Best Natural Attractions in Orlando
Escape for an Active Weekend in Orlando and Surrounds
Outside central Orlando, away from its network of theme parks and golf clubs, you’ll find vast swaths of atmospheric Florida backcountry that just begs to be discovered. Venture into the Everglades to get up-close to alligators on an exhilarating airboat ride or head to Blue Spring State Park to tube along its emerald-green waters and meet its resident manatees.
For those who love the coast, Canaveral National Seashore offers miles of golden beaches and the chance to see NASA rocket launches, while picturesque Lake Toho is revered for its unbeatable bass fishing and birdwatching opportunities. Closer to the city, you’ll find public parks and Disney campsites.
What are the best natural attractions in Orlando?
1. Blue Spring State Park Florida
Home to hundreds of manatees
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
Blue Spring State Park spans over 2,600 acres and includes the largest spring on the St. Johns River. The water is crystal clear and a gorgeous emerald color, and reaches around 73°F during the swimming season. The freshwater spring is a wildlife refuge and from November to mid-March it’s home to hundreds of West Indian manatees.
Blue Spring State Park is also a haven for tropical birds, turtles, squirrels, and alligators. Rent a kayak or take a guided boat tour to see the incredible fauna up close. Don’t forget to bring a picnic. Alternatively, check out the camp store for everyday essentials. Read more
Location: 2100 W French Ave, Orange City, FL 32763, USA
Open: Daily from 8 am to sunset
Phone: +1 386-775-3663
Blue Spring State Park Florida
2. Canaveral National Seashore
Barrier island park that’s filled with wildlife
Good for: Adventure, Photo
Canaveral National Seashore is a sanctuary for many endangered species, including the sea turtles that come to the beach to lay their eggs in the sand. Like many coastal regions, CNS is ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities. You’ll find horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking, surfing, swimming, fishing, and boating here. If you enjoy hiking, there’s a trail near the Visitor’s Center.
There’s an entrance fee at this park, but your contribution helps ensure the reserve is kept clean and well-maintained. Keep little minds busy with a Junior Ranger activity book, which is available from the Visitor’s Center. Read more
Location: 7611 S. Atlantic Avenue, New Smyrna Beach, Florida 32169, USA
Open: Daily from 6 am to 8 pm
Phone: +1 386-428-3384
Canaveral National Seashore
3. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
Camp grounds inspired by the rustic Northwest
Good for: Adventure, Couples, Families
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort is a campground located between the Magic Kingdom and Epcot. It features four types of camping sites, from individual tent areas to full RV park-ups. Discover first-class amenities including running water, electricity, private showers (and laundry facilities nearby). If tents aren’t for you, consider an air-conditioned cabin with a restroom and free Wi-Fi internet.
Traverse the surrounding trails and immerse yourself in nature. Embark on a laidback carriage ride or try archery. The nearby creek is so beautiful you won’t want to miss the opportunity to kayak along it or fish upon its banks. For magical entertainment and a hearty dinner, book a seat at the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue. Read more
Location: 4510 N Fort Wilderness Trail, Orlando, FL 32836, USA
Open: Check-in from 3 pm. Check-out by 11 am.
Phone: +1 407-934-7639
Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort
4. Kelly Park
A protected paradise
Good for: Adventure, Couples, Families
Kelly Park is a popular public park in Apopka, Florida. It’s best known for its free-flowing natural spring that remains at a comfortable 68°F all year round. Visitors flock to the park no matter the season to swim, tube, and kayak in its crystal-clear waters. Tent and RV camping is offered, alongside a concession stand and picnic pavilions.
On sunny days, nothing beats a hike on one of its wilderness trails followed by a dip in the spring or a lazy tube ride. If you’ve kids in tow, let them burn off energy at the playground before barbecuing dinner in the picnic area. Don’t forget to bring your own charcoal. Read more
Location: 400 E Kelly Park Rd, Apopka, FL 32712, USA
Open: Daily from 8 am to 6 pm (8 am to 8 pm during summer)
Phone: +1 407-254-1902
Kelly Park
5. Lake Eola Park
Urban park with skyline vistas
Good for: Budget, Families, Photo
Lake Eola Park is a stunning Downtown greenspace that’s perfect for picnics, exercise, and paddle-boating. This 23-acre site, located off East Washington Street, features an almost mile-long walkway around the lake’s edge that delivers spectacular views, especially at sunset.
