Hillsborough River State Park has been closed since October after getting slammed by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
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.
Unsung heritage corridor: Springs, history, scenic byway in Central Florida
This off-the-beaten track region offers springs, history and Florida scenic drives along the St. Johns, the ‘river of lakes.’ It’s centered around the Old Florida city of DeLand, an hour north of Orlando.
2026 Florida Strawberry Festival: February 26 to March 8
It’s not too early to start planning for next year’s strawberry festival, especially if you are booking a campsite or B&B.
Mount Dora: 12 things I love about this delightful town
Mount Dora has a lively downtown and a well-preserved historic district on a pretty lake. It’s a walkable small town with good dining and shopping. We love the great kayaking and biking nearby.
Hontoon Island: Wild island in St. Johns River for hiking, kayaking
Hontoon Island State Park is a big wild park surrounded by the St. Johns River and reachable only by boat. A free ferry operates Friday to Sunday. It’s a great place to hike or have a picnic. Kayaking on these scenic waterways provides good wildlife viewing.