St. Cloud Travel Guide

Discover the hidden gems of St. Cloud, Florida with our comprehensive travel guide. From natural attractions to cultural landmarks, our guide will help you make the most of your trip.


Introduction to St. Cloud

Nestled in Greater Orlando, St. Cloud is a charming city known for its beautiful natural scenery, rich history, and vibrant culture. The city is located in Inland Florida and is a great base for exploring all that the state has to offer. From hiking and biking trails to cultural landmarks, there is something for everyone in St. Cloud.

List of Places to Visit in St. Cloud

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

St. Cloud has a rich history that dates back to the early 1900s. One of the best ways to learn about the city’s past is by visiting its museums and historical landmarks. Here are some of the must-visit cultural attractions in St. Cloud:

  • St. Cloud Heritage Museum: This museum features exhibits and artifacts that showcase the city’s history, including artifacts from the early pioneer days to present.
  • Veterans Memorial Library: The library is home to a large collection of books on Florida history and literature, including classics written by famous writers like Zora Neale Hurston and Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings.
  • Cowboys for Christ: A cowboy church in St. Cloud, the outdoor church, is known for its cowboy-themed sermons and lively worship services.
  • Osceola County Historical Society Pioneer Village: A living history museum with a collection of pioneer buildings that date back to the 1800s, including an original one-room schoolhouse.

Natural Attractions of St. Cloud: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

St. Cloud is home to many beautiful parks, lakes, and nature reserves. From hiking and biking to fishing and birdwatching, there is a wide range of outdoor recreational activities to enjoy in St. Cloud. Here are some of the must-see natural attractions in St. Cloud:

  • Peghorn Nature Park and Trails: A nature reserve with over a mile of boardwalks, hiking trails, and birdwatching opportunities.
  • Lakefront Park: Features beautiful views there, you can hike, fish, and enjoy the beautiful scenery on the shore of one of Florida’s natural lakes.
  • Wild Florida Airboats and Gator Park: Take an airboat ride through the marshes and swamps of Central Florida to see alligators and other native wildlife species

Hiking/Biking Routes of St. Cloud

There are many hiking and biking trails throughout the city of St. Cloud that offer scenic views and opportunities to explore the local area. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in St. Cloud:

  • Split Oak Forest Wildlife and Environmental Area: This wildlife reserve is home to over 4000 acres of natural Florida landscape, offers biking and hiking trails through oak forests and along pristine lakes, and has the distinguish feature of being one of the best birdwatching areas in the region.
  • Shingle Creek Regional Trail: A paved trail that follows the Shingle Creek watershed. The 32-mile route connects Kissimmee and Orlando, and features scenic views of natural landscapes.
  • Lakefront Bike Trail: This 10-mile biking trail follows the shoreline of East Lake Tohopekaliga and provides beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

Best Things to Do in St. Cloud: Activities and Tours

There is an endless array of activities and tours in St. Cloud that cater to different interests and budgets. Here are some of the best things to do in St. Cloud:

  • Airboat Rides: Take a thrilling airboat ride through the marshes and swamps of Central Florida to see alligators and other native wildlife species.
  • Visit Gatorland: One of Florida’s most popular attractions, Gatorland is a theme park that features thousands of alligators, crocodiles, and other exotic animals, and daily shows and presentations up close.
  • O-Town Airboat Rides: Experience scenic views and the thrill of an airboat ride on Lake Tohopekaliga, where you can see alligators and other wildlife. The tour includes a stop at an island to feed wild animals and an alligator meat lunch.
  • St. Cloud Lakefront Park: a beautiful park and pier on East Lake Tohopekaliga, offering swimming, boating, picnics.

Week-Long Itinerary for St. Cloud

If you are planning a week-long trip to St. Cloud, here is a suggested itinerary:

Day 1-2: Visit the St. Cloud Heritage Museum and the Veterans Memorial Library. Explore Shingle Creek Regional Trail and take an airboat ride at Wild Florida Airboats and Gator Park.

Day 3-4: Visit the Osceola County Historical Society Pioneer Village, explore Peghorn Nature Park and Trails, and hike or bike through Split Oak Forest Wildlife and Environmental Area.

Day 5-6: Spend the day at Gatorland and visit O-Town Airboat Rides. At night, attend a live performance by an iconic musical artist at the nearby Hard Rock Stadium.

Day 7: Relax at the Lakefront Park, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and try some of the local food.

