Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Apopka, FL

The premier destination for outdoor exploration in Central Florida, Apopka is located near the headwaters of the Wekiva River.

The crystal-clear waters at Wekiwa Springs State Park and Kelly Park maintain a pleasant temperature year-round, making them particularly enjoyable during the hot summer months.

Visitors are drawn to the springs for swimming, tubing, or embarking on adventurous paddling excursions down the Wekiva River, where they can observe alligators, wading birds, and a rich array of wildlife.

To the southwest lies Lake Apopka, Florida’s fourth-largest lake. Once deemed a dead zone, Lake Apopka has experienced significant recovery and now offers both driving and hiking trails along its undeveloped northern shore.

All the major attractions in the Orlando area are readily accessible. In particular, the West Orange Trail offers a delightful route to nearby communities. Winter Garden, located just a few miles south, features an exceptional farmers’ market.

1. Wekiwa Springs State Park

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Located just minutes from Apopka, Wekiwa Springs State Park provides a serene environment for those seeking a peaceful alternative to the region’s lively theme parks.

The park is positioned at the headwaters of the Wekiva River, nourished by azure springs that have captivated visitors since the mid-1800s.

Guests can explore lush tropical hammocks or enjoy leisurely paddling along the gentle waters of Wekiwa Run.

The swimming area at Wekiwa Springs is remarkably inviting, with temperatures remaining a refreshing 72°F throughout the year. The water’s clarity is exceptional, and it is advisable to bring goggles to appreciate the springs bubbling from deep below.

2. Kelly Park

Rock Springs Run, a ten-mile tributary of the Wekiva River, rises near the northern boundary of this picturesque park just north of Apopka.

Similar to other nearby springs, Rock Springs Run maintains a consistent temperature of around 70°F year-round, making it a delightful spot for tubing during summer.

With its crystalline waters, the creek winds past verdant banks adorned with palms, oaks, American sweetgum, tulip trees, and cabbage palmettos.

The water offers sparkling visibility both above and below, where abundant wildlife can be observed. On my last visit, I encountered turtles, deer, a great white heron, and playful otters.

3. Wekiva Island

Located on the southeastern edge of Wekiwa Springs State Park, Wekiva Island is a privately owned recreational facility that provides a variety of activities and amenities.

The primary offering consists of canoe and kayak rentals for excellent paddling expeditions along the Wekiva River. This experience is somewhat more adventurous than those previously mentioned.

From the comfort of your vessel, you’ll likely see numerous alligators, along with turtles, wading birds, and possibly some otters. The alligators tend to be small and maintain a cautious distance.

Back at the center, amenities include a boardwalk, a general store, and the Without a Paddle Café, which features a deck overlooking the water.

Wekiva Island maintains a lively ambiance, and private cabanas can be rented for a day of relaxation and enjoyment in the spring-fed waters.

4. Lake Apopka

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Since the 1980s, Lake Apopka has undergone a remarkable transformation initiated by the acquisition of agricultural land on its northern shore, establishing an Enhancement Area.

Once the most polluted water body in the state due to agricultural runoff, it has returned to a relatively pristine state. Fish populations have thrived, resulting in the resurgence of the bird species that prey on them.

Since 2014, it has been possible to traverse Lake Apopka’s northern shoreline via a 17.6-mile trail, with the eastern trailhead located at Magnolia Park in the southern part of Apopka.

During my visit, I enjoyed an exhilarating bike ride through the wetlands where I observed a roseate spoonbill, turtles, and several alligators along the way.

5. West Orange Trail

This 22-mile rail trail connects Apopka and Killarney, following the paths of at least four historical railroads.

Established in 1999, the award-winning West Orange Trail provides an excellent means of accessing Winter Garden without the use of a vehicle, progressing through Plant Street, the heart of downtown.

Positioned along the trail is the Central Florida Railroad Museum, situated in a preserved 1913 depot. Several bike rental facilities are also available along the route at Winter Garden and Oakland.

An ideal starting point for your journey is Apopka Station, situated downtown, which features a small park equipped with a fountain, picnic tables, and a playground.

6. Magnolia Park

Magnolia Park holds many fond memories for me, especially on winter evenings right before closing, offering a stunning view of the sunset over the expansive lake.

This park also serves as a starting point for the lengthy trail through the reclaimed wetlands along the lake’s northern shore.

If you prefer to relax at Magnolia Park, there are playgrounds, sports facilities, picnic areas, and abundant wildlife to observe.

Alligators are a common sight, and the lake’s revitalized waters attract sandhill cranes and roseate spoonbills to the shoreline. Surprisingly, peacocks have also been known to roam freely in this area.

7. Avian Reconditioning Center (ARC)

Established in 2001, the Avian Reconditioning Center focuses on the rescue and rehabilitation of birds of prey while fostering public awareness about Central Florida’s avian species.

