Social distancing comes naturally in Orlando North, Seminole County. Our destination, located just north of Orlando’s famous theme parks (where crowds make social distancing difficult), is all about sunny skies, warm weather, cool water, and open spaces. Lots and lots of open spaces.
The health and safety of visitors is our number one priority these days. That’s why we have social distancing guidelines in place, and our hotels and restaurants are going to great lengths to implement and enforce CDC guidelines. Beyond that, however, we offer an abundance of activities where you’re a lot less likely to encounter a crowd. Here are a few examples:
Get Out, Get Moving
Orlando North has a wide variety of places for you to hike, bike, and run. Our trail system is top-notch, ranging from long, paved courses that wind through urban, suburban, and semi-rural areas (Cross Seminole Trail, Seminole Wekiva Trail) to stretches of rugged terrain through forested areas (Geneva Wilderness Area, Lake Jesup Conservation Area). Trekkers are sure to find ample shade through any of these passageways.
Cyclists can get their miles in on any of several paved trails, while off-road bikers can barrel through the seven miles of trails and loops at Little Big Econ State Forest. With so many hiking, biking and running options, it’s unlikely you’ll encounter many crowds, but bring a mask along anyway — you may want to stop for refreshments. Click here for more information on Seminole County trails. As a bonus, our destination is renowned for bird-watching with many wilderness areas featuring a wide array of species.
Get Your Paddle On
With more than 2,000 lakes and rivers, Orlando North,Seminole County makes it easy to find a place to get in some kayaking, canoeing or paddleboarding. Many of the state, county, and city parks feature bodies of water where you can drop in a craft and take a leisurely paddle. Lake Jesup and Lake Monroe are large enough to provide ample opportunities for exploration.
If there’s a can’t-miss place, though, it’s the Wekiva River, a 16-mile, spring-fed waterway that stays a refreshing 72-degrees year-round. It serpentines its way through a good portion of Seminole County, much of it untamed land. You can launch your own vessel, or a rented one, from various access points. If you prefer a more organized excursion, Wekiva Springs State Park Nature Adventures rents watercraft and offers guided and self-guided paddling adventures. Either way, you’re guaranteed to experience plenty of natural Florida along the way. If you’ve never paddled before, worry not: Orlando North is loaded with outfitters that will rent you watercraft, provide lessons and advice, and take you out on tours.
Fishing That’s Off the Hook
The fishing around here is crappie. (See what we did there?) Orlando North is ranked one of the Top 10 crappie fishing destinations in the country, and that’s good news for anglers. These little fish give you a good fight, and they’re great eating, too. One blogger put it this way: “Crappie are favorites because the certainty of some kind of fishing action is far better than promised battles that never come.” That makes it ideal if you’re fishing with kids.
Orlando North’s plethora of rivers and lakes teem with other fish as well, including bream and bass. You can hire a charter, rent a boat, or cast from the banks of a river or lake. Click here for more information about charters and locations.
Attractions That Don’t Cramp Your Style
If donning a mask to enter a crowded attraction is not your idea of fun right now, Orlando North is the ideal getaway. We’re all about open spaces — and that includes our attractions, most of which are ready to welcome you. Here are a few examples:
• Wekiva Island, 16 miles north of downtown Orlando, is a five-acre complex right on the Wekiva River where you can rent a watercraft, take a plunge in 72-degree water or get a small group together and rent a cabana. It’s all outdoors, friends. Wekiva Island has instituted enhanced health and safety protocols, too.
• The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is a renowned 26-acre facility with more than 400 animals, all of it melded into lush, colorful grounds filled with native flora and fauna. Also part of the complex is Seminole Aerial Adventures, a first-rate ziplining park. Click here to learn about the zoo’s modified operations.
The Black Hammock is a rustic, real-Florida attraction renowned for its thrilling airboat rides around Lake Jesup. Vacation rental homes are also available close by. The Black Hammock is adhering to social distancing protocols, even on their boats.
For more about safe travel, listen to Dr. Todd M. Husty discuss travel during these times on the ONSC Podcast! That episode and more can be found here:
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