Winter Garden Explore Local With RVshare

The city of Winter Garden is located in the western part of Orange County, Florida, just minutes from Orlando. It’s home to around 50,000 people, and despite being a smaller city, is still home to numerous attractions and activities, including everything from museums and markets, to performing arts theatres and picturesque parks.  

Even those who have lived in the city for a decade would agree they haven’t experienced all that Winter Garden has to offer, while for those new to the region – well, they’ve got a lot to look forward to as well.

Ready to discover the best of Winter Garden, Florida? Let’s get started!

*Note: Some of the suggestions may not be doable due to coronavirus closures, but keep this list handy for when things start opening back up more! Be sure to check individual pages for specific operation details.

Winter Garden isn’t all hustle and bustle! There are also plenty of state parks and national parks both within and surrounding the area, all of which provide a tranquil escape for those looking to surround themselves by nature.

Lake Louisa State Park

Less than a 3-minute drive from Winter Garden is the popular Lake Louisa State Park. Nicknamed the “natural theme park”, this place is overflowing with nature’s beauty and recreational activities for both the young and old. Home to three major lakes, the park is a go-to for water lovers, particularly with activities such as canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding. Other activities include biking and hiking.

Wekiwa Springs State Park

Just a 25-minute drive north of the city is the Wekiwa Springs State Park, with its beautiful emerald springs, miles of picturesque trails, and purple pickerel weed blooms. Here, you and your family can partake in activities such as hiking, biking, camping, swimming, fishing, paddling, snorkeling, and so much more. It’s like paradise, all under half-an-hour from the heart of Winter Garden!

Blue Spring State Park

At just under an hour’s drive from Winter Garden, Blue Springs State Park is well worth the drive. You see, it’s the home of the much-loved manatee, known as gentle giants of the sea. The tranquil Blue Spring houses refreshing 72-degree water, making it another perfect place to visit when the sun is shining, and the weather calls for an entire day spent outdoors. Along with fishing, picnicking, swimming, boat tours, tubing, scuba diving, and snorkeling, you can also camp here overnight.

De León Springs State Park

De León Springs State Park is another popular state park within the region, but this one is a little bit different. You see, it features over 6,000 years of cultural and natural history in the one location and offers swimming opportunities like no other. It was once called “Healing Waters” by Mayaca Indians who inhabited the area, and to this day, visitors find this sentiment to ring true. Its clear water revitalizes the mind and body!

Silver Springs State Park

The 4,000-acre Silver Springs State Park is a whole new and unique experience. It’s less than a 1.5-hour drive from Winter Garden, but along with its incredible natural beauty and world-famous springs, the park also provides plenty of activities, making you almost feel as though you’re at a theme park. Enjoy a glass-bottom boat tour, plenty of on-site dining options, paddling, hiking, wildlife watching, and camping. Plus, check out the Silver River Museum and Cracker Village.

Still need to get your nature fix? If you’re craving seeing even more of the beautiful scenery that surrounds Winter Garden, then there are also plenty of hiking and walking trails for you and your family to enjoy.

West Orange Trail

If you’re looking for a hiking trail outside of the state parks and in the heart of the city, then there’s only one worth mentioning, according to the locals: the West Orange Trail. The West Orange Trail stretches for 22 miles and is accessible from four trailheads throughout the region. Most of it is built on old railroad alignments, allowing for an easy to moderate walk. Along with running or walking the trail, you can also cycle along it.

Winter Garden is home to a bustling and trendy dining scene, so there’s sure to be a restaurant, café, or diner to satisfy your cravings. If you’ve worked up an appetite after a long hike, or simply feel like treating yourself to a delicacy, then you’re in luck. Here are our top restaurant recommendations!

Miller’s Ale House

Miller’s Ale House is a local restaurant and sports bar that’s sure to delight – whether you’re there to watch your team play on TV, enjoy a delicious pub dinner, or sit back with an alcoholic beverage. They’re known for their wide variety of freshly prepared dishes, and daily lunch, dinner and cocktail specials. Don’t miss the signature, fresh boneless chicken Zingers!

