Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive

This 11-mile auto tour loop on former farmland along Lake Apopka's north shore is one of central Florida's best drive-through wildlife routes, with gators common in the canals alongside the road. Cooler mornings, fall through spring, bring the most activity along with strong bird numbers. You can view almost everything from the car; if you get out at a pullout, stay well back from the canal edge. The drive is gated with set open hours, so check before you go.