Explore Central Florida Parks!
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Come and explore Central Florida parks & Orlando gardens. There are many different kinds to explore within the Orlando area.
If you’re looking for a perfect spot for a quiet picnic or stroll, or maybe you want to try canoeing or cycling through scenic trails – you can find a park or garden here.
Florida Parks & Gardens: Small Parks
Leu Gardens Orlando
Leu Gardens is a 50 acre Botanical Garden located just minutes from downtown Orlando. It features a historic museum house, rose gardens, citrus orchards and a lake where you can spot wildlife
Harry P. Leu Gardens
1920 N. Forest Ave.
Orlando, Fla. 32803
Tel: +1407 246 2620
Lake Eola Park
Lake Eola Park is an oasis of calm and greenery amid the vast sprawl of the city of Orlando. Lake Eola Park hosts many events throughout the year including art festivals and performances of Shakespeare.
101 N. Rosalind Ave,
Orlando FL 32801
Tel: +1 407-246-2827
Florida Parks: State Parks
DeLeon Springs State Park
Located approximately one hour north of Orlando, DeLeon Springs State Park has quiet streams and natural springs to explore by foot or by boat. American Bald Eagles are frequently spotted here as well as Anhingas, Egrets and turtles.
Why not pack a picnic and an inner tube and relax in the warm 72F spring waters?
More about DeLeon Springs State Park
Wekiwa Springs State Park
Wekiwa Springs is a hidden gem amongst all the Florida parks. Florida’s freshwater comes from underground springs that rush through the state’s underlying limestone base, or aquifer. Often, those springs bubble to the surface. You can see how it all works at this 7,000-acre park where the waters are crystal clear and stay at a comfortable 72 degrees all year. At this scenic spot, (the headwaters of the Wekiwa (pronounced wahk-EYE-vah) River), you can hike, camp, fish, go canoeing and, if you’re lucky, spot some wildlife.
1800 Wekiwa Circle
Apopka, FL 32712
Tel: +1 407 884 2008
More about Wekiwa Springs State Park
Blue Springs State Park
Blue Springs State Park is perfect on a hot summer day. The refreshingly cool springs are always at 72 degrees and are crystal clear. Great for swimming, snorkeling and even diving. The park has camping facilities, guided tours, picnicking areas, and miles of hiking and cycling trails. (This is a popular Florida park, so be sure to arrive early. On busy days the park will close if capacity is full).
It is also a refuge for manatees. They return to the park every winter, you can see them anytime between November and April.
2100 West French Avenue
Orange City, FL 32763
Tel: +1 386 775 3663
More about Blue Springs State Park
Lake Louisa State Park
One of 13 lakes connected by the Palatlakaha River, Lake Louisa sits in a 4,000-plus-acre park that also contains the Green Swamp. The various environments offer a variety of nature activities. Swim, hike, bird-watch, picnic, fish, canoe or take part in the nature-study events offered. Wildlife is abundant, so keep your eyes open during your travels. If you own a horse, you’re welcome to bring it along; the park boasts a number of equestrian trails. Admission: $4.
7305 US Highway 27
Clermont, FL 34714
Tel: +1 352 394 3969
More about Lake Louisa State Park
Lake Kissimmee State Park
Guests visiting this 6000-acre park will enjoy fishing, picnicking, camping, and bird watching, as well as 13 miles of winding hiking trails. Fish for bass, catfish, or other fish, or relax in one of 60 campsites. With over 200 species of birds and 50 species of plants, this park offers great outdoor relaxation. All campsites offer electric and water hookups.
14248 Camp Mack Road
Lake Wales, FL 33853
Tel: +1 863 696 1112
Florida Parks: Historical Parks & Preserves
Fort Christmas Historical Park
Although it sits on only 25 acres, this spot offers visitors the chance to get involved in some active recreation and explore Florida’s historic past. The park’s centerpiece is a replica of a fort built on Christmas day, 1837, to protect European settlers during their war with the Seminole Tribe. An on-site museum houses military and Seminole artifacts. The site also houses a restored pioneer home and sugarcane mill, both graced with historical farming equipment. Once you’ve soaked in your fill of history, have some fun on the basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts located in the park.
1300 Fort Christmas Road
Christmas, FL 32709
Tel: +1 407 568 4149
Hal Scott Preserve
For an all-day getaway, consider a trip to this lovely spot. The park offers nearly 9000 acres of unspoiled Florida wilderness. Hike miles of trails along the scenic Econlockhatchee River and perhaps spot some of Florida’s famous wildlife along the way. If you prefer more active recreation, consider making use of the preserve’s off-road bicycling trails, fishing spots, and horse trails. If you want to spend the night, the preserve does offer camping facilities (tents only). The park is located one mile west of SR 520 on Maxim, to Bancroft, South to Paddock, and West to Dallas; follow signs.
Marlboro Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32810
Tel: +1 407 836 6200
Howell Branch Nature Preserve and Park
This 52-acre preserve offers a meandering nature trail perfect for quiet hikes. Stroll through wetlands, taking in the educational displays that dot the path. You may encounter native Florida birds, such as herons and egrets, and, if you’re lucky, a deer or two. Leashed pets are allowed. All in all, this is a nice spot for a one or two-hour getaway.
3090 Temple Trail
Howell Branch Road
Maitland, FL 32751
Tel: +1 407 836 6200
Tibet-Butler Preserve
This 440-acre preserve offers opportunities for the whole family to learn about Florida’s fragile ecosystem. The on-site Vera Carter Environment Center houses a variety of exhibits on local flora and fauna and also hosts a plethora of environmental programs, many of them geared toward children. If you’re looking for a great way to spend a lazy day, consider a stroll down the miles of trails offered on the preserve, which meanders through pristine wilderness.
Vineland Road
Orlando, FL 32836
Tel: +1 407 876 6696