Winter Garden Pizza

Does it get much better than freshly baked pizzas, topped with your favorite ingredients? AtWinter Garden Pizza, you can enjoy mouth-watering pizzas such as chicken alfredo, Hawaiian, chicken pesto, meat lovers, veggie, and so much more. If pizza isn’t your thing though, then you can also order menu items such as wings, wraps, sandwiches, and salads. No one has to miss out!

The Big Easy

AtThe Big Easy, you can expect slow-cooked food using only the freshest of ingredients. In fact, ingredients are sourced from local farmer’s markets whenever possible, helping to create the best possible experience for customers. Just some of the favorites you’ll encounter here include fried green tomatoes, Cajun crab cakes, a famous turkey burger, and redfish Orleans.

The Chef’s Table

The Chef’s Table is located at The Edgewater and offers a dining experience like no other. You see, it all begins with a visit from the chef himself, to your table, to personally discuss each of his dishes. You can also observe the chefs in the kitchen as they set about creating their incredible meals, or sit back and enjoy your food and wines in their cozy dining room. Looking for something a little more casual? Try the Tasting Room instead, which offers small plates, craft beers, and a full bar.

Bonefish Grill

Craving some of the finest seafood within the region? Look no further thanBonefish Grill, which takes fine dining to new heights. The restaurant has been running since the year 2000, and since then, they’ve attracted diners in hoards. Sit back and enjoy their “big city bar”, or awaken your palette with dishes such as blackened salmon pasta, crab-crusted cod, or pecan parmesan-crusted rainbow trout.

After feasting and enjoying all that the hiking trails and state parks have to offer, you may be wondering: “what next?” Well, when it comes to Winter Garden’s attractions and activities, you’re only just getting started. Here are some of the most fun things on offer in and around the city!

For kids and families

Looking to entertain some little ones? Or perhaps you’ve got some teenagers in-tow who are starting to get a little bored? Either way, these attractions will entertain both children, teens, and adults alike!

Winter Garden Interactive Fountain & Splashpad

Let’s face it, children love fountains, but this one is synchronized and features fun patterns that kids can interact with. Plus, there’s asplash pad onsite too, making this little slice of Winter Garden one of the best places to come to when you and your family feel like a quick cool-off in summer! The splash pad is open from 9 A.M. to 9 P.M.

Newton Park

If you’ve explored all of the nearby state parks and are still craving some outdoor recreation, then you’re in luck.Newton Park is located within Winter Garden and is perfect for kicking around a ball, having a picnic or BBQ, launching your boat, and letting the kids enjoy the play equipment. Your four-legged friends can even come along for the day too, providing that they are on a leash at all times. 

At night

What should you do in Winter Garden once the sun goes down? We’re glad you asked! Here are our suggested night-time attractions.

Garden Theatre

Is there anything more fun or entertaining than a live show to end your night with? TheGarden Theatre was originally built in 1935 as a single screen cinema, but now, houses multiple performances and events each week. Check out their plays, concerts, and movies schedule to see what’s on show, then swing by the box office to grab your tickets.

Crooked Can Brewing Company

Inside the famous Plant Street Market is theCrooked Can Brewing Company, which blends together old-world techniques with cutting edge brewing practices for full-bodied, tastefully crisp beer. Why not grab a bite to eat at the Market (choose from delicious, locally sourced fare), then swing by Crooked Can for a beer like no other?

On the cheap

What can you do in or around Winter Garden that won’t cost anything more than a few dollars? The answer: plenty! Here are just two of our favorite attractions within the area that can be enjoyed on the cheap.

Plant Street Market

Speaking ofPlant Street Market, have you visited it yet? It’s one of Winter Garden’s most loved attractions, so isn’t to be missed! This local community market is located in historic downtown Winter Garden and houses 20 vendors featuring natural, organic food and handmade products. Who knows what treasures or delicacies you will find!

Tucker Ranch Recreation and Nature Complex

By now, you’ve probably noticed that Winter Garden is home to a lot of beautiful, must-visit parks.Tucker Ranch is just one of them and it features meandering and lakeside trails, dense greenery and flowering foliage, and diverse landscapes such as wetlands and forest. Enjoy recreational activities such as canoeing and kayaking, as well as hiking and picnicking.

Free things to do in Winter Garden

Looking to get the most out of your time spent within the city of Winter Garden? Whether you want a fun way to waste away a Sunday afternoon or a date idea that won’t break the budget – here are our most recommended things to do in Winter Garden that won’t cost you a cent.

Winter Garden Heritage Foundation

TheWinter Garden Heritage Foundation aims to “preserve our heritage and architecture while creating new cultural experiences”. The Foundation is home to multiple attractions worthy of a visit, including a History Research & Education Center, Heritage Museum, and Central Florida Railroad Museum. Best of all? They’re free to attend, but donations are encouraged!

Lake Apopka

Fancy visiting one of the state’s largest bodies of water? Back in the 1940s, Lake Apopka was one of Central Florida's main attractions, attracting anglers from all over the country to try their luck at catching the large bass that called it home. These days, it serves as a sanctuary for migratory birds, otters, and alligators, and offers a popular loop trail for hikers and bikers.

Spas in Winter Garden

Alright, by now you’ve probably been on your feet all day exploring the sights and delights that Winter Garden has to offer. If you’re craving some rest and relaxation, or even a bit of pampering, these are two of the best spas in the region.

Bombshell Salon & Spa

If you’re looking for a family friendly salon located in the heart of downtown Winter Garden, then theBombshell Salon & Spa is for you. They offer spa treatments such as facials (including the sought-after hot stone facial), dermaplaning, chemical peels, dermabrasion, and more.

Best Shape Spa Winter Garden

Best Shape Spa Winter Garden is more than your average spa. You see, it’s a weight loss and aesthetic center, offering treatments to combat common issues such as cellulite, flaccidity, and localized fat, and aid in fast weight loss. It might not be all massages and facials, but if it’s the kid of spa you’re after, then locals do nothing but praise this place.

Best gyms and yoga studios

If rejuvenation for you is less about deep relaxation and more about sweating it out, then you’re in luck. Winter Garden is home to some of the highest-rated gyms and yoga studios within the region. It’s time to get physical!

Hardcore Fitness Bootcamp

Hardcore Fitness Bootcamp describes themselves as “a supportive and motivating community that welcomes all new members with open arms”. Here, you’ll have access to numerous, helpful amenities, including lockers, grab-n-go healthy premade food options, showers, and a traditional open gym.

Winter Garden Yoga

AtWinter Garden Yoga, it’s not about “twisting yourself into a pretzel”, as they say. Rather, their yoga classes are low-impact and safe, and have been designed to help you improve your mobility, increase energy, improve posture, alleviate aches and pains, and relieve you of your daily stresses. Now, that’s more like it!

Looking to fulfill your wanderlust by heading outside of the region for a day? You could spend decades within Winter Garden without barely scratching the surface of all there is to do in this large city, but consider these day trips next time you fancy a new adventure.

Everglades National Park

Around a 4-hour drive from Winter City is the famousEverglades National Park, which encompasses the scenic bottom tip of Florida. This topical wetland is well worth the journey, as the World Heritage listed site is also an important habitat for numerous rare and endangered species, including the manatee, American crocodile, and Florida panther. Enjoy activities such as bicycling, boating, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and hiking. Plus, you can even camp overnight!

Tampa

Further to the west coast, you’ll find the major city ofTampa, which is just a 1.5-hour drive from Winter Garden. There are so many things to do here, whether it’s visiting Busch Gardens (an African-themed amusement park), the Florida Aquarium, or ZooTampa, or visiting the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and the much-loved Dinosaur World. Honestly, there’s something here for everyone!

As a final reminder, some of these activities may need to wait until businesses fully reopen from coronavirus closures. However, there is still much to see and experience in Winter Garden that you can enjoy today! What are your favorite spots in Winter Garden? Send them our way to [email protected] or by tagging us on Instagram @rvshare and using the hashtag #rvsharelocal.