1. Lake Crescent - 1 hour from St. Augustine
Location: Northeastern Florida
Recommended For: Nature photographers, paddlers, birders, anglers, hikers, and horseback riders.
What I Love: ♥ "It’s the kind of lake where every bend reveals something new—towering cypress, bald eagles, and reflections on the water that beg to be photographed. Peaceful, pristine, and full of life."
- Explore over 15,960 acres of clean, scenic water by kayak, canoe, or bass boat—no motorboats allowed for a truly tranquil paddle.
- Fish for bass, crappie, catfish, and panfish in one of Florida’s most peaceful freshwater settings.
- Roam through the Crescent Lake Conservation Area and Haw Creek Preserve on foot, horseback, or bike, and spot wildlife like bald eagles and osprey.
Cost: Free public access; state park and conservation area rules may apply.
Best time to visit: Fall through spring for hiking, bird-watching, and cooler temperatures; early mornings for prime fishing and photography light.
Local tips: Visit the south end’s Crescent Lake Conservation Area for fewer crowds. Bring binoculars and a camera—you’ll want both!
Distance: About 1 hour from St. Augustine, FL; 1.5 hours from Gainesville, FL.
How to Get to Lake Crescent: Take US-17 or SR-100 to access points on the lake’s eastern and southern shores. Trailheads and conservation access are marked.
Map: View Lake Crescent on Google Maps
Where to Eat: |
2. Cypress Lake - 45 minutes south of Orlando
Location: Osceola County, FL
Recommended For: Nature photographers, birders, airboat adventurers, anglers, and boaters exploring Central Florida’s wetlands.
What I Love: ♥ "It’s the kind of place where the sky feels wider and the water slower. Between bald eagles soaring and airboats gliding across the surface, Cypress Lake is wild Florida at its best."
- Explore 4,097 acres of scenic lake by airboat or boat tour—get close to herons, hawks, and alligators.
- Fish for black crappie, largemouth bass, and bluegill—rent a boat or bring your own.
- Photograph wintering waterfowl and iconic bald eagles among lush marshes and open water.
Cost: Public access is free; airboat rides and guided tours available at varying prices.
Best time to visit: Winter and early spring for birdwatching and mild weather; summer for long fishing days.
Local tips: Airboat tours offer the best chance to see wildlife up close. Mornings are quieter and cooler on the water—perfect for photography.
Distance: About 45 minutes south of Orlando, FL; 30 minutes from Kissimmee, FL.
How to Get to Cypress Lake: Use US-441 or Canoe Creek Road to reach local boat ramps and tour providers. Look for signage toward Kissimmee Chain of Lakes access points.
Map: View Cypress Lake on Google Maps
Romantic Lakes
3. Deer Point Lake - 20 minutes north of Panama City
Location: North of Panama City, FL
Recommended For: Canoeists, anglers, nature lovers, primitive campers, and freshwater paddlers.
What I Love: ♥ "It's part wild, part tranquil utility. Deer Point Lake blends freshwater fun with vital natural purpose—fishing, paddling, and spotting osprey in a lush, subtropical setting just north of the Gulf."
- Fish for shellcracker and other native species in 4,572 acres of nutrient-rich water—it's a top fishing spot in the region.
- Paddle the 22-mile Econfina Creek canoe trail—upper segments even have rapids for experienced adventurers.
- Camp at two fish camps or pitch a tent at several primitive campsites around the lake’s edge.
Cost: Public access is free; canoe trail use and campsites may have small fees depending on location and services.
Best time to visit: Fall through spring for comfortable paddling and fishing weather; early summer for peak wildlife activity.
Local tips: Start early to beat the heat and wind on the lake. Bring binoculars—osprey are commonly seen nesting here.
Distance: About 20 minutes north of Panama City, FL; 1 hour 45 minutes from Tallahassee, FL.
How to Get to Deer Point Lake: From US-231 or FL-77, follow local roads to Deer Point Dam or Econfina Creek access points. Parking and boat launches are available.
4. East Lake Tohopekaliga - 30 minutes from downtown Orlando
Location: South of Orlando, Osceola County, FL
Recommended For: Wildlife enthusiasts, airboat adventurers, anglers, families, and nature photographers.
What I Love: ♥ "East Lake Toho is Florida in full color—sunlit shallows, swooping birds, and airboats skimming over glassy water. It’s where the Everglades truly begin, and it feels like the wild is just a breath away."
- Explore the second-largest lake in Osceola County—11,968 acres of clear, scenic water in a perfect circular shape.
- Ride an airboat across shallow channels to see wildlife up close—keep an eye out for alligators and wading birds.
