10 Most Popular Streets in Orlando

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 1^st 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.

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.

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.”

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.