Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive: A Scenic Adventure Just Outside Orlando

If the Florida heat has you hiding indoors, there’s a way to explore the outdoors without ever leaving the air conditioning! Just 30 minutes northwest of Orlando, Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is a scenic, slow-paced adventure where you can see massive gators, wading birds, and other wildlife from the comfort of your car.

It’s totally free, kid-friendly, mobility friendly, and perfect for anyone who loves nature but could do without the sunburn and bugs.

What to Expect

Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is part of a massive restoration project that has transformed the area into a haven for wildlife. The drive itself is flat, well-maintained, and has pull-off areas so you can stop and take it all in.

Expect to see alligators lounging near the road, a huge variety of birds, and maybe even a few surprises. The drive moves slowly, and that’s exactly the point. Budget several hours for this adventure.

When to Visit

The drive is open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays from sunrise to sunset. It’s closed the rest of the week to allow for ongoing restoration work, so don’t forget to check the day before heading out.

I think it’s best to arrive early. The drive gets busy, especially on weekends. Getting there when the gates open is best for seeing more active wildlife and then there are fewer cars ahead of you.

How to Get There

Plug this into your GPS: 2850 Lust Rd, Apopka, FL 32703

That’ll take you straight to the entrance. The drive ends on Jones Avenue. Click here to see a detailed map of the route.