- Relax at Chisholm Park with a beach, playgrounds, ball fields, and picnic areas for family-friendly lakeside fun.
Cost: Public access is free; fees may apply for boat rentals or guided airboat tours.
Best time to visit: Winter through spring for birdwatching and fishing; early summer for warm days and fewer crowds.
Local tips: Bring polarized sunglasses for wildlife spotting in the water. Largemouth bass fishing is best at sunrise near lily pads and grasses.
Distance: About 30 minutes from downtown Orlando, FL; 10 minutes from St. Cloud, FL.
How to Get to East Lake Tohopekaliga: From US-192, follow signs to St. Cloud and Chisholm Park, which offers one of the best access points to the lake.
Map: View East Lake Toho on Google Maps
Lakes for Families
5. Johns Lake - 30 minutes west of downtown Orlando
Location: Between Orlando and Clermont, FL
Recommended For: Anglers, boaters, birders, hikers, and those seeking peaceful, uncrowded lake days in Central Florida.
What I Love: ♥ "Johns Lake is a bass angler’s haven with wild shorelines and winding coves. Quiet mornings on the water here feel like your own personal escape from the buzz of nearby Orlando."
- Fish for largemouth bass, black crappie, shellcracker, and bluegill in this 2,419-acre lake with ideal habitat and water conditions.
- Boat through connected Black Lake and Clear Lake via scenic channels dotted with islands and unspoiled coastline.
- Explore Oakland Nature Preserve just north of the lake—walk the 3,000-foot boardwalk through Florida wetlands and enjoy shaded hiking trails.
Cost: Free public access; some nearby campgrounds and preserves may charge modest fees.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall for top-tier bass fishing; early mornings year-round for peaceful paddling and wildlife spotting.
Local tips: The lake’s undeveloped sections are ideal for photography and quiet reflection. Launch your boat early to enjoy the sunrise across glassy water.
Distance: About 30 minutes west of downtown Orlando, FL; 10 minutes from Clermont, FL.
How to Get to Johns Lake: From FL-50, turn onto Johns Lake Road or use one of the nearby public boat ramps. Oakland Nature Preserve is accessible via Oakland Avenue.
6. Lake Apopka - 15 minutes from Winter Garden
Location: Northwest of Orlando, FL
Recommended For: Birdwatchers, nature photographers, conservation enthusiasts, hikers, and equestrians.
What I Love: ♥ "Lake Apopka is a comeback story in motion. Once clouded and forgotten, it’s now a haven for wildlife watchers and trail-seekers. Its winding wetlands and restored shores are full of life again."
- Learn about one of Florida’s most ambitious restoration projects—from pea-green pollution to an emerging ecosystem success story.
- Explore three scenic hiking trails and a 2.9-mile equestrian trail through preserves and wetlands around the lake.
- Watch native wildlife return—birders can spot dozens of species, including rare wading birds and seasonal migrants.
Cost: Free public access to trails and preserves around the lake.
Best time to visit: Winter and spring for birdwatching and cooler trail conditions; sunrise is best for wildlife sightings.
Local tips: The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive (open on weekends) is a must-do for photographers and nature lovers—bring binoculars and a zoom lens!
Distance: About 30 minutes from downtown Orlando, FL; 15 minutes from Winter Garden, FL.
How to Get to Lake Apopka: Use FL-429 or US-441 to access Lake Apopka North Shore and wildlife drive entrances. Trailheads are well-marked throughout the area.
Map: View Lake Apopka on Google Maps
Lakes For Photographers
7. Blue Cypress Lake - 30 minutes from Vero Beach
Location: About 20 miles west of Vero Beach, FL
Recommended For: Anglers, kayakers, photographers, nature lovers, and campers seeking a remote and scenic escape.
What I Love: ♥ "Winding through cypress trees and reflected sky, this lake is a dream for paddlers and photographers alike. Mornings glow blue, and wildlife seems to emerge from every moss-draped corner."
- Fish for bass, catfish, shellcrackers, and more in the lake’s shallow, fertile waters—one of Florida’s best spots for freshwater angling.
- Paddle among towering cypress trees and marshland with calm water perfect for kayaking and canoeing.
- Stay at Middleton’s Fish Camp—cabins, camping, boat rentals, and bait all in one rustic, lakeside setting.
Cost: Public access is free; rentals and camping rates available through Middleton’s Fish Camp and Blue Cypress Park.
Best time to visit: Fall through spring for wildlife watching and fishing; early morning for the iconic blue glow effect on the lake.
