Overview of St. Cloud, Florida
St. Cloud is a charming town in Osceola County, Florida, located south of Orlando. It is known for its picturesque landscapes, small-town charm, and proximity to popular theme parks such as Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. With plenty of shops, restaurants, and outdoor recreational areas, St. Cloud is the perfect destination for a peaceful and relaxing vacation. Here are the top ten places to visit in St. Cloud, as well as some places to avoid.
Places to Visit
1. Lakefront Park
Located on the shores of East Lake Tohopekaliga, Lakefront Park is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic or a day out with the family. With a playground, fishing pier, and beach area, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The park is also home to many annual festivals and events that take place throughout the year.
2. Reptile World Serpentarium
If you’re feeling adventurous, you won’t want to miss visiting the Reptile World Serpentarium. This attraction houses over 50 species of snakes, lizards, and other reptiles. If you’re brave enough, you can even hold a snake or alligator.
3. Split Oak Forest
Split Oak Forest is a beautiful nature reserve that is popular amongst hikers and bird-watchers. With over 1,600 acres of pristine forest and wetlands, you’ll be able to unwind and connect with nature. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some of the wildlife that call the forest home, such as deer or bobcats.
4. The Catfish Place
If you’re looking for a delicious seafood dinner, look no further than The Catfish Place. This casual restaurant serves up fresh seafood and traditional Southern favorites like hush puppies and fried pickles. Be sure to try their famous catfish dinner.
5. Peghorn Nature Park
Peghorn Nature Park is another beautiful nature reserve that is perfect for a day out with the family. With playgrounds, picnic areas, and plenty of trails to explore, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the great outdoors. You might even spot some of the resident alligators!
6. Royal St. Cloud Golf Links
Golf enthusiasts will fall in love with Royal St. Cloud Golf Links. With 27 holes of challenging golf and beautiful views, you’ll never want to leave. If golf isn’t your thing, the onsite restaurant and bar are also worth a visit.
7. Old Town St. Cloud
For a taste of St. Cloud’s small-town charm, take a stroll through Old Town. Here, you’ll find plenty of cute shops, cafes, and historic buildings. Be sure to check out the Saturday morning farmer’s market for some fresh local produce.
8. Forever Florida
Forever Florida is another great attraction for nature-lovers. This eco-adventure park offers zip-lining, horseback riding, and even a chance to ride through the wilderness in an open-air coach. You’ll never forget the breathtaking views of Florida’s natural beauty.
9. Gatorland
Looking for some family-friendly fun? Head to Gatorland, where you can see thousands of alligators and crocodiles up close. The park also features a petting zoo, aviary, and plenty of shows and exhibits to keep you entertained.
10. East Lake Fish Camp
Last but not least, the East Lake Fish Camp is a must-visit for lovers of fresh seafood. Located on the shores of East Lake Tohopekaliga, this casual restaurant serves up everything from catfish to gator tail. Be sure to try their famous fried corn on the cob.
Places to Avoid
1. St. Cloud Walmart
While there’s nothing inherently wrong with the Walmart in St. Cloud, it can get quite busy and hectic, especially on weekends or during peak tourist season. If you’re looking for a more peaceful shopping experience, try some of the smaller locally-owned stores.
2. St. Cloud Flea Market
The St. Cloud Flea Market is another attraction that can get quite busy and overwhelming. While it can be fun to browse through the various vendors, be prepared for crowds and a fair amount of tourist traps.
3. St. Cloud Lakefront Marina
The St. Cloud Lakefront Marina is not necessarily a bad place to visit, but it can be quite underwhelming compared to some of the other attractions on this list. Unless you’re interested in renting a boat or jet ski, you might want to skip this one.
4. St. Cloud Skate Park
If you’re not a fan of skateboarding or rollerblading, the St. Cloud Skate Park might not be your cup of tea. This attraction is geared towards extreme sports enthusiasts and can be quite loud and crowded.
5. St. Cloud Regional Medical Center
While the St. Cloud Regional Medical Center might be a necessary destination in case of an emergency, it’s not exactly a place you want to visit on vacation. Hopefully, you won’t have to see the inside of this facility during your trip to St. Cloud.
Overview of St. Cloud, Florida
Language: | English |
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Currency: | U.S. Dollar (USD) |
Average Temperature by Season: | Spring: 70-80°F, Summer: 80-95°F, Fall: 70-85°F, Winter: 50-70°F |
Best Time to Visit: | Fall and Winter (October to March) are the best times to visit St. Cloud, as the temperatures are milder and the crowds are smaller. |
City Official URL: | https://www.stcloud.org/ |
Trip Advisor: | https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g34606-St_Cloud_Florida-Vacations.html |