JC Villas
our story
Jackie and Chris Turner have been proud family business owners for over 20 years, built on a simple promise: treat every guest the way we’d want our own family to be treated.
At JC Villas Florida, we know a holiday in the Sunshine State is something people save for, dream about, and look forward to for years. That’s why we focus on what truly matters, comfort, honesty, value, and real care from the moment you book to the moment you fly home.
As a family‑run business, we don’t believe in hidden surprises or pushy sales. We believe in clean, spacious villas, straightforward communication, and helping you make the most of every penny.
Because we understand that not every day needs to be a theme‑park day, we’re creating a Free Places to Visit in Florida Guide, packed with beaches, nature spots, local gems, and family‑friendly activities that cost nothing but still make unforgettable memories.
Your holiday should feel magical, not stressful. Your stay should feel personal, not corporate. And your experience should feel like home, just with more sunshine.
Welcome to JC Villas Florida. Where families stay, relax, and return.
Free things to do in
Orlando
Visit lake
eola park
If you’re visiting Orlando for the first time, Lake Eola Park is a brilliant way to get a feel for the city’s downtown atmosphere.
Right in the centre of Orlando, the park wraps around a large lake with a paved one‑mile (1.6km) loop, swan‑shaped pedal boats, and the well‑known Linton E. Allen Memorial Fountain, which glows with colourful lights after dark. With open lawns, public art, and a community of real swans, it’s a calm, scenic spot away from the theme‑park rush.
How to enjoy it
Take a gentle stroll around the water and keep an eye out for the park’s resident swansyou’ll spot several breeds, including trumpeter, whooper, black‑necked and the classic mute swans. If you’re there on a Sunday, the Orlando Farmers Market sets up in the south‑east corner, offering fresh produce, handmade crafts, and live music.
📍 Address: 512 E Washington St, Orlando, FL 32801
🕒 Opening hours: Daily: 6:00am – 12:00am
Explore
disney springs
Disney Springs is a huge lakeside entertainment district that gives you a dose of Disney sparkle without needing a park ticket. Previously known as Downtown Disney, it has grown into a lively area packed with themed shops, restaurants, and daily entertainment. Split into four unique zones, the whole place mixes classic Florida style with subtle Disney touches from a 1920s‑inspired waterfront to a colourful marketplace full of quirky stores. You can watch the giant hot‑air balloon rise above the water, browse independent boutiques, and enjoy free performances throughout the day.
How to experience it
Begin at The Landing, where the vintage‑themed buildings and waterside views make for a relaxed wander. Move on to the Marketplace to explore the world’s largest Disney shop, or pop into the LEGO Store to see the impressive life‑sized models. Across the district, you’ll find musicians, dancers, and street performers putting on free shows every day.
📍 Address
1486 Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
🕒 Opening hours
Sunday–Thursday: 10:00am – 11:00pm
Friday–Saturday: 10:00am – 11:30pm
Hike at the
tibet-butler reserve
Tibet‑Butler Preserve is a peaceful pocket of nature just outside Orlando, offering a welcome break from the city and theme‑park buzz. The reserve is home to a network of well‑kept walking trails that weave through pine flatwoods, cypress swamps, and marshland, giving visitors a real sense of Central Florida’s natural landscapes. At the entrance, the Vera Carter Environmental Centre provides displays and information about local wildlife, including gopher tortoises, barred owls, and the elusive bobcat.
How to experience it
Follow the Pine Circle Trail, a 3.6‑mile (5.8km) loop that takes you through a mix of habitats and offers lovely viewpoints across Lake Tibet. One of the highlights is the Fallen Log Crossing, where a huge fallen tree forms a natural bridge along the route. The preserve is also a favourite with birdwatchers, keep an eye out for woodpeckers, herons, and even bald eagles. Arriving early means cooler temperatures and quieter paths.
📍 Address: 8777 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Orlando, FL 32836
🕒 Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday: 8:00am – 6:00pm
Enjoy the
kraft azalea garden
Set along the edge of Lake Maitland, Kraft Azalea Garden is a peaceful hideaway known for its towering cypress trees, sweeping Spanish moss, and tranquil waterfront views. Open throughout the year, this small public garden offers a serene break just a short distance from central Orlando. Spring is especially lovely, when the azaleas burst into shades of pink and purple. One of the standout features is The Exedra, a striking semi‑circular columned structure by the water, often used for photos thanks to its classical look and beautiful backdrop.
How to experience it
Enjoy a gentle wander along the lakeside paths, where you may spot great blue herons or ospreys resting in the branches above. For a moment of calm, settle on a shaded bench beneath the cypress canopy and watch boats glide across the lake. The garden is particularly atmospheric at sunset, when the warm evening light filters through the Spanish moss and reflects across the water.
📍 Address:1365 Alabama Dr, Winter Park, FL 32789
🕒 Opening hours: Open daily: 8:00am – 7:00pm
Expolre the
rollins museum of art
Situated on the Rollins College campus, the Rollins Museum of Art is one of Orlando’s most overlooked cultural treasures. Its collection includes more than 5,500 artworks spanning the Renaissance to the present day, with pieces by renowned artists such as Francisco Goya and Andy Warhol. Alongside its permanent holdings, the museum hosts regularly changing exhibitions and boasts an impressive selection of European Old Master paintings — one of the few free collections of its kind in Central Florida. Visitors can explore both the indoor galleries and the Alfond Collection of Contemporary Art, which is displayed throughout the college’s public areas.
How to experience it
Begin inside the main galleries, where rotating exhibitions bring a mix of classical, modern, and thought‑provoking contemporary works. Afterwards, take a self‑guided wander around the Rollins College campus to view additional pieces from the Alfond Collection. The museum also runs free talks, tours, and special events — it’s worth checking their schedule to see what’s on during your visit.
📍 Address:1000 Holt Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
🕒 Opening hours: Closed Mondays. Tuesday: 10:00am – 7:00pm. Wednesday–Friday: 10:00am – 4:00pm. Saturday–Sunday: 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Celebration
Florida
Celebration, Florida is a charming Disney‑designed town just 13 minutes from our villas. With storybook architecture, lakeside paths, and a walkable downtown, it blends small‑town nostalgia with modern dining, shops, and year‑round events.
The Town Center sits along Market Street and Front Street beside Lake Rianhard, offering cafés, boutiques, and popular restaurants like Columbia, Celebration Town Tavern, and Café D’Antonio. Visitors can enjoy bike rentals, 26 miles of trails, or a film at the newly updated theater.
Celebration is known for its weekly Farmers Market (Sundays, 10am–2pm) and seasonal favourites like winter “Snowing” nights and classic car shows.
How to experience it
Start in Celebration Town Center, where lakeside paths, cafés, and boutique shops create an easy, walkable atmosphere. Enjoy a relaxed meal at favourites like Columbia, Celebration Town Tavern, or Café D’Antonio, then explore the 26 miles of trails or rent bikes for a gentle ride around the neighbourhood. The newly updated local cinema is perfect for an evening film.
Celebration also has a lively community feel, with its Sunday Farmers Market (10am–2pm) and seasonal highlights such as winter “Snowing” nights and classic car shows.
📍 Address:Celebration Town Center, Market St & Front St, Celebration, FL 34747
🕒 Opening hours: Town Center is open daily; individual shops and restaurants vary. Farmers Market: Sundays, 10:00am–2:00pm.
