Entrance picnic pavilions

Entrance picnic pavilions is a distinct visitor destination within Orlando Wetlands. Start at the Visitors Center and map board near the entrance. Choose the 2,200-foot Cypress Boardwalk, a short berm loop, or a longer trail before leaving the developed area.

Use the free entrance lot on Wheeler Road. Restrooms, picnic pavilions, and the Visitors Center are near this lot; private vehicles cannot continue onto the wetland berm roads.

Open Tuesday-Sunday from sunrise to sunset and closed Monday. The Visitors Center is open Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and closes on city-observed holidays; tram tours use a limited seasonal schedule.

Restrooms are just north of the parking lot and at the Visitors Center. There are no restrooms across the remote 1,650-acre trail system.

Admission, parking, and public volunteer tram tours are free; tram donations are welcome and reserved group-tour rates vary.

A sidewalk connects accessible parking with restrooms, picnic pavilion, Visitors Center, and Cypress Boardwalk. Compacted sand-shell berms are generally wheelchair accessible only when dry.

Pets are prohibited because of alligators and birds of prey. ADA-defined service animals are permitted; keep them close and away from water edges.

The boardwalk and Visitors Center are the easiest family visit. Keep children close, stay atop berms, carry water, and never approach alligators, snakes, or other wildlife.

Expect extreme heat, minimal shade, fast lightning storms, mosquitoes, soft trails after rain, and wildlife at close range. The automatic gate closes at sunset and vehicles can be locked in.

There is no practical public transit from Orlando. Driving is the reliable approach; confirm a rideshare return before depending on one in rural Christmas.