Photo Credit: Emergent - Visit Florida

Discover Orlando’s Best Outdoor Activities This Spring

The Encore Resort Blog

April 3, 2024

Orlando’s outdoor activities provide an amazing getaway into nature and adventure for all ages and interests. From calm kayak trips across beautiful canals to exhilarating zipline rides over alligator-infested marshes, the region offers a playground for people seeking both relaxation and adrenaline. These encounters connect guests not only with the breathtaking Florida terrain, but also with the rich fauna that lives there, ensuring unique memories.

Orlando Area Water Activities

Blue Spring State Park

Discover Blue Spring State Park (opens in a new tab), the largest spring on the St. Johns River for yourself as you paddle, swim, fish, snorkel and scuba with friends or family. Remember to take a break from the water to walk the accessible Pine Island Boardwalk Trail as well! Picnic pavilions, boat rides and self-guided tours of an historic 1872 house may also be available.

Wekiva Springs State Park

Spend time at the start of the majestic, 72-degree Wekiva River for all kinds of exciting water-based activities, from swimming and snorkeling, to canoeing and kayaking. Wekiva Springs State Park (opens in a new tab) offers thirteen miles of wooded trails surround the water, offering plenty to see and do from dawn to dusk!

Silver Springs State Park

Experience a true Florida wonder — a glass-bottom boat ride at Silver Springs State Park (opens in a new tab)! In addition to stunning underwater views, the park itself offers several different areas for swimming, picnicking, hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, horseback riding and bird-watching. An ornamental garden and delicious restaurant round out the long list of reasons to make this natural wonder a priority.

Three Sisters Springs

Visit during Manatee Season for the opportunity to swim with these gentle giants in Crystal River, Florida! As one of the only places in the entire state to offer this opportunity, the Three Sisters Springs (opens in a new tab) are worth the drive. While snorkeling and swimming are permitted year-round, diving and paddle craft are only allowed after March when the manatees have departed.

Banana River

Interested in a little stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking or maybe even windsurfing? Then the 31-mile long Banana River (opens in a new tab) is the place for you! Head east toward Space Coast and select your craft from one of several reputable vendors to get started.

Kelly Park – Rock Springs

Enjoy a range of outdoor activities such as tubing down the natural spring stream, swimming in the wonderful 68-degree spring water, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching. The park’s clean, free-flowing springs provide an idyllic environment for picnics and exploring the surrounding natural beauties. Kelly Park – Rock Springs (opens in a new tab) offers a comfortable and delightful experience for all visitors, with amenities such as power connections and flush toilets.

Orlando Area Hiking & Biking Trails

The Florida Trail

Be part of something bigger than yourself — 1,300 miles bigger to be exact! The Florida Trail (opens in a new tab) is part of a National Scenic Trail which spans our entire state, including Central Florida and Kissimmee. Part of the same trail system as the famed northern Appalachian Trail, this beautiful true-Florida route is maintained by proud community volunteers.

Spring-to-Spring Trail

Walk, jog or bike along the Spring-to-Spring (opens in a new tab) scenic asphalt and boardwalk trail, spanning Orlando to Daytona. Along the way, you’ll pass plenty of native wildlife, majestic trees, tranquil lakes, historic neighborhoods, and even a few State Parks. Be sure to check the map to chart out your path in advance, as a few of these gorgeous trail segments have yet to be connected.

Santos Mountain Bike Park

Join riders of all levels at the Santos Mountain Bike Park (opens in a new tab) as you navigate everything from wide, flat trails to 20-foot drops! For even more springtime fun, check out the Ocala Mountain Bike Association’s Santos Fat Tire Festival which features a group ride, special performances, and the chance to test drive some of the newest bikes on the market. Learn More

Orlando Mountain Bike Park

Located on land that was formerly an old navy base near Baldwin Park and downtown Orlando, the Orlando Mountain Bike Park (opens in a new tab) offers a variety of biking adventures for riders of all abilities. It has Pump Tracks for adults and kids, a Skills Area set in the woods, and a mile-long Single Track Trail with courses ranging from easy to tough. This makes it a perfect destination for mountain bike enthusiasts searching for adventure and excitement in an urban setting.

Alafia River State Park

Put Florida riding to the test! The Alafia River State Park (opens in a new tab) trail system and its sister — Boyette Scrub Preserve — are widely considered to be the best spots for mountain biking. Carved out of old phosphate mines, both offer the kinds of steep drops and hilly climbs even veteran bikers crave.

Other Trails

Markham Woods: This 8-mile mountain bike track through Wekiwa Springs State Park provides a quiet bike adventure amid pine scrub and oak hammocks. It’s great for individuals looking for a combination of nature and excitement, and it’s conveniently located near Orlando.

Soldier’s Creek: This 1.3-mile route in Winter Springs has flowy, fast-paced single track that’s great for testing speed and agility. Its proximity to the Cross Seminole Trail enhances its accessibility and desirability for short, exciting rides.

