Davenport is a relatively small town in the central part of Florida, conveniently located near some of the United States’ most visited theme parks. But this isn’t just a hub for exploring thrilling rides and meeting animated characters come to life — grassy flatlands also bring golfers to Davenport’s well-kept courses, and the calm waters of Lake Davenport attract fishermen in search of catfish. Davenport offers access to five parks within its center, with covered gazebos and outdoor grills for picnics. Wilson Park is a well-loved picnic spot, with water fountains shooting up from the ground for a refreshing break from Davenport’s year-round warm weather. The USA Water Ski & Wake Sports Foundation Hall of Fame Museum is an interesting tour through America’s water sports history, displaying memorabilia collected over the last 100 years.

Protected wildlife parks surround Davenport to its east and west, where you can embark on pedestrian- and bike-friendly trails leading to cypress swamps. Wildlife watching opportunities in the swamplands range from reptiles like the Florida alligator to the swamp shell turtle, and colorful varieties of heron are easy to find throughout Davenport and its surroundings.

Davenport is warm and humid all year round, varying from hot, rainy summers to slightly cooler spring and fall. Sunny spring makes for a great time to play a round of golf at one of Davenport’s manicured courses, one of the most popular activities in the area. Fall offers pleasant weather for the one-mile, looped walking trail at the Northeast Regional Park, where you can venture off the path to the boat launch for a close-up view of Lake Davenport. Overall, winter is cool and comfortable. You can take advantage of the weather at this time of year by visiting one of the outdoor amusement parks in nearby Orlando, and the Christmas Parade & WinterFest light up the festive season in Davenport in mid-December.

Hilochee Wildlife Management Area

Less than half an hour from town, you can search for wildlife on foot along the Hidden Lake Loop trail at the 15,000-acre Hilochee Wildlife Management Area. Tall, thin pine trees will surround your path as you pass by small lakes and protected swamplands. Birds make up most of the park’s wildlife, from common species like green and little blue herons to rare birds like the bald eagle and wild turkey.

Lake Louisa State Park

The 4,500-acre Lake Louisa State Park sits around 45 minutes away from Davenport in central Florida’s Green Swamp region. The park offers rental kayaks and guided tours through Lake Louisa, the largest lake connected to Florida’s Palatlakaha River. The beach-like lake features a soft sandy shore, and cypress trees shoot up out of the water. As you paddle through Lake Louisa and its many green lily pads, look out for frogs, tortoises, and alligators.

Lake Marion Creek Wildlife Management Area

Lake Marion Creek’s hardwood swamps cover 8,000 acres of land 20 minutes east of Davenport. Follow the park signs for Huckleberry Island to bike or walk along a four-mile path circling overgrown wetlands. If you’re heading out on the path in the late afternoon, you’ll likely be rewarded with an excellent view of a Florida sunset blazing through the park’s tall, skinny cypress trees.