If you’re looking to find the top things to do in Winter Park, Florida, then this is the perfect guide for you!
Winter Park, a community of 30,000 people in Orange County, is just seven miles north of the City of Orlando. It has many outdoor areas, Saturday morning farmer’s market, golf courses, and more museums than one would ever expect to see in such a small area are among its many attractions.
It was built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by a number of affluent businessmen as a retreat for winter.
Boating, museums, Park Avenue shopping, and exquisite dining make it just as enjoyable now as it was back then.
When David’s family planned a group vacation for July, they insisted on renting a house in Winter Park for part of the week.
It sounded like a hiking, biking, running heaven to us, but we wondered what would there be for the kids and everyone not interested in exhausting themselves for hours in nature.
We found a ton of great things and blessedly, we were there while it was over 100 in Denver, so we could enjoy days of 75 filled with sunshine! The mountains really are magical winter or summer. (Above the results of an unexpected hike to 11,300 feet, mentioned as #2 below)
So here are my top 7 Winter Park Summer must see, do, love experiences.
1. Scenic Boat Tour
The ideal way to experience Winter Park is on the Scenic Boat Tour, which is a must-do. Since 1938, it has been the oldest and largest tourist attraction in the state of Florida. They are open seven days a week, 364 days a year, apart from Christmas, of course!.
The Winter Park network of lakes is linked by navigable canals that were built in the middle of the 1800s by famous lumberman Charles Mizell to transport his goods between six lakes: Maitland, Minnehaha, Mizell, Nina, Osceola, and Virginia.
Since the lakes’ water levels may increase significantly during the rainy season and there isn’t enough room for the boats to pass under the numerous bridges that cross the canals, pontoon boats aren’t allowed to have a roof or other covering.
That being said, it is well worth the journey to observe individuals pontooning around the lake, as the panorama of historic homes on the lake offers solace.
2. Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens
Visible from the Scenic Boat Tour, the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens contain more than 400 bronze sculptures. It remains a popular wedding venue and was donated by the artist’s wife following the death of the Czech-American talent in 1962.
Art galleries in Winter Park regularly host berry-themed events. The town also has the Winter Park History Museum, the Rollins Museum of Art, the Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum, and the Hannibal Square Heritage Center.
I recommend checking out the Crealde School of Art if you are interested in summer art camp or classes.
3. Charles Hosmer Morse Museum Of American Art
Another great place to check out is the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art. His granddaughter Jeannette Genius McKean and her spouse Hugh McKean, who had previously completed an internship with Louis Comfort Tiffany glass, established this place.
It has a stunning collection of works from Louis Comfort Tiffany and trust me you’ll appreciate it, even if you’re not into art. It features colorful, luminous Tiffany glass that you won’t be able to get enough of.
4. Winter Park Summer Activities
Like any good business, Winter Park resort knows that they can’t be active just part of the year! They take full advantage of the summer by turning the base into a great family fun park with putt putt, rock climbing, bouncy houses, bungee jumps, an alpine slide, rides up the mountain and for the adventurous some intense downhill mountain biking.
While It doesn’t bother me to say be up high climbing a hill or a mountain, I find that every time I try to climb a rock wall my arms and legs begin shaking uncontrollably! I had three nephews watching though so it was time to suck it up and just get to the top.
I’d actually love to climb more as it’s such a great workout. On the other side of things was flinging ourselves down the mountain in plastic sleds on the alpine slide. It turned out to be seriously fun! You ride the chair lift up and then zip down through some crazy twists and turns.
5. Second Creek Hike
On your way into or out of the mountains you’d be remiss not to stop at one or more of the available trails. We happened to catch a sign for Second Creek and decided to hop out for a quick exploration.
We were rewarded with beautiful water cascading down the mountain and then a nice 1 mile climb from 10,000 feet to 11,300 for complete panoramic views of the surrounding area. I won’t lie the hike was both technical and hard from the altitude, but so worth every single step.
In the video you’ll see a few more of our photos from this hike, including that beautiful water!! On our way out of the mountains, we stopped at a few more places including the one below. If you simply keep your eyes peeled while driving you’ll notice little pull over areas or trail signs.
Stop. Hop out. You’ll find a trail and a world of beauty.
6. Continental Divide
If you’re looking for a more family friendly hike, I recommend stopping mid-way up Highway 40 on the way to Winter Park at the Continental Divide.
There are some great signs that explain more about the area and then a number of trails which provide options for a super intense hike or a more leisurely exploration.
We took the nephews up the fire road a little ways and that leads to a path which goes more across the mountain than up.
Making it fun for exploring the woods, but not so much a hike that is going to work up a sweat. The result is reaching an open area with once again…amazing views. I know I need to find more ways to describe it.
7. Hideaway Park
In the heart of downtown Winter Park is Hideaway Park, which not only hosts free music and other performances throughout the summer but on it’s own can be a lot of fun.
