Dive into the tranquility and freshness of these beautiful lakes.
Priyanka Wadhwani
Florida is well known for its magnificent beaches and entertainment parks, but it also has a large number of magnificent lakes that provide respite from busy daily lives.
There is a plethora of lakes and reservoirs all over the state which is made up of karst limestone sitting above bedrock, with numerous springs, sinkholes and underwater caves many of which drain into the rivers and surrounding water.
These lakes are great spots to catch some prize fish and have a spectacular environment for water sports – kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and nature observing. Some large and other small, all Florida lakes are fairly shallow and full of fish.
Here’s a list of few amazing ones for you to start with!!
Lake Kissimmee
The 141 sq.km. lake has boat ramps around for fishing and leisure boating. Having some of the best fishing experience in Florida, it is also known for its phenomenal bird watching.
Availability of number of facilities like, equestrian trails, hiking trails, picnic tables, playgrounds and restroom facilities makes it a popular wedding venue too.
Lake Crescent
Known for its beautiful scenery and clean water, Lake Crescent in northeastern Florida stretches over 15,960 acres. A major attraction here is to see frequently flying bald eagles, waterfowl, and osprey.
Visitors to the lake can enjoy activities include hiking, horseback riding, biking, fishing and simple camping. Visit this beautiful lake to have a splendid outing.
Lake Harris
Located only 31 miles from Sea World, Disney World, Universal Studios, and everything else Orlando has to offer, Lake Harris is the largest lake in Harris Chain. It is famous for its irregular shape.
Lake Harris is a popular spot for boating and fishing, though water skiing is also enjoyed by many. There are also campgrounds and recreational areas surrounding the lake.
Serving as the wintering ground for many waterfowl, and bald eagles, red-shouldered hawks, and elegant herons, Lake Cypress is 4097 acres of clear water located in Osceola County.
Lake Cypress
Airboat rides are the most popular means of exploring the lake, and there are many boat tours that will introduce you to the lake’s diverse wildlife. Fishing on Cypress Lake is superb, you’ll find black crappie, largemouth bass, and bluegill
Lake Tohopekaliga
Lake Toho is the largest lake in Osceola County and also the largest in all of Florida, covering an area of around 92 sq. kms.
The lake is famous for its bird watching and fishing, being home to waterfowl and trophy bass. There is also a wide array of alligators, turtles and other local wildlife.
Playgrounds and picnic tables at the west end of the lake as well as a marina for launching and storing boats make it a family outing place.
Lake Eola
Lake Eola, established in 1888 by Orlando resident Jacob Summerlin is a small lake famous for its fountain, which illuminates at night and creates something truly spectacular.
Visitors often paddle boat around the lake both in the day time and in the evening when it is lit up by the fountain. The Disney Amphitheatre, Chinese pagoda and a playground makes this lake worth spending a few hours at.
Lake Okeechobee
Lake Okeechobee is the largest freshwater lake in Florida but surprisingly has an average depth of only nine feet. Fishing here is very good, especially for catfish, largemouth bass, crappie, and speckled perch and so there are several big fishing tournaments held on the lake throughout the year.
It is a popular vacation spot, with cottages for rent and campgrounds for pitching a tent or a Recreational Vehicle (RV).
Lake Talquin
With a number of squirrels, wild turkeys, alligators, bald eagles and whitetail deer, in its bed, Lake Talquin is surrounded by ravines and rolling hills.
Like almost every other lake in Florida, it is also a popular lake for fishing, with largemouth bass, crappie and pickerel being just a few of the fish that can easily be caught in the lake.
A great lake for boating, sailing and canoeing, as the scenery is quite spectacular, Lake Talquin is a must go place for you.
Lake Eustis
Lake Eustis is a beautiful lake surrounded by several communities and is just west of the city Eustis in Central Florida.
Popular for Sailing, this lake is a home to a sailing club that often holds annual regattas. They offer Sailing lessons and Camping facilities as well.
It’s a spring fed lake, popular for fishing a rare Lake Eustis pupfish, which the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has listed as a species of special concern.
Lake Seminole
The second largest in Florida’s Pinellas County, having a surface area of just under three sq. km. this freshwater lake was once an estuary, but became a lake in the 1940s when the upper portion of Long Bayou was closed.
Some popular activities including many others at the lake are water skiing, jet skiing, fishing and boating.
Hiking trail, volleyball courts, a softball field, picnic shelters, playgrounds and toilet facilities attract families to have a day out here.
Florida is indeed blessed to have a number of beautiful, calm, fresh water, palm fringed, quiet and clear lakes.
Have a great time with family and friends enjoying the true spirit of nature!!