Florida winter: 8 activities to enjoy cool weather outdoors

ORLANDO, Fla. — For many Northerners, winter means breaking out salt and snow shovels while dealing with short days and gloomy weather. Here in Florida, the sunshine is still abundant but the temperatures are cooler than typically experienced during the state’s endless summer.

As average temperatures dip into the 60s and 70s, take advantage of time outdoors by embarking on a hike, a bike ride or a camping trip. Even without leaving the city, there are plenty of festivals and farmers markets to take advantage of.

Here are activities to enjoy as Central Florida experiences cooler weather.

Take a hike

Though Central Florida doesn’t offer the stunning vistas and mountaintops found while hiking in other states, the Orlando area offers many trails worth exploring with myriad flora and fauna to encounter along the way.

Several state parks, including Wekiwa Springs, Blue Spring and Hontoon Island, have scenic hiking trails for recreationists of all skill levels. Seminole County offers local gems such as Black Bear Wilderness Area and Little Big Econ State Forest.

Urban escapes include Lake Baldwin Park, the Little Econ Greenway, Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake and Mead Botanical Gardens. Visit Orlando Wetlands Park to find a brand new boardwalk and birding opportunities abound.

Visit floridahikes.com for more ideas and resources.

Float on the water

While it might soon feel a little too cool for a dip in Central Florida’s many springs, the crystal-clear waterways make for great paddling opportunities — not to mention the countless other options on lakes, rivers, lagoons and coastal shores.

Take out the canoe, kayak or paddleboard for a trip paddle down Juniper Springs, the Econlockhatchee River, Wekiva River, Rainbow River, Rock Springs Run or Winter Park Chain of Lakes.

Florida’s East Coast also offers paddles in the Mosquito Lagoon and Indian River Lagoon near Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

Local outfitters offer rentals and tours, including Get Up and Go Kayaking, Adventures in Florida, A Day Away Kayak Tours, BK Adventure, Florida Adventurer, Kayaking Florida, Fin Expeditions, Epic Paddle Adventures and Peace of Mind Kayak Tours.

Roll out on the bike

As Central Florida grows, so does the region’s network of bike trails, both paved and unpaved.

The Orlando area has miles and miles of paved trails to explore including the Seminole Wekiva Trail, Cady Way Trail, Little Econ Greenway, West Orange Trail and Cross Seminole Trail.

For some mountain biking action close to Orlando, head to Lake Druid Park, Markham Woods, the Mount Dora Trail, Soldier’s Creek or Snow Hill.

See manatees

Florida’s cold snaps send manatees to spring runs and warm waterways where the state’s sea cows can seek refuge from chilly weather. Last Tuesday, Blue Spring State Park tallied a record number of manatees for a single day: 729.

November through March, manatees flock to the region’s abundant springs, which provide lifesaving warmth when other bodies of water dip below 65 degrees.

Central Florida manatee hot spots include Blue Spring State Park, Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River and Homosassa Springs.

Go camping

For states that experience winter in the traditional sense, the camping season winds down in October or November and starts back up in April and May. In Florida, it’s exactly the opposite.

While some campers may experience overnight lows that dip down into the 30s and 40s, the best months to camp in the Sunshine State are December through April.

Explore Orlando-area campgrounds at Wekiwa Springs State Park, Kelly Park, Moss Park or Lake Louisa State Park. Other Central Florida gems include Ocala National Forest, Myakka River State Park, Hontoon Island State Park and Kissimmee Prairie Preserve.

Break out the sweaters, drink hot tea

Fashion might seem limited to flip-flops, tank tops and sleek swimsuits in a state dominated by beaches and temperatures above 90 degrees. But during the sudden cold snaps that define Florida’s winter months, it’s time to break out the sweaters, maybe even the hats and gloves.

This stretch of cool temperatures doesn’t last long, so take advantage of the cold by exploring winter-weather fashion. Top off the look with a cup of warm tea in the evening.

Attend an art festival or county fair

Event organizers are keenly aware that the best time to host an outdoor festival is during Florida’s dry, cool winter. During the next several months, explore a range of outdoor festivals and fairs for a variety of ages and interests.

Take in the fine art found at the Mount Dora Arts Festival (Feb. 4-5), the Wekiva Paint Out (Feb. 27-March 4) or the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival (March 17-19). Outdoor fairs coming up include the Osceola County Fair (Feb. 10-19), the Florida Strawberry Festival (March 2-12), the Central Florida Fair (March 2-12) and the Lake County Fair (April 6-15).

Exercise outdoors

Whether it’s an outdoor yoga class or a run on one of Central Florida’s trails, there is no shortage of ways to exercise outdoors.

Some parks also feature outdoor fitness equipment such as Lake Underhill Park or Gaston Edwards Park next to Lake Ivanhoe. Soak in the sun’s rays while getting the blood pumping and striving for your New Year’s fitness goals.