Lake Eola Park

Lake Eola Park is one of downtown Orlando’s most recognizable landmarks and a favorite gathering place for both locals and visitors. Known for its iconic fountain, swan boat rentals, scenic walking path, beautiful skyline views, and community events, the park offers a relaxing change of pace from Orlando’s theme parks and attractions.

At the center of the park is Lake Eola, a 23-acre lake formed by a natural sinkhole and fed by an underground aquifer. The lake is home to Orlando’s famous swans and the Linton E. Allen Memorial Fountain, while the surrounding park features gardens, playgrounds, public art, green spaces, restaurants, and the Walt Disney Amphitheater. Best of all, visiting Lake Eola Park is completely free.

Lake Eola Quick Facts

• Located in downtown Orlando
• Established as a public park in 1888
• Approximately 23 acres
• 0.9-mile paved walking path around the lake
• Home to several species of swans
• Features the iconic Linton E. Allen Memorial Fountain
• Swan-shaped paddle boat rentals available
• Home of the Walt Disney Amphitheater
• Playgrounds and open green spaces
• Hosts festivals, concerts, markets, movies, and community events
• Restaurants and other downtown attractions nearby
• Free admission

Things to Do at Lake Eola Park

• Rent one of the famous swan-shaped paddle boats.
• Walk or jog the 0.9-mile paved path around the lake.
• Photograph the fountain and downtown Orlando skyline.
• Watch the park’s famous swans and other wildlife.
• Relax or picnic in the open green spaces.
• Bring the kids to one of the playgrounds.
• Explore the gardens, sculptures, and public art around the park.
• Attend a concert, movie, festival, or community event.
• Visit the Orlando Farmers Market on Sunday.
• Enjoy lunch, dinner, or drinks at a nearby downtown restaurant.

Swan Boat Rentals

One of the most memorable ways to experience Lake Eola is from one of its iconic swan-shaped paddle boats. The pedal-powered boats take visitors onto the lake for close-up views of the fountain, swans, and downtown skyline.

Swan boat rentals are currently $15 for a 30-minute ride and are generally available Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, weather permitting. Boats are rented first-come, first-served and can accommodate up to five people. A wheelchair-accessible boat is also available. View current swan boat rental pricing and hours.

Orlando Farmers Market

Sunday is one of the liveliest times to visit Lake Eola Park, when the Orlando Farmers Market brings local vendors, food, baked goods, crafts, gifts, jewelry, plants, and other finds to the southeast corner of the park. The market also features an outdoor dining area and live entertainment, making it easy to combine shopping with a walk around the lake or a swan boat ride.

The Orlando Farmers Market is generally held Sundays from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Hours and dates can occasionally change for holidays, weather, or special events, so check the current schedule before visiting.

Lake Eola History

Lake Eola has served as a centerpiece of downtown Orlando for more than a century. After Jacob Summerlin purchased land in what is now downtown Orlando in the 1870s, a sinkhole on the property filled with water from an underground aquifer and stormwater, creating the lake. The Summerlin family donated land around the lake for public use in 1883, and Lake Eola was officially recognized as a City of Orlando public park in 1888.

Over the decades, Lake Eola gained many of the features now associated with the park. Swans arrived in 1922, the current Linton E. Allen Memorial Fountain was installed in 1957, and major improvements helped transform the park into the downtown gathering place visitors enjoy today.

Why Visit Lake Eola Park?

Lake Eola offers something that’s increasingly valuable during an Orlando vacation: a place to slow down. Instead of waiting in lines or following an itinerary, visitors can walk around the lake, watch the swans, enjoy the skyline, rent a paddle boat, have a picnic, or simply relax beneath the trees.

Its downtown location also makes the park an easy addition to a larger day in Orlando. Museums, restaurants, performing arts, sports, nightlife, and other downtown destinations are all nearby, while frequent festivals and community events mean no two visits are necessarily the same.

Perfect For

• Free things to do in Orlando
• Couples
• Families
• Walking and jogging
• Photography
• Picnics
• Birdwatching and wildlife
• Downtown Orlando sightseeing
• Visitors looking for a break from the theme parks

Good to Know

• Admission to Lake Eola Park is free.
• The paved loop around the lake is approximately 0.9 miles.
• Restrooms are available within the park.
• The park includes playgrounds for younger and older children.
• Accessible pathways make it easy to explore much of the park.
• Restaurants, coffee shops, and other dining options are available nearby.
• Special events can make the park and surrounding streets considerably busier than usual.
• Dogs are welcome in the park when properly leashed.

Park Hours

Lake Eola Park is generally open daily from 6:00 AM until 11:59 PM. Individual amenities, rentals, events, and facilities may operate on different schedules.

Cost

Admission to Lake Eola Park is free. Swan boat rentals, food, special activities, and some events may have additional costs.

Pair Your Visit

Make an afternoon or evening of your visit by exploring Lake Eola Park before heading to the Orange County Regional History Center to discover Central Florida’s history or seeing a performance at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Add lunch or dinner downtown for an easy day exploring Orlando beyond the theme parks.

Nearby Things to Do

Lake Eola Park sits between downtown Orlando and Thornton Park, putting visitors within walking distance of restaurants, coffee shops, bars, public art, and other downtown destinations. Kia Center is also nearby for Orlando Magic games, concerts, and major events, making Lake Eola an easy stop before an evening downtown.

Lake Eola Park Images