Photo disclaimer: All images © 2020-2023 Kaitlin Esper
There’s something special about disconnecting yourself from theme park crowds and chaos and being out in nature. While tourist destinations like Key West, Disney, and Universal Studios keep Florida high on people’s bucket lists, I want to share some pieces of this unique state that are just as wonderful, if not more so (in my unpopular outdoor over theme park opinion).
Before starting full-time RV life, I had lived in Florida my entire life, aka 24 years (besides a 4-month study abroad program in Germany). I grew up visiting the theme parks and divulging in all the touristy things people flock to Florida to see, but I’ve realized there’s much more to Florida, and people are missing out on it. Central Florida, specifically, is bursting at the seams with nature and wildlife waiting to be explored.
In this post, you will find all my favorite places to explore in the Central Florida area (including the Eastern and Western sides) and a list of places I’ve yet to explore but are next on my list.
I hope you enjoy this glimpse of beauty beyond the theme parks. Let me know in the comments below which one you want to visit first!
Exploring the Nature of Central Florida
Lake Louisa State Park
Lake Louisa will always hold a special place in my heart. When my husband, Chris, and I lived in Clermont, this place was always our weekend nature go-to. When you enter Lake Louisa, you’re immediately transported to the rolling hills of another state – it always blows my mind that this gem is right here in the heart of Florida! This state park is full of activities: hiking, biking, camping, horseback riding, kayaking, a moon paddle tour, and more.
The park’s hours are 8 am to sundown, year-round, and admission is $5 per vehicle for up to 8 people, $4 for single-occupant vehicles, and $2 for pedestrians, bikers, etc. These fees do not include any rentals inside the park. Pets are welcome, but they need to be leashed and cleaned up after.
Circle B Bar Reserve
Circle B is hands down my favorite place in all of Central Florida. You’re able to view wildlife up close in their own natural habitat like no other, and it invites you to see what Florida used to look like. This former cattle ranch turned nature reserve is home to a variety of Florida native plants and animals, as well as multiple trails to view them on. I have a separate blog post about why Circle B is the best place to view wildlife up close in Central Florida. Read about it here.
This gem is FREE, but pets are not allowed anywhere on the property due to the abundance of wildlife in the area.
Kelly Park/Rock Springs Run State Park
Central Florida is home to numerous springs, and this one is one of my favorites! Not only is it refreshing in the summertime, but the water remains 68 degrees all year round, so it’s perfect for those hotter days in the Florida fall, “winter”, and spring. If you plan on visiting in the summertime, get here as early as possible – the park fills up quickly. They have small hiking trails to explore if tubing isn’t your thing. While in the area, make sure to put your kayaking skills to good use at King’s Landing (mentioned below).
The park’s hours are 8 am to 8 pm in the summer and 8 am to 6 pm in the winter. Admission into Kelly Park/Rock Springs is $3 per vehicle for 1-2 persons, then $5 for 3-8 people. Pets are not allowed in this park.
King’s Landing
No, this is not the fictional capital of the kingdoms in Game of Thrones. Florida’s King’s Landing is a part of Rock Springs Run (see above) and home to some of the best kayaking views I’ve ever had. This outing can be quite expensive if you don’t already have your own kayak or equipment, but it’s beyond worth it.
There are two different runs at King’s Landing: the Emerald Cut section and the shuttle run. The Emerald Cut run is on the shorter sides and is absolutely breathtaking. If you’re up for a much longer paddle (downstream, might I add), do the shuttle run option. The water may not be as clear as Emerald Cut, but you get an up-close look at Old Central Florida and the wildlife living there.
King’s Landing is open 8 am to 5 pm, 7 days a week. Click here for day paddle information. Click here for the bring-your-own options and fees. Pets are not allowed.
Oakland Nature Preserve
Stroll along the boardwalk or follow the birding trail to immerse yourself in the 150-acre nature preserve. Either on your way in or out, please stop by the nature center to get more information about the preserve and wildlife that calls it home, or relax in a rocking chair on their Serenity Porch.
There is no admission fee! Pets are not allowed anywhere in the preserve.
Bok Tower Gardens
Bok Tower is one of my favorite places to visit while visiting family in Central Florida. Its pristine gardens welcome you in with a big hug, and the sounds of the carillon are too beautiful to miss. If you’ve never heard of a carillon before, I highly recommend you look it up, then get to this place as soon as you can and hear it in person. Every hour on the hour, you’ll hear the carillon play and make whatever space you find yourself in that much sweeter.
Bok Tower is open from 8 am to 6 pm, year-round, and admission is $17 for an adult, $5 for children (ages 5-12), and children under 5 are free. Dogs are $5. If you live in or near the area and plan to visit multiple times throughout the year (which I highly recommend), you can become a member. See their membership pricing here.
Wekiwa Springs State Park
This is one of the most popular springs in Central Florida and is a main outdoor attraction in the summertime. According to the Florida State Park website, it is “Orange County’s longest-running tourist attraction”. Beat that Mickey Mouse.
There is a host of activities to experience at Wekiwa. Here are some of my favorites: swimming, tubing, hiking, biking, wildlife watching, snorkeling, horseback riding, picnicking, and kayaking. The activities don’t stop there! Click here to see all the activities Wekiwa Springs has to offer. I highly recommend arriving early because the park fills up fast.
The park’s hours are 8 am to sundown, year-round, and admission is $6 per vehicle for up to 8 people, $4 for single-occupant vehicles, and $2 for pedestrians, bikers, etc. These fees do not include any rentals or experiences inside the park. Pets are welcome, but they need to be leashed and cleaned up after.
Merrit Island Wildlife Refuge
This has quickly become one of my favorite places on the East Coast. Just a short drive from Kennedy Space Center and Titusville, Merrit Island Wildlife Refuge consists of 140,000 and is bursting with Florida wildlife natives. From Scrub Jays to Alligators to Roseate Spoonbills, the wildlife that calls this refuge home is a perfect look into Old Florida. Take a drive on the Black Point Wildlife Drive, search for manatees on the Manatee Observation Deck, or experience wildlife in their own habitat on a wide variety of hiking trails.
Merrit Island NWR is open from 8 am to 4 pm Tuesday-Sunday, year-round, and is closed on these major holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. The only areas that have fees associated with it are Black Point Wildlife Drive ($10 – if you have a National Park Pass, you can use it here!) and Bio Lab Road. Check out the few fee-free days throughout the year here. Pets are allowed, but due to wildlife in the area, they are not encouraged.
Blue Springs State Park
I remember taking trips to Blue Springs State Park as a kid. And even 20 years later, I still love visiting. Not only are the springs refreshing in the summertime, but you also have the opportunity to see and swim with manatees! How cool is that? An important piece of advice for you if you plan on visiting this park: get there early! In the summertime, Blue Springs fills up very fast, so if you aren’t there by at least 10:30-11, chances are you won’t even be able to get into the park.
While you can bring your own tube or rent one for the day, here are some other activities to do while you’re there: rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, hike the Pine Island Trail, bird watch on the Scrub jay trail, check out Thursby Home, walk along the boardwalks, bring lunch for a picnic, or if you’re up for it, camp a couple of nights.
The park’s hours are 8 am to sundown, year-round, and admission is $6 per vehicle for up to 8 people, $4 for single-occupant vehicles, and $2 for pedestrians, bikers, etc. These fees do not include any rentals or experiences inside the park. Pets are welcome, but they need to be leashed and cleaned up after.
Ponce Inlet
Ponce Inlet is one of my favorite beaches in the Eastern Central Florida area, if not my favorite. I may be a little biased because I grew up going to this beach, but when you visit you’ll understand why. If you’re visiting the Central Florida area, a beach trip is a must, and I highly recommend this is the place you choose to visit. While Cocoa Beach can be nice, Ponce Inlet is a small laid-back beach town that boasts beautiful blue water and fewer tourists – a win-win in my book.
If you’re up for it, get to the beach early and watch the sunrise – they’re truly a sight to see. Whenever you finish playing in the waves and catching some rays, drive (with the windows down, of course) to the end of Ponce Inlet and visit the Ponce de Leon Lighthouse. It has great information about the history of the area and is one of thirty lighthouses in Florida still standing.
I recommend parking at Toronita Avenue Beach Park for watching the sunrise or catching some rays and waves. It’s free, has easy access to the beach, and has bathrooms and showers. As for the lighthouse, it opens at 10 am and is $6.95 for adults, $1.95 for children, and infants are free.
West Orange Trail
Care for a nice bike ride? When Chris and I lived in Clermont, we loved taking our bikes to the Killarney Station of the West Orange Trail and biking all the way to downtown Winter Garden to get a bite to eat. Not up for a bike ride? West Orange Trail is perfect for walking, rollerblading, butterfly-watching, and more. The trail is 22.6 miles in total and will take you from Oakland to Apopka. You don’t have to complete the entire 22.6 miles to enjoy the beauty of it. Check out their trail map here and pick your perfect spot to start and end.
West Orange Trail is open from sunrise to sunset and is FREE. If you’re interested in a bike rental, there are rentals available at Killarney Station (Oakland) and Winter Garden Station. Pets are welcome, but they need to be leashed and cleaned up after.
Bonnet Springs Park
This newly opened 168-acre park is the perfect place to picnic under the shade of large oak trees or take an afternoon stroll with friends. The park is complete with beautiful paved trails, botanical gardens, a nature center, a treehouse, and so much more. The parks also host movie nights, concerts, and more, so if you’re interested, check what’s on the schedule for the month here.
Bonnet Springs is FREE. Park hours vary by season and section, so make sure to check out their hours here before you plan your trip. Pets are welcome, but they need to be leashed and cleaned up after.
Other Places to Consider Visiting in Central Florida
*Note: I have not personally visited these places, but I wanted to mention more places to explore if you’re up for it.
Harry P. Leu Gardens
Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve
Canaveral National Seashore
Rainbow Springs State Park
Orlando Wetlands Park
East Central Regional Trail
Colt Creek State Park
Cypress Creek Nature Preserve
Don’t Forget to Share!
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