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If you find yourself in Orlando, Florida, chances are you are planning to visit one of its many famous theme parks. If you are looking for a more relaxing experience, you should check out the Scenic Boat Tour in nearby Winter Park. I recently experienced this tour and highly recommend it! Keep reading to find out more about it.
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Where is Winter Park?
Winter Park is a small city located near Orlando, Florida. It is only about 6 miles, or a 15-minute drive, from Orlando.
Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour
Scenic Boat Tour has been offering boat rides around Winter Park for over 85 years!
These boat tours last an hour and include a “skipper” or captain who explains the history and attractions of the surrounding areas.
Cost of Tour
The cost of admission for adults is $20 each, whereas the cost for children (ages 2-11) is $10 each.
Admission is first come, first served.
Opening Hours
Scenic Boat Tour is open every day (except Christmas) from 10 AM to 4 PM. All boats depart every hour on the hour.
Scenic Boat Tour Points of Interest
Lake Osceola
You will start your journey on Lake Osceola. Here, you can admire the old historical buildings that line the shore, as well as some newer luxury homes. If you are lucky, you might see an alligator sunbathing on the shore.
Lake Virginia
Lake Virginia is smaller than Lake Osceola, but there is usually more activity on it. Rollins College, located right on the shore of the lake, offers a sailing class, so students are often seen paddling nearby.
Lake Maitland
Lake Maitland is the final lake that you will explore on this trip. Like the other two lakes, Lake Maitland is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna. It is also surrounded by several upper-class communities. As you traverse the lake, you will be able to admire the luxurious homes of the residents, which include famous athletes and celebrities.
Fern & Venetian Canals
In order to travel between the different lakes, the captain will guide your boat down two narrow canals.
First, you will go down the Fern Canal to reach Lake Virginia. You will have to duck your head under a low-lying bridge in order to pass.
Later, you will pass through the Venetian Canal. Here, you will be able to admire the expensive real estate on either side of the canal, including small boat houses that have sold for $300,000!
Rollins College
Rollins College, located along Lake Virginia, is a private liberal arts college and one of the oldest colleges in Florida. One of its most famous residents was Mr. Rogers, who is honored there to this day.
While on the tour, you will be able to appreciate the natural beauty of the campus and the architecture of the buildings. However, I also recommend visiting the campus after the tour is completed. Sitting along the lake shore there is a great way to wrap up your visit!
Best Day Trips From Winter Park
1. Wekiwa Springs
Located about 30 minutes from Winter Park, Wekiwa Springs is a popular place to relax and enjoy the unique fauna of Florida. You can canoe down a river, spot alligators and manatees, and swim in a warm pool formed from natural springs.
2. Orlando Theme Parks
Orlando has several world-famous theme parks, including Walt Disney World Resort, Universal World Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando. These parks draw visitors from all over the world, and are definitely worth checking out!
3. Clearwater Beach
Located about 2 hours west of Winter Park, Clearwater Beach is a popular destination for those looking for a relaxing vacation. This white sandy beach is consistently voted as one of the best beaches in the United States.
4. Kennedy Space Center
The famous Kennedy Space Center is located about 1 hour east of Winter Park. You will be amazed as you check out real space shuttles and rockets that were used by the United States over the past few decades!
Where to Stay Around Winter Park
The price and availability of hotels can vary dramatically depending on the time of year. Therefore, it’s best to book your hotel in advance.
The SpringHill Suites is a highly-rated hotel in Winter Park. It is located only a few minutes from the Scenic Boat Tour dock and Rollins College!
For more accommodation options, I recommend looking in Orlando. This is only a short drive away, but has plenty of options for places to stay. Check out the AC Hotel in downtown for luxury and convenience.
Check out the map below to see available accommodations.
Best Time to Visit Winter Park
Winter Park is beautiful all year round. However, it can get pretty hot in the summer. In addition, the cost of flights and hotels can increase during this time, as it is peak season.
The best time to visit Winter Park is in late winter or early spring. Not only will the warm weather be a welcome relief from the cold, but also hotels and flights will be relatively inexpensive.
