Best Orlando Walking Trails

Allergies are absolutely killing me this year! I never had allergies before moving to Florida, and I think for the past 4 years or so, I’ve convinced myself I had a cold instead of acknowledging the effect the Florida pollen has on me. But this year I can’t stay delusional. My eyes, ears, nose, throat, are all SO itchy in the mornings and my sneezing is out of control too.  I take some comfort in not being alone in my suffering. Allergies seem especially bad for everyone this year.

Don’t even get me started on my car.

HOWEVER, my allergies are absolutely not going to stop me from my walks. Walking is my favorite therapy, and thanks to the recent time change, the sky is bright until well past 7:30pm, giving me ample time for a walk after work. Thanks to the year-round gorgeous weather here, I try to go for a walk every day, but it is just better during the seasons when it stays light later into the evening. 

Most days I stay around my neighborhood, but every now and then I want a change of scenery. Below are some of my favorite places to go for a walk around Orlando. There are countless, depending where you live and how far you’re willing to travel. My recommendations below except #4 are all within 15-ish minutes of downtown Orlando

1. Lake Eola

Pros: pretty views, plenty to do in the surrounding area, short path (take as many or as few laps as you’d like)

Cons: parking, crowds

Lake Eola is in the center of downtown Orlando and boasts a bustling scene all days of the week. It’s less than a mile around the lake and there are often markets or shows going on in the surrounding area. This is not the place to go if you’re looking for some peace and quiet, but is a great walk for people watching! You can even venture beyond the lake area onto the streets for some city vibes.

2. Lake Baldwin

Pros: pretty views, peaceful, safe

Cons: sometimes busy?

I had a hard time coming up with cons for the path around Lake Baldwin. Located in Baldwin Park, the path around this lake is about 2.5 miles and is a perfect mix of quiet but populated. You’ll find others going for a jog, a bike ride, or walking their dog, but with more of a “local” vibe than you’d find at Lake Eola. The path around the lake is completely paved, so I love roller skating here!

3. Orlando Urban Trail (The Dinky Line)

Pros: pretty views, landmarks along the way

Cons: parking

Unlike the first two spots, the urban trail is not a loop around a lake, rather (like the name suggests) a trail. The trail is 3 miles or so, depending how long you follow it, and has ever changing scenery. You’ll pass the sunrail tracks, some small shops, breweries, and you’ll of course cross a bridge over a lake. The trail is usually pretty empty but you’ll see the occasional run club or dog walker. This trail is paved as well.

4. Circle B Bar Reserve

Pros: wildlife views

Cons: distance

Circle B Bar Reserve is a nature reserve located about an hour south west of Orlando. This walk (hike?) is more of a commitment and something you might want to do with a friend or significant other. You’re almost guaranteed to see alligators up close as you walk through. While it is not necessarily an easy and relaxing afternoon walk, I definitely recommend this park if you are looking for an escape and something different to do. There are no fences or barriers, so be careful as you are looking at the wildlife. There are some paved portions but most of the trail is earthy.

5. Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve

Pros: wildlife views, peaceful

Cons: ??

This is another walking area I had trouble thinking of cons for.  The parking is easy and it is quieter than Circle B Bar Reserve would be. It’s a less well-known nature trail and is really peaceful. Every time I’ve gone, I have only seen one or two other people exploring. The trail is very much in the woods so wear shoes that you are prepared to get dirty. You probably won’t see roaming gators but be on the lookout for birds and turtles.

6. Leu Gardens

Pros: beautiful scenery, quiet, aesthetic photo ops

Cons: closes seasonally, costs money to enter, floods easily

Harry P. Leu Gardens is a botanical garden that offers an easy, scenic walk through different gardens. This is the only walk on the list that may cost money, so check the site before going here, but they do have designated free days.  The parking here is easy and definitely worth the trip if you can make it here on a free day. If you’re looking for a free botanical garden, the Mead Botanical Garden located in Winter Park is free year round, just a bit of a drive compared to the Leu Gardens.

There are countless other trails and walking paths around Orlando. Even just 5 minutes from the center of downtown, there are so many little lakes and pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods you can explore. I used to be obsessed with walking around the city area but am so happy to have found more areas that I love to walk through! xo

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