What To Do in Central Florida – Besides Theme Parks
What to do in Central Florida
The majority of tourists who come through Orlando are heading for Disney or Universal Studios. However, if you are looking for what to do in Central Florida that does not involve a theme park, you’re in the right place. I’ve grown up here and while theme parks are the main draw, there is a lot of beautiful nature to see here as well!
There are also things in central Florida that south Florida doesn’t offer! It’s the only place in the state to swim with manatees and most of the springs are in central Florida! So let’s review my recommendations on what to do in central Florida, that is not theme park related!
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What is Considered Central Florida?
Let’s start with what exactly is part of central Florida? Yes, Orlando is in the heart of central Florida, but the region also includes Daytona Beach on the east coast and Clearwater Beach on the west coast! Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral are part of this region, as well as Crystal River, where you can swim with manatees!
There is so much to offer in this region, so let’s review what to do in central Florida!
Paddle Board or Kayak
One thing to do in central Florida is enjoy the water! With so many options, paddle boarding or kayaking is a perfect Florida activity! From lakes, to the intracoastal, to the ocean and the springs! I paddle often in the ocean or intracoastal and occasionally in the lakes and rivers. If you’re up for a paddle, it’s a great way to experience some of central Florida’s prettiest areas.
Intracoastal
Almost all of Florida has intracoastal waterways. These saltwater rivers that connect into the ocean offer its own unique nature experience, different from freshwater lakes and rivers. You can see manatees, dolphins or sharks as you paddle through the mangroves!
For New Smyrna area, I’ve paddled with East Coast Paddle. They will take you through the mangrove maze and it’s a beautiful paddle. They also offer lessons and rentals and will drop off at nearby locations, including the beach. I’ve also listed a couple options below, one on each side of central Florida.
Cocoa | Wildlife Refuge Dolphin, Manatee and Mangrove Kayak or Paddleboarding Tour!
Sarasota | Mangroves, Manatees, and a Hidden Beach: Kayak Tour
Springs
When contemplating what to do in central Florida, the springs should be toward the top of the list! We have so many great springs sprinkled throughout! The water in most Florida springs are 72 degrees year round, which I consider cold, but in the hot weather can feel refreshing! All the state parks or springs typically offer some type of kayak or paddle board rentals, so it’s an easy activity to add on to the springs of your choice.
One of the top ones to consider include Crystal River, which is the only place you can legally swim with Manatees in Florida! I recently did this experience and loved it, though it was very cold! While they give you a wetsuit, you aren’t supposed to move much so not to spook the manatees and this makes it hard to warm up! Regardless, it’s a bucket list worthy experience!
Of course, if freezing in a wetsuit isn’t for you, they have Clear Kayak Manatee Ecotour of Crystal River. Enjoy seeing them from a kayak instead!
Blue Springs is another top option in Florida and one of the best places to see manatees during the winter months! You are not allowed to swim in the winter, but this park is very beautiful! It’s a much more natural setting than Crystal River, which adds to the beauty!
King’s Landing is another great option, but unlike the two mentioned above it’s privately owned and not a state park! The water is clear and the whole paddle is beautiful! You need to reserve your spot whether you are renting or bringing your own vessel.
Very close to King’s Landing is Rock Springs. This state park is one of the more fun springs, because of the lazy river! You can rent a float and walk to the start of the lazy rive, before jumping in and floating down.
Ocean or Lakes
Paddling in the ocean is fun, but it’s much more difficult due to the currents. However, on a calm morning it’s beautiful and one of my favorite things to do on a Summer day!
There are no shortage of lakes, so exploring them is an option when it comes to what to do in central Florida. While I’ve paddle boarded and kayaked on a lake, they all have alligators and dark water, so it can seem intimidating to some! However, if you’re good with it, freshwater lakes and rivers can offer a serene and beautiful paddle!
