Explore a blend of art, culture, science, history and nature minutes from downtown Orlando.
Updated Sept. 25, 2026
If you’re looking for something different in Orlando, head to Loch Haven Cultural Park: a peaceful, tree-shaded oasis where creativity and curiosity are always welcome — as are you. Surrounded by three lakes and dotted with historic oaks and sculpture gardens, this walkable campus is home to some of Central Florida’s most unique cultural experiences, making it a picture-perfect setting for a low-key day out, a cultural date or a family adventure.
Discover: Local Arts & Entertainment
Here’s everything you’ll find at Loch Haven — close to downtown Orlando amid the vintage charm of Ivanhoe Village Main Street and a few blocks from the foodie energy of Mills 50® District. Let’s dive in.
Additional reporting by Nate Shelton.
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Loch Haven Cultural Park Guidebook
With so much to see and experience in Loch Haven Cultural Park, the hardest part is deciding where to start. Here is the lineup in alphabetical order — please don’t ask us to pick a favorite!
The Mennello Museum of American Art
Established in 1998 to preserve, exhibit and interpret the permanent collection of Earl Cunningham, The Mennello Museum of Art also hosts temporary exhibitions, exciting programming, educational initiatives and more. Relax lakeside or stroll through galleries featuring American art and a charming outdoor Sculpture Garden.
Discover: Local Museums & Galleries
Orlando Ballet
Founded in 1974, Orlando Ballet primarily performs at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, but they practice and do pre-production work at their facility in Loch Haven Cultural Park. They also offer exceptional professional training and drop-in classes through their Fitness Through Dance and Wellness programs.
Discover: Orlando Events Calendar
Orlando Family Stage
Experience the magic of live theater at Orlando Family Stage, where professional productions bring to life beloved stories, timeless classics and exciting new adventures. Florida’s only professional theater for young audiences offers performances kids actually want to watch — and that parents enjoy, too.
Discover: Orlando With Little Ones
Orlando Fire Museum
Step inside a beautifully restored 1920s firehouse and explore vintage fire engines and the history of Orlando’s firefighters.
Discover: Orlando History
Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival
If you’re around in May, you can catch 14 days of theatre, dance, music, art and all-ages fun at the largest and longest-running Fringe Festival in the United States. Loch Haven Park serves as the base for the Orlando Fringe, but the event is so popular that it’s expanded in recent years to venues in Ivanhoe Village and nearby Winter Park.
Orlando Museum of Art
From cutting-edge contemporary exhibitions to permanent works from around the world, Orlando Museum of Art, or OMA, is always changing — and always worth a visit. Founded in 1924, this is The City Beautiful’s flagship museum and a leading provider of visual art education and experiences in the four-county region.
Orlando Science Center
Perfect for curious minds of all ages, Orlando Science Center features four floors of hands-on STEM exhibits, a Cinedome and a rooftop observatory. It all adds up to 11,000 square feet of fun, immersive learning for inquisitive minds of all ages — including special event nights for adults.
Discover: Orlando’s STEAM Attractions
Orlando Shakes
In partnership with the University of Central Florida, Orlando Shakes — or more formally, the Orlando Shakespeare Theater — serves The Bard’s works with a side of bold musicals and new plays. It’s a local favorite for live performances that keep you on your toes.
Renaissance Theatre Company
Simply put, Renaissance Theatre Company presents an immersive theater experience like no other. Expect boundary-pushing, genre-bending shows in an unexpected warehouse space.
Want to go deeper? Take a free self-guided walking tour of Loch Haven Cultural Park using the digital resources available at ArtsinOrlando.com/Tours. You’ll learn fun facts, hidden history, and local stories behind the museums, theaters and sculptures that make this area one of Orlando’s cultural gems. It’s the perfect way to experience the park at your own pace. Paid group tours with a knowledgeable host are also available.
Discover: Orlando Art Tours
Dine, Drink & Shop
Although officially part of Ivanhoe Village, Loch Haven Cultural Park is also adjacent to Mills 50 — each full of local character, bold flavors and indie charm. Here are some suggestions on where to go before or after your park visit.
Discover: Things to Do in Orlando Neighborhoods
Ivanhoe Village Main Street
Historic charm meets indie cool in Ivanhoe Village. Expect scenic lake views, retro storefronts, vintage shopping and spots locals swear by.
