5 Nature Escapes in Orlando
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After a few crazy days dealing with the crowds, heat, and headache inducing rides at Universal & Disney, you will probably be seeking a relaxing place to escape the tourist congestion. Whether this means relaxing at your resort pool or getting out there and exploring the city, you won’t run out of options. When I lived in Tampa, I frequently planned daytrips here to hike the trails.
While there are many great beaches in Florida, they are all located at least an hour’s drive away. The better beaches are actually on the Gulf side, so I would recommend driving just a bit further. Hanging out in a pool is relaxing and you won’t have to drive anywhere, however, there are plenty of parks and preserves for anyone looking to get a bit more active.
Florida is actually a pretty state if you spend some time outside of the theme parks and strip malls. There is seemingly a nature preserve around every corner and plenty of lush greenery thanks to the hot and humid climate. It’s a great vacation destination where you can mix nature and entertainment which is party of what makes it so fantastic.
As in most areas, nature’s attractions are often the best value. Living in Florida for several years, I learned that most of the beautiful free parks are better than the tourist trap attractions. In my guide, you will find 5 scenic gardens, parks, & natural attractions, all conveniently located in the metro. 4 out of the 5 will cost you nothing, so you can take a break from the craziness all while saving some money! I have also included 5 more than require a daytrip but are totally worth it in my experience.
1. Scenic Boat Tour in Winter Park
Winter Park is a gorgeous, high end suburb known for its’ many parks, tree-lined downtown, and beautiful lakes. This is the place to go if you are seeking a low-key place to enjoy the natural surroundings. The Scenic Boat tour along Winter Park’s Chain of Lakes has long been a favorite tourist activity (since opening in 1938). If you are looking for an entertaining, relaxing, and scenic day away from the rides, there really is nothing better in the immediate area. The tour consists of an hour long narrated ride on an 18 passenger pontoon boat.
Along the tour you will be treated to wonderful views of the stately mansions lining the waterfront. Our tour guide gave us a lot of unique facts about the area and even pointed out Mr. Roger’s house!
Lush greenery, ample birdwatching, and the occasional sighting of an alligator will give you plenty to look at all while learning more about the area. My favorite part was traveling through the 2 man made canals which connect the lakes. There are 6 lakes in Winter Park. The tour starts in Lake Osceola and continues on to Lake Maitland and Virginia.
Tickets are under 20 bucks so a great bang-for-your-buck activity for the whole family. After your ride, I recommend checking out the shops, restaurants, and galleries of beautiful downtown Winter Park!
More info on the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour
- Address: 312 E Morse Blvd Winter Park
- Admission: $19 for adults and $10 for children.
- Note: No reservations. All rides are first come, first served.
- Tip: Check out the farmer’s market, held donwtown every Saturday from 8am to 1pm.
2. Tibet Butler Nature Preserve
If you are seeking a more active adventure away from the parks, then Tibet Butler is a fantastic choice. This is my top choice for anyone looking to hike but not drive all the way to Ocala National Park. I visited this gorgeous park many times while daytripping from Tampa. Although it is located minutes from Disney, it feels world’s away.
The setting is so quiet and rustic, basically the polar opposite of the man made, crowded theme parks. There are 6 different trails here, for a total distance of about 4 miles. I know you are probably thinking – I don’t want to walk anymore, my feet need a break! Fortunately, the trails here are all super short and easy. It’s more of a place to see wildlife and birdwatch. For anyone who has never explored native Florida parks, Tibet is a great place to start due to its’ close proximity, ample wildlife, & easy trail system.
The trails transverse through numerous habitats including pine flatwoods and freshland marsh and swamps. Tibet is a wonderful place to bird watch (more than 100 birds have been spotted here) and see all sorts of small wildlife including armadillos or gopher tortoises. Strangely, I’ve yet to see a gator here (even though I probably saw at least 100 in my 3 years living in Tampa!).
- Address: 8777 Winter Garden Vineland Rd
- Admission: Free
- Note: Check the park’s webpage for special interpretive programs and guided walks.
- Tip: There are a lot of great breakfast restaurants in the Dr. Phillips area (a nice suburban neighborhood) which is an easy 10 min drive. In terms of chains, you can’t beat Keke’s and First watch. CFS, also in Dr. Phillips, is my favorite local choice for coffee and a healthier breakfast.
3. Lake Baldwin
This city is nicknamed “The City Beautiful,” and with dozens of lakes to choose amongst, this is really no surprise. Unfortunately, many tourists come and go and see nothing more than ride queues and roller coasters. This is fine as the theme parks really are the best in the world, but I also recommend getting out into nature if you are interested. There are so many beautiful parks, lakes, and preserves to explore.
Beautiful Lake Baldwin can be explored via a 2.5 mile paved path at Lake Baldwin park. This is my favorite park in the area. I enjoy biking and walking here while taking in the lake scenery. You can take a relaxing stroll or rent a bike if you feel like putting up with the extra hassle. While at times it can get busy with joggers and bikers, for the most part it’s a peaceful place to enjoy nature, get in a healthy workout, and possibly spot some wildlife.
- Address: 2000 S Lakemont Ave
- Admission: Free
- Note: You can connect to the Cady Way trail for a longer ride
- Tip: Fuel up with a cup of joe at Baldwin Perk, a Friends themed coffeehouse
4. Kraft Azalea Garden
One of the best places to escape the congestion is at any of Winter Park’s quaint gardens. Kraft Azalea is a small 5 acre park on Lake Maitland. I love taking a relaxing stroll through the beautiful shady cypress trees for a much needed break from the strong sunshine.
On the grounds of the park stands a large monument inscribed with the quote “Pause friend. Let beauty refresh the spirit.” As a pretty nature oasis, this garden sure is a great place to get back to nature and reinvigorate after tiresome days of waiting in long, hot ride lines.
- Address: 1365 Alabama Dr
- Admission: Free
- Note: I recommend combing a visit here with the boat tour which is just minutes away.
- Tip: Toasted is a local cafe which serves all different varieties of grilled cheese, plus fries and roasted tomato soup. I recommend checking it out if you are looking for a quick bite. It’s an easy 5 minute drive from this park. I like to support a local business or 2 after days of resorting to chains at the theme parks and Citywalk/Disney Springs.
5. Lake Eola Park
One of the city’s most easily accessible lakes is Lake Eola, located downtown away from the tourist bustle. The path is only a mile long so a nice break from the usual 10+ miles you accrue on days walking around Universal and Disney.
I see walkers, joggers, and bikers all out enjoying some healthy exercise. I love the skyline views (even though Orlando doesn’t have the best cityscape). Although more popular with local fitness enthusiasts, I recommend a visit here if you are looking for something off-the-beaten path that feels a bit more local rather than touristy.
Like all area parks, this one is also great for birdwatching. A number of concerts and events take place at the Walt Disney amphitheater throughout the year.
Tip: Tuesdays-Sundays from 10am to 7pm, you can rent a paddleboat for $15. A bit pricey, but then again much cheaper than a day at Disney.
- Address: 512 E Washington St
- Admission: Free
- Note: The park hosts a lot of free events including concerts and a popular farmers market (every Sunday from 10am-3pm).
- Tip: Stop at Drunken Monkey, a funky local coffeebar for an awesome pastry, bowl of soup, and cup of joe. It’s an easy 10 minute drive.
5 more for the road!
Now on to a few parks which require a lengthier drive, but they are worth it – trust me! If you are up for a daytrip, these are definite bucket list contenders. Of course, there are tons of great beaches in the Gulf Coast region too, although if you are going more for peace/quiet you can’t beat a day at a low-key park.
Circle B Bar Reserve: Located in Lakeland, about an hour outside of the city. This is my top pick to if you want to see tons of gators. You have the option of walking Alligator Alley (a bit scary as alligators line both sides of the trail) or take a free guided tram tour. No entry fee.
Silver Springs State Park: This one is a bit out of the way at 1.5 hours but a pretty cool daytrip as you can book tickets for a unique glass bottom boat ride on a natural spring. This park dates back to the 1870’s and is the state’s oldest tourist attraction. I love seeing the fish swim underwater (the spring are so clear) and learning about the lake’s filming history (you can still see sculptures from movie filming under the water). No entry fee. Boat tours range from $15-17 with special extended tours available for a higher fee.
Myakka River State Park: Myakka is my favorite park on the Gulf. I daytripped here so many times from Tampa. It’s a bit further clocking in at ~2 hours but so worth it if you love nature. The many activities including: gator watching pontoon rides, hiking & biking, birdwatching, wildlife watching, picnicking, and scenic drives easily justify the drive in my opinion. Check out my Myakka attraction guide for full details. The entrance fee is $6 for 2-8 people and $4 for single riders.
Hillsborough River State Park: This is an amazing place to hike in the Tampa region. A 1.5 hour drive is all it takes to get to this natural oasis. The park features 7 miles of nature trails, rare Class II rapids for kayaking and canoeing, & a swimming pool. There is also much more to do in Tampa to justify the drive. The entrance fee is $6 per vehicle for up to 8 and $4 for single riders.
Honeymoon Island State Park: It’s worth the 2 hour drive to spend an entire day enjoying one of the most gorgeous places on the Gulf coast. There’s so much to do here including: sunbathing & swimming on multiple clear water beaches, beachcombing, hiking, snorkeling, and even taking a ferry ride to Caladesi Island. This is one of just many incredible white sand beaches on the Gulf. My beach guide highlights the best-of-the-best. The entrance fee is $8 per vehicle for up to 8 people and $4 for single riders.
