Top Things to do in Central Florida
Top Hotels in Central Florida
- 1. Universal's Endless Summer Resort - Surfside Inn and Suites
- 2. Universal’s Endless Summer Resort - Dockside Inn and Suites
- 3. Holiday Inn Orlando - Disney Springs Area, An IHG Hotel
- 4. Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort
- 5. Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek
- 6. Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando
- 7. Holiday Inn Orlando - Disney Springs Area, An IHG Hotel
- 8. Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
- 9. Hyatt Regency Orlando
- 10. Avanti International Resort
Things to do in Central Florida, Central Florida: The Best Nature & Parks
Discover the best top things to do in Central Florida, United States including West Orange Trail, Circle B Bar Reserve, Sholom Park, Lake Apopka Wildlife Trail, Silver Springs River, Bok Tower Gardens, Kelly Park, Rock Springs Run, Wekiwa Springs State Park, Highlands Hammock State Park.
Restaurants in Central Florida
1. West Orange Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 144 reviews
Reviewed By exploreforfun
We parked at Kilarney Station, rented a bike, and cycled this paved trail through lovely residential areas, scenic Winter Garden, and on to the Luca Trail that brings you to Newton Park at Lake Apopka where you can walk the pier and, if lucky, watch the crafty alligator stalk birds. There are washrooms there, and lovely restaurants of all kinds in Winter Garden. Visit the Train Museum.
2. Circle B Bar Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 972 reviews
Reviewed By zippyincolumbus
We visited Circle B Bar Reserve on a Sunday right as the busy March tourist season is getting underway. We arrived at 9 am which was good timing- we got a great spot in lot by visitor center (which was closed- maybe because it was Sunday?). By 11:30 the parking lot and trails were very full. It was also a cold morning, so it was good timing for seeing gators, since they don’t like cold or wind much. It was getting warmer out by the time we arrived. We did miss the bobcats though- sounds like you may need to come early to see them. We had a great time and saw all kinds of wildlife- gators (close up and out in the water) bald eagles, osprey (one eating a fish in a tree), ducks, turtles, sand cranes, red shouldered hawks, and way more birds than I can name. The gators do sometimes lay by the path and cross or block the path, so you do want to be on your toes and don’t do anything dumb. Leave them alone and be kind and they will do the same. This was our first visit and we were lucky enough to run into a local who was more than willing to tell us and even show us most of the ropes. We did alligator alley and the marsh trail. Absolutely loved our time! If you love nature or are just looking for an interesting place to walk, don’t miss this FREE stop. We had two 40 somethings who walked 5 miles and two 60 somethings who walked 2.5 miles- we both saw a lot of wildlife!
3. Sholom Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 604 reviews
Sholom Park is a non-profit, privately owned, 44-acre botanical garden in Ocala, Florida. Opened to the public in 2004, the park features more than 2 miles of paved trails and more than 100 species of plants and trees. Sholom Park seeks to become a model of land stewardship and the preservation of open space for education and public enjoyment. Guests are invited to experience a true feeling of serenity, contentment, joy and inner peace.
Reviewed By MKMartinezGA
Beautiful and peaceful gardens and paths to enjoy nature and the outdoors while providing park benches for reflection or finding inner peace.
4. Lake Apopka Wildlife Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 244 reviews
Reviewed By DisneyDarwin - Spring, United States
The folks who imagined this place were true visionaries --- birds, birds and more birds. So many species and so many individual birds. The layout makes it easy, just drive and take your time and enjoy the wildlife. We saw mostly shore and water birds, but there were a couple of elevated spots that were fully of warblers, wrens, sparrows and such. This is a most worthy destination.
5. Silver Springs River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 341 reviews
Reviewed By IGetPaid2DigDirt
We paddled the five-mile trip from the park to Ray Wayside Park. It was absolutely stunning! Monkeys, otters, manatees, alligators, TONS of turtles, beautiful trees, and crystal clear water. I wish it wasn't hours away from my home.
6. Bok Tower Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,353 reviews
Explore the landscaped gardens of Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. and one of Florida’s natural habitats on the Pine Ridge Trail. You can also discover the history of Edward W. Bok and the building of his 205 foot Singing Tower and tour the historic Pinewood Estate mansion to catch a glimpse of the luxurious lifestyle of the 1930s. Enjoy the all new Children's Garden, Edible Garden and Outdoor Kitchen and Wild Garden. Visitor Center includes exhibits on the life of Edward Bok and the Carillon. Enjoy a healthy meal at the Blue Palmetto Cafe and take home a memento from the Tower shop.
Reviewed By OldFloridaGuy - Lakeland, United States
As we live in the area, we are frequent visitors to Bok Tower Gardens. The simple fact that we return often confirms our appreciation for the beauty and restorative power of this place. Many reviewers have highlighted the history of Bok’s masterwork and its connection, through the legendary Olmsted family, to Central Park. So, let me simply mention that the gardens are exquisite, the view from atop Iron Mountain inspiring, the carillon tower an architectural marvel and the park brilliantly managed. On-site are an informative historical exhibit, an above-average cafe—often featuring live music—a delightful gift shop, a plant shop featuring native plants and specimens of those in the gardens and a free shuttle for those with mobility challenges. Much of the expansive trail system within the gardens is shaded and the altitude affords a reliable breeze.
7. Kelly Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 489 reviews
Camp among deer and otter after you tube the river.
Reviewed By babie24 - Hollywood, United States
What a Beautiful Park. Can enjoy the day with love ones float down the river and have a wonderful day with nature’s beauty and take amazing pictures!
8. Rock Springs Run
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 151 reviews
Tributary of Florida's Wekiva River is ideal for canoeing, birdwatching, viewing wildlife and foliage.
Reviewed By danmj272 - Jacksonville, United States
My favorite place to kayak! This paddle is great because there are several places to stop and enjoy the water. The scenery is beautiful, i saw a few river otters, several types of fish and birds the last time i kayaker here. They do rent canoes at the front of the park, there is also a company that rents glass bottom kayaks. The paddle is a bit tough for beginners as you will start out up stream, but you will coast back going down stream on the way back. Get there early as this place is getting popular, try to avoid weekends if possible.
9. Wekiwa Springs State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 772 reviews
This 7,000-acre area containing diverse plants and wildlife is also popular for swimming, canoeing, hiking and camping.
Reviewed By Tommcmullen - Tampa, United States
We just stayed overnight in our Winnebago Navion in September ... still pretty hot! The RV and camping sites are large ... site 45 has sewage hook-up along with water and 30/50 AMP power ... good level site. Tons of hiking trails (solid 7 mile loop, 5 mile loop and shorter 1 mile trails) ... good trail from camp grounds to the Spring. The Spring Head is a little crowded in the Summer ... very popular swimming area ... but the trails are almost vacant of activity. You can rent canoes and kayaks ... excellent State Park (like most Florida State Parks) ... well maintained!
10. Highlands Hammock State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 718 reviews
Reviewed By R2818DQteds
Nature surrounds you everywhere as you go through Highlands Hammock State Park. After you stop at the ranger station and pay a very modest entrance fee ($3 per person), you drive through the gate and into Florida as it was thousands of years ago. The 3+ mile loop takes you around and through the hammock of swamp, cypress , and oak trees, many of which are 1000 years old. The Cypress Swamp trail is a boardwalk trail that winds it way through the cypress swamp. All types of wildlife can be seen. At the end of the boardwalk, there is a large creek and pond, there are benches to sit and relax and enjoy nature. I was using my mobility scooter and had no issues using the boardwalk. However, at the end, there is a catwalk that crosses the pond, and sadly, the scooter would not be able to go over it, so I had to turn around. The next boardwalk was the Fern Garden trail. Again, no issues with the scooter, but after a short distance, the boardwalk ended and it was just a dirt path. There are other trails, but they are also just dirt paths. It has been a wet summer, so I did not attempt to go down any of those paths, but, should the weather be dry, and the ground hard enough, I believe I could get the scooter down some of the paths, using caution. There is a very nice museum that shows the history of the park, and how the workers lived back in the 1920s and 30s. There are accessible restrooms inside as well. There is a large camping area with full hookups. A picnic area with lots of table is nearby, and there are facilities that can be rented for parties and large gatherings. I would like to return in cooler weather and camp, that would be a nice experience. So, should you find yourself in central Florida, take some time to go to the town of Sebring, and go to Highlands Hammock State Park, a trip back to old Florida.
