Orlando, FL

Lake Eola Park
DESCRIPTION: Paddleboats near a mid-lake waterfall with Downtown skyscrapers in the background make this a post card view park. Sunsets are terrific as the rays reflect off the lake and skyscrapers; if you have the energy jog the circle path around this attractive park; the band shell features a number of musical events year round; adjacent to southwest downtown

ADDRESS: bounded by North Eola Drive, East Central Blvd, North Rosalind Ave and East Robinson Street

Leu Gardens
DESCRIPTION: On nearly 60 acres, it features the largest collection of Camillia flowers in Florida, 3 acres of idea gardens for weekend projects, largest formal rose garden in Florida, a 2 acre Tropical Stream Garden, a Vegetable and Herb Garden, Palm, bamboo and cycad gardens, and the always popular Butterfly Garden; Pick up a free map of this park as the information booths; it features a maze of garden paths and views of a lake; tours of the splendid old mansion belonging to Harry P. Leu, are conducted every half-hour;

ADMISSION: $7 adults, $2 ages 5-18; Free admission on Monday 9a-Noon 

DAYS & HOURS: daily 9a-5p

ADDRESS: 1920 North Forest Ave  MAP

PHONE: 407-246-2620

WEBSITE: http://www.leugardens.org

Loch Haven Park
DESCRIPTION: This park just north of downtown is home to several museums and a theaters; meadows and bike lanes make it a favorite venue for festivals and after work bikers

ADDRESS: East Princeton Street between Camden Road and North Mills Ave

Canaveral National Seashore
DESCRIPTION: The preserve and beaches of this national seashore stretch for miles north of Cape Canaveral on S-3 Highway. Visit the lovely beaches of Apollo and Playa Linda in particular. Be careful when investigating the sea turtle nesting grounds at the north end of the shore, tampering with turtle habitat is against the law

ADDRESS: from Orlando take Bee Line Expressway (S-528) to S-407; then take S-405 Freeway East to U.S. Hwy 1 North

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
DESCRIPTION: More than 140,000 acres of land owned by NASA. Under such stewardship more than 500 species of animals, including bald eagles, manatees and loggerhead sea turtles, have a safe home from poachers; free admission; beach open 6a-8p daily

ADDRESS: from S-405 Highway, take S-3 Highway just south of the Kennedy Space Center

PHONE: 407-861-0667