Father and son paddleboarding on a lake

Visit This Underrated Florida Small Town For A Relaxing Getaway

By Leslie Veliz

VACATIONS

Visitors can relax, unwind, or escape the crowds by heading to Wekiva Island in Longwood, Florida, a charming small town less than 30 minutes from Orlando.
You can lounge by the Wekiva River and swim in the temperate waters. Wekiva Island also offers cabana rentals, starting at $75, so you can decompress comfortably.
Wekiva Island has an on-site bar, the Tooting Otter, which offers beer, wine, and live music. Visitors can dine on seafood and American classics at Without A Paddle Cafe.
Tripadvisor reviewers recommend kayaking on Wekiva Island, citing its gorgeous natural beauty and abundant wildlife. Onsite kayak rentals start at $35 a day.
Wekiva Island is open daily at 8:00 a.m., though the hours change seasonally. Do not bring your pets or pack food or drinks in a cooler — neither is allowed.