Lake Eola — Attraction in Orlando

A Beautiful Gem in the Heart of Orlando – Lake Eola Park

Lake Eola Park is truly one of Orlando's most charming and peaceful destinations. Nestled right in the heart of downtown, this park offers a refreshing break from the city buzz with its picturesque lake, famous swan boats, and serene walking paths.

One of the park's most iconic features is the majestic Linton E. Allen Memorial Fountain, often simply called the Lake Eola Fountain. Installed in 1957, it has become a symbol of Orlando itself. Interestingly, Lake Eola is actually a giant sinkhole — a fascinating geological feature that makes its deep, clear waters even more special.

Walking around the nearly one-mile path, you’ll likely encounter real swans and a variety of other bird species that call the park home. In fact, Lake Eola has long been famous for its swan population, with the city even organizing annual “swan round-ups” to check on the birds’ health.

Another charming historical detail is that the land around the lake was donated to the city in the late 19th century by Jacob Summerlin, a cattle baron known as the “King of the Crackers.” He gave the land under the condition that it would always be used as a public park.

Today, Lake Eola hosts weekly farmers markets, outdoor concerts, art festivals, and evening yoga classes, making it a lively hub for both locals and tourists. Whether you're enjoying a leisurely swan boat ride, watching a vibrant performance at the Walt Disney Amphitheater, or simply sitting by the water with a coffee, Lake Eola offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and history.

Visiting Lake Eola is not just a walk in the park — it’s an experience that captures the spirit of Orlando in a uniquely beautiful way.

Would you like a second version that's a little shorter or even...

Orlando, FL. A grand, well-designed old park full of photo ops with free 2-hour street parking on the east side and lots of tourists, families, people of all ages and well-disguised homeless people. The farmers market, restaurant, cobbled streets, old church, settled neighborhood, Disney amphitheater, beautiful fountain, sculptures and modern business buildings surrounding the park ensured a pretty safe and pleasant paseo. I went by myself and truly enjoyed the park and people in it.

There were speakers near the east end with jazz music playing. I saw three people in wheelchairs plus about 5 runners. Lots of picture taking. Moms with strollers enjoyed the playground. Older people walked slowly to the bridge. There was a school field trip with about 50 elementary students with teachers in attendance racing in the grassy area near the playground and eating lunch at the public tables. And yes, the swans were there. I crossed the street to have coffee at the cafe next to the church and coffee came in a porcelain cup with a white handle resembling a swan wing. A couple people had brought their pups out for a romp and some sun.

The bathrooms were clean and the drinking fountains had filtered water available as reusable water bottle filling stations.

My friend, who’s lived here for decades, said she walks there in the evening and feels quite safe.

As I got in my car I saw a parking enforcement person on a bike pass my car so the two hour limit is enforced. But there was lots of parking (Friday, 3/8/2024, noon-2:00 pm) so I could’ve moved my car. Plus there was free parking available in front of the cafe with no time limit.

Highly...

This is my favorite park in Orlando! There is no other place like this place, Lake Eola! Number one being the Swans. They are the example of what lake Eola is all about. The beauty of the beautiful swans. There are so many of them, but they complete the park. Lake Eola is about 1 mile around and is an excellent area to get a run in, walk a few laps or just socialize with friends and family. They have a farmers market here, which is lovely Sunday mornings and highly recommended. Come out and enjoy the lake, day or night! Here are a few photos I took! I hope you enjoy them and make...