Great paddle boarding spot. There's bathrooms at the parking lot, which is super convenient. Unfortunately, I paddled here on a fairly windy day so paddling against the current was very difficult. Would definitely come back here on a less windy day with friends! There are a bunch of scenic boat tours that circle around the lake, as well as a few people on jet skis but other than that, it was fairly quiet on the water! read more

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Whenever we go paddle boarding, we always start from Dinky Dock. The nearby canals offer plenty to explore, and the whole area has a relaxed, family-friendly vibe. It's a scenic little spot and a great place to visit during the summer. Lots of shade and not too crowded, perfect for a laid-back day by the water. It's also great for wildlife watching, we've seen all kinds of birds and even a few otters here. Parking can be tricky on busier days, but if you arrive early, you'll usually find a spot. Bathrooms are available and surprisingly decent for a dock area. read more

Dinky Dock - Parks Near Me - Winter Park, Florida

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Beautiful dock to come by and get in nature. We did a free event to clean the park while paddle boarding. My boys loved it and were able to find small bits of trash. We only did about 2 hrs but the event is a full 3 if you can last out there. I put my legs in the water and it felt so nice and refreshing. I can't wait for the next event in September too.. read more

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Dinky Dock Park is a small park with a boat ramp, a dock, grills, benches, picnic tables, and a sandy beach area. Despite the fact that my mom, my stepdad, and I were visiting Winter Park in January, it was a warm day when we stopped by Dinky Dock Park, and there were lots of people sunbathing and kayaking when we were there. It was lovely. If I lived in Winter Park, I'd sure I'd be there often to read or sunbathe or just take in some beautiful weather! read more

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We just moved back to Winter Park and have been fishing a different spot every day. Dinky Dock was our first spot and didn't disappoint!

Great kayak launch. Parking is a but on the tight side, but never had a issue, as there is always a spot for trailers here.

This is a cool small (one and a half acre) park with a great view of Lake Virginia located not far from the downtown area. The name has its origins with the railroad that was in this area. Dinky Dock is a great place to chill and get a respite when you just need a break and want to take a few deep breaths stress free. We need parks like here. A place where a community can gather in leisure and just chill for a moment. I give Dinky Dock five stars overall. read more

This was my first time visiting Dinky Dock and I loved it! We got there early at 8am and I was able to find parking. I was already warned beforehand, that parking fills up fast and there's not a ton of parking to begin with, so I was very fortunate to find a spot! There are tours that launch out of this dock so there are a lot of people who visit. Great area, it's nice and shady to get my inflatable sup ready for the water. My dog had a great time paddle boarding with me, loved that it's dog friendly. The lake and the canals were breathtaking. For paddle boarding or kayaking you don't have to pay for anything, with boats I heard you do have to pay to launch. There was a lot of activity when I went on the water so we did have to move over for the boats passing by when we were in the canals. I didn't see any gators or any animals while out! read more

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Dinky Dock is the cute name given to the 1.5 acre park located on Lake Virginia in Winter Park. You might think the park was named for a small (dinky) dock but the name actually has a connection to the the railroad. In 1889 the Orlando-Winter Park Railway made it's debut. A Rollins College student called the train dinky and the name stuck. Soon everyone was calling it the dinky railroad until it's demise in 1967. The line ended where the park now sits and that is how Dinky Dock got it's name. Dinky dock is open year round from 8 AM to dusk. The park contains restrooms, a boat ramp, grills, benches, picnic tables, and a fishing pier. Boat permits are needed and can be obtained at the library and finance department. If you don't have your own kayak, Peace of Mind Kayak Tours rents for Dinky Dock and chain of lake tours. You can swim from the park although I believe the lake still contains alligators although I have never seen them. I have also seen swimming closed and different times depending on the bacteria level. I have always wanted to visit this park since passing it a few times on the Winter Park scenic boat ride. It is very small and seems to be used primarily by boaters and Rollins College students. The park offers a nice view of Lake Virginia and I saw students taking advantage of the dock for sunbathing. read more

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Dinky Dock Park is a little over 1.5 acres. It has a fishing pier, boat ramp and swimming area. Big beautiful trees line up near the water's edge that give out lots of shade and blocks you from the brutal sun. The park is open 8am to sunset. There are a few benches, grills and picnic tables available to whoever gets there first. Bathrooms are available. It's a natural area with no lifeguards so alligator signs are posted and should be adhered to. read more

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Prefect little area to safely launch your water craft of choice. We took our new kayak out here for its maiden voyage and this was perfect for our needs. The parking lot is small so grab the first spot you can get because there probably isn't another available. There is a clean public bathroom nearby with soap and air hand dryer. The rest of this review is more about the lakes than the dock itself: There are canals connecting 4 lakes together. We managed to kayak all four. The wind was a bit tough in some of the areas the day we were out even though it didn't feel windy on land, so just be prepared if it's your first time out on your own. That said, the canals are super chill and it's required to go slow through them so if you are tired head to a canal and enjoy the break from the wind and enjoy the gorgeous foliage. Don't stop! You have to keep moving in the canals but it's a gentle glide out of the wind and your arms will thank you for it, haha. There is a tour boat company that operates through these lakes, they have big white boats. There were 6 of them the day we were out, so listen for them and prepare to move around them as they tend to all travel together. All of the operators were neighborly when we inevitably crossed paths in one of the canals. We were fortunate to be a spot where we could pull over and let them go by. But even if there wasn't I felt safe. They were mindful of those around them and they were genuinely appreciative when we let them go around us. We ran into paddle borders, boaters, kayakers and Canoers. There were even some jet skiers pulling tubers ! Waters are clear a beautiful. We felt very safe, and we can see why people swim in this series of lakes. We didn't see a single gator but we weren't looking that hard. Lots of fish and freshwater clams look like shiny silver glistening in the water between the flowing green underwater grass. read more

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Pretty lake and easy access parking. There are benches to sit and it's pretty peaceful.

Clean and fantastic little spot!!! Looking forward to more paddle board adventures here

Very nice little park right next to a beautiful lake. Maintenance is well done on the dock, the park, the picnic tables, etc. We put in our kayaks and had a marvelous time. Highly recommend this place! read more

Cool little park right behind Rollins College. It's very small, but as the name mentions - this is more of a dock. There was folks enjoying the water by diving off the dock, riding canoes and just lounging. We took a seat underneath two massive trees and just looked out over the lake. An older gentleman paddle boarded the entire lake - this was not only impressive but made me feel like the laziest person in the world. Ah, well...there we sat for a few more minutes. I could see this being a super fun place to come with friends for a weekend "lake party". Not sure if I'd ever get in the water - but after a few beers I just might. read more

Spent the better part of Tuesday at this beautiful lake just wandering the shore, watching folks kayak and paddle board, and just sitting on the edge of the docks enjoying the scenery. I love that it has a roped off area for swimming, several docks for accessing the water by boat, and an actual park with picnic tables and BBQ areas. Surround by all sorts of plants including wildflowers and tall trees, I could've gotten lost walking along the sandy beach while tiny waves lapped at my feet. The sunset here was amazing as well and there is ample parking for your car or Boat as well as a dock for walking your boat in and a ramp for hauling your water vessel away. I think this will become a daily visit. read more

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Cute little park located on Rollins College property. I come here to read or hang out with the dog. Seating and parking is limited so the park stays fairly quiet. Families come here and let the kids play in the water. A nice quiet park to relax next to the lake. Beautiful in the evenings. read more

Good place to hang out. A little small so better for smaller groups, boating and jet skiing is common. Keep an eye on your kids tho, the water can get choppy. Love the view by the docs. Not a-lot of parking. Is good for instagram pics. read more

Dinky Dock - Parks Near Me - Winter Park, Florida

Dinky Dock is in the heart of Winter Park and its name, although appropriate for the size of the actual launching area for recreational water crafts, does not do the view and the feel of this place justice! Its beach area is great for lounging and taking in the amazing site of Lake Virginia. There are picnic tables and a grassy knoll for fun and games. On a typical Saturday you will find families with children jumping in and out of the water, us 20-30 somethings basking in their glory, and oodles of people paddle boarding on through. Note: If you are on a water craft, beware of the Winter Park Maritime Police, they are watching and they will ticket you for any shenanigans that you may or may not know you are partaking in. read more

If you're a paddleboard fan, this is definitely the place to put in when wanting to have an all-day paddleboard excursion. You'd be working from sunrise to sunset to visit every single lake on the chain of lakes here. People can put in at the shore, or from the dock, or from the boat ramp, depending on your preference. But IMO, shore is best, the dock is a little too high for my taste, and the boat ramp is a wee mossy. There are bathrooms here, but keep in mind, they only stay open so late, I want to say it was 8 or 9pm when they get locked up. Be aware on high occupancy days if paddleboarding, jetskis and boats tend to like this lake as well. In addition, when traversing the canals to get from one lake to another, be careful of the Winter Park Boat Tours boat, as well as others coming/going. One you've got a system down with all that, nothing can stop you. So, find a lake that you like the most, buy some paddleboard deck rigging and put a cooler on there, iphone in a dry pack, bluetooth speaker playing reggae attached to the board, paddle out to a good area, and boom. read more

Stopped here by chance the other day after driving by and seeing the water. It's a small park but I was pleasantly surprised by what it has to offer. There is plenty of room along the shore to relax, a roped off swimming area, a dock for swimmers and sloped are to load/unload watercraft onto the lake. This is definitely a place I need to hang out at more often. read more

Thank you dinky dock for your shade, bathrooms, and cold cold water. I have only used the dock once and that was for a sunset cruise. I had no complaints there. Seems to be plenty of parking available. I mostly use dinky dock for their clean bathrooms and cold water mid-run. It is located next to the very pretty Rollins campus. read more

Depends on what you're at Dinky Dock to do. Boating? Swimming? Paddle Boarding? My activity is the last, paddle boarding and Dinky Dock is a great place to drop into the water to go SUP'ing. Parking space is limited, but there is an "overflow" lot next to Rollins, not far, that is open to the public. The beach/dock itself is clean and provides a nice place to put into the water and explore the chain of lakes in Winter Park. The walk between the beach and parking lot is short, so if you're hauling your 25-lb board, not that bad. read more

Really calm nice lake. We had a great time SUP and didn't have to worry about gators or anything. Such a pretty scenery read more

Dinky Dock - Parks Near Me - Winter Park, Florida

Great place to launch kayaks! Be sure to get there early because parking is limited!