Orlando, Florida natural attractions

Had too much of a good thing? The crowds, the lines and the prices at the Central Florida theme parks got you down? Get away from it all for a day. The Orlando area has many quiet, natural places where you can stop and smell the roses and experience a bit of the “natural Florida.”

Here are 12 ways to experience Orlando’s wild side. (One word of advice: Hours, prices and programs change from season to season. Call ahead to get current information.)

2. You can jog, pedal or roller blade on the many public greenway trails in the Orlando area including the Cady Way Trail in Winter Park and Orlando, the Little Econ Greenway Trail east or Orlando and the five-mile West Orange Trail.

One of the most popular is the Cady Way Trail, a 3.5-mile asphalt pathway that follows a former railway corridor from Winter Park through residential areas to Fashion Square Mall in Orlando. It is convenient to many of the tourist hotel areas. It is popular with bicyclists in-line skaters, pedestrians and joggers. The trail varies between 10 and 16 feet wide. The trial has shelters and rest stops with benches, trash receptacles and water fountains. For the trail closest to your hotel, phone the Orange County Parks and Recreation Department at (407) 836-6200.

3. At Katie’s Wekiva River Landing just north of downtown Orlando, you can rent canoes or kayaks for an afternoon trip down the quiet, scenic river. Fossils of long-extinct mammals, including mastodons and giant sloths, have been found along the river, pointing to its ancient history. Canoes are rented by the hour or day and includes paddle, flotation devices and advice about the river. Phone (407) 628-1482.

4. Jungle Adventures in Christmas, just a few miles east of Orlando on State Road 50, offers cruises through alligator habitat and walking tours to see exotic animals and plants. A 20-acre wildlife sanctuary is dedicated to "eco-tourism," a unique experience for close encounters with native wildlife. Personalized educational tours of Florida's natural habitats are available. Also offered are horseback rides, kayaking adventures and airboat rides. Phone (877) 4-A-GATOR.

5. The 220-square-mile Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge surrounds Kennedy Space Center at Titusville, about an hour east of the theme parks. There is a seven-mile driving tour and shaded boardwalks for walking tours. It is home to more federally endangered species than any other refuge in the country. Special events and festivals are staged throughout the year. Stop at the visitor’s center (four miles east of Titusville) when you arrive for a map and information about special programs. Phone (321) 861-0667.

6. There is a fun spot right in the middle of downtown Orlando. Lake Eola Park has a large lake with a fountain, paddle boats and playground. It is a favorite place for locals to spend an afternoon. It is the true “heartbeat” of downtown Orlando. The park areas around Lake Eola host a wide variety of festivals, art exhibits, outdoor concerts and other community events all year long. Phone (407) 246-2827.

7. A theme park just for orchids? Yep. A World of Orchids in Kissimmee has thousands of orchids in an enclosed tropical rainforest covering half an acre. There are also many indoor and outdoor gardens. The gardens are on Old Lake Wilson Road, about one mile south of U.S. 192 in Kissimmee. Admission is $4.50. Phone (407) 396-1887.

8. Florida Audubon Society’s Center for Birds of Prey in Maitland is a rehabilitation center for injured birds. You can see many species of threatened or endangered birds in a jungle-like setting. It has evolved into the leading raptor rehabilitation facility in the Southeast, treating over 8,000 eagles, hawks, owls, falcons, kites and vultures since opening in 1979. The annual release rate of healed birds averages about 40 percent of all admissions, and has totaled over 3,500 birds of prey, including over 225 bald eagles. Admission is $5 for adults and $4 for children. Phone (407) 644-0190.

9. St. Johns River Cruises in Sanford, north of Orlando, offers narrated nature trips on the north-flowing river. The eco-dining cruises aboard the 100-foot triple-decked Rivership Romance includes a glimpse of the wilds of Central Florida along with lunch or dinner and dancing. Tickets range from $8-14. The dock is located at 433 N. Palmetto Ave. in Sanford. Phone (800) 423-7401.

10. Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales features a 205-foot Singing Tower with 57 bronze bells in the center of a sanctuary set between reflecting pools and winding pathways. The National Historic Landmark is built on the highest point on the Florida Peninsula. Edward W. Bok, a Dutch immigrant, dedicated the tower and grounds to the American people in 1929. Lake Wales is less than hour southwest of Orlando. Admission is $4. Phone (863) 676-1408.

11. Is it a rainy day? Head inside and experience some culture. The Orlando Museum of Art offers collections of American art, African art and pre-Columbian artifacts. Changing exhibits are also featured. The American Collection contains over 688 works from the 19th century to the present, including paintings by Thomas Moran, George Inness, John Singer Sargent, Georgia O'Keeffe and Charles Sheeler. The Art of the Ancient Americas collection contains over 500 artifacts of pottery, jade, stone, cloth, gold and silver from over 30 different cultural groups. These objects represent cultures from Mexico through Central America and Peru and date from 1200 B.C. to A.D. 1521. Phone (407) 896-4231.

12. And finally there is the Big Tree. Yes, that is its name. Drive out to U.S. 17/92 south of Sanford to see this beauty. The giant cypress is 140 feet tall with a circumference of 47 feet. You can’t miss it. It’s one of the largest in the country.