Orlando's Best Outdoor Escapes

When you picture Orlando, your imagination might be filled with the giant theme park rides and a horde of people. Though the metropolis is well-known for its bustling places, a whole new world of breathtaking nature is undiscovered behind this urban canvas. It is full of wonderful spots such as beautiful parks, peaceful lakes, and wonderful animals, only to leave you in ecstasy. Come with us as we explore Orlando's finest natural treasures - where fun, calm, and beauty intersect.

Wekiwa Springs State Park

Located only 30 minutes outside downtown Orlando, Wekiwa Springs State Park is a green haven for nature fans. Go for a swim in springs with crystal clear water and be entertained by adorable manatees. However, this is just the beginning of the fun. Do you want to feel like a real jungle man? Board a kayak or canoe and the Wekiva River, the world is your oyster as the adventure is just around the corner. Watch for alligators basking on the river banks and you may even spot otters doing handstands in the water with you. Glide along the River, where you can see inspiring herons and alligators swimming. There is no reason to remain at home when you can go out and walk in beautiful forests, where every turn leads to a treasure. Life by the water or under the stars in the springs will be beyond memory.

Lake Eola Park 

In the heart of downtown Orlando, Lake Eola Park is a pleasant park that is known as a peaceful hand-in-hand between nature and the city. Take a stroll along the lake in a circular route, and as you go you will come across so many beautiful swans and nature wonders. Book the pedal boat of a swan type and relax in the middle of the lake, enjoying the breeze and hearing the signers from the streets. Ensure to be at the nightly fountain show where the water jets move flawlessly to the music beating in rhythm. It's an exceptional show and after the end of the performance, you may be so positive that you will even want to follow a little step of yourself. The arena is just a perfect spot to relax, refresh, and rejuvenate in the musical narrative of this city called Orlando.

Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve

Walk through the wilderness of Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve and allow the whimsicality of your trip to interfere. Find yourself amid a labyrinth of paths that lead you from one point of habitat to another, ranging from tall oaks to unaltered wetlands. Don't forget to watch for passive animals such as bobcats, deer, and different bird species. Walk high up to the observation platform to experience a picture that will take your breath away. Whether you are an adventurer amateur or a person who loves nature, Tibet-Butler is the ideal destination to let your adventurous soul wander and appreciate the beauty of nature. So, feel the daring voice of your inner Indiana Jones, run after the imaginary vine, and off you go to explore your young mind. Adventure brightens your eyes from all angles, and you may even be lucky enough to find a treasure map or a place where the gnomes hide!

Harry P. Leu Gardens

Step into a fairy tale at Leu Gardens, where landscapes and fantasies collide. Walk or jog through 50 acres of green gardens to enjoy their variety. Stray along the lush and exquisite scents of the Rose Garden where roses of all kinds and colors merely rule supreme. Imagine that you are creating your love potion by blending those seductive aromas and breathing in as if you were in a real romantic moment like in a movie. Beware of getting deeply immersed in painful relationships. Take advantage of this cool opportunity for a garden sale or garden tour. The Leu Gardens is where you’re free to explore your wild side and be bewitched by the beautiful botanical sceneries of Orlando.

Black Bear Wilderness Loop Trail

For the adventurous types who cannot wait to experience everything nature has to offer in a day-long hiking adventure, the Black Bear Wilderness Loop Trail is for them. Hurray! Now you are ready to put on your hiking shoes and embark on unexplored territory, where you may encounter different animals — black bear, alligator, or eagle with no hair on their head. Clickety-clack your way on the meandering wooden boardwalks and footbridges that will guide you through a massive wetlands complex containing marshes, swamps, and cypress trees towering over you. On each hike, you will have that sensation of excitement when adrenaline rushes through your body as if you are part of nature. Black Bear Woodland is a fairyland of a dream for explorers and nature lovers.

Orlando is undoubtedly blessed with its gifts of nature which come out as a witness to the city’s rich diversified adventure and breathtaking outdoor activities. Does it matter whether you chill out in the refreshing springs of Wekiwa Springs State Park or walk along the peaceful waters of Lake Eola Park? To each of them, you get different vibes and enjoy their distinctive flavors. Around you, whether you crave tranquility, thrill, or a bit of fantasy Orlando has the outside spaces you are looking for. Hence, exit the world of make-believe and the theme park, and explore the awe and wonder of nature, and your visit will be full of memories that you’ll treasure forever.