Florida’s great outdoors: The best state and national parks near Orlando
Discover Orlando’s wild side with immersive itineraries for day trips and overnight visits to top nature preserves.
Edited by Taylor Cahan | October 1, 2025
Orlando's central location makes it a perfect starting point for exploring Florida’s many ecological treasures. Drive a few hours in any direction, and you can find yourself immersed in a different world — from crystal-clear freshwater springs and untamed beaches to subtropical wetlands. Discover natural wonders at the best state and national parks near central Florida, with recommendations on where to stay for an unforgettable adventure.
Explore the best state and national parks near Orlando.
Wekiwa Springs State Park: Paddling, picnics, and pristine waters
Just a short 25-minute drive northwest of Orlando, you'll find the emerald waters and lush trails of Wekiwa Springs State Park. This popular destination is a local favorite for swimming, snorkeling, canoeing, and kayaking, as the springs stay a refreshing 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees Celsius) year-round. Arrive early to beat the crowds and claim a picnic spot on the grassy slope. After exploring the waterways of the Wekiva River, hike the wet-to-dry trails from the dense hardwood hammocks to the sandhill uplands. Reservations are required to visit the park and can be made up to 60 days in advance.
Stay nearby: Hilton Orlando/Altamonte Springs is conveniently located between the park and downtown Orlando.
Lake Louisa State Park: Scenic trails, eco-hikes, and photo ops
Drive 35 minutes west from Orlando, and you’ll discover a natural theme park with picturesque rolling hills and three major lakes: Louisa, Hammond, and Dixie. The stunning Lake Louisa State Park features an abundance of outdoor activities to help you connect with nature. Hike, bike, or horseback ride on over 20 miles of nature trails, get curious with a high-tech, GPS-powered treasure hunt, sign up for a full-moon kayak paddle or guided eco-hike, or simply spend the day relaxing and enjoying unlimited photo ops.
Stay nearby: If camping (or glamping) isn’t quite your style, get comfortable with the amenities at Hampton Inn & Suites Clermont, just minutes from Lake Louisa’s trails and paddling spots.
Blue Spring State Park: Manatee meetups, river cruises, and tubing
Famously a winter refuge for Florida’s iconic manatees, Blue Spring State Park is a 45-minute drive from Orlando. From mid-November through March, the beloved “sea cows” depend on the spring’s consistent 72-degree Fahrenheit (22 degrees Celsius) waters for survival. Safely observe them from a half-mile accessible boardwalk, an elevated observation platform, and shaded lookouts along the way. You’ll also have the chance to spot some of the other creatures that call Blue Spring home, including wading birds, ospreys, eagles, and kingfishers. Take a guided nature cruise along the historic St. Johns River or, in the summer months, book an immersive snorkeling, diving, or tubing excursion.
Insider tip: Arrive early on chilly mornings, when manatees are likely to be most active.
Stay close: Hampton Inn & Suites DeLand is located just north of the park and minutes from the charming downtown of DeLand.
Lake Griffin State Park: Majestic trees, pontoon boats, and tranquil strolls
For a laidback adventure, make your way to Lake Griffin State Park, about an hour northwest of Orlando. At the entrance, you’ll be greeted by the Mammoth Live Oak, the second largest live oak tree in the state, estimated to be about 300 to 500 years old. And that’s not the only impressive tree in the park — pause by the Thinking Tree to read nature-inspired quotes, admire the resilient 200-year-old Spur Trail Live Oak, and don’t miss the massive Bear Tree, a pine frequently marked by Florida black bears. Other activities include educational programs at the amphitheater and relaxing pontoon boat tours on Dead River and Lake Griffin.
Stay nearby: Home2 Suites by Hilton Wildwood the Villages is just off the Florida Turnpike, making it a convenient and comfortable choice.
Silver Springs State Park: Glass-bottom boats, underwater wildlife, and a historic village
Silver Springs State Park, which was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1971, is another must-visit destination, located just an hour and a half northwest of Orlando. More than 30 artesian springs feed the Silver River, where you can enjoy a famous glass-bottom boat tour or take a clear kayak for a spin. Check out the ancient dugout canoes at the Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center, then tour Pioneer Village, a collection of historic and replica structures depicting a 19th-century settlement.
Stay close: The resort-style outdoor pool and locally sourced dining at Hilton Ocala will round out your trip.
Biscayne National Park: Coral reefs, shipwrecks, and mangrove tunnels
About four hours south of Orlando near Miami, Biscayne National Park is an ideal destination for anyone who loves the water. Since 95% of the park is submerged, it's a paradise for snorkeling, diving, and boating. Explore the third-longest coral reef system in the world, as well as historic shipwrecks on the Maritime Heritage Trail. Paddling enthusiasts won’t want to miss a guided tour through the mangroves of Jones Lagoon. For the best views, take a boat to Boca Chita Key to visit the 65-foot-tall Boca Chita Lighthouse.
Insider tip: Wondering when to visit? Summer offers the clearest water, which is ideal for snorkeling and diving. But if you're a birder, winter is the prime season, as many migratory birds flock to the area.
Stay nearby: Make Hampton Inn & Suites Homestead Miami South — centrally located to a number of Homestead attractions and just 45 minutes away from Biscayne Bay — your base for a Biscayne day trip.
Everglades National Park: Airboats, alligators, and endless wilderness
Everglades National Park is one of the most popular destinations in Florida. About four to five hours south of Orlando, you’ll find the largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S., spanning 1.5 million acres of wetlands, forests, and marine habitats. It’s more than worth the trip to explore the “River of Grass” and the more than 360 species of birds that have been spotted in this unique ecosystem. One of the best ways to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site is on a guided airboat tour, where you’ll have the chance to spy alligators, crocodiles, softshell turtles, flamingos, white-tailed deer, and maybe even a Florida panther. Looking for a more hands-on experience? Join a ranger on a “slough slog” — a wet hike through the swampy cypress forests.
Insider tip: If possible, avoid visiting during the wet season (May through November) when temperatures reach average highs of 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) and the humidity can top 90%. Rising water levels during the wet season can also cause wildlife to disperse.
Stay nearby: Tru by Hilton Florida City is conveniently located (just 15 minutes away!) for your Everglades adventures.
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Disclaimer: We used AI assistance to generate this content. All information was reviewed by Hilton's team to ensure it meets our standards for accuracy and ethics, allowing us to better match your travel needs and connect you with the right stay.
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