If you want to paddle on a lake, enjoy seeing beautiful houses and paddle through tunnels connecting different lakes, then consider the Winter Park Chain Lakes paddle! I visited recently with a friend and we each took our paddle boards.
Clear Kayak Sunset Tour through The Winter Park Chain of Lakes
Tip: If you do the Winter Park Paddle enjoy a meal on Park Avenue or at East End Market. There are plenty of good food options on Park Ave and if you choose the market, DOMU has delicious wings and don’t forget to get a cookie at Gideon’s Bakehouse!
Zoo Paddle
A zoo paddle is a unique offering when considering what to do in central Florida! Brevard Zoo Paddle allows you to see animals as you paddle by! It is an extra cost to the entry fee, but a very unique experience! I haven’t done it yet, so I can’t speak to the experience overall, but it could feel like a fun adventure!
Bioluminescent Tour
If you are visiting Florida in July or August I recommend taking a Bioluminescent Tour! I had heard rumors for a while that we had this phenomenon in the area, but when I tried a tour years ago, I was unimpressed. When I had done a tour in Puerto Rico, it was amazing, and the tour I had tried here was a let down.
I gave it a second chance last year and I’m so glad I did. It was magical! Like a scene out of avatar! My friends and I went with Inner Compass Eco Adventures and LOVED the experience. We paddled around an island on the intracoastal and quickly saw the water glow blue as our paddles moved through the water. Eventually we would paddle over schools of fish and see the blue streaks in the water as the fish swam about. We paddled to a small beach on the other end of the island and watched the water light up as the waves crashed.
The experience will vary based on several factors. First, you will want to ensure it has been hot for a while. That’s why I recommend July and August. June might work, but it also could be underwhelming. Second, you will want to consider the moon. The more light from the moon, the more it will impact you seeing the bioluminescence well. Choose as dark of a night as possible.
There are a lot of tours in Titusville, but Inner Compass uses a different area for their tour, which made it more private. Also, if you are a local with your own SUP or kayak, you can take it on go on the tour for free!
While I absolutely love this experience, it is a natural phenomenon and is unpredictable! Two years in a row I went in July and August and it was 10 of 10! Last year, it was 1 out of 10. Basically non-existent!
Bioluminescent Clear Kayak Tours in Titusville
Clear Kayak Florida Bioluminescence Tour | Beacon 42 (Titusville)
Gators or Manatees Sightings
When it comes to Florida wildlife, the two most famous animals would have to be the alligator or the manatee. I have seen both many times over the years and seeing both in the wild are possible.
Manatees
During winter months, Manatees migrate to various springs because the water is 72 degrees Fahrenheit year round. While it’s possible to manatees a lot of place, two popular spots are Three Sisters Springs Visitors Center on Crystal River and Blue Springs State Park. Both will become very busy in the winter months as a result so you will want to ensure you arrive early to whichever park you choose.
Alligators
Alligators exist in any freshwater in Florida, including springs, lake and rivers. Even some man made retention ponds could have a gator. The easiest and safest way to see an alligator in the wild, is to book an airboat or boat tour. You could also just rent a kayak or paddle board and yes, I’ve seen many alligators from my paddle board.
The below photo is from my paddle at Silver Springs. My friends and I paddled by numerous gators that day, but we don’t paddle towards them. Hence my very distant photo of one. The gator is in the center of the image and it’s resting in the middle of the lily pads and grassy area. If being on the water doesn’t entice you, Gatorland is a great option!
While the Everglades National Park is in south Florida, the state is full of everglades! So you can enjoy a similar beauty in central Florida and spot numerous gators in the wild! If you’re not used to spotting gators, you might miss them if you venture out on your own, so a tour is a great way to learn how to spot them!
Florida Everglades Airboat Tour and Wild Florida Admission with Optional Lunch
Can you spot the gator?
Spook Hill
I don’t recommend going out of your way for this one, but if you happen to be in Lake Wales, it can be an entertaining and trippy few minutes.
