Whether you’re a Central Florida native or visiting the area for a trip to the theme parks, there’s a hidden gem on the outskirts of Kissimmee you don’t want to miss—St. Cloud. One exit over but a world away from the crowds and coasters, St. Cloud is a fast-evolving, growing city that still retains its old Florida charm. And the icing on the cake? Its centerpiece is the magnificent East Lake Tohopekaliga, which offers up endless options for water sports and activities. Here are a few worth checking out:
St. Cloud’s lakes offer experienced anglers and total beginners alike a chance at an unforgettable catch. From bowfishing to impressive bass, here’s where to cast your line in Osceola County.
If you’ve never tried bowfishing, here’s your invitation to give it a go! Just as its name implies, bowfishing involves fishing with a bow and arrow, which can be tricky if you don’t have the right teacher. In St. Cloud, the best way to learn the ropes is on an expedition with Gartooth Bowfishing. These pros will have you practicing your aim on gar and tilapia on one of the many freshwater lakes in Osceola County, with daytime and nighttime trips available. Set aside four-to-five hours for these excursions to make sure you get the most from your bowfishing experience.
You can’t talk fishing in Central Florida without mentioning bass. The area’s lake chains are prime angling grounds for large-mouth bass and let bass fishers shatter personal records for the day’s biggest catch. Pack a cooler and set out on your own boat or scout out a captain to show you all the best spots on the water. Check out Jay’s Bass Bustin Guide Service for a variety of guided fishing excursions complete with gear, bait, and local captains to help you reel in something awesome.
If you’re looking for something truly unique to the St. Cloud area, look no further than barramundi fishing. Native to Australia, barramundi can be as big as 100 lbs. and you won’t find them anywhere other than Osceola Outback, the only licensed barramundi fishing operation in North America. The “fish the pit” experience includes everything you need to catch as many barramundi as you’re in the mood for that day, no fishing license required.
Get up close and personal with St. Cloud’s wildest residents on an airboat tour of Lake Toho. Wild Willy’s Airboat Tours take you and the adventure seekers in your group on a one-hour tour where you’ll get to spot gators, bald eagles, blue herons, and more. Their trained captains know exactly where to find the lake’s most exciting spots and as an added bonus, you can snap photos with their resident gators at the end of your tour. That’s a photo sure to make it on the fridge so you can always remember your time on the water.
For those seeking high-speed thrills, Central Florida’s lakes are the ideal playground and East Lake Toho is one of our favorites around. This wide-open lake is perfect for water skiing, wakeboarding, and other water sports, as well as jet skiing and even paddleboarding. You can rent equipment at several locations across town or bring your own to set off on an adrenaline-pumping experience.
If you’ve spent enough time out on the water and are ready for some adventures on land, St. Cloud’s Lakefront Park has you covered. Play a game of beach volleyball, stroll along the waterside walkways, enjoy a picnic in a covered pavilion, let the kids cool off in the splash pad, or simply kick back on the sandy shores! You can also bring your bike to explore the bike paths or fish right from the edge of the water. When hunger strikes, head over to Crabby Bill’s for a meal overlooking the lake and the marina. We recommend the fish tacos!
Make the most of every sunny day in Central Florida (and we have a lot of those!) by getting out on the water or exploring the shoreline. Either way, St. Cloud’s Lake Toho and other sparkling bodies of water have something for everyone to enjoy. Where are you heading first?
