A Weekend in Orlando For Nature Lovers

Outside of the realms created by some of the world’s most creative people, Central Florida is also a surprising haven for natural sites. With springs, lakes, pine forests and so much more, the region holds some of the country’s most unique sites in nature.

If you scored a cheap ticket to Orlando but don’t really want to go to another theme park, here’s a weekend itinerary to hit up a different side of ‘The City Beautiful!’

Friday

Evening

The final Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour ($20) of the day departs at 4 p.m. and I would make every effort to try and catch this. The charming aquatic adventure sees a local guide lead you through the canals of Winter Park and into some of the city’s numerous lakes. Be on the lookout for alligators lounging next to the area’s lavish mansions. For dinner, nearby Ethos Vegan Kitchen ($14-$20) has some creative takes on animal-free dishes.

Saturday

Morning

There’s no better way to start your day than with a walk around an urban park. Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando is the city’s best opportunity for this. The mile trail around the lake gives great skyline views. Prolong your adventure in the urban wilderness by walking over to Langford Park and the connected Dickson Azalea Park. The short trail follows a creek with a number of picturesque bridge crossings and tons of tropical foliage.

Afternoon

About an hour east of the city is Cocoa Beach. This Atlantic-facing beachside town has some really nice beaches. On the way, be sure to stop at Orlando Wetlands Park to spot some gators and aquatic birds from the fantastic boardwalk. While at the beach, you should definitely hit the waves, whether that’s by body surfing or taking up a surfing lesson with Cocoa Beach Surf School (from $60). When you’re ready to eat, grab a bite from one of the quintessential beach restaurants in the area. My favorites are Long Doggers and Sandbar Sports Grill, complete with rum-based drinks based on the category of hurricanes. A Category 5 has about every kind of rum!

Evening

Stick around the coast after sunset for an unbelievable natural phenomenon. The Mosquito River is home to a special type of plankton that turns bioluminescent with contact. To truly experience this phenomenon, book a kayaking tour with one of the local companies. BK Adventure’s tours (from $79) launch straight from Kiwanis Park on the lagoon-side of Cocoa Beach.

Sunday

Morning

Black Bear Wilderness Area has a 7.1 mile loop trail. The park, about 20 miles north of downtown Orlando, is a rugged journey through the backwoods of Seminole County along the St. John’s River. There are about a million signs almost guaranteeing your death, but I can promise you that the trail is not too difficult. Along the way, you’ll probably see alligators and might even catch a glimpse of a river otter or the park’s namesake black bear. 

Afternoon

After a seven mile hike, nothing sounds more relaxing than a dip in the springs. Naturally stuck at 70-degrees, Blue Spring State Park’s ($6) crystal clear cerulean waters are the perfect escape from the Central Florida sun. The springs usually allow swimming, but more people opt for tubing on the gentle current. If swimming is off limits, it’s usually due to an abundance of manatees. These gentle giants are equally enchanting to watch as they glide through the water. Be sure to take the short hike up to the headwaters to watch the groundwater bubble to the surface.