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These two federal preserves bordering the Kennedy Space Center are home to scores of species, including endangered ones such as sea turtles, manatees, dolphins, alligators, bald eagles, and ospreys. Explore Canaveral’s beaches (including a naturist one, Playalinda) and Merritt Island’s trails, driving route, and observation deck (see Merritt Island).

Burn a few calories on the 0.9-mile (1.4-km) trail that circles the lake here. Less energetic pursuits include feeding the birds and cruising Lake Eola in the swan-shaped rental boats (see Swan Boats In Lake Eola). This municipal park is also home to several annual and seasonal events, including the 4th of July fireworks show and the UCF-Shakespeare Festival (see Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festival). (see Lake Eola Park).

These springs and the river they feed provide a fertile habitat for such species as white-tail deer, gray foxes, bobcats, raccoons, and black bears. They also provide some of the best places for paddling in a boat in central Florida. With canoe rentals, and picnic, grilling, camping, and volleyball areas, this is outdoors heaven.

You can fish (for bass and bream), swim, or paddle a canoe, but you’ll have to bring your own equipment. The beach has a bathhouse with showers, and there’s a picnic area. White-tail deer, wild turkeys, marsh rabbits, opossums, and raccoons are commonly seen, but don’t be surprised if a polecat (also known as a skunk!) cuts across your path.

This is the third largest lake in Florida, which is why the park is one of the best bird-watching areas in the state. You might see bald eagles, and snail kites, as well as whooping and sandhill cranes. On the mammal side, residents include otters, wild turkeys, deer, and fox squirrels. On weekends, the park has a recreated 1876 cattle camp.

Unlike many state parks with spartan amenities, this 300-acre (120-ha) city retreat has a swimming pool, picnic pavilions, a lake full of fish, nature and jogging trails, three kid’s playgrounds, and a farm-animal petting zoo. It also has camping areas if the call of the wild is too strong to leave.

The main pull here is the Senator, a 3,500-year-old bald cypress tree, a testament to the life-giving virtues of Central Florida’s swamps. It is 17 ft (5 m) in diameter, 47 ft (14 m) in circumference and 125 ft (38 m) tall. The park has picnic tables and a board-walk through the cypress swamp.

Swamps dotted with hard-wood hammocks (tree islands) and a 19-mile (30-km) stretch of the St. John’s River combine to make this one of Central Florida’s prettiest and most primitive parks. Photographers will appreciate the scenic locales, some with wild orchids and other flora. Hawks, eagles, fox squirrels, and song-birds can sometimes be seen from the park’s trails.

This city park is more urban oasis than rustic countryside retreat. It features lots of facilities such as basketball, tennis, and sand volleyball courts, and picnic areas with grills for a barbecue. Kids will appreciate the well-equipped playground.

This shady park, on the shore of East Lake Tohopekaliga, has various amenities including a beach, swimming area, horse trails, children’s playground, softball and baseball fields, sand volleyball courts, and picnic pavilions. Bring your own equipment, food, and drinks.