Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Altamonte Springs, FL

A northern suburb of Orlando, Altamonte Springs is primarily a residential community highlighted by a lakefront central business district.

Cranes Roost Park serves as the city’s outdoor gathering area on the shores of the lake, where residents congregate for events such as the 4th of July celebrations.

Located just minutes away from downtown Orlando and even closer to the culturally rich Winter Park, Altamonte Springs offers convenient access to various attractions.

A notable aspect is the ease of transportation; the SunRail commuter train, inaugurated in 2014, provides access to numerous enjoyable destinations without the need for a vehicle.

This article presents an overview of the 15 premier activities available in and around Altamonte Springs.

1. Cranes Roost Park

The central feature of Altamonte Springs is a remarkable lakefront park situated in the heart of the city’s business district.

Cranes Roost Park connects the Uptown Altamonte mixed-use development to the south and the Altamonte Mall to the east.

Daily life unfolds in this European-style plaza, which boasts formal gardens, an ornamental Spanish-style tower, and a choreographed fountain display.

Notably, the Eddie Rose Amphitheater, located on the water, features a unique floating stage.

This venue provides an excellent backdrop for what is, arguably, one of the best 4th of July fireworks displays in the Orlando area. The Christmas season is equally enchanting, with whimsical light installations along the lakeside path.

2. Altamonte Mall

Source: altamontemall.com

The Altamonte Mall stands as Central Florida’s third-largest enclosed shopping center, making it an ideal choice during inclement weather.

When conditions are favorable, visitors can enjoy a lakeside walk at Crane’s Roost Park, accessible on foot.

Featuring a variety of retail outlets including Vans, Barnes & Noble, Apple, and Swarovski, the mall caters to diverse preferences and budgets.

The venue also boasts a selection of full-service restaurants and a vibrant food court for those seeking refreshment or relaxation.

For entertainment, the AMC Altamonte 18 multiplex theater provides an IMAX screen for remarkable visual experience.

3. Seminole-Wekiva Trail

For leisurely walking or biking through scenic suburban areas, Altamonte Springs serves as the southern trailhead for the 14-mile Seminole-Wekiva Trail.

This trail is recognized as one of Seminole County’s Showcase Trails, celebrated for its scenic appeal, length, and amenities. The route follows the right-of-way of the former Orange Belt Railway, a narrow-gauge railroad established in the late 19th century.

Three trailheads are located within Altamonte Springs, each equipped with picnic tables and drinking water fountains.

A connection to the 23-mile Cross Seminole Trail exists in Lake Mary, which presents an excellent opportunity for extensive biking on pleasant January afternoons.

Westmonte Park, located near this route in Altamonte Springs, features the city’s aquatic complex and various recreational facilities.

4. Congo River Golf

A branch of the popular adventure golf course chain, Congo River Golf in Altamonte Springs is a delightful destination, offering immersive theming reminiscent of an Indiana Jones adventure.

Attractions include waterfalls, streams, swaying palm trees, an abandoned jeep, and an airplane.

Exciting game wheels at various holes provide added fun, while the scavenger hunt ensures that children stay thoroughly engaged during their visit.

The venue also features additional activities, including an arcade, a laser maze, and the unique opportunity to hold a baby alligator.

5. Wekiwa Springs State Park

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Located a short drive from Altamonte Springs in Apopka, Wekiwa Springs State Park encompasses the origin of the Wekiva River.

Visitors can hike or bike through lush tropical hammocks, or opt for a canoe or kayak adventure. Many visitors find bliss in simply floating in the crystalline waters of Wekiwa Springs.

The water maintains a comfortable temperature of 72 °F year-round, providing an inviting spot for a post-swim picnic.

The nature center offers canoe rentals and various ranger-led educational programs within the park.

6. Lake Lotus Nature Park

For a nature experience within Altamonte Springs, Lake Lotus Nature Park serves as a prominent preserve. The city acquired this property over 50 years ago to protect it from urban development.

This area spans 120 acres of wetlands and fern-covered woods, featuring a mile-long raised boardwalk that meanders past impressive cypress trees.

Interpretive signage along the path provides insights into the park’s wildlife and ongoing conservation efforts.

As of the time of this writing, repairs were being undertaken on the boardwalk and fishing pier following storm-related damages.

7. Planet Obstacle

Source: Planet Obstacle / Facebook

More than merely another indoor amusement center, Planet Obstacle claims to offer the largest indoor obstacle park in the world, spanning 50,000 square feet.

This facility features an impressive array of activities suitable for families traveling with children.

Among the attractions are ninja courses, trampolines, balance beams, climbing walls, bungee setups, bumper cars, a zip-line, and an extensive assortment of ropes and nets.

Pioneered by two experts from Cirque du Soleil, the park includes the Sky Café, which offers healthy, vegetarian, and comfort food options.

8. Orlando Science Center

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For families visiting the Orlando area in search of an attraction that engages children intellectually beyond the typical amusement park experience, the Orlando Science Center is an ideal destination.

Established in 1955, the Orlando Science Center has received numerous accolades for its ability to blend play with educational opportunities.

The KidsTown area, designed for children up to 7 years old, allows young scientists to climb, splash, tinker, create, and explore.

During a recent visit, I was particularly impressed by The Hive: A Makerspace, which provides tools for hands-on learning with the guidance of experienced instructors.

Visitors are encouraged to check for the schedule of engaging Science Live demonstrations, alongside screenings at the Dr. Phillips Cinedome and the Digital Adventure Theater.

9. Enzian Theater

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In contrast with the expansive AMC multiplex at Altamonte Mall, Enzian Theater, situated in nearby Maitland, features a single screen.

This non-profit cinema appeals to those who appreciate a unique movie-going experience. The auditorium is designed for social interaction, with seating arranged around tables.

Food plays a central role here, with a menu offering shareable dishes ranging from Truffle Parmesan Fries to Artichoke & Spinach Dip.

The schedule is filled with classic films, indie releases, and critically acclaimed major productions. A memorable experience was attending a special 35mm screening of Oppenheimer.

Having opened in 1985, Enzian Theater has served as a host for the Florida Film Festival every April since 1991.

10. Winter Park Farmer’s Market

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Nearby, in Winter Park, the Winter Park Farmers’ Market stands as Central Florida’s premier produce and plant market. This weekly gathering unites the community and draws visitors from throughout the region.

The market takes place on Saturday mornings in Central Park West Meadow, located at the intersection of New York Avenue and Morse Boulevard.

Patrons will find locally grown and produced goods, as well as an array of delicious prepared foods ranging from BBQ to waffles. The venue also fosters interaction with dedicated farmers, artists, and craftspeople.

Dogs are allowed, and arriving early is advisable due to limited parking and the market’s popularity.

11. Park Avenue Shopping District

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Park Avenue, the main street of Winter Park, has served as an exclusive shopping destination for decades. As far back as the 1880s, this tree-lined, brick-paved thoroughfare attracted the affluent.

The area presents a captivating array of dining and drinking establishments alongside boutiques and specialty shops. Additionally, cultural offerings abound, with numerous highly-regarded art galleries in close proximity.

The avenue is bordered to the west by the picturesque Central Park, which hosts live performances, festivals, fairs, and the Winter Park Farmers’ Market.

12. Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art

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The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art is notable for housing the most extensive collection of works by esteemed decorative artist Louis Comfort Tiffany.

Established in 1942 by Jeannette Genius McKean (1909-1989), the museum hosts works across various mediums including lamps, mosaics, enamels, jewelry, furniture, and pottery.

Following the 1957 fire that destroyed Tiffany’s New York estate, McKean and her husband salvaged stained-glass windows and architectural pieces that are now on display.

The most striking exhibition features his ethereal chapel interior from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, showcasing dazzling windows and mosaics in a Byzantine-Romanesque style.

13. Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour

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The picturesque Chain of Lakes in Winter Park offers an exceptional opportunity for exploration, especially via a guided pontoon boat tour.

With seating for up to 18 passengers, the hour-long tours navigate the winding canals connecting three lakes.

Passengers will encounter lush palms, towering cypress trees, well-tended gardens, and the elegant Rollins College campus, alongside some lavish residences in exclusive neighborhoods.

The dock is conveniently located within walking distance of Park Avenue, and tours operate every hour from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Sunday.

14. Rollins Museum of Art

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Completing Winter Park’s cultural offerings is the acclaimed Rollins Museum of Art, located on the campus of Rollins College.

This museum boasts an impressive collection of nearly 6,000 works, spanning from Italian Renaissance paintings to contemporary art across various mediums.

Admission is free, and visitors can expect to find up to seven temporary exhibitions at any given time.

Recent exhibitions have showcased Asian Modernism, political illustrations from the Great Depression, 19th-century landscape artworks, and Florentine Baroque masterpieces.

Additionally, visitors should take the time to explore The Alford Inn, serving as a satellite gallery featuring selected works from the museum’s collection.

15. Casselberry Golf Club

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The closest public golf course to Altamonte Springs is located just a few minutes away in Casselberry. This par 69 course impressed with its reasonable rates and tree-lined fairways.

Casselberry Golf Club delivers a shorter-than-average layout, which is well-suited for those whose games do not rely heavily on power.

The layout is straightforward, featuring wide fairways and only a few water hazards, which proves advantageous as many players can avoid trouble during their rounds.

The on-site pro shop provides essential golfing supplies such as tees, balls, and hats, while there is also an illuminated driving range that remains open until 10:00 pm.