Lake Norris & Blackwater Creek are hidden gems of the Wekiva River system near Orlando. The dwarf cypress in the lake are like a gorgeous watery bonsai garden. It’s an easy paddle worth seeking out for its great beauty.
Orlando/Central Florida
Central Florida Getaways
Things to do in Orlando and Central Florida, hiking, bicycling, kayaking and canoe, RV and tent camping, road trips, historic places and Funky Florida.
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge: Birds and beauty
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is big, beautiful & full of birds. From majestic bald eagles to friendly scrub jays, it offers awe-inspiring experiences, especially in winter when migratory birds gather here.
Kayaking Arbuckle Creek: Unexpected beauty at a bombing range
Arbuckle Creek is a gorgeous river through an ancient cypress forest. It feels remote and wild but is convenient to Orlando and South Florida. It’s a gem, full of wildlife and magnificent scenery.
Hardee Lakes Park: Reclaimed mine makes exceptional campground, scenic park
A reclaimed phosphate mine has been restored to a beautiful park in Hardee County, offering exceptional camping, boating and a dozen trails perfect for hiking, off-road bicycles and e-bikes.
2026 Florida Spring Training Guide
Baseball spring training tickets are a great idea for a last minute gift! Our Spring Training Guide points you to tickets and team schedules, as well as things to do and see nearby so you can build an itinerary.
Colt Creek State Park: Haven for trail walkers, off-road cyclists and wildlife. Great camping, too!
Colt Creek State Park is a former cattle ranch tucked into a corner of the massive Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve near Lakeland with camping, hiking, fishing, bicycle trails and an equestrian campground.
Kayak to your own tiny paradise: Exploring spoil islands in the Indian River Lagoon
You can kayak to your own little island, and it’s not hard. The Indian River Lagoon has dozens of spoil islands where you can picnic, explore or even camp. You don’t need reservations and some islands are only minutes off shore.
East Central Regional Rail Trail: 50 mile bike trail; something for every rider
The East Central Regional Rail Trail deserves a catchier name because it’s a great bike trail – long, smooth, scenic and well-supported with signage and amenities. It travels through one of the most rural areas of Florida with miles of paved path without an intersection.
2027 Florida Strawberry Festival set for March 4-14
The big draw to the state’s most popular festival is a stellar entertainment lineup on the Wish Farms Stage.
Sanford will surprise you with charm, beer, food and nearby biking and kayaking
You’ll discover tons of things to do in Sanford, Florida, a historic waterfront town, now a foodie & craft beer haven. It’s close to top kayaking on the Wekiva and Econ and good bike trails.