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17 Things to Do in Lake Nona Orlando (2024)

Last Updated on March 1, 2024

Lake Nona, Florida, is a neighborhood in the Orlando area. It is located just south of Orlando International Airport, approximately 23 miles southeast of Downtown Orlando.

Lake Nona and Boxi Park from Visit Orlando
Source: Visit Orlando

It’s also approximately 20 miles from both Universal Orlando Resort and the Walt Disney World theme parks.

Lake Nona Wave Hotel pool at night

The Central Florida community is in Orange County and is known for its proximity to Orlando activities.

Lake Nona is still a place of its own, with new homes, a medical corridor, advanced technology, self-driving transportation, and various sporting complexe all in a family-friendly atmosphere. 

town center view
Source: lakenona.com

These are the top things to do in Lake Nona, including places to eat, shop, and stay during your visit.

Stained glass greenhouse.

From outdoor adventures to great food and trendy shops, there are plenty of exciting things to check out on a visit to this up-and-coming neighborhood.

Things to Do in Lake Nona

Nona Adventure Park

Nona Adventure Park
Source: Nona Adventure Park

Nona Adventure Park is the ultimate outdoor adventure for the whole family. The park is comprised of three sections of fun activities.

There is an Aqua Park, an inflatable aqua park with an obstacle course floating on top of Adventure Lake.

Nona Wake is a two-track cable system on the water for water skiing, wakeboarding, and knee boarding.

Climbing Tower is a 60-foot-tall ropes course with the best view of the park, with three different climbing walls.

Spend the day trying thrilling challenges at this cool and exciting park for all skill levels!

climb tower
Source: Nona Adventure Park

Nona Adventure Park’s operating hours vary by activity.

  • Nona Wake is open Friday through Sunday from 12:00 pm to 5:30 pm, and Monday through Thursday from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm. 
  • Aqua Park is open daily from 12 pm to 4:50 pm.
  • Climbing Tower is open daily from 12 pm to 5:30 pm. 

For more information, visit the official Nona Adventure Park website

Nona Adventure Park Address: 14086 Centerline Dr., Orlando, FL 32827

Lake Nona Sculpture Garden

sculptures
Source: Lake Nona Sculpture Garden

Lake Nona Sculpture Garden is a new, 50,000-square-foot outdoor green space located in the heart of Lake Nona. It is a great place to see artwork from local artists and internationally recognized artists.

Charging Bull sculpture at Lake Nona Wave Hotel

One of the most recognizable sculptures in the world, Arturo di Modica’s Charging Bull, is located there.

Take a stroll through the garden and admire all the public art sculptures, plants, and flowers located in this beautiful area. 

sculptures in Lake Nona garden
Source: Lake Nona Sculpture Garden

Lake Nona Sculpture Garden is open daily. It’s next door to the ultra-cool Wave Hotel.

For more information, visit the official Lake Nona Sculpture Garden website

Lake Nona Sculpture Garden Address: Lake Nona Town Center, Orlando, FL 32827

Drive Shack

golf ball
Source: Drive Shack

Drive Shack is an entertainment destination with games, food, and drinks. There are many fun things here, including golf games and darts.

The golf simulator gaming experience makes Drive Shack the perfect place to work on your golf skills.

There is a restaurant with a full menu and a fully-stocked bar.

Drive Shack is open daily from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm. 

For more information, visit the official Drive Shack website

Drive Shack Address: 7285 Corner Dr., Orlando, FL 32827

Additional Things to Do in Lake Nona

USTA National Campus

USTA National Campus
Source: USTA National Campus

USTA in Lake Nona, Florida is a world-class tennis facility located in Central Florida. It is managed by the United States Tennis Association.

It features a total of 14 professional-level hard courts, two permanent championship clay courts, and three practice courts.

USTA National Campus Address: 10000 USTA Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827

Laureate Park Nature Trail

Laureate Park Nature Trail

Laureate Park Nature Trail is a scenic hiking trail located in the Laureate Park neighborhood of Orlando, Florida.

The 1.5 mile loop winds through a variety of habitats, including wetlands, woods, and open grasslands.

Laureate Park Nature Trail Address: 12764 Bovet Ave, Orlando, FL 32827

Best Places to Eat in Lake Nona

Chroma Modern Bar + Kitchen

small plates and dips
Source: Chromas Modern Bar and Kitchen

Chroma Modern Bar + Kitchen is one of the most innovative restaurants in the Lake Nona area. They serve a variety of small plates like the Crudité Garden, which has baby vegetables and a selection of dips.

If you stop by for brunch, try their Buttermilk Waffles, served with dulce de leche, or their Hot Chicken and Waffles.

drizzling syrup on dish
Source: Chroma Modern Bar and Kitchen

Chroma Modern Bar + Kitchen is open:

  • Monday through Wednesday from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm.
  • Thursday from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm.
  • Friday from 11:00 am to 12:00 am.
  • Saturday from 10:00 am to 12:00 am.
  • Sunday from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm. 

For more information, visit the official Chroma Modern Bar + Kitchen website

Chroma Modern Bar + Kitchen Address: 6967 Lake Nona Blvd., Orlando, FL 32827

Boxi Park

people waiting in line
Source: Boxi Park

Boxi Park is an outdoor venue in Lake Nona with a lot to offer. The site was built from repurposed shipping containers and is a central area for community events and live music.