Discover: Things to Do in Ivanhoe Village
Where to Eat & Drink
- The Pinery: A modern, Florida-inspired, MICHELIN Recommended restaurant overlooking Lake Ivanhoe, serving seasonal dishes and craft cocktails in a chic, plant-filled space.
- Russell’s on Lake Ivanhoe: And upscale casual dining restaurant and bar located on the district’s namesake lake.
- Reyes Mezcaleria: Specializing in agave spirits and regionally inspired Mexican dishes, this concept from Food Network star Chef Wendy Lopez is in the adjacent North Quarter district.
- White Wolf Cafe & Bar: A longtime local favorite known for comfort food, brunch and antiques lining the walls.
- The Greek Corner: Offering a great selection of the most popular Greek dishes including everything from the classic gyros to rich, savory moussaka.
- The Gnarly Barley: A relaxed brewpub on Lake Ivanhoe serving up craft beers, creative sandwiches, tacos and bar-style bites.
Where to Shop
- Maffrey’s Good Goods: Shop for gifts and accessories for personal, home, pets and bar, including a curated collection of inspired gifts that celebrate Orlando’s history and culture.
- Ski World: Hit the water — or slopes — with a large selection of wetsuits, wakeboards, snow ski apparel and hard goods, and more.
- Miscellaneous: A quirky gift shop filled with colorful, unexpected finds — great for souvenirs, cards and funky decor.
- Luna Mosaic Arts: A working art studio and gallery where you can browse mosaics, take a class, or buy handmade pieces.
- Maffrey’s: A bright, curated boutique offering accessories, home goods and Orlando-made brands.
- YAY! Tiny Shop: Small but mighty, this shop specializes in joyful, design-forward gifts and whimsical goods from indie makers.
Coffee & Dessert
- Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream: A local favorite for small-batch ice cream, known for creative seasonal flavors, classic scoops and their iconic pink branding. You can find their flagship location in Audubon Park Garden District.
- Equilibre Healthy Food: Organic smoothies, acai bowls and light bites with vegan and gluten-free options.
Nightlife
- Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company: Local brewery with a relaxed taproom, seasonal beers, and a rotating calendar of trivia, food trucks and live music.
- BarkHaven: Dogs are welcome (with a day pass or membership) at this restaurant and bar that also has a dog park and on-site grooming.
- The Imperial at Washburn Imports: A cocktail and wine bar tucked inside a global furniture store, known for its intimate lighting and well-crafted drinks.
- The Savoy: An LGBTQ+ nightlife staple, offering strong drinks, theme nights and an always-welcoming crowd.
- Hideaway Bar: A true Orlando institution — cash-only, no-frills, and full of character. Expect pool tables, a jukebox and a steady stream of regulars.
Mills 50® District
Bursting with murals and known for its Asian American influence, Mills 50 offers flavor-packed food, bold coffee, thrift finds and bars that stay open late.
Discover: Things to Do in Mills 50
Where to Eat & Drink
- Z Asian: Authentic Vietnamese cuisine that’s recognized as a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand.
- Kaya: A MICHELIN Recommended Filipino restaurant with beautifully plated dishes and a modern take on heritage recipes. Led by Chef Lordfer Lalicon, Kaya also received a MICHELIN Green Star in 2024 & 2025.
- Black Rooster Taqueria: Creative tacos and house-made everything in a stylish, casual, MICHELIN Recommended space.
- Edoboy: An eight-person standing sushi bar that’s MICHELIN Recommended.
- Kabooki Sushi: A MICHELIN Recommended eatery headed by four-time James Beard Award nominee Chef Henry Moso.
- Shin Jung Korean Restaurant: Enjoy Korean grill, kalbi, bulgogi, samguypsal and more at this MICHELIN Recommended venue.
- Tori Tori: This modern, MICHELIN Recommended cocktail bar serves traditional Japanese pub food in a stylish setting.
- Bites & Bubbles: A wine-forward, date-night-friendly restaurant with rooftop seating, classic cocktails and a solid happy hour.
- Pig Floyd’s Urban Barbakoa: Cultural influences combined with traditional fire, smoke and pit methods create vibrant, delicious barbecue.
