Need a peaceful escape with access to nature, shopping, and Orlando attractions? Head to Lake Mary! Located just north of Orlando, Lake Mary is known for its upscale neighborhoods, scenic parks, and relaxing small-town feel. Whether you're looking for a quiet getaway or a base to explore Central Florida, Lake Mary offers the best of both worlds.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Lake Mary is during the fall and spring (October to April). These months bring pleasant temperatures and lower humidity, making them ideal for outdoor dining, walking trails, and day trips. Summer is hot and humid but great for water parks and lake activities.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Lake Mary is located just off I-4, about 30 minutes north of downtown Orlando and 45 minutes from Disney World.
- By Air: Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is just 10 minutes away, while Orlando International Airport (MCO) is about 45 minutes south.
- By Train: Lake Mary is served by SunRail, Central Florida’s commuter train, with easy connections to Orlando and surrounding suburbs.
Where to Stay
- Orlando Marriott Lake Mary – Full-service hotel with a pool, fitness center, and great location for business or leisure.
- Hampton Inn & Suites Lake Mary – Reliable, comfortable stay with complimentary breakfast and easy highway access.
- The Westin Lake Mary – Stylish upscale hotel near the Colonial TownPark shopping and dining district.
Top Attractions
1.Shop Fresh and Local at the Lake Mary Farmer’s Market
Browse fresh produce, enjoy locally sourced goods in a lively setting.
© Nadezda Verbenko/stock.adobe.com
The Lake Mary Farmer's Market offers local produce and products in downtown Lake Mary, Florida. Visitors and locals alike can browse the stalls of the farmer’s market in Central Park.
In addition to the wide variety of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, the Lake Mary Farmer's Market also includes an array of fresh flowers, baked goods, crafts, art, prepared foods, and more.
The market is also pet-friendly, as long as dogs remain on a leash. A food truck can usually be found at the farmer’s market as well.
Lake Mary Farmer's Market, 100 N Country Club Rd, Lake Mary, FL 32746, Phone: 407-585-1421
2.Discover Local Stories at the Lake Mary Museum
Explore local history, admire exhibits showcasing the area’s cultural heritage.
© Lake Mary Museum
The Lake Mary Museum may not be the largest museum in the state of Florida, however, it is still full of many interesting exhibits and fascinating information about the area’s local history, dating back to before the Civil War to an era prior to Lake Mary and the surrounding area being officially settled. There are a number of permanent exhibits at the Lake Mary Museum, as well as temporary exhibits from several other institutions. Exhibits often showcase work by local artists and the museum also hosts an array of special events year-round, ranging from holiday celebrations to guest speakers to festivals.
Lake Mary Museum, 158 N Country Club Rd, Lake Mary, FL 32746, Phone: 407-585-1481
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
3.Climb, Zip, and Bounce at Planet Obstacle
Enjoy exciting challenges, experience thrilling zipline adventures.
© Planet Obstacle
Planet Obstacle is a unique, fun, and exhilarating thing to do in Lake Mary, Florida. This indoor obstacle park is a place for fitness, family, and fun, designed for people of all ages. As the “Largest Indoor Obstacle Park in the World,” Planet Obstacle offers a number of different obstacle courses, ranging from the Kids Ninja Course to the Adult Ninja Warrior Course. The park measures approximately 50,000 square feet and was created by two veterans of Cirque du Soleil. The park features a massive rock-climbing wall, adult ninja course, extreme zip-line, aerial ropes course, and more.
Climb and Zipline at Planet Obstacle, 1150 Emma Oaks Trail, Lake Mary, FL 32746, Phone: 407-233-3750
4.Find Beachy Treasures at Coastal Gifts and Decor
Browse unique coastal items, discover affordable home decor treasures.
© jakkapan/stock.adobe.com
Coastal Gifts and Decor is a children’s boutique and unique gift shop where customers can find the “special gift” they’re seeking for nearly any occasion. The shop in Lake Mary, as well as its website, features a wide variety of designs inspired by the “natural beauty of the tropics.” Brands that can be found at the boutique shop include Switch Flops, GInger Snaps, Michele Design Works, Thymes, Simply Southern, Nora Fleming, Lamp Berger, Corkcicle, Mudpie, and Spartina.
