It wasn’t long ago that SoDo was barely a neighborhood, just a strip of a few restaurants to service the employees of and visitors to Orlando Regional Medical Center. This area that runs along Orange Avenue from the 408 to a little past Michigan has truly come into its own in the last few years. It was put on the map in national news after the Pulse tragedy in 2016, but it is much more than that. With constant construction and an influx of new housing, restaurants and shopping centers, SoDo is a truly up-and-coming spot.
Bakery Plus
915 E. Michigan St., 407-849-1888
Get your doughnut fix on the fly at this simple neighborhood staple.
Photo via ky.crate / InstagramPulse
1912 S. Orange Ave.
Construction has begun on the memorial for the victims of the 2016 Pulse tragedy, but you can still visit the front of the building to pay your respects.
Photo via newsguygreg / InstagramAirHeads Trampoline Arena Orlando
33 W Pineloch Ave, 407-477-6753
Let out your inner child, while avoiding other tourist trap location. They have activities like dodgeball or basketball on trampolines Plus it’s a crazy workout.
Photo via mena0910 / InstagramLake Davis Park
723 N Lake Davis Dr
This is less of a park and more of a trail around Lake Davis, but it is mostly shaded by the trees that surround it.
Photo via thecitybeautiful / InstagramCostume Couture
3510 S. Orange Ave., 407-270-7360
Be that “extra” friend at Halloween this year by donning an outlandish and over-the-top costume designed by this local business.
Photo via themrglitter / InstagramCypress Grove Park
290 W Holden Ave
This park is massive and has it all with running track, sand volleyball courts, party venues and more, all while being on Lake Jessamine.
Photo via jenaleah_ / InstagramFree Kick Orlando
3180 Southgate Commerce Blvd., 407-970-9428
Pretend you’re on the Orlando City team with all of your buds at this indoor soccer gym. Scheduled pickup games mean you never have to worry about your keeper bailing.
Photo via freekickcenter / InstagramFreshfields Farm
400 Compton St, 407-423-3309
Grab your locally-sourced meat and produces at some of the best prices in town at Fresh Fields Market.
Photo via analuisa1973 / InstagramGypsy Apothecary Herb &
Metaphysical Shop
3540 S. Orange Ave., 407-745-5805
Align your chakras with the stones, Eastern remedies and more found at this holistic retailer.
Photo via xovictoriarae / Instagram9-Round
3150 S Orange Ave, 321-441-4999
Put a kick into workout schedule at this kickboxing gym. Coaches guide you through high intensity workouts without strict class times.
Photo via 9roundcentralflorida / InstagramCherokee Park
474 Palmer St
This little park is wide open, dog friendly and might just be a perfect place to play catch with your furry friend.
Photo via missysidra / InstagramTaqueria Ameca
3558 S. Orange Ave., 407-852-0502
If you want authentic Mexican tacos, this is your new spot. The menu is in Spanish and the prices are low, making it perfect to try a little bit of everything.
Photo via jamesrutledge3 / InstagramAl Coith Park
901 Delaney Ave
This park has a ton of open space as well as large trees with plenty of shade. It also has a cricut station for those looking to get ready burn some extra calories outside.
Photo via yay_ak / InstagramWadeview Park
2177 Summerlin Avenue
This largely shaded park has a playground, circuit stations, picnic areas and more. There’s a little something for everyone in the family here.
Photo via kellyredmom / InstagramLake Cherokee Park
474 Palmer St
This little park has a view over Lake Cherokee and wraps around most of it, a perfect place to walk on the water.
Photo via jenaleah_ / Instagram