There are a variety of restaurants to check out here, like Cañonita Street Taqueria for tacos and SOTO for Japanese handrolls.

If you are looking for dessert, try Before it Melts for soft-serve ice cream. The park also has three different counter-serve bars.

There is a beach volleyball court, a playground, and a dog park on the property, making it a great place to bring the entire family. 

Boxi Park food
Source: Boxi Park

Boxi Park is open Thursday and Friday from 5 pm to 11 pm, Saturday from 11 am to 11 pm, and Sunday from 12 pm to 9 pm.

For more information, visit the official Boxi Park website.

Boxi Park Address: 6877 Tavistock Lakes Blvd., Orlando, FL 32827

Canvas Restaurant & Market

plates of food with view of water
Source: Canvas Restaurant and Market

Canvas Restaurant & Market is a lakefront spot known for its scenic views. The restaurant serves lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.

Their menu includes sandwiches, salads, plates like Grilled Chicken Cavatappi, and desserts like rotating seasonal cheesecakes. 

pasta dish
Source: Canvas Restaurant and Market

Canvas Restaurant is open:

  • Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm
  • Friday from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm
  • Saturday from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm
  • Sunday from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm

For more information, visit the official Canvas Restaurant and Market website

Canvas Restaurant and Market Address: 13615 Sachs Ave., Orlando, FL 32827

Additional Places to Eat in Lake Nona

Nona Blue Modern Tavern

Nona Blue Modern Tavern
Source: Nona Blue Modern Tavern on Facebook

Nona Blue Modern Tavern is a vibrant, upscale restaurant and tavern in Lake Nona, Florida.

With a modern American menu featuring everything from small plates to steaks and seafood, guests of all ages will find something delicious to enjoy.

Nona Blue Modern Tavern Address: 9685 Lake Nona Village Pl., Orlando, FL 32827

Armando’s

Armando's Lake Nona Pizza
Photo credit: Armando’s Lake Nona

Armando’s is a family-friendly Italian restaurant located in the vibrant community of Lake Nona. They also have locations in Winter Park and College Park.

With its inviting atmosphere and delectable menu, Armando’s offers a great dining experience.

Armando’s Address: 10775 Narcoossee Rd., Orlando, FL 32832

Park Pizza & Brewing Company


Park Pizza and Brewing Company in Lake Nona interior
Photo credit: Park Pizza & Brewing Company

Within the dining room, bar, or on the patio, you’ll find a place to grab a bite and a pint, watch a game, hang out with your kids, and catch up with your friends.

They are open daily at 11 am for dine-in, takeout, or delivery.

Park Pizza and Brewing Company Address: 6941 Lake Nona Blvd., Orlando, FL 32827

Places to Shop in Lake Nona

Lake Nona Town Center

town center view
Source: lakenona.com

Lake Nona Town Center is an area shopping destination with a variety of shops and boutiques to explore. The town center is an expanding spot, with phased openings of different buildings, shops, and restaurants.

While you are there, check out The Beacon and the Code Wall, two different art installations and landmarks in the town center that are interesting visual experiences.

Lake Nona Town Center is open daily. 

For more information, visit the official Lake Nona Town Center website

Lake Nona Town Center Address: 6855 Lake Nona Blvd., Orlando, FL 32827

Additional Places to Shop in Lake Nona

Lake Nona Creekside

Lake Nona Creekside Publix
Photo credit: Lake Nona Creekside

Lake Nona Creekside Address: 14177 Lake Nona Blvd., Orlando, FL 32824

Shoppes at Nona Place – Coming Soon!

Shoppes at Nona Place Address: 13000 Narcoossee Rd., Orlando, FL 32832

Places to Stay in Lake Nona

Lake Nona Wave Hotel

hotel room
Source: Lake Nona Wave Hotel

Lake Nona Wave Hotel is an anti-resort fee hotel in the neighborhood that is known for its great amenities.

Included in your stay is complimentary self-parking, fitness classes, bicycle rental, and much more!

Guest rooms are thoughtfully and stylishly designed, with luxury linens and bath products.

Onsite, there are a variety of dining and drink options, making it a great place to stay during your trip to the area.

Lobby of Lake Nona Wave Hotel

Lake Nona Wave Hotel is open daily. 

For more information, visit the official Lake Nona Wave Hotel website

Lake Nona Wave Hotel Address: 6100 Wave Hotel Dr., Orlando, FL 32827

Courtyard by Marriott

hotel exterior
Source: Courtyard by Marriott

Courtyard by Marriott is another accommodation option centrally located in Lake Nona.

Enjoy high-speed Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool, and a 24-hour fitness center at this hotel.

Courtyard is within walking distance of area shops and restaurants and has comfortable guest rooms with flexible booking rates. 

hotel room
Source: Courtyard by Marriott

Courtyard by Marriott is open daily. 

For more information, visit the official Courtyard by Marriott website

Courtyard by Marriott Address: 6955 Lake Nona Blvd., Orlando, FL 32827

Additional Places to Stay in Lake Nona

Holiday Inn Express & Suites

Holiday inn and suites

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Address: 12150 Pioneers Way, Orlando, FL 32832

SpringHill Suites by Marriott

SpringHill Suites by Marriott

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Address: 13700 Boggy Creek Rd., Orlando, FL 32824

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