Winter Park:
The Paris of
Florida.
Elegant. Cultured. 20 minutes away.
If you want to discover the "other Florida" — oak-lined avenues, world-class art, lakefront mansions, and the best brunch in Central Florida — Winter Park is the place. Here's everything you need to know.
The Overview
The "Paris of Florida," 20 minutes from Orlando.
If most Florida day trips are about beaches and theme parks, Winter Park is something else entirely. It's the most elegant residential area in metro Orlando, with a European feel that reminds visitors more of Paris or Florence than of Central Florida.
At its heart is Park Avenue — widely considered the most beautiful main street in Central Florida. Think century-old oak trees arching over luxury boutiques, sidewalk restaurants, and art galleries, all within a short, walkable stretch.
It's the perfect destination for couples, honeymooners, and culture lovers who want a refined break from the parks. And the best part: it's only about 20 minutes from Orlando, with no tolls along the way.
Don't Miss
The must-see highlights
The places that make Winter Park worth the drive.
Park Avenue
The iconic, oak-shaded main street — luxury shops (Tiffany, Williams Sonoma), local boutiques, sidewalk dining, and art galleries. Pure walkable elegance.
Morse Museum of American Art
The world's largest collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany works, including the fully reconstructed 1893 Tiffany Chapel. About $6 adults / $1 students. A must for art lovers.
Scenic Boat Tour
A one-hour cruise across three connected lakes, past $30M+ lakefront mansions and Rollins College. Around $22 adults / $13 kids. No reservations — arrive 30 min early.
Rollins College
One of the most beautiful private campuses in the US, founded in 1885. See the Knowles Memorial Chapel and the free Cornell Fine Arts Museum. Walking the campus is free.
Also worth a stop: Central Park near Park Avenue (white swans, a band shell, the famous Sidewalk Art Festival in March), the free Cornell Fine Arts Museum, and the premium Winter Park Farmers Market every Saturday from 7am to 1pm.
Where to Eat
Premium dining in Winter Park.
Weekend brunch books out fast — reserve a week ahead at spots like Briarpatch or The Hidden Garden tea house.
Suggested Itinerary
A perfect day in Winter Park
Ideal for couples and culture lovers.
Good to Know
Practical tips
Dress the part. Winter Park has an elegant atmosphere — shorts and flip-flops feel out of place. Smart casual is the minimum to blend in.
Parking. Park Avenue offers free side-street parking with a 2-hour limit, plus public garages for longer stays (about $2-$5/hour).
Go early for the boat tour. The first departures (around 10:00 AM) have the best light for photos and shorter lines.
Seasonal events. Time your visit around the Sidewalk Art Festival (March), the Bach Festival (February-March), or Christmas in the Park (December).
Getting there. From Orlando, take I-4 East to Exit 87 (Fairbanks Avenue), then drive east to Park Avenue — about 20 minutes, with no tolls.
The GS Difference
Arrive in style. No surprises.
Winter Park deserves an elegant arrival. For couples, a convertible Mustang, a Tesla Model Y, or a Cadillac Lyriq sets the tone. For families on a culture day, a roomy Sienna or Pacifica keeps everyone comfortable, and a mid-size SUV gives you plenty of space for Park Avenue shopping bags.
GS Car Rental makes the trip effortless: free airport delivery (MCO, MIA, FLL, SFB), no underage driver fees for drivers 21+, personal restaurant and culture recommendations, and friendly support over WhatsApp from booking to return. You enjoy the destination — we handle the details.
FAQ