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Oviedo is a city of about 40,000 people in Seminole County, Florida, about 20 miles northeast of downtown Orlando and right next to the University of Central Florida. It began in the 1860s as a small farming settlement on the shores of Lake Jesup and Lake Charm, was named after the Spanish city of Oviedo, and became known for growing celery and citrus before turning into a fast-growing suburb.
The city keeps a touch of its rural past. Historic homes such as the Lawton House stand near Lake Charm, and a famous flock of free-roaming chickens has wandered around downtown for decades. Center Lake Park, the heart of the newer Oviedo on the Park district, hosts concerts and festivals beside an amphitheater and lake.
Oviedo is a great base for Old Florida nature. Airboat rides at Black Hammock Adventures explore Lake Jesup, home to a large alligator population, while Little Big Econ State Forest offers trails and paddling along the Econlockhatchee River. The Cross Seminole Trail connects the city to Winter Springs and beyond, and Orlando's theme parks are under an hour away.
An Old Florida fish camp on the shore of Lake Jesup offering airboat tours through marshes full of alligators, wading birds and turtles, plus a small gator exhibit and a waterfront restaurant serving fried gator and catfish. Book tours ahead on weekends, and bring sun protection and hearing comfort.
A flock of free-roaming chickens and roosters that has lived around downtown Oviedo for decades, especially near the old center at Broadway and Central Avenue. They are a beloved local mascot and appear on city merchandise. Look for them near shops and parking lots, drive slowly and do not feed them.
A large, shallow lake on Oviedo's northern edge, known for one of the highest alligator populations in Florida, plus herons, egrets and sandhill cranes in its marshes. See it by airboat, from the conservation areas on its shore or at sunset from the edge of town. Never feed or approach alligators.
A small, pretty lake in the historic part of Oviedo, ringed by old oaks, Spanish moss and some of the town's oldest homes, including Lake Charm cottages from the late 1800s. It is lovely for a slow drive or walk and sunset photos. The shore is mostly private, so stay on public streets.
A state forest along the Econlockhatchee River east of Oviedo with hiking trails through oak hammocks and pine flatwoods, sandy river bluffs and a popular paddling route on the dark, winding river. Part of the Florida Trail passes through. Bring water and bug spray, and check river levels before paddling.
A paved multi-use trail that runs through Oviedo and Winter Springs toward the Seminole Wekiva Trail, passing neighborhoods, wetlands and parks, with a bridge over State Road 417. It is popular for cycling, running and rollerblading. Start near Oviedo's city center and ride early to avoid heat.
The centerpiece of Oviedo on the Park, with a lake loop path, boardwalks, a splash pad, an amphitheater and open lawns used for concerts, movie nights and festivals. Restaurants and apartments surround the park. It is a pleasant evening stop; check the city events calendar for shows.
A restored late 1800s house near Lake Charm that belonged to an early pioneer family and is now used by the city for local history and community events. It gives a sense of Oviedo's farming roots. Admire it from outside or check the city and historical society for open days and events.
An enclosed shopping mall near the University of Central Florida with department stores, specialty shops, restaurants and entertainment options. It is a practical stop for shopping and a rainy-day break. Nearby plazas along Red Bug Lake Road add more restaurants and grocery stores.
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Photo: Ebyabe, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Hammy365, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Ebyabe, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Ebyabe, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Ebyabe, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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