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Wanderlog staff Updated • updatedApr 10, 2023
How long is the drive from Cedar Key to Sarasota?
The direct drive from Cedar Key to Sarasota is 184 mi (296 km), and should have a drive time of 3 hrs 28 mins in normal traffic.
If you’re going on a road trip from Cedar Key to Sarasota, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Bradenton, Crystal River, Ocala, Tarpon Springs, St. Pete Beach, The Villages, and Dunedin, as well as top places to visit like Butterfly Rainforest at the Florida Museum of Natural History and Florida Museum of Natural History-Exhibits, or the ever-popular Manatee Springs State Park.
The top cities between Cedar Key and Sarasota are Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Bradenton, Crystal River, Ocala, Tarpon Springs, St. Pete Beach, The Villages, and Dunedin. Tampa is the most popular city on the route. It's 3 hours from Cedar Key and 1 hour from Sarasota.
Crystal River is a coastal city located in the western part of Florida, renowned for its warm waterways and natural springs. The Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge provides shelter to manatees throughout the year, while Three Sisters Springs Wildlife Refuge offers stunning views of marine mammals and natural springs from its boardwalks. Additionally, the Crystal River Archaeological State Park is home to ceremonial mounds and remains of an early Native American settlement.
6% as popular as Tampa
4 minutes off the main route, 33% of way to Sarasota
Ocala, a city in central Florida, offers a blend of history, art, and natural beauty. History enthusiasts can explore Fort King National Historic Park while art lovers can admire pre-Columbian artifacts and contemporary art at the Appleton Museum of Art. Nature lovers can enjoy kayaking and glass-bottom boat tours at Silver Springs State Park before venturing into the expansive Ocala National Forest.
6% as popular as Tampa
13 minutes off the main route, 40% of way to Sarasota
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The Villages, located in Florida, is a well-known census-designated place that spans across Sumter, Marion, and Lake counties. This master-planned community offers an array of exciting local attractions and activities for both residents and visitors to enjoy. One popular outdoor activity is taking a 2.5-mile loop around the Hogeye Sink Marsh preserve at the northern end of Marsh Bend, where you can encounter diverse wildlife such as birds and alligators along the way.
3% as popular as Tampa
25 minutes off the main route, 48% of way to Sarasota
Tarpon Springs, located on central Florida's Gulf Coast, is a charming city with a rich Greek heritage. The legacy of the Greek sponge divers who settled here in the early 1900s can be seen in the Greek eateries that line waterfront Dodecanese Boulevard and the Historic Sponge Docks along the water. The St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, dating back to the 1940s, features stunning stained glass and a Grecian marble altar.
11% as popular as Tampa
17 minutes off the main route, 64% of way to Sarasota
Dunedin, located on Florida's Gulf Coast, is a charming city known for its natural beauty and outdoor attractions. Honeymoon Island State Park offers pristine beaches, pine forests, and the opportunity to spot ospreys, while the Dunedin Causeway provides stunning views of St. Joseph Sound. In the downtown area, Hammock Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts with its resident owls, woodpeckers, and butterfly garden.
9% as popular as Tampa
20 minutes off the main route, 69% of way to Sarasota
I'll never travel to Sarasota without this trip planner again
Clearwater, located in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, is renowned for its bright and sunny weather as well as its stunning gulf coast beaches. Visitors can enjoy a 3-mile stretch of white sand at Clearwater Beach, which is surrounded by numerous hotels and restaurants. The city also has the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, where injured dolphins and sea turtles receive rehabilitation services. Additionally, Spectrum Field is home to the Phillies pro baseball team's spring training games.
53% as popular as Tampa
21 minutes off the main route, 69% of way to Sarasota
Tampa is a coastal city situated on Tampa Bay in the Gulf of Mexico. The city is renowned for its rich cultural offerings, including various museums and attractions like Busch Gardens, an African-themed amusement park with thrilling rides and animal viewing areas. Ybor City, a historic neighborhood established by Cuban and Spanish cigar factory workers at the turn of the 20th century, is an ideal dining and nightlife destination that attracts tourists from all over.
Most popular city on this route
7 minutes off the main route, 72% of way to Sarasota
St. Pete Beach is a resort city situated on a barrier island, west of St. Petersburg, Florida. It is renowned for its beautiful beaches and the iconic Don CeSar Hotel that dominates the shoreline with its elegant pink Moorish-style architecture. Pass-A-Grille area offers visitors access to galleries, shops, and Gulf Beaches Historical Museum that showcases postcards and other relics from as far back as 1917 when it was a church.
15% as popular as Tampa
15 minutes off the main route, 76% of way to Sarasota
St. Petersburg, located on Florida's Gulf coast and part of the Tampa Bay area, has earned itself the nickname "Sunshine City" due to its pleasant weather. Popular activities include golfing, boating, fishing, and beach-going. Visitors can explore several museums such as the Dali Museum featuring surrealistic works of art or the Museum of Fine Arts showcasing ancient to contemporary creations. The Mahaffey Theater is home to the Florida Orchestra while waterfront parks offer scenic views.
41% as popular as Tampa
7 minutes off the main route, 77% of way to Sarasota
Bradenton, a charming Florida city located on the Manatee River just south of Tampa, offers a mix of natural and cultural attractions. The South Florida Museum features exhibits on local history and nature, including the Bishop Planetarium and Parker Manatee Aquarium. Along the river, visitors can enjoy the scenic Riverwalk park. The Village of the Arts showcases galleries, studios, and shops housed in restored 1920s and ‘30s cottages.
9% as popular as Tampa
5 minutes off the main route, 89% of way to Sarasota
Best stops along Cedar Key to Sarasota drive
The top stops along the way from Cedar Key to Sarasota (with short detours) are Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Clearwater Beach, and The Dalí (Salvador Dalí Museum). Other popular stops include The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and Manatee Viewing Center.
Manatee Springs State Park is a popular destination for divers and snorkelers due to its clear-water spring, home to West Indian manatees. Visitors can enjoy the 72F crystalline waters of the spring or explore the 8.5-mile-long North End hiking/cycling trail on land. Scuba diving is also available at the springhead, with 117 million gallons of water per day gushing out.
This is one of the most beautiful campgrounds in the Florida. I have been to Genie Springs for camping but Manatee is underrated and I believe it's better than most of the springs and campgrounds. It's great if you make a booking in advance. The spring was not that good as compared to others but the camping experience was memorable. They provide water and electricity, it could have been better if they could provide a garbage can as well. I am sharing some pictures.
Chayan Gupta — Google review
We came here to visit in the beginning of June. We did not see any manatees but when we arrived around 9a.m. we were pleased to find that there was hardly anyone at the park. It was 6$ per vehicle to park here and it looks like there is a lot of campsites here as well. The trees are beautiful and provide lots of shade from the hot sun. Dogs are not allowed in a lot of places in near the springs but they are allowed in the water only at the boat launch dock. Our dog loved dipping his toes in the water. The water was beautiful and serene in the early morning. Very refreshing on a hot day. We will be back here for sure!
Lexi Shepherd — Google review
This was a fun day adventure out of Cedar Key. The springs are great for swimming. Might be busy, but still plenty of room and deep water to swim in. Bring your mask, snorkel and fins. Family friendly. Easy kayak launch. Camping and fishing opportunities. We loved it!
Nick Adams — Google review
Really beautiful park. Plenty of shade in the campground, not a lot of privacy between sites. Nice canoe/kayak launch. Decent boardwalk to river. Playground, concession stand and bathroom near spring. Dayuse area picnic tables with grills.
Susan Strickland — Google review
Beautiful place! The clear blue water and green algae in the bottom of the spring makes a beautiful picture. We got to see some manatees and it was so magical. Make sure to bring your snorkel to see them under water but give them space. We camped at the Hickory Loop, only for tents so no noise of motors running day and night. There are several nice and shady spaces and the walk to the spring is short. The only downside is that the restrooms could use an upgrade, the showers were small and uncomfortable. Other than that everything was great!
Carolina Leal — Google review
Overview: This is one of the best springs on the west coast of Florida. It has it all: camping RV and tent, swimming, playground, picnic area, and hiking. There is a private company that rents out canoes and kayaks too. What to know: There is an RV side and a tent side for camping. You can tent camp on the RV side. You can not launch a boat from inside the park, but there is a ramp not far to do so. You can dock a boat at the entrance to the park just off the Suwannee. Bathrooms and showers at the campgrounds and next to the spring. The swimming area is only allowed at the head of the spring. A good amount of hiking and biking trails. I know there was a snack shack and a store located next to the spring head at one time. However, the store is no longer there, and I did not see the snack shack open during my visit.
John Hootman — Google review
Great camping. Clean restrooms and camp sites. No cell phone service, which is really great for anyone wanting to get away without interruptions. Wildlife everywhere, deer will walk through the camp sites. The Rangers are really nice and very informative on everything. Someone gave a 2* review recently and the reasoning were things that are in clear fine print on a form the Rangers ask you to read to inform you of the rules, it's all there, horrible reason to leave a bad review.😢😢😢 Overall, love this place. Will be back soon and recommend. 😁😁😁😁😁
Earl Nutter — Google review
The all around outdoor experience!
Hiking, swimming, canoe/kayak rentals, picnic area, snorkeling, diving, camping, playground, clean restrooms, and concessions.
A manatee swam right into the spring where I was swimming. I saw deer, snakes, alligators, turtles, and fish. The trails were relaxing and good distances for all types of hikers ( wanderers)
Trisha Hoffman — Google review
This beautiful spring is one of the best! Loved camping here, and seeing all the wildlife! Definitely one of my faves since I can remember~
Bathrooms good, big spots for camping 🏕
Dawn Campbell — Google review
We spent a good two hours there in late November. The air is refreshing and cool. The temperature is very comfortable, not cold or hot. A few folks were swimming and most, like us, enjoyed walking through the boardwalk. The park ranger gave my kid a lesson on vultures and I also learned a lot. The park is a popular camp site. We saw tents. We hope to go back there to explore more trails.
Xiaoli Ma — Google review
Fantastic! Had so much fun camping, swimming, and paddling Manatee Springs with our two kids and dog. Saw tons of wildlife from deer, to armadillo, hawks, muskrat, alligator, and of course a manatee. Lots of ticks in the area, still finding them in our gear 4 days later. Campsites and facilities are clean, staff is super friendly and the springs are really amazing. Can’t wait to come back when the boardwalk is rebuilt!
Dan Ireland — Google review
Beautiful park to take in the springs. A great boardwalk to the areas. Saw a couple manatees and a gator. Water is very clear! Lots of birds also. Awesome picnic areas. Tidy and well kept. Some people were swimming in the spring area. Easy access with steps down to the water.
Cyndi Huffman — Google review
Manatee Springs State Park it’s an excellent location to visit. We made a brief stop over and enjoyed the boardwalk and saw a good 15 to 20 manatees lounging about in the water. There was plenty of other wildlife around as well even though it was in the middle of December, the camping options look great and the price of admission was quite low at six dollars per vehicle. I would definitely come again.
Jason Camorlinga — Google review
Beautiful springs in Chiefland. Great for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Park admission was fairly cheap and staff was very pleasant. Lots of shaded areas to cook out on the grills provided by the park. They have large pavilions as well that can be used for cook outs, gatherings, etc. There were restrooms for the public here. They also have kayak and canoe rentals if you do not have your own. Little shop that has cold drinks and food and some souvenirs. There is also camping here on site for tents and rvs. Found this was less crowded and more enjoyable than some of the other springs. There also some hiking trails here. Great place to spend the weekend with friends, family, or even alone.
Tyler Alvers — Google review
One loop is tent camping and one loop for rvs and trailers. RV sites have their own sewer. All sites are nicely shaded. NO CELL SERVICE. Beautiful spring for swimming. Not many trails for hiking. Mosquitoes were terrible!
Chris Palmer — Google review
Very quiet and beautiful park.
Tons nature, lots of wildlife, I recommend going to the dock for sunrise it's stunning. Don't expect to use your phone for much of anything but pictures because you don't have signal.
If you want to get away from it all this is a good place to go.
Brian Shaw — Google review
This is where you want to visit to see manatees! In winter the manatees will migrate up river and into this area. You can walk on a board walk mostly just above the springs tributary and see them. However, you should really consider renting a canoe or kayak! They're totally worth the price and you'll see so much more. Hiking trails are available but the water features are the best. The day use area has a code but campgrounds have restrooms with showers and no code.
Michael Barton — Google review
Absolutely beautiful place to swim and cool off. We brought pool noodles to help the kids stay afloat while snorkeling. There's a little bit of a current so keep that in mind with younger children. We saw two manatees (a mother and a baby!) but they were in the canoe/kayak launch area. We did see two water snakes (non-venomous) and a baby snapping turtle! The park staff were working on updating the little concession stand there. Also a fun playground and lots of picnic areas. I think we preferred this park over Fanning Springs, but Fanning is right on the bike trail so it's easier to get to if you're not driving a car. Both were worthy of a stop for sure!
Shanna Schweitzer — Google review
It's one of my favorite springs to go to. My mom would bring me here as a child, so I have a lot of good memories here. The park has made many nice improvements and continues to make great improvements. The boardwalk to the river was closed due to construction, which is a good sign. We went today for a nice hike through the park and found lots of trails to choose from. If you are going hiking, be sure to take a trail map with you as the trails are not marked out as well as they should be. At intersection in the middle of the woods, you will need to look at the map to see where to go as some intersections are not marked. However, the hiking trails are very nice and smooth and would be great for biking. Which is our plan next time we visit the park. They had volunteer park ranger out riding his bike on the trails, checking in on you, which was very nice. There is lots of evidence of wildlife throughout the hike. Lots and lots of deer tracks. We ended up walking 6 miles total, so make sure you bring lots of water. There are a couple of benches along the trails but very little compared to other trails we have been on. I would definitely recommend this hike if you are looking to get a nice long walk-in. And of course I recommend the park and spring it is absolutely beautiful. Can't wait to see the boardwalk when it is all done.
Janet Stiles — Google review
One of my favorite FL State parks! clean restroom facilities and I always see a few manatees. The boardwalk is currently closed (as of April 2024) for reconstruction, but I'm sure it'll be amazing. For now, rent a kayak or canoe, and the trails are beautiful~
jisung moon — Google review
We had a nice 2 night stay at this state park. We had a back-in full hook-up site which was large enough for our 36' fifth wheel. Though the road through the campground is narrow. Fortunately, our site was by the entrance to the loop and we went out the way we came in. The staff was friendly and helpful. We enjoyed seeing the manatees just off the boardwalk, where we could see them easily. Though others were swimming with them, it was too cold for us! Very quiet park!
Susan Schwaderer — Google review
Another experience we will never forget is staying at Manatee Springs State Park. Being able to walk to see the Manatee every day was incredible! The gentle giants were so mesmerizing and just gave a sense of awe and peace. We chose to rent a kayak one day and to get that up close and personal with them was beyond words. I probably took 100 pictures!!
There were also great hiking trails and bike paths to enjoy. Our dogs loved the daily walks through the park. The bathrooms were very clean and nice, my only comment would be that there were 2 gigantic fans in them that made it a little chilly, my husband thought it might be a humidity thing?? We do have an RV but always prefer to shower in the perks restrooms. Because we were there in December they were quick showers!!
The staff was very friendly and efficient, we had 2 days of a pouring rainstorm and when we could finally get out they were working very hard at making it seem as if nothing had happened!
We will definitely return to the park again and highly recommend it to anyone.
Cindy Blachly — Google review
This is an amazing place. Not as fancy as some of the other springs like Silver springs, but that makes it all the more worth it for us. Of course there is the spring itself, plenty of manatees that even enter into the swimming area but there’s also some lovely walking trails where you’ll likely meet some deer and armadillo’s. We spent some nights glamping in the park, highly recommend it.
The Butterfly Rainforest Museum of Natural History at the University of Florida is a popular attraction that features an interactive exhibit with thousands of butterflies and moths.
