Big Tree Park
Discover Big Tree Park, home to a colossal 500-year-old Southern Live Oak, a living monument to Florida's rich history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful and less crowded
Big Tree Park
Best Time
Peaceful and less crowded
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Big Tree Park, home to a colossal 500-year-old Southern Live Oak, a living monument to Florida's rich history.
"A majestic Southern Live Oak from the 1500's in Big Tree Park in Orlando."
Bring a Blanket or Chair
Concrete blocks are available, but a blanket or camping chair enhances comfort for relaxing. :camping:
Respect the Tree
Please refrain from climbing the ancient oak. Enjoy its majesty from the designated areas. :evergreen_tree:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Big Tree
Center of the park
A colossal 1500s Southern Live Oak, a living testament to centuries of Florida history.
Historical Plaques
Around the Big Tree
Informative signs detailing the tree's incredible lifespan and historical significance.
Peaceful Ambiance
Throughout the park
A quiet, shaded retreat perfect for reading, relaxing, or enjoying a moment of solitude.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Big Tree Park
Respecting the Majestic Big Tree
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring a Blanket or Chair
Concrete blocks are available, but a blanket or camping chair enhances comfort for relaxing. :camping:
Respect the Tree
Please refrain from climbing the ancient oak. Enjoy its majesty from the designated areas. :evergreen_tree:
Street Parking Available
Free street parking is usually available on Thornton Ave. :car:
No Restrooms Onsite
Plan accordingly as there are no public restrooms within the park. :toilet:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring a Blanket or Chair
Concrete blocks are available, but a blanket or camping chair enhances comfort for relaxing. :camping:
Respect the Tree
Please refrain from climbing the ancient oak. Enjoy its majesty from the designated areas. :evergreen_tree:
Street Parking Available
Free street parking is usually available on Thornton Ave. :car:
No Restrooms Onsite
Plan accordingly as there are no public restrooms within the park. :toilet:
Quiet Contemplation Spot
Ideal for reading or quiet conversation, not a playground for children. :books:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Big Tree Park for its magnificent, ancient oak tree and the peaceful, quiet atmosphere it offers. It's seen as a unique historical and natural landmark, perfect for a moment of reflection. However, some note the lack of amenities like restrooms and playgrounds, making it less suitable for those seeking active recreation.
"it was a nice place for my friend and I to just sit outside and catch up.
There were a few square concrete blocks to sit on, but it would have been better with a blanket on the ground or camping chair.
The park is surrounded by homes. we saw people riding around on bikes , walking and a couple had brought their small dog to play Frisbee.
this is not a children's park, no playground, its a park for the tree. 😁
It was clean and quiet, a nice place for us to hangout."
Devan Jurgenson
"I love a historic tree. They have silently witnessed so many formative events and will still be standing long after we are gone. I found just such a tree, a majestic southern live oak tree from the 1500's in Big Tree Park in Orlando. Live Oaks can live for centuries while growing 60-80 feet tall and 60-120 feet wide. Big Tree is so beloved by Orlando that it had its own park created around it in the 1950's.
Big Tree sprang to life from an acorn in the 1500's. That was before the Spanish arrived in Florida in 1513 and the Pilgrim's reached Plymouth Rock in 1620. Big Tree grew as our nation did in the 1700's when the Declaration of Independence was written and George Washington became the first President of the United States. In 1819 the United States took control of Florida from Spain and Florida became a state in 1845. In 1875, Big Tree's home city of Orlando was incorporated. In the 1920's the Park Lake Highland neighborhood grew up around it. Through all of these years Big Tree has been pulling significant amounts of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.
Big Tree has continued to flourish surviving hurricanes, freezes, and city growth. In 1972 Big Tree was struck by lightening three times and experts hired by the city did critical work on the root structure. It stands here still today majestically with minimal upkeep through a combination of interaction with the soil, the surrounding environment, and luck. Earlier this year a group of arborists from Archangel Ancient Tree Archive, a nonprofit based in Michigan came and took clippings from the canopy of Big Tree so they can clone it and make thousands of more trees to plant throughout the southeast.
Surrounding Big Tree are a few stone benches so you can sit and and enjoy the peacefulness of the park. Read a book, have a snack, contemplate our place in the universe, just refrain from climbing on Big Tree."
Ariel W.
"The oldest tree in Orlando is very impressive.
Enormous trunk with some branches that touch the ground. Signs request us not too climb.
