TL;DR: Buick’s Sunday Drive Club celebrates the joy of exploring, connecting with local communities, and making the journey part of the experience. Inspired by Buick’s fall driving feature, we’ve put together three Sunday drives from Orlando: the Green Mountain Scenic Byway, a Lake Apopka wildlife loop, and a Clermont rolling-hills route. Each offers a different way to experience Central Florida beyond the theme parks—with historic downtowns, lake views, and scenic backroads along the way. Whether you’re driving a Buick Encore GX, Envista, Envision, or Enclave, a Sunday drive is a great excuse to enjoy the road.
Fall driving looks a little different in Central Florida.
While other parts of the country are known for brilliant red maples, golden aspens, and crisp mountain air, Orlando-area drivers can find their own seasonal scenery in lakeside towns, moss-draped oak trees, citrus groves, and roads that wind through the region’s rolling hills.
That spirit of exploration is at the heart of Buick’s Sunday Drive Club, a lifestyle platform that celebrates local discovery, connection, and the joy of the drive. In its October 2026 feature, Buick shared scenic driving inspiration from destinations across the country and highlighted how thoughtful design, comfort, and technology can make the journey itself more enjoyable.
For drivers around Orlando, there’s no need to plan a long road trip to find a memorable drive. These three routes offer a chance to get out of the usual routine and discover a different side of Central Florida.
1. Green Mountain Scenic Byway: Winter Garden to Mount Dora
Best for: Small-town charm, lakeside scenery, and a leisurely day trip
The Green Mountain Scenic Byway is one of Central Florida’s signature scenic routes. Stretching about 45 miles between Winter Garden and Mount Dora, the byway features rolling hills, winding roads, and views around Lake Apopka. It’s known for its recreational opportunities and is a favorite among Sunday drivers, cyclists, and motorcyclists.
Suggested drive: Start in Orlando and head west toward Winter Garden. Explore the historic downtown area before following the scenic byway north and east toward Mount Dora. Spend the afternoon browsing local shops, enjoying a meal, or taking in the Lake Dora waterfront.
Make time for these stops:
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Historic Downtown Winter Garden: Walk along Plant Street, explore local shops, or enjoy a coffee before continuing your drive.
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Green Mountain Scenic Byway: Enjoy the route’s rolling terrain and oak-lined stretches as you travel around Lake Apopka.
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Historic Downtown Mount Dora: Finish with a relaxed stroll through the historic district and a visit to the lakefront.
The byway connects two charming bookend towns and offers a pleasant alternative to a day spent on the interstate.
Why it’s a great Buick drive: The route is all about enjoying the journey at a comfortable pace. A Buick Envision or Enclave can make a relaxed day trip feel even more inviting, while the compact Encore GX or Envista offers an easy fit for exploring downtown streets and parking areas.
2. Lake Apopka: A Wildlife-Focused Sunday Drive
Best for: Nature lovers, birdwatching, and a peaceful morning drive
For a Sunday drive that feels a little closer to nature, head northwest from Orlando toward Lake Apopka.
The Lake Apopka North Shore area is known for its restored wetlands and wildlife habitat. The North Shore Drive offers a way to experience the landscape from your vehicle, with opportunities to spot birds and other wildlife along the route.
Suggested drive: Leave Orlando in the morning and travel toward the Lake Apopka North Shore area. Enjoy the wildlife drive, then continue toward Apopka or Winter Garden for lunch or a walk.
Make time for these stops:
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Lake Apopka North Shore Drive: Take your time and look for birds and wildlife along the wetlands.
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Apopka-area nature stops: Add a short outdoor break if conditions and access allow.
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Winter Garden: End the outing with a stroll through the historic downtown district.
This route is best for drivers who enjoy a slower pace and don’t need a packed itinerary. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, so the fun is in taking in the landscape and seeing what the day brings.
Why it’s a great Buick drive: The drive offers a chance to enjoy the quiet side of Central Florida. Buick’s available head-up display can help present navigation information within the driver’s forward field of view, while available driver-assistance features can add convenience on compatible roads. Always remain attentive and follow the vehicle’s operating instructions.
3. Clermont’s Rolling Hills: A Scenic Drive Through Florida’s Ridge Country
Best for: Open roads, rolling landscapes, and a relaxed afternoon outing
Central Florida may be famous for its flat terrain, but the Clermont area offers a different perspective. The Green Mountain and Lake Wales Ridge region features rolling hills, citrus groves, and lake views that can make a local drive feel surprisingly scenic.
