Top 5 Places to Visit on Your Florida Vacation
Vacation is an opportunity to discover new sights and experiences. Visit museums, go to concerts or sporting events, or try out new hobbies.
However, vacation is about more than sightseeing: take time out to rest and unwind – taking some time without checking your watch can leave you feeling rejuvenated and ready to return to work after returning from your travels.
Gatorland
Gatorland, Florida’s wildlife park, is best known for showcasing Florida’s state reptile as its star attraction; however, visitors will also discover other creatures such as giant tortoises, crocodiles, snakes and giant tortoises – not forgetting Florida gators themselves of course! But this family-friendly attraction also offers activities and shows such as the Gator Jumparoo Show which features giant gators leaping 10ft out of the water to collect chicken parts tossed by trainers!
There is also the Alligator Breeding Marsh Tour, where guests can witness these animals at their most natural without fancy special effects and dramatic music found in other park shows. Also there’s the Gator Night Shine where guests can walk on wooden walkways near alligator habitat and shine their flashlight to get up-close encounters – you could even try throwing some food towards these fearsome predators just to see what they do!
Bok Tower Gardens
Edward Bok hired legendary landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead to transform Iron Mountain in Lake Wales into “a site of unparalleled beauty in America”. Olmstead succeeded, and his creation has since become Bok Tower Gardens.
Visitors to Pine Ridge Nature Trail can stroll along miles of paths dotted with fragrant azaleas, magnolias and camellias that change colors with each season. Or they can visit its rare longleaf pine/turkey oak habitat that is in jeopardy of becoming extinct.
El Retiro is a 20-room Mediterranean-style mansion constructed in the 1930s for Charles Austin Buck, an executive of Bethlehem Steel Company in Pennsylvania. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, tours can be taken for an additional fee. In addition to this architectural gem, guests can also explore the gardens’ exhibit hall or the Chao Research Center Archives which house Edward Bok’s official papers.
Lake Eola
Lake Eola Park stands as an icon for Downtown Orlando with its fountain, swan boats and picturesque setting – Lake Eola is an ideal family and friend-friendly destination, featuring plenty to do around Lake Eola – such as walking/jogging along its nearly mile-long pathway surrounding it or attending one of many performances held at Walt Disney Amphitheater or enjoying Sunday morning Farmers Markets, bike races, 4th of July fireworks displays or arts and crafts shows!
Swans are an integral part of Lake Erie, and visitors are encouraged to feed them. Each year the city organizes a roundup to ensure the animals’ wellbeing; additionally, each one is microchipped so their health status can be easily tracked.
Eat out near the lake at one of the many restaurants offering all-American fare, beer gardens or Italian cuisine – you have many dining options available to you! Order ahead or bring a blanket picnic spot nearby and bring along an order ahead.