Central and North Florida have stunning destinations for fishing, boating, and outdoor adventure. Let’s look at some of Central and North Florida’s picturesque lakes and rivers visitors should explore.
Lake George
Lake George is located near the Ocala National Forest, roughly between Gainesville and Orlando. This large lake, which stretches for more than 46,000 acres, is the second largest in the state and a popular destination for outdoor recreation. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, angling, and water sports in these clean and sparkling waters, relax on one of its pleasant beaches, or stay overnight at a campsite along its shores.
Lake Seminole
Although much of Lake Seminole is in Georgia, portions of this vast lake stretch into Florida across its northern border. Lake Seminole has excellent hiking and biking trails by the shore and a boat ramp to make it easy for visitors to explore the lake’s surface. Lake Seminole stretches for 37,500 acres and has lodges and hotels nearby for those planning an extended visit.
Lake Griffin
Lake Griffin is a gorgeous body of water surrounded by trees and grassland. Located near Leesburg, Lake Griffin can be accessed through Lake Griffin State Park. The park offers canoe and kayak rentals, and if you want a more leisurely experience, you can take a pontoon boat tour. Be warned, swimming is off-limits due to its substantial gator population.
St. Johns River
The St. Johns River is one of Florida’s most significant waterways and the longest river in the state. Its slow-moving current flows north through much of the state’s central region for 310 miles before depositing into the Atlantic Ocean near Jacksonville. People who visit the river especially enjoy canoeing, boating, and angling.
Lake Talquin
Lake Talquin stretches over 8,850 acres near Tallahassee. Containing shallow and still waters, Lake Talquin is one of the top lakes in the area for fishing, where anglers can catch sunfish, bass, crappie, and more. The lake can be accessed through Lake Talquin State Park, which has enjoyable hiking trails and areas for picnics and waterfront relaxation. However, the lake is not ideal for swimming due to its alligator population and muddy conditions.
Lake Tohopekaliga
Lake Tohopekaliga, often referred to as Lake Toho by locals, is a beautiful lake near Orlando. Renowned for its bass fishing scene, Lake Toho is a popular destination for anglers and the perfect place to haul in some massive catches. Several areas on the lake are open for public swimming, and parks along the coast are ideal for picnics and hiking.
Lake Eola
Lake Eola is not exactly an untamed lake in the middle of the Florida wilderness. Instead, it is a scenic little lake in the heart of Orlando with a tiered fountain and pleasant views of the city’s skyline. It is surrounded by Lake Eola Park, which has a paved trail that borders the water, a Japanese Rock Garden, and famed swan boats visitors can rent. It is a pleasant lake to unwind, relax, and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
