficial center of Downtown Orlando
Good for: Families, History, Nightlife
Stroll along Church Street for a bit of history – this is where the historic Old Orlando Railroad Depot was built in 1889. The thoroughfare is now a downtown destination in the vibrant City District quarter, which is known for its lively bars, diverse restaurants, unique entertainment, and sporting events at the Amway Center.
Top experiences on Church Street include axe-throwing at BATL Ax Throwing, a lively game of blackjack at the historic Cheyenne Sedan & Opera House, and an after-dark haunted walking tour of the historic neighbourhood.
Location: Church Street, Orlando, Florida, USA
Church Street
2. International Drive
Your connection to Orlando’s amazing attractions
Good for: Families, History
International Drive, also known as I-Drive, is where you’ll find many of Orlando’s world-class theme parks and attractions. Vacationers flock here to see everything imaginable, from the largest observation wheel on the east coast at ICON Orlando to artifacts from the Titanic at The Artifact Exhibition.
I-Drive is walkable, but a ride on the I-Ride Trolley is a great way to get to hundreds of hot spots, including shops and restaurants along this 11-mile stretch. Whether you are here for thrills or leisure, you’ll find an activity along International Drive that appeals to everyone.
Location: International Drive, Orlando, Florida, USA
International Drive
3. North Orange Avenue
A lively and spirited street on the northern edge of Downtown Orlando
Good for: Families, Photo
Meander along North Orange Avenue, and you’ll find Ivanhoe Village, a neighbourhood self-proclaimed as Orlando’s indie, eclectic side. This enclave is a diverse mix of retro-style boutiques, master craftsmen and artisans, art galleries, and antique shops. There’s no shortage of high-end restaurants, comfortable eateries, and casual watering holes, many of which have outdoor seating. The ambience is hip, colorful, and exuberant.
Ivanhoe is an inviting, walkable, and bikeable neighbourhood – in fact, the Orlando Urban Trail starts in this part of town. Most intriguing and hard to miss is the replica of the Statue of Liberty that marks the entrance to Ivanhoe. The sculpture stands on a rock pedestal in the middle of a traffic island, with flowers surrounding it.
Location: Ivanhoe Village Main Street, Orlando, Florida, USA
North Orange Avenue
4. East Washington Street
Relax and slow down in a downtown oasis
Good for: Couples, Families
East Washington Street is a great place to visit when you need a break from a busy day in Orlando. Take a stroll through Lake Eola Park, which boasts lushly landscaped grounds – you’ll have a view of the captivating Linton E. Allen Memorial Fountain and an even more spectacular view of the Orlando skyline. These sights are especially delightful when the sun sets. There’s a fountain that hosts a colorful light show, plus the cityscape comes alive with night-time ambience.
Other popular activities at Lake Eola Park include going for a paddleboat ride and catching live performances at the Walt Disney Amphitheater. If you want to stretch your legs, follow the 0.9-mile path that encircles the lake.
Location: East Washington Street, Orlando, Florida, USA
East Washington Street
5. North Hyer Avenue
A fun playground for adults in Orlando
Good for: Nightlife
North Hyer Avenue is one of the most popular streets in Orlando, only 10 minutes from downtown. It’s part of the Thornton Park District, a distinctive cosmopolitan community nicknamed the “Downtown for Grownups.” Expect pretty brick streets, 1920s-style bungalows, and sprawling oak trees with Spanish moss.
Thornton Park District has a relaxed “easy like Sunday morning” vibe. You can explore a farmer’s market, reggae Sundays, a Thursday night market, and a monthly Wine & Art Walk. Speaking of Sunday mornings, brunch in Thornton Park is a popular occasion, where the garnishes on Bloody Marys are the talk of the town and mimosas flow freely.
Location: North Hyer Avenue, Orlando, Florida, USA
North Hyer Avenue
6. South Magnolia Avenue
Art is at the heart of this avenue
Good for: Families, History, Nightlife
Head over to South Magnolia Avenue to explore Orlando’s creative side. An ornate Queen Anne-style structure, called the Rogers Building, is home to the CityArts and the Downtown Art District. Both are non-profit institutions that go above and beyond to support Florida’s arts community. CityArts is an eclectic collective featuring local and international artists – it even offers free admission at certain times of the day
Another popular spot along the avenue is the Dr Phillips Center for Performing Arts, which hosts the Walt Disney Theater, Steinmetz Hall, and the Seneff Arts Plaza. This beautifully designed building is a hub for educational opportunities and live entertainment, ranging from Broadway shows to outdoor festivals.
Location: South Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, Florida, USA
South Magnolia Avenue
7. South Orange Avenue
Great for getting to know the city of Orlando
Good for: Photo
A visit to South Orange Avenue leads you directly to Discover Downtown, Orlando’s information center. Here, you can learn about everything that can help make your stay enjoyable. Details about lodging, parking, attractions, arts and dining are right at your fingertips. You can also view an impressive, 30-ft-long mural by self-taught local artist Boy Kong.
While wandering around South Orange Avenue, make sure to stop by Orlando City Hall. On the 1st floor, the Terrace Gallery showcases amazing works by local, national and international artists. Gracing the courtyard is Artifact, an illuminated stainless steel and laminated glass sculpture.
Location: South Orange Avenue, Orlando, Florida, USA
South Orange Avenue
8. North Mills Avenue
North Mills Avenue
Good for: History, Food, Nightlife
Where North Mills Avenue intersects with Colonial Drive (State Road 50) is one of Orlando’s oldest neighbourhoods, Mills 50. This colorful community has many independent businesses focusing on wellness and holistic services. Shopping and dining options reflect its diverse population, covering a wide range of cultural styles.
There’s no shortage of activities in Mills 50, too. A must-visit is the Orlando Museum of Art, along with many independent galleries, theaters, live music venues, nightclubs, and bars. While enjoying this eclectic borough, keep an eye out for over 30 creative street murals that celebrate life in Orlando.
Location: North Mills Avenue, Orlando, Florida, USA
North Mills Avenue
9. East Princeton Street
Great for families looking to learn something new
Good for: Families
East Princeton Street is where you can lose yourself in the Orlando Science Center or the Mennello Museum of American Art and Sculpture Garden. Both venues host interesting exhibits, installations, art, and interactive activities that are educational, exhilarating and inspiring.
The Orlando Science Center is a family-friendly hub featuring almost everything from gigantic dinosaur skeletons to hands-on science programs. The Mennello Museum celebrates the diversity of American Art through thought-provoking exhibits about the community. A highlight of the Mennello Sculpture Garden is an ancient oak tree covered in long tendrils of Spanish moss, aptly named “The Mayor.”
Location: East Princeton Street, Orlando, Florida, USA
East Princeton Street
10. East Robinson Street
Part of the eclectic Milk District of Orlando
Good for: Families, History, Food, Nightlife, Adventure
East Robinson Street was the location of a dairy farm and cow pasture years ago. The family business blossomed, and T.G. Lee Dairy is the cornerstone of what is known as the Milk District. The area may seem sleepy at first, but you’ll soon find that it’s a lively, albeit small, borough in Orlando.
The Milk District has street markets, block parties, bars with great happy hours, and eclectic restaurants – something fun is always happening throughout the day (and night). Skaters and cyclists can enjoy hours of fun at the 15,000-sq-ft Orlando Skate Park.
Location: East Robinson Street, Orlando, Florida, USA
East Robinson Street
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