When visiting my boyfriend's family in the beautiful city of Eustis, Florida, they recommended…read moretaking a small drive to Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive. I had mentioned it isn't a Florida trip without a gator sighting, and I was hoping to see one or two. My boyfriend's mom said I wouldn't be disappointed, and I am truly BLOWN AWAY at this stunning wildlife drive! This wildlife drive spans 11-miles and has quite the array of plant life and wildlife! Bird watching enthusiast? You'll love this place. Fan of ducks? Be prepared to watch them dip, dive, and be just plain cute. Looking for the Florida experience of spotting alligators? You won't leave without spotting one is what the ranger told us. We easily spotting over 50 different alligators! I've never seen one swimming in the water outside of St Augustine Alligator Farm, so I was mesmerized! We were even able to get out of our vehicle and spot a gator in the wild! Don't worry - I didn't get closer than 10ft as I know they could be dangerous! I foresee every time I'm in town asking to take a trip here as I admired the birds, ducks, alligators, views of the vegetation, and just taking in the beauty of Lake Apopka. Truly remarkable and worth taking a drive if in the area!

Sure, it's a scenic drive. We saw plenty of beautiful landscapes and some animals (mainly a few…read morealligators and plenty of birds). We even saw some large Florida Bass swimming near the shoreline. However, you will need plenty of patience making this "loop" when stuck behind selfish narcissistic idiots. What do I mean, being such an ass with that statement? When fools stop their vehicle every 10 yards and stay put for 5 to 10 minutes staring at yet another alligator, whose cousins they did the same to just moments earlier is an example. There were plenty of opportunities for these "lead" cars to use a turnout, or even pull to the right along a majority of this one way road, to allow others who might not be as enamored (or selfish) to pass by. Or how about the POS that stopped in the middle of the road, thus preventing anyone from passing (which they could have had he pulled to the right or left), only to get out of his car with his camera and 20 inch zoom lens so he could spend 10 minutes snapping a few photos. Sadly, for him and myself, I was stuck about 10 cars back and unable to give him a piece of my mind. And as others have pointed out - one way in and one way out. If you need to take a leak during this 3 hour "adventure" you are SOL. I can't even imagine what would happen if your vehicle sadly broke down or ran out of gas. I am not trying to discourage anyone from taking this scenic route, but be prepared (take drinks and snacks in case you get stuck in a conga line 30 cars deep). As for us - one and done! Let's see if I ever take the person's, who bragged about this cruise, recommendation again. I'd be hard pressed let's say. There are way too many (not a bad thing) beautiful scenic drives and hikes in this great State. Again, have patience if choose to take this excursion; or a sedative.

This is probably Apopka' best park - there's a large, modern, shaded, fenced playv area with things…read morefor younger and older kids. There's a lake with a dock, and plenty of green space and covered pavilion areas. There is also another park space across the street with another kid's play area. That one is an oldet style, but still nice and well-kept. There are tons of pavilions and grilling areas with nearby parking. You can really have your own space here. Overall, very nice park with all the bells and whistles.

My son and I came across this beautiful little gem of a park while looking through the map on the…read morelake Apopka wildlife Drive pamphlet. We decided to check it out. We were not disappointed! Boy, did we not expect to see what we saw! Peacocks! Just living their lives amongst this beautiful serene park. Just make sure to respect the wildlife here, as well as anywhere else. I did not approach the peacocks, I waited for the peacocks to approach me at a safe distance. This park is quiet, beautiful, relaxing, and fully equipped with playground equipment for all ages. It also has a volleyball court and nice pavilions that you can rent out and barbecue at. There are even campgrounds out here on the property. There are so many things that you can do here in this beautiful little oasis of a place. Come take advantage of all that you can see and do! Take my word for it. You will not be disappointed.

