We know life can be stressful, and sometimes you just need to get away. Whether you want to take a stroll through gardens, relax at the beach, swim in fresh spring waters or go on a peaceful hike, we have you covered. Check out these 22 places in Central Florida where you can find your inner zen.

Greenwood Urban Wetlands 1411 Greenwood St., 407-246-2283 An oasis in downtown Orlando, this dog-friendly park is great for finding yourself. Take a walk across the park bridge and discover the owls lurking in trees or take rest under the big trees with a good book. Photo via Michelle M. C./Yelp
Blue Springs State Park 2100 W. French Ave., Orange City., 386-775-3663 A 45-minute drive from downtown brings you to a refreshing getaway cove. The water may be a chill 72 degrees, but that shouldn’t stop you from taking a dip in this spring. If that doesn’t suit your fancy, rent a canoe and go searching for manatees; Blue Springs is a favorite hangout of the gentle sea cow.
Central Park Rose Garden 251 S. Park Ave., 407-599-3334 A short trip north of downtown Orlando, the Central Park Rose Garden sits neatly tucked away in Winter Park. Come on your day off and enjoy this little oasis close to home. Photo via Mark D./Yelp
Cocoa Beach 401 Meade Ave., Cocoa Beach, 321-783-7549 While the address is for the Cocoa Beach Pier, that’s just a starting point. An early sunrise at Cocoa Beach can offer you quiet time and a morning dip in the ocean, but if that’s still too many people for you, keep driving because there are more parts of the beach secluded enough to enjoy some tranquility. Photo by Sarah Cavacini
Wekiwa Springs State Park 1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka, 407-553-4383 Everyone will probably be swimming in the azure waters of the Wekiwa Springs, so to get some alone time, rent a kayak and explore this quiet oasis of nature. If you want to avoid the water, there are plenty of trails, and pretty soon, you’ll be able to enjoy the serenity garden. Photo via Florida State Parks
Florida Botanical Gardens 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, 727-582-2100 Yes, this one is a bit of a drive, but sometimes you need to get far away to relax. With 12 gardens that range in theme from butterfly to cactus, the Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo overflow with ways to serenely fill your off days with decompressing nature walks and seating. Three formal gardens also provide the public the opportunity to showcase their event in one of the finest natural settings Florida has to offer. Photo via Lissette C./Yelp
Lake Apopka 2929 S. Binion Road, Apopka, 407-886-4231 This lake is a wildlife-lover’s paradise. With a 14.6-mile hiking and biking trail, plus a drive-through wilderness trail, you won’t be disappointed. Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture all the animals and wind down with a look at the historic pump house. Photo via Jeff K./Yelp
Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens 633 Osceola Ave., 407-647-6294 If you fancy any of the architecture featured throughout the Disney masterpiece, ‘Hercules,’ then this museum and the step into ancient Greece it offers is right up your alley. Fifty works by Albin Polasek and other sculptors can be found strewn across the beautiful landscape that sits only 15 minutes from downtown Orlando. Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens/Facebook
Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales, 863-676-1408 Certainly worth visiting for the architecture alone, this little Florida gem can be found hidden away in Lake Wales, Florida. Along with their unique landmark, the “Singing Tower” carillon, visitors can also enjoy bird watching, geocaching and trail hiking. Bok Tower Gardens/Facebook
Dickson Azalea Park 100 Rosearden Drive, 407-246-2283 One of Orlando’s oldest landmarks, Dickson Azalea Park is a hidden pocket of serenity that offers plenty of peace, quiet and most importantly, shade. No setting sounds better for finding your inner zen. Photo via Glenn G./Yelp
Kraft Azalea Garden 1365 Alabama Drive, 407-599-3334 Sitting on the Shore of Lake Maitland is the most consistently used setting in dreams also known as Kraft Azalea Garden. Framed by overwhelming cypress trees, this 5-acre plot of elegant Winter Park land is more than capable of providing the perfect backdrop for those memory making photos. Photo via Glenn H. /Yelp
Lake Eola 512 E. Washington St., 407-246-4484 Enjoy the view of Orlando’s skyline as you sit down and take a breather at Lake Eola Park. Look for weekly yoga classes on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., or take some time to watch the beautiful swans. Photo via Christine W. /Yelp
Lake Kissimmee State Park 14248 Camp Mack Road, Lake Wales, 863-696-1112 Get your camping gear ready and your cowboy boots on. This park not only offers a great view of the stars, equestrian trails and a large picnic area, but also a demonstration of Florida’s early “cow hunters” of the 19th century. Turn off your phone and escape into this era captured in time. Photo via Cipriano M. /Yelp
Mead Botanical Garden 1300 S. Denning Drive, 407-599-2800 Nestled in the heart of Winter Park, Mead Botanical Garden offers a variety of flora and fauna to discover in its three areas, which include a butterfly garden, the legacy greenhouse and a native plants garden. Photo via Jordan W. /Yelp
Nehrling Gardens 2267 Hempel Ave., Gotha, 407-445-9977 It makes sense to see the old home of Florida’s godfather of botany, Dr. Henry Nehrling, beyond adequately cradled by one of Florida’s best examples of botany. The garden’s hosts continued research in the relentless struggle to understand the plant genome that Dr. Nehrling started in the 19th century. Photo via Nehrling Gardens/Facebook
Orlando Wetlands Park 25155 Wheeler Road, Christmas, 407-568-1706 No, you’re not in the Everglades, but the Orlando Wetlands Park is pretty close. Hike around this 1,700 acre park and discover alligators swimming in the lake, birds flying and finally stop at the Oyler overlook to have the best view of the whole park. Photo by Sarah Cavacini
Harry P. Leu Gardens 1920 N. Forest Ave., 407-246-2620 With over 50 acres of gardens to explore, you’ll never run out of roses, camellias and azaleas to sniff. Stay awhile and rest, take in the blooming gardens on a park bench while you forget about life’s everyday stress. Photo by Sarah Cavacini
Split Oak Forest 12901 Moss Park Road, 407-254-6840 Aptly titled, this park is known for the massive oak tree split down the middle of the trunk. Get away for a while with a calming walk through the forest or vibe with the sounds of nature to find that inner peace. Photo by Monivette Cordeiro
UCF Arboretum 4312 Scorpius St., 407-823-3583 One of many creative learning communities at UCF, the Arboretum is a truly unique feature that can be found right on campus. With winding trails lead you through hidden paths around Lake Claire, the Arboretum is the ideal place for a much needed study break. Photo vis UCF Arboretum/Facebook
The Heavy 1152 Harmon Ave., Winter Park Jennifer Crotty opened The Heavy in a 16,000-square-foot warehouse, the ideal spot for her plant-filled oasis. The stylish indoor garden offers a nursery, a flower bar and a gift market. Credit: Photo by Paul Brinkmann
New Smyrna Beach 2238 State Road 44, New Smyrna Beach, 386-428-1600 Just like Cocoa Beach, New Smyrna has those hidden gem beaches that are perfect for a self-discovery in paradise. If you’re not up for a beach day, check out the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum or take a walk down Flagler Avenue. Photo via Visit New Smyrna Beach/Instagram
Porch Therapy 3201 Corrine Drive, 407-489-8973 Located at East End Market off Corrine, Porch Therapy offers a chance to take a little study break surrounded by colorful succulents and other plants. They’re even available for purchase so you can plan a succulent family while you’re there. Photo via Porch Therapy/Facebook