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Get outside and enjoy these Orlando area parks, trails and gardens

By on Sat, Jan 18, 2020 at 10:00 am

Florida is nasty and hot most of the year, but there is a golden period of about three months when the weather is actually Goldilocks-level "just right." That's when outdoor adventure awaits, all around Orlando. Our parks, gardens, trails and springs offer limitless access to nature and sunshine.

We could never have included all the great outdoor spots (let us know your favorites), but here are a handful of our favorite must-visit places when the weather is perfect. Now get outside!

Gallery by Lillian Hernández Caraballo

 

 

 

 

 

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Get outside and enjoy these Orlando area parks, trails and gardens
Dickson Azalea Park 100 Rosearden Drive, 407.246.2283 Along with neighboring Langford Park, Dickson Azalea provides a shaded oasis just outside of downtown. WPA-era bridges, pavilions and walkways crawl around and over the stream that trickles through the leafy little park. Photo by Dave Plotkin

Dickson Azalea Park

100 Rosearden Drive, 407.246.2283
Along with neighboring Langford Park, Dickson Azalea provides a shaded oasis just outside of downtown. WPA-era bridges, pavilions and walkways crawl around and over the stream that trickles through the leafy little park.

Photo by Dave Plotkin
Lake Eola Park 512 E. Washington St., 407.246.4484 The center of downtown Orlando life, Lake Eola Park hosts farmers markets, cultural fairs, entertainment, footraces and much more along with a .9-mile walkway that orbits the signature fountain in the middle of the lake. Photo via Lake Eola Park/Twitter

Lake Eola Park

512 E. Washington St., 407.246.4484
The center of downtown Orlando life, Lake Eola Park hosts farmers markets, cultural fairs, entertainment, footraces and much more along with a .9-mile walkway that orbits the signature fountain in the middle of the lake.

Photo via Lake Eola Park/Twitter
Mayor Carl T. Langford Park 1808 E Central Blvd., 407-246-4464 Adjacent to the beautiful Dickson Azalea Park, Mayor Carl T. Langford Park opens up into spacious fields and rentable pavilions, with bridges and boardwalks to entertain young and old. It’s a fantastic place for picnics, kids, dogs, and just being outside. Photo by Dave Plotkin

Mayor Carl T. Langford Park

1808 E Central Blvd., 407-246-4464
Adjacent to the beautiful Dickson Azalea Park, Mayor Carl T. Langford Park opens up into spacious fields and rentable pavilions, with bridges and boardwalks to entertain young and old. It’s a fantastic place for picnics, kids, dogs, and just being outside.

Photo by Dave Plotkin
Bill Frederick Park 3401 S. Hiawassee Road, 407.246.4486 The biggest park in Metrowest covers 183 acres situated around Turkey Lake, one of the most popular fishing lakes in Florida. The park offers canoeing, kayaking, nature trails, volleyball courts and other amenities, and is one of the only city parks where camping is allowed (with a permit, of course). Photo via City of Orlando/Twitter

Bill Frederick Park

3401 S. Hiawassee Road, 407.246.4486
The biggest park in Metrowest covers 183 acres situated around Turkey Lake, one of the most popular fishing lakes in Florida. The park offers canoeing, kayaking, nature trails, volleyball courts and other amenities, and is one of the only city parks where camping is allowed (with a permit, of course).

Photo via City of Orlando/Twitter
Mead Botanical Garden 1300 S. Denning Drive, Winter Park, 407-599-2800 This green oasis features bike paths, boardwalks and picnic areas full of native plants and wildlife. The park also features restored wetlands and riparian forests. This unique ecological oasis is a hidden gem in Winter Park. Open daily 8 a.m. to dusk. Photo via Mead Botanical Garden/Facebook

Mead Botanical Garden

1300 S. Denning Drive, Winter Park, 407-599-2800
This green oasis features bike paths, boardwalks and picnic areas full of native plants and wildlife. The park also features restored wetlands and riparian forests. This unique ecological oasis is a hidden gem in Winter Park. Open daily 8 a.m. to dusk.

Photo via Mead Botanical Garden/Facebook
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, 321-268-2655 The Refuge offers bioluminescent tours, where every tiny movement produces a stroke of light. This makes for a dazzling evening, to say the least. Photo via Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge/Facebook

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, 321-268-2655
The Refuge offers bioluminescent tours, where every tiny movement produces a stroke of light. This makes for a dazzling evening, to say the least.

