St Cloud, Florida, is 26 miles (42km) from Orlando, but if you’re worried about it being another tourist trap dominated by people who’ve come for the theme parks.
You’ll be pleasantly surprised should you choose to visit. The city, located in Osceola County, is designed to be different from the many locations nearby that serve the interests of big-city tourists. In St. Cloud, you’ll find more of a relaxed, small-town vibe that results from its initial origins as a retirement community for former servicemen and women. There’s still plenty for visitors to see and do here, and as you’ll see below, there’s something for everyone. Check out our review of the best things to do in St Cloud, Florida, and you can be sure of a fun holiday.
1. Go on a trail buggy adventure at Forever Florida
Florida is known for its theme parks, but if you’re not that interested in ducks and mice then you might find you enjoy a different type of animal-based attraction; you’ll find it at Forever Florida. A wildlife conservation area spanning more than 4700 acres (1902 hectares), this attraction features no fewer than nine separate ecosystems. Sitting on an open-air coach, you can see species as diverse as white-tailed deer and the native Florida panther, as well as hundreds of different species of bird. The trip takes you through a real ranch, where you can see another species native to the region, the Florida Cracker horse.
2. Take a horseback ride on the country trails
Still at Forever Florida, as a joyous alternative or addition to the open buggy, you could take an adventurous horseback ride through the delightful scenery while spotting some of the wildlife that hang out close to the trails. A truly magical wilderness experience, this ride was previously taken by the Native Americans as far back as the 16th Century. This eco-friendly trip gives you the chance to see spectacular sights and spend 90 minutes with your trusty steed as you look out for birds, alligators and more besides.
3. Try out bass fishing on East Lake Toho
East Lake Tohopekaliga, known more familiarly by the locals as Lake Toho, is a huge freshwater body, with St Cloud just one of a few cities that have sprung up on its banks. As part of your trip, you’d be well-advised to take the chance to head out onto its waters in a boat and enjoy some of the best fishing available in the region. Famous for its largemouth bass, as well as channel catfish, the lake is serenely beautiful, especially at sunset.
4. Tour the Reptile World Serpentarium
While everyone wants to swim with the dolphins, and coo over cute cubs in the zoo, it’s a shame that reptiles don’t get a bit more love. You can take the opportunity to change that with a visit to Reptile World, where you can see plenty of snakes including cobras and black mamba (and witness a fascinating and daring venom-milking display). The reptile world runs the gamut from the small - with adorable iguanas and bearded dragons - to the much larger, including alligators and crocodiles. It’s a true family trip, but one you certainly won’t regret making no matter how large or small your party.
5. Catch the big cats in action at Central Florida Animal Reserve
The magic of Central Florida Animal Reserve is that you get to see these majestic wild animals in their most relaxed environment. The phrase big cats is one that we use to talk about lions, tigers and other animals of that sort, but seeing them here, you’ll be amazed at just how familiar their behavior and demeanor is if you’ve got a pet or two yourself. All tours are guided - because these are, after all, still wild animals, as cute and well-behaved as they may be - and the non-profit reserve puts all proceeds into providing a contented life for the cats
6. Enjoy a picnic at Lake Runnymede Conservation Center
The natural beauty of the area surrounding St Cloud is something that lends itself to an endless list of sight-seeing opportunities. Lake Runnymede, an area of land bought by Osceola County as part of a conservation drive, is home to looming hardwood trees which provide an environment for native birds, squirrels and more creatures besides. Late afternoon walks allow you to enjoy some of the most incredible vistas as the sun comes through the trees, and it’s a perfect spot for a picnic.
7. Enjoy the bucolic splendor of Deseret Ranches
Set among citrus groves in Central Florida, the sprawling attraction that is Deseret Ranches will meet with approval from young and old members of the party alike. This is a traditional ranch which combines conservation, history and modern agriculture to provide an invaluable service to people in the region, and also offers visitors the chance to see the Floridian countryside at its best. Along with the ranch animals, there’s the chance to see Jug Island, an expansive wetland attraction that is home to a range of wading birds.
8. Pick perfect peaches at Premium Peach
If you’re visiting at the end of Spring, then you owe it to yourself to give this place some of your time! One of the highlights of St Cloud’s varied collection of agri-tourism attractions, Premium Peach is - as the name may suggest - a peach farm where guests are allowed to pick their own peaches. The humid, sub-tropical climate of the region is perfect for growing this succulent fruit, and when the fruit is in season, you can be sure of a colorful, delightful experience.
9. Soak up the sights (and smells) at Mick Farms
The joy of Mick Farms is that it truly is a feast for all the senses. Bright yellow sunflowers, juicy red strawberries and a plethora of freshly grown foods make this the perfect farm experience from a taste, sight and smell point of view. You can book some time for a photoshoot in the sunflower fields if you’re of an artistic frame of mind, or you can just enjoy the experience of a wander around the various fruit and veg patches, before taking some items home to enjoy as a meal or snack.
10. Hike through Peghorn Nature Park
St Cloud is, in many ways, ahead of its time, having been one of the first towns in all of America to address the importance of an ecological heritage. Peghorn Nature Park is one example of this approach - it’s a collection of hiking trails and curated areas that have been developed by the city’s Parks and Recreation department. The park gets its name from the cattle native to the area a century ago, whose horns grew in the shape of wooden pegs.
Read also: Top 10 things to do in Cannes, France
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