Florida's Suburb City Blending Natural Beauty And Urban Conveniences Is A Lovely Lake Haven Near Orlando

With over 75 million visitors a year, Orlando remains America's most traveled-to destination, as reported by Visit Orlando. With that said, reports show that the popular Florida city has also been named one of the country's most disappointing tourist hubs, making travelers wonder: is there a place where you can combine the urban conveniences of bigger cities with the natural beauty of a scenic suburb? That place exists just 15 minutes north of downtown Orlando, and it's called Altamonte Springs.

And not only is this lovely lake haven easily reachable from the big city via I-4, but Walt Disney World and Daytona Beach are also under an hour away, giving you the perfect opportunity to arrange for fun day trips. Most tourists come here through Orlando International Airport, roughly 30 minutes south, or Orlando Sanford International Airport, which, while smaller, is just 20-something minutes away, so it's worth looking for any flights to here. Your options aren't limited to just flying and driving, though. SunRail runs an hourly train that covers the distance between the two cities in 30 minutes, while Lynx Central Florida Transport operates a direct bus route – both options will set you back less than $5 per trip.

Finding a quiet, outdoorsy escape doesn't always mean getting as far away as possible from the lively city scene, and Altamonte Springs is proof of this. Your adventures here start at Cranes Roost Park, a 45-acre lakefront gem that features a one-mile walking loop, a choreographed 61-jet fountain, a European-style plaza, and the charming Eddie Rose Amphitheater, which famously comes with a one-of-a-kind floating stage. It's the perfect place for a sunset stroll, a fishing trip, or to attend some of the best local seasonal events. The area is open every day from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. (midnight on Fridays and Saturdays), so there's nothing keeping you from exploring it, especially since so many visitors report that this is one of the most beautiful parks they've ever been to.

A little over eight miles from here, you'll find Wekiwa Springs State Park, a water paradise just outside Orlando filled with idyllic, crystal clear springs. Reviewers rave about the crystal-clear freshwater springs, paddling and kayaking opportunities, all the hiking and biking trails, and the well-maintained campgrounds. Wildlife lovers will also be happy to learn that they'll get to spot everything from birds to alligators here. Just remember that the park has switched to an online booking system, which is pretty easy to use and lets you skip all the lines to get in. Still, it's worth noting that as long as you choose your timing a bit strategically, it's usually not too crowded.

Centered around Altamonte Mall and Cranes Roost, you'll find Uptown Altamonte, aka the heart of the city's social scene. Foodies will find a lot to love here, from casual tacos to upscale restaurants, while those trying to plan a fun night out will be spoiled for choice among all the shops and fun events that take place right in the amphitheater plaza. If you can't choose, why not give CraneRIDES a try? It takes you through all the major local attractions like Cranes Roost, the Renaissance Centre, and the AMC Theatre in one trip.

But what are some of those great places to eat? Vida Cocina & Tequila is a must-try. With a near-perfect rating from thousands of reviewers, the place is constantly praised for its exquisite food and incredible staff. The grilled octopus and peach sangria seem to be among the favorite menu items, though prices are reasonable enough for you to venture out and try some extra dishes you wouldn't normally order. They also have ample parking spaces.

Shopaholics will want to stop by the iconic Altamonte Mall. Home to over 130 stores, the place has everything from clothing and jewelry to housewares and electronics; great for last-minute souvenirs, too! For one-of-a-kind, vintage purchases, though, the Mercantile Antiques & Uniques is the place to be. It boasts 33,000 square feet of space and hundreds of vendors, so even the pickiest shoppers are guaranteed to find a hidden treasure they'll love. And if you're still left wanting something more after visiting Altamonte Springs, chances are you'll like Ocoee, too, conveniently located less than half an hour away. This is yet another lakeside Florida city that offers a museum, historic sites, and laid-back vibes.