Orlando

The greater Orlando metro area is enormous. It’s the fourth largest city in Florida and one of the largest in the U.S. It covers more than 6% of the Florida Peninsula.

Weeki wachee springs state park mermaid show

Weeki Wachee Springs

Weeki Wachee Springs is a popular spring in central Florida. Weeki Wachee Springs was once privately owned, but the spring became a Florida state park in 2008. Weeki Wachee Springs is located near Orlando and Tampa, making it a popular destination for many visitors. Weeki Wachee Springs is most famous for mermaid shows, its spring-fed…

Sanlando Springs near Orlando

Sanlando Springs

Sanlando Springs is a natural spring near Orlando, in central Florida.  In the past Sanlando Springs was a major regional attraction. For much of the 1900s, Sanlando Springs was one of the most popular things to do near Orlando. Natural springs were especially in the summertime when they were the only refuges from the hot…

seven sisters springs underwater caves, chassahowitzka river

Seven Sisters Spring

Seven Sisters Spring is one of the best springs in Florida, and one of the most beautiful. Seven Sisters Spring is part of the Chassahowitzka Springs Group, and is located on the Chassahowitzka River. Seven Sisters Spring is popular for many activities, including swimming, snorkeling, manatee viewing, kayaking, and canoeing. Video of Seven Sisters Spring,…

Manatees in Three Sisters Spring, near the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

Three Sisters Spring

Three Sisters Spring is one of the most beautiful natural springs in Florida. It’s also one of the best places to see wild manatees in Florida. Note: The Chassahowitzka River is another excellent location to swim with manatees, and it’s relatively nearby Three Sisters Spring. If you will visit Three Sisters Spring, be sure to…

The sunrise from Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland, Florida

Lakeland

Lakeland is a medium-sized city in Central Florida. It sits just about half way between two of Florida’s biggest cities, Tampa and Orlando. Not surprisingly, Lakeland got its name from the large number of lakes that surround the city. There are 38 major lakes in the surrounding area. The largest and most popular are Lake…

Chassahowitzka River Campground

Chassahowitzka River and Springs

The Chassahowitzka River is located in the city of Homosassa on Florida’s central gulf coast. It’s located in Citrus County. Chassahowitzka River Video Tour History of Chassahowitzka River and Springs Like many springs in Florida, Chassahowitzka Springs has a fascinating history. It has attracted humans for tens of thousands of years. There are several notable…

A Map of the 5 largest cities in Florida

Major Cities in Florida

On a map, Florida can sometimes look like a small state because of its long, narrow shape. But, Florida is deceptively large in both land area and population. Florida covers 65,758 square miles, which makes it the 22nd largest state by land area. According to the most recent 2019 census estimate, 21,477,737 people live in…

An aerial drone photo of luxury waterfront homes in Windermere, Florida, one of the best suburbs of Orlando

Windermere

Windermere, Florida is a small, vibrant city in Orange County, Florida. It’s one of the best and popular suburbs of Orlando, especially for wealthy people. Windermere is known for its luxurious lakefront homes, famous residents and a quiet, charming atmosphere. Approximately 2,500-3,000 residents live in the Town of Windermere. Location Windermere’s location is one of…

The Singing Tower in Bok Tower Gardens

Bok Tower and Gardens

Bok Tower and Gardens is one of the best things to do in central Florida. Most visitors absolutely love it, you should definitely consider visiting. Bok Tower and Gardens is a botanical garden, nature preserve and the site of a beautiful, world-famous bell tower, called a carillon. A carillon is a series of musical bells…

The Centennial Plaza in Winter Garden, Florida

Winter Garden

Winter Garden, Florida is a small, charming city located on the outskirts of Orlando. It sits on the southeast shore of Lake Apopka, and is often considered to be the easternmost suburb of Orlando. It’s home to just over 46,000 residents. Winter Garden is located inside Orange County, Florida, and is part of the greater…

Downtown St. Cloud, Florida

St. Cloud

St. Cloud is a small town in central Florida, 28 miles south of Orlando. Saint Cloud is often considered to be part of the Greater Orlando metro area, and is part of the large Orlando–Kissimmee–Sanford metropolitan statistical area. St. Cloud is one of two incorporated cities in Osceola County. The only other city is the…

Orlando

Orlando is Florida’s fourth largest city. Florida’s cities, ranked from largest to smallest population:  Jacksonville Miami Tampa Orlando The City of Orlando is relatively small, and occupies about 114 square miles. But, the greater Orlando Metro area is much larger. It includes several suburbs and surrounding communities.  Combined, the greater Orlando metropolitan area covers more…