The Ultimate Weekend Itinerary If You Love Spending Time Outdoors In Florida
By Marisa Roman|Published May 02, 2023
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Marisa Roman
Author
A New Jersey native with over 15 years of writing experience, Marisa has studied at both New York University and Florida International University. She has lived all over the country, including a decade stint in South Florida. Marisa is well-versed in exploration as she travels a good majority of the year in her self-converted Sprinter van. Her articles have been featured in various notable publications over the years, she has a published collection of short stories, and three completed screenplays under her belt.
Are you the type of person who loves outdoor adventures and activities in Florida? Do you anticipate the weekends when you can get outside and enjoy the weather and water? If you answered yes to either of these, then we have the perfect ultimate weekend itinerary for you. Situated in the central part of the state, we have an itinerary that is perfect for the outdoor lover in you. On this two-day trip, you can kayak a crystal-clear river, dine al fresco with tropical drinks, and fall asleep right across from a lake.
From national parks and campgrounds to waterfalls, canyons, and more, there is so much to love about America’s natural splendor — and June, designated as Great Outdoors Month, is the perfect time to get outside.
With less than two hours of total commute time, you can enjoy the incredible natural getaway featuring a natural spring, a paddle board adventure, and dining al fresco with the locals.
Paddle Rock Springs Run With Get Up & Go Kayaking
We're kicking off this adventure with Get Up And Go Kayaking in Rock Springs.
Paddling Rock Springs Run is certainly something on every adventurist's must-do list, thanks in part to the stunning crystal-clear waterways. Obviously, there is no better way to enjoy these waterways than with a crystal-clear kayak! Get Up & Go Kayaking offers guided tours that head upstream to start, then allow guests to drift back downstream in a relaxing natural setting.
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Get Up And Go Kayaking - Rock Springs, 5722 Baptist Camp Rd, Apopka, FL 32712, USA
There are plenty of chances to stop the paddle and enjoy the water with a quick swim! Cool off from the Florida sun with a dip in the crisp spring waters. Plus, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for different wildlife, such as turtles, fish, otters, alligators, and more!
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Drive The Lake Apopka Wildlife Trail
Your next stop on this two-day itinerary is a drive along the Lake Apopka Wildlife Trail.
Clocking in at 11 miles, this drive will take guests through the eastern portion of this nature preserve. Depending on your own personal stoppage time, this nature drive takes roughly 1-3 hours to complete. But you’ll surely want to stop along the way and snap some photos. As promised, this trail is teeming with wildlife, from gators and birds to so much more.
Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, 2850 Lust Rd, Apopka, FL 32703, USA
Plus, for anyone who wants to get out and walk, the paved pathway is great for some walking, too! You can also find the Lake Apopka loop trail at 1.6 miles, which is a beautiful chance to stretch your legs and enjoy nature.
Head on into Wekiwa Springs State Park, a 7,000-acre park with so much natural beauty. Spend the hottest days swimming in the cool water, or rent a canoe and paddle the Wekiva River. Don’t make the same mistake I did, and head over to the park on a busy summer day! I found the park closed for entry as it had reached capacity.
Here at this state park, you can swim, hike, canoe, and so much more. Fishing and snorkeling are also allowed and encouraged! You never know what you’ll see below the clear water’s surface.
Dine At Sloppy Joe’s Restaurant & Bar
By now, you’ve probably worked up an appetite. So we’ll take this adventure to Orlando for a stop at Sloppy Joe’s Restaurant & Bar.
Located in the heart of the amazing ICON Park™ off International Drive, Sloppy Joe’s is the perfect place to grab a seat outside and enjoy the outdoors as you dine. Enter into the energy of Key West with these frozen tropical drinks, live music, and shots at sunset.
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Sloppy Joe's Orlando, 8371 International Dr STE 60, Orlando, FL 32819, USA
The menu is elevated pub grub with a tropical twist. So picture a pile of nachos overflowing with cheese or a tuna tartare layered with fresh avocado. This is a true Florida hang, complete with locals and ice-cold beer.
Stay At A Cottage On The Lake In Mount Dora
After a long day, it’s time to head to your overnight accommodation in the charming town of Mount Dora, Florida.
This lakefront cottage is available on VRBO and comfortably sleeps up to two guests. The cottage is cozy on the inside, but it’s the lake views that make this gem so special. Relax by the lake during the day and enjoy all of the sounds of nature at night.
You’ll have a quiet, comfortable, cozy place to sleep and access to kayaks and a boat dock, perfect for casting a line. You’ll also be close to the downtown area, where you can shop, dine, and mingle with the locals. Take a look at the VRBO page in order to find out availability and price per night.
What do you think about these outdoor adventures and activities in Florida? Would you participate in this two-day outdoor itinerary? Sound off in the comments section! Or if you want to find out where to stay for other incredible getaways, we have ten of the best places to stay in Florida.
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