Nature & Outdoors

A pristine river system fed by nine springs, famous for its lazy river tubing through a canopy of ancient trees. The water stays a constant 72°F.

Guided paddleboard and kayak eco-tours on the crystal-clear Wekiva River. See manatees, turtles, birds, and sometimes otters on a guided nature paddle.

One of the largest springs on the St. Johns River, famous for its winter manatee population. The crystal-clear 73°F water is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and paddling.

A beloved natural lazy river where you can tube down crystal-clear spring water through a lush canopy of trees. One of Central Florida's best-kept secrets.

A 250-acre garden and bird sanctuary featuring a 205-foot Art Deco singing tower carillon atop Iron Mountain, one of the highest points in peninsular Florida.

A 50-acre botanical oasis in the heart of Orlando featuring tropical and subtropical plants, a butterfly garden, and one of the largest camellia collections in the Southeast.

A trio of springs in Crystal River that serve as a winter refuge for hundreds of manatees. One of the only places in the US where you can legally swim with manatees.

A 24-mile stretch of undeveloped barrier island beach between New Smyrna Beach and Kennedy Space Center. One of the longest pristine beaches on the East Coast.

A 1,267-acre nature preserve on the shores of Lake Hancock near Lakeland, legendary for its massive congregation of alligators and wading birds.

Part of Canaveral National Seashore, this wild and undeveloped beach offers miles of pristine sand with rocket launch pads visible in the distance.

A free 11-mile one-way driving loop through restored marshlands with incredible birding opportunities. Over 360 bird species have been documented here.

Transparent kayak tours on Silver Springs, offering a glass-bottom-boat-like experience as you paddle over crystal-clear spring water teeming with fish and turtles.

A 1,650-acre constructed wetland that has become one of the premier birding destinations in Central Florida. Over 230 bird species have been recorded here.

A 43-acre park in the heart of downtown Orlando centered around a beautiful lake with a landmark fountain. Iconic swan boats, farmers market, and city skyline views.

A pristine natural spring nestled in a lush hammock forest just minutes from suburban Orlando. Offers swimming, paddling, and 13 miles of trails.

A charming beach town with excellent surfing, a car-free pedestrian zone on Flagler Avenue, and you can drive on parts of the beach. Known for consistent surf.

One of Florida's largest first-magnitude springs, producing 400 million gallons of water daily. The headspring swimming area is surrounded by lush gardens and waterfalls.

A 22-mile paved trail running from Apopka to Killarney Station through charming small towns, past lakes, and through canopied neighborhoods.

A first-magnitude spring in the Ocala National Forest with a large sandy swimming area surrounded by subtropical forest. Crystal-clear 72°F water year-round.

A 140,000-acre refuge sharing space with Kennedy Space Center, home to over 1,500 species of plants and animals including manatees, alligators, and bald eagles.

A privately operated launch point for kayaking and paddleboarding on Rock Springs Run. Paddle through a beautiful spring-fed creek shaded by overhanging oaks.

A rehabilitation center and education facility caring for injured raptors. See bald eagles, owls, hawks, falcons, and vultures up close in outdoor aviaries.

Guided kayak and paddleboard tours in Crystal River and Three Sisters Springs with a focus on manatee encounters in season and spring exploration year-round.

The "Alligator Capital of the World" with thousands of alligators and crocodiles, plus a zip line, splash pad, and free-roaming bird rookery. A Florida classic since 1949.

The original glass-bottom boat attraction, now a state park. See through 80 feet of crystal-clear water to ancient fossils, fish, and underwater caves.

A 4,200-acre conservation area with airboat rides, a drive-through safari park with exotic animals, and a gator park. One of the largest eco-tourism operations near Orlando.

A historic spring with a unique pancake house built over the old sugar mill. Swim in the large spring-fed pool or kayak along Spring Garden Run.

Airboat tours through the Central Florida Everglades headwaters near Kissimmee. Day and night rides available with sightings of gators, birds, and turtles.

Nearly 400,000 acres of sand pine scrub forest dotted with springs, lakes, and hiking trails. The southernmost national forest in the continental US.

A historic spring in the Ocala National Forest offering swimming in a stone-walled pool and a famous 7-mile canoe run through subtropical wilderness.

A riverside recreation area on the Wekiva River with kayak and paddleboard rentals, a casual restaurant and bar, volleyball courts, and hammock lounging areas.

A 440-acre preserve with four hiking trails through pine flatwoods, cypress swamps, and lakeside hammocks. A peaceful escape just minutes from the theme parks.

A small but stunning park on the shores of Lake Maitland with massive cypress trees, azalea beds, and a stone monument overlooking the lake.

A 360-acre preserve in Deltona protecting rare Florida scrub habitat. Home to the endangered Florida scrub-jay and excellent elevated boardwalk trails.

The closest surfing beach to Orlando and home to the famous Ron Jon Surf Shop. A classic East Coast Florida beach town with a long pier and laid-back vibe.

An airboat ride experience on Lake Jesup, home to one of the densest alligator populations in Florida. Also features a restaurant, bar, and live gators.

The headwaters of the Florida Everglades, offering boardwalks through ancient cypress forests, paddling trails, and paved paths along the creek.

A 5,000-acre state forest along the Econlockhatchee River with hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails through flatwoods and river hammock.

A free 47-acre garden featuring native Florida plants, a butterfly garden, boardwalks over wetlands, and peaceful walking paths through hammock forest.

A lush urban park along Fern Creek in downtown Orlando, shaded by towering live oaks and filled with azaleas, ferns, and tropical plants.

A 116-acre zoo and garden featuring over 400 animals, a splash playground, zip line, and beautiful botanical areas along the shores of Lake Monroe.

A 300-acre park with a lake, swimming pool, disc golf course, nature trails, playgrounds, and camping — a local favorite for a full day outdoors.

Over 8,000 acres of protected wetlands and sandhill habitat along the Wekiva River. Excellent for hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife observation.

A 1,689-acre preserve with 7 miles of trails through pine flatwoods, scrub, and marshes. Named after a distinctive split live oak tree.

A 30,000-acre wilderness along the St. Johns River with hiking, horseback riding, and exceptional birding through pine flatwoods and river swamp.

A small park in Enterprise featuring a unique sulfur spring with vivid green water and boardwalks through a beautiful hardwood hammock.

A rare surviving sandhill ecosystem with open longleaf pine forests and wiregrass prairie. One of the best spots near Orlando to see gopher tortoises.