Photo via Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge/Facebook
Rainbow Springs State Park 19158 SW 81st Place Rd., Dunnellon, 352-465-8555 Distance from Orlando: 1 hour 34 minutes The crisp cerulean water here has been in use for close to 10,000 years, according to archeological studies. You can swim, snorkel and kayak your way to leisure in this spring, which is Florida’s fourth largest. Photo via Rainbow Springs State Park/Facebook

Rainbow Springs State Park

19158 SW 81st Place Rd., Dunnellon, 352-465-8555
Distance from Orlando: 1 hour 34 minutes The crisp cerulean water here has been in use for close to 10,000 years, according to archeological studies. You can swim, snorkel and kayak your way to leisure in this spring, which is Florida’s fourth largest.

Photo via Rainbow Springs State Park/Facebook
Wekiva Island 1014 Miami Springs Drive, Longwood, 407-862-1500 Featuring live music and a pretty impressive bar, this little inland island makes a great getaway from anything kid-related. Photo via Wekiva Island/Facebook

Wekiva Island

1014 Miami Springs Drive, Longwood, 407-862-1500
Featuring live music and a pretty impressive bar, this little inland island makes a great getaway from anything kid-related.

Photo via Wekiva Island/Facebook
Little Manatee River State Park 215 Lightfoot Rd., Wimauma, 813-671-5005 Distance from Orlando: 1 hour and 41 minutes Rare fauna and ecosystems set Little Manatee apart as a spot for nature lovers. A full-facility campground and 15 miles of multi-use equestrian trails add to the stay-and-enjoy atmosphere of this park, whose river has been designated as an Outstanding Florida Water. Photo via Little Manatee River State Park/Facebook

Little Manatee River State Park

215 Lightfoot Rd., Wimauma, 813-671-5005
Distance from Orlando: 1 hour and 41 minutes Rare fauna and ecosystems set Little Manatee apart as a spot for nature lovers. A full-facility campground and 15 miles of multi-use equestrian trails add to the stay-and-enjoy atmosphere of this park, whose river has been designated as an Outstanding Florida Water.

Photo via Little Manatee River State Park/Facebook
Harry P. Leu Gardens 1920 N. Forest Ave., 407-246-2620 Three miles of paved paths wind through gorgeous botanical displays, including the largest formal rose garden in Florida, a bamboo forest and a butterfly garden. You can also visit the historic on-site house museum. Photo via Harry P. Leu Gardens/Facebook

Harry P. Leu Gardens

1920 N. Forest Ave., 407-246-2620
Three miles of paved paths wind through gorgeous botanical displays, including the largest formal rose garden in Florida, a bamboo forest and a butterfly garden. You can also visit the historic on-site house museum.

Photo via Harry P. Leu Gardens/Facebook
Hillsborough River State Park 15402 US 301 N., Thonotosassa, 813-987-6771 or 941-256-6689 Distance from Orlando: 1 hour 20 minutes This state park’s Class 2 rapids are perfect for those seeking a little thrill along with their camping trip. You can also take a guided tour of Fort Foster, the only standing replica of a Second Seminole War fort in the United States. Photo via Hillsborough River State Park/Facebook

Hillsborough River State Park

15402 US 301 N., Thonotosassa, 813-987-6771 or 941-256-6689
Distance from Orlando: 1 hour 20 minutes This state park’s Class 2 rapids are perfect for those seeking a little thrill along with their camping trip. You can also take a guided tour of Fort Foster, the only standing replica of a Second Seminole War fort in the United States.

Photo via Hillsborough River State Park/Facebook
Split Oak Forest 10525 Clapp Simms Duda Road, 407-254-6840 Run by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, this park offers wildlife watching (woodpeckers, gopher tortoises) and horseback riding with permit on Saturdays. It’s also great for a simple afternoon hike. Catch it soon, before a major toll road is constructed through the middle of it! Photo by Dave Plotkin

Split Oak Forest

10525 Clapp Simms Duda Road, 407-254-6840
Run by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, this park offers wildlife watching (woodpeckers, gopher tortoises) and horseback riding with permit on Saturdays. It’s also great for a simple afternoon hike. Catch it soon, before a major toll road is constructed through the middle of it!

Photo by Dave Plotkin
Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park 33104 NW 192nd Ave., Okeechobee, 863-462-5360 Distance from Orlando: 1 hour 45 minutes Those camping here will be surrounded by the largest remaining stretch of Florida dry prairie, reminiscent of the Great Plains. You'll also be able to view endangered animals and plants during your visit. Photo via Matthew Paulson/Twitter

Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

33104 NW 192nd Ave., Okeechobee, 863-462-5360
Distance from Orlando: 1 hour 45 minutes Those camping here will be surrounded by the largest remaining stretch of Florida dry prairie, reminiscent of the Great Plains. You'll also be able to view endangered animals and plants during your visit.

