The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is a scenic 11 mile one way drive through the wetlands along Lake Apopka's North Shore. This is by far one of our most favorite things to do as it is an easy 25 minute drive from Orlando and you are guaranteed to see some fun wildlife. Oh and it is also FREE! We usually go once a month because this beautiful drive is a bird watchers paradise and you will definitely see alligators.
Probably a good 10' gator chilling on the side of the road.
Best of all, it is a calm, peaceful, and serene few hours in a picturesque location. The whole drive usually takes an hour and a half as 10MPH is the speed limit but you usually are going no more than 5MPH. It can take more time if you want to pull off to the designated side stopping points to take pictures or just soak in the views. We have found the best time to go is during spring when it is mating season as the gators are more plentiful and active. One time we saw over 80 gators!! In slightly cooler months, they are usually warming on up on the banks of the water. But there really is no bad time to go as you are always bound to see something fun and every experience is different.
We have seen alligators chase one another, one leap several feet into the air, and many crawl up out of the water and plop down right next to our car within feet of us. It is very cool to be able to get up close and personal with these large ancient beasts in a safe and secure environment. We have also seen a Great Blue Heron eating a snake and soft shell turtle making a nest.
Soft shell turtle making a nest.
This drive is also dog friendly which we love because we bring Coosa and Clover with us everywhere. I wouldn't recommend letting your pups get out of the car on the drive as there isn't much space to let them walk leashed safely. Be sure they potty beforehand and bring water for them. There is a historic pump house you can pull off at and walk up to. This is probably the safest place to let the pups stretch their legs if need be. There are also porta-potties here as well and in another location along the drive.
Our pups enjoying the ride. Look at baby Clover and Coosa's ears 🥹
At the pump house, you can go straight to park and use the facilities and check out the pump house, or turn right and go over the bridge. Just after the bridge is a left turn you can take to experience a different part of the shore. In our experience, there isn't much wildlife when you go this way although you are elevated and get really amazing views. If you continue straight after the bridge, you will continue along the main stretch and we usually see so many things going this way.
The wildlife drive is only open Friday through Sunday (and federal holidays) from 7AM to 3PM. It is a one way stretch and bikers are usually sharing the road as well. If you are looking for a fun, free, kid and dog friendly adventure on the weekend, be sure to check out Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive!
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