Florida Picnic Spots

Florida Picnic Spots

We’re pretty spoiled here in Florida with our year-round picnicking weather, so kick off your flip-flops, spread out, and enjoy a day at one (or all!) of these charming spots. Local Realtors® submitted many of these picnic picks — they always know where all the best stuff is, don’t they?

Gemini Springs County Park Where: DeBary (West Volusia County) Cost: Free Picnic under old oaks, stroll the arched footbridges and rent a canoe or kayak. Oh, and you can bring your pup!

Lake Eola Where: Downtown Orlando Cost: You might have to pay for parking if you can’t find freebie You knew this park was going to be on the list, right? Of course it is! We love Lake Eola.

Mead Botanical Garden Where: Winter Park (Orange County) Cost: Free This park is a gem nestled in a quiet Winter Park neighborhood. There’s a lovely boardwalk trail, butterfly garden and native plant demonstrations. Howell Creek runs along the back of the park. Dogs are allowed.

Oakland Nature Preserve Where: Oakland (Between Winter Garden and Clermont) Cost: Free, donations encouraged ONP is a 128-acre preserve on the southern shore of Lake Apopka. You’ll likely spot gopher tortoises. There are live animal exhibits, gardens, boardwalk trails and a visitor center with delightful rocking chairs out front.

Lake Louisa State Park Where: Clermont (Lake County) Cost: $5 Canoe and kayak rentals available, pristine lakes. Bring your bicycle — there are extensive paved and unpaved bike trails.

The Nature Conservancy's Disney Wilderness Preserve Where: Kissimmee/Poinciana Area Cost: Free, donations encouraged A national model for wetland restoration, DWP has more than 1000 species of plants and animals. Hike a one-mile trail to the shore of Lake Russell.

Kissimmee Lakefront Park Where: Downtown Kissimmee Cost: Free Paved trail, boat ramp, bait shop that rents fishing gear. Free movies!

Bok Tower Gardens Where: Lake Wales (Polk County) Cost: Adults/teens $12 | Kids $3 (free under 5yrs old) Gorgeous gardens and a unique singing tower with a wonderful Koi pond. “Public events include concerts under the stars, where you are encouraged to picnic with friends (and there are even contests for the best-dressed picnic table!) … I love it!!” –Lynne H.

Anclote Key Preserve Where: Anclote Island (Near Tarpon Springs) Cost: There are fees for ferry service (call to inquire) Picnic on an island for the day — you live in Florida so it’s totally doable! Ferries leave from the Sponge Docks at Tarpon Springs. “Forget the Bahamas, come to our Island, Anclote Island!” –Yvy P.

The Tampa River Walk Where: Downtown Tampa Cost: Parks are free, but plan to pay for parking and other attractions Picnic at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and watch boats cruise by and the buildings light up at night. The Tampa River Walk has enough to do to fill a weekend, let alone an afternoon. Enjoy!

Old McMicky’s Farm Where: Odessa (north of Tampa) Cost: Adults/teens $12 | Kids $10 (free under 2yrs old) Educational guided tours, lunch spots by the lake.

Zephyrhills Veterans Memorial Park Where: Zephyrhills (Pasco County, north of Tampa) Cost: Free “Beautiful, wide-open park. Nice walking path, lush green grass, and plenty of shade trees!” –Adam G.

Honeymoon Island State Park Where: Dunedin (Tampa area) Cost: $8 The name says it all! Seriously, it’s a breathtaking beach. There’s a dog beach, too. “Honeymoon is friendly to critters, offering a dog beach that is a half-mile hike off the main road.” –Joe P.

Bradenton Riverwalk Where: Downtown Bradenton Cost: Free Features outdoor living rooms and a Tidal Discovery Zone.

Polo at Lakewood Ranch Where: Lakewood Ranch (Sarasota area) Cost: Adults/teens $12 | Free for kids Enjoy the “Sport of Kings”! Dogs okay on a leash.

Fort De Soto Park Where: Tierra Verde (St. Pete area) Cost: $5 parking fee Historic fort, fishing and one of the few beaches you can take your dog to. “This park has an incredible amount of things to do. It’s like going on vacation.” –Pat R.

Heritage Village Where: Largo (Clearwater area) Cost: Free, donations encouraged 21-acre living history museum with dozens of historic structures.

Englewood Beach Where: Englewood (Southwest Fla.) Cost: Parking is 75 cents per hour Volleyball! Boardwalk trails. “This great beach in our lovely town sits right on the Gulf of Mexico. It is lovely because it’s not overly commercially developed.” –Pamela C.

Centennial Park Where: Downtown Venice (Southwest Fla.) Cost: Free Free concerts happen often here. “Under a Golden Rain tree … it’s the best spot around.” –Kimberly G.

Babcock Ranch Preserve Where: Punta Gorda (Southwest Fla.) Cost: Varies, contact to confirm In rural SW Fla., this place is truly wild! Eco-tours are available. Wildlife viewing is practically guaranteed.