We saw a billboard on I75 and decided to stop by. We had the best butterfly encounter. They also had a dino exhibition that we enjoyed as well.. the butterflies though stole the show. We saw 2 butterflies hatch and it was amazing!!! Then we visited the exhibit and it was beyond amazing... They were everywhere. Staff was friendly and I have to say their restrooms were super clean!!!!!
Jenny P — Google review
This place is awesome! The butterfly garden is the best part. They have a discovery room for young children as well that has all sorts of neat things. The best part is the main museum is free. If you want to see the butterfly garden or the current extra exhibit there is a charge but it's totally worth it. 😀 Check their website, they have discounts on tickets for certain things.
Mandi Vovakes — Google review
Butterfly Rainforest had a nice large enclosed patio area full of beautiful butterflies and Luscious Landscaping. It was also a little bigger then I thought it would be. I didn't realize it had a full Museum inside until we arrived and I saw the sign for the museum. The museum was great it had a lot of different displays and was very informative. This is a great place for young & older children alike. Heck, I'm middle-aged and love it!!..
Ocean Rain — Google review
The environment was clean and well cared for with a great variety of plants and butterflies! Visitors are not allowed to touch or feed the little birds and butterflies that roam the environment. Photographs are welcome as well as sitting on the benches throughout to enjoy your day.
James Pollock — Google review
Amazing place! We took my 14 month old there and he loved it! It’s very children friendly; there’s a discovery area where you can sit and watch your children play and explore around, plus breastfeeding room and family restroom.
The butterfly rainforest was amazing! You can see the butterflies up close. It was beautiful and relaxing. Definitely recommend for a family trip.
We paid $22 for 2 adults.
Parking was $4
Tammy T Martin — Google review
If heaven was a place, this would be it. They have an incredible variety of butterfly species in here. It's absolutely fantastic to be able to see them all fluttering around. They provide them a large variety of pollinator plants so no matter the species, they are happy. They clearly care about the health and safety of all their butterflies and it's just magical to be able to witness it. I had to walk through twice just to be able to experience it again. 10/10 would recommend 💛
Nainsi McK — Google review
Beautiful butterflies, birds, and flora. They were not difficult to see, as they were very numerous, fluttering everywhere and not shy at all. We even watched a couple emerging from their cocoons. It was well worth the visit. It was a bit hot the day we went, but it's just that time of year.
Paul Austin — Google review
Amazing exhibit! I could have stayed there all day. You go at your own pace along a path and you're surrounded by beautiful butterflies, flowers, and plants. There's even a small waterfall and a bench to rest or take photos. The butterflies sometimes land on you (one landed on my kid's face!). And when we went, there were also a few birds. The place is one big photo op for some awesome and memorable photos. A++
Rato Rattatouille — Google review
We had an amazing experience here at the butterfly garden! Seriously can't say enough good. We got a couple dollar discount on admission because of being FL residents.The indoor portion was very informative and educational. Also very well laid out and organized.
The outdoor area, actual rainforest garden, was beautiful! Water fountains, birds, butterflies and beautiful plants. We enjoyed walking and taking it all in. Can easily spend a couple hours here. We enjoyed being able to observe all the nature up close in a safe weather proof environment.
The Florida museum is right next door. We did not visit that today, but it was quite large and looked to be a full day.
Parking was $4 and in a lot right next to museum. Restrooms available and a nice fair prices gift shop and penny machine at entrance.
Emily's world — Google review
This is probably my FAVORITE place in all of Gainesville. The Butterfly Rainforest does not disappoint. They are so active and you get to sometimes see them follow you through the garden. Love the flowers throughout the paths. Lots of parking available on campus.
Ana Huynh — Google review
Do not miss the butterfly garden if you are in Gainesville! It is inside the Florida natural history museum and is beautifully maintained by the staff. The garden is an enclosed space with hundreds of different butterfly species and is hardly a 5minutes walk inside. But you will surely take your time to observe these butterflies with their beautiful patterns and texture!
Shreeja Sreekumar — Google review
First time for me. It was very hot 🔥. Approx. 100 heat index. It was absolutely beautiful. Full of information. Did I say beautiful 😍. All the plants and butterflies. The girls had a good time. The blue ones are huge. There is a po d with fish and a turtle. We saw quail skittering under the bush. We went on a Saturday. Lots and lots of people. The Spider exhibit can be purchased in combo. We just did butterflies. Then after you can tour the free exhibits. There is a children's area with lots of seating for us older kids. 😀 worth every cent.
Mr Cowart's Daughter — Google review
Butterfly Rainforest is like stepping into a page of a fairy tale book. Though compact in size, it bursts at the seams with vibrant life and natural beauty. A favorite among children, the venue is a testament to the idea that sometimes the most magical places come in small packages.
From the moment you enter, you're greeted by a myriad of fluttering wings, as countless butterflies dance around, making it a delightful spectacle. The vivid hues of these delicate creatures contrasted against the backdrop of lush greenery and radiant flowers is genuinely a sight to behold.
Speaking of flowers, the Rainforest is a paradise for botany enthusiasts. The curated collection of flora not only serves as nourishment for the butterflies but also provides visitors with a sensory treat of colors and scents. Each petal and leaf has been meticulously cared for, showcasing the delicate balance and harmony within this micro-ecosystem.
The addition of the serene water body dotted with colorful koi fish adds another layer of charm to the place. Watching these graceful fish move through the water, almost in a rhythmic dance, is both calming and captivating.
Though it might not take a whole day to explore, the Butterfly Rainforest leaves a lasting impression. It's a testament to nature's beauty and a gentle reminder that sometimes, the most beautiful things are found in the smallest of spaces.
In conclusion, if you're looking for a quick escape into a world of vibrant colors, mesmerizing creatures, and tranquility, the Butterfly Rainforest should be on your radar. It's not just an attraction; it's an experience - one that both kids and adults will cherish.
J Z — Google review
Very enjoyable, a helpful, friendly staff, and wow the butterflies!! I visit each year, and the display changes each time, and many species are always present, and each time I visit there are new ones to see for the first time. I recommend going on weekdays when plentiful parking is available, and the crowds are less likely, and pick a sunny day when the butterflies are active for the best display :-)
Joe Myers — Google review
We had a great time exploring the museum and the butterfly gardens. I did think the price was a little high for what was offered, but hey, the museum is free. The quil that run around are super cute!
Wiaczeslaw Kubarev — Google review
Lots of butterflies! It was a bit crowded, but still manageable to get around inside with others. There are many different types of pretty butterflies and little birds that roam free or fly. This was a fun experience and they will land on you if you stand still or wear bright colors.
俞静纹 — Google review
Very neat experience the butterflies, quail and finches were all very fun to see. Large showing Koi in the creek and beautiful fauna! The museum was equally impressive!
Paul K — Google review
The Butterfly Rainforest at the Florida Museum is remarkable. They have an unbelievable collection of butterflies and small birds in a beautiful ecosystem. It’s possible to get within inches of these guys for photos. The environment is also lovely, so peaceful that we could spend hours.
Louis and Elaine — Google review
Absolutely a wonderful place for someone who loves butterflies. Although it was not a sunny day, we managed to see many beauties.
We bought the package that also included the dinosaur museum and it is a wonderful experience.
Luna Sol — Google review
By far the coolest attraction I visited while in Central Florida. So many butterflies, birds and even fish. Helpful and knowledgeable Staff. It was pretty busy but not overcrowded. Really enjoyed our stroll.
Wendy — Google review
Lovely educational experience with kind staff. What a dream. We liked going to callaway gardens in South Georgia for their butterfly experience, this is awesome as well! Quail, koi & finches roamed & butterflies 🦋 soared & perched to rest. Waterfall & a hatchery. Neat museum and great visit and affordable
Melanie Cain — Google review
Amazing place. I was floored. So many butterflies, about 150 species. The exiting docent was awesome and informative. The ticketing people were cool for advising me of a good time to visit. I bought some fun socks on the way out at the gift shop.
Robert Sfarzo — Google review
Had a wonderful experience today at the Butterfly exhibit. So many colors, sizes and shapes. Love the birds in the exhibit as well. Price was very reasonable. Could have spent 2 more hours there, we loved it so much.
The Florida Museum of Natural History is a large and well-maintained museum that explores both the natural and human heritage of Florida, the Caribbean, and Latin America. It has many permanent displays on Florida's fauna and flora as well as an extensive butterfly rainforest.
I brought four of my little ones my wife and brother in-law to visit this gem, the kids where completely blown away and had smiles from ear to ear the whole time we were there. The wife loved many parts of the visit as did the brother in-law. I have been to quiet a few museums in my life time and this one was very well laid out and was not to long or to short it was just right the facility was clean and had ample parking over all it was a very pleasant family outing and we thank you for your work and dedication to supplying our youth and even our adults with the beauty and history you elegantly laid out for our viewing pleasure can't wait to see how you change things around with new exhibits in the future
drew bombs — Google review
Not too expensive, great for kids with a variety of exhibits and rotating displays. The staff were friendly and helpful during our lost-child incident. They had a very interesting display of fossils, presented in a timeline of ancient Florida. They also had a great area for young children, including those with sensitivities. Highly recommended.
Jonathan Horwath — Google review
Me and my mom went on a Saturday, and we waited about 20 seconds to buy our tickets. The most impressive thing about the museum was the organization of everything and how updated each exhibit was! We spent about 3 hours in the museum, the butterfly exhibit is definitely worth the extra money, super beautiful and relaxing. Also we loved how on each exhibit everything was clearly labeled, letting us know what we were looking at, which we LOVED. Also at the fossil area, the table with two magnifying glasses was super cool and went maybe 20 minutes there just looking at shells and snake skin. This museum is fun for adults as well as kids and we will definitely go back
Maeve Byrnes — Google review
What a wonderful museum and tip of the hat to FL! Butterfly garden is a must IMO if you like butterflies. The museum has the largest specimen collection of butterfliesand moths in the world at over 9 million specimens! The temporary Fossil exhibit they have on display for a limited time is amazing. The kids were able to get hands on, not only in the discovery center, but also helping to glue together and label fossils before they are cataloged in the national database. We will be back. The.food at the Cafe next door was great and reasonably priced!
The Jacksonville Baby Company — Google review
I absolutely LOVE this museum! It definitely is a must-do in Gainesville. I have visited over 10+ times and I have a wonderful experience each time. The exhibits are interesting, captivating, and very informative. I love the limited time exhibits they offer. They will often include hands-on and interactive displays, which is fun for kids and adults! The discovery zone is also super hands-on and interesting. The butterfly garden is absolutely beautiful and an experience I recommend for everyone.The museum also has a great gift shop! Don't miss out on this outstanding museum!
Jess Y — Google review
Wow this place is so cool! It's a wonderful museum dedicated to Florida's natural history and has so many interesting exhibits. My absolute favorite is the fossil exhibit. The Mastodon display is quite impressive and mostly intact. The butterfly garden is pretty spectacular too. And if you like spiders and creepy crawly things check out the Spiders Live exhibit. We had such a wonderful time here.
Rachel S — Google review
Great museum to spend half a day in. Plenty to see and learn about Florida’s natural history. Area for kids to interact and learn. Butterfly garden is a must add on. The temporary exhibits vary throughout the year and are usually worth the add on as well.
Ryan — Google review
This museum is great! I'm a Florida native and very passionate about the states wildlife, and their collections are very diverse and informative. So many cool fossils, specimens, and exhibits on the flora and fauna of the state. Their traveling exhibits are always super interesting as well, most recently I saw the dinosaur egg exhibit, which had ton of interesting info and reproductions for both kids and adults. I definitely recommend this place, especially for return visits, because there's just so much to see!
Sarah Carmichael — Google review
Really impressive museum for its size. It looks small from the exterior but its a labyrinth of exhibits and a wealth of Florida science and history information. The discovery kids zone is fantastic, but note that section and the special exhibits close 30 minutes before actual museum closing time. Its free admission to permanent exhibits and an absolute must with kiddos if you're visiting the area.
JH S — Google review
Nice museum. Easy parking. Lots to see and different exhibits. Paid extra to see the butterfly garden and spider display. Was worth it. Lots of Florida history. Arrow heads. Native American history. Fossils. It wasn’t too busy. Lots of space staff was very friendly and informative. Nice place to spend the day. Good for family’s kids and dates.
P K — Google review
So wonderful! It's free to get in but you have to pay to see the extra exhibits. It's totally understandable when you think about how expensive it would be to keep all of the butterflies, plus the plants , and other animals alive. I highly recommend it! I've never seen so many shell fossils! The native American history was also educational and would be great for kids (especially homeschooling ones).
Winter Whisper — Google review
I love this museum. I’ve learned a lot!
The entrance is free, but if you wanna visit the butterfly kingdom and a spider world you need to pay for their tickets. For the first timers, I recommend touring around the museum first.
Yu Zheng — Google review
I enjoyed looking at the different types of fossils and reading about them! It is not a huge exhibition for the dinosaurs, but it is still unique to see. There are plenty of interactive things to do with kids, and many different types of cool figures and creatures.
俞静纹 — Google review
Went for their Antartic Dino exhibit that was super cool! The Butterfly Rainforest has so many pretty plants and butterflies/moths to see.
Linda Aycock — Google review
I enjoy visiting museums a big deal- this is one of my favorite museums in Florida. I especially enjoyed the butterfly rainforest & the spiders section. However, there is a lot to learn from this museum and it’s a good family spot and are to visit on a weekend or any day really.
Arlene Adames — Google review
A really nice museum thoroughly depicting the history of Florida’s prehistoric past. There are a huge collection of fossils and entire skeletons of prehistoric animals from the region. There are also a great many displays on the early indigenous people of the area. A really interesting place to visit.
Louis and Elaine — Google review
We loved everything about this museum! We had gone once before and decided to take our entire family this go around. The butterfly gardens are a must. We enjoyed being able to go in as many times as we wanted. Perfect location for both kids and adults to have a memorable trip. Entry is free, just have to pay for the add-ons like the butterfly gardens.
Rachel Benner — Google review
It was a bit windy and brisk so we didn’t do the butterfly rainforest as the lady at the ticket desk told us it wouldn’t be worth the ticket price as the butterflies aren’t out and active when it’s cooler outside so we just browsed the gift shop and free portions of the museum as a pit stop on our way back from Orlando. It was a nice place to explore and a good way to break up the drive.
Katrina Gamble Parker — Google review
Great museum🥰 as a museum lover went with some family and it's a great place for kids as well , the butterfly were beautiful. Check out the art gallery right next door.
Blue Popie — Google review
Great place to see butterflies it was kind of cool so they were a stationary and were able to get these great pictures on a cool day great place to visit and spend a little time sitting on the bench and watching and listening to the nature
Charlie Brady — Google review
every time my granddaughter comes to visit me we go to see the butterfly exhibition. Beautiful is like being in another world. Due to her condition of Autism, her connection with nature is incredible. She also has ADHD.
also requiring Support in Social Communication. Before entering she understands the rules of the site very well even better than me. because she is high functioning autistic. And believe me, maybe one day she will work for you guys. But the fact that she spreads her arms is not an indication that she wants to touch the butterflies. It is for them to reach her. I'm telling you this not because of a bad review because there was one of you staff employees who came out and told her you can't touch them. You can imagine what happened to her. she began to cry because what she wanted was for a blue butterfly to reach on her hands. Nothing more than that. She wasn't touching her I was with her reminding her of the rules she just wanted to feel the blue butterfly in her hands. She wasn’t stalking them . which she knows very well its name and its characteristics not only of that butterfly of almost all of them. I can assure you that in the future my granddaughter will be of great help to you. Having said all this, I only have one suggestion. Today various colors are used to identify special conditions. I think it's the purple color. With a bracelet you as employees will know that it is a person with special conditions. but that behind them there is an adult who knows the rules and is going to help you to make that special person follow the rules in such a beautiful place prepared to preserve something as beautiful as butterflies. My granddaughter Briana is very grateful that you take care of her butterflies, she understands that butterflies are God's creation and you have to take good care of them. When she spreads out her arms, she knows that at some point one of the butterflies is going to reach her, and that's how it has been on our recent visits to such a beautiful place.
ANA MUNDO — Google review
Very busy but a lot of fun! Free to enter and only have to pay for the butterflies. Really enjoyed my visit and learning about the natural history of this area.