Snow Hill: Snow Hill is located in the Little Big Econ State Forest and features 14 miles of trails suitable for all ability levels. Riders may enjoy magnificent vistas along the Econ River, where routes snake through varied habitats, making it a popular destination for races and recreational biking.

Orlando Urban Biking Trail (opens in a new tab): Enjoy this asphalt path on a leisurely ride through the heart of the city, passing lakes, museums and the downtown area between Loch Haven Park and Gaston Edwards Park.

More Outdoor Things to Do in the Orlando Area

Strawberry Picking

Pick your own juicy strawberries at the reputable Spivey Farms (opens in a new tab) in Plant City when they open their fields to the public each year toward the end of March. Learn More

Lake Eola Events

Attend at least one of the many outdoor festivals coming to the 1.2 mile pathway surrounding Lake Eola (opens in a new tab) in the heart of downtown Orlando this spring!

Winter Park Farmer’s Market

Head over to the upscale Winter Park (opens in a new tab) area for this weekly community gathering featuring fresh produce, florals, local dishes and handmade crafts.

Disney Running Trails

If you’re one to run for fun, consider a memorable jog along one or more of the many running paths (opens in a new tab) located on Walt Disney World® Resort property.

Wild Florida

Immerse yourself in the heart of Florida’s wildlife at Wild Florida (opens in a new tab), only 45 minutes from Encore Resort. Adventure may take many forms here: take a riveting airboat tour through the Everglades, wander amid Florida’s vast wildlife, or go on a self-drive safari to see exotic species up close. With each visit, you are not just exploring; you are traveling back in time to witness the untouched splendor of Florida’s landscapes as they existed millennia ago. Experience the thrill of feeding giraffes, explore the tranquil Hawk Swamp, and savor authentic barbecue delicacies, including fried alligator. Wild Florida is more than simply an attraction; it’s an experience that immerses you in nature’s wild beauty.

Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park

Looking for an amazing outdoor experience where you may climb, swing, and navigate obstacle courses constructed in the trees? The Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park (opens in a new tab) combines the thrill of zip lines with the challenge of aerial obstacle courses, which range in severity to accommodate adventurers of all ages and ability levels. It’s a unique way to see Orlando’s natural beauty from above, making it an ideal location for families, friends, and anybody searching for an adventure beyond the conventional theme park experience.

Mead Botanical Garden

A vast flowering garden. A serene paradise encompassing 47 acres. Immerse yourself in various plant collections, including a butterfly garden. Enjoy a tranquil setting for hiking, bird watching, and photography. Mead Botanical Garden (opens in a new tab) is a great outdoor destination for nature enthusiasts and those looking for a relaxing escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Leu Gardens

Well-known for its enormous collections of tropical and subtropical flora, including as azaleas, roses, and camellias, which are situated against a lovely backdrop. The gardens provide a pleasant escape from the city, with meandering walkways leading visitors through themed areas. Leu Gardens (opens in a new tab) is a great place for relaxation, education, and appreciation of nature’s beauty, with a variety of events and educational programs available throughout the year to engage visitors of all ages.

Orlando Area Campgrounds

Moss Park

A hidden gem in Florida, located between two lakes and a nature preserve. This 54-site campsite provides boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking, biking, and fishing options. It is well-known for its large campsites, which include water and electric hookups and are placed in a peaceful natural setting. The park adjoins the Split Oak Preserve, which is good for hiking and seeing wildlife such as the endangered sandhill crane and gopher tortoise. For more information, see Florida Rambler’s article on Moss Park.

Kelly Park

Visitors can also enjoy picnicking and wildlife viewing in this serene park setting. With its lush landscapes and refreshing spring waters, Kelly Park provides a perfect escape into nature for families and outdoor enthusiasts. This park offers 26 campsites to choose from.

Clarcona Horse Park

This campground has 28 sites and provides a one-of-a-kind camping experience tailored just to horse enthusiasts. This site is well-known for its horse-friendly features, such as stables and trails, making it an excellent choice for people seeking to go camping with their horses. The park has campsites that can accommodate RVs and trailers, with water and electric hookups for a comfortable stay. Clarcona Horse Park, with its specialized horse arenas, riding trails, and closeness to numerous equestrian events, is an ideal base for horse enthusiasts wishing to explore the area or participate in events.

Magnolia Park

With only 18 campgrounds and 56 acres of space, Magnolia Park can provide a variety of amenities such as tent and RV campsites, a boat ramp, a butterfly garden, picnic spots with grills, playgrounds, and beautiful paths. It is a spot where tourists can appreciate nature, go fishing, or take part in leisure activities. The park is open year-round, with hours varying between summer and winter. For more information and reservations, it is advised that you contact the park directly.

Discover Your Perfect Outdoor Adventure at Encore Resort

Embrace the opportunity this spring to interact with Florida’s rich wildlife and healthy ecosystems. Make your next spring vacation unforgettable by choosing Encore Resort for an unrivaled combination of elegance, comfort, and adventure.