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Fun in the Sun: The Best Places to Visit and Things to Do in Saint Cloud, Florida

Go to Lakefront Park at either end of the day. That is where the photograph is, with East Lake Tohopekaliga running flat out to the horizon and the light doing all the work for you. The rest of this page is airboats, gators and a short drive to Orlando. Those are all fine. But the lake is the reason to stop in this town at all.

Welcome to Saint Cloud, Florida. Local or visitor, there is plenty to do in this charming city. Outdoor time through to historical sites, and something here will land.

Nature people do well here, because Saint Cloud is genuinely gator country. Take an airboat tour to see them at close range, or work the hiking and biking trails through the natural areas around the city. And for a day at the water, Saint Cloud’s Lakefront Park has a white sand beach with the amenities to go with it.

History readers are covered in Saint Cloud too. Walk the city historic downtown area for the preserved buildings and the story behind them. And for wildlife, the Reptile World Serpentarium holds snakes, lizards and other reptiles.

Key Takeaways

• Saint Cloud offers a variety of outdoor adventures, from airboat tours to hiking and biking trails.
• History buffs will enjoy exploring the city’s historic downtown area.
• Wildlife enthusiasts can get up close and personal with reptiles at the Reptile World Serpentarium.

A Gator’s Paradise

Welcome to St. Cloud, Florida, where the gator adventure is the local speciality. This city sits in gator country and you are about to find out why.

Start at the Reptile World Serpentarium, where you get close to the reptiles, iguanas and alligators included. Watch the handlers feed them, and there is sometimes a chance to hold a baby gator. Do not try to take one home.

For something with more adrenaline, look at the alligator parks in the wider region. The scenic airboat ride at Everglades Holiday Park puts you among alligators, birds and the vegetation, though it is a long drive south rather than a local trip. And the Gator Boys Alligator Rescue Team made their name there.

And if you want the gator show rather than the boat, Gatorland Orlando is the place. The handlers do the work while you watch from the stands, which is the only way visitors get near a full-grown alligator. It is a serious operation and it is worth the ticket.

So St. Cloud, Florida works for anyone who came for the wildlife. With the alligator parks and the reptile attractions around it, the experience is a genuine one. Just keep your hands and feet inside the boat.

Beach and Trail Adventures

You might think Saint Cloud is all theme parks and Mickey Mouse, and it is not. This city has natural country to explore, and the best of it is at the water and on the trails.

Start with the water. There are places to sit in the sun and get your feet in the sand. East Lake Tohopekaliga is the big one for the view and for the fishing. Lakefront Park is where the swimming beach is, with space for volleyball or frisbee behind it. And for somewhere quieter, Lake Lizzie is the one people overlook.

Or perhaps you are a trail person. Saint Cloud has options for hiking, biking and running. The Dan Tarrell Memorial Point is where to start, with a short trail through good natural scenery. And for something longer, there are jogging paths and bike trails running through the city and out beyond it.

And there is no need to choose between the water and the trails. RV people do well here, because the parks and campgrounds sit close to both. So pack the tent or the RV and take the outdoor version of Saint Cloud.

Historic St. Cloud

History readers should walk the historic district of St. Cloud. The area holds landmarks and historic sites that put you back a century.

Start at the St. Cloud Heritage Museum, which covers the town’s history and holds the artifacts. Then walk the Mount Peace Cemetery, where many of St. Cloud’s early settlers are buried. It is a quiet place and it repays a slow walk.

Walking the historic district, you pass old buildings that have been restored properly. The St. Cloud Main Street program has kept the town’s heritage standing while the economy moved on around it.

The most impressive historic building in town is the St. Cloud Hotel. Built in 1909, it was once the grandest hotel in Central Florida. It is a private residence now, so the architecture is something you admire from the street.

Downtown St. Cloud is the other place to walk. It holds shops and restaurants with historic buildings lining the streets. And the St. Cloud Main Street Farmer Market runs every Friday between 4 and 8 in the evening, with fresh produce, handmade crafts and live music.

So Historic St. Cloud is where the town explains itself. Local or visitor, the character of the place comes through on foot.

Wildlife Encounters

Are you here for the animals? Saint Cloud, Florida has a set of options for getting close to them. There is a version to suit most people.

Snake people should not miss Reptile World Serpentarium. On Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, this sanctuary holds snakes, lizards and other reptiles. It costs little to get in, so the reptile fix does not damage the budget.

For animals with fur, check out Amazing Animals Inc. This sanctuary holds cats, lions and tigers through to bobcats. You get a private tour of the facility and see the animals at close range.

The Central Florida Animal Reserve is the other sanctuary in the area, and it is worth checking what it actually holds before you go, because the descriptions vary. Either way, you see the animals up close and learn about their habitats and behaviors.

And for something genuinely different, look at the animal rescue homes in the area. These take in animals that have been abandoned or mistreated and give them somewhere to live. You see the work up close, and there is sometimes a chance to help.

Whatever the animal encounter you want, Saint Cloud, Florida has a version of it. So pack the bags and take the camera.

Outdoor Recreations

You are in luck. Saint Cloud has outdoor activities enough to fill the days. Fishing enthusiast or horseback rider, this city has something.

For somewhere to take the kids, head over to the Veterans Park Splash Pad. It is the answer on a hot day. And while they are playing you can fire up one of the grills and eat at one of the picnic tables.

Anglers should make Lake Runnymede Conservation Area. It holds some of the best bass fishing in the area. And the marsh wildlife shows up if you are patient.

For a guided version, take a horseback riding tour. There are private tours available, and they show you the country from an angle you will not get from the road.

Whatever the outdoor plan, Saint Cloud has a version of it. So get out and use it.

Foodie’s Delight

You have worked up an appetite on Saint Cloud, and this town feeds you properly. Seafood, BBQ or Italian, a version of it exists for every palate.

Seafood people should not miss Reel Fish Coastal Kitchen + Bar. The fish comes in fresh daily and the oysters are the order. And the outdoor patio is where you want to sit.

For BBQ, head over to Uncle Kenny’s BBQ. This family-owned joint has been smoking for over 20 years. Brisket through to ribs, and it comes out right.

For down-home cooking, check out Catfish Place. This casual spot is known for the catfish, with Southern staples like fried chicken and hushpuppies alongside. And leave room for the banana pudding.

Craving Italian? Savion’s Place is the answer. This restaurant runs classic Italian dishes, spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna and chicken parmesan. And the garlic knots are worth ordering.

Whatever the mood, Saint Cloud covers it. So go ahead and eat properly, because you are on vacation.

Give it a morning and an evening rather than a full day. The airboat trips run early, before the heat arrives and while the wildlife is still moving about. Midday belongs to the historic downtown or to somewhere with air conditioning. The Reptile World Serpentarium is the reliable wet-weather answer here. And Disney is 26 miles up the road if that is really why you came to this county.

Sunset, Sunrise and Beyond

You may think a small town like Saint Cloud has nothing to offer at sunrise or sunset. It has plenty. There are spots in and around Saint Cloud where the light does everything for you.

One of the better places for a sunset is the Royal St. Cloud Golf Links. You get the light and a practice session at the same time, which is efficient if nothing else.

And if golf is not the point, there are other spots. Head to East Lake Tohopekaliga or Lakefront Park for the wide version of it.

If mornings are more your thing, take the sunrise instead. The Royal St. Cloud Golf Links works for that too. You hit the practice facility early and get the light with it.

And to watch the sunrise without a club in your hand, head to Lakefront Park. It is quiet at that hour and it is the right way to start a day.

Sunrise or sunset, Saint Cloud has the spot for it. So take the camera out to one of them.

Theme Parks and More

You cannot talk about Florida without the theme parks, and Saint Cloud sits in the middle of them. It does not carry the fame of Disney World or Universal Studios, and there is still plenty within reach for a full day out.

Going beyond Saint Cloud puts some of the best theme parks in the world within reach. Disney World is only 26 miles away, which makes it a day trip rather than an expedition. You get the parks, the characters and the rides, and you sleep somewhere cheaper afterwards.

And for something closer to home, Saint Cloud has options. Old Town works for families, with carnival rides, go-karts and an arcade. And for something with more edge, Fun Spot America is a short drive, with roller coasters, bumper cars and a skycoaster.

Theme parks are not the only thing Florida does. For something slower, Saint Cloud has the parks, Peghorn Nature Park and Lakefront Park among them. Or take a fishing trip and see what comes up.

Whatever you are after, Saint Cloud has a version of it. Thrill-seeker or someone simply after a quiet day, this Florida town covers both.

Airboat Excursions

Hold on to your hat, because the swamps of Saint Cloud, Florida are the next stop. This is the airboat part.

The popular airboat operator in the area is Spirit of the Swamp Airboat Rides. The tours vary in length and price, so you pick the one that fits the schedule and the budget.

On the ride you get close to the local wildlife, alligators and turtles and a range of birds. And the guide handles the safety side, which leaves you free to look.

For something more personal, book a private airboat tour. That works for a group, or simply for a quieter trip with the people you came with.

And there is more to it. Some airboat tours run at night, which is the swamp under stars rather than sun. Bring a flashlight and bug spray.

So nature person or simply after something you have not done, an airboat ride in Saint Cloud is the one. It is the closest you get to the wildlife here.

Exploring the Greater Orlando Area

So you are in Saint Cloud, Florida and looking for things to do. The Greater Orlando Area is a short drive away, which widens the options considerably.

Start with the city of Orlando. The theme parks are the known part, and there is more to it than Mickey Mouse and Harry Potter. Walk around Lake Eola Park, catch a show at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, or work through the Orlando Museum of Art. And there are airboat rides out that way too if you want more gators.

Then Kissimmee, which sits right beside Saint Cloud. The city is known for its Old Town, the vintage-style amusement park with classic car shows and carnival rides. There are hot air balloon rides over the area, zip-lining through the trees, and airboat trips out through the Everglades.

And then the Orlando Area, meaning everything around the city. Out there you find the Kennedy Space Center over at Cape Canaveral, the clear water of Wekiwa Springs State Park, and the safari at the Wild Florida Wildlife Park.

So art, culture, adventure or simply a good day out, the Greater Orlando Area holds it. Get in the car and go.

Hidden Gems

You are not the type to follow the crowd. You want the places everyone else drives past. Saint Cloud has plenty of those.

Start with peaches. If you like the fruit, the peach orchards out at Deseret Ranches are worth the drive, where you pick your own straight off the tree. Check the season before you set out, because it is short.

Looking for somewhere quiet? Head over to the Lake Lizzie Nature Preserve. It is the one people miss, and it suits anyone who wants to be outside. Hike the trails, fish the water, or simply sit and look at it. It works for a picnic or a slow walk.

And for something nobody else will have done, there are birthday parties at the Reptile World Serpentarium. It is not for the faint of heart. You get close to some of the world’s deadliest snakes, with the safety measures in place. And if you are brave, there is a chance to hold one.

So those are the quieter corners of Saint Cloud. Get off the main road and find them.

St. Cloud’s Population and Lifestyle

Curious about the population and the way of life in Saint Cloud, Florida? Here is the detail.

Start with the numbers. According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Saint Cloud was 38,499 in 2020. That is a real town, and it still does not feel crowded. Saint Cloud keeps a small-town feel.

Then the way of life. Saint Cloud is a city with a laid-back pace to it. People here are friendly and you settle in quickly. And the history is there to be read at the St. Cloud Heritage Museum.

Outdoor people do well. Saint Cloud has parks and recreational areas for a picnic, a walk or an hour doing nothing. Lakefront Park is the one, with the views over East Lake Tohopekaliga.

The food holds up too. Saint Cloud runs a broad culinary scene that covers most palates. Classic American fare through to international cuisine, it is all here. And the local seafood is the thing to order.

So the population of Saint Cloud is growing and the town still feels small. The pace is easy, the people are friendly, and there is outdoor time and good food to fill the days. So come and see what the fuss is about.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to spend a day in Saint Cloud, Florida?

If you are an early riser, start with a round at the Royal St. Cloud Golf Links, which is billed as the #1 rated links course in the Orlando area. If golf is not the thing, head to Peghorn Nature Park, a 60-acre passive park that gives you a slice of Old Florida. Then eat at one of the restaurants in town, Crabby Bill Seafood or The Catfish Place among them. And finish at Reptile World Serpentarium, which holds over 200 species of snakes, lizards and other reptiles.

Where can I find the most delicious food in Saint Cloud?

Where to start. Saint Cloud eats better than its size suggests. For seafood, Crabby Bill’s Seafood or Catfish Place. For something more upscale, the Stone Bridge Tavern & Grill. And for comfort food, Mrs. Mac’s Fillin’ Station.

What are some unique activities to do in Saint Cloud, Florida?

For something out of the ordinary, Deseret Ranch is a working cattle ranch that runs tours. Or the Dan Tarrell Memorial Point, which is a popular running spot with the water in front of it. And for something quieter, the Stearns History Museum comes up in local listings, though it is worth checking where it actually is before you drive.

Any tips for a romantic getaway in Saint Cloud?

For a romantic trip, Saint Cloud has the pieces. Start with a hot air balloon ride over the Florida landscape. Then a round at the Royal St. Cloud Golf Links. Then a walk through Peghorn Nature Park. And finish with dinner at Stone Bridge Tavern & Grill.

Is Saint Cloud a good place to live for families?

Yes. Saint Cloud works for a family. There are good schools, parks and recreational activities, and a low crime rate. And with Orlando close by, there is always somewhere to go.

What are some must-see attractions near Saint Cloud, Florida?

For the area around Saint Cloud, there are attractions worth the drive. Head to Kissimmee for Old Town, the shopping and entertainment district. Or, for something with more edge, Gatorland, which holds hundreds of alligators and other reptiles. And no trip out here is complete without Walt Disney World.

Frequently asked questions about Saint Cloud, Florida

Is Spirit of the Swamp the airboat trip to book on the lake?

It is the one people name first. The tours run at different lengths and prices, so you pick by how long you want to be out on the water rather than by what you will see. Book the earliest slot of the day if you can. The wildlife moves before the heat does and the light is far better for photographs. Night rides exist if you want the other version of it.

Can you swim at Lakefront Park?

At the designated beach, yes. Lakefront Park has a sandy swimming area with the amenities around it, and it is supervised in a way the open lake is not. East Lake Tohopekaliga holds alligators, which is the whole reason the airboat tours exist. Keep small children and dogs at the water’s edge. Go in the morning, while the water is still cool and quiet.

How do you fit Saint Cloud and the Orlando parks into one trip?

Base yourself here in Saint Cloud and drive in each day. The parks are close enough to reach before the gates open and far enough that rooms cost noticeably less than they do beside them. Give the theme parks whole days and Saint Cloud the mornings and evenings either side. The airboat trip fits neatly into a morning before a park day. Do not attempt both in the same afternoon.

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