Lake Mary, Florida offers an incredible blend of entertainment options that perfectly complement its location just 18 miles north of Orlando. This vibrant city in Seminole County has transformed into one of Central Florida’s most desirable destinations, combining natural beauty, cultural attractions, and exceptional dining experiences. Whether you’re a local resident or visiting the Orlando North area, Lake Mary provides entertainment options that rival any major metropolitan area while maintaining its welcoming, community-focused atmosphere.
Outdoor Adventures and Recreation in Lake MaryParks and Trails
Lake Mary is a nature lover’s paradise, with plenty of parks and trails to explore. The city features over 30 miles of trails winding through neighborhoods and connecting to larger regional networks.
Central Park serves as the heart of downtown Lake Mary, offering a perfect setting for picnics, community events, and family gatherings. The Lake Mary Farmers Market takes place here on Saturdays, featuring fresh produce, flowers, honey, baked goods, and more.
Seminole Wekiva Trail provides 14 miles of paved pathways ideal for cycling, walking, and jogging. Part of the trail runs along the Florida National Scenic Trail and connects to the 29-mile Cross Seminole Trail.
Crystal Lake Park offers serene walking paths around the lake, while Estella Parkfeatures a boardwalk and fishing pier for catch-and-release fishing.
Golf and Sports Entertainment
Golf enthusiasts will find excellent options including the prestigious Timacuan Golf & Country Club, a semi-private championship course that has hosted USGA and PGA Tour qualifiers. For a more modern twist, Topgolf Lake Mary combines golf, dining, and entertainment in a dynamic setting perfect for all skill levels.
Family-Friendly AttractionsPlanet Obstacle
Planet Obstacle is the World’s Largest Indoor Obstacle Park, featuring a 45,000-square-foot facility with trampolines, bumper cars, ropes courses, Ninja Warrior courses, climbing walls, zip-lines, and a 26-foot vertical slide. This attraction provides hours of entertainment for children and adults alike.
Colonial Town Park
This 40-acre lifestyle center opened in the 2000s and blends shopping, dining, entertainment and wellness. The upmarket development serves as a hub for both residents and visitors.
Educational Entertainment
The Emil Buehler Planetarium at Seminole State College offers cutting-edge astronomical presentations and educational programs open to the public, making it perfect for families interested in space science.
Lake Mary’s Incredible Food Scene
Lake Mary has established itself as a culinary destination with an impressive array of dining options that showcase both local flavors and international cuisine. The city’s food scene perfectly balances upscale dining experiences with casual neighborhood favorites.
Award-Winning Restaurants
FishBones stands out as one of America’s Top Ten Seafood Restaurants, known for fresh, just-caught seafood, hand-cut aged steaks, and slow-roasted prime rib cooked over a 1200º Florida citrus and oak wood-burning pit. The restaurant has been voted “Best Restaurant,” “Best Seafood,” “Best Outdoor Dining,” and “Best Place for Cocktails” by Orlando Magazine.
F&D Prime Modern Steakhouse offers an elevated dining experience with their Prime Aged Steak Program, while Don Julio Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar has been recognized as the top restaurant in Lake Mary for its authentic Mexican cuisine and extensive tequila selection.
Diverse Cuisine Options
Lake Mary’s dining scene includes:
- Krazy Greek Kitchen serving authentic Greek cuisine with outdoor terrace dining overlooking Central Park
- Dexter’s of Lake Mary for contemporary American fare
- Kobé Japanese Steakhouse offering interactive teppanyaki dining experiences
- Santiago’s Bodega for Spanish tapas and wine
- Seasons 52 featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients
Casual Dining and Pizza
Flippers Pizza Lake Mary (120 N 4th St) has become a cornerstone of the local dining scene, serving authentic brick oven pizza with dough cold-fermented for at least 72 hours for superior flavor and structure. With over 30 fresh, artisanal toppings available, diners can craft their perfect pie or choose from specialty options like the Margherita and Pepperoni Napoli. The restaurant also features brick-fired sandwiches, fresh salads, and shareables like Toscana Cheese Bread. Flippers offers dine-in, carryout, and delivery, with happy hour specials weekdays from 3pm-6pm featuring $4 glasses of wine and beer, plus $5 breadsticks.
Annual Festivals and Events in Lake Mary
Lake Mary hosts numerous exciting festivals and events throughout the year that bring the community together and attract visitors from across Central Florida.
Major Annual FestivalsCelebrate! Lake Mary
Join us at Celebrate! Lake Mary on February 15, 2025, for an evening of incredible live music, delicious food, and family-friendly fun. This year’s event features Drake Milligan as the headliner, bringing his signature blend of modern and classic country to the stage.
Lake Mary-Heathrow Festival of the Arts
The annual festival was founded in 1986 with a two-fold purpose: to raise money for scholarships for Seminole County high school students and to stimulate the local economy while providing a venue for artists and guests to celebrate the arts. In its more than 38 years, the organization has donated in excess of a quarter of a million dollars to assist Seminole County students in pursuing their education. The 2025 festival is scheduled for May 30, 2025.
In March, there’s a bustling arts fair at Colonial Town Park, hosting more than 200 artists, making it one of the largest art festivals in the Orlando area.
Monthly and Weekly Events
WineART Wednesday Marketplace takes place on the first Wednesday of each month, featuring food trucks, live music, art, and wine tastings.
Lake Mary Farmers Market occurs every Saturday morning at Central Park, offering fresh local produce, artisan goods, live music, and community activities like free Zumba classes.
Regional Festival Access
Lake Mary’s prime location provides easy access to major Central Florida festivals throughout the year, including events in nearby Orlando, Sanford, and Winter Park.
Shopping and Entertainment DistrictsDowntown Lake Mary
The walkable downtown area features unique boutiques, art galleries, and specialty shops. Check out the unique boutiques at 4th Street Plaza, or head to Colonial TownPark for a full day of shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Seminole Towne Center
The closest enclosed mall to Lake Mary is just a couple of miles to the north in Sanford. Seminole Towne Center opened in 1995, and had more than 80 tenants, including Dillard’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods and JCPenney, as well as Pandora, Hot Topics, Kay Jewelers, Sunglass Hut, and Bath & Body Works, plus Elev8 Fun indoor entertainment center.
Nightlife and Entertainment
Lake Mary offers a vibrant nightlife scene that caters to various preferences:
Wine and Craft Beer Scene
Pierre’s Wine Cellar serves as Central Florida’s home for fine wines from around the globe, with knowledgeable and friendly staff to assist in selecting the ideal wine. The establishment offers Thursday night free wine tastings and gourmet food pairings.
Sports Entertainment
Gator’s Dockside Lake Mary provides the ultimate sports viewing experience with multiple large-screen TVs, award-winning wings, and daily specials including all-you-can-eat wings and family nights.
Cultural AttractionsMuseums and History
Lake Mary Historical Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through photographs, documents, and artifacts that tell the story of the region’s development.
Karpeles Manuscript Library Museumoffers visitors a journey through history with rotating exhibits of rare documents and manuscripts.
Proximity to Major Attractions
One of Lake Mary’s greatest advantages is its strategic location. Only 18 miles north of Orlando, Lake Mary provides easy access to Central Florida’s most popular theme parks and attractions while offering a more relaxed, community-oriented base for visitors.
Nearby Natural Attractions:
- Wekiwa Springs State Park, 13 miles southwest of town, offers clear waters perfect for swimming and family activities
- Rock Springs at Kelly Park is just 30 minutes from downtown Lake Mary
- Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park provides wilderness experiences with hiking trails and wildlife viewing
Planning Your Visit to Lake MaryBest Times to Visit
The highest monthly average temperature in Lake Mary for August is 82 degrees, while the lowest monthly average temperature in January is 60 degrees, making it an ideal year-round destination.
Transportation
Lake Mary is easily accessible via Interstate 4 and is served by SunRail commuter service, which connects the city to downtown Orlando and other Central Florida destinations.
Accommodation Options
The city offers elegant hotels and resorts, with many visitors also choosing accommodations in the greater Orlando North area for easy access to both Lake Mary’s attractions and Orlando’s theme parks.
Why Lake Mary Should Be Your Next Central Florida Destination
Lake Mary, Florida represents the perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. From world-class dining experiences like Flippers Pizza to exciting annual festivals, outdoor recreation opportunities, and cultural attractions, Lake Mary offers entertainment options that satisfy every interest and age group. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly weekend getaway, a romantic dining destination, or an active outdoor adventure, Lake Mary delivers an exceptional Central Florida experience that keeps visitors returning year after year.
The city’s commitment to community, quality dining, and diverse entertainment options, combined with its proximity to Orlando’s major attractions, makes Lake Mary a hidden gem in Central Florida’s entertainment landscape. Plan your visit today and discover why Lake Mary is rapidly becoming one of the region’s most beloved destinations.
For the most current information about events, restaurant hours, and attractions, visit the official Lake Mary website or contact local businesses directly. Lake Mary’s entertainment scene continues to evolve, with new restaurants, events, and attractions regularly joining this vibrant community.