There’s also an amphitheater which hosts special events throughout the year, children’s playgrounds, a bright red Chinese pagoda, and a famous fountain. A lazy summer’s afternoon wouldn’t be complete without renting a swan-shaped paddle boat and enjoying the sights from the water. Read more
Location: 512 E Washington St, Orlando, FL 32801, USA
Open: Daily from 6 am to midnight
Phone: +1 407-246-4484
Lake Eola Park
6. Harry P. Leu Gardens
Teems with tropical plants
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
The Harry P. Leu Gardens spans almost 50 acres and is peppered with lakes, trails, and forested areas. Mr. and Mrs. Harry P. Leu first planted these landscapes with exotic plants (including over 240 varieties of camellias brought home from their global travels). In 1961, the Leu family gifted the property to the city of Orlando to preserve its lush gardens.
Wander past striking bromeliads, admire colorful butterflies, and gaze at the abundant roses. Register for an art class or a horticultural workshop. If you’d like to tour the Leu’s historic home, check the official website for times. Read more
Location: 1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando, FL 32803, USA
Open: Daily from 8 am to 4 pm
Phone: +1 407-246-2620
Harry P. Leu Gardens
7. Lake Toho
Osceola County’s largest body of water
Good for: Adventure, Families, Photo
Lake Tohopekaliga, or Lake Toho as it’s affectionately known, is a 23,000-acre fishing lake in Kissimmee that’s known for its professional bass fishing competitions and birdwatching opportunities. This popular lake is home to a staggering number of freshwater fish, alligators, water snakes, and turtles.
Located on the north side of Lake Toho, Lakefront Park has a seating area, a playground, and even a miniature lighthouse. If you’re having so much fun that you don’t want to leave, hook up your RV or rent a cabin at the nearby resort. Read more
Location: 69 Lakeview Drive, Kissimmee, FL 34741, USA
Lake Toho
8. Ocala National Forest
Serene pine scrubland peppered with swimming spots
Good for: Adventure, Couples, Families
Situated in Central Florida, an hour and a half northwest of Orlando, Ocala National Forest boasts 383,000 acres of stunning natural landscapes and over 600 lakes, rivers, and springs. Residents and visitors alike flock to these picturesque waters for swimming, fishing, snorkeling, and canoeing.
There’s an abundance of wildlife to spot, from manatees to migratory birds, as well as some of the world’s rarest plants. Hike the dozens of trails, settle down for a picnic amongst the trees, then return to your tent, RV, or rented cabin for a relaxing night under the stars. Read more
Location: 40929 State Road 19, Umatilla, FL 32784, USA
Phone: +1 850-643-2282
Ocala National Forest
9. The Everglades
The largest subtropical wilderness in the US
Good for: Adventure, Photo, Unusual
The Everglades is a region of subtropical wetlands in the southern portion of Florida, beginning at Lake Okeechobee near Walt Disney World and becoming more prominent about 3 to 4 hours south of Downtown Orlando. The Everglades’ environment is ever-changing and mostly untouched. Swamps and mangroves are inhabited by various types of snakes and alligators, and birds of different species make this wilderness their home.
Guided tours are the best way to see everything this incredible national park has to offer, whether that’s by airboat, boat, or with an experienced ranger. Drop by any of the four visitor centers for educational displays and the latest safety info. Read more
Location: Everglades National Park, FL, USA
Phone: +1 305-242-7700
The Everglades
10. Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve
Peaceful country park with wildlife in abundance
Good for: Adventure, Couples, Families
The Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve is a scenic center on the west side of Orlando, offering miles of hiking trails. Home to the Vera Carter Environmental Center, visitors can tour a variety of exhibits and displays before heading out on a trek. The well-maintained trails loop through many of Florida’s major habitats, including a pine forest, a swamp, and a lakeshore lined with Cypress trees. Elusive fauna and wildlife also make this preserve their home, such as the barred owl and the river hawk.
Families will enjoy the vibrant butterfly garden and the wheelchair-accessible sandbox. Please note that bicycles and pets aren’t allowed at the park, except for ADA service animals. Read more
Location: 8777 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Orlando, FL 32836, USA
Open: Daily from 8 am to 6 pm
Phone: +1 407-254-1940
Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve
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