Famed for the wild chickens that roam its downtown area, Oviedo is a vibrant city to the north-east of Orlando. It was once home to the Seminole people before being settled by homesteaders in 1865. Originally known as the “Lake Jesup Settlement”, it was later named after the city of Oviedo in northern Spain.
Things to do in Oviedo
Stroll through Downtown Oviedo to admire its historic buildings, many of which were constructed during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Stop by Lawton House, which now houses the artefacts and exhibits of the Oviedo Historical Society. Also of note is the 1884-built Browne-King House, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Murals depicting local scenes from times gone by decorate the Oviedo Mall, which is home to big-name retailers such as Dillard’s, Barnes & Noble and Spirit Halloween. You can catch the latest Hollywood blockbusters at the 22-screen cinema before grabbing a bite to eat at Asian Express, Cafe Natura or the Oyishi Japanese Steakhouse. Craft beer is served alongside hearty cuisine at the Oviedo Brewing Company.
Oviedo serves as a gateway to the Little Big Econ State Forest, which encompasses 2,000 hectares of recreational space on the banks of the Econlockhatchee River. It’s a popular setting for birdwatching, fishing and horseback riding and is traversed by the railway walk known as the Flagler Trail. Also within the Little Big Econ State Forest are the challenging, single-track mountain biking trails of Snow Hill.
Getting around Oviedo
Oviedo is around 20 minutes’ drive from the centre of Orlando and Orlando International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore the city.