Devil's Den Prehistoric Spring is a unique subterranean natural pool located underground in Williston, FL. The pool boasts of rock formations, stalactites and fossil beds that provide an exciting diving and snorkeling experience. To access the spring, visitors must navigate through medieval stone stairs, adding to the thrill of the adventure. Although pictures may give an idea of what to expect, taking the plunge into Devil's Den brings an adrenaline rush like no other.
This place exceeded expectations. It's so cool and beautiful, and the grounds around the spring are something to see as well. Checked this one off the bucket list today, and it was well worth it. FYI, make sure you check out their website before coming here to read the rules and make sure it's for you and if so to make a reservation. Definitely check this place out. You won't be disappointed at all. Oh and the friendly cats on the grounds are a plus 😻
Jo Swanner — Google review
It was alright. Relatively small space to swim in, only saw a few fish which were mainly tucked into the dark recesses of the cave. Water wasn’t super clear either. So many other springs that are cheaper or free with much better snorkeling. Pros: unique spring being in a cave, nice shady area to picnic. For $60 for our family of 4, we all rated it as not worth it.
Cassandra — Google review
Awesome spot to go snorkeling or scuba diving. The water is crystal clear. The campsite has water and electricity and there is bathrooms to shower in. We took our own BBQ grill and it came in handy. There is a fire pit on all the camping sites. Just a really great experience.
Dre Rivi — Google review
It was definitely a unique experience. It was neat to see all the fish and the turtles. The water was cool and refreshing. They give you an hour and half time slot but we were done after 45 minutes. It is a bit smaller than we expected. If you have your own scuba gear I’d bring it. The fins were not the best and hurt our feet. I had to exchange snorkels twice because I kept breathing in water. They do not provide defogger for the goggles. The goggles were super greasy and needed a good cleaning. There was no one monitoring the swimming area in the sink hole.
Kamelia Crawford — Google review
This cave is pretty awesome. We spent about an hour and 15 minutes in the water. They give you 1.5 hours total. It's a long drive from Orlando. But it's definitely worth it. If you have your own mask and goggles that will save you a few dollars. The staff is super friendly, And was worth it.
Dennis Miller — Google review
The cave is 72° year round.
Friendly and professional staff.
Not crowded.
Absolutely beautiful.
Very affordable.
Popsicles and ice cream are available.
Safe environment.
An overall great experience.
I will definitely visit again.
Florida Escapades — Google review
Very cool and definitely worth a trip! The RV park had shady spots that were nice, but I wish our water hookup wasn’t defective for our whole visit. It’s truly gorgeous spot. If you’re snorkeling, maybe try to find a time it’s not packed with scuba divers.
gENTRY hANKS — Google review
Devil's Den Prehistoric Springs offered a nice experience, though the $30 fee, which covers snorkel gear for a limited 90-minute window, felt a bit steep. The snorkel gear worked fine except for the fact they do not even treat the googles with anti-fog which was quite aggravating as you had to continuously remove them to clean the lens. The initial cold shock from the water subsided as our bodies adjusted, leading to an amusing numbness. While enjoyable, there is not much to see except maybe for the scuba divers so the pricing might leave you questioning the overall value for the experience.
Jon P. — Google review
It looks exactly all the pictures, except it is even better as it is totally quiet and serene. Nelson, the turtle, was the highlight for me. Also lots of fishes, big and small!
Loose items are not allowed, but I would bring a flashlight to attach to your person. On a cloudy day, it would have been awesome to see more of the bottom.
Hannah Green — Google review
We dove here on New Years Eve...a couple of dives during the day, then came back before midnight to finish out 2023 25' underwater. Someone had a beach ball with a strobe, and so the ball did not drop, but rather ascended. Kind of hard to get that kiss...the masks get in the way.
Well set up facility. Quick tank fills and ample room under the pavilions. It's a nice little park.
Entrance is a narrow 29 step walk down to the spring. We didn't have camera for diving so have to find videos on your own. Snorkelers have to give way to divers...please remember that our gear can be heavy and cumbersome. When we were there we had no issues.
Spring is 72 degrees year round. We got out of the water and the temp was 45 at midnight. A bit chilly to be ripping off wetsuits and drying off, but it's checked off the bucket list now.
David Herlocker — Google review
Great dive site. It gets crowded. Best to go early. Max depth around 50'. It's basically a cave, who's ceiling fell in way back when. So now it's a cavern. Tons of swim through. 70 degree water. I'd recommend a minimum 3mm suit. Better with a 5mm. If you don't dive, there is the snorkeling option.
Tracy Allen — Google review
Was fun, all the employees were great and extremely friendly. the area itself was fun and cool, i could see how it could get crowded quickly. we got there early and they let us go in early so it was pretty empty for about 20 minutes. Overall a neat experience and great price. the area was a cool relaxing place to camp also.
krystal gaston — Google review
This place is super cool. It is a must if you’re in the area. If you’re in Florida for Disney, I highly recommend taking a day to come check this out. Or if you’re a local to Fl, take a weekend to check it out. You have options to explore this gem through snorkeling or dive. It’s a great dive, the visibility is great so you’ll get some cool pics.
Cowboy 2 Beach Bum — Google review
The Devils Den should be in your bucket list of nature wonders in Florida!
This is a completely different experience of snorkeling in springs or beaches.
The feeling of walking into the cave to dive into this beautiful blue hole is amazing 😍
The visibility was perfect, it has some fishes and turtles living inside; we were more than half day swimming at the Den and enjoying the pool next to it.
Last but no least, the opportunity to take wonderful pictures from the top of the Den and enjoy nature are great!
The staff is super friendly and everything is well maintained. 100% recommended 👍
Antonio Perez Coss — Google review
Worth the trip!! If you’re a first responder or military, they offer a steep discount (not for the whole family but for the service member or responder). You must have a reservation and mask/snorkel/fins are required. You can rent everything there if you like. Tickets are good for a 2.5 hr dive or snorkel. After visiting several other springs in the area, I think this one was slightly warmer than the rest. Though if you’re diving you definitely want a wet suit. A really neat and unique experience. Highest recommendation!
Steph Wood — Google review
So there are some reviews on here suggesting that the staff was rude and unpleasant. This, I'd have to strongly disagree with. From my experience the staff was friendly and informative. What I did witness, was a couple of people who didn't follow the rules, and were addressed about it but still seemed to not understand. Another thing I noticed was that as the day gets later, the more busy the den becomes. With that being said, there isn't a bunch of room to go up and down the stairs or swim. If you're looking to get the most out of your experiences, I'd suggest finding a time with the lowest traffic.
The experience itself was great! The scenery is amazing and beautiful! The water is clear and crisp and the greenery coming into the cave from the sink whole is awesome! Yes the water is cold! So if you're not willing to dip into it maybe just go for the epic visuals. Overall it was an great time and I'd highly recommend it anyone who loves and appreciates nature in all its beauty and glory!
Business Magus WAM — Google review
Definitely worth the drive to enjoy. The place is very clean and staff is friendly. You need to make reservations in advance on their website. They require you to know how to swim with no life jackets and have snorkel and fins to go in which are also available for rent if you don’t have any.
Ed Castilla — Google review
The staff are extremely friendly (that includes the four legged members) and they explain everything very well. We came to snorkel. The snorkeling gear worked fine and it was easy to avoid accidentally getting water down the tube. When we visited Devil’s Den, the water felt too cold to us even though it’s advertised as 72 degrees year round. It might be best to go during the hot summer to cool off or else you’ll be envious of the scuba diver’s wetsuits.
There were several scuba diver groups when we went. From what we observed this looks like a great place to try out scuba diving for the first time to get the hang of it if the open ocean is too intimidating. The spring goes down pretty deep and there was plenty of room to accommodate approximately 20-30 scuba divers and roughly 5 snorkels.
Our snorkeling reservation gave us 90 minutes in the spring. For us this was too long. We were pretty cold by the end and could have done just a half hour tops.
As far as if there is a lot to see in the den, there really isn’t. There are fish and at least one large turtle in the spring, but it’s pretty dark and hard to see much of anything. A pro tip is to hover by a scuba diver that has a flashlight to see a bit more, but it’s really just rock.
It came out to just shy of $80 for two to snorkel and rent snorkeling gear. I would consider bringing your own snorkeling gear to lower the cost, but I still think the price is a extremely high. I can see why some people call this a tourist trap.
Shanley — Google review
Won’t return: unique but overhyped.
We did our second checkout dive here - yes I passed, am an certified scuba diver 😊. The iconic photo is all there is.
The venue is well kept, I think it’s pretty small - didn’t have time to walk around. Our dive masters said during the high season, it’s crowded, but I feel it’s pretty crowded now.
Two sections of stairs lead you down, one is narrower than the other. You see the iconic photo - small cave, with willows (?) dripping down from the opening, mixing with the sunlight - very enchanting. Because it’s our training session, photography is discouraged. I managed a few shots while waiting for the dive master working with one of our mates.
The spring water is 72 degrees constant. The space for dive is tight … the snorkelers are mostly foreign.
We spent nearly an hour to do paperwork - so be aware and budget for it.
There is a swimming pool where we also spent a few hours, to train. They’ve bathrooms and showers.
The registration/rental office has a microwave (not sure it’s for guests). Long sleeve t shirt for sale.
I couldn’t image how divers manage during the high season.
Irene Eng — Google review
It is a beautiful place indeed but I just don’t see the point of spending $25 + $14 snorkel rental - for swimming in this small hole that is full of people. They have 45 spots available per slot.
You can bring your own snorkel.
You must make reservations on their website.
You have access for swimming for 1:30h
water was very cold but once you get used it’s okay. We stayed 25 min max. the old lady is super grumpy
Tchello_Thor — Google review
Very great scenery, lots of open space, and many types of marine life living in the cave. They also have a few bats flying in the cave. Small area just to get into the cave, but it's bigger once you get down into it. Perfect clear waters to allow you to see everything, be it from just snorkeling or diving, the natural sunlight coming into the cave really helps light up the area. Sucks that you have to be part of a group just to vouch for you and be able to visit the area.
slasher in the void — Google review
Gave it a solid 5 stars because diving into this cave and taking a swim was a blast! We visited on December 28th, and despite the cool weather, the cave was surprisingly warm inside. Snorkel gear rental was budget-friendly, and we had a good 2+ hours of underwater fun. Only cons is that after the changing room, you have to leave your clothing on picnic tables and walk your way in your swimming suit and snorkelling equipment (no place for sandals inside the cave or for towels. They should work on improving this. Also the reservation system is not friendly if you want to cancel a booking you have to call them. This is an issue if you live outside USA. But in general it was a great experience.
Jose E — Google review
Snorkeling and Scuba diving are by reservation only. They will not let you in without one. You need an ID at check-in and will get a wristband after you get your rental equipment. I visited in the middle of summer when the temperatures were around 100 degrees. The spring water is a cool 72 degrees year round and very refreshing. My 7 year old son enjoyed it but found it a little too cold with a short sleeve rash guard and swim shorts. A full wetsuit would have been better for him. Even with a reservation, it can get pretty crowded when entering the spring. Everyone tends to hang out on the platform in front of the stairway at the bottom. Overall, it's a cool cave with fishes to swim around in. I would go again. This place is family friendly and affordable.
Kimberly Anne — Google review
This place is very neat to see and a bit creepy because of the name 😬.. You must pay the park fee and also sign a waiver in order to get anywhere close to the opening Two Devil's Den and I can understand why!. One of Earth's many Marvels and spectacular to behold.
Ocean Rain — Google review
My family had a wonderful time snorkeling at Devil's Den. We read the website before we came, so we had our time reservations all set up and everything went smoothly when we arrived. The staff was friendly as they got our gear and explained the rules of the swimming in the springs. It wasn't too crowded, but it was really nice when all the people who didn't do their research left early because, surprise, springs are cold!
Located in central Florida, Rainbow Springs State Park offers a natural spring and lush forest. The park is well-known for its gentle rivers and year-round 72 degrees temperature.kayaks, tubing, fishing, swimming, hiking and bird watching are some of the activities available at the park.
It was my first time visiting and this place was seriously so beautiful. Some of the most incredible water I’ve ever gotten to swim in my life. I definitely recommend bringing a snorkel mask and a pool noodle when coming to swim here. I also recommend going early on a weekday to avoid busier times, we got there at 10:30 on a Thursday and didn’t have any issues getting in. I was worried about gators before coming swimming here, but after getting in I didn’t see any and felt very comfortable and safe swimming there. I’m already so excited to come back here again some time. Seriously check it out if you’re considering going! The springs are breathtaking and so refreshing to swim in.
Shannon Harkin — Google review
Entrance fee is $2 per person collected at a gate house near the spring headwaters about .25 miles from the parking lot. There are some short trails, a swimming area, restroom/changing rooms, pavilions and grilling areas and a lawn area for sunbathing. The visitor center and snack bar were closed on the day of our visit, Tuesday in February.
There is a watercraft launch and rental area located just past the swimming area which we used to launch our paddle boards. You will need to carry your watercraft from the parking lot to that area.
The water is crystal clear, deep and 72 degrees year round. Paddling was great, next to no obstacles with light currents. I have had more scenic experiences, much of the river is occupied by residential areas on one side. Wildlife is abundant, turtles, fish and birds are everywhere. As in any water source in Florida there are alligators but we did not observe any during out 3 hours on the water. Best of all were the small coves along the river which provided opportunities to pull over and cool off with a swim.
There is a campground located 7 miles by road from the spring that has its own watercraft launch.
Overall the park was a great experience although I’m sure it would be difficult to have that same option had we gone on a weekend, the park closes the gate at capacity, or had we not taken the watercraft out to explore the river away from the swimming area.
Eric Pritchard — Google review
The nature is reach and beautiful
We love it here because it was easy to find a shaded spot for a picnic under the trees and it’s very clean. Pets are allowed and there is lots of picnic table under the pavilions
You can then jump in the deep water by the ramp. If you have small children with you bring a noodle, I’d like one for me too, the water is deep & the spring pool wide
We rented a kayak for one hours and was enough
There is a beautiful cafe over the spring and a gorgeous trail where you can take a walk trough what was a zoo in the ‘60st … along the trail there is small waterfall
I think you’ll have to walk 3 miles to reach the bigger one
Not tubes allowed
Alessandra Suzzi — Google review
My husband and I went paddle boarding at rainbow springs and we loved it! Beautiful river! We didn’t get to see much wildlife but it was still worth seeing the crystal clear water.
Monica Lewellen — Google review
This place is AMAZING. Beautiful. Spectacular. We rented a kayak and got dropped off up stream from there we paddled to the state park and jumped in the water and paddled downstream to the rental place/blue gator. Paddling up to the state park took about 30ish minutes paddling downstream took about 2 hours so be prepared, being lots of sunscreen and go early in the morning!!!! The wind is not fun to paddle against. If we were to do it again we would’ve gone out at 9am instead of 1pm!!! But overall Excellent Experience!! 12/10
Kim Viertel — Google review
Beautiful state park with a botanical garden with walking paths, canoe/kayak area, restrooms with changing rooms and a swimming area. The parking lot is only a 5-10min walk away. You can tell this is a touristy destination by their gift shop, food stand & how they set up the park. The swimming area is smaller than expected, but still an amazing experience. I saw a sea turtle while swimming!
They do charge a $2 admission.
The campground is nice, clean and spacious. Check in was easy & staff was friendly. You can see the stars above in the night. The area is quiet & great for families.
Sarah Mae — Google review
Wow wow wow! The experience you get here is truly unforgettable. Such a beautiful spring. Crystal clear water and cool. With a swimming area and also kayak and canoe rentals. Restrooms are on site. Lots of areas to setup a nice picnic. The views were beautiful here. It does get busy on the weekends. So it's best to arrive right before they open. For only $2 per person to get in. It's the best experience you can have for that price. Btw you are allowed to snorkel in the swimming area.
Michael Jimenez — Google review
The place is magical. Great for spending the weekend. The only downside was that the actual swimming area and the rental area were closed due to a storm. The trails were amazing! As for the food sold at the cafeteria, the cheeseburger was a 10/10.
Laura GM — Google review
Beautiful, crystal clear water and scenic views. Absolutely loved tubing down this river. Saturdays are heavy with boat traffic but Sundays are pretty quiet on the river. You can bring your own tunes but the entry price is the same!
Rachel King — Google review
Fantastic place for a paddle. Water is crystal clear. Go to KP Hole for easy access to the river. You can drive, and drop off your kayak or paddle board, almost all the way to the water. Once your on the river go left (it’s much more scenic that direction). If you paddle to the end there is a nice swimming area.
Brian W. — Google review
The water was 72 degrees. It was beautiful, blue and cold. It's at least 7 plus feet deep. The waterfalls around the nature trails were pretty. They do need additional tables, chairs and BBQ grills. If you want to grill, make sure you get there early to get a grill. It has a nice open field for picnics and play time. You can bring your dogs to this park. They do have a cafe on site or you can bring your own food. You can use a kayak to view the wonderful and beautiful nature God created. I've lived in Florida all my life, and I didn't know this place was here. I really enjoyed the trails and cold water. You only have to pay $2.00 to get in, and make sure you keep your receipt for re entry (just in case you need to go back to your car or to get something to eat). It is a must see if you love the great outdoors! Enjoy!
Mildred White — Google review
You can find all your answers here before coming here. This place is so amazing to see one of the natural springs in Florida. Firstly, it's open all day, basically from sunrise to sunset, which sounds great! It's a perfectly clean environment with amazing natural sounds. Summertime is always packed, so I was able to visit in October, which made me feel like I was the only person in the state park. The weather here is a bit colder than in South Florida. The swimming pool area is a bit small, so it could be a problem during the summer for accommodating everyone. There's not enough flat space to sit on the ground for a picnic, but they do have a pavilion and a cafe. The restroom is close to the pool area. If you like, you can also do canoeing 🛶 or kayaking. Last but not least, it's $2 per person.
Here's all you need:
⭐️ Bring a noodle; the water is a bit deep, but you can feel secure.
⭐️ Tubes are not allowed 🚫.
⭐️If you have a cart, keep in mind that parking and the pool area are about a 5-minute walk away.
⭐️Bring your snorkel 🤿 or goggles 👓.
⭐️I highly recommend bringing a wetsuit if you have one; the water is around 72 degrees all year.
⭐️Be ready to take amazing pictures!
Elif Erler — Google review
It's like your own peaceful island! I spring hop often and this is by far the best I've been to! Not just for the waterfalls or the amazing springs but they also had restrooms, a gift shop and a snack bar!! It is clean and well kept also! I went during a weekday and got there as soon as they opened so it was quiet for the first few hours before it got busy! It was still serene tho!
Amanda Evans — Google review
One of the most beautiful places ever. The water are crystal clear and have the most beautiful colors. They have a huge lawn where you can just chill, and a bbq area where they also have tables and benches. They also have a small shop at the entrance for snacks and drinks. You can rent a kayak or puddle board for around 17$-27$ per hour (or around 50$ for the entire day). Another huge benefit to this spring is that they have beautiful trails where you can walk about and explore the nature around. GO THERE! Tubes are not allowed. You can bring your own kayak or puddle board as well (don’t know if they charge you an extra fee for that).
Gal Reinharts — Google review
Very beautiful 😍 I did not expect the water to be so blue!! It was so pretty I had an amazing time. The water was crystal clear, and you could swim down and touch the springs. I highly recommend bringing a pair of goggles and, if you have some, snorkels. I went paddle boarding and saw fish, birds, and turtles. This was an exciting and superb experience. I would definitely go again but there are other springs I would like to see as well.
Ava's Artistry — Google review
Beautiful place to visit, the water is Crystal clear due to the springs.
Lots of amazing wildlife in the water and on land.
You swim in the sectioned area, rent a kayak and paddle down stream or take a relaxing walk through the gardens.
Definitely worth a visit
Lynn Davidson — Google review
This place is beautiful. Manybtrails to walk and enjoy nature. The spring water is crystal clear and at a constant temperature of 72°F.
It is also a good place to rent or bring your own kayak.
Their gift store is also a good place to stop by and the food it good. Would definitely visit again. Next time, I will do their tubing down the river.
Eric Ortiz — Google review
Went to this Spring to do some paddelbaording and it did not disappoint. Beautiful clear water. Could see fish and turtles swimming under the water. There are areas of deep and shallow water. Couple of different areas to launch your kayak, SUP, or canoe. Has a swimming area marked off and has a little dock and a ladder where you can swim. There is a small gift shop and a cafe where you can get drinks and snacks. A nice outdoor seating area with tables. There are several trails. There is a trail that leads to a pretty waterfall.
kelly pender — Google review
Wow how beautiful this place was. I am definitely going swimming next time. You do have to be aware of gators around I would personally not tube but the view and the water was stunning. I look forward to coming back and experiencing more of this place. They had a cafe with drinks and food as well.
Amy Jones-Broker — Google review
The best part about traveling to any spring in the state of Florida . Is getting there . And the back way is the most scenic
Rainbow Springs is definitely at the top of the list for Springs. A little physical for somebody who is struggling with strength. There's waterfalls throughout the property, but it's a very hilly terrain. Handicap accessible to see the falls and around the spring. But not handicap to get into the water. I was very disappointed and exhausted after driving 3 hours to go there. I wasn't able to get into the water. I used the Springs as part of my therapy after having a broken back. I spoke to the Rangers about having a handicap accessible ramp that goes down into the water. Some of the Springs have the handicap chair. There is more than one handicap person going to the park. The park is beautifully maintained. The spring is absolutely breathtaking, always a 72° all year round. It's a $2 fee to get in and definitely worth it. There are several springs in the surrounding area. You can ask for a spring map and also a state park map for Florida. There are over 176 state parks, not including National in the State of Florida alone. And at least 75 Natural Springs in the state of Florida. Each one being more beautiful than another.
I hope you enjoy my recommendation. Safe travel🏞
Simply Paradise MicheleG
Michele Gentile — Google review
Very fun. Kids had a blast swimming. It was early January and only 65 degrees but the kids were more than happy to spend a few hours in the swimming area. Walking around park was very nice, lots of beautiful scenery, waterfalls and streams. Nature trails were also fun but didn’t get a chance to explore them all. Will definitely be returning next time we are here for vacation.
To be clear, not sure if diving or jumping is allowed but it was 6-7’ deep and kids never got yelled at so🤷♂️
Kody Gaffney — Google review
Lovely park. Beautiful views of the water and the waterfalls. Nicely paved paths for walking. Everything is wheelchair accessible. Clean bathrooms, friendly and knowledgeable staff, plus a nice gift shop.
Theresa Connors — Google review
I went to see the waterfalls. They were really nice. Worth the drive from Jax. The parking was sketchy. The entrance fee is $2 a person. Come early because they closed at 1pm Saturday because they were full to capacity.
Teri Taylor — Google review
Beautiful place! Very well maintained, friendly staff. $2 entry fee per person. Not a lot of parking so, come early. A gift shop and a small cafe are available but, not always open so bring whatever you might need, just in case. If bringing small children, please bring some type of USCG-approved flotation device for them as the water is too deep for even adults to stand. There's no beach access, just steps and pier access. You are not allowed to hang out on the steps either so again, it's recommended to bring flotation devices for younger kids and non swimmers. Waterfalls, trails, covered picnic areas and open grassy areas for picnics and sitting are all some great features.
Rebekah Dalrymple — Google review
We took a motorcycle ride and visited here to take in the scenery. The park was beautiful. It has a crystal clear spring area for swimming. It also had very pretty waterfall's for viewing. They had a gift shop, and a snack bar. There were also indoor restrooms. There is walking involved up, and down hill. It appeared that a motorized handicapped seated scooter could be used if needed. There was a $2.00 entry fee per person.
Rodney LeMond Sr — Google review
This is the heads springs for the Rainbow River the water is crystal clear. There is a roped off area for swimming. During the week it is not too crowded, a bit more peaceful and quiet. During the winter months, even quieter. A few waterfalls along a paved walkway and some fish ponds. Picnic tables, benches to relax on, public restrooms. The staff was very friendly. The nature trails are sand and very wooded but easy to navigate. Parking can be a problem During the summer months, have to get there early. You can rent kayaks there also, I didn't, so can't comment on that. Just a beautiful state park worth every bit of the $2 entrance fee.
3Delta7 — Google review
I've been here a couple times now and enjoyed each visit. Haven't been to many Florida state parks yet but this is one of my favorites. The kayaking is good and the gardens, flowers and waterfalls are beautiful. Worth a visit if you are near Ocala or looking to detour off I-75.
Gypsy Gold Horse Farm is a must-visit destination when in Ocala. The farm houses beautiful horses, as well as goats, donkeys, and birds. The staff is informative about the breed and interact with the animals. Dennis, the owner, currently gives tours which provide historical context and evoke positive emotions. The cost per person is minimal for what visitors get to experience at the farm.
If you are planning a trip to Ocala, Gypsy Gold Horse Farm is a Must See! Dennis, the owner is turning 73 and winding down. He currently gives the tour and the story behind this place is historical, memorable and I can muster the words to say positively emotional. The animals are beautiful. You can see the staff interact with them and care for them. The cost per person is nothing for what you get for. Go Now while Dennis is still hosting the tour!
Steve McDonald — Google review
My husband and I visited Gypsy Gold Horse Farm last Saturday. This was, by far, the best visit of its type I have ever experienced. I knew about Gypsy Vanners thanks to a video some years ago and was enchanted by them. Dennis Thompson brings their history to the forefront and, additionally, presents a wonderful insight into the people who first developed the beginnings of this breed and who are, often, so misunderstood. Dennis presents history well and is incredibly personable and kind. When you leave, you feel you have a new friend.
Whether you are just looking for a new and unusual highlight to a vacation, or are interested in becoming more involved at some level, Gypsy Gold is the place to go.
We will be returning as often as we can. Dennis has some beautiful and wonderful plans for the future that are best described by him. Go. You will not regret it. You’ll get to meet, up close, some of the finest equine specimens on the planet. Take carrots!
Isleofjava5 — Google review
Gypsy Gold Horse Farm is a beautiful property with a quite interesting history. The owner, Dennis, told everyone about the beginnings of the Gypsy Vanner breed including a great historical overview of the gypsy families that he spent time with to learn more about their culture. Dennis is an excellent speaker who kept us engaged with lively and humorous stories of his own personal life in the equine industry including the colorful cast of characters he's met along the way. Afterwords he took us on a guided tour of the farm to meet his menagerie of interesting and beautiful animals. The two hours we spent at Gypsy Gold Horse Farm was an enlightening and thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Robert Rhodes — Google review
Great place to visit, the horses are all so friendly and beautiful! Aside from the horses they also have goats, donkeys and birds. The staff were all great and really informative about the breed. Definitely worth the tour around the farm!
Sierra Neal — Google review
Beautiful horses in a picturesque setting. Go for the lecture, you can tell Dennis has a passion for the breed. His presentation was informative and entertaining. Well worth the time to visit.
Cindy Hermiller — Google review
The owners are great; there is a great story behind this place and the breed and the owners spins a nice tale. Also, these are some of the most beautiful horses I’ve seen.
Dr. Suzanne Conner — Google review
We had a lovely time touring, learning and loving on the horses. Dennis is a gifted storyteller and made the history come alive. We could have listened for hours - this man needs a YouTube channel or podcast!!!
Cheri Bheri — Google review
We did the 45 minute tour and enjoyed it. Brief introduction from the owner, Dennis, about the history of the horses and the ranch was interesting. Sure, lectures are not for everyone but we wanted to know the history of the breed and the farm so we found it informative. The walking tour that followed did not disappoint. The grounds are beautiful, lots of large oaks and green pastures. The horses are beautiful, friendly and came up to our group. We were are able to get up close to touch and rub them and take photos. The volunteer who gave the tour was excellent. They are very passionate and it shows. We would definitely visit again when beck in the area.
Jose Penton — Google review
Far exceeded my expectations! I was captivated by the warm and welcoming atmosphere that reflects the owners' genuine love for their Gypsy Vanner horses, as well as all of the other animals on the farm. Every corner of the farm resonates with the passion and dedication of the owners, making it a unique and memorable experience. You can feel the love and care that goes into every aspect of this haven for both horses and visitors. It is a truly special place where the owners' vibrant life and and connection with the horses shine through in every detail. I also love that they are now sharing this experience with the local schools, educating the children and teaching compassion. I highly recommend a visit to Gypsy Gold Farm :)
Patricia Moste — Google review
What a great day at Gypsy Gold Horse Farm. was so informative about the history of this breed of horse and how he originally brought it to America. Seeing them up close was very nice, along with the young colts. Well worth the cost and time spent there.
Gary Mertz — Google review
Our first visit to Florida HAD to include a tour of Gypsy Gold. I have followed the breed since it was first introduced to the USA by the Thompson. Wonderful breed, love story, and gorgeous horse farm. Everybody at the farm was amazing as well.
It was a great day!
Andrea Sawyer — Google review
We did the 2 hour tour and loved every minute of it! Dennis’s stories are epic and Erin is a wonder and gracious hostess. Meeting the horses and feeding them carrots were the highlight of my visit to Florida.
Christina Wojcik — Google review
Wow we were at peace I wish we could live there we would take care of the horses 24/7 I know is a lot of work I have 9 dogs lol but this was by far the best experience of our life it changes me lol I see horses so different now this horses r like golden retriever but with hooves (like Tayler said ) they r so gentle and sweet is unbelievable!! Ohhh pls bring carrots I wish I did… next time I will bring lots of carrots… this experience u have to do … and they give u a history of how this beautiful animal came along is very interesting and if cought me off guard where he was going with it… if u love animals as much as we do u going to feel different about this horses… ohhh and donkeys too there is a baby there that he has tricks🤣🤣🤣🤣 u have to see!!! Before he gets too big!! Go and it will change your life!!!!❤️❤️❤️
Luna Serrano — Google review
My family and I visited today. Dennis and Erin were wonderful. It was a unique experience, and my family felt lucky to hear Dennis' story first hand. His passion for these stunning creatures, his knowledge, and story are a wonder to witness and hear. Please ignore the people saying the over hour talk wasn't worth it. It was worth every minute, and made me teary eyed many times! We feel blessed to have met Dennis and Erin. Dennis and Erin took us on the tour of the property, where we interacted with so many of the horses. Also, Dennis' vision for the future of the Gypsy Gold Farm is just beautiful. If you love horses and animals, then you will love visiting this special place.
Lea Vozzella — Google review
I brought my daughter here while she was visiting and we both left like we had just watched a movie. The history of this farm, the horses, the people (present & past) so amazing. Dennis is the kind of person you could sit and hear stories of his life experiences for hours. Taylor was also exceptional in speaking with everyone and sharing knowledge with us regarding the farm, and the animals as well.
I plan to go again with other family members as I also believe they will love the experience just as much as we did.
Three Sisters Springs wildlife refuge is a popular destination during winter for viewing manatees from the boardwalk due to its clear water. Although the park's entrance fee may seem expensive, visitors can capture beautiful photos and witness these creatures up close. It's important to pay attention as manatees blend in with the rocks.
Amazing little sanctuary. The waters are warm and crystal clear. I see why the manatees flock here. The walk around the springs is amazing with wooden walkways. The park guides are friendly and full of information. Great place to take a nice stroll.
The real experience is to enter the springs through the river entrance. The kayak paddle from our B&B only took a short time. Plenty of wildlife and amazing vegetation along the paddle. Once you arrive at entrance you have a designated area to land your kayaks and then you swim into the spring area.
JDCPhoto — Google review
This spot was absolutely amazing! A hidden paradise waiting to be found. Lucky for me, I have my own kayaks but you can rent some nearby. I launched mine from Pete's Marina. (Must pay to park) I highly suggest kayaking to this spot. Once there, you can swim or snorkel in the springs like I did. So amazing. Water was cool but not freezing. It was crystal clear. Fish swimming around of all sizes. I was even able to swim down to the bottom of the spring and watch some of the water come out of the ground. Such an amazing experience and beautiful. I felt so rejuvenated after my swim in there.
