Longwood Travel and Things to Do Guide

The nearest town to Wekiva Springs State Park, this tree-laden suburban community affords quick access for visitors and residents who enjoy the nature and outdoor sports activities that several Longwood event venues embrace. Encompassing 7,000 acres, Wekiva Springs State Park is a popular spot for canoeing, kayaking, hiking and horseback riding. Situated 15 miles north of Orlando, Longwood is 22 miles from the Orlando International Airport, 10 miles from Orlando Sanford International Airport, 23 miles from the Orange County Convention Center and 25 from Walt Disney World. While there are no hotel venues in Longwood, the town is only only a five- to 10-minute drive from Maitland and Lake Mary, both of which have a diverse inventory of national chain hotels with conference facilities. Meeting-oriented hotels near Longwood include the 390-room Sheraton Orlando North with 15,000 square feet of meeting space and 15 meeting rooms, 304-room Orlando Marriott Lake Mary with 11,000 square feet of meeting space and the 253-room Westin Lake Mary, Orlando North with 14,000 square feet of meeting space. When looking for off-site venues in Longwood, top options are Magnolia Acres, a Victorian era farm house built in 1888, which an handle outings for up to 60 people; Alaqua Country Club, an upscale club with a dining room capacity of 125 and a patio that can accommodate receptions for 75; and the Longwood Community Building, a 9,000-square-foot Victorian home with a carriage house suitable for group functions of 170 people. Beyond the eco-tourism activities at Wekiva State Park, other group recreation possibilities include the Aiguille Rock Climbing Center, an indoor climbing facility that can handle groups up to 75 for team building; the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens, which has 400 animals and the Rainforest Pavilion, a covered venue that can accommodate up to 300. For golfers, Longwood is home to Alaqua Country Club and Wekiva Golf Club. When it's time to dine, Longwood offers several national chain restaurants such as Bonefish Grill and Kobe Japanese Steakhouse. Local favorites include Enzo's on the Lake, Golden Thai and Imperial Dynasty.