As summer takes its bow, the vibrant season of fall arrives with new opportunities to experience excitement in Orlando.
The outdoors surrounding the City Beautiful offer adventures perfect for those looking for fun in fresh air and more agreeable temperatures. Explore natural wonders through gorgeous trails and springs that match the thrills of Orlando’s iconic attractions.
Between each backwoods adrenaline rush is a chance to kick back and enjoy scenic beauty only found in nature. The occasional native wildlife may pop out to say hello, so keep your phone ready.
With a new season comes new memories to cherish, and here are the best ways to enjoy the outdoors in Orlando this fall.
Key Takeaways
- Fun on the Water
- Relaxing Journeys Through Nature
- Say Hello to Orlando's Wildlife
- Fresh Air and Thrills
- Orlando's Outdoor Adventures Await
Fun on the Water
For days when you don’t need to dress warm, a splash in Orlando’s clear waters makes for a complete cool-off.
Wekiwa Springs State Park
Enjoy numerous natural springs for outdoor fun, including Wekiwa Springs State Park, just a 25-minute drive from Orlando.
Show off your cannonball skills in the year-round 72-degree water, or kick back in relaxing floats under the sun. Say hello to the fish that call the springs home with a snorkeling trip.
The park also rents canoes and kayaks for a trip along the Wekiva River or Rock Springs Run. Refuel at the picnic area with a hearty lunch before jumping back into the springs.
Kelly Park - Rock Springs
Ever wonder how nature’s lazy rivers compare to those of your favorite water parks? Rock Springs at Kelly Park in Apopka answers the challenge.
Bring your favorite tube or rent one from vendors outside the park and unwind as you float along the free-flowing natural spring. Take in sites of lush greenery around every corner as the Florida sun and cool water offer the perfect balance of warmth and refreshment.
Epic Paddle Adventures
Looking for ways to fit into your stay both outdoor entertainment and nights out on the town? Epic Paddle Adventures has you covered.
Kayak and paddleboard tours on Lake Ivanhoe treat you to spectacular views of Downtown Orlando, leaving time in your day for the city life.
The views become breathtaking when you take a night tour aboard kayaks and paddleboards illuminated by colorful LED lights as the sun sets vividly upon the city.
Relaxing Journeys Through Nature
When you’re looking for a land-based scenic experience, Orlando has several routes to choose from.
Shingle Creek Regional Park
A peaceful stroll along boardwalks with stunning views awaits at Shingle Creek Regional Park. Those in the mood for a hike can test their resilience along the park’s dirt trails.
Explorers who want to boost their cardio while enjoying the scenery can choose from Kissimmee River Kayak LLC’s bike rentals and peddle their way through the amazing Shingle Creek trails.
Harry P. Leu Gardens
For a more relaxing outdoor excursion, visiting Harry P. Leu Gardens is the way to go.
Flowers and plants of all types bloom in colorful radiance as you tour 50 acres of greenery. The Tropical Garden brings the rainforest experience to your journey, while the Butterfly Garden is home and a reliable food source for butterflies and other pollinators.
Snap some photos of the enticing fruits and vegetables of the Edible Garden, as well as the tropical, subtropical, and temperate trees of the Tropical Fruit Collection.
Lake Lotus Park
Your walks through nature get a little cool with a stroll through the trails of Lake Lotus Park in Altamonte Springs.
The shade offered by the trees along the park’s boardwalk trails gives you a break from the Florida heat. The calm atmosphere and wonderful views of the lake and cypress swamp showcase the serenity of the outdoors.
Say Hello to Orlando's Wildlife
What would an outdoor trip in Orlando be without visiting the native wildlife?
Lake Apopka North Shore
Stop by the Lake Apopka North Shore for the chance to see Florida’s wildest residents, including American alligators, bobcats, bears, otters, and coyotes. With 11 miles of trail to explore, your vacation photo album welcomes furry and scaly additions.
As one of Florida’s top three birding areas, this is also a dream spot for those with birdwatching on their itinerary.
Orlando Wetlands Park
If you want to make more time for birdwatching, spend an afternoon at Orlando Wetlands Park in the town of Christmas.
Alligators, deer, and other native wildlife are also known for stopping by this park.
Blue Spring State Park
If you’ve never seen a manatee up close before, we recommend visiting in mid-November and stopping by Blue Spring State Park.
These gentle giants pay outdoorsmen paddling and kayaking along the spring a visit, creating heartwarming memories of the wild.
Wekiwa Springs State Park
While hiking the trails of Wekiwa Springs, keep an eye out for white-tailed deer, gopher tortoises, Florida black bears, bobcats, and turkeys who may be strolling through your neck of the woods.
Fresh Air and Thrills
Looking for an adrenaline rush in the outdoors? Orlando’s heart-stopping adventure parks will do the trick.
Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park
Test yourself against the aerial challenges of Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park by balancing on hanging skateboards or climbing ladders 50 feet high.
Soaring through the air is a unique way to enjoy nature’s scenery, whether you’re swinging on Tarzan ropes or flying along enormous zip lines.
Nova Adventure Park
Orlando has more climbing challenges for you with the 60-foot tower at Nova Adventure Park. From rock walls to rope courses, fitness has never been this thrilling.
Start a friendly competition with your group at the obstacle course of Aqua Park, featuring the Whirl Pool, Ninja Jump, Tire Run, and other exhilarating tests of athletics. If you want to learn how to pull off gnarly wakeboarding tricks, Nova’s cable park is the place to be.
Gatorland
For those looking for more zip line action, the Screamin’ Gator Zipline at Gatorland is an excellent option.
Outdoorsmen who don’t mind getting a little dirty can jump aboard the monster vehicles of Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure for a ride through the park’s backwoods.
Orlando's Outdoor Adventures Await
A trek through the outdoors requires a relaxing home base, which is where Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando comes in. Revitalize yourself with our soothing deluxe guest rooms, flavorful grab-and-go snacks, and a hearty breakfast buffet for each captivating excursion.
Book your nature retreat with Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando today and welcome fall with the best of Orlando’s outdoor spectacles.