Highgate Park – Orlando Villas

Highgate Park is situated close to the following US National Parks

Wekiwa Spring State Park
Canoe down the Wekiva River and see the sights and sounds nature has to offer.  Located at the headwaters of the Wekiva River, the beautiful vistas within this park offer a glimpse of what Central Florida looked like when Timucuan Indians fished and hunted these lands. Just one hour from most central Florida attractions, Wekiwa Springs offers visitors the opportunity to relax in a natural setting, enjoy a picnic, or take a swim in the cool spring. Canoeists and kayakers can paddle along the Wekiva River and Rock Springs Run. Thirteen miles of trails provide opportunities for hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding. Options for camping include a full facility campground and primitive camping areas. Canoe and kayak rentals are available. For information about rentals, call (407) 884 4311.

Lake Louisa State Park
5 miles from Highgate Park you will find Lake Louisa State Park, this park is noted for its six beautiful lakes, rolling hills, and scenic landscapes. Lake Louisa is the largest in a chain of 13 lakes connected by the Palatlakaha River, which is designated as an Outstanding Florida Waterway. Lake Louisa, Dixie Lake, and Hammond Lake, the park’s most accessible lakes, provide access for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Anglers can fish in four of the park’s six lakes, but gasoline-powered boats are not allowed; only boats powered by trolling motors or without motors are permitted. Camping facilities and more than 15 miles of horse trails are available for equestrians. For hikers and backpackers, the park has over 20 miles of hiking trails with excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Dixie Lake has a fishing pier, canoe/kayak launch, and a picnic pavilion.The park also has a full-facility campground, fully furnished cabins for rent, and primitive campsites. Lake Louisa State Park is located just seven miles south of State Road 50 in Clermont on U.S. 27.

St Augustine
This is the chance to see that the US can do history. Founded in 1565 by the Spanish it is the oldest continously occupied city and port in the entire US. It has been under Spanish, British and US rule but the biggest influence shows in the Spanish architecture and cobbled streets that feel more European. You can walk easily around the town but from the multi-story car park you can also take a road train. Be warned parking is a nightmare anywhere else as so much is pedestrianised. Hop on and off all day. Ideal if you want to go out the the beach and the lighthouse. Things to see include the oldest wooden schoolhouse, the oldest drugstore,Castillo de San Marcos the Cathedral, Casa Monica Hotel and Flagler College ( the latter used to be a hotel and so the only way to see more than the entrance hall is to take the guided tour – see the Tiffany windows). There is also a Fountain of Youth but no guarantees that it works.