Currently there is a fancy automatic electric lawn mower keeping the grass nicely manicured.
Concrete pedestals to sit on.
Street parking on Thornton Ave.
No restrooms."
Paul Martin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Big Tree Park is located in Longwood, Florida, a suburb of Orlando. It's situated in a residential neighborhood. Street parking is typically available on Thornton Avenue.
Public transport options to Big Tree Park might be limited due to its residential location. It's generally recommended to drive or use ride-sharing services.
Parking is usually available on the street, specifically along Thornton Avenue, right at the park's location.
Yes, Big Tree Park offers a peaceful nature walk centered around its magnificent oak tree. It's a great spot for a relaxing stroll.
While some visitors have mentioned seeing dogs, it's always best to check local park regulations. If allowed, ensure your dog is leashed and cleaned up after.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Big Tree Park is generally free to enter. It's a public park dedicated to preserving the historic oak tree.
As a public park, Big Tree Park is typically open from dawn until dusk. It's advisable to visit during daylight hours for the best experience.
No advance booking is required for Big Tree Park. It's a walk-in park, making it easy to visit spontaneously.
The main restriction is to respect the Big Tree itself; climbing on it is prohibited. Otherwise, it's a welcoming space for quiet enjoyment.
Big Tree Park is not a traditional children's park with playgrounds. It's designed for quiet appreciation of the historic tree, making it more suitable for older children or families seeking a peaceful outing.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
The star attraction is the 'Big Tree,' an enormous and ancient Southern Live Oak estimated to be from the 1500s. It's one of the oldest trees in Orlando.
The park offers concrete benches for seating and informational plaques about the Big Tree's history. There are no restrooms or playgrounds.
You can enjoy a quiet picnic at Big Tree Park. Bringing a blanket is recommended for a more comfortable experience on the ground.
Yes, the sheer size and ancient beauty of the Big Tree make it a fantastic subject for photography, especially with the surrounding greenery.
The Big Tree is a historic Southern Live Oak that sprouted in the 1500s, predating European settlement in Florida. It has witnessed centuries of local and national history.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Try capturing the tree from different perspectives, including wide shots to show its immense scale and close-ups of its textured bark and sprawling branches. Early morning or late afternoon light can add dramatic effect.
The main photo opportunity is the Big Tree itself. You can also capture the historical plaques and the peaceful, shaded atmosphere of the park.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful, soft lighting that enhances the tree's natural beauty. Midday can be harsh.
Drone usage is typically restricted in residential parks and near private properties. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise.
For wide shots, use a wider aperture (smaller f-number) to get more of the tree in focus. For detail shots of the bark or leaves, a narrower aperture (larger f-number) can create a pleasing depth of field.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the visit more enjoyable for younger ones, consider bringing a blanket or portable chairs for comfortable seating. Pack some quiet activities like a book or drawing supplies. It's an ideal spot for a relaxed family outing where you can share stories and appreciate the natural world together. Remember to manage expectations, as it's a place for quiet appreciation, not active play.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Nature Enthusiasts
Bring a good book or a journal and find a comfortable spot on a bench or a blanket. The shade provided by the massive oak makes it an inviting place to relax for an extended period. It's an excellent opportunity to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature and yourself.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Living History of the Big Tree
This venerable oak has survived numerous hurricanes, freezes, and urban development. In 1972, it even endured three lightning strikes, requiring critical work on its root structure to ensure its survival. Today, it continues to thrive, a symbol of endurance and natural heritage. Efforts are even underway to preserve its legacy, with clippings taken to clone and propagate more trees, ensuring its genetic lineage continues.
Visitors are encouraged to appreciate the Big Tree's grandeur respectfully. While there are concrete benches for seating, the primary interaction is observational. The park's historical plaques offer a deeper understanding of the tree's journey through time, connecting visitors to a tangible piece of living history.
Experiencing Big Tree Park: A Tranquil Escape
The park's ambiance is enhanced by its shaded canopy, providing a cool respite, especially on warm Florida days. Visitors often describe it as a cozy, tucked-away spot perfect for reading a book, enjoying a quiet conversation, or simply reflecting. The presence of an automatic electric lawn mower ensures the grounds are always neatly maintained, adding to the park's tranquil atmosphere.
While amenities are minimal, the focus remains on the natural beauty and historical significance of the tree. The surrounding residential neighborhood adds to the park's quiet charm, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a calm and restorative outdoor experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit