Orlando Area Information

Downtown Orlando

With over 60 historic buildings dating from as far back as 1880, downtown Orlando is a splendid combination of the old and the new...with an amazing number of eccentric details that are perfect for a treasure hunt! These days, the downtown area is being reshaped and revitalized, with new restaurants, eclectic shops and trendy night spots - all within an easy walk of the lovely Lake Eola. If you're tired of expensive and pre-fabricated Florida theme parks, then Downtown is the place to go for a glimpse at the "real" Orlando. During your downtown treasure hunt, expect to drop in on a mysterious obelisk; the oldest railroad station in town (dating to 1890); a giant world map; an immense saxophone mural, and so much more...and all without a whopping park admission charge!

Lake Eola Park is a popular city park located in the eastern area of Downtown Orlando. The park could be considered Orlando's "Central Park" due to its central location, historical significance, and a frequent venue for local events and festivals. The park's most iconic and historical landmark is the Lake Eola Fountain that resides in the center of Lake Eola and is pernmanently embedded to the lake bottom with concrete beams. The scenic fountain is illuminated nightly with green lighting within the fountain dome. In addition to the fountain, the park features swan boat rentals and an amphitheater that has been a host to many events, including the annual Orlando Shakespeare festival. One of the most popular events held at the park is the annual Independence Day firework show that takes place every 4th of July.

The main route through downtown is Orange Avenue, a one-way street on which traffic flows to the south. It is known by locals for its nightlife and for the tall office buildings that dot the roadway. Other main roads include Magnolia Avenue, Central Boulevard, Hughey Avenue, and Colonial Drive (SR 50). Two main highways that run through downtown are Interstate 4 and the East-West Expressway (Toll SR 408).

Downtown is home to many urban amenities such as an 18,000 seat arena now known as the Amway Arena which hosts the Orlando Magic NBA team and the Orlando Predators Arena Football League team.

On July 26th a bill was voted on and passed for a joint venture between Orange County and the city of Orlando to build a 1.2 billion dollar project in downtown, which will consist of the following:

• Performing arts center with three halls
• New arena for the Orlando Magic and other events
• Renovations to the Florida Citrus Bowl to bring it up to date as a world class football stadium

This ambitious series of plans has been dubbed the "Triple Crown for Downtown" by Mayor Buddy Dyer.