Michael Jimenez — Google review
This is such a beautiful place to kayak and snorkel. You can't get on the rocks or the land but you can jump out of your kayak and snorkel around. We then used a rock that was out in the water to hoist ourselves back into our kayaks. We also kayaked around out in the river and saw manatees out there. Definitely would like to come back and swim in this area again in the future after they open back up.
Cheryll Heimbecker — Google review
Excellent, excellent, excellent! In January and February, this is the place to see manatees! In most places, you are so far from the manatees that all you see is bumps. Here, they can be just a few feet away (if you are lucky).
The boardwalk goes all the way around the hot springs and part of the inner coastal where they hang out.
Sandra Verboom — Google review
Park seemed pricey to get in especially after we just finished swimming with the manatees! But, it was definitely worth it to see a different side. Great place to capture beautiful pictures and get to see the manatees up top!
Hint hint...if u don't like to walk...go left not right from the ticket booth...this will get you to the boardwalk quicker! Manatees blend in with the rocks so pay attention. There is no parking here and need to park at the shopping center. This is not where u catch the trolley either...so make sure u are at the right location for what u want to do!
Prity Patel — Google review
Kayaked in (October) to see the springs and look for wildlife. Manatee Lou was surrounded by snorkelers. Amazing to see a manatee up close, but it seemed like they just wanted to get away from all the people. Also spotted fish, birds, and a ray. Glad we chose to visit the springs via kayak as it wouldn't have been as memorable via the boardwalk, plus it was free to access via water compared to the $12.50 per person fee the refugee concessioner charges.
Jesse James White — Google review
This is a very interesting place. Upside...great volunteers that care deeply for these majestic mammals. They are friendly, approachable and full of helpful information about the area, animals and conservation. Being able to view these precious animals in their natural habits was very memorable.
Downside....lots of snorkelers and kayakers took away from the full peacefulness of the moment.....but did offer a bit of entertainment of thier own.
Dottie Cornatzer — Google review
Temporarily closed on our visit. However, we swam in the springs. Beautiful. Water temp was 77 degrees. Lots of fish and manatee. Crystal clear
Maureen Fallucca — Google review
You can see manatees here in winter. The manatees at Three Sisters Springs offer a captivating experience, showcasing these gentle giants in their natural habitat. The crystal-clear waters provide a unique opportunity to observe these endangered creatures up close. The conservation efforts and strict guidelines ensure a respectful and responsible encounter, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.
Hasanjalee Iddamalgoda — Google review
We have mixed feelings about this. We loved the manatees, the springs the clear water. The boardwalk around it is nice and clean, I believe the refuge area are trying to do a good thing. We would love to be able to interact with the manatees but we don't. It's for their own good. We understand. I'm guessing the park people are volunteers. A little unorganized it the entrance. Maybe having a bad day,but no problems. Beautiful area.
The BAD. the commercialization is very sad, there were over 100 swimmers in the springs with these manatees. Commercial pontoon boats lined up in the canal dropping off and picking up swimmers. It's disappointing. Such a beautiful natural area being corrupted like this is sad. I'm glad the refuge is mostly protected, but I wish they would make it off limits to swimmers and companies doing this.
ty lawson — Google review
We boated here from Pete’s Pier which was challenging in the wind. We saw a few manatee on our way over and loved the springs! There’s a lot of monitoring of the space and it was pretty crowded. Today there was only one manatee there so we must’ve just missed the season (today is April 4th and the season typically ends around 3.31). Either way: clean, gorgeous and magical!
KJ Schroer — Google review
Overall the park itself and the environment is pretty delightful, with access to hiking trails, views of the spring etc. Volunteers were present to guide which was great. We saw on manatee which was great too.
The downside was—you had to park 1mile farther in the city hall and use their shuttle service/or walk to reach the springs. Also the entry fee was on the higher side (20$ per adult). And, there was no access to waters/swimmimg for that price while if you could pay extra for boating, kayaking and swimming through boating companies nearby, wierd for a state owned park?
Overall, I would rather go to another spring where we can swim.
Jay Nepal — Google review
This is a beautiful refuge and worth the cost to visit. If you have a National Park Pass, you will get a discount. We paid a total of $25.00 for the 2 of us. We went to the City Hall in Crystal Springs and behind the building is where you buy your tickets and can take a shuttle or bus to the refuge. We visited in February and you cannot swim in the Three Sisters Springs. However, you can see MANY manatees in the springs, which is crystal clear and a beautiful blue color. There is a boardwalk around the springs with viewpoints. There are also short hiking trails. We saw many manatees in the canals around the springs as well. The water is not as blue and clear in the canals, however.
Cynthia Mortensen — Google review
Beautiful crystal clear springs. If you want to see manatees you have to go when the temperature in the Gulf is below 68°, they go in the springs looking for warmer waters. It was too hot this day si I didn't see any manatees. There guides along the boardwalk that share their knowledge with you. Very interesting
Ileana Garcia — Google review
This park is definitely a must to go to in the winter when the manatees huddle to keep warm. Go in the morning, so you see lots of them. It really isn’t a huge park so it’s not an all day adventure. The boardwalk is the main attraction to see the manatees. They do have several other trails to walk. Take your National park pass if you have it to get a discount.
A Relloka — Google review
Worth the $20. I wanted to see manatees and this is the perfect place to see them. Nice walking trails and friendly, informative guides as well. Picnic area and restrooms with a shuttle for those who don't want to walk.
You can also pay to snorkle, kayak or do a little boat tour. I think snorkeling would be worth it but not kayaking nor boat ride. Too crowded and too small of an area. You can see manatees better from the walking trails. Look at the pictures. You cannot come into roped off areas. Manatees are mostly in the roped off areas.
Jennifer Kitterman — Google review
If you look carefully while riding across the bridge, you might be able to spot manatees swimming through crystal clear water under the bridge. We parked the car, walked back, and were blessed to see a mother and baby gliding along. ☺️ They were on their way to join a whole community farther along, up near the shores of the Ellie Schiller State Wildlife Park. What a very special experience!!
Theresa Jack — Google review
Absolutely beautiful. Kayak in and swim in the crystal clear water. Its a little cold but you get used to it. Even swam with a manatee. Definitely recommend!
Dena McMahan — Google review
The springs are well cared for. There is a nice new bathroom and the volunteer guides were very knowledgeable. The visitors center is just outside the front gate in a strip mall, so definitely a good choice to park. We used the closest city parking a walk away but should have just parked at the center. The shuttle was useful but the walk is very nice too. There were still quite a few tourists, but not as bad as I imagine the springs near Orlando. Overall it was an underwhelming experience for Floridians. The number of manatees were more than we usually see but not by alot. The high tide advice was good, they do travel in and out more at that time.
The town is adorable and clearly catering to tourists from the North. The restaurants were crowded even after lunch time. If you are driving from a short distance away it would be worth it. We drove from the other side of the State and it may not be worth that kind of drive unless you just enjoy a day trip anyway. A bit costly per person for an entrance fee, when you can’t swim and only observe.
Dagney Stone — Google review
We had scheduled a boat trip to see the manatees, but came here first. In walking around the boardwalk and seeing so many, we canceled our boat trip. This preserve is beautiful. I love that the waters are roped off completely to keep people out of the waters to leave the manatees alone. It was really exciting to see some young calfs in there too.
Paulette — Google review
Took a manatee snorkel tour with one of the many tour operators in the area. Went with Fun 2 Dive on March 2- was able to swim into the three sisters springs which is normally closed off. On this day, it was open. There were two female manatees resting near the spring. Overall great experience.
Melanie Tolchin — Google review
Beautiful Springs and wildlife trail around the lake. The boardwalk around the Springs gives you a wonderful view of the Manatees. Winter is the time to see them gathering in the warm Springs that stay 72 degrees year round.
Brittany Cole — Google review
Three Sisters Springs is a manatee wonderland! It's truly incredible – the only place where you can witness such a gathering of these gentle giants in one spot. The volunteers are passionate and knowledgeable, ready to answer any manatee-related questions.
With about six viewing points, the experience is breathtaking as you observe hundreds of manatees. We visited in December and caught the perfect time to see them. The trail offers a super easy walk, but if you prefer, there's a convenient shuttle option.
While the entrance fee is $20 per person, it's a small price to pay for the privilege of supporting these magnificent creatures. The money goes towards the well-being of the manatees, making the visit not only awe-inspiring but also a meaningful contribution to their conservation. 🌊🌿🐋💙
Brianna Storm — Google review
4.6
(3168)
•
4.5
(1620)
917 Three Sisters Springs Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429, USA
Amazing place. We really enjoyed it. Adults are $13. Worth every penny! We took a tram ride from the, I guess back. That alone was fun. Lol.
Everybody we encountered was so friendly and helpful. Nice gift shop. A few stands with snacks and drinks.
We saw lots of manatees and babies! So many different birds. A black bear, a hippo, fox, snakes, so many fish!
It's not a huge place. We spent a little over an hour there. Definitely could have stretched it longer. Easy walk. A few places with stairs (and ramps). But to get down to the underwater viewing, only stairs. About 11 or 12. Multiple bathrooms.
Just a relaxing day, watching animals. You can't feed any of them. But, there are binoculars around, so bring quarters.
Julie Healon — Google review
Up close and personal with some of Florida most unique animals. So many wonderful birds, fish, cougars, and even a hippo. Yhey also have a Florida black bear. Easy walk with lots of stopping to view the animals. I feel kids of all ages would find this place exciting.
Marty McMann — Google review
Clean, well cared for animals, love the boat ride in and the tram on the way out. We had perfect weather and a great day while visiting. The volunteers are very friendly and knowledgeable. And the Hippo is fabulous ♥️
Chanda Wall — Google review
We'd seen several reviews about this place and intended to make it part of our trip. On a tour, someone almost talked us out of it, but I'm so glad we went.
First, we love that many of the animals there have been rescued and we got to read about their journey.
Second, I appreciated the fact that they had accessible features, including ramps, elevators, lifts into the train, viewing cutouts to see the animals, etc.
Third, the staff were very friendly, helpful and informative.
Finally, we appreciate their efforts in saving these amazing animals!!
Nanette Odell — Google review
Definitely go again...may not be the biggest attraction of wildlife. But, peaceful..wasn't overly busy. Good price! Everyone we encountered was so nice. Nice walking to exhibits.
Melissa Wolfle — Google review
If you are visiting crystal river then this place is a must for families and anyone that loves animals. They have the famous hippo "Lou" who if you're lucky might see bathing in the water, he is huge ❤️. The whole facility is well maintained and clean and the walkways are paved and perfect for strollers. There are plenty of shaded rest spots to take a break from walking. There is a cafeteria with burgers, fried and ice cream and also a small gift shop to pick up your souvenirs.
Lanash Lath (Dezignstar) — Google review
Great place to take the kids and see some animals. The park entrance is 13$ por person adult and 5$ kids under 11 years old. I really had a great day with my family there.
Elianny Marquez — Google review
There are 2 separate visiting centers, one right off the main road which has a nice gift shop and restaurant and you can ride boat or tram from the first location. The second visitor center is closer to the wildlife area and water. Both areas are beautiful and have plenty of parking. The park closes at 5:30pm. Tram runs every 15 minutes. Definitely recommend checking this park out.
Janet Stiles — Google review
Hidden gem! We are so glad we got lost and went into the visitors center. They recommended this place and so glad we didn't skip it! Definitely a place everyone should go see! If you do not get a chance to see manatees out in the wild..u will at this place and capture some great pic! They have things laid out very well. The hippo gave us an awesome show and we got to see the panther take down a bird...dont worry the bird survived and flew away even after 3 attacks!
I would not skip this place at all!! Perfect for any age. Lines to get tickets are long but super quick so do not get discouraged!
Prity Patel — Google review
This place is amazing. I really liked the way it is done. You get to know why they keep the wild animals in the park, how they were injured or raised in ZOOs or within private ownership. And importantly, how can you help to protect the species in the wild. And then you can see manatees in the river Homosassa, being protected in their natural habitat and looked after, cured and researched when it is needed . Perfect place and very inspirational. Thank you!
?ofia Filagov? — Google review
We've been here many times and always take new guests. When we visit the west coast. The price is reasonable. There's a very tiny gift shop which has less than it used to, they do have a small amount of food for purchasing, there is some indoor and outdoor tables for use, there are nice clean bathrooms.
I must say though that there seem to be less animals than in the past. There were only three alligators left when there used to be a whole lot of them before, but I understand from the really nice volunteer that was answering my questions that they have gotten old and many have passed away. I'm also a little bit disappointed that the aviary which housed so many beautiful birds that would just fly around and you can go and then some would land on you, that is not even close to being done let alone look like it was under active construction. Construction. The one thing I would say that they could also improve on is having a guy go around after opening and using a gas leaf blower for almost the entire hour. While we were there was annoying and distracting and kind of took away from the beautiful ambiance of the place. But it is a place we would go back and visit again and it's a great place for kids also.
If you get there early, you can park right across the street from the entrance. If not, you have to park out on the remote lot way out on the main road but they do have shuttles that will drop you off right at the entrance.
Cathy Steinbuck — Google review
This place is amazing! A lot of history here and they have done a good job preserving it. You have to check out the fishbowl and manatees. Lu the hippo is always a favorite to visit. Lots of different species to see and things to explore. Take your time and enjoy!
Lauren Connolly — Google review
Great place for family and to bring your kids to see wildlife. Very good size and the lay out is nice. Like being on a nature walk.
B Mose — Google review
Absolutely worth the stop!
We took the pontoon over, and the tram back - and highly recommend others do too. Our boat guide, Nick, was very informative.
Hippo, manatees, panther, bobcat, eagle, osprey, what more can you ask for.
The underwater observatory was cool and will be even cooler when they replace the glass.
5 🌟 all around.
Nick W — Google review
With two locations to park at one being the main entrance and the other on the main road. This park offer the most unique and diverse experience. The park is mostly covered and has a manatee Rehabilitation Center there. There is also a platform where you can go underwater to see manatees. The park also features a 40 something year old hippopotamus. There is a Crystal Spring in the park that comes up above the manatee platform. There are two sides to the park the manatee and the water side and the zoo side. You go right to the zoo and left to the manatee platform.
Daniel — Google review
Beautiful place. Boat worth the 3$ one way. The tram is free or you can walk the 3/4 mile to the site from tbe welcome center. It takes about 3 hours to see it all if you take your time. Walking is easy and wheelchair accessible. Very clean.
Suzanne Bernier — Google review
2 adults in our 40s and we loved this place. Came in January and no one was there. Def do the boat ride. Enjoyed seeing and learning about the rich history of old time Florida-and catching a glimpse into the past Today. Saw manatees around the observation deck. Then eat at Skinny Tortuga afterwards (great local food truck).
Melissa Hill — Google review
While it is pretty at times, the park needs some help. It was not worth the price to us. You can easily park at I believe the west entrance and just walk into the area with the animal part. You don't have to go to the visitor center and take the boat or the tram. The boat only takes you through a little creek. The animals have small enclosures and there is not many to see. It was honestly kinda sad. Two manatees in the sick tank area was it. If you go make sure your going late November if you want a better chance at the manatee. We didn't even see the four manatees that live year round in the park. Reptile room is one small room with one fat cotton mouth and about 5 other enclosures. Fishbowl is going to undergo renovations it looks like. Kennels for your dog at the visitor center was a major plus. If you need to get out of the house with the kids this would probably keep them entertained. Easy to walk with strollers. Snack areas and bathrooms at both entrances.
Maddy Matthews — Google review
A hidden gem. The atmosphere was homey and the various animals were interesting to see some being rehabilitated to be released back into the wild. The resident 60 year old hippo was totally unexpected.
William Knall — Google review
Many tourists . Definitely needs to be upgraded but absolutely worth the visit. A must see if you are in the area. Many animals . Love Lu 🦛♥️ & the Manatee's & Bear etc. Only barely discusses the early Indians but not specific enough about who what Native Americans were there initially.
