Winter Park vacation rentals

Winter Park is warm enough to make your cares melt away

If the word "winter" conjures images of icy winds and smiling snowmen, think again. This city is where smart travelers flee the harshest winter climates for something a little more summery. Known for its chain of tree-lined lakes and colorful gardens, Winter Park has long been a retreat for families, older folks, and couples enjoying romantic honeymoons. These lucky visitors benefit from a surprisingly chic array of restaurants and classy boutiques, plus impressive art museums and historic homes. You can count on your Winter Park vacation rental being close to worldly attractions, but suffused with a get-away-from-it-all vibe.

A little city with big art, long history, and grand gardens

For a suburban city spread over a mere 10 square miles, Winter Park has an awfully swanky collection of cultural, historical, and natural attractions. Its Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art is world-famous for its collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany pieces. The Hannibal Square Heritage Center is dedicated to the African Americans who lived and worked in the area in the 19th century. Plus, no matter where your Winter Park vacation rental lies, it'll be close to a botanical garden. The Mead Botanical Garden on Lake Sue and the Kraft Azalea Gardens on Lake Maitland are standouts.

Enjoy the sunny scene on foot, on wheels, or on the water

The easiest way to enjoy Winter Park is simply to step outside and start walking toward Park Avenue, a prime destination for excellent restaurants, upscale shopping, and cocktail bars with outdoor seating. Tired of walking? Keep the sightseeing going with a scenic boat tour through the lakes, or take a bike tour of historic homes and buildings. Of course, you can always head 30 minutes south to Walt Disney World if that's what the family is clamoring for, but Winter Park has a way of making anything other than its quaint southern charm seem unnecessary.

Enjoy the winter of your content in Winter Park

What's in a name? In this case, plenty. Maybe it's called Winter Park because you should park yourself here all winter. Temperatures range from the high 50s to the 70s on most days from November through February, and although prices are at a premium, the sunny skies might be worth it. Spring and fall are also special, especially if you're looking for a bargain on a Winter Park vacation rental. Just remember that rainy weather (and occasional hurricanes) can hit from June to November. Bring your rain gear and listen to local meteorologists.

Tropical trees and feathered friends abound in Winter Park

Winter Park's warm, watery climate is perfect for the oaks and moss-draped camphor trees that make you feel like you're on the edge of a wetland wilderness, even while strolling through the middle of town. Paddle a kayak, or take a boat tour through the city's many lakes and admire the banana trees as you keep an eye out for black anhingas and purple martins. This is an ideal destination for bird watchers. The Mead Botanical Garden has reported sightings of barred owls, Cooper's hawk, and the rare red-headed woodpecker.

Traveling to and around Winter Park

The nearest airport is in Orlando Intl. Airport (MCO), located 11.8 mi (19 km) from the city center. If you're unable to find a flight that fits your schedule, you could also fly into Orlando Sanford Intl. Airport (SFB), which is 13.4 mi (21.6 km) away.

If you prefer train travel, the main station is Winter Park Station.