Coastal Gifts and Decor
, 229 Wheelhouse Ln, Lake Mary, FL 32746, Phone: 407-323-5533
5.Sip and Browse Rare Finds at Pierre’s Wine Cellar
Savor fine wines, explore unique vintages in an elegant space.
© Pierre's Wine Cellar
Pierre's Wine Cellar is considered by many to be the home of fine wines from all over the world in central Florida. The friendly and knowledgeable staff are able to help customers in selecting the perfect wines for any occasion, ranging from collectible wines to affordable ones. The wine shop carries more than two hundred different wines from a dozen different countries, showcasing a broad variety of quality wines, all of which are carefully selected.
Pierre's Wine Cellar, 142 W Lakeview Ave STE 1020, Lake Mary, FL 32746, Phone: 407-321-0119
6.Unleash Your Creativity at Painting with a Twist
Create colorful masterpieces, enjoy a fun, artistic evening with friends.
© Painting with a Twist
Painting with a Twist was founded in 2007 by Rene Maloney and Cathy Deano as a way to bring some sort of relief to the chaos their community was feeling after the devastating Hurricane Katrina. The unique and fun-filled art workshop now shows people how to create their own artwork through a series of steps, providing an easy way for anyone to make a work of art. Open seven days a week starting at noon, Painting with a Twist also offers opportunities for parties to experience a night of fun over a glass of wine and tasty snacks.
Painting with a Twist, 101 N Country Club Rd Suite 130, Lake Mary, FL 32746, Phone: 407-878-5245
Where to Eat
7.Savor Steak and Seafood Excellence at FishBones
Savor fresh seafood, enjoy an upscale dining experience with bold flavors.
© HLPhoto/stock.adobe.com
FishBones is a popular restaurant among locals in Lake Mary, Florida. The restaurant boasts a Key West-inspired atmosphere and has been named as one of the “Top Ten Seafood Restaurants in America,” as well as “Best Place for Cocktails,” Best Outdoor Dining,” “Best Seafood,” and “Best Restaurant” by Orlando Magazine. The gourmet fare served at FishBones is prepared over an oak and citrus wood burning fire on a custom-built pit. The menu features slow roasted prime rib, aged steaks, and just-caught fresh seafood that’s flown in every day. An excellent wine list complements the steak and seafood as well.
FishBones, 7005 Co Rd 46A, Lake Mary, FL 32746
8.Grab a Slice of Italy at Terramia Brick Oven Pizza
Enjoy authentic pizza, savor Italian flavors in a cozy setting.
© Terramia Brick Oven Pizza
Terramia Brick Oven Pizza serves sophisticated, yet simple Italian fare with a menu that features a surprising variety of tastes and plates. Along with other Italian dishes, the bistro-style restaurant claims that there’s no better pizza in Orlando than their brick oven pizza, topped with some of the most unique and freshest ingredients. Terramia Brick Oven Pizza also offers several house specialties, such as the Antipasti, and an extensive list of wines. The welcoming and warm atmosphere of the restaurant is designed to make customers feel as if they were sitting down to eat along Italy’s bay of Naples.
Terramia Brick Oven Pizza
, 7025 Co Rd 46A, Lake Mary, FL 32746, Phone: 407-333-1233
For a unique afternoon with friends:
9.Crack Clues and Escape the Fun at Mystique Escape Room
Solve puzzles, enjoy an exciting, immersive adventure with friends or family.
© MedRocky/stock.adobe.com
Loads of laughter and creative challenges await you at the Mystique Escape Room. Every uniquely-themed escape room has been professionally designed for a fun and captivating experience. Teams will be given one hour with nothing but their intuition and wits to find clues, solve creative puzzles, and find your way out of the room. There are several interesting rooms to choose from such as the “Secrets of the Pharaohs” where you’ll raid the ancient tomb of Pharaoh Khaba or “Murder in London” which holds a series of murders to be solved. Rooms vary in difficulty and all require booking in advance. It’s recommended that players be above 13 years old, however younger players will be allowed with a chaperone.