Food and Drink Scene of St. Cloud

Must-Try Dishes

St. Cloud is home to a vibrant food and drink scene that features a variety of restaurants and bars. Here are some of the must-try dishes in St. Cloud:

  • Gator Bites: Deep-fried bite-sized alligator meat served with dipping sauce.
  • Crab Cakes: Mouthwatering crab cakes – made with seasonal fish and local crab
  • Moonshine Cocktails: At The Copper Rocket, the best place to have a lovely cocktail or beer while you enjoy local live music.

Local Beverages

St. Cloud is known for its fantastic beer and wine scene, and there are several breweries and wineries in the area. Here are some of the must-visit breweries and wineries in St. Cloud:

  • The Taproom at Big River Brewery: Micro-brewery serving local craft-brewed beer in a convivial atmosphere, and also serves a range of delicious pub fare.
  • Fifth Avenue St. Cloud: This local wine bar is known for its extensive wine list, including many varieties from Florida’s vineyards.

Where to Stay in St. Cloud: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

St. Cloud offers a variety of accommodations for visitors, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Here are some of the best places to stay in St. Cloud:

  • Budget: Monkey’s Nest Hostel offers affordable, shared hostel-style accommodation in a vibrant neighborhood with a comfortable and homely atmosphere.
  • Mid-Range: The Victorian Celebration Bed and Breakfast: Offering a delightful stay and great location in the History District of St. Cloud, with Victorian-style rooms and a gourmet breakfast.

What to Buy in St. Cloud: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

St. Cloud is home to many local shops and markets, offering unique souvenirs and local products. Here are some of the best places to shop in St. Cloud:

  • Lakefront Vendor Market: Featuring local artisans and craftsmen selling handmade goods and souvenirs.
  • St. Cloud Farmer’s Market: Buy local fruits, vegetables, and handmade goods, open seasonally on Thursdays.
  • Sunrise Tacos Mexican Restaurant: With many Mexican food options, they also offer a large variety of original Mexican items to take home

Local Culture and Customs of St. Cloud

St. Cloud is known for its laid-back and friendly culture. Visitors are always welcomed with a warm smile, and locals are happy to share their traditions and customs. Here are some of the key cultural customs to be aware of when visiting St. Cloud:

  • Southern Hospitality: St. Cloud is known for its welcoming and friendly locals, so don’t be surprised if you’re greeted with a big smile or friendly conversation.
  • Outdoor Adventure: St. Cloud is an outdoor-lover’s paradise, and many residents enjoy hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Be sure to bring appropriate gear and clothing.

Best Time to Visit St. Cloud

The best time to visit St. Cloud is during the fall and winter months when the temperatures are mild and comfortable. Summer can be hot and humid, and the area sees occasional thunderstorms.

Do’s and Don’ts of St. Cloud

Do:

  • Visit the local museums and historical landmarks to learn more about the city’s history.
  • Try the local cuisine and drinks.
  • Explore the beautiful parks and natural attractions.

Don’t:

  • Engage in disruptive behavior that disturbs the city’s peace and tranquility.
  • Ignore public safety regulations.

Safety and Health

Safety in St. Cloud

St. Cloud is a relatively safe city, and visitors should take normal, common-sense precautions while exploring the city.

Health in St. Cloud

St. Cloud has several medical facilities and pharmacies, and visitors should always carry any necessary medications with them.

Getting to St. Cloud: Transportation Options and Logistics

St. Cloud is easily accessible by car, with major highways intersecting the city. It is also accessible via bus and train services.

Airports Near St. Cloud

The closest airport to St. Cloud is Orlando International Airport.

Bus Stations Near St. Cloud

There are several bus stations near St. Cloud, including Greyhound Bus Lines.

Other Options

Taxis, rideshares, car rentals, and charter buses are also available for visitors who want to explore the wider region.

How to Get Around in St. Cloud

The best way to get around in St. Cloud is by car, bike, or on foot. There is also a local bus service that operates throughout the city.

Where to Go Next from St. Cloud: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

St. Cloud is a great base location for exploring Florida’s many attractions. Some of the best nearby destinations and excursions include:

  • Orlando: Just a short drive away from St. Cloud, Orlando is home to world-famous theme parks like Disney World and Universal Studios.
  • Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex: Located in Cape Canaveral, Kennedy Space Center offers visitors a glimpse into the history of NASA and space exploration.
  • Lake Toho Fishing: Take a fishing excursion on Lake Toho, known for its large population of largemouth bass.

Conclusion

St. Cloud is a vibrant and exciting city with a rich history and beautiful natural scenery. From cultural landmarks to outdoor adventures, there is something for everyone in St. Cloud. Use this guide to plan your trip and make the most of your time in this charming city.

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