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7 Overlooked Places to Visit in Central Florida
Central Florida is home to not just theme parks but also many unique and frequently overlooked places to visit. While everyone usually hits up the usual Disney and Universal parks, there is so much more to Central Florida than just that. We have you covered if you are looking for some things to do at a more relaxed pace! Here are 7 overlooked places worth a visit in Central Florida.
1. Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive
The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is an excellent place to explore Florida’s natural playground. This 11-mile scenic drive takes you through nature. You’ll get up close and personal (from the safety of your vehicle with air conditioning, which is another plus). It is a one-way drive on a 10-mph road that takes anywhere from one to three hours to complete. Gate access is opened from 7 am to 3 pm Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal holidays.
It is listed as one of the top three birding areas in the state. The Lake Apopka North Shore area offers fantastic views. This area, in particular, is considered to be one of the most renowned destinations in Florida for bird watching. On record, there are 369 different types of bird species that have been seen on the property.
There are so many rare species on the property; you must keep an eye out! Other exciting animals to see along the route are bobcats, coyotes, alligators, bears, otters, raccoons, and armadillos.
The Lake Apopka Loop Trail is also available for those interested in bicycling, wildlife viewing, and horseback riding. There are also two other trails, the Green Mountain and Magnolia Park trailheads, worth exploring as well. However, horseback riding is not permitted on the last two.
You can also bring your canoe, kayak, or motorboat and launch them from the McDonald Canal Boat Ramp. Please visit their website for all the trails’ locations and access points.
If you or your family loves nature and wildlife, this is an excellent place to check out!
2. West Orange Trail
The West Orange Trail offers a fantastic way to get active. Whether you choose to walk, bike, or run, get outside and enjoy the 22-mile-long trail.
Don’t worry; you don’t have to do the entire trail! You can start at any of the numerous points, park your car, follow the signs, and start walking. Passing through the quaint town of Winter Garden, it will take you from Killarney and Oakland through Apopka. Many of the outposts along the way offer bathrooms, water fountains, and playgrounds.
The Tildenville outpost even features a butterfly garden. Open from sunrise to sunset daily, the West Orange Trail offers an excellent method to checking out the area and exploring nature.
3. Citrus Tower
The Florida Citrus Tower stands 226 feet tall overlooking beautiful Clermont. Once, it offered a stunning view of all of the many citrus groves that made up the city.
The Citrus Tower was once considered one of the first and most famous landmarks of Orlando! Built-in 1956, one can only imagine how different the views must have been. Today, while there is a new landscape in town, sitting 22 stories high, you can enjoy the ever-changing development Clermont has to offer from a glass-enclosed observation deck. $10 for adults and $6 for kids, the Citrus Tower makes a great outing for those both new and old to the area.
If you visit the Citrus Tower on a clear day, you can see up to 8 different counties and 35 miles away from the horizon! While you are up there enjoying the view, grab a coffee from the Citrus Coffee Co., where you can also taste specialty citrus drinks. Open daily from 7 am to 7 pm, and Sunday from noon to 7 pm.
4. Wekiwa Springs State Park
On a hot, sunny day, may we suggest the perfect trip to Wekiwa Springs State Park. With lush tropical surroundings, these “emerald springs” are simply gorgeous. There is so much beauty to see from miles of trails waiting to be explored, whether on a bike, foot, or horseback. This natural beauty costs just $6 a vehicle to enter and is open daily from 8 am to sundown.
Located in Apopka, Florida, Wekiwa Springs is just a short drive from Winter Garden and surrounding towns. As one of Orange County’s longest-running tourist attractions, a simple google for pictures will indeed explain why. Pack a picnic and your bathing suit, and take a dip in the crystal-clear oasis. The springs stay a consistent 72 degrees year-round, making this the perfect place to visit any time of year.
Camping is also allowed at this park, though you may want to keep an eye out for black bears and other wildlife that call this park home. There are fantastic opportunities for wildlife viewing and feeling one with nature.
5. Bok Tower Gardens
If you have not been to Bok Tower Gardens, we highly recommend that you go, like now! Located between Tampa and Orlando, Bok Tower Gardens truly is a must-see! Situated on rolling hills of citrus, you might question where exactly you are heading on the drive. Keep going.
Once you arrive, there is so much natural beauty to take in. With nearly 50 acres of lush landscaping and gardens as well as a children’s garden, this place is well worth the drive. There is also a gorgeous historic 20 room Mediterranean Mansion on the property and a 205-foot neo-gothic art deco signing tower that stands tall over the property.
Offering tranquil and picturesque views, Bok Tower Gardens is fantastic. Home to works created by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr., the gardens are indeed a work of art. Our favorite time to visit is during the holidays when the home is decorated for Christmas. It truly feels magical.
Open daily from 8 am to 6 pm and costs just $15 for adults and $5 for kids. Under 5 is always free.
6. Wild Florida
For the ultimate “Florida” experience, Wild Florida is the place to go! There is so much to do from airboat rides, gator sightings, a drive-thru safari park, and wild animal encounters. Plan to spend the day as the drive-through safari park alone will take some time.
With over 100 native animals to discover from the safety of your car, this 85-acre drive-through experience will bring you up close and personal, unlike anything you have been to before.
Keep an eye out for zebras, giraffes, bison, antelope, and more! Try feeding the giraffes for even more fun.
The Gator Park is included with the Drive-thru Safari Park price, so be sure not to miss it. Here you will see more than 200 animals, including some educational animal shows where you can learn even more about them.
After that, explore the headwaters of the everglades on an airboat ride! If you have never been on an airboat, it is the pinnacle Florida experience sure to give you a wild adventure!
Open daily from 9 am to 6 pm, due keep in mind they are closed on Sundays.
7. Winter Park Scenic Boat Tours
While Winter Park is a hot spot around town to walk around, have you ever cruised the canals around it?
The Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour offers an entirely different view of the area, one you won’t get from Park Avenue. Meander through the calming canals and pristine chain of lakes surrounding Winter Park. On this 18-passenger cruise, guests can relax while taking in the beautiful and lush scenery.
Tours leave every hour, on the hour, and reservations can be made ahead of time for large parties. Open daily from 10 am to 4 pm, the last cruise sets off at 4. This is a great activity worth exploring while taking in the area on a scenic boat tour.
There are Other Places to Visit in Central Florida than Theme Parks
Sometimes living in Orlando, we as residents forget about all the smaller attractions well worth a visit.
It’s not all theme parks and roller coasters. It is fun to take in local attractions, especially those not on the extensive list of things to do as a resident. Even when you have friends and family come to visit, some of these places make great options from the typical list of things to see and do. Show them another side of Central Florida that they probably have never seen before, and enjoy the exploration with them!
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Erica Diaz Team – 7 Overlooked Places to Visit in Central Florida
If you find yourself visiting or potentially moving to Central Florida, keep an open mind when exploring. There are so many unique things to do and many are easily overlooked. Even residents of Central Florida are surprised to discover the local attractions when they begin to explore past the more popular attractions such as the theme parks.
Moving to Central Florida? The Erica Diaz Team has you covered on everything real estate, from buying to selling homes. They can even assist you in determining what Central Florida city is best for you to live in!
