Top Attractions for First-Time Visitors
Maitland Art Center
Founded in 1937, the art center actually began as an art colony where creatives lived, worked, and found inspiration. Today the center includes an art museum, studios, classrooms, and a charming courtyard garden. Inside the museum you’ll find a permanent collection from the art colony era plus rotating contemporary exhibits. Mediums range from sculpture and paintings to textiles and jewelry. Outside, the grounds are just as impressive as the artwork with arched walkways, fountains, and sculptures tucked into secluded nooks. Don’t miss the iconic Chapel of the Vines, which combines stone, foliage, and light in a tranquil place of contemplation.
Audubon Center for Birds of Prey
Is there someone in your group who loves raptors? The Audubon Center for Birds of Prey is a must. This one-of-a-kind facility provides medical treatment for injured eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, and other birds of prey with the goal of returning them to the wild. Guests can visit the on-site aviaries to see resident birds that can’t be released back into the wild due to long-term injuries. When you take a tour, you’ll learn all about the incredible abilities of these birds and the conservation efforts in place to protect them. The center also has outdoor trails winding through wetland areas where wild birds are frequently spotted.
Kraft Azalea Garden
For a tranquil green space in the heart of the city, visit the Kraft Azalea Garden adjacent to Lake Lily. The gardens originally opened in 1936 and are meticulously landscaped with winding paths, benches, and over 1,500 azaleas. It’s common to spot local artists capturing the scene on canvas or photographers arranging shoots amid the vibrant blooms. The best time to visit is in January through March when the azaleas are at their peak. But the gardens are open all year, making this urban oasis a great escape at any time. Stop by on a sunny day and relax by the lake after exploring the blooms.
Maitland Farmers Market
On Sundays from 9am to 2pm, the Maitland Farmers Market brings the community together through local food, live music, and family activities. The market features over 40 vendors selling fresh produce, breads, prepared foods, plants, soaps, candles, and other homemade items. Kids will love visiting the petting zoo, getting their face painted, and playing lawn games. Meanwhile parents can browse the stalls, listen to live music, and grab a bite from the food trucks on site. It’s the perfect Sunday morning activity before exploring more of Maitland.
Maitland Historical Museum
For some history on Maitland, spend an hour or two at the Maitland Historical Museum housed in the historic 1885 Telephone Building. Exhibits provide an overview of Maitland from the indigenous people who first settled the land through the pioneer days and into the 20th century. Historic artifacts on display include 19th century furniture, vintage telephones, ornamental swords, and other relics. Kids can try on costumes and play old-fashioned games to get a hands-on history experience. Outdoors, heritage gardens surround the building and demonstrate what life was like for Maitland’s early residents.
Lake Lily Park
Pack a picnic or spread out a blanket and spend an afternoon lakeside at Lake Lily Park. This public park wraps around the shores of Lake Lily with open grassy areas, walking paths, and romantic arched bridges over the water. Kids will enjoy the playground and game courts on site. You can also rent a paddle boat, kayak, or canoe and take it out on Lake Lily for a closer look. Pack some bread and feed the local ducks or just find a shady tree to sit under and take in the tranquil atmosphere. It’s easy to while away an entire afternoon at this scenic spot.
How to Get Around Maitland
Once you arrive in Maitland, getting around this relatively small city is easy whether you choose public transportation, taxis, or private charter buses.
Public Transportation
Maitland is serviced by Lynx, the public transportation system of Greater Orlando. Three bus routes run through Maitland and connect to downtown Orlando and neighboring suburbs. The most useful route is Link 436 which runs up and down Maitland Boulevard with connections to the downtown Orlando Lynx station. This bus can take you to destinations like the Maitland Art Center, the Audubon Center, and Lake Lily Park. Check routes and schedules on the Lynx website before your trip.
Taxis and Rideshares
Taxis and rideshares like Uber and Lyft also service Maitland and provide an affordable transportation option for shorter trips within the city. These can be especially convenient for getting from your hotel to dinner spots or nightlife in the evening. Estimate costs for rides before your trip since pricing can fluctuate based on demand. Taxis and rideshares are great for quick trips but can get pricey for large group sightseeing over multiple days.
Charter Buses
For ultimate convenience getting around the Orlando area with a group, consider booking a charter bus or van. Charter buses offer door-to-door service between your hotel, airports, and the top sights in Maitland and beyond in Orlando. Benefits of booking a charter bus include: Direct transportation for groups of any size. Choose a bus or van that fits your group. No need to figure out maps, parking, or public transportation. Our team handles it all. Entertain on board! Many buses have WiFi, music, movies, and comfortable seats. Affordable group rates, especially for full day sightseeing. Luggage storage so you can pack for a full day out. Whether you’ll be traveling around Maitland or venturing further afield in the Orlando area, a charter bus rental takes the guesswork out of group transportation. Contact Maitland Party Bus Company at (407) 792-5856 to find the perfect bus and simplify your next group trip.
Ready to Get Started?
Booking your first trip to Maitland? Follow this local’s guide to top attractions, getting around town, and arranging group transportation for a seamless visit. Maitland’s historic neighborhoods, scenic parks, and thriving arts make it the perfect introduction to Old Florida just minutes from the theme park action. Save time figuring out maps and parking by booking direct transportation in a charter bus or van that fits your group’s size. That way you can spend more time enjoying this charming city. Contact Maitland Party Bus Company today at 407-792-5856 to start planning your perfect trip to Maitland.