Great time!!!! Captain Kyle was awesome. We saw gators big & small, one water snake, lots of turtles of all sizes plus beautiful scenery. Holding the gator at the end is a great bonus!!!! I will do this again highly recommend giving it a whirl.
Chuck Wiggy — Google review
LOVE LOVE LOVED our swamp tour!! We took two kids and they were very accommodating and friendly. Our guide was very knowledgeable and made it fun! We saw LOTS of gators and other wildlife. We were so excited to hold the alligator!! Josephine was SO sweet and the staff did a great job with her and helping us. We also shopped in their gift store 3 times (we stayed at Idlewild)! I love how they had ice cream treats and a few inexpensive items. Thanks swamp fever!
Nicole Hogan — Google review
The Swamp Adventure Tour was awesome! We had parents who were apprehensive about them going. I'm so glad they went. It was safe, and the captain was professional, funny and informative. We were able to touch and hold the alligator as a part of the package. The place also had cabins. We didn't stay there but everything was clean and the staff was helpful and friendly. We have about 15 people in our 6 mixture of kids and adults.
Nannette Rolle — Google review
We made reservations in advance. The staff was ready for us when we arrived. The staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and professional. The ride was great. The kids loved it. The tour guide was very knowledgeable. We saw lots of gators, birds and turtles. The views were breathtaking and so beautiful. I would highly recommend this tour.
Brittany Geraty — Google review
We came to Florida to visit with family and we decided to take this tour. We had a blast! We saw a few alligators but even if we didn't, the tour itself as well and all the fast turns was worth it! Then we were surprised at the end and got to hold Luke the baby alligator! The staff was so knowledgeable and very friendly. Highly recommend Swamp fever airboat adventures! We will definitely be taking another tour when we come back to visit.
Casey Hare — Google review
Captain Steve and the ladies were knowledgeable, and like their jobs. Steve explained pretty much every plant and animal as the tour went on. He also is prideful of the eagles, as well as the rest of the birds in the area. We saw quite a few gators, from a foot long to eight footers. Great for all ages.
James Hogencamp — Google review
Absolutely AMAZING!!!! We started off checking in at the office and the staff was truly lovely. We then went to the pavillion where Steve brought out and alligator named Josephine and told us all about her. We then joined Captain Kyle for a 1 hour ride through the lake and saw a ton of gators, birds, turtles, and fish. Captain Kyle made multiple stops and told us all about the wild life in the area and answered a ton of our questions. He was so very fun, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable. The ride itself was SO much fun, zipping through the lake! I cannot wait to go again!!! Highly highly recommended!!
Alyssa Siegel — Google review
Great tour this morning! Our guide, Kyle, was terrific. Saw loads of baby gators and mama gator. My husband got to hold a 35lb gator at the end of the tour. So much fun! Highly recommend it. Side note, It was only 70 out this morning and I am grateful I brought a jacket because once the boat was moving fast it was a little chilly!
Jennifer Martin — Google review
Awesome experience on our airboat tour. Loved getting to hold a real alligator and the boat tour was exceptional. We saw lots of alligators and turtles. The driver was very knowledgeable and we enjoyed the education on local wildlife and trees. It was a great time overall!
Crystal Wing — Google review
Our group had a blast. The staff was so friendly and knowledgeable.
Captain Sam gave us an amazing tour with some background on gators and the area. Our tour ended with Wyatt an 8 yr old gator whom we all took turns holding. He is a sweet gator. Jess and Heather were great handlers and gave us some a world of info on Wyatt. Heather sorry in Advance for adding the little frog in pictures!!!
Highly recommend choosing Swamp Fever for your Air Boat Adventure. (Back story- my father held same gator 7 yrs ago) we had no idea. (My dad passed 5 yrs ago) so was even more special!!! Thanks again for a memorable day!!!
Melissa Major — Google review
This boat trip was awesome!! My family and I enjoyed it so much. The staff was so friendly and informative. We did see some baby alligators and a mama and some birds, a ton of turtles and fish. We wish the ride was longer but it was totally worth it, every minute. Holding Josephine in the end was a great highlight for the kids too!
A.J C. — Google review
My dad has always wanted to go on an airboat ride so my husband and I were excited to join him. All of us enjoyed our adventure! The staff is welcoming and knowledgeable. We got to meet a baby alligator and Dad got to hold Luke. The boat ride was a lot of fun. It’s obvious that the captain really enjoys his job. Highly recommend!
Karen Trujillo — Google review
My family absolutely loved this Airboat Ride. The gentleman that gave us the tour was super friendly, courteous and kind. He answered any questions we had made this experience very fun and entertaining. We will definitely visit again, when we're back in Florida.
Dannette — Google review
Had a great trip with Swamp Fever. Drove out from Tampa and it was well worth the effort to see another side of Florida. Beautiful location, educational and entertaining. Would highly recommend the adventure if you are looking for something a little different to do with your family.
Ed Dombrowski — Google review
I am no airboat expert, but I have done 3 prior with other companies - and this place was hands down the best. Captain Steve was funny, informative, patient (he made sure we all saw what he spotted) and had an eye for finding alligators. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip and when we visit again, will make sure we ask for Captain Steve! Thank you again for a memorable trip.
Bethany E — Google review
We were headed to Disney and saw the sign for Airboat tours. I googled the name and loved the detailed website so I booked my family (5 yo, 3 yo, 7 month old) a trip for our ride home. A bucket list check off for my boy to ride an air boat! It was an amazing trip. Life jackets and ear protection were provided. We saw birds, fish, and all size alligators. Our captain was very informative and accommodating to our kids. Once we got back we were surprised with the opportunity to hold Wyatt the alligator. This too was very informative and accommodating to all of our gator obsessed kiddos!
Hayley Blume — Google review
This was my second adventure. Recommend it. Price includes cost to hold a healthy 40 pound gator for pictures.
Staff are all very pleasant and informative. Got to see a few smaller gators, lot of turtles and fish in the swamps.
Of course the fun is the speed and turns of the air boat ride through the marsh. It’s about an hour adventure. Worth it.
Lorie Sprague — Google review
This is my 2nd time with Swamp Fever, brought family this time and it was just as spectacular as the 1st time! Got to see some gators and babies along with beautiful nature! We even got to hold a 30lb real live gator Josephine. Everyone is so friendly and helpful! I will definately be back!
Shawn Cummings — Google review
Loved this tour! All the staff was so friendly even the guy helping to dock the boat. They were well organized, stayed on time and the guide knew so much about the swamp, you could tell he loved the area. Some of the most beautiful landscapes I’ve ever seen. We saw alligators , turtles, baby alligators, fish and so many incredible birds. The guide knew each animal and their habits. The office staff was also very friendly .
Sarah Smith — Google review
We went for my daughter and nephews birthday. We had a group of 12 people ranging in age from 70 to 7 including a non verbal special needs child. We had an AMAZING time! Captain Sam was brilliant and everyone was so friendly and knowledgeable, answering all of our questions. We really had such an amazing experience, everyone should do this! Everyone agreed it was better than going to Disney!
Louisa Tomlinson — Google review
We had the best time today. Great tour and very clean boats and facility. Loved holding the sweet little girl gator as well. Staff is wonderful.
Thank you
Tina Weicker — Google review
Quick trip to visit family down here in Florida, and they suggested we go on an alligator tour... We went to the right place! The staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and yes, we saw alligators; big ones, medium and babies. Even if we hadn't seen all of the alligators we did, the scenery was worth it.. what a great tour! I wish I could add the video of the swamp… it was “wow!”💚
Alicia Laing — Google review
There are a lot of options for airboats in this area, but this was in my opinion the best. The captain was very knowledgeable and the team was super friendly. I was very impressed. My students had a great time. We saw a few alligators and got to hold one. I will be coming back.
Timothy Wert — Google review
My first time on an airboat and very happy we chose Swamp Fever for this adventure. Saw lots of gators of all sizes from babies to large mom and dad as well as a ton of birds and turtles. Our driver/guide did a great job of pointing out where to look. Finally, the lake itself and the offshoots from it with all the cypress trees is beautiful. One more thing, you get to hold a baby alligator at the end of your trip. Highly recommend
Tom D — Google review
I would definitely do this again. It was so beautiful. Was hoping for more wildlife but it was a little chilly that day so animals were not very active but that's no one's fault. We enjoyed our trip very much. Getting to pet/take pictures with the little gators was awesome too. Everyone was very nice and helpful.
Lidia Jones — Google review
Absolutely amazing experience!!! I have lived in Florida 25+ years and this was first time on an airboat ride. Jessica was super sweet and informative. She was great with my two young boys! Sam, our captain was incredible. He was so thorough, fun and hilarious! The grounds where it is located is soooo peaceful and beautiful. I will definitely be coming back!! And recommending them! Book it- you seriously wont regret it.
Lauren Fox — Google review
This was my first time in Florida or even on an airboat. I had a blast and great time. I also loved holding the younger alligator at the end and seeing younger and older alligators as well. I also saw birds, turtles, and fish. It was a beautiful day, and it was an experience that I won't ever forget. I would recommend this to anyone who loves wild and water.
Chad Gentry — Google review
4.9
(1185)
•
5.0
(849)
4110 NW 42nd Pl Lot 1, Lake Panasoffkee, FL 33538, USA
Performing mermaids draw a crowd at this natural spring, which also features boat tours & swimming.
Great way to relax and enjoy nature
charles fritz jr. — Google review
Amazing experience! We loved the mermaid Christmas show. Doors open 30 minutes before show start. We got in line early to get front row seats. After the show we got a photo with the mermaid and walked around. The water is clean and in the 70s. Today was a beautiful day and wished we brought our bathing suits and towels to hang. Many of the shops were closed. Will come back for sure!
Bernadette Bennett — Google review
This is such a cute place to take your kids! The mermaid show is so fun and entertaining! Although, the park does close early. There are only two water slides, but there's free lemonade and water! There's a lot of lifeguards and the place is very secure. There's also a little kids pool which is a bit boring and lame, but it's still fun for kids!! There is a food stamp and snacks, also a store. It has such cute little bathing suits! The bathrooms are so clean! The sand is nice and clean. The water is also nice and clean but the water is cold. The food is not really expensive. There's also a bar. There's a lot of trees and there's even kayaking! But that's in a separate place and you have to pay a separate amount of money for it. Overall, I would recommend this place! Just that if you're going to go to the water park side, make sure it is a WARM DAY! Or else you WILL BE COLD.❤️🩹
Vic! — Google review
I tried unsuccessfully to get the menu for the parks concessions prior to going. It was no where to be found, the park couldn't even tell me. So I am posting it for anyone who may need it. The only vegan items were a salad that they were out of and pita chips and hummus, which they were also out of. Food took forever, it appeared that the restaurant is just not big enough to handle the lunch crowd. Everyone was working hard, just too many people for too small of a place.
As for the rest of the park, be aware that each of the attractions has limited times. The boat only runs until 12:30. The line was such that the last boat was filled by 11:00 and those waiting had to wait for an hour and a half to ride the 20 minute ride. The mermaid show has a long line and it fills up as well. Getting there at least 30 minutes before the show is a must. The animal show also gets pretty full and only had 3 shows a day. For as limited of things to do here, it is very difficult to get them all in because of their schedule and the wait times.
Sarah Ellert — Google review
First… get there early to get in line. An excellent location for fresh water swimming and a place to relax.
Martina D — Google review
It was pretty cool. Did not have high expectations at first but it was super fun kayaking and spring swimming area with slides. Yay~
?? Dong Lee — Google review
One of those side-of-the-road tourist attractions. Beautiful clear blue waters but ice cold. We went on a Wednesday so it was very chill. The boat tour was short and sweet. The mermaid performance was community theater fun. I wish they had lights and decorations or cool props... Seemed so bare. Maybe a black light tropical fish style theme? Something.. Anyway, it was very reasonably priced family fun!
Waci' Paha Isnala — Google review
The water is colder than you think. Be prepared. Ok, now the important stuff. If it is busy season, get there early. I'm talking they open at 9, no later then 9:30. Also, expect to wait in line. Got there at 9:30, the parking lot was almost full, and then got into a line that wrapped around park. Took over 30 minutes get to entrance. By that point, the park was at capacity. Even at capacity, there was plenty of place to set down your stuff and set up a tent or umbrella. Everything ran surprisingly smoothly. Mermaid show was the best part by far and pretty mesmerizing. Be warned, you need to be in line an hour before the show starts.... anyway, overall, good experience. Go for the mermaids. It really is the best part of the whole place.
Paul Patton — Google review
This is a FANTASTIC state park. Attractions are kid and family friendly, the shows run on time, the admission price is reasonable, and the restaurants and bathrooms are clean!
Admission as of 9/2023 is adult (13+) - $13, Kids (6-12) $8, kids 5 and under Free.
Get a map and schedule upon entrance and make sure you see the Ranger show, Mermaid show, and boat ride. Fill the time swimming in the lagoon, floating down the lazy river, or riding the water slide.
Courtney Kolkovich — Google review
Had a nice time here with our 4 year old daughter! Unfortunately, the water park was closed for the season, but we enjoyed the famous mermaid show and other activities like the boat ride (we came so close to the manatees!). Overall, it’s a great park, parts are a bit dated but the park seems to have a lot of history. The playground was also a nice touch! We were pleasantly surprised by the food quality from the cafeteria/ restaurant.
Patrick Chan — Google review
Nice place to visit
Arjun rao — Google review
Absolutely loved it! From the mermaids, the Christmas decorations with lights strung throughout the trails, happy staff faces- It was a nice place to go!
Penny Thomas — Google review
The mermaid show is the fun part for all the kids. Manatees watching by boat ride is not to miss. Water rides are another attractions for kids. Must go for first time.
Tip:
Plan for spending 3-4 hours and go early in the morning and try to grab the early mermaid show as the lines get longer later. You want to get the center seating spot in the show.
Milind Shinde — Google review
Absolutely beautiful spring! The water is crystal clear. Great place to bring kids and family to swim and have a great time. Nice sandy area and relaxing chairs to lay down on put your stuff down. The water slide is only open on the weekends, and they have mermaid shows every day at 11:00, 1:30, and 3:00. Very nice spring in Florida to come to and have a great time.
Cale Crawley — Google review
So much fun and so beautiful! My kids and I had a blast. You can bring coolers into the park. The spring water is chilly, but not too bad. My favorite part was swimming out to the floating doc, looking down into the water, and being able to jump in.
Carisa Ann Maroda — Google review
A lot to do, from swimming to lazy river tubing to the mermaid show and river cruise, playground and food & beverages… Great spot to spend the day with family. Arrive early!!!!! It is a popular place!
M. Baco — Google review
We had a good time, we did the boat tour and checked the beach area out. We did miss the Mermaid show because we got there late and essentially had to choose between the boat tour and the Mermaid show.
Joseph Cobb — Google review
What an interesting experience! The mermaids are certainly very entertaining and a sight to behold. Lovely clean place lots of parking and a good gift shop. It was raining when we were there so we didn't see it at its best but it looked like a very cool spot especially for families.
Peter Carroll — Google review
Came here for a family spring break trip and had a blast. The first thing you should do is go right to the boat trip area and save your time. They book quick. The water was amazing and crystal clear. The slides were a blast and there’s also a toddler area for the little ones. Is you want to do the lazy river you have a pay for the tube. The mermaid show and the other experiences are free you just have to get there early to make sure you get a spot. They all fill up super quick. We will for sure be going back!
Peter Marini — Google review
4.3
(1156)
•
4.0
(1895)
Florida 34606, USA
I'll never travel to Sarasota without this trip planner again
Located in rural Dade City, Giraffe Ranch is a picturesque drive-through attraction with close encounters with giraffes, camels and rhinos. The ranch also offers exclusive tours that can only be booked by reservation, as well as ample opportunities for wildlife viewing from the comfort of your car.
Here are just a few shots of all the amazing animals you will see and learn about at the Giraffe Ranch. Lex and Elena are so great and Lex was who took us on our tour. His genuine love for his ranch and all his animals shows loud and clear. He is a wealth of information so take notes! Very worldly man to say the least. We learned so much and asked many questions that Lex was happy to answer. It was so fun and so educational. Worth every cent and then some. I will go again and take the camel tour next! We did this for my moms 81st bday and learned that he had a lady over 100 do the camel back tour!! My mom says she will do it for her 85th lol!! I've lived her my whole life and just learned about this place on my favorite morning radio show. I'm sorry I did not know earlier. I'd of love to have taken my father who had a huge love for the animals. Needless to say im grateful I got to experience this with mom. I rate this life experience like the best of diamonds. Colorless triple excellent!!! ❤😘
Carlamarie B — Google review
My first visit at the Giraffe Ranch this weekend. Ranch has a lot of animals! Guided Tour included with general admission was great. My reason for 1 star is in regards to the $300 private giraffe experience, falsely advertised on website!! Website states you “join professional giraffe keepers in their daily giraffe care activities. Customized experience lasts a minimum of 30 minutes.” My “experience” was a 20 minute private giraffe feeding. No tour of the giraffe barns, no daily giraffe care activities demonstrated, and I was only given 20 minutes in the enclosure on the safari bus. The tour guides brought me just enough into the enclosure to feed the giraffes and closed the gate right behind the safari bus. General admission is not included in the price of the experience, so my entry with the experience was $420 for a total of two hours on the ranch. Not to mention I missed the beginning of the general admission tour because I was feeding the giraffes. Don’t recommend adding this experience to your general admission, they take you to feed the giraffes during the guided tour anyways. $300 is absolutely outrageous, totally not justified for the experience I received. I didn’t even get the 30 minutes promised in the experience listing. Disappointed!! Would’ve loved to actually see the daily giraffe care activities.
Heather Padgham — Google review
What a WONDERFUL Florida gem. The safary tours are amazing. You get to watch the animals live in a natural environment. This place does not have a zoo type vibe. The husband and wife couple keep you entertained by educating you on everything you see without having to exploit the animals. Definitely worth the money!
Leslie Powell — Google review
This was absolutely an amazing experience! They take pristine care of this facility and really care about these animals. It was a drive-thru tour with the guide over the radio. We have taken other tours like this and the quality of the tour and information from the guide (who has worked all over the world and is an adjunct professor) is 2nd to none. We also did the lemur feeding afterwards ($35) and it was SO COOL. They have other package options (Segway tour/camel tour/driven) and other feeding options to explore as well. There is another location in Lakeland that is 5x the size and we will go and review that soon too! VERY MUCH WORTH THE COST!!!
pivolopez — Google review
This was a great outing. The Safari wagon takes you up close and personal to giraffes and camels. Got some great photographs feeding the giraffes. Their pet camel is a big puppy dog who wants to be petted on the nose. Highly recommend the vehicle tour. $119 per person.
Glenn Smith (Smitty Nuc-Guy) — Google review
Absolutely hands down the best experience ever. Words can describe how amazing this place was and the owners where so nice . I had my grandmother with me who has mobility issues and they really helped with her and engaged with her and made for a very special day .
Mike T — Google review
We were skeptical because we had seen some negative reviews on this place. It's a beautiful drive to get there. Gate was locked up when we arrived which is understandable, but there was no instruction or guidance as to what to do if you already had a reservation. You do need a reservation to do this. We sat at the gate for about 15 minutes. Employee came out and let us in, greeted us and assisted in finding the radio station to listen to the guided tour. We did the guided tour from the comfort of our rental car. Property is a fairly decent size. Plenty of animals to see, even up close. Got to see plenty of animals roaming around. All animals looked like they were well taken care of. Guide was very knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor. We also participated in the lemur feeding. We had plenty of time to feed and interact with them. Was overall a great experience!
Chris Edwards — Google review
Very nice place to see and feed giraffes. This is a private home ranch. You will be up close the animals. The owner took on the the tour and she was very knowledgeable and down to earth. This is a MUST DO if in the Tampa / Orlando area.
mark merrion — Google review
The tour was an awesome little adventure for our local family and visiting out of towners. Reservation was easy to do online. When I needed to add one more person, I just called and was taken care of promptly-easy peasy.
The tour was engaging and informative. My teen nephews had lots of questions that Elena answered and her enthusiasm about the various animals, their care and history, and related topics was appreciated and made an awesome impression on the boys! Elena was also very considerate to ensure my brother who has mobility challenges, and my 80 y/o aunt were able to see and participate and that they were comfortable. Definitely recommend this and I’ll be bringing more visitors through!
Alison Seward — Google review
“Expectation versus reality” is the best way to sum up our day at giraffe ranch. My boyfriend and I took our two 7 year old daughters to visit. Our reservation was at 4pm and cost me $340. We entered and the tour started immediately almost without warning. Driving so far to come we needed a restroom. Drove around the property following a gentleman on a Segway whom was explaining the property and animals we encountered. I felt his humor and over all approach was just not as professional or child friendly as I would have hoped for. He was very knowledgeable and passionate about the animals. The grounds were well kept as were the animals. We got no where near any animals on the tour and a lot felt lack luster and was over sold online in the gallery and descriptions. Once our tour ended he immediately led two vehicles out of the property because they had not bought other experiences. I do hope no one needed the restroom!! I purchased the lemurs in addition and had to request a restroom first. On my way I Found out they had a gift shop and many other animal enclosures we had not seen! We were being rushed the entire visit it felt like. The lemur activity was enjoyable and I’d say worth the extra fee. The children enjoyed that part and the animals were very clean and gentle. Upon the end we were taken to the gate to exit immediately. Perhaps at an earlier reservation we may have had a more impressionable enjoyable experience. Overall we had moments of enjoyment and learned a lot about animal mating! Personally feel it did not entirely meet expectations for the cost.
kelly Kersey — Google review
Excellent adventure! We did the camel tour. The guides were knowledgeable and you got to see the animals way closer than you would at a zoo. They were also very open about where each animal came from and their conservation efforts.
Jessica Franco — Google review
A++++ experience! The gentleman, owner, did our tour and we learned so much not only about the animals but about the history of Florida (and elsewhere). We had a fabulous time and would highly recommend this place!
Christina — Google review
Don’t be concerned like we were when they didn’t open the gates right up until your tour time. It does look a little sketchy driving in but it is very much worth it. We enjoyed the otter feeding though it was quick, it was worth it because they were our favorite animals. You can tell the owners take pride in what they do and they have a wealth of knowledge on all the animals. The ride along safari was great because you were chauffeured around the land to be so many animals. We got close encounters and great pictures of all of them! It is pricey but worth the day trip out!
Sarah Kubik — Google review
This place is fantastic!!! First discovered this place during covid. They offered- and still do- a safari style tour of their fifty acre property that's chock full of all kinds of amazing animals!! Giraffe-babies included!! They have a rhino, several big cats, lots of small primates, so many ostriches, and many more!They also offer add on experiences like hand-feeding ring-tailed lemur, a two toed sloth🦥, and two different types of otter!! 🦦🦦
Suzi West — Google review
If u haven't been here, it's a box you may wish to check and go see. This place may not be that big,but, wow, it's interesting and shows how much someone who cares about animals can do a wonderful job taking care of them. I know the money to get in is ouch to the pocket book but is worth every cent u spend. This will be a place to see. Feeding a giraffe, yep, so loved that.
Debra Mauthe — Google review
What an amazing way to celebrate our eight year anniversary! The owner was very hospitable and knowledgeable as we rode some amazing and friendly camels through the vast expanse of his property. Every employee was super friendly, and I highly recommend the lemur feeding as well! You can tell these animals are well cared for. The gift shop was also a treat. Very well maintained ranch with awesome staff and a great owner! We will be recommending this place to everyone we know. Thanks again!
Falling Knife Films — Google review
We did the Camel Safari Tour for our 17th anniversary and had the most amazing day. Truly an anniversary we won’t EVER forget. We felt welcome from the moment they greeted us at the gate. Easy parking, a bathroom and LOTS of amazing creatures.
Mitchell Osborn — Google review
Awesome experience!!! We did the drive thru safari in our own car guided by a Segway. The guy was very knowledgeable and made sure we got to see as much as possible. Definitely going to do this again ( maybe on a camel :))
Bekah Knieriem — Google review
Just go, you will have a GREAT time. Never been on a Segway but after 10 minutes never thought about it again, just enjoyed the freedom to follow the guide (who was excellent), and have a intimate experience with the animals vs riding in the people mover. A must do!
Opened in 1945, Fred Howard Park is a 155-acre oasis of greenery located on the Gulf of Mexico in Tarpon Springs, Florida. With 2 million visitors annually, the park offers shady forests and several miles of nature trails for hikers and bicyclists.andalso features an extensive beach area with crystal-clear water perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Beach, wildlife, kite surfing, boating, fishing, a short drive from home...what else could you possibly need for a relaxing day on the sun. There is a $5 parking fee for access to all of these things, which is well worth it. There is a main park section you arrive at, then follow a short causeway to the beach area. My wife and I both had a great day there which exceeded our expectations. I fished while my wife relaxed on the white sand beach. After fishing I joined here for some beach time. Before we left, we spent at least a half hour just watching all the kite surfers along the causeway.
Anthony M Catania — Google review
This place is truly incredible. Beautiful beyond words. I highly recommend not parking at the beach but rather park at the state park entrance and walk to the beach, not only is this a stunning walk but you also avoid the parking fee. Many people chose this and we are definitely glad we did. Get here before 10 am to avoid most of the crowds that follow in after. Lovely nature walks and also perfect for bike riding. Bring your camera for sure.
Chrissy — Google review
This is one of my favorite go to beaches while visiting Florida. It's so peaceful and beautiful out at the beach. The palm trees give shade for those who don't like to spend as much time in the sun. I can't say anything about the trails at this park since I've never walked them, but everything looks like it is very well kept up. If in the area I recommend checking it out. FYI you have to pay to park at the beach area. There are restrooms where you can change out of your clothes at too.
Amy Schoen — Google review
Very Nice Park Second Time Here and Both times we saw Dolphins and tons of beautiful wildlife. Yet I still felt safe enough to swim in the water the water with my children. The water was moderately clear and the beach was very clean. Despite the seaweed you see you can tell the beach is well cared for. And it was a beautiful Saturday and surprisingly not over crowded. Just overall great beach.
Stilettos Beauty Bar — Google review
Fishing,surf kiting, walking, and freakin awesome views all abound at this park. Between St. Joseph's Sound and Anclote River. Worth the drive to the tip of Tarpon Springs.
Big Girl — Google review
Beautiful relaxing park to spend the day. The beach is clean and well cared for and you feel like you are on a tropical island. You should go with your own food and drink (but please don't leave litter behind) as there weren't any food options in February.
Nurten Foster — Google review
Nice little walk from the first parking lot, across the causeway, to the beachy area. Round-trip less than 3 miles. There are a few trails, but not quite enough if you are looking for a good 5 to 6 mile workout. The beach area looked welcoming, however I am more of a walker than a tanner and thus can't speak from experience. Saw quite a few birds and watched a couple of dolphins play not too far from shore. Definitely worth a visit. As others mentioned, parking will cost you a few bucks, about half way down the causeway. Parking is free however once you enter the park and prior to getting on the causeway.
Berlin 1987 — Google review
We got here at 8am on a Sunday and had no issues with parking. We were the 1st ones to set up. The water is calm and shallow and it never got super busy which was great. Definitely bring shade tents or umbrellas there isn't a lot of cover.
As I'm writing this my children want me to say THEY LOVED IT we have been before and will go again (probably next week) 🌴🐬🥥🏖️
Britt Coley — Google review
Parking with only a few steps to the water! Pay with credit card on parking machine. Nice space to relax. Bring a beach umbrella or beach tent, a tie up hammock… chairs, cooler… tons of sunblock. Very nice. Water was clear, shore was clean. We set up on the side and it is more secluded. Etsy’s straight into the main beach.
Heather Coleman — Google review
We started visiting this beach more than a dozen years ago to walk our daily 2 miles (from the beach side of the Causeway and back to the beach is 2 miles) after we got off work. We always had a cool breeze as we walked. When we finished, we’d get out whatever we packed for dinner, and sit on the beach, eating our meal and watching the sunset.
I don’t remember when the park system started charging $5 a day for the beach portion of Howard Park. But when they did, we stopped coming. We found other places to see the sunset that did not require a parking fee. It is a 20-30 minute drive home, and the other beaches we found were closer.
This morning I met a friend here, and she comes every Monday. Both of us are considering the annual park pass as it is less expensive than the daily $5 fee IF you plan on visiting at least twice a month. And it’s good for Sand Key Beach and Fort Desoto Park. The pass is also good for two cars.
Since the pass I paid for this morning was good until closing, Husband & I returned this evening (6/30/22) for the cool breezes & sunset. We both like this park for its soft, even sand, the clean restrooms, and plenty of parking. The parking fee is the worst part of the experience, and $5 is not that much to keep the area and restrooms clean!
Courtenay — Google review
Beautiful scenery great place for a relaxing walk with the family. The drive in was breathtaking . The beach area is all the way at the end of the park. It wasn’t too crowded on a Sunday to my surprise. The first address I used brought me to the park in the front but if you keep driving towards the back it’ll bring you to this beautiful open area on the water.
yaira gomez — Google review
The park itself is beautiful and full of trails. There are plenty of places to park, walk and overall enjoy nature. The causeway and beach are spectacular and worth seeing. The beach has an option for rentals.
D Rose (drosemusic.com) — Google review
Great park, great location, very clean, the staff are very nice, we went there for an event and everyone was nice and laid back. We liked how the park is in the middle of a residential area and not in the middle of nowhere.
Will B — Google review
This is a beautiful shaded park for biking, walking, or gathering as there are plenty of trails and picnic tables and lots of green space. I used Picnic spot #3 and it was perfect for a large gathering with two extra long charcoal grills and 5 picnic tables under a shelter. Very shaded, directly across from the playground/restrooms, and even had a beautiful view of the water! The picnic shelters are first come first serve, unless they are reserved.
You will have to walk or drive the long connecting access road to get to the beach from the park. The beach has restrooms and pay to park. No dogs allowed on the beach, but I was able to walk my fur baby along the road going up towards the beach and she still had a good time in the water.
Tricia Palomino — Google review
We went on a Thursday afternoon, and the park and beach were not crowded at all. Walked the paths and then found a nice shaded spot on the beach. Perfect day.
D “Hollywood” M — Google review
A great local park! Always clean and no trash, calm water, and always a respectful crowd.
Christi Brown — Google review
Long trails through the woods. Plenty wide, smooth, and clean. First time I've been to a park with zero litter. The trails would be great for bikes or wheelchairs. Lots of covered picnic areas, plenty of room for at least 20 or more people in each one with charcoal grills in each.
There is a playground in the wooded area that i think is fenced. It's probably good for people with multiple kids.
This park is patrolled, and littering is heavily fined as is letting your dogs off a leash, except the water area of the first half of the bridge. I love that.
Pet friendly until the bridge. It's not actuality a bridge, but it is well above water with water on both sides. There is parking on the bridge, and there are steps down so people can let their dogs swim until the halfway point.
There is a small island surrounded by a beach. I had my dog with me so I couldn't get out but the beach looked nice from the parking lot.
Jason Jen — Google review
This is a very beautiful park! I enjoy walking the causeway as the sun goes down. Parking is conveniently located to the water ($5 parking fee) and there are also easy to access bathrooms. Note- they will kick you out as SOON as the sunsets.
If you're looking for a daytrip that will both fascinate and entertain, the Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs are perfect. With miles of wide sidewalks and plenty of restaurants and shops to visit, this is one attraction that you wont want to miss.
Greek village with many shops, restaurants and tours. Located on river off the Gulf of Mexico leads boat tour out . This particular boat tour took us out to an island where we could pick up shells for 20 minutes. We also had numerous dolphin sightings. The boat had a bar that you could buy drinks alcohol and non-alcohol if you wished. There were a few children on this tour. Plenty of seating, and you were able to move about the boat while on the water. Another important tip was that the boat was covered so shaded. It is very important for hot days. We did have a cooler day and nice breezes this day. Around $30 per person. We would definitely do this activity again.
