Florida is well known for its agriculture and tourism — and its lakes are a great example of that.
Florida Trippers listed the best 15 lakes for people to visit, with several of them being found right here in Central Florida.
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The top spot goes to Lake Kissimmee, in Osceola County, though many other Central Florida lakes made the list, as well.
All of the Central Florida lakes to make the list are as follows:
No. 1: LAKE KISSIMMEE — Osceola County
“It is a wonderful natural wonder and one of the central Florida lakes that are well worth a visit. It’s surrounded by lush forests and marshes and the shoreline in Lake Kissimmee State Park is beautiful.
More than 13 miles of hiking trails weave through the surrounding area and if you are lucky you might see white-tailed deer, eagles bobcats, and lots of bird varieties.
There are lots to do on and around the lake like swimming, horseback riding, canoeing, boating, kayaking, or just relaxing. It’s also teeming with fish if you are an angler.”
Florida Trippers, "15 Best Lakes In Florida You Must Visit"
No. 4: LAKE EOLA — Orange County
“This lake is most famous for its fountain which is illuminated at night. Taking a paddleboat out on the lake while it’s all lit up is an amazing experience.
The shorelines of the lake are dotted with various entertainment opportunities. The Disney Amphitheatre, Chinese pagoda, and a playground all adorn the lakeshore. You can even rent a swan-shaped paddleboat if that is your thing.
It’s an artificial lake that developed from a sinkhole and was established in 1888 by Orlando resident Jacob Summerlin.
It’s a beautiful area with wide sidewalks, paves patios, dining establishments a welcome center, and of course a gift shop. It is one of the central Florida lakes that are best viewed and enjoyed at nighttime.”
Florida Trippers, "15 Best Lakes In Florida You Must Visit"
No. 5: LAKE GEORGE — Volusia County
“The second-biggest freshwater lake in Florida, Lake George is about 46,000 acres with an average depth of eight feet. It’s a perfect lake for swimming.
At 12 miles long it is the largest lake on the St. Johns River but it is still only a tenth the size of Lake Okeechobee. The western shore is part of the Ocala National Forest.
The lake environment here is unique in that the water is fed by springs making the water brackish and therefore perfect for animals you wouldn’t find in other lakes. Blue crabs, Atlantic stingrays, and striped bass can all be found here for example.
Hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, bicycling, horseback riding, hunting, and primitive camping are all great activities here. You can kayak and canoe here however remember this lake has the highest number of alligators in Florida so be careful.”
Florida Trippers, "15 Best Lakes In Florida You Must Visit"
No. 6: LAKE DORA — Lake County
“If you are looking for a relaxing lake then this is the lake for you. It’s also great for birdwatching.
The lake is good for boat cruising, water skiing, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, and of course fishing.
The lake is close to Tavares and Mount Dora and if you need to rent equipment these are the best places to do it. If you can book a boat tour of the region they are a great way to spot the wildlife and birds.”
Florida Trippers, "15 Best Lakes In Florida You Must Visit"
No. 7: LAKE HARRIS — Lake County
“Lake Harris is one of the 1000 or so lakes that are in Lake County. Yes, Lake county is actually a thing and Lake Harris is the largest in the Harris Chain of Lakes in the Upper Ocklawaha River Basin.
About 30 miles northwest of Orlando it’s a popular spot for those looking for something a little quieter. It’s also one of the best lakes in Florida for boating.
The lake is a really beautiful spot and great for photographers, you will find lovely cypress trees and sandhills. And it’s great for watersports, boating, and swimming.”
Florida Trippers, "15 Best Lakes In Florida You Must Visit"
No. 8: LAKE APOPKA — Orange County
“Lake Apopka is one of the largest in the state and spans 30,000 acres. It is a nature lovers and photographer’s paradise here.
The wildlife here is spectacular and the best bit is the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive lets you observe it all from your car. The tour takes you about two hours.
This is not a lake for swimming or watersports and is more of a wild nature-loving lake. Charge your camera if you visit here because you are going to need it.”
Florida Trippers, "15 Best Lakes In Florida You Must Visit"
No. 9: CRESCENT LAKE — Orange County
“Covering more than 15,900 acres in North Central Florida this lake is a magnet for wildlife. This is a lake for fishing and wildlife spotting.
The south end of the lake is the Crescent Lake Conservation Area and it’s the best area to see the abundant wildlife on offer.
Canoeing is allowed on the lake but motorboats are not so keep that in mind. There is also plenty to do on the shoreline here from hiking to biking to horseback riding.”
Florida Trippers, "15 Best Lakes In Florida You Must Visit"
No. 10: LAKE PARKER — Polk County
“One of the most popular lakes in Lakeland this lake is recreational heaven. It’s the largest lake and is to the northeast of the city.
The lake is surrounded by parks and greenery and has three boat ramps. Fishing and boating are the most popular activities here.
Lake Palmer is also the starting point of the Lake-To-Lake Trail if you fancy some hiking. Or just spend the day at the lake and the evening eating in one of the fine restaurants in the area.”
Florida Trippers, "15 Best Lakes In Florida You Must Visit"
No. 11: LAKE TOHOPEKALIGA — Osceola County
“The locals know this lake as Lake Toho and it is part of the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. It’s the largest lake in Osceola County and is a big tourist draw.
This is one of the clearest lakes in Florida and most come here to enjoy swimming boating and fishing. The wildlife here is also pretty abundant with alligators and turtles easy to spy on while ospreys and eagles fly above.
There are many playgrounds and picnic tables here so pack a picnic and make a day of it. If you want to explore more there is also a hiking trail so you can see the natural scenery up close.”
Florida Trippers, "15 Best Lakes In Florida You Must Visit"
No. 13: LAKE EUSTIS — Lake County
“In Central Florida’s Lake County, this is one of the spring-fed lakes. Part of the Harris Chain of Lakes this 7000-acre waterhole is a delight.
It connects to Lake Harris via the Dead River and also St. Johns River. It’s also home to the Lake Eustis pupfish which are a protected species.
It’s a great lake for boating, swimming, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, and windsurfing. The nearby towns of Eustis and Tavares are good for rentals.”
Florida Trippers, "15 Best Lakes In Florida You Must Visit"
No. 15: LAKE GRIFFIN — Lake County
“Lake Griffin is full of extensive marshes and consequently some great wildlife. This lake feeds the Ocklawaha River and is 9,500 acres.
The best way to explore is by boat, kayak, or canoe this is also the best way to see the alligators, turtles, and bird species that inhabit this area.
Lake Griffin State Park lies on the shores and is a great place to explore the incredible natural landscape in the area. There are some giant oak trees in the park one believed to be over 400 years old.”
Florida Trippers, "15 Best Lakes In Florida You Must Visit"
Meanwhile, the full list is as follows:
| No. | Lake Name | Florida County |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lake Kissimmee | Osceola County |
| 2 | Blue Cypress Lake | Indian River County |
| 3 | Lake Okeechobee | Okeechobee County |
| 4 | Lake Eola | Orange County |
| 5 | Lake George | Volusia County |
| 6 | Lake Dora | Lake County |
| 7 | Lake Harris | Lake County |
| 8 | Lake Apopka | Orange County |
| 9 | Cresent Lake | Flagler County |
| 10 | Lake Parker | Polk County |
| 11 | Lake Tohopekaliga | Osceola County |
| 12 | Lake Istokpoga | Highlands County |
| 13 | Lake Eustis | Lake County |
| 14 | Lake Tarpon | Pinellas County |
| 15 | Lake Griffin | Lake County |
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