Dream Lake Park is a small park in Apopka that has a few picnic, a short boardwalk and access to…read moreDream Lake. There is shade from oak trees over the picnic tables so its nice on a sunny or shady day. I've seen people fishing there, but I'm not sure what, if anything they have caught there. There are a variety of birds at the park including ducks, ibis and crows. The park is right off of a main road so it can be loud at times, but I enjoy the view.

This isn't a park and there's nowhere to sit or park your car. All around the lake it says private…read moreproperty. Waste of gas.

Wekiva Springs is absolutely beautiful and one of my favorite spots in Central Florida. The water…read morestays a refreshing 72 degrees year-round, which makes it perfect no matter the season. The springs themselves are stunning--clear, clean, and so relaxing to swim in. If you're not in the water, there are also walking trails where you can enjoy nature and get some fresh air. They offer kayaking as well, which is such a fun way to explore the area and take in the scenery. There's also a snack bar on-site, which is super convenient if you want to grab something quick without leaving. Whether you're going for a relaxing day or something a little more active, Wekiva Springs has a little bit of everything. Highly recommend checking it out!

It was a fine outing on a winter afternoon. Place is full with littles. I decided not to go in the…read morewater and chilled in watering hole cafe sitting area. I ordered a boca burger and fries which was edible but next time I will bring my own food. Squirrels were extremely rowdy and did not let me eat in peace as they wanted a share of fries which I refused to give. I will never come here in summers as I can imagine how packed this place would be. My kids rented a canoe for 50$ for two hours to go to wekiwa island and they ate there . If you are not a swim or water person there is not much to do other than that.. water is a natural spring and pretty but also smells in areas .. Good place for little kids but not for me

I absolutely love this neighborhood park. It's much smaller than the main hunt club park but it…read morehas a beautiful little lake with ducks that kids like to see and a cutesy small playground that is great for the littles to run around. There is street parking only (more of a pull off the side of the road type of situation) but it's been working like this for years. Bring your own water. No restrooms at this location either. Just beautiful sight seeing, playground time, and catching up with friends. Enjoy the outdoors!

Great little neighborhood park with ducks and pond. I can see how this would get crowded if more…read morethan 10 kids were here. Pro tip don't wear sandals it's a sand park thank me later!

Great park with lots of different equipment for the kiddos. Clean and nice benches in the shade and…read morepicnic tables too. Bathrooms are only unlocked sometimes and it seems to be one of the starting/ending spots for the bike trail.

I know this park mostly for its being one starting point for the West Orange Trail, which I have…read morebiked on many times. It has plenty of parking and good rest rooms, drinking fountains, and maps of the trail. It is in downtown Apopka off U.S. 441, so there can be a bit of traffic getting to it, but it will help you appreciate the quieter trail even more. There is also a play area in the park and covered picnic shelters. The last time we were there a group used one for a party. A couple of times in the winter we saw they were holding a carnival nearby. For its urban location, it is a fine multi-use park. And check out the West Orange Trail!

What an exciting event! Being greeted by our government officials (Mayor Jerry Demmings and others)…read moreis such a warm casual setting was refreshing. Getting the opportunity to cycle the newly completed loop around Lake Apopka WITH said officials was an unexpected treat! The trail is BEAUTIFUL.

It's a great trail to hike if you want to see wildlife. No matter where you look you will be able…read moreto see something. Make sure to bring allot of water during the hike because there is no shade at all during this trail. I would definitely recommend it and will walk it again just won't do it during the summer time.

Our daughter was in a tournament over the weekend. While the fields were in great condition, the…read morepark is so big, it's hard to find the fields you need to be at (no signage). Also, the bathrooms ran out of toilet paper and the trash barrels were overflowing with trash. Food is available but very long lines. Not sure if this is the way it is normally. Probably short staffed or because there were so many ppl in a short period of time.

Such a lovely place to walk, sit, or gaze at the beauty of nature. The complex offer such a variety…read moreof things to do and provides a quiet peace if you choose to enjoy the sounds of the landscape. Highly inviting and well maintained. Volleyball, softball, tennis, outdoor amphitheater and more. Clean restrooms, grounds mowed daily and doggie poop bags available for free! An environment where one feels safe and comfortable.

