Tucked among the Spanish-moss-draped oaks and swaying palms, a different kind of Florida magic awaits in the heart of the state. This bucolic landscape is home to 17 communities, including Lakeland and Winter Haven, which make up the area known as Central Florida. This spring, skip the theme park lines and swap animatronics for authentic adventures, where towering pines replace towering roller coasters and native wildlife takes center stage. Here are five unforgettable Central Florida experiences that capture the Real Florida Magic.

Glamp Under the Stars at Westgate River Ranch Resort and Rodeo

See the stars just as Florida’s cowboys did hundreds of years ago at this one-of-a-kind Central Florida resort. But unlike the cowboys of yore, retire to glamping teepees, tents and wagons with delightful twists, including comfy beds, cool air conditioning, a toasty campfire every night and a personal concierge ready to answer any questions. For the ultimate glamping stay, opt for a Luxe Teepee, a 651 square-foot haven with room for four guests, a luxurious claw foot tub, a private deck and a cozy stone fireplace. For the active set, the ranch has no shortage of options—try horseback riding, an airboat ride or archery. Then, every Saturday night, bull riders, barrel racers and trick ropers from across the state descend on the resort’s rodeo arena to vie for the coveted belt buckle. It might be your first rodeo, but you won’t want it to be your last.

Have an Up-Close Animal Encounter at Safari Wilderness Ranch

An abundance of African animals roam the 260-acre pristine swampland of Safari Wilderness Ranch, where knowledgeable guides lead small-group expeditions through the landscape. Whether joining the team on an ATV tour to spot animals like zebras, water buffalo and more, or spending the night in one of 10 glamping tents, a team of experts can answer your questions and ensure your stay is as wild and wonderful as possible. At Safari Wilderness Ranch, there are options for every type of adventurer; if water is more your speed, try a kayak tour where you can hand-feed the ranch’s ring-tailed lemurs. Or, opt for a guided camel ride with professional handlers and the ranch’s group of dromedary and Bactrian camels. The best part? There are no long lines, just wide-open spaces and unforgettable animal encounters that are as close as you can get to the African Bush in Central Florida.

Hike Stunning Wetlands at Circle B Bar Reserve

Spanning 1,200 acres of distinctly Floridian habitats, Circle B Bar Reserve is the epitome of wild Florida. Lace up your hiking boots or hop on a bike to explore miles of wetland and forest-lined trails within the nature reserve. Keep an eye out for roseate spoonbills, bald eagles and alligators—lots and lots of alligators. The reserve is an alligator-enthusiast’s dream and a birder’s paradise, proudly hosting wood storks and sandhill cranes year-round. Hiking the six miles of trails in the reserve, it’s not uncommon to bump into a photographer or painter trying to capture the beauty of the oak hammock and surrounding marsh. Although, a sunrise over the reserves’ Lake Hancock may be a level of magic even Van Gogh couldn’t fully recreate.

Let Your Imagination Run Wild at Florida Children’s Museum

Create a stop-motion movie, climb a massive alligator or fight fires like your local heroes—anything is possible at Florida Children’s Museum. With two floors of interactive exhibits, including a sensory-friendly area, this museum will spark kids’ imaginations and help them discover new passions along the way. Here, no one has to answer the worn question of “what do you want to be when you grow up?” They just get to discover it through exhibits like City Play, a kid-sized town complete with a mini Publix. Perfectly positioned in Lakeland’s newly opened Bonnet Springs Park, the museum is equal parts indoor and outdoor adventure. Don’t miss a visit to Mable the Mosaic Owl, a giant bird-shaped playground in the park, before going inside. This museum may be designed with kids in mind, but the curiosity it fosters can be enjoyed by dreamers of all ages.

Find Beauty and Music at Bok Tower Gardens

Sprouting up like a beacon amidst the lush Florida landscape, Bok Tower Gardens is one of Central Florida’s most beloved spots, and for good reason. Since its opening nearly a century ago, this neo-gothic and art deco style tower has become an icon of Florida architecture. With thriving gardens designed by legendary landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr., the grounds of the tower are just as remarkable as the structure itself. Olmsted, son of one half of the duo who designed New York’s Central Park, carried on his family’s impressive legacy when meticulously planning the hundreds of acres of gardens filled with native pines, palms and oaks. The site’s flora and fauna show off their blooms all day long, but visitors who arrive at 1 or 3 p.m. can revel in the sounds of the tower’s 60-bell carillon filling the air with music for thirty minutes—a fitting soundtrack to explore such an enchanting place.

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For more Real Florida inspiration check out visitcentralflorida.org.

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