Blake Walsh

16 Best Things to Do in Old Town Florida, FL

  • Published 2022/07/09

Old Town Florida is a recreational theme park where you can get a taste of the Sunshine State in a nostalgic setting.

Located in Kissimmee, the Old Town is just a few minutes from the major theme parks in Orlando.

It is mainly known for its Saturday Night cruises, where you can take a leisurely ride around the park while enjoying live music and dance performances.

There are also plenty of things to do in Old Town, Florida.

Stroll around 18 acres of lovely, tree-lined brick streets, where you’ll find over 70 affordable stores and exciting restaurants.

If you love nature, there are plenty of things to do in Old Town.

There are several parks and nature trails in the area, perfect for a leisurely hike or bike ride.

If you want something a little more adventurous, Old Town has one of the state’s most thrilling roller coaster rides.

Here are the best things to do in Old Town Florida.

Visit Osceola Heritage Park

Exterior of Osceola Heritage Park's event center

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The Osceola Heritage Park is one of the best places to learn about the history and culture of Old Town, Florida.

Located in the center of Old Town, Osceola Heritage Park is a short drive from downtown Orlando, Disney World, Sea World, and Universal Studios.

Osceola County Heritage Park opened in 2003.

It’s Central Florida’s Entertainment Complex.

Likewise, it’s the only facility with 150 open, secure acres, a 10,500-seat indoor Arena, a 90,000-square-foot Events Center, and a 5,500-seat stadium.

Stage at Osceola Heritage Park during a festival

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It also holds exhibits such as trade shows, concerts, festivals, consumer displays, amateur and professional sports, and equestrian events.

People also hold business meetings, political events, conventions, and other events, there.

You can spend a fun day with your family, especially if you’re interested in learning the best things to do in Old Town, Florida.

People gathered at Osceola Heritage Park during a festival

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Stroll Down the Main Street of Old Town Florida

One of the things that you might enjoy doing in Old Town Florida is taking a stroll down its Main Street, located near the Osceola Heritage Park.

Old Town Florida’s Main Street is bordered by trees and brick buildings, making it an ideal area to escape the city’s hustle and bustle.

Main Street in Old Town is a recreation of a traditional Florida town with old architecture and distinctive shops.

If you feel nostalgic, you can take a journey back to a simpler era, when the pace was slower and the memories were just as impressive as any other Florida attraction.

You can soak up the energy in the Main Street of Old Town Florida at night, as it comes alive with its Saturday Night Cruise.

This is a perfect nightcap if you’re looking for a fun and festive atmosphere.

Old Town closes the streets to traffic during the Saturday Night Cruise.

People can stroll around, listen to live music, and watch dance performances.

There are also different kinds of shops and restaurants on Main Street, so you can find something to do no matter what you’re looking for.

Ride a Bike at the Nature Coast Trail

The Nature Coast Trail is one of the best places for a scenic bike ride if you want a taste of old Florida.

Ride a bicycle along the Nature Coast Trail through its 32-mile paved multi-use trail from Chiefland in Levy County to Cross City in Dixie County.

You will pass through the towns of Cross City, Trenton, Fanning Springs, and Chiefland to Wilcox Junction, near Old Town, Florida, where the trail starts.

Bring sunscreen and water, as there is little shade for much of the trail that runs parallel to US Highway 19 and State Road 26.

However, there are some places where you can rest, especially the trails that that pass through thickly forested areas.

Take a photo on the trestle crossing over the Suwannee River in Old Town, one of the Nature Coast Trail’s most popular areas.

Bringing your bike on this trip will let you see the picturesque towns you will pass on the Nature Coast Trail.

Visit the Manatees at Crystal River Preserve State Park

The waters of Crystal River Preserve State Park

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One of the places to see manatees in their natural habitat is in Crystal River Preserve State Park.

The threatened Florida manatee, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, is protected at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1983.

The refuge is located within the Crystal River Preserve State Park, created in 1970 to protect the habitats of threatened and endangered species.

More than 27,000 acres of various natural habitats, including hardwood forests, scrub, saline marshes, and mangrove islands, are also preserved in the park.

In this Park, you can also witness a sliver of Florida’s coastline that hasn’t changed much since Europeans arrived more than 500 years ago.

Much of the site has remained intact, allowing visitors to see how this part of Florida appeared centuries ago.

The preserve is an excellent spot for birding and animal viewing because of its diverse natural community, with more than 200 species of birds that can be found there.

There are numerous miles of hiking and bicycling routes and two approved kayak launches on the preserve.

Explore the City of Hawkinsville Wreck in the Suwannee River

The water where Hawkinsville Wreck is submerged

Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The City of Hawkinsville lies about 100 yards south of the railroad trestle at Old Town, Florida, on a ledge in the center of the Suwannee River on the Dixie County side.

This river is one of the most beautiful and popular kayaking spots in Florida, but it’s also a place with a dark history.

In December 1856, the City of Hawkinsville was traveling from Charleston, South Carolina, to Pensacola, Florida, when it ran aground and sank in the Suwannee River.

Unfortunately, they lost all the crew, and they never recovered the ship’s cargo of cotton, rice, and lumber.

Today, the wreck is now a popular diving spot.

You can see the remains of the City of Hawkinsville if you take a kayak or canoe trip down the river.

You can explore the shipwreck and see that the hull is almost entirely intact, in an excellent state of preservation.

For instance, you can still see the steam piping and the primary propulsion system in place.

Incredibly, the City of Hawkinsville’s freshwater environment helped protect and stabilize it.

Follow the Withlacoochee State Trail

Daytime view of Withlacoochee State Trail

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The Withlacoochee State Trail is another excellent place to explore nature in Old Town, Florida.

It is one of Florida’s longest paved rail-trails, spanning 46 miles.

It is appropriate for all skill and fitness levels of cycling, running, walking, and skating due to its flat terrain and numerous access locations.

Red caboose with Withlacoochee State Trail's name

Sunshower Shots / Shutterstock.com

A section of the paved trail runs parallel to an unpaved equestrian trail between Citrus Springs and Dade City.

This section makes for an enjoyable and varied trek through small towns, ranches, and six distinct natural communities.

The Withlacoochee State Trail is one of Florida’s most popular biking destinations, and it’s simple to understand why.

When you’re out on the trail, you’ll pass through some of the state’s most gorgeous countryside.

You will not be disappointed if you add this to your things to do in Old Town, Florida.

Two people riding their bike along Withlacoochee State Trail

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Canoe or Kayak Down the Suwannee River

Two people riding a canoe on Suwannee River

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The Suwannee River is one of Florida’s most popular canoe and kayaking destinations, and with good reason.

This river offers a fantastic opportunity to see some of Florida’s natural beauty and is perfect for all skill levels.

The Suwannee River runs 246 miles from southern Georgia to the Gulf of Mexico.

It’s perfect for bringing your canoe or kayak or renting one nearby and spending the day paddling on the park’s two rivers.

A turtle near the waters of Suwannee River

Stephan Langhans / Shutterstock.com

Use a boat ramp or access spots along the rivers to stop and see one of many springs along the riverbanks.

You can even pack a picnic basket to enjoy on a sandbar while serenading an Outstanding Florida Waterway.

In a region where everything seems to move a little slower, enjoy the sounds of birds chirping in the trees and bees buzzing gently in the breeze.

Canoes and backpacks on Suwannee River's shore

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Have Great Fun in Shingle Creek Regional Park

View of Shingle Creek Regional Park's calm waters

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President Barack Obama named Shingle Creek Regional Park, an urban paradise in the headwaters of the Florida Everglades, one of “America’s Great Outdoors.”

Shingle Creek Regional Park is a hidden oasis in the heart of Orlando.

You can paddle a canoe or kayak, fish for largemouth bass and sunfish, or take a stroll on one of the many trails wind through the park.

The park, located in Kissimmee, also features an 18-hole disc golf course.

It’s also home to several endangered and threatened wildlife species, including the Florida scrub-jay and the gopher tortoise.

A great heron on a tree at Shingle Creek Regional Park

Jeff Holcombe / Shutterstock.com

The park is open from morning until sundown and offers picnicking, fishing, canoeing, bird watching, wildlife viewing, and hiking.

Shingle Creek Regional Park is now explorable by foot, by bicycle, or by boat at several locations.

It’s also home to the Shingle Creek Outdoor Center, which rents out canoes, kayaks, bikes, and stand-up paddleboards.

Families can also enjoy a day of picnicking at one of the pavilions or grilling at one of the many barbecue pits.

A wooden cabin at Shingle Creek Regional Park

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Take a Leisure Trip to the Andrews Wildlife Management Area

The Andrews Wildlife Management Area is a 10,000-acre wildlife management area in Old Town, Florida.

In Andrews Wildlife Management Area, there are hiking routes for the whole family to enjoy.

More adventurous hikers will enjoy the challenging hike, as there are trails that vary in difficulty.

Due to abundant wild turkey, white-tailed deer, and feral hog populations, hunting is popular at this Andrews Wildlife Management Area.

It also offers excellent fishing opportunities from both boats and the shore.

You can also bring your bicycle or go for a swim in one of the many lakes to enjoy the lush green surroundings.

The Andrews Wildlife Management Area is a great place to bring the family for a day trip or the weekend, as RV hookups are also available.

Bring Out Your Inner Child at Fun Spot America

A ferris wheel at Fun Spot America

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Fun Spot America is a family-friendly amusement that offers thrill rides, such as roller coasters, kiddie rides, and arcade games.

Located in Kissimmee, Florida, Fun Spot America is just a short drive from the major theme parks in Orlando.

It is well known for its multi-level racing go-kart courses and the famous Mine Blower, a one-of-a-kind wooden-steel hybrid roller coaster featuring an inversion in the southeast.

People touring the Fun Spot America

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Fun Spot America is renowned for having the SkyCoaster, perfect for extreme thrill-seekers, as it is a cross between skydiving and hang gliding, standing at 300ft and 250ft in Kissimmee.

It has an arcade and Midway games, ideal for rainy days or those who want to remain on the ground.

The park also has a miniature golf course for those who prefer a steady pace.

A part of Fun Spot America;s rollercoaster

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Check Out the Old Town Kissimmee Air Museum

The Old Town Kissimmee Air Museum is a great place to learn about aviation history and see some unique aircraft up close.

The museum is located in the heart of Old Town Kissimmee and features a variety of static and interactive exhibits.

The museum is also home to the Vintage Aircraft Association, a group of aviation enthusiasts who restore and maintain vintage aircraft.

It includes an outdoor showroom and houses historic aircraft from WWII through the Vietnam War.

Old Town Kissimmee Air Museum is also a working museum restoring old airplanes.

Soak up History at the Dade Battlefield Historic State Park

A live oak tree on the grounds of Dade Battlefield Historic State Park

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The Dade Battlefield Historic State Park is a Florida state park.

It stands where the Battle of Dade happened, fought on December 28, 1935.

The battle was part of the Second Seminole War.

Today, the park offers hiking, picnicking, bird watching, and horseback riding.

It’s worth going around Dade Battlefield Historic State Park merely to take in the landscape because it’s beautiful and peaceful.

Entrance arch of Dade Battlefield Historic State Park

Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

However, if you take the time to visit the visitor center and stroll the battlefield, you’ll discover that it also offers a compelling story.

The Dade Battlefield Historic State Park is a great place to learn about Florida history and to experience the state’s natural beauty.

The park also has a playground, pavilion, and a full-facility campground.

History plaque of Dade Battlefield Historic State Park on a rock

Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Tour the Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek Regional Park

The Pioneer Village is a living history museum that tells the story of the pioneer settlement of Central Florida.

Pioneer Village brings history and nature together as you tour the fully restored homes of some of Osceola County’s earliest settlers, which are furnished to reflect late-nineteenth-century lifestyles.

The settlement also includes a church, schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, general store, and other buildings that have been restored to their original appearance.

At the Seminole Settlement, you can witness Florida’s inhabitants living off the land.

After soaking in its history, you can explore the hiking, biking, and paddling trails to get in touch with Florida’s natural beauty on the Headwaters of the Everglades.

It also organizes Pioneer Village’s Living History Day, which takes place on the second.

Saturday of every month includes pioneer living demonstrations and themed activities for children.

Enjoy the Waters of the Gulf at the Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserve

The Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserve is the United States’ second largest seagrass meadow.

The preserve is located in the Big Bend region of Florida.

It includes nearly 200,000 acres of seagrasses and the counties of Citrus, Dixie, Hillsborough, Levy, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, and Taylor.

The preserve helps protect the seagrass beds, an essential part of Florida’s ecosystem.

The Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserve is also a great place to enjoy the waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Different activities include fishing, swimming, kayaking, and bird watching.

The preserve also offers a variety of educational programs on the ecology and conservation of seagrasses.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Revel in Nature at the Otter Springs Park & Campground

Otter Springs Park & Campground is 636 acres of natural Florida.

It has a second-magnitude natural spring with an average temperature of 73°F and a daily flow of ten million gallons of sparkling clear water.

You’ll find it in Trenton, Florida, 12 minutes from Old Town.

The Otter Springs Park & Campground runs into the neighboring Suwannee River, creating a clear lake and stream.

You can relax at a poolside table or swim laps in its enclosed pool pavilion when you want outdoor beauty and interior comfort.

Otherwise, you can explore the 636 acres of pristine Florida nature by hiking or biking on one of the trails.

The park also has a large group camping area perfect for family reunions, church retreats, or corporate events.

Final Thoughts

Old Town Florida is your next stop if you’re looking for a charming, quaint town to explore.

With plenty of things to do, exciting history, and lovely scenery, you’ll enjoy yourself while learning about this beautiful part of the country.

The charming town of Old Town, Florida, is a great place to spend a weekend.

With its historic district and variety of shops and restaurants, there is something for everyone.

There’s something for everyone in this vibrant small-town community.

Enjoy its charming Main Street with quaint shops and restaurants, the beautiful waterfront park, and the festivals and special events throughout the year.

Book your trip today!

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