Lake Nona:
Orlando's Modern Side.
Boxi Park. USTA. The future of Orlando.
Most visitors picture Orlando as theme parks and outlets. But the city has an entirely new, futuristic neighborhood — and it's only 20 minutes from the airport.
The Orlando You Don't Know
The Orlando of the future already exists.
When most people think of Orlando, they picture theme parks, International Drive, and outlet malls. But the city has a completely new neighborhood — Lake Nona — that feels like a glimpse of the urban future.
Lake Nona is a 17,000-acre master-planned community built almost entirely over the last 15 years — literally from scratch. The design language is modern and sustainable: clean architecture, planned streets, and plenty of green space. It's anchored by "Medical City" (hospitals, biotech, and research institutes), the USTA National Campus (the U.S. national home of tennis), a stylish Town Center full of restaurants and shops, and Boxi Park, a lively food hub built from shipping containers.
It's not a tourist trap — it's where doctors, researchers, young high-income families, professional athletes, and a sizable Brazilian community actually live. And that's exactly why it's worth a visit: premium restaurants, an "Orlando of the future" atmosphere, and a setting that feels nothing like the rest of the city. Best of all, it's just 20 minutes from MCO airport.
The Highlights
The must-see spots
What to see, eat, and photograph in Lake Nona.
Lake Nona Town Center
The futuristic heart of the neighborhood — premium restaurants, artisan cafés, curated boutiques, and a lit central fountain. Walk it, photograph it, dine in it.
Boxi Park ⭐
Eight restaurants in converted shipping containers, communal outdoor tables, a central cocktail bar, live weekend music, a kids' area, and it's pet-friendly. The most Instagrammable spot here.
USTA National Campus
The U.S. national home of tennis — 100 courts, a pro training academy, tournaments, free guided tours by appointment, and courts you can rent for $30-$60/hour.
Medical City
A cluster of hospitals and research institutes (Nemours Children's, UCF Medical School, Orlando VA, Sanford Burnham Prebys). Not a tourist stop, but it explains the neighborhood's vibe.
Lake Nona Town Park
An urban park with a lake, walking trails, a dog park, and picnic areas — a calm green break between meals and sights.
Public Art Trail
A free walking trail of modern sculptures, murals, and interactive installations woven through the neighborhood. Great for photos and easy strolling.
Bonus: Drive Shack nearby is a modern golf driving range (think TopGolf) with electronic targets, a restaurant, and a bar — about $30-$50/hour per bay.
Where to Eat
Restaurants in Lake Nona
From lakeside fine dining to casual bites.
Prices are approximate and vary by season and menu.
Plan Your Visit
Suggested itineraries
Afternoon + Evening (Recommended)
- 3:00 PM — Arrive in Lake Nona
- 3:30 PM — Coffee at Foxtail
- 4:30 PM — Walk Town Center + Town Park
- 5:30 PM — Public Art Trail
- 6:30 PM — Dinner at Boxi Park
- 8:30 PM — Cocktails + live music
- 10:00 PM — Head back
Sporty Day Trip
- 9:00 AM — Arrive in Lake Nona
- 9:30 AM — Tour the USTA National Campus
- 11:00 AM — Hit the courts (if you play)
- 1:00 PM — Lunch at Park Pizza
- 2:30 PM — Drive Shack (modern golf)
- 5:00 PM — Snack + rest
- 6:00 PM — Premium dinner
Romantic Premium Dinner
- 6:00 PM — Arrive
- 6:30 PM — Drinks at Canvas Restaurant
- 7:30 PM — Lakeside dinner
- 9:30 PM — Evening walk through Town Center
- 10:30 PM — Head back
Good to Know
Practical tips
Parking is free
Free parking across nearly all of Lake Nona. The Town Center has garages with free hours.
Great for walking & running
The whole neighborhood is pet-friendly with wide sidewalks and greenways. Bring sneakers if you like to stroll.
Boxi Park gets busy on weekends
Go Wednesday or Thursday to skip the weekend crowds.
Close to MCO
Just 20 minutes from the airport — perfect for a last-day dinner before your flight.
Limited shade
Lake Nona is new, so the trees are still growing. Lots of direct sun — sunscreen is essential in summer.
Best photo spots
The Town Center fountain, Boxi Park's colorful containers, Public Art Trail sculptures, and the lake at sunset.
Getting There
How to reach Lake Nona
Lake Nona sits in southeast Orlando at 6885 Tavistock Lakes Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827. From the main tourist hotels it's about 20-30 minutes by car; from MCO airport it's just 15-20 minutes. Parking is free.
There's no convenient transit from the parks, so the easiest way to explore is with your own car. With a GS Car Rental vehicle you can move freely between Town Center, Boxi Park, and the USTA campus on your own schedule — and we deliver free to MCO, MIA, FLL, and SFB airports, with personal service over WhatsApp from booking to return.
FAQ