- Pigzza: A modern “Italian-ish” spot with a contemporary twist on classic Italian dishes and cocktails.
- Yamasan Sushi and Grill: A delicious array of sushi, authentic dishes and sizzling hibachi grill meals.
- The Strand: Cozy and chef-driven, offering seasonal menus with locally sourced ingredients.
Boba, Coffee & Dessert
- Phat Ash Bakes: Orlando’s speakeasy bakery slings small-batch cookies from scratch.
- Qreate Coffee: Premium, handcrafted coffee and delicious pastries served in an aesthetic and inspiring space that’s a creative hub.
- Sampaguita Ice Cream: Filipino American flavors like ube and buko pandan, turned into small-batch scoops in a modern shop.
- Möge Tee: Modern boba tea shop with a loyal following, serving cheese foam teas, fruit teas and bubble milk teas.
- Haan Coffee: Korean-inspired coffee shop with minimalist interiors and top-tier espresso and pour-over options.
Nightlife
- Grape & The Grain: This neighborhood wine bar provides a relaxed, inviting atmosphere in an intimate setting.
- Pour Choice Taphouse: One place, 50 taps and endless possibilities, including craft beer, sake, wine and seltzer.
- Will’s Pub: A cornerstone of Orlando’s indie music scene with live shows ranging from punk to soul.
- Lil Indies: Right next to Will’s, this cocktail bar offers laid-back vibes, creative drinks, DJ sets and local art pop-ups.
- Wally’s Bar & Liquors: A retro dive bar with strong pours, vintage charm and decades of Orlando stories.
- Alfie’s HiFi: A stylish vinyl-listening lounge and cocktail bar where curated records set the mood and house-crafted drinks keep you lingering.
Where to Shop
- Out of the Closet: A funky, colorful thrift store known for great finds and proceeds that support HIV testing and healthcare.
- Colonial Photo & Hobby: An Orlando institution for photography gear, model kits, puzzles and retro collectibles.
Take a break from the expected and spend a day surrounded by stories, creativity and inspiration at Loch Haven Cultural Park. With its rich mix of arts, science, history and neighborhood charm, this unique destination invites you to slow down, explore and connect with Orlando in a whole new way. From gallery visits and live theater to mural walks and ice cream stops, it’s the kind of place that leaves you feeling more connected — to the city, and to yourself.
Learn even more at ArtsInOrlando.com/LochHaven.
Address: 777 E. Princeton Street, Orlando, FL 32803 (view in Google Maps)
Loch Haven Cultural Park FAQ
What is Loch Haven Cultural Park in Orlando?
Loch Haven Cultural Park, aka Loch Haven Park, is a 45-acre arts and cultural destination minutes from downtown Orlando. Nestled between Lake Estelle, Lake Rowena and Lake Formosa, the tree-shaded park brings together museums, theaters, performing arts organizations, science experiences, sculpture gardens and outdoor spaces in one walkable area.
Where is Loch Haven Cultural Park?
Loch Haven Cultural Park is located at 777 E. Princeton St. near downtown Orlando, surrounded by three lakes and close to Ivanhoe Village Main Street and Mills 50® District. Its central location makes it easy to combine cultural attractions with nearby dining, shopping and nightlife.
What museums and attractions are at Loch Haven Cultural Park?
Loch Haven Cultural Park is home to Orlando Museum of Art, Orlando Science Center, The Mennello Museum of American Art, Orlando Fire Museum, Orlando Family Stage, Orlando Shakes and Orlando Ballet. It also serves as a base for the annual Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival.
What can I see at Orlando Museum of Art?
Orlando Museum of Art showcases permanent works and changing exhibitions featuring art from around the world. Founded in 1924, the museum also offers visual arts education, special events and programs for visitors of different ages and interests.
Is Orlando Science Center good for families?
Yes. Orlando Science Center offers interactive science experiences for children and adults, with hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, physics challenges, engineering activities and science simulations. General admission includes four floors of exhibit halls and an immersive, state-of-the-art film theater.
What is there to do at The Mennello Museum of American Art?