Mystique Escape Room, 1125 TownPark Avenue Suite 1011, Lake Mary, Florida 32746, Phone: 407-878-7686
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Trailhead Park & Seminole Wekiva Trail – Ideal for walking, biking, and rollerblading through shaded nature corridors.
- Colonial TownPark – Upscale shopping and dining district with a movie theater, wine bars, and casual cafés.
- Central Park at City Hall – Picturesque green space in the heart of Lake Mary, often hosting local events and festivals.
- Big Tree Park – Short drive to see ancient cypress trees and walk shaded boardwalks through a historic natural preserve.
Where to Eat
- FishBones – Popular for steaks, fresh seafood, and a lively atmosphere in the Colonial TownPark area.
- The Vineyard Wine Company – Upscale wine bar and eatery offering small plates, pastas, and curated pairings.
- Fred’s Market Restaurant – Southern-style comfort food served cafeteria-style with hearty favorites and home-style desserts.
- Another Broken Egg Café – Go-to brunch spot offering pancakes, omelets, and locally roasted coffee.
If you are interested in local events:
- Lake Mary-Heathrow Festival of the Arts (March) – Juried art show with local and national artists, food trucks, and live performances.
- Holiday in the Park (December) – Christmas lights, music, Santa visits, and snow-themed fun in Central Park.
- WineART Wednesdays (Monthly) – A monthly street party with live art demos, wine tastings, and food vendors in downtown Lake Mary.
- Farmers Market at Central Park (Every Saturday) – Weekly event featuring fresh produce, handmade crafts, and local treats.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes to 1 Hour of Lake Mary, Florida:
- Orlando (30 min) – Enjoy world-class theme parks, museums, and shopping in the heart of Central Florida.
- Winter Park (25 min) – Stroll scenic Park Avenue, take a boat tour of the lakes, or explore art museums and boutiques.
- Blue Spring State Park (30 min) – Spot manatees, swim in crystal-clear springs, or enjoy a picnic by the water.
- Sanford (15–20 min) – Explore historic downtown Sanford, dine riverside, or cruise Lake Monroe by paddleboat.
- DeLand (40 min) – Visit Stetson University, browse antique shops, and see murals in this artsy downtown district.
- New Smyrna Beach (1 hr) – Head east for sandy shores, laid-back surf culture, and waterfront dining.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Where is Lake Mary located?
- Lake Mary, a suburban area of Seminole County in central Florida, is located just outside of bustling Orlando and all its theme parks.
- What does Lake Mary offer to visitors and locals?
- A key center within the metropolitan area, the city itself offers a variety of things to do for both tourists and locals alike.
- Why is Lake Mary a great place to stay?
- With its convenient location near all of Orlando’s attractions and the Atlantic Coast, Lake Mary serves as an ideal home base for exploring the central Florida area.
- What activities are available in Lake Mary?
- From dining to recreation activities, there’s plenty to do in Lake Mary.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit |
Places to Stay |
Tips for Visiting |
Spring (March-May) – Warm temperatures and blooming landscapes. |
Orlando Marriott Lake Mary – A modern stay with upscale amenities. |
Explore Central Park at City Hall – Walk the scenic trails and enjoy local events. |
Summer (June-August) – Hot and great for water activities. |
Hilton Garden Inn Lake Mary – A comfortable stay with a pool to cool off. |
Visit Wekiva Springs State Park – Swim, kayak, or hike through lush Florida nature. |
Fall (September-November) – Warm but less humid, with fewer crowds. |
Hampton Inn & Suites Lake Mary – A convenient and budget-friendly stay. |
Attend the Lake Mary Farmers Market – Enjoy fresh produce, crafts, and live music. |
Winter (December-February) – Mild and ideal for outdoor activities. |
Residence Inn by Marriott Orlando Lake Mary – A great option for extended stays. |
Play golf at Timacuan Golf Club – Experience one of Central Florida’s top courses. |
More events and things to do
Plan Your Trip
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