The West Orange Trail is a 22-mile long multi-use rail trail owned by Orange County Parks and…read moreRecreation in Orange County, Florida, in the United States. The paved trail passes through downtown Oakland, Winter Garden, and Apopka with most of its length built on old railroad alignments. This is a great trail for walking , cycling, and Jogging ! I started in winter garden and jogged almost 3.5 miles and had a nice walk back. There is a station in winter garden where you can rent bikes and even ones with attachments for the little ones. They have drinks , snacks and a park for kids as well. Parking was convenient too! I look forward to starting at new spots and biking longer trails with my family .

What a EPIC adventure! The Wednesday guy was amazing! Answered all my questions, had bike service,…read more gave us the phone number just in case we needed him. What a blessing! bike trail has been around 30 yrs. It was their 30th anniversary. Anni special $5 a hour. It was amazing experience. Have to try it once and you will be hooked forever.

I've paddled the Emerald Cut a few times now. Initially I didn't like the idea of paying to launch…read moremy own paddleboard. However, it's only $10 now that I have my own life jacket (saving me additional cost of $5 to use one of theirs, as required). Well worth the low cost for some soul-enriching, communing with nature. I have never made a reservation. I normally arrive around 10:30, most recently on a Friday. Parked for free on Baptist Camp Rd. Just a bit of a walk from there with my inflated paddleboard, but I don't mind the extra exercise. You can unload your stuff closer, if preferable. There are port-a-potties available. You can count on there being a line in the check-in office. Various recreation supplies are available there for purchase. The process moves reasonably enough. A reservation will guarantee your entrance, however, and possibly aide quicker personal info collection. I always plan to do the Emerald Cut in roughly 3 hours round-trip, allowing myself several stops to enjoy the surroundings. You do run into (quite literally at times) novice paddlers along the way, which can be a bit tricky, yet not a real nuisance for me. In general, there's friendliness along the waterway. Slighty rowdy, party vibes in some spots, but also opportunities for solace and zen in various nooks. Encountering wildlife, fragrant elderberry, and other captivating flora along this stretch is always gratifying. It's a popular recreation destination for good reason.

Many tourists don't realize Florida is home to stunning crystal-clear spring rivers--perfect for…read moreswimming, kayaking, and tubing aka "hidden gems". My Hubby and I love kayaking, so we booked an excursion months in advance for Rock Springs through TripAdvisor. Our Tour Operator was Get Up And Go Kayaking located at Kings Landing in Apopka, FL. I LOVE saying Apopka ;) The good news: Apopka is a quick 1 hour drive from Orlando. Make sure you don't miss the turn to King's Landing, because the entrance is located on a narrow dirt road. You must drive past Kelly Park (which fills up fast). There is a Park Ranger located here who will guide you to King's Landing. As you get closer and if you see a parking spot, grab it! Check in is located in the Cabin like office where you will have to sign a waiver. If you do not want to take a clear bottom, guided Kayak tour, you can either rent or BYO Kayak versus taking a semi private, clear, guided kayak tour. NOTE: ONLY use their Sunscreen/lotion which is provided at no cost. It protects the wildlife and the Springs. We wanted the full experience as we have previously enjoyed renting clear Kayaks. Our guide for the morning was: Megan, who was fantastic! Full of energy, information and helpful tidbits about the Springs and its human and wildlife inhabitants. Our group was small and capped at 10. We paddled through both narrow and open stretches, and stopped to swim in the warm, crystal-clear water. One highlight was a banyan tree with an 8-foot natural "jump hole"--such a cool experience! It was a serene, memorable day, and fun fact: this is the very spring featured in the Visit Orlando commercials! Yeah, definitely take a day away from crowded Orlando to relax and enjoy Mother Nature! You will Thank Me ;)