Top Things to do in Central Florida
Top Hotels in Central Florida
- 1. Universal's Endless Summer Resort - Surfside Inn and Suites
- 2. Universal’s Endless Summer Resort - Dockside Inn and Suites
- 3. Holiday Inn Orlando - Disney Springs Area, An IHG Hotel
- 4. Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort
- 5. Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek
- 6. Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando
- 7. Holiday Inn Orlando - Disney Springs Area, An IHG Hotel
- 8. Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
- 9. Hyatt Regency Orlando
- 10. Avanti International Resort
Countries
What to do and see in Central Florida, Central Florida: The Best State Parks
Discover the best top things to do in Central Florida, United States including Seminole State Forest, Dade Battlefield Historic State Park, Wekiwa Springs State Park, Highlands Hammock State Park, Lake Kissimmee State Park, Lake Louisa State Park, Rock Springs Run State Reserve, Rainbow Springs State Park, Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park.
Restaurants in Central Florida
1. Seminole State Forest
2. Dade Battlefield Historic State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 113 reviews
The Seminole tribe defeated the U.S. Army here.
Reviewed By MarnetteS - Webster, United States
We recently moved to Central Florida and made a visit to Dade Battlefield Historic State Park located in Bushnell, FL in Sumter County on CR 603 between I-75 and US Route 301 at 7200 Battlefield Parkway. "Commemorating the battle that started the Second Seminole War in 1835, this 80-acre state park protects the historic battlefield and also the natural communities as they existed during the war." It includes 40 acres of pine flatwoods and a live oak hammock. After Florida became a territory, the increase in settlers created tension among the native Seminole tribe also because they gave refuge to fugitive slaves. The conflict reached a high point in 1832 when several chiefs wanted to relocate the Seminole people west of the Mississippi to Indian Territory in present-day Oklahoma. Many refused to go. On December 28, 1835, 107 officers and men under Major Francis Dade were en route to present-day Ocala. They were ambushed by 180 Seminole warriors in present day Bushnell who had watched them from a pine forest; the sentries were dismissed. All but three of the soldiers were killed; only six warriors died. This defeat started the the Second Seminole War which was the longest and most costly American Indian war in U.S. history. The park is a peaceful place with numerous well-marked and cleared trails. Some of the grounds are intentionally not mowed to show what the original area looked like. There are a few memorials marking the place where some of Dade's men fell. Benches dot the trails; restrooms are available near the playground. It was interesting to learn about controlled burns of the woods every 1-4 years. We walked around the elevated hill where reenactments occur. Don't miss the well marked "Ancient Oak Tree." Also note the live oaks with the "resurrection ferns" which come to life on the tops of live oak branches after rain. Also of note are the reconstructed log redoubt and a replica of the cannon used by Dade (near the restroom area). There is a $3 vehicle entry fee up to 8 people; additional passengers pay $2 per person. Entrance fee for bicyclists and pedestrians is $2 per person. All fees are payable on the envelope honor system; no attendant is present. Parking is abundant perhaps because an annual reenactment normally occurs in early January. However, the 2021 event was canceled because of Covid. The museum at the Visitor Center is closed until further notice; summer day camps will not be held this year. The park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset 365 days a year. Several picnic pavilions are available for $53.50 per day including tax.
3. Wekiwa Springs State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 772 reviews
This 7,000-acre area containing diverse plants and wildlife is also popular for swimming, canoeing, hiking and camping.
Reviewed By Tommcmullen - Tampa, United States
We just stayed overnight in our Winnebago Navion in September ... still pretty hot! The RV and camping sites are large ... site 45 has sewage hook-up along with water and 30/50 AMP power ... good level site. Tons of hiking trails (solid 7 mile loop, 5 mile loop and shorter 1 mile trails) ... good trail from camp grounds to the Spring. The Spring Head is a little crowded in the Summer ... very popular swimming area ... but the trails are almost vacant of activity. You can rent canoes and kayaks ... excellent State Park (like most Florida State Parks) ... well maintained!
4. Highlands Hammock State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 718 reviews
Reviewed By R2818DQteds
Nature surrounds you everywhere as you go through Highlands Hammock State Park. After you stop at the ranger station and pay a very modest entrance fee ($3 per person), you drive through the gate and into Florida as it was thousands of years ago. The 3+ mile loop takes you around and through the hammock of swamp, cypress , and oak trees, many of which are 1000 years old. The Cypress Swamp trail is a boardwalk trail that winds it way through the cypress swamp. All types of wildlife can be seen. At the end of the boardwalk, there is a large creek and pond, there are benches to sit and relax and enjoy nature. I was using my mobility scooter and had no issues using the boardwalk. However, at the end, there is a catwalk that crosses the pond, and sadly, the scooter would not be able to go over it, so I had to turn around. The next boardwalk was the Fern Garden trail. Again, no issues with the scooter, but after a short distance, the boardwalk ended and it was just a dirt path. There are other trails, but they are also just dirt paths. It has been a wet summer, so I did not attempt to go down any of those paths, but, should the weather be dry, and the ground hard enough, I believe I could get the scooter down some of the paths, using caution. There is a very nice museum that shows the history of the park, and how the workers lived back in the 1920s and 30s. There are accessible restrooms inside as well. There is a large camping area with full hookups. A picnic area with lots of table is nearby, and there are facilities that can be rented for parties and large gatherings. I would like to return in cooler weather and camp, that would be a nice experience. So, should you find yourself in central Florida, take some time to go to the town of Sebring, and go to Highlands Hammock State Park, a trip back to old Florida.
5. Lake Kissimmee State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 206 reviews
Reviewed By Q3629GUheidim
Highly recommend coming here for a Segway Tour!! Such a fun, new way to see and learn about the park. It's a beautiful area with lots of wildlife and scenery. I was surprised how easy it was to use the Segway!! Wonderful experience for all.
6. Lake Louisa State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 873 reviews
Lake Louisa State Park is 4500 acres of beautiful, real Florida! Just minutes from the area's major attractions, the park hosts guided horseback rides, guided kayak eco-tours, kayak canoe and bike rentals, fishing, hiking, biking, camping, swimming, and just about anything else you would expect in a natural setting. Home to 20+ miles of trails, 7 lakes, 60 campsites, 20 cabins, a swim beach, playground, fishing piers, and more, you could spend days on end exploring this treasured gem.
Reviewed By MsLanor32903 - Melbourne Beach, United States
First time camping at Lake Louisa State Park. We had a great site with a beautiful view of Lake Dixie. Came in late Friday night to a gorgeous sunset! Electric and water hook- ups with a dump station close by. Great place to ride bikes, kayak, hike and trail ride. Loved the rolling hills and amazing views-check out Lake Louisa after you pass through the ranger station. Everyone was very accommodating. We couldn’t arrive the day we planned so I notified the ranger station- no problem, our reservation /site was secured for the next day( we had already paid in full). I will definitely be back to camp but also for day trips to hike and bike.
7. Rock Springs Run State Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
Florida area covering 14,000 acres of land which has an abundance of diverse plants.
Reviewed By CoolBeans2U - Sorrento, United States
This is Florida's hidden gems. They are natural clear springs. They stay the same water temperature year round around 71 to 72 degrees. They are beautiful state park that charges by the carload. They have changing rooms and bathroom and shower. They have an excellent food stand with hamburgers and hotdogs ect.really great walking park with boardwalks walking all over and also trails. There are picnic area tables and grills bring your own charcoal. It's the only spring with a tube ride (walk up to beginning of spring and float or swim) down to a beautiful clear natural pond.bring your goggles you can see all the fishes swimming around under you.great beach area for your kid's. Great area in general. Come check it out .
8. Rainbow Springs State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 890 reviews
Reviewed By janish64 - Ocala, United States
This park is reasonably priced to visit at $2 per person, the grounds are impeccable, there are flowers blooming everywhere, the falls are crystal clear and offer great photo ops, the blue-green water at the swimming area and the river itself is supreme plus ample free parking. The varied azaleas are blooming with lots of buds yet to open. The Camellia are beautiful and enjoyable to see. Rainbow Springs State Park is.....Delightful. What an awesome experience under Florida's blue, blue sky.
9. Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 108 reviews
Reviewed By stevebS6405KC - Arcadia, United States
The park is extremely peaceful and quiet. There seems to be a constant breeze blowing across the prairie from the east into the campground. Sites are mostly under beautiful shady oak trees. These two things make it very comfortable to sit outside during the day. At night the dark skies make star viewing wonderful. The bath house is the cleanest of any Florida state park we have visited. It is attended to multiple times daily, top notch!
