Originally established as Bent’s Station on the north shore of Crystal Lake, Lake Mary was renamed after the wife of Reverend Sundell. It developed as an agricultural community along the South Florida Railroad, with orange groves blanketing the area. Today, Lake Mary is a bustling residential suburb on the northern outskirts of Orlando.
Things to do in Lake Mary
For a dose of local history, head to the Lake Mary Museum, which occupies the historic Chamber of Commerce Building dating back to 1926. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it houses changing exhibitions about Lake Mary’s cultural heritage and railway history. Also on display are works by artists connected to the region.
North of Lake Mary is the Timacuan Golf Club, which features an 18-hole golf course surrounded by landscaped waterways. There’s a chipping area and a putting green where you can practice your short-range game, as well as a beautiful clubhouse serving meals and drinks. Nearby is the Lake Mary Sports Complex where you’ll find a baseball diamond, a BMX track and a children’s playground.
Department and retail stores can be found at the Shoppes of Lake Mary, which is flanked by two shopping malls - Lake Mary Village and Lake Mary Centre. Across the three complexes, you’ll find plenty of eateries, such as La Antioquena, Memories of India and the SOHO Juice Co. Walk off your meal on the picturesque trails of Margaret Wesley Park, which hugs the southern shore of Crystal Lake.
Getting around Lake Mary
Lake Mary is around 30 minutes’ drive from the centre of Orlando and 45 minutes from Orlando International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Buses travel through Lake Mary while renting a car will give you greater freedom to explore the region.