Integral to the center are three flight barns, varying in length from 30 to 100 feet, where kestrels, Cooper’s hawks, owls, and bald eagles develop the skills necessary for survival in the wild.

The center welcomes visitors every Saturday throughout the year, excluding August. This experience is truly memorable, allowing close-up encounters with raptors in the education pavilion, complemented by flight demonstrations featuring hawks throughout the day.

8. Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive

Visitors can explore the expansive wetlands on the northern shore of Lake Apopka without leaving their vehicles.

The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive offers a complimentary safari-like experience along an 11-mile one-way route through lush marshland and floodplain, abundant with native Florida wildlife.

With a speed limit of 10 mph, there are numerous opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenery or embark on a short nature hike.

During my visit, I regretted not having binoculars; however, I was able to identify an anhinga, several egrets, and a multitude of herons, with alligators plentiful as well.

9. Museum of the Apopkans

One quiet Friday afternoon, I spent an enlightening hour exploring the exhibits at this local history museum in Apopka.

The museum, established in 1968, boasts an extensive collection containing artifacts from the 19th century through the 1950s.

I was particularly intrigued by the Native American exhibits, which feature numerous arrowheads found along the shores of Lake Apopka.

Other highlights include an 1886 map of the town, a foot-powered sewing machine, a 1948 tractor, and various tools used for cultivating citrus trees and ferns.

10. Apopka Art and Foliage Festival

Apopka’s most notable annual event occurs at the end of April in Kit Land Nelson Park.

Hosted by the Apopka Woman’s Club for over sixty years, the Apopka Art and Foliage Festival seamlessly merges art with horticultural displays.

The event features an art and crafts fair showcasing award-winning artists and artisans from the region, alongside presentations from knowledgeable plant specialists displaying locally cultivated species.

The Arts and Foliage Festival is filled with vibrant activities, including live music, family-friendly entertainment, and diverse culinary offerings.

11. Wekiva Golf Club

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A local favorite for over fifty years, Wekiva Golf Club offers an affordable alternative to the resort courses throughout Orlando.

Alongside reasonable pricing, this 18-hole par 72 course features well-maintained fairways, abundant water hazards, and smooth greens that have recently been replaced with Champions Bermuda grass.

What captivated me most about Wekiva Golf Club was its layout. The fairways are bordered by mature pines, oaks, and palms, featuring numerous doglegs and risk-reward opportunities.

Facility offerings include a pro shop, a driving range, and The Wekiva Grill, which provides cold drinks, snacks, and light meals.

12. Winter Garden Farmers’ Market

Situated on the southern shore of Lake Apopka, Winter Garden is a picturesque and historic city, originally settled by Europeans in the mid-19th century.

For me, the ideal time to visit is on Saturday mornings when the farmers’ market is in full swing. Each week, over 100 vendors set up, approximately 20% of whom are local farmers.

Held at the charming downtown pavilion, the market features a wide variety of seasonal fresh produce, plants, baked goods, herbs, artisan crafts, and prepared foods and beverages.

The market always includes live music and seasonal festivities, along with a complimentary craft station for children and family-friendly games on the lawn.

13. Blue Spring State Park

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If you are prepared to venture a bit further, my recommendation for a day trip is this remarkable location along the St. John’s River.

Blue Spring State Park contains the largest spring on the watercourse, contributing over 100 million gallons of water to the river each day.

From mid-November to mid-March, the temperate 73°F waters entice West Indian manatees. In fact, these gentle giants have been appearing in unprecedented numbers.

During the year I composed this article, more than 720 manatees visited to bask in the spring. Visitors can admire these creatures from the boardwalk that lines Blue Spring Run.

Water activities are prohibited during this season; however, at other times, it serves as an excellent spot for paddling, tubing, or snorkeling in its clear waters.

14. Walt Disney World Orlando

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It is important to note that the world’s most renowned and frequently visited theme park resort is located merely 20 minutes from Apopka.

Encompassing over 40 square miles, Walt Disney World features four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Additionally, the resort includes two water parks—Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon—along with numerous hotels, full-service spas, and five golf courses.

This is not everything; the property also contains the entertainment-centric Disney Springs and the expansive ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex spanning 220 acres.

Walt Disney World provides attractions for individuals of all ages and interests, whether guests seek excitement, relaxation, or the chance to recapture a sense of childlike wonder.

15. Universal Orlando Resort

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Disney’s primary rival is also conveniently located near Apopka. Like its competitor, Universal Orlando Resort encompasses a multitude of attractions and experiences within one expansive complex.

Everything from the theme parks to its eight hotels is infused with the excitement of some of pop culture’s most cherished intellectual properties, from Spider-Man to Harry Potter.

The two theme parks, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, offer stunning Hollywood-style experiences filled with family-friendly fun and exhilarating thrills.

Completing the package is Volcano Bay, a water park, alongside the dynamic Universal CityWalk Orlando, which encompasses dining, shopping, and lively entertainment.