Susan Noonan — Google review
Took my mom on the Odyssey dolphin tour to Anclote Key State Perserve to look for shells and enjoy the beach. We found lots of shells and enjoyed the island. This trip was around $25 and worth it. They have drinks for sale on the pontoon boat. The tour guide did a great job explaining the area. We even saw one of the divers looking for sponges.
Matt Beer — Google review
SPONGE capital of the world. Very interesting history of how the divers harvested the sponges. Greek community. Lots of Greek food and bakeries also many small boutiques to wander in and out. Great place to visit. Boat tours available.
Robert Forziati — Google review
This is a great place for booking activities on the water, enjoying Greek Food, shopping and more. Also watch for good deals on parking, there are some areas for $5 all day. Lots of fun!
Jerri Allaster — Google review
This is a beautiful Greek Town, with a beautiful Greek population! Opa! This is an amazing place to spend the day or a whole week. The food, the shopping, the entertainment, are a whole experience! If you want to experience Greece and never leave the country, Tarpon Springs is the place to visit! Bring you appetite & and you wallet, so you can shop and eat local and feel like you traveled internationally.
Emily Simpson — Google review
Cute, quaint an historic. Definitely a must see if you're visiting the area. This is the sponge dock capital of the world!!! It reminds me of Greece. Theres lots of restaurants, gift shops, and excursions where you can go out to the gulf pick up seashells, sunset cruises. Etc. I plan to try the cruise next time.
Sira Garib — Google review
Lots of little shops with a little bit of everything to see or buy. My favorite was a shop that sold carvings made from a nut, but it looked like ivory. So they practice fair trade and save elephants from poachers. There was also a bakery that had the best desserts you will ever find all in one spot. There was also an art fair with lots of local talent on display. Art for every budget.
Note on parking...first lot is $15. The farther in you drive the cheaper it gets. A block in it's $10 and another block closer to the water it was $3 a car.
Jackie W — Google review
We went in mid-January (so off season) but thoroughly enjoyed the scenery without the crowds. You can feel the influence of Greece in all of the stores and restaurants aligning the docks. People were super friendly and our meal and service at Hella's was top notch. Recommend stopping in just for the experience if you're in that area of central Florida.
Raymond Terry Jr. — Google review
We love this area! So many cute shops, plenty of food options & the people are always so welcoming. Love the Greek heritage.
Mandi Sullivan — Google review
For My RV Brothers and Sisters: Although it was a bleak, overcast day, it was still so worth coming. Learn about Sponge Diving and taste a bit of Greece.
Park where it says Buses Welcome. The self serve pay stations do charge $25 for the day. No overnight parking.
We ate at Ylanni's and had the Greek Combo Platter for $24.95. Very good. You can eat outside, as well.
Frances Sanderson — Google review
Fun place to see the sponge boats, see a free film explaining how they collect the sponges or take a cruise. Shops consisted of places to buy souvenirs, of course natural sponges, get some great seafood or authentic Greek food, as well as, other cute little shops. The first parking lot right at the beginning of the docks was $8, however if you go a little down the street there are several lots that are $5
Shauna Laxton — Google review
Hippie fest was tonight It was a great evening great music right bands everybody hung out had a great time nobody got out of control just a great atmosphere went and ate at the restaurant mamas ordered flaming cheese had a few more drinks then drink water waited a while and went home. Had such a great evening and a lot of laughs met some really nice folks
brian wilson — Google review
It was absolutely wonderful to be as close to a Greek fishing village as I could get without flying to Greece!
I love it.
Very peaceful, very friendly, great food and drinks, and already calling me to come back. 🇬🇷
Robin Belknap — Google review
I loved this spot! Wonderful restaurants, friendly stores and merchants, and a great place to walk your pets.
There is a lot to see and enjoy.
Make it part of your itinerary; you will have a wonderful time!
Donna Mattia — Google review
What a wonderful find! We really appreciated and enjoyed this little village. Steeped in culture and janky little shops. Beautiful Greek history and community. A gem of a place. Saw the beetle and had to take a pic. Peace and enjoy
Joel Moyer — Google review
Very nice area if you like to shop small local stores, good food and ice cream too! I was put in daycare while the wife tasted wine. It was ok, beer and ESPN... I did just fine. Indian rocks beach was great, windy and cold in February but nice to walk on.
Tim W — Google review
Great place for a day out and amazing food. Highly recommend it to anyone visiting the Tarpon Springs area. Parking, mostly paid, is tight but available just about everywhere. See the shops. Eat at some fantastic restaurants. It's worth a day out.
James Smith — Google review
Had a wonderful time. I love this place. Open out on a boat, came back. Seeing dolphins highly recommend any one of the captains can take you out.
Christopher and Karen Cobb — Google review
Very nice old Greek Village Visit Florida and Explore Loved the lighting ! Sponges were absorbent ! For Tarpon Springs, the boom started in 1887 when railroad service to New York was initiated. Wealthy Northerners came to this popular destination and built beautiful Victorian mansions; established churches, schools and hotels; and started businesses.
Because the waters surrounding this area were teeming with sponges, divers from Greece came here and soon developed a flourishing sponge industry. The many Greeks who migrated here also set up enticing restaurants, pastry shops, and markets giving the area a Mediterranean mystique.
Bill Cavanagh Electric — Google review
Fun place to see and walk around. Some may call a tourist trap but we enjoyed all the little shops and restaurants. They have boat rides. We really liked that the whole area is pet friendly. We got a few souvenirs really cheap.
Crystal Kauffman — Google review
Beautiful area and small town feel. Tons of fishing, shelling and dolphin tours. Plan to spend a good part of your day. I recommend going a block off the main strip and eating at Mama's Greek Restaurant. Excellent food and location.
Michelle Mayer — Google review
Take a step into Greek culture in this quaint Greek Town of tarpon Springs. Friendly people Amazing Fresh Foods and so much history. This def is a slice of Greece right here so authentic makes you feel like you’re really there. Wide variety of Greek foods gyros, spanakopita and let’s not forget their amazing fresh baked breads and desserts. Shopping here is great too from fresh sponges and so fresh they even still smell like the ocean lots of unique finds here. They even offer a boat ride out to where they harvest the sponges. Another amazing thing is if you’re a movie buff like me they filmed some scenes of the movie Dolphin Tale here. Definitely a must see. Happy Exploring!!
Heather Vukota — Google review
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4.5
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735 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689, USA
Pier 60 is a large fishing pier that provides pavilions, telescopes and a bait house offering snacks to visitors. The attraction is famous for its stunning sunset views. In the late afternoon, guests can explore the Beach Walk promenade designed for pedestrians, skaters and bicyclists. The pier also features concessions and shopping options nearby as well as outdoor activities such as parasailing, aqua bikes, jet skiing and paddle boating adventures.
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a place where people can see marine mammals and sea turtles up close. The aquarium has been involved in rescue and conservation work for many years, and is a favorite tourist attraction in Clearwater, Florida.
Beautiful place to visit! Up Close and Personal with all the animals. The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable! It is obvious they love it there and work hard to see that everyone who visits also loves it!
I took the behind the scenes tour it was 100% worth it! Loved that our guide is a scientist who actually works in the aquatic hospital there. They truly take you BEHIND the scenes and into the ICU area where the severely injured and ill animals are recovering. Seeing the water treatment plants was amazing! Its not something aquarium goers think about much - How much effort it takes to just keep the water clean and balanced!
The tour really demonstrated what a positive place this is for the animals (and people) who are there.
I loved the small and intimate feel of the aquarium and being able to get up close with the animals. The hourly demonstrations-talks at each station in the aquarium were perfect!
I spent over 4 hours there and could have easily spent another 2 hours if my schedule had allowed! Just a delightful place!
Maria Vaill — Google review
We haven't been since the updating construction. This is such a beautiful space now, and wonderful that the integrated the old facility into the new. Added some outdoor spaces and beverage areas. The animals appear healthy, and happy. Love the new pelican area. Lots of parking, and currently they had a dinosaur 🦖🦕 exhibit that was really cute.
CMB Caspanello — Google review
This is an awesome Aquarium. Remember it is a rescue aquarium. We took the behind the scenes tour. Olivia our guide was very informative. So much of what we saw was open to the public. But areas like the quarantine area and water treatment plant were off limits. The surgery room was being used while we were there. All the staff were great. There is a cafe there but we did not eat there. It was well worth the time to visit. The new addition is great.
Scott Remy — Google review
I loved every minute of it. The dolphins were so cute and it was very informative. Make sure to attend the dolphin show. We went to the 2 o'clock dolphin show. Rudy did wonderful. I also pet stingrays and a dolphin came up to me so it was worth the money. I also love that all of the animals are rescued. I will definitely be back.
Alex — Google review
This is a small but cute aquarium. Lots of rehab going on which is awesome. There is a lot of outside area it's a little warm in summer. I also didn't realize Tampa aquarium and Clearwater are two different entities so I was a little disappointed in the size.
The staff is very nice and helpful.
You have to pay for parking.
They offer different kinds of boat tours for additional fees which I will partake in at my next visit.
Karen Ciampo — Google review
I was happy with what I saw at the aquarium. The Boat Ride was worth the money for the trip. I did expect it to be bigger, but while you are there, you learn it is a rescue location, so being smaller is a good thing! All the staff were friendly and helpful.
Carl Godwin II — Google review
This aquarium is very well taken care of, especially the dolphins and otters, staff seems to take care of the animals, and they seem genuine and are very knowledgeable. They few activities for children.
Helpful staff. It is definitely a great place to teach children how to take care of Mother Nature and learn a lot. Adult ticket $36 dlls per person.
Bella — Google review
It is such a great way to spend the afternoon differently when you're on vacation with kids.
We got the photo op with the dolphins, which means you can touch and feed the dolphins and take a picture with them. We were able to take ours with dolphin Nicholas.
We also did the Dolphin Boat tour, we weren't able to see that many dolphins, but we saw about 4/5. They just hid immediately and we weren't able to take pictures. We also saw sting rays and a pelican during the boat tour.
Some other cool animals are in the establishment, like sea turtles and sea otters.
The food is also pretty good. I was expecting more fast food type, but it was actually decent.
I highly recommend it!
Patricia Giovannini — Google review
Incredible incredible incredible!!! This location is absolutely outstanding, between the history here, the dolphins, otters and my absolute favorite sea turtles!!! This place was outstanding!!! Totally worth bringing the family, an incredible time can be spent here educating your family about all the wildlife. Just a great location here in Clearwater Florida, absolutely beautiful spot. And don’t forget to sign up for the dolphin tours. They took us out and we got to see dolphins out in the wild, this was incredible. When we got back we had some snacks, grab something cold to drink and viewed some more of the dolphin exhibit. The turtles in my opinion were the best thing they had to offer, of course I’m a little biased because I love sea turtles!!! This was also the home of Winter, the dolphin with the prosthetic fin. So the history here is absolutely Rich, the staff is absolutely incredible and just an amazing location to experience Clearwater !!! Bring the family and learn learn learn !!!
Raffy Morales — Google review
Very nice place to talk the kids and family. Dolphin show was spectacular. They have ample indoor parking and sell food inside. I enjoyed my time this aquarium however, i feel that the prices are too much for what they have to offer. Aquarium is a bit small, parking is not free and prices could be a bit cheaper.
G — Google review
Provided a fun couple of hours for our toddlers. I had been to CMA in 2012. The new additions to the facility are great, and I appreciated the educational opportunities provided. However, prices were a little high for the number of animals we were able to see/the amount of time we spent there. Most activities were additional costs on top of admission. We paid for stingray feeding, which was neat, but didn’t experience everything due to the cost. (I would recommend checking for coupon codes online and buying tickets in advance, as we were able to save some money doing this!) Some of the smaller educational activities were worn down/broken, but most were functional in some capacity. The CMA mission is great, and the volunteers and staff were friendly and knowledgeable. The layout of the facility was a little difficult to navigate with a stroller (lots of switching around on elevators), but do-able. Overall, we had a good time (two adults and two toddlers)!
Lexie Edge — Google review
We enjoyed seeing the sea turtles and the dolphins, but the aquarium is very small with limited exhibits. We toured it in less than an hour. It is a bit expensive, but I'm happy they are there to rehab the marine life.
Tawnua Tenley — Google review
Wow stopped by this place after 20 years and what a change. Much larger facility and has much more employees. Compared to other forms of entertainment the prices are not bad. The restaurant was pretty good. Clearwater Marine Aquarium, located in Clearwater, Florida, is a renowned marine life rescue and rehabilitation facility. Focused on the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine animals, particularly dolphins, sea turtles, and otters, the aquarium provides a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about marine conservation. It gained international recognition through the story of Winter, a bottlenose dolphin with a prosthetic tail, inspiring the movie "Dolphin Tale." Beyond exhibits, the aquarium emphasizes education and conservation efforts to promote awareness of marine life and their habitats
Rod McCarthy — Google review
Very educational and amazing to be able to see all the rehab available to our wildlife. Was a little sad at the same time. Everyone was super nice and knowledgeable. Please keep up the wonderful work. Worth every penny paid and donated. Thank u.
Narissa Liptak — Google review
Touching experience to see the dedication of rescuing marine life! Dolphin watching in the aquarium, reading about their evolution and seeing the friendly dolphin interacting with children was a joy to watch.
Loved the boat expedition to watch dolphins in their habitat!
Loved the whole experience !
Nausheen Khan — Google review
WOW! What an amazing experience!!!! Very educational for us all as well! We went on Father's Day also and were grateful for the discount!! Easy parking...and totally worth the money!!! Izzy was so funny! She played with the kiddos and made us all laugh! We even got to pet stingrays!!!
Moria Koker — Google review
I honestly thought this aquarium was just a 6.5/10. The staff was friendly, the dolphin show was mediocre, the beer selection was great but the food was just okay, the gift shop was huge, but the aquarium lacked all of the huge fish tanks with something other than dolphins. It seemed there was a lot of unused space under construction. It was worth the money since I got all of my tickets half off, but couldn't imagine paying full price and being fully satisfied.
Stefanie White — Google review
I'm so glad my son and I finally got to go here. I've been wanting to go ever since I saw the movies Dolphin Tale 1 and 2. The narrated tour was worth paying for. Our guide was very informative and funny. I wish I could remember his name.
Christine S — Google review
It was fine. We got cheaper tickets through the MWR so it felt like a reasonable return on our investment. Nicely spaced exhibits allowed us to see each animal without having to be in a certain spot. The layout of the facility is a maze, making it feel disorganized and choppy. We weren’t given any guidance when we arrived but there are maps available if you know where to find them! The dolphin and turtle exhibits were the nicest, and the artwork was cool.
Melissa Hensley — Google review
This is a must while visiting Clearwater. Great for the kids or a nice day date. The staff is very friendly and helpful. They offer experiences that you won't find often. You can play with the dolphins or feed the stingrays. We had a wonderful time!
Regina “medievalruby” Perrine — Google review
This was the best experience ever Elizabeth and Evan were so nice to us and our entire family of five had such an amazing time we spent the entire day there and plan to spend the many more. We did the VIP dolphin experience and this was our first time here. We enjoyed the day so much it made our vacation. We were able to get up close and personal with Nicolas, Izzy, and Hope. They were so good with my kids and spraying Hope with water was a blast.
Ben Spader — Google review
My family and I love this aquarium. It’s set up nicely and it’s super cool that it’s a rehabilitation center for marine animals. 🥰 I don’t have any recent photos, but I’m sharing some from when we visited back in 2021!
Delilah Darling — Google review
Cma is an amazing facility that’s worth the money and time! Went there in October and stayed the whole day.
People who complain about not a lot of attractions don’t fully enjoy the aquarium
If you just sit there and admire all the animals it’s amazing. Highly recommend visiting! staff and volunteers are amazing! It’s quite pricey but very worth visiting! :D
Clearwater Beach is a popular tourist destination with its soft, white sandy beaches that attract visitors year-round. The calm waters offer activities such as jet-skiing, parasailing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Along the beachfront promenade are casual seafood restaurants and cafes for hungry travelers to indulge in. Pier 60 hosts nightly festivals with street performers and craