Orlando Photo Spots — 6 Stunning Locations for Wildlife and Nature Photography
No matter what brings you to Central Florida, do not forget to bring your camera. Orlando is known for theme parks, but once you step away from the crowds, you will find some of the most incredible wildlife and nature photography spots in the entire state.
There is a reason the birds fly south for the winter. Florida’s tropical weather means year-round wildlife entertainment, and the animals here are often different from anything you will find anywhere else in the country. Alligators sunning themselves ten feet away, roseate spoonbills wading through shallows, bald eagles circling overhead — and they all seem to love showing off for a camera.
We have explored all of these Orlando photo spots during our travels through Central Florida, and each one delivered incredible opportunities. Grab your camera and let’s head out.
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In This Guide
- Lake Apopka North Shore — Best Wildlife Drive
- Brevard Zoo — Open Air Animal Photography
- Leu Gardens — Botanical Photography Paradise
- Little Big Econ State Forest — Wild Florida
- Lake Eola — Downtown Orlando Landmark
- Rollins College — Spanish Architecture & Portraits
- Photography Tips for RV Travelers
- Where to Camp Near Orlando
- Florida Travel Books We Recommend
Lake Apopka North Shore — Best Wildlife Drive
Lake Apopka is Florida’s fourth largest lake, fed by a natural spring. Once a muck farm, the north shore has been restored into one of the best wildlife photography destinations in the Orlando area. You can spot bobcats, bald eagles, great blue herons, and dozens of other species.
The Loop Trail is 20 miles long and encircles the lake’s edges. There are observation towers along the way that give you elevated vantage points — perfect for shooting birds in flight and panoramic wetland landscapes.
The Wildlife Drive is 11 miles long and open to vehicles. Plan for 1–3 hours depending on how many times you stop to photograph. We have done this drive multiple times and never get tired of it. The light in the early morning and late afternoon is outstanding.
Good to know: There are restrooms along the trails but no drinking water. We always bring our Berkey water filter and a few extra bottles when we head out for a full day of photography. Do not underestimate Florida’s heat — you will go through more water than you think.
Location: Lake Apopka North Shore, Zellwood, FL
Brevard Zoo — Open Air Animal Photography
About 45 minutes east of Orlando in Melbourne, FL, the Brevard Zoo is compact at 45 acres but punches well above its weight for photography. The open-air viewing areas and elevated platforms give you unobstructed sight lines to the animals in natural-looking settings — no shooting through dirty glass here.
The zoo also offers “Behind the Scenes” experiences that put you closer to the animals than a standard visit. If you are serious about wildlife photography, call ahead and reserve a spot for one of these tours. The access is worth it.
Fun fact: the zoo was built entirely by a volunteer force of 16,000 locals in 1994 and is considered “The World’s Largest Community Build.” Good job, Brevard.
Location: 8225 N Wickham Rd, Melbourne, FL 32940
Leu Gardens — Botanical Photography Paradise
Located in downtown Orlando, Harry P. Leu Gardens is a 50-acre botanical oasis that offers some of the best landscape and macro photography opportunities in the area.
On the grounds you will find over 50 species of bamboo, 215 varieties of roses, an array of bromeliads and vines, a butterfly garden, and a stunning camellia collection. All plant collections are marked with signs and QR codes, so you can identify everything you photograph — which is helpful when you want to caption your shots later.
The gardens are especially beautiful in the morning light. Fewer crowds early means you can set up shots without people walking through your frame. If you love flower photography or botanical macro work, this is a must-visit.
Location: 1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
Little Big Econ State Forest — Wild Florida
One of the most popular nature destinations in the Orlando area, the Little Big Econ State Forest covers over 10,000 acres of protected forest along the Econlockhatchee River — known as “the Econ” to locals. The name comes from a Seminole word meaning “River of Many Mounds.”
The park has extensive trails dedicated to hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Natural communities of floodplain, wet prairie, pine flatwoods, sandhill, and scrub can all be explored with your camera. Animal sightings include alligators, roseate spoonbills, wood storks, and gopher tortoises.
This is wild Florida at its best. The trails get you deep into ecosystems that most visitors to Orlando never see. If you want photos that look nothing like a theme park, this is where you go.
Tip: The trails near the river can be buggy, especially during the warmer months. We bring our Thermacell mosquito repeller whenever we are photographing near water in Florida. It creates a 15-foot zone of protection so you can focus on your shots instead of swatting mosquitoes.
Location: 1350 Snow Hill Rd, Geneva, FL 32732
Lake Eola — Downtown Orlando Landmark
Lake Eola Park is a favorite among locals for portrait and event photography. The iconic Linton E. Allen Memorial Fountain and the downtown Orlando skyline provide a beautiful backdrop for any kind of photo shoot — engagement photos, family portraits, or golden hour landscapes.
Beyond the fountain, you will find an amphitheater, the red bridge, a Chinese pagoda, art sculptures, and swan boats on the lake. The park is pet friendly, and the surrounding blocks are packed with restaurants and shops, so you can easily make a full day of it.
For photographers, Lake Eola is ideal during the golden hour — the last hour before sunset. The fountain lights up beautifully at night as well, so if you enjoy long-exposure photography, stick around after dark.
Location: 512 E Washington St, Orlando, FL 32801
Rollins College — Spanish Architecture & Portraits
In nearby Winter Park, FL, Rollins College is one of the most beautiful campuses in the state. The Spanish Mediterranean architecture features elaborate archways, staircases, and iron gates that create incredible backdrops for portraits.
The campus also sits on the shore of Lake Virginia, with a dock that is perfect for both sunrise and sunset portrait sessions. It is a popular spot for Florida engagement photos, family shoots, and senior portraits.
If you are visiting the area, Winter Park itself is worth exploring. Park Avenue has excellent shopping and dining, and the Scenic Boat Tour on the chain of lakes gives you a completely different perspective of the area.
Location: 1000 Holt Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
Photography Tips for RV Travelers
Central Florida offers bright sun, deep shadows, lush landscapes, and water features everywhere. Here are some things we have learned from photographing across the area:
Shoot early or late. Florida’s midday sun is harsh and creates unflattering shadows. The best light for wildlife and landscapes is within the first two hours after sunrise and the last two hours before sunset. Plan your visits around these windows.
Bring more water than you think you need. The heat and humidity in Florida will drain you fast, especially if you are hiking trails or spending hours on a wildlife drive. We always carry extra water — a LifeStraw in your hiking bag is smart backup when you are deep in a state forest.
Protect against bugs. Any time you are near water in Florida — and you will be — mosquitoes are part of the deal. A Thermacell is a lifesaver when you are sitting still waiting for the perfect shot.
Be patient with wildlife. The best wildlife shots come from waiting, not chasing. Set up near water features, observation platforms, or known feeding areas and let the animals come to you. Florida wildlife is often more comfortable around humans than you would expect — especially the birds.
Watch for alligators. This is not a joke. Florida gators are in almost every body of freshwater. Stay on marked trails, keep a safe distance, and never feed them. They make incredible photo subjects from a respectful distance.
Use your phone’s GPS to tag locations. When you find a great spot, mark it so you can return. We use our Camping Journal to log our favorite photography locations along with the time of day and what wildlife we spotted. It has been invaluable for planning return trips.
Charge your gear the night before. If you are boondocking without shore power, make sure your camera batteries and phone are fully charged. A portable power station is essential for keeping everything topped off when you are camping off-grid.
Where to Camp Near Orlando
If you are exploring these Orlando photo spots from your RV, Central Florida has solid options for setting up a base camp.
Florida’s Space Coast (east of Orlando near the Brevard Zoo) has excellent beach camping options. We covered our favorite spots in our Central Florida beach camping guide — some of them put you within easy driving distance of most locations on this list.
For RV parks with full hookups, check out our top Florida RV parks — a few are in the Orlando area and make a great home base for day trips to these photo spots.
If you prefer free camping, there are dispersed camping areas on public lands north and west of Orlando. Check our free camping resources guide and our free boondocking apps guide for tools to find spots near your route.
New to RV travel? Start with our RV newbie tips and RV camping checklist so you do not forget anything important.
Florida Travel Books We Recommend
If you are planning a trip to Central Florida — or anywhere in the state — these travel guides are worth having on hand. We have picked up a few of these over the years and they have helped us discover places we never would have found on our own.
Packed with detailed maps, local recommendations, and itineraries covering everything from South Beach to the Panhandle. One of the most comprehensive Florida guides available. Great for planning day trips from your campsite.
The Couple’s Adventure — 85 Ideas in Florida
85 things to see, hear, taste, and try across the state. Perfect for couples traveling together — which is basically us. We found some gems in here we had never heard of.
Organized by theme rather than region, so you can search by what interests you — nature, history, art, food, and more. Hundreds of unique attractions throughout the Sunshine State.
This one takes you off the beaten path to the quieter roads that defined Florida in earlier years. Millions of visitors never really see the state beyond the interstates and toll roads. This book will rescue you from that and take you to what locals call “Old Florida.”
Covers everything from kayaking the Everglades to snorkeling the coral reefs of Biscayne National Park. Solid advice on what to see, what to skip, and hidden discoveries off the tourist trail.
More Florida & Travel Resources
- Central Florida Beach Camping — Space Coast RV Guide
- Top 5 Florida RV Parks for Your Ultimate Vacation
- Free Camping — The Best Resources for Finding Free Campsites
- RV Camping Checklist — Everything You Need
- RV Newbie Tips — What We Wish We Knew
Central Florida is so much more than theme parks. Once you get out into the natural areas around Orlando, you will find wildlife photography opportunities that rival anywhere in the country. The combination of subtropical ecosystems, diverse wildlife, and year-round sunshine makes it a photographer’s paradise.
If you have a favorite Orlando photo spot we missed, send us a note — we would love to add it to the list.
Happy travels,
Tony & Gina
RVBoondocker.com