The Mennello Museum of American Art preserves, exhibits and interprets its permanent collection of works by Earl Cunningham while also presenting temporary exhibitions, programs and educational initiatives featuring other artists. Visitors can explore American art inside the museum, then enjoy its lakeside setting and outdoor Sculpture Garden.
Can I see live theater at Loch Haven Cultural Park?
Yes. Orlando Family Stage presents professional theater created for young audiences and their families, while Orlando Shakes produces Shakespeare alongside musicals and new plays. Renaissance Theatre Company adds immersive, genre-bending productions in an unconventional warehouse setting.
Is Orlando Ballet located at Loch Haven Cultural Park?
Yes. Orlando Ballet has a facility at Loch Haven Cultural Park where the company practices and conducts pre-production work. Although its primary performances take place at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando Ballet also provides professional training and drop-in Fitness Through Dance and Wellness classes at its Loch Haven facility.
Is Loch Haven Cultural Park free to visit?
Admission to Loch Haven Cultural Park itself is free, making its lawns and outdoor spaces an affordable addition to an Orlando itinerary. Most museums, cultural attractions and special events within or around the park require separate paid admission.
Can I take a walking tour of Loch Haven Cultural Park?
Yes. Visitors can take a free self-guided walking tour using digital resources from United Arts of Central Florida to discover local stories and history connected to the park’s museums, theaters and sculptures. Paid group tours with a host are also available.
Is Loch Haven Cultural Park good for an Orlando date or family outing?
Yes. The walkable park combines art, science, live theater and outdoor spaces, making it suitable for a cultural date or family adventure. Visitors can explore museums and sculpture gardens, attend a performance or simply relax beneath the park’s historic oaks.
Where can I eat near Loch Haven Cultural Park?
Nearby Ivanhoe Village and Mills 50 offer numerous dining options. Ivanhoe Village choices include MICHELIN Recommended The Pinery, Russell’s on Lake Ivanhoe and nearby Reyes Mezcaleria. Mills 50 has an especially diverse culinary scene with MICHELIN-recognized restaurants including Kaya, Z Asian, Black Rooster Taqueria, Edoboy, Kabooki Sushi and Tori Tori.
What else can I do near Loch Haven Cultural Park?
Explore nearby Ivanhoe Village for restaurants, specialty shopping, vintage finds and nightlife, or head to Mills 50 for murals, Asian American influences, acclaimed restaurants, coffee shops and bars. Ivanhoe Village also connects to the Orlando Urban Trail, a 3-mile path extending from Lake Highland to Mead Botanical Garden in Winter Park.
When is the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival?
The Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival takes place in May, with Loch Haven Cultural Park serving as a base for 14 days of theater, dance, music, art and all-ages entertainment. Festival programming has also expanded into Ivanhoe Village and nearby Winter Park.
What is the address for Orlando Science Center at Loch Haven Cultural Park?
Orlando Science Center is located at 777 E. Princeton St., Orlando, FL 32803. Its official website currently lists operating hours of 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on most days, with the Science Center generally closed on Wednesdays except during Orange County Public Schools breaks. Visitors should check the current calendar before going.
How much does Orlando Science Center cost?
Current online general admission is $29 for adults ages 18 and older, $27 for teens ages 13 – 17, $22 for children ages 2 – 12, and $27 for seniors ages 55 and older. Orlando Science Center also offers several discount programs, including $5 admission through Science For All for qualifying EBT or WIC cardholders. Prices and eligibility requirements can change, so check the official Science Center website when planning your visit.
How much does Orlando Museum of Art cost?
Current general admission to Orlando Museum of Art is $20 for adults, $12 for seniors ages 60 and older, $10 for students with valid ID, and $8 for children ages 6 – 17. Children 5 and younger receive free admission, and additional free or reduced-admission programs are available to eligible visitors.
How much time should I spend at Loch Haven Cultural Park?
A visit can range from a stop at a single attraction to a full cultural day exploring multiple museums, theaters and outdoor spaces. Orlando Museum of Art notes that most visitors spend about one to two hours viewing its exhibitions alone, so allow additional time if you plan to visit Orlando Science Center, The Mennello Museum of American Art or other Loch Haven attractions.
FAQs are based on this blog’s content, created in partnership with Microsoft Copilot, and edited by the real humans at Visit Orlando.
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