Natural Attractions

The Orlando Area Boasts Plenty of Natural Attractions

Listed below you will find a partial list of many of the natural attractions Central Florida has to offer visitors and residents alike. Located close to all the man-made attractions in Central Florida is a fantastic variety of natural beauty for you and your family to enjoy. Skip a day at the theme parks and embrace a day at one of these great parks and gardens. Some are even free!

BIG TREE PARK, Unfortunately, the Senator, one of the oldest and largest bald cypress trees in the United States was destroyed by fire in 2012. This park still hosts “Lady Liberty” another large bald cypress (approx. 2000 years old) and is a great park to visit for a quick site-seeing stop. Open: 8 a.m.-sunset daily; off U.S. Highway 17-92 on General Hutchinson Parkway, Longwood; free; 407-665-2161.
For more information, visit their website, or type ‘big tree park’ in our search (top right) to find other articles about this natural attraction.

BOK TOWER GARDENS, and carillon tower, Education and Visitor Center, also “Wish You Were Here” postcard exhibit (through Sept. 30): 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily; 3 miles north of Lake Wales at County Road 17A and Tower Boulevard; $10 adults, free ages 12 and younger; 863-676-1408.
For more information, visit their website, or type ‘bok tower gardens’ in our search (top right) to find other articles about this natural attraction.

HARRY P. LEU GARDENS, trails and botanical gardens, butterfly sanctuary: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando; $7 adults, $2 grades K-12 (free 9 a.m.-5 p.m. first Mondays monthly); 407-246-2620.
For more information, visit their website, or type ‘leu gardens’ in our search (top right) to find other articles about this natural attraction.

HOWELL BRANCH PRESERVE, wetlands and recreation facility: 8 a.m.-sunset daily; 1205 W. Howell Branch Road, Winter Park; free; 407-599-3334.
For more information, visit their website, or type ‘howell branch’ in our search (top right) to find other articles about this natural attraction.

NATURE CONSERVANCY’S DISNEY WILDERNESS PRESERVE, hiking trails: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; 10 miles south of Kissimmee on Pleasant Hill Road; free (donations accepted); 407-935-0002.
For more information, visit their website, or type ‘wilderness preserve’ in our search (top right) to find other articles about this natural attraction.

ORLANDO WETLANDS PARK, with hiking trails and tram tours: sunrise to sunset daily; 25155 Wheeler Road, Christmas; free; 407-568-1706.
For more information, visit their website, or type ‘wetlands park’ in our search (top right) to find other articles about this natural attraction.

TOSOHATCHEE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA, fishing, hiking and camping: 8 a.m.-sunset daily; 3365 Taylor Creek Road, Christmas; $3 per person; 407-568-5893.
For more information, visit their website, or type ‘tosohatchee’ in our search (top right) to find other articles about this natural attraction.

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA ARBORETUM, nature preserve featuring seven botanical environments: sunrise to sunset daily; University Boulevard and Alafaya Trail, Orlando; free, with $3 parking fee; 407-823-2761 weekdays.
For more information, visit their website, or type ‘ucf arboretum’ in our search (top right) to find other articles about this natural attraction.

WEKIWA SPRINGS STATE PARK, 8 a.m.-sundown daily; 1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka; $6 for 2-8 person vehicles, $4 single occupant vehicles, $2 pedestrians or bicyclists; 407-884-2008.
For more information, visit their website, or type ‘wekiwa springs’ in our search (top right) to find other articles about this natural attraction.

Want to share your experience visiting these natural attractions? Please feel free to share your comments and tips for other visitors.

 

Last Updated on February 24, 2022