Top 14 Attractions and Activities in St. Cloud, Florida

Adjoining Kissimmee, St. Cloud is a distinctive historic city located on the southern shore of East Lake Tohopekaliga.

Farms existed in this region as early as the 1880s, yet the city was officially established in 1909 as a community for Union Army Civil War veterans.

Numerous factors contribute to St. Cloud’s appeal, including its authentic downtown, scenic lakefront park, and extensive areas of preserved nature.

The local wetlands also provide exhilarating airboat tour opportunities, showcasing alligators and various wetland species in their natural habitats.

During my recent visit to St. Cloud, the city exhibited remarkable growth, having added over 30,000 residents since 2010.

1. Lakefront Park

Characterized by its beauty, Lakefront Park is a long crescent-shaped area along the southern shore of East Lake Tohopekaliga.

The main attraction for families is situated at the peak of the curve, where Lakefront Beach is located.

This area is delightful, featuring a wide expanse of soft white sand. Although the water had some algae during my visit, the beach remains an enjoyable retreat more than an hour from the Atlantic coast.

Nearby amenities include a playground, a splash pad, picnic pavilions, grills, Crabby Bill’s seafood restaurant, and the Lakefront Park Marina.

Despite being in the city, the area is teeming with wildlife. Visitors can expect to spot alligators in the wetlands west of the beach, while ibises, herons, and sandhill cranes are frequently seen along the shore.

In my opinion, few locations offer a more picturesque setting for observing a 4th of July fireworks display than this park.

2. Historic Downtown St. Cloud

Bound by Florida Ave, Massachusetts Ave, 9th Street, and 13th Street, St. Cloud presents a charming downtown filled with historic structures.

At the time of my writing, the entire urban landscape had recently undergone revitalization, featuring newly paved brick streets and sidewalks.

The charm of St. Cloud is entirely authentic. Many of the restaurants and shops in downtown have been operational for decades.

Diverse dining options include ice cream, seafood, traditional Southern cuisine, steaks, pub fare, Italian dishes, BBQ, and many more.

My preferred time to visit is on the fourth Wednesday of each month when the entire district is bustling with vendors.

3. Spirit of the Swamp Airboat Rides

Source: Spirit of the Swamp Airboat Rides / Facebook

The cypress swamps and marshes surrounding St. Cloud provide some of the most remarkable terrain for airboat adventures in the Orlando area.

While there are numerous companies offering excursions, I personally recommend Spirit of the Swamp Airboat Rides.

These tours are conducted by experienced captains who have spent years navigating the region, ensuring that you can appreciate the natural beauty of the swamps safely.

Nonetheless, I advise packing insect repellent and sunglasses and keeping your phone handy to capture the many scenic vistas along your journey.

Each trip is unique, but you are highly likely to observe alligators in their natural environment, alongside an impressive array of birdlife, including sandhill cranes and bald eagles.

4. Reptile World Serpentarium

Source: Carolyn Hutchins / shutterstock

Established in 1972, Reptile World Serpentarium stands as a premier destination for those eager to engage with reptiles up close.

This unpretentious facility houses a variety of snakes, lizards, and turtles. While not all of these species are harmful to humans, several possess capabilities to inflict harm through venom, constriction, or powerful jaws.

My favorite aspect was the snake venom extraction demonstration, and visitors also have the opportunity to hold a baby alligator and feed turtles.

For those who may feel uneasy, there is a gift shop and seating areas available away from the action.

5. Royal St. Cloud Golf Links

Source: Royal St Cloud Golf Links / Facebook

With 27 holes, St. Cloud boasts one of the finest public golf courses in the Orlando area. The Royal St. Cloud Golf Links offers a resort-quality experience, featuring wide-open fairways and expansive greens.

There are four sets of tee boxes and a diverse mix of challenges across the three nine-hole courses. During my visit, I played the Blue Side, where two memorable holes were Devil’s Pocket (#1) and Twin Trouble (#7).

The former presents a challenging par-4 that requires clearing a significant lake with your drive. In contrast, Twin Trouble is a lakeside dogleg par-5, which involves a considerable risk-reward scenario.

Furthermore, this venue features what is considered the top practice facility in Orlando, including a lighted driving range with specific targets, a 120-yard short game area, and three separate putting greens.

6. Lake Runnymede Conservation Area

Situated between East Lake Tohopekaliga and the smaller Lake Runnymede, there is a picturesque 43-acre conservation area.

This land has historical significance dating back to the 1880s when it was utilized for grazing, with even deeper roots in Native American history. While exploring the trails, one may stumble upon a Native American shell midden.

Visitors can explore a variety of environments, including lakeshores, wetlands, scrub, and hardwood forests along more than a mile of hiking trails. A notable feature of this area is its stand of old-growth live oaks, regarded as one of the most remarkable in Central Florida.

These majestic live oaks, combined with the enchanting light of the surroundings, make this a favored location for golden hour photography.

7. Dan Tarrell Memorial Point

A location I continually revisit in St. Cloud is this green peninsula that extends into East Lake Tohopekaliga, situated east of the marina.

Part of Lakefront Park, Dan Tarrell Memorial Point is accessible via a paved trail along a causeway. Benches line the path, which leads to a gazebo surrounded by water on three sides.

For those hoping to witness a sunrise or sunset in St. Cloud, this is unequivocally the ideal spot. Unsurprisingly, the gazebo is a favored venue for wedding and graduation photography.

Visitors are encouraged to sit and take in the stunning views.

8. Amazing Animals

This educational wildlife attraction in St. Cloud operates on a private appointment-only basis.

Accompanied by passionate and knowledgeable guides, visitors experience hands-on interactions with an assortment of exotic and native animals.

Some of the animals are particularly endearing, such as sloths and capybaras. A notable feature of Amazing Animals is that the residents have the autonomy to choose their level of interaction with visitors.

For example, the sloths can determine how close they want to be, avoiding any stress associated with forced interactions. This approach ensures a positive experience for all involved.

Visitors are also encouraged to bring cameras and phones to capture as many memorable moments as possible.

9. St. Cloud Twin

In my opinion, nothing surpasses the charm of a small-town cinema, particularly one that has preserved its original purpose. This is certainly the case at the St. Cloud Twin, which dates back to 1917.

This establishment has experienced a tumultuous history, enduring multiple closures and even reaching a low point as an adult theater in the 1970s.

After another hiatus in 2000, the St. Cloud Twin has remained open for over 20 years, showing no signs of decline.

Beyond its historic significance, this venue offers an affordable option for watching first-run movies, with tickets priced at just $6 during my last visit.

10. Peghorn Nature Park

This 60-acre passive park offers a small glimpse of Old Florida at the perimeter of St. Cloud.

The name “peghorn” originates from the cattle raised in the St. Cloud region during the early 20th century.

Visitors can explore a small historical village with replica buildings that showcase local life dating back to the 1870s. Key features include a schoolhouse, a blacksmith forge, and a cannery.

Afterward, one can wander through the remaining trails in Peghorn Nature Park, passing along the edge of a sizable pond and across sections of elevated boardwalks over wetter areas.

The highlight for me was the community garden, which features fruit trees, vegetable beds, and a nostalgic outhouse.

11. The Catfish Place

If you are in search of an authentically local dining experience, I highly recommend this unpretentious restaurant located downtown.

The Catfish Place’s motto, “Where the Locals Eat,” aptly describes its offering of native Central Florida dishes, such as alligator and frog legs.

Having been a fixture in St. Cloud since 1973, The Catfish Place takes great pride in its catfish, which is sourced daily from Lake Okeechobee and served fried, either boneless or traditional (fingerling).

Should you choose to explore, I suggest opting for the fingerling variety, as it offers a sweeter, juicier flavor. For appetizers or sides, a Southern classic such as fried green tomatoes or grits is a must.

12. St. Cloud Heritage Museum

Constructed in 1922, the former Veterans Memorial Library building now serves as St. Cloud’s local history museum.

Offering complimentary admission, this small attraction provides insights into over 140 years of history. The museum is filled with historic photographs and artifacts, including clothing, military uniforms, antique household items, and more.

I found the exhibits detailing St. Cloud’s early days as a retirement community for Union soldiers from the Civil War particularly fascinating.

The building itself represents a valued piece of Civic Prairie School-style architecture, designed by the pioneering woman-led firm Ryan & Roberts, which included Ida Annah Ryan (1873-1950) and Isabel Roberts (1871-1955).

13. Mick Farms

This authentic family operation is located in the countryside south of St. Cloud.

During my visit to Mick Farms, I felt a world away from the urban environment. The main visiting season extends from December through March, when guests can pick their own strawberries.

In addition to strawberries, pumpkins and sunflowers are available in the fall, and the little market stand features a rotating selection of seasonal produce.

Visitors can expect to find potatoes, squashes, tomatoes, beets, various onions, cucumbers, cabbages, and peppers, alongside milk, eggs, preserves, and freshly baked bread.

14. All Hitched Up

Source: All Hitched Up ~ St. Cloud’s Carriage Service / Facebook

This locally owned and operated St. Cloud business specializes in comprehensive horse tours and a range of equine-related services.

The staff at All Hitched Up provides riding lessons and trail rides suitable for individuals with varying levels of equestrian skills. For those who prefer not to ride themselves, carriage tours are available as well.

Trail rides present an excellent opportunity to appreciate the Central Florida wilderness. Beginners and children can enjoy a gentle 30-minute ride beneath the live oaks.

For those seeking more excitement, an extended ride through Lake Lizzie Nature Preserve is available.

This thrilling journey navigates through the wetlands, so be prepared to encounter some splashes along the way.