Exploring the Best Shaded Parks and Trails for a Florida Summer

Summers in Central Florida are absolutely beautiful, but can also be brutally hot, which can leave you wanting to spend your days inside. Staying cooped up the entire season isn’t good either, despite what that glorious air conditioning may feel like!

If you’re craving some fresh air, but don’t want to melt in the hot sun, Mr. Clean Can has the solution for you. Some of our local parks and trails are perfectly shaded which helps keep you a little cooler as you enjoy the outdoors.

1. Dickson Azalea Park

Tucked away just outside of downtown Orlando, Dickson Azalea Park is actually located in a small ravine. Thanks to the walking paths dipping below street level, the temperature can feel cooler than neighboring areas. There are massive shady trees all around, flowing water, and stone bridges that help provide some perfect spots for a cooler outdoor summer experience. If you’re ooking for a peaceful place to walk around, be sure to add this park to your list!

2. Mead Botanical Garden

Located right in the heart of Winter Park, Mead Botanical Garden spans nearly 50 acres, but won’t leave you feeling like you’re baking under the sun in a giant open field. During your visit, you’ll find winding dirt trails, boardwalks over native wetlands, and giant live oaks that give off plenty of shade.

You can go on a leisurely stroll, check out the greenhouse on property, or find a nice shaded bench to read a book. This is the perfect place to escape from the busy city to catch your breath and take in the beautiful scenery that the Orlando area has to offer.

3. Seminole Wekiva Trail

If you’re looking for a little more exercise, Seminole Wekiva Trail is the place for you. The entire trail stretches about 14 miles, and large sections of it are heavily wooded, which means lots of shade.

The walking path is paved, which makes it easy to navigate, and with large trees on either side, you have plenty of natural shade to walk under to keep the sun off you. If you’re looking for an outdoor place to get your daily exercise in, this is the place to visit.

Quick Tips for Summer Outings

Even with lots of great shade at these outdoor spots, Florida summers still require quite a bit of preparation before you head out of the house. To make your outing as comfortable as possible, keep these quick tips in mind:

1. Time it right: Be sure to head out early in the morning or later in the evening. You’ll get the coolest temperatures of the day and avoid the peak UV index.
2. Watch the radar: With Florida summers comes afternoon thunderstorms. Check that weather app before you head out so you don’t get caught in a downpour.
3. Pack the bug spray: While the shaded, wooded areas are beautiful, they come packed with plenty of mosquitos. A quick spray before you go on your walk will keep those pesks away.

Keep the Fresh Air Going at Home

There is nothing quite like coming home after a nice, refreshing walk in nature, pouring a cold glass of water, and relaxing. What you don’t want is to step out of your car and immediately be hit by the overwhelming stench of hot garbage cooking in your driveway.

When the summer heat spikes, your trash and recycling bins turn into an absolute breeding ground for bacteria and odors. You shouldn’t have to hold your breath every time you walk past your garage or patio.

At Clean Cans, we take that chore completely off your plate. Our professional, high-pressure cleaning system sanitizes and deodorizes your bins right at the curb, ensuring your home stays just as fresh as your favorite shaded trail.

Ready to get rid of the stink? Sign up for our regular bin cleaning service today and let us handle the dirty work!