FLORIDA PLACES AND DESTINATIONS:
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS
Meaning “high hill” in Spanish, Altamonte Springs is in the heart of Central Florida in Seminole County.
Seminole County, just a 15-minute drive north of downtown Orlando, is a natural choice for a relaxing change from the hustle and bustle of the traditional Orlando attractions.
With its wealth of fine hotels, shops, restaurants, spas and lakeside parks, Altamonte Springs is a perfect example of what is best about Seminole County.
The beautifully landscaped, 37-acre, lakeside Crane’s Roost Park, for example, offers everything from stroll along the boardwalk a floating stage and a 900-seat amphitheater, where visitors can enjoy concerts, art shows and festivals, not to mention the nightly fountain show, a spectacular choreography of music, light and water.
Offering more of nature, Lake Lotus Nature Park, situated on one of the area’s few remaining wetlands, offers extensive nature trails to explore, a fishing pier, picnic pavilions and playgrounds for the kids.
And if you are yearning for something a little more man-made, the Altamonte Mall, long recognized as one of Florida's largest regional malls, boasts four department stores (Sears, JC Penney, Macy’s and Dillards), more than 175 specialty shops, and a dozen outlets in its Food Court. Comprising two stories, it is conveniently located just 1/2 mile east of I-4 in Altamonte Springs.
One of the most popular events in the central Florida region takes place in Altamonte Springs. The annual Red, Hot, & Boom firework display lights up on July 3rd to celebrate Independence Day and attracts over 100,000 visitors.
West of Altamonte Springs is Apopka, home to the Wekiwa Springs State Park. With almost 6,900 acres of wild scenery, Wekiwa Springs State Park offers an opportunity to see how central Florida looked when the Timicuan Indians speared fish in the spring-fed creeks and stalked deer in the uplands.
GETTING THERE
Altamonte Springs is served primarily by Orlando International Airport (located 20 minutes away), though nearby Orlando Sanford International Airport (located 15 minutes away) also serves the area. Orlando Executive Airport (located 15 minutes away) is used for charter flights and General Aviation.
Photo: Seminole County Tourism