Photo via Matthew Paulson/Twitter
Cady Way Trail 821 Herndon AV, 407-254-9025 Entrance is 1/4 mile north of State Route 50 on Herndon Avenue This 6.5-mile paved path, popular with bicyclists and stroller-pushing moms alike, connects Orlando and Winter Park and the Cross Seminole Trail in Seminole County. The trail features water fountains, rest stops and mile markers, as well as a cool 685-foot-long suspension bridge that crosses Semoran Boulevard. Photo via City of Orlando/Twitter

Cady Way Trail

821 Herndon AV, 407-254-9025
Entrance is 1/4 mile north of State Route 50 on Herndon Avenue This 6.5-mile paved path, popular with bicyclists and stroller-pushing moms alike, connects Orlando and Winter Park and the Cross Seminole Trail in Seminole County. The trail features water fountains, rest stops and mile markers, as well as a cool 685-foot-long suspension bridge that crosses Semoran Boulevard.

Photo via City of Orlando/Twitter
Circle B Bar Reserve 4399 Winter Lake Road, Lakeland, 863-534-7377 This former cattle ranch has turned into a great place to view wildlife, especially Florida’s many bird populations at the 1,267-acre park. Here, you can find yourself wandering through several different ecosystems on a variety of hiking trails and bike paths that will give you an up-close look at Florida’s natural habitats. Photo via Circle B Bar Reserve/polknature.com

Circle B Bar Reserve

4399 Winter Lake Road, Lakeland, 863-534-7377
This former cattle ranch has turned into a great place to view wildlife, especially Florida’s many bird populations at the 1,267-acre park. Here, you can find yourself wandering through several different ecosystems on a variety of hiking trails and bike paths that will give you an up-close look at Florida’s natural habitats.

Photo via Circle B Bar Reserve/polknature.com
Constitution Green Dog Park 300 S. Summerlin Ave., 407-246-2283 In 2016, the city of Orlando and the Downtown Development Board purchased Constitution Green to save the enormous oak tree – one of the oldest trees in the City Beautiful – on the previously privately owned land and to help preserve green space near downtown. Now, it's a stunning fenced-in dog park near Thornton Park and downtown. Photo via Buddy Dyer/Twitter

Constitution Green Dog Park

300 S. Summerlin Ave., 407-246-2283
In 2016, the city of Orlando and the Downtown Development Board purchased Constitution Green to save the enormous oak tree – one of the oldest trees in the City Beautiful – on the previously privately owned land and to help preserve green space near downtown. Now, it's a stunning fenced-in dog park near Thornton Park and downtown.

Photo via Buddy Dyer/Twitter
Cracker Creek 1795 Taylor Road, Port Orange, 386-304-0778 Located in Port Orange, Cracker Creek offers one of the most "Florida" experiences in the area. Rent canoes or kayaks and float down the brackish of the Spruce River. Be on the lookout for manatee, gators, osprey, heron, jumping mullet and more. Photo via Cracker Creek/Facebook

Cracker Creek

1795 Taylor Road, Port Orange, 386-304-0778
Located in Port Orange, Cracker Creek offers one of the most "Florida" experiences in the area. Rent canoes or kayaks and float down the brackish of the Spruce River. Be on the lookout for manatee, gators, osprey, heron, jumping mullet and more.

Photo via Cracker Creek/Facebook
Econ Trail 2451 Dean RD, 407-254-9030 Dean Road just north of State Road 50 This ever-expanding trail in East Orlando begins at Jay Blanchard Park and extends all the way to Alafaya Trail. It runs alongside the Little Econlockhatchee River, which offers pretty views and plenty of good spots to fish, canoe or just sit in the grass and enjoy a riverside picnic. Photo via Orange County Parks and Recreation/Twitter

Econ Trail

2451 Dean RD, 407-254-9030
Dean Road just north of State Road 50 This ever-expanding trail in East Orlando begins at Jay Blanchard Park and extends all the way to Alafaya Trail. It runs alongside the Little Econlockhatchee River, which offers pretty views and plenty of good spots to fish, canoe or just sit in the grass and enjoy a riverside picnic.

Photo via Orange County Parks and Recreation/Twitter
Florida Caverns State Park 3345 Caverns Road, Marianna, 850-482-1228 One of Florida’s only state parks with dry caves features some elaborate limestone formations and rock draperies. Considering Florida rests at sea-level, there aren’t many other places to go cave exploring, so consider this state park a diamond in the rough. And if you need a breath of fresh air after caving, check out their New Deal-era golf course. Photo via focusedviews/Instagram

Florida Caverns State Park

3345 Caverns Road, Marianna, 850-482-1228
One of Florida’s only state parks with dry caves features some elaborate limestone formations and rock draperies. Considering Florida rests at sea-level, there aren’t many other places to go cave exploring, so consider this state park a diamond in the rough. And if you need a breath of fresh air after caving, check out their New Deal-era golf course.

Photo via focusedviews/Instagram
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