A large playground, climbing wall and skate park, were a big hit with the little one’s in our group and it’s location near restaurants and additional trails made it convenient for everyone.
8. Biking/Running Fraser Trail
For young and old bikers, the paved Fraser trail is a great way to get in a little bit of nature without pushing your adventure limits too far. This trail starts just outside the Winter Park Resort and runs along the river through Downtown Winter Park and beyond, connecting with a number of other trails.
The Fraser Trail is paved making it a great option for a family bike outing if not everyone (raises hand) loves the adrenaline of mountain biking, but still wants to get out and enjoy nature!
9. Dog Sled Tours
Of course there isn’t enough snow to be found for a true dog sled ride, but that doesn’t stop these active animals from wanting to run! During the summer, the dogs will pull a cart (of up to 4 people) allowing you to get the same sensation and of course enjoy these wonderful animals.
Additionally, with Dog Sled Rides of Winter Park you can enjoy a kennel tour to learn more about their training, feeding and the whole exciting life of a beautiful dogs. This wasn’t something we had a chance to do, so it’s on my list for our next visit.
10. Saturday Morning Farmers Market
Described as the ‘number one produce and plant market in Central Florida’ Winter Park’s Farmers Market is located in the city’s central park.
It definitely lives up to the hype by being a beautiful place where vendors and shoppers can enjoy the fresh, colorful produce, plants, baked goods, handmade crafts, and other goods on offer.
The City of Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival takes place in this exact spot, every year. The train station is not far away. In fact, the Amtrak continues to provide service there.
11. Kraft Azalea Gardens
Although mead botanical gardens is a well-known destination among visitors, Kraft Azalea Gardens continues to be an exceptional yet lesser-known feature of Winter Park.
It’s a wonderful setting, well-liked for birthday celebrations, marriage proposals, and weddings.
Located on the shores of Lake Maitland, this five-acre public garden is accessible all year long and is free to enter.
It features a boat port, benches, and an additional eight acres of park land beyond the garden for exploration. Visit the northernmost Banyan Tree in the state of Florida, stroll the great egret rookery, or unwind at The Exedra, which is reminiscent of Golden Gate Park’s Spreckels Temple of Music.
12. The Foundry
Should you happen to show up on a day of rain, you can still have a great time at the Foundry. Bowling, movies, billiards, wood fired pizza, everything you need for a family friendly afternoon.
13. Shop and Eat in Winter Park
If you’re in Winter Park and are looking for places to shop and eat, here are some of the top picks:
Rifle Paper Company
Park Avenue in Winter Park features 140 specialty shops, cafés, boutiques, and coffee stores spread across ten tree-canopped blocks. You have to visit Rifle Paper Company if you love stationery.
The Wine Room On Park Avenue
A visit to The Wine Room is highly recommended for those in search of a lavish dining experience accompanied by an exceptional selection of wines, cheeses, and charcuterie.
Rollins College
You will be tempted to visit Rollins College by its student cafeteria, Skillman Dining Hall, and the Boat House, but you will still want to stroll around and observe why the campus is ranked so highly on the ‘Most Beautiful College Campus’ list each year.
The college’s cafeteria offers some of the nicest views on campus across an Olympic-sized pool overlooking Lake Virginia. It is spacious, bright, and inviting.
The Ravenous Pig
Nominated chefs for the James Beard, James and Julie Petrakis have been refining The Ravenous Pig’s client experience for sixteen years.
Try the fried chicken cordon bleu or pimento cheese fries. You can also go for the s’mores French toast, which is a thick, dark brioche served with maple syrup, toasted marshmallow, and a dark chocolate mousse if you’re in the mood for a Florida twist.
Order the longboard of charcuterie that spans the whole five-seat round-top table for an absolute treat.
What’s something surprising you’ve found in your area for summer fun?
Coming to CO anytime soon, let me know!! I’m always up for a run.
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Ashley @ A Lady Goes West
I totally clicked on this thinking you meant Winter Park, Florida! hahah! I used to live in Orlando and was very interested in what you had to say … :) But now I want to go to Colorado!
amanda -runtothefinish
Since I did just move from Orlando, that is not an unreasonable assumption at all!!
Laura @ This Runner's Recipes
Colorado looks so beautiful! I’m hoping to visit Fort Collins in September (my brother in law lives there) and every time I see your photos I’m like, yep…definitely need to visit for a few days to see the whole area around Denver! The Dog Sled tour sounds really interesting but I would have to get a run on that trail before anything else.
Hannah
My family stayed really close by last month, but didn’t go to Winter Park. Now I’m wishing we had checked out the rock climbing and trails!
Lindsay Cotter
After seeing your recommendations and pictures, I really would love to vacation in Winter Park for our summer vacation! We love the outdoors and would totally enjoy any of these ideas on your list!