Suggested drive: From Orlando, head west toward Clermont. Explore the area around Clermont and follow County Road 455 through the rolling countryside. Add a stop in downtown Clermont or at the waterfront before returning to Orlando.
Make time for these stops:
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Clermont’s CR-455 corridor: Enjoy the region’s hills and countryside as you travel through the area.
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Downtown Clermont: Take a break and explore the local downtown area.
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Clermont Waterfront Park: Relax by Lake Minneola before heading home.
For a longer outing, continue toward Lake Wales and explore more of the ridge country. The drive between Clermont and Lake Wales offers a scenic alternative to simply staying on the main highway.
Why it’s a great Buick drive: This route is a good fit for drivers who want to spend time on the road without committing to a full weekend away. The Buick Enclave offers room for family or friends, while the Encore GX and Envista are well suited to a more compact weekend outing.
Which Buick Is Right for Your Sunday Drive?
A scenic drive is a good opportunity to think about what matters most in your next vehicle: passenger space, comfort, technology, or the flexibility to explore.
Buick’s SUV lineup offers a range of choices for Central Florida drivers.
| Buick model | A good fit for |
|---|---|
| Buick Envista | Drivers looking for a stylish crossover for everyday use and weekend outings |
| Buick Encore GX | Drivers who want a compact SUV with flexible everyday practicality |
| Buick Envision | Drivers looking for a comfortable compact SUV with premium features |
| Buick Enclave | Families and groups who want a larger SUV with three rows of seating |
Buick’s fall driving feature highlights available technology such as a head-up display and Super Cruise in the Envision and Enclave. Super Cruise is available only on compatible roads and requires an active service plan or trial; drivers must remain attentive and use the system according to its instructions and local laws.
Make the Drive Part of the Destination
Buick’s Sunday Drive Club is built around a simple idea: sometimes the best part of a trip is the time spent getting there.
For Orlando-area drivers, a scenic Sunday drive can mean discovering a historic downtown, taking a quiet route around a lake, or enjoying a stretch of countryside that feels far removed from the usual commute.
The Green Mountain Scenic Byway, Lake Apopka, and Clermont’s rolling hills each offer a different way to explore Central Florida. They’re reminders that memorable drives don’t have to be far away—or complicated to plan.
Before heading out, check road conditions, park access, and local hours. Bring water, allow time for stops, and always drive attentively.
Find Your Next Buick at Orange Buick & GMC
Your next Sunday drive could be the perfect reason to explore a new Buick.
Whether you’re interested in the compact Buick Encore GX, the stylish Envista, the refined Envision, or the spacious Enclave, Orange Buick & GMC can help you compare models and find the features that fit your lifestyle.
Ready to make your next drive a Buick drive? Explore our available Buick inventory or contact Orange Buick & GMC to learn more about current models and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Buick’s Sunday Drive Club?
Buick’s Sunday Drive Club is a lifestyle platform that celebrates local discovery, connection, and enjoying the drive. It encourages people to explore places and communities that reflect their interests and personal tastes.
What are three scenic Sunday drives from Orlando?
Three scenic drives from Orlando include the Green Mountain Scenic Byway between Winter Garden and Mount Dora, a wildlife-focused drive around Lake Apopka, and a route through Clermont’s rolling hills and countryside.
What is the Green Mountain Scenic Byway?
The Green Mountain Scenic Byway is a 45-mile scenic route connecting Winter Garden and Mount Dora. It features rolling hills, winding roads, and recreational opportunities around Lake Apopka.
Is Lake Apopka a good place for a Sunday drive?
Yes. The Lake Apopka North Shore area offers a wildlife-focused drive through wetland habitat. Visitors may see birds and other wildlife, although sightings vary. Check access and current conditions before visiting.
Where can I find rolling hills near Orlando?
The Clermont area and the Green Mountain region west of Orlando offer rolling hills, citrus groves, and lake views. County Road 455 is one route to consider for a countryside drive.
Which Buick SUV is best for a family Sunday drive?
The Buick Enclave is a three-row SUV and may be a good fit for families or groups who want more passenger space. Drivers looking for a smaller vehicle can also explore the Encore GX, Envista, or Envision.
Does Buick offer hands-free driving technology?
Buick offers available Super Cruise driver assistance technology on the Envision and Enclave. It is designed for use on compatible roads and requires an active service plan or trial. Drivers must remain attentive and follow the system’s instructions and applicable laws.
Where can I shop for a Buick near Orlando?
Orange Buick & GMC serves Orlando and Central Florida drivers. Visit the dealership’s website to explore current Buick inventory or contact the team for help comparing models.
