College Park
Just 4 miles north of downtown Orlando, College Park is one of the city’s oldest communities. Originally developed in the 1920s, the neighborhood still holds remnants of its early 20th-century roots with charming Craftsman bungalows and sweet brick streets. Edgewater Drive is College Park’s lively main street where you’ll find indie cafes, unique boutiques and the neighborhood’s historic centerpiece—the 1920s-era Princeton Elementary School. Don’t miss grabbing a coffee at the Einstein Bros Bagels in the school’s historic building before poking into the College Park antiques shops.
Ivanhoe Village
In the shadow of downtown Orlando’s skyline lies Ivanhoe Village, one of the city’s trendiest spots. Centered along North Orange Avenue, the village combines an artsy vibe with a hipster aesthetic. Spend an afternoon gallery hopping at the Mills Gallery and Snap! Orlando. Grab a locally-brewed craft beer at The Hammered Lamb or Redlight Redlight Beer Parlour, then enjoy dinner at swanky Luma on Park. After the sun goes down, you can catch an indie film at the 1920s Plaza Cinema Café movie theater.
Audubon Park Garden District
Tree-lined streets packed with charming early 20th-century homes define the Audubon Park Garden District. Developed in the 1920s, this historic neighborhood northwest of downtown Orlando retains its original residential character. Magnificent oak trees drape over the streets, providing plenty of shade for neighborhood strolls. The neighborhood also boasts its own small commercial district, Park Avenue, which is home to cute boutiques and delicious restaurants. After exploring the neighborhood, your group can relax at the scenic Harry P. Leu Gardens.
Mills 50 District
East of downtown Orlando, the diverse Mills 50 District fuses Hispanic culture with a hipster vibe. Also known as MiMo, this multicultural neighborhood is Orlando’s unofficial Chinatown. Sample Venezuelan arepas at Black Rooster Taqueria or savor Chinese dumplings at Ming’s Bistro. Check out the neighborhood’s street art splashed across buildings and stop by the Mills 50 Mural Project. If you visit in late April, don’t miss Fiesta in the Park—a giant Cinco de Mayo block party celebration.
Thornton Park
Steps from downtown Orlando, Thornton Park charms visitors with its restored historic homes and lively restaurant scene. Developed in the late 1800s, many of the neighborhood’s historic cottages and bungalows have been transformed into trendy cafes and shops. Spend an afternoon browsing East End Market’s local artisans and eateries. When evening arrives, grab patio drinks and dinner at Ceviche, Graffiti Junktion, or any of the district’s hot dining spots. It’s easy to see why Thornton Park is one of Orlando’s most sought-after neighborhoods.
Lake Eola Heights
Surrounding the scenic shores of Lake Eola, this downtown neighborhood entices with beautiful historic homes and condos. Take a relaxing stroll around Lake Eola Park’s picturesque boardwalk, then admire the historic residences along Lucerne Terrace. Grab an acai bowl at The Hammer’s Lucerne Coffee Shop or cocktails at Hanson’s Shoe Repair. Don’t miss the neighborhood’s crown jewel—the iconic 1927 Lake Eola Heights Historic District featuring Mediterranean architecture.
Lake Nona
If you’re looking to explore Orlando’s newest neighborhood, look no further than the up-and-coming Lake Nona. Situated near Orlando International Airport, Lake Nona combines residential living with a biomedical sciences and technology hub. Tour the innovative Lake Nona Medical City campus and USTA national campus. When it’s time to refuel, grab a bite at one of Lake Nona’s trendy cafes and restaurants like Chroma Modern Bar + Kitchen and World of Beer Lake Nona.
Winter Park
With its charming brick streets, indie boutiques, and Spanish Mediterranean architecture, Winter Park looks like a quaint village transplanted into modern-day Central Florida. Just north of Orlando, Winter Park’s commercial center revolves around Park Avenue and Rollins College. Spend a sunny morning browsing the Saturday farmer’s market and the chic Park Avenue shops before relaxing over lunch at charming Park Plaza Gardens. Don’t miss strolling down the oak-lined brick streets of the Winter Park Country Club neighborhood to admire its historic mansions.
Baldwin Park
Just northeast of downtown Orlando, Baldwin Park charms with its pedestrian-friendly village center. This master-planned community revolves around the waterside retail and dining of Baldwin Park Village. Spend an afternoon people-watching at a sidewalk cafe before browsing the independent shops. Don’t miss Lake Baldwin where you can rent a kayak or paddleboard and enjoy the waterside trails.
Downtown Orlando
With its modern highrises and entertainment venues, downtown Orlando buzzes with energy. At its core lies Lake Eola Park, a scenic green space with a boardwalk loop that’s perfect for an afternoon stroll. Enjoy skyline views as you circle Lake Eola’s fountain. After exploring the Creative Village and Church Street entertainment districts, catch a show at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
Parramore
West of downtown, Parramore serves as the historic heart of Orlando’s African American community. Murals and public art inject color into the neighborhood’s streets. Stop by 7 Daughters Tactical coffee shop, then learn about Parramore’s history on a walking tour. Don’t miss the historic Wells’ Built Museum, Historic Tinker Field, and the 1919 Historic Phyllis Wheatley Elementary building.
Celebration
Designed as an idealistic planned community by Disney, Celebration looks like a quaint town straight out of a movie set. The charming downtown revolves around the promenade of shop-lined Market Street. After posing by the waterside fountain, browse the independent boutiques. At night, catch an indie film at the 1920s-style Celebration Cinema.
Windermere
Farther from Orlando’s city center, Windermere offers a scenic small-town feel. Outdoor adventures at Lake Down and Butler Chain of Lakes dominate this western suburb. Down time is best spent at the charming Windermere Town Center lined with restaurants, cafes, and lakefront views. Architecture fans will love touring the grounds of the Gothic Revival-style Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum.
Winter Garden
Nicknamed “Hometown Homegrown,” the charming town of Winter Garden west of Orlando celebrates its agricultural roots. Historic Plant Street serves as the city’s main street lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants housed inside quaint old buildings. Spend a morning at the weekly Farmers Market, then go tasting along the West Orange Bike & Brewery Trail. Don’t miss strolling the scenic Winter Garden Village at Fowler Groves.
Lockhart
History defines this small town just 10 miles from Orlando. Spread beneath ancient oaks, Lockhart transports visitors back in time with its unspoiled historic buildings. The centerpiece is the c. 1920 Lockhart Schoolhouse that now serves as a cultural art center. Stop by Lockhart’s antique warehouses and Old Orange Blossom Train Depot before relaxing in the shade at Lockhart Park.
Book a Bus With Us
Whether you’re a local Orlando group or visitors from out of town, a party bus rental with Party Bus Orlando takes the hassle out of exploring Orlando’s unique neighborhoods. Our professional team handles navigating Orlando’s busy streets so you can simply enjoy the ride. And with onboard amenities like WiFi, entertainment systems, and plush seats, you’ll ride in comfort across the City Beautiful. Ready to reserve a party bus for neighborhood hopping? Give us a call today at 407-374-2470 to get a personalized quote. From College Park to Lake Nona, we’ll get your group there with Orlando’s best transportation.