Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Within Walt Disney World, a complex network of monorails, boats and buses get you
between the parks, resorts and entertainment districts. Pick up a transportation map at
your resort or at Guest Relations near the main entrance of all four parks.
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Around Orlando
Just north of Orlando await some of Florida's best outdoor adventures, particularly
swimming, snorkeling and kayaking in its crystal-clear, 72°F (22°C) natural springs.
Wekiwa Circle, Apopka; car $6, campsite $24; 8am-sundown)
, with 13 miles of hiking trails,
a spring-fed swimming hole, nice campground and the tranquil 'Wild and Scenic'
Wekiva River; rent kayaks from
Nature Adventures
(
407-884-4311;
www.canoewekiva.com
;
2hr $18; 8am-8pm)
.
Blue Spring State Park
(
www.floridastateparks.org
; 2100 W French Ave; car/bike $6/2;
8am-sundown)
is a favorite of wintering manatees, and two-hour cruises ply the St John's
Ponce de Leon Blvd, Ponce de Leon; car/bike $6/2; 8am-sunset)
has a huge swimming area,
more kayaking and tours of Juan Ponce de León's alleged fountain of youth.
To really escape into raw wilderness, head for the
Ocala National Forest
(
www.fs.usda.gov/ocala
)
, which has dozens of campgrounds, hundreds of miles of trails and
600 lakes. The hiking, biking, canoeing and camping are some of the state's best. See the
website for visitor centers and descriptions.
FLORIDA PANHANDLE
Take all the things that are great about the Deep South - friendly people, molasses-slow
pace, oak-lined country roads, fried food galore - and then add several hundred miles of
sugar-white beaches, dozens of gin-clear natural springs and all the fresh oysters you can
suck down, and there you have it: the fantastic, highly underrated Florida Panhandle.
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Tallahassee
Florida's capital, cradled between gently rising hills and beneath tree-canopied roadways,
is a calm and gracious city. It's closer to Atlanta than it is to Miami - both geographically
