Camping in Florida State Parks offer scenic respite when traveling on Interstate 4 from Daytona Beach through Orlando to Tampa.
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.
Wacky roadside attractions: Boyett’s Citrus in Brooksville
Boyetts Citrus is a throwback to the Florida before Disney. It’s a mom-and-pop business with mini-golf, an animal park. animated dinosaurs — and more. There’s no theme except “this might be fun.”
Top hiking trails near Orlando: Little Big Econ State Forest
Some of the best hiking near Orlando can be found at the Little Big Econ State Forest, where bluffs along a scenic river add interest. The forest is 5,000 acres preserved in a suburban area in the middle of the triangle formed by Orlando, Cocoa and Daytona Beach.
Deseret Ranches: Tours end at massive Florida cattle ranch
Even many Floridians don’t know that cattle ranching in Florida is big business. This interesting free tour near Orlando offers a peek into one of the biggest cattle ranches in the nation, and it’s owned by a church.
Stop at little known Lake Griffin State Park for a famous tree and more
A very old, very big live oak tree inspired me to stop at this park near the Villages in Central Florida, and I found it to be a nice place to picnic, paddle and take a short hike.
Best Camping near Mount Dora
Charming Old Florida village with an antique center and mega-flea market. Not everyone wants to stay in a B&B or hotel, so we reveal a few of our favorite places to camp within 25 miles.
Buster Island Loop kayak trail: A challenge in Lake Kissimmee State Park
It’s rare in Florida to find a loop trail for kayaks and this one, with three lakes, two creeks and a canal, is a challenge. The 11-mile trail circles the state park.
Woodsy cabins in Florida: Stay at four great state parks near Orlando
Thanks to Florida’s award-winning state park system, Central Florida is the ideal place to plan a family vacation in a cabin surrounded by nature. There are four great state parks within 90 minutes of Orlando that offer affordable cabins in exceptional settings.
Scenic roads: A drive in Old Florida cow country
A scenic two-lane road across the state gives you a glimpse of a forgotten Florida: Pioneer cabins, cattle ranches under old oak trees, sandhill cranes in the fields.
Wekiva River Basin, stunning preserve for recreation
Not all of Central Florida’s magic is at Disney. North of Orlando is a vast ecological preserve that offers an abundance of recreational opportunities with unique exposure to Florida’s great outdoors.
Seminole Wekiva Trail: Smooth riding
The Seminole Wekiva Trail is a 14-mile paved “rail trail” that is part of a network of existing and planned trails across Central Florida in the Orlando metro area.
Jacaranda Hotel: Affordable historic Avon Park inn
Here’s an interesting stop far off the beaten path: The Jacaranda Hotel opened in 1926 and has been providing comfy rooms and good food ever since. It’s located in the historic district of Avon Park, a little town in the middle of the state’s cattle and orange-grove country.