It’s the summer of social distancing and while Orlando’s theme parks and other attractions are currently open, many are likely wondering: Where can I go to get away from the crowds?
Central Florida has no shortage of outdoor, wide-open green spaces and gardens that should offer plenty of distance from any other visitors. The area also has some great hikes and recreation areas to check out.
Whether you’re simply looking to take a walk or have a picnic, or you’re looking for a fun hiking spot or bike trail, here are some suggestions.
Leu Gardens
Orlando’s Harry P. Leu Gardens is a favorite urban escape for green thumbs and families alike. The 50-acre botanical oasis has remained open throughout the past several months amid coronavirus closures in an attempt to give people a space to get some peace of mind.
“People need places like this to come to when times are tough for a little introspection,” said Robert Bowden, the gardens’ executive director, in a previous Sentinel interview. “We sometimes need a place where we can go to. We need to walk, we need to listen to the owls, see the butterflies and see the miracle that takes place every day.”
Stroll through the rose garden, see butterflies flutter by or get ideas for home gardening in the idea garden and vegetable garden. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 4-17. Dogs are not allowed.
Address: 1920 North Forest Ave. in Orlando
More information: leugardens.org
Hontoon Island State Park
Florida’s state parks are largely open and welcoming recreationists for hiking, biking, camping, boating and fishing. However, some Central Florida parks such as Blue Spring, Wekiwa Springs and De Leon Springs are known to attract larger crowds, especially on weekends.
Hontoon Island State Park generally experiences less traffic than Central Florida’s popular springs. Take a short ferry ride or paddle to the island in your own boat, then explore trails on bike or by foot. Take the 3-mile Hammock Hiking Nature Trail to explore an Indian Shell Mound at the end. Or relax under the shade of oak trees near the St. Johns River. Hontoon Island State Park is a pet-friendly island.
Address: 2309 River Ridge Road in DeLand
More information: floridastateparks.org
Lake Apopka North Shore
Lake Apopka North Shore is home to myriad bird species and other animals such as alligators, otters and bobcats. Thanks to the restoration work of the St. Johns River Water Management District, the northern lakefront has turned into a prime spot for outdoor recreation.
The Lake Apopka Loop Trail has several blazed trails available for hiking, biking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing. The Clay Island Loop offers a 6-mile round trip, while the northern shore can offer a 17-mile one-way trip on trail. Leashed dogs are allowed but be warned there are many alligators here.
Address: 22526 Carolyn Lane in Astatula (Clay Island Trailhead) or 2929 S. Binion Road in Apopka (Magnolia Park Trailhead)
Mead Botanical Garden
Tucked away not far from urban Winter Park, Mead Botanical Garden offers nearly 50 acres of natural habitat for picnicking, taking nature walks and viewing birds.
Explore short trails lined with tall pine trees, take in the sights near the garden’s small creek and pond or visit the butterfly garden. Leashed dogs are allowed, but not in the picnic areas or restrooms.
Address: 1300 S. Denning Drive in Winter Park
More info: meadgarden.org
Bok Tower Gardens
On a Floridian hilltop about an hour and a half south of Orlando, Bok Tower Gardens welcomes visitors for a serene walk around the grounds where Edward Bok used to reside in the winter.
Bok’s tower was built in 1929 as a symbol of peace and the surrounding gardens were meant to be a sanctuary. Take a stroll around 250 acres of garden space, exploring environments such as a pollinator garden, wetland boardwalk and endangered plant garden.
Admission is $15 for adults and $5 for children ages 5-12. Leashed dogs are welcome but require a $5 admission fee.
Address: 1151 Tower Blvd. in Lake Wales
More information: boktowergardens.org
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
With 140,000 acres of multi-use land, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge provides plenty of space for social distancing for visitors to fish, hike, view wildlife or hit the water on a boat. Leashed pets are permitted.
Right now, visitors can also catch the blue-glowing waters of the Mosquito Lagoon after dark thanks to bioluminescence caused by dinoflagellates.
Address: 1987 Scrub Jay Way in Titusville
More information: fws.gov
Split Oak Forest
Spend some time under the shade of live oak trees while wandering the 2,000-acre expanse of Split Oak Wildlife and Environmental Area south of Orlando.
More than nine miles of trails await visitors of the wooded grounds, who can hike to see a large, two-century-old split oak that is the namesake of the property. No dogs or bikes allowed.
Address: 10525 Clapp Simms Duda Road in Orlando
More information: myfwc.com
Ocala National Forest
Occupying a 387,000-acre swath of land north of Orlando, the Ocala National Forest encompasses an area about twice the size of New York City (but an incredibly small population in comparison). This should allow for plenty of social distancing space.
The forest is multi-use, meaning the area is largely open for visitors to enjoy the land on foot, bike, horse, boat or by car. Off-highway vehicle areas provide ATV, motorcycle and side-by-side users with 125 miles of trail to explore. Just be sure to pack out your trash and stay on marked routes while driving. Dogs are welcome in most areas of the forest (not the beach at swimming areas), but must be leashed at all times.
Recreation areas within the forest may become a bit more crowded during summer months, but some offer cool spring water to cool off in.
Address: 45621 State Road 19 in Altoona
More information: fs.usda.gov
Bill Frederick Park
Nestled in urban Orlando near Universal Studios, Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake offers visitors opportunities to fish, boat, hike, play disc golf or have a picnic. Well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome.
Take in Central Florida’s nature on 183 acres of city-managed park. A campground normally provides RV campers with a spot to stay the night. While the RV campground is currently closed, cabins are still available to rent. Admission to the park is $5 per car or $2 for the driver only.
Address: 3401 South Hiawassee Road in Orlando
More information: orlando.gov
Orlando Wetlands Park
East of Orlando, in Christmas, the Orlando Wetlands Park gives visitors a chance to view birds and other wildlife, take a hike, go horseback riding or bike through the 1,650-acre expanse. Dogs are not permitted at the Orlando Wetlands Park.
The City of Orlando-managed park was built as a water reclamation area but also provides a habitat for hanging, hawks, woodpeckers, osprey, otters, bobcats, armadillos and more.
Address: 25155 Wheeler Road in Christmas
More information: orlando.gov
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