Nick Hotel's Orlando Guide » Florida Outdoor Adventures

Nearby Orlando, Florida Beaches

Team Nick — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 10:22:33 +0000

Put on your shades, catch some sun, surf and sand at many of Orlando’s nearby beaches along the Atlantic Coast. After a short hour to two hour drive, find yourself at the Canaveral National Seashore where 24 miles of pristine beaches awaits. Fish, hike, boogie board, snap photos or spot an endangered manatee swimming in the cool ocean waters. At Cocoa beach, the famed Ron Jon’s mega surf shop sets the laid back vibe for this quaint beach town. Beachfront bars and restaurants provide the perfect spot to people watch and hang out. South of Cocoa beach is the less crowded Satellite Beach. The Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse and the Daytona Beach Shores is north of Orlando.

Wekiwa Springs State Park

Team Nick — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 10:20:48 +0000

Situated 12 miles northwest of Orlando, Florida, Wekiwa Springs State Park is a natural oasis teeming with wildlife and scenic views offering a glimpse of the land the Timucuan Native Americans once inhabited. Founded in 1970, the 7,000-acre Florida state park is home to alligators, subtropical birds, great egrets and Florida black bears. Hikers, bikers and horseback riders will enjoy the park’s 13 miles of trails. Camping facilities will treat guests to a one-on-one experience in this natural setting. A nature center is located in the park to give visitors a chance to understand the history, wildlife and plant life which populate the area.

At Wekiwa Springs State Park, the Wekiwa River winds its way through its pristine landscape allowing great opportunities to canoe, kayak or have a picnic along the river banks. Cool off with a relaxing dip into Wekiwa Springs, a five-foot deep spring fed by a 20-foot deep cavern.

Orlando Blue Springs State Park

Team Nick — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 10:18:31 +0000

Thirty-five miles from Orlando, Florida’s exciting theme parks and attractions, a natural retreat provides a relaxing day of outdoor recreation activities. At the Blue Springs State Park, a sprawl of Live Oak trees and a scenic backdrop provide the perfect hiking, picnicking or camping spots. Winding through the park is the clear water of the St. Johns River, which offers memorable canoeing, scuba diving, kayaking and boating experiences.

Blue Springs State Park would not be complete without the West Indian manatee. Between December and March, the West Indian manatee migrates up the St. Johns River to the warm waters of the Blue Springs manatee refuge. During this time, park visitors are free to view these gentle giants in this 12-foot deep spring. Averaging ten-feet in length and weighing up to a ton, the West Indian manatee draws thousands of tourists and nature adventurists each year. However, swimming with these majestic creatures is prohibited as they are endangered. As the manatees leave the sanctuary, guests are free to swim, snorkel, tube and partake in many other St. Johns River recreational offerings.

Orlando’s Aiguille Rock Climbing Center

Team Nick — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 10:09:56 +0000

Test your physical and mental agility as you climb or boulder your way up walls, rocks and through caves at the Aiguille Rock Climbing Center near Orlando, Florida. At this premier climbing gym, experienced and new climbers are provided all the equipment and proper facilities needed to train or try their hand at this extreme sport. New climbers can take a free introductory class where they learn how to climb safely, belay properly and handle equipment. Private instruction is also available. More advanced climbers will enjoy classes such as Climbing Movement, Rappelling, Advanced Racing and Lead Climbing. The Aiguille Rock Climbing Center also allows climbers to boulder, or climb at low heights without harnesses.

At the Aiguille Rock Climbing Center, yoga classes and an array of kids climbing programs are offered. Come on down to the gym on Mondays for Challenge Night. From 7:00PM until closing, a variety of demanding physical and mental obstacles will test your strength and willpower. Challenge Night comes complete with team building exercises and difficulty courses that change weekly.

Extreme Sports at Skyventure

Team Nick — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 10:07:20 +0000

Located next to the Wet n’ Wild Water Park in Orlando, Skyventure provides inexperienced thrill seekers aged three and up a chance to experience the closest thing to sky diving without ever having to jump out of an airplane. The Skyventure experience comes complete with preflight classroom training with professional instructors who will teach skydiving basics, how to use hand signals and position the body while in flight. Afterwards, flyers gear up as the instructor guides them through two one-minute sky rotations in Skyventure’s wind tunnel. Build up your training and learn to do stunts, tricks and flips during future Skyventure visits.

Skyventure is available to host your next party or group event. Special packages are also available. Skyventure is open daily. Call (407) 903-1150 for reservations.

Orlando Hot Air Balloon Rides

Team Nick — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 10:05:27 +0000

Despite an early wake up call, a hot air balloon ride while the calm morning sun rises in the east is definitely a well-worth-it experience. Smooth sailing up above the treetops provides breathtaking views of the Florida countryside. As the most established hot air balloon operator, Orange Blossom Balloons has been taking Orlando tourist skyward since 1983. Experienced pilots and comfortable and safe balloon design features allow riders to free their mind of fears and simply enjoy an hour-long high-flying experience. After landing, a traditional champagne toast and all you can eat breakfast buffet is provided.