Activities near Florida Villa by the Lake

When you think of Florida, you automatically think of the Walt Disney World and Universal Studios theme parks but there is so much more to Florida.
If you particularly like nature, then you will be amazed by some of the fantastic wildlife found around our villa and lake.
Theme Parks
Central Florida is home to more theme parks than any other place on the planet. As well as Disney's Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom, there are the two Universal parks, Universal Studios Florida and Island's of Adventure and of course SeaWorld.
Just a short drive away you will find Legoland Florida, Busch Gardens and the Kennedy Space Center.
On top of that you have multiple water parks, some of which are open all your round and the incredible Discovery Cove where you can swim with dolphins. There are also smaller attractions like Old Town, Dezerland Park Orlando, Gatorland, and the two Fun Spot America sites.
Read more about all of Central Florida's theme parks.

Water Parks
Looking to cool off from the Florida heat during your vacation? Central Florida is home to some of the best water parks in the world!
With so many options for aquatic fun scattered throughout Orlando and Kissimmee, you're sure to find the perfect water park for your family.
From winding rivers to high-speed waterslides, these parks offer fantastic ways to cool down and enjoy your Florida vacation.
Beat the heat and make a splash at Central Florida's incredible water parks!
Read more about all of Central Florida's water parks.

Airboat Rides
One of the most exciting ways to see the real Florida is to take an airboat ride. Rides typically last 30 minutes to one hour and you can also go out at night.
Depending upon the time of year and day, you might get to see a host of Florida wildlife including alligators and bald eagles.
One of the best airboats rides we have ever been on is at Airboat Rides at Midway.
Read more about all of Orlando and Central Florida's airboat rides.

Wildlife
The area around our lake is teeming with wildlife, to date we have photographed over 40 species, check out our wildlife gallery.
As well as wading birds like herons, egrets, storks, cranes and ibis, there are several species of duck and so far we have seen six different species of raptor including the fantastic Bald Eagle.
The lake is full of fish which attracts Osprey and we've even seen River Otters playing around the lake.
If you like raptors then we can recommend a visit to the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey.

Fishing
If you enjoy fishing there are Largemouth Bass, Grass Carp, Florida Gar and several species of Catfish in our lake and you are welcome to try your hand on a "catch and release" basis.
One of our guests caught an amazing 12 lb Bass.
We have a couple of rods and a catch net for guests to use and the local Walmart sells everything else you might need like hooks, line, lures and floats etc.
Read our guide to Freshwater Fishing in Central Florida for more details.

Public Golf Courses
There are over a dozen public golf courses within a 15 to 25 minute drive of our villa including Falcon's Fire Golf Club, Oaks National Golf Club (re-opened in November 2015), Kissimmee Bay Country Club, Remington Golf Club, Crystalbrook Golf Club, Walk-N-Sticks, Stonegate Golf Club, Grande Pines Golf Club, Hawk's Landing Golf Club, Faldo Golf Institute, Ritz-Carlton Golf Club and Hunters Creek Golf Club.
You will also find a number of mini-golf attractions on US Highway 192 and International Drive which are great fun for the whole family.

Local Parks and State Parks
Our nearest park is the Shingle Creek Regional Park, just a 5 minute drive away on Bass Road and offers a host of activities (mostly free) including a children’s adventure playground, BBQ and fire pits, Gopher Tortoise preserve and Cypress Swamps.
There are also a number of restored late 19th century "cracker" style buildings spread across several locations.
You can go inside the buildings at the Pioneer Village at the north end of Babb Road, for a small admission fee.
Read more about all of the Florida State Parks near Orlando.

Museums & Galleries
You don’t really think of Florida when you think of museums but in reality there are quite a few museums in easy reach of Central Florida.
If you like aircraft then there is Fantasy of Flight, the Florida Air Museum and Valiant Air Command in Titusville.
In Sarasota there is The Ringling Museum with an amazing museum dedicated to travelling circuses and an impressive art gallery. St. Petersburg is home to the Salvador Dali Museum.

Botanical Gardens
There are several beautiful landscaped botanical gardens in the Central Florida area.
Near Lake Wales to the south is the Bok Tower Gardens with its famous Singing Tower with 60 bells.
Close to Downtown Orlando to the north is the Harry P. Leu Gardens whilst over to the west in St. Petersburg is the Sunken Gardens complete with a flock of flamingoes.
A little further afield are the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota.
Read more about all of Central Florida’s botanical gardens.

Outdoor Activities
There are plenty of outdoor activities you can experience within a 5 minutes drive from the villa at the Shingle Creek Regional Park.
Everything from kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding to running, walking and cycling.
Nearby you can also try your hand at indoor skydiving, 10 pin bowling and go-karting.
The Disney Wilderness Preserve (free admission) on the shores of Lake Russell is at the bottom of Poinciana Boulevard and offers 11,500 acres of unspoilt Florida fauna and flora.

Beaches
Our villa is pretty much equidistant from the Atlantic Coast and the Gulf Coast, 60 to 90 minutes away.
Head east to Cocoa Beach and Daytona Beach where you can actually drive on the beach. Nearby is the Kennedy Space Center and the Ron Jon Surf Shop.
To the west you will find Clearwater, St. Petersburg and the award winning Siesta Key Beach with its incredibly white icing sugar sand.
Read more in our guide to Central Florida beaches.

Shopping
Central Florida is a shopper's paradise. There are a number of small outlet malls and large discount stores on US 192 like the "end-of-line" Ross Dress for Less, Burlington and Bealls Outlet.
There are also plenty of large shopping malls and outlets offering discounted designer label goods.
The nearest large outlet mall is Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores, a 12 minutes drive away.
Heading north you will find two Orlando Premium Outlets (Vineland Avenue and International Drive), the Mall at Millenia and the Florida Mall.
Read more about the best shopping malls and outlets in the area.

Eating Out
There are literally hundreds of restaurants and bars within a few minutes drive from our villa, particularly along the bustling US 192. This vibrant stretch is home to numerous restaurants that cater to a wide array of tastes and preferences, from family-friendly establishments to upscale dining options, there is something for everyone.
There are also a host of restaurants in the theme parks and the resort hotels.
These days most restaurants also offer takeouts and home deliveries.

Relaxing
Don't forget you are on holiday, you do not need to rush about every day.
Take time out to enjoy the peace and tranquility of Eagle Pointe.
You can relax overlooking the lake, sunbathe, enjoy alfresco dining, go for a swim in your own private pool, fish in the lake, watch the wildlife, play pool in the air-conditioned games room, listen to music, watch TV or a DVD or just read a book.