I visited years ago and will admit, it does give you the impression of going up hill. It’s a public road, and the sign should tell you what to do. If I remember correctly, pull up to the area and put your car in neutral and it should start rolling and appear to defy gravity.
Golf or Soccer Golf
I don’t play golf but I do play soccer. It was only recently I learned of Soccer Golf and gave it try! I tried the course in Orlando by Disney and it was great!
At Oak Trail Golf Course, you will need to make a reservation and availability for soccer golf starts after 3PM or 4PM depending on the time of year. It’s nine holes and would be fun even if you weren’t a great kicker.
If you are a golfer, the are plenty of courses in Florida and the weather is especially beautiful for golf during the non-Summer months. Of course, during the summer, plan for early tee times because most thunderstorms show up in the afternoon and they bring heavy rain and lightning!
Visit a Lighthouse
I’ve visited the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse only once or twice, even though this is my preferred beach. I’ve also visited the St. Augustine Lighthouse. Both have tons of stairs with great views to reward your efforts! There are some restaurants close by on the intracoastal if you wanted to make more of a day of it for the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse. The jetty was closed the last I knew from hurricane damage. If not, it’s a nice stroll.
Another options is the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse. I haven’t been to this one, but it’s not too far south from Ponce Inlet. I’m not sure if they close this area when rocket launches happen, but if not, it could be a beautiful spot to watch from!
Rocket Launches
When deciding what to do in central Florida, you may want to consider catching a rocket launch! While I have yet to watch from Cape Canaveral, I have many memories as a child of going outside with my school class and seeing the rockets in the sky. And I live an hour and a half away!
So even if you can’t make it to Cape Canavaral area, keep an eye on when a rocket might launch and then look up! If you’re anywhere from Orlando to Daytona, you should see the rocket in the sky!
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
I haven’t been since I was a child, but I do plan to visit this year! My friend did go recently and loved it! It’s worth checking out if you’re in the area, though the ticket is currently $75, which isn’t cheap, it can be a really fun experience.
Explore a Small Town
There are quite a few small towns you can explore throughout central Florida.
Winter Garden or Winter Park are closer to Orlando and the Disney area and have great restaurants and cute shops. Further north, you will find Mount Dora or DeLand which are genuinely small towns with historic downtowns.
If you didn’t want to drive, you can utilize the Florida Sunrail. It goes from Kissimmee down to Deland. The Winter Park stop is right on Park Avenue, or stopping in Sanford or Deland, there are free ways to get to their downtown areas according to the Sunrail website.
Ride in a NASCAR Racecar
Whether you are interest in NASCAR or not, riding in a racecar sounds exciting! Although, it might not be your type of excitement, but if it is, then Daytona Speedway should be on your central Florida list!
The NASCAR Racing Experience is only available certain dates, so be sure to check the Daytona Speedway website. There are basic tours available for purchase as well, but you should still check their website as they hold various events there often and it make affect the tour offerings.
Gardens
Gardens have always reminded me of my grannie, but I’m also learning to appreciate them more and more. Seeing the beautiful flowers, admiring the greenery, and enjoying the serenity as I walk are so appealing, especially during the cooler months!
Below are some options to consider that range in price from free to $20.
Harry P. Leu Gardens (Orlando) | A beautiful 50-acre garden located near downtown Orlando. It features themed gardens, including tropical and formal gardens, a butterfly garden, and even a rose garden. It’s a peaceful spot, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Mead Botanical Garden (Winter Park) | A 48-acre garden with walking trails, ponds, and various garden areas including butterfly and wildlife gardens. It’s a nice spot for a more natural, wooded experience. There’s also a charming historic gazebo and birdwatching opportunities.
Leu Gardens (Winter Park) | Another lovely garden in Winter Park, this one is particularly known for its formal garden design, including rose gardens and azaleas. It’s not as large as some others but still worth a visit for its beauty and serene atmosphere.
Bok Tower Gardens (Lake Wales) | This one’s a bit of a drive from Orlando but totally worth it. The gardens are stunning, with towering oaks, flowering plants, and a lovely bell tower that chimes every hour. You can also explore hiking trails and listen to the carillon bells ringing.
Rent a Boat
A great thing to do in Central Florida is to rent a boat. Whether you are looking at the intracoastal or lakes, there are plenty of places that will show up online. At Hontoon Landing, you can rent a pontoon boat for the day. The St. Johns River runs north, all the way to Jacksonville, so there’s plenty of water to explore at this location. I have yet to rent a Pontoon boat, but I’m familiar with this area. You can enjoy some time on Lake Beresford or take the river north or south.
One thing I remember doing as a child, was boating to Silver Glen. It’s a clear and beautiful spring connected to the St. John’s river. It gets very full on weekends, as a lot of boaters pull up to the area, so try and visit during the week.
Of course, there are boat rental opportunities sprinkled throughout central Florida, whether it’s a river, lake, intracoastal or ocean!
Nature Walks
The All Trails app is great for looking for places to walk and explore. I recommend the winter months for this so ticks and mosquitos are a little less of a concern and most of all because the weather is more enjoyable!
Some trails will offer shade as it winds through the woods, and some offer paved paths. It’s a great way to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and get in your steps!
Bike Trails
Throughout central Florida there are paved bike trails! I recently got a new bike and I have utilized various trails in east central Florida. If you love to bike, this is a great place as you can travel for miles on interconnected trails across the state!
Some segments are still in the works, but a lot are finished and easy to access! Below are some of the trailheads to consider.
- East Central Regional Rail Trail
- Gemini Springs South Trailhead
- Osteen Trail Head
- Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail
- Lake Apopka Loop Trail
- W Orange Trail
If you need to rent a bike, one location that is worth checking out is Winter Garden. They have a couple bike rental places near the trail. Wheel Works Bicycle Rentals is one and has good reviews on google. My friend used to live in this area and mentioned exotic animals on the trail. While I’m not sure exactly where they are, you just might see them on your ride!
Safari Drives
Safari Wilderness is in Lakeland, not too far from Orlando. I have never done it, so I can’t really speak to whether it’s worth the hefty price tag. However, the recent reviews are very positive, so if you’re wanting a safari style experience in Florida, consider this place!
Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is free and I know a friend of mine has been! A lot of reviewers state they saw alligators, so if you are hoping to see one, this could be a great place to visit! You will get to see wildlife and a lot of Florida’s natural beauty!nis thereany what national wwasfadfadfadadfw,mdanfd,mn
Beach Day
My favorite thing to do in central Florida is spend time at the beach. It’s how I spend most Summer Saturdays! I recommend going in the morning as thunderstorms are more likely in the afternoon. Though do check the weather before you go!
For a local type of experience in the Sunshine State, stop at Publix for a Pub Sub before heading to the beach. Depending on the beach you choose, you can drive onto the beach if the tide is low enough. Parking rates also vary depending on where you go, but parking is another reason to go early if you are not planning on driving onto the beach.
Cocoa Beach is the closest for Orlando, but I don’t frequent that beach. If you want to drive onto the beach, you can do that in New Smyrna and Daytona. There are parking lots along the coast as well and some will have bathrooms and outside showers to rinse off.
Clearwater Beach will likely charge for parking, but I live far from that coast so I’m not sure. The gulf side tends to be warmer and calmer so if that’s your preference head to the west coast of Florida. The Atlantic can be calm one day and with larger waves the next!
What to Do in Central Florida
So when it comes to what to do in central Florida, there are plenty of options that don’t involve theme parks or any part of Disney World! Of course, theme parks are fun and make a great escape. However, Florida also has nature that is beautiful whether you want to enjoy the beach or spot a gator in a lake!
There are Florida attractions that are great for the whole family!
I hope this travel guide was helpful and gave you some ideas to add to your trip to central Florida!
