Heritage Square, Downtown Orlando

Heritage Square in Downtown Orlando is surrounded by tall late 19th century historical buildings with brick exterior and decorative cornices. Here, a fountain with alligator sculptures- one of an alligator wrangler- sits in the middle of the city in a grove of cypress trees. It's a delightful spot to catch your breath after you've braved the Orlando traffic. The Orange County Regional History Center is here, with beautiful exhibits about the beginnings of Disneyworld, the seminole Indians and pioneers, citrus farming, war aviation, and early tourism in Florida. The main public library is impressive with its modern interior, though filled with homeless people. Have fun playing the Light Waves Urban Musical Instrument on the library exterior on Magnolia Ave. A pedestrian-only street, Wall Street, boasts tropical-themed sidewalk bars, where a happening scene unfolds at night. Stroll over to Lake Eola Park where winding pathways take you around the glistening lake past amazing birds of all kinds- this is the happy spot where everyone goes to relax. Look for historical houses and churches in the side streets nearby, in various revival (Mediterranean, Gothic, Colonial, and Neoclassical) architectures from the early twentieth century.
A wonderful museum in Orlando is the Orlando Science Center, in a beautiful light-filled building, with hands-on activities for kids.

Directions

Heritage Square is located in front of the Orange County Regional History Center at 66 East Central Blvd, Orlando FL 32801.
From Highway 4, take exit 82B for South St. Follow the exit road for 0.7 miles and then take the third right on W. Central Blvd. There is metered parking along the road on the streets in this area- bring quarters or use your credit card.
Waitiki Bar, 26 Wall Street, Orlando FL 32801, call (407) 481-1199.
Orange County Regional History Center, 66 E. Central Blvd, Orlando FL 32801, call (407) 836-8500. Open M-S 10-5, Sun 12-5. Cost is $9 for adults, $7 for seniors and students, $6 for children aged 5-12, and free for children aged 4 and under.

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