Local tips: Don’t skip Blue Cypress Park on the west bank—launch your boat, picnic under the pavilion, and enjoy the floating dock. Swimming isn’t recommended, but paddling is top-tier.
Distance: About 30 minutes from Vero Beach, FL; 2 hours southeast of Orlando, FL.
How to Get to Lake Blue Cypress: Take FL-60 west from Vero Beach, then follow signs to Blue Cypress Lake and Middleton’s Fish Camp along Blue Cypress Lake Road.
8. Lake Como - 1.5 hours from Orlando
Location: Putnam County, FL
Recommended For: Nature lovers, birdwatchers, anglers, hikers, and those seeking a peaceful retreat in Florida’s natural surroundings.
What I Love: ♥ "The waters of Lake Como have a unique, crystal-clear blue hue that makes it stand out among Florida’s lakes. Surrounded by lush wetlands and protected forests, it offers a serene escape for nature enthusiasts."
- Fish for bass, bluegill, and shellcracker in one of Florida’s clearest lakes with an average depth of 10 feet.
- Hike through nearby Welaka State Forest, featuring scenic trails like Mud Spring and Sandhill Horse Trail.
- Birdwatch with abundant wildlife, including cranes, bald eagles, and ospreys, perfect for nature photographers and casual observers alike.
Cost: Free access to Lake Como; Welaka State Forest and fish hatchery may have small fees for certain activities.
Best time to visit: Fall and spring for mild weather, ideal for birdwatching and hiking; early mornings for calm waters and wildlife activity.
Local tips: Don’t miss the Welaka National Fish Hatchery for a fascinating look at local fish species, or climb the observation tower for panoramic views of the area’s wetlands.
Distance: About 20 minutes from Palatka, FL; 1.5 hours from Orlando, FL.
How to Get to Lake Como: Take US-17 south from Palatka or follow local roads from the surrounding towns to the park entrance and lake access points.
Map: View Lake Como on Google Maps
Lakes for Hikers
9. Lake Dora - 30 minutes from downtown Orlando
Location: Eastern Central Florida, part of the Harris Chain of Lakes
Recommended For: Anglers, boaters, water sports enthusiasts, nature lovers, and families looking for a peaceful getaway close to Orlando.
What I Love: ♥ "Lake Dora is an oasis of natural beauty just outside Orlando. With vast waters, abundant wildlife, and quiet coves to explore, it's the perfect place to unwind or cast a line. Plus, it’s less than an hour from the city's attractions!"
- Fish for largemouth bass, black crappie, catfish, and bluegill in the revitalized waters of Lake Dora, once known for its world-class bass fishing.
- Boat along miles of peaceful waterways, ideal for water skiing, jet skiing, canoeing, kayaking, and windsurfing.
- Relax and enjoy the serene surroundings, especially on busy weekends when many visitors come to escape the city.
Cost: Public access is free; water sport rentals and guided tours may have fees.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall for mild weather and fewer crowds; mornings for quiet waters perfect for fishing and paddling.
Local tips: Bring your own boat or rent one locally. The north shore offers the best access points, and you might spot wildlife around the wetlands surrounding the lake.
Distance: About 30 minutes from downtown Orlando, FL; 1 hour from Kissimmee, FL.
How to Get to Lake Dora: From US-441, take the Lake Dora Drive exit and follow signs to the waterfront and nearby parks.
10. Lake Eloise - 1 hour south of Orlando
Location: Winter Haven, FL, part of the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes
Recommended For: Water sports enthusiasts, anglers, history buffs, and anyone looking for a peaceful lakeside retreat surrounded by nature and charm.
What I Love: ♥ "With its cypress-lined shores and charming cottages, Lake Eloise feels like an old Florida treasure. Its serene waters and tranquil atmosphere make it an ideal spot for unwinding or trying your hand at water skiing or fishing."
- Fish for crappie, bluegill, and largemouth bass in one of the area’s most popular fishing lakes.
- Ski across the smooth waters—a top spot for water skiing in the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes.
- Explore the lake’s rich history, once the home of Cypress Gardens, a beloved Florida tourist attraction since 1936.
Cost: Public access is free; boat rentals and guided activities may have fees.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall for mild weather; early mornings or late afternoons for the best fishing and water skiing conditions.
Local tips: Access the lake through the canal; be sure to check out the nearby boat ramps for easy entry. The area still evokes the charm of the old Cypress Gardens, making it great for leisurely lake visits.
Distance: About 1 hour south of Orlando, FL; 30 minutes from Lakeland, FL.
How to Get to Lake Eloise: From US-27, turn onto Cypress Gardens Blvd, then follow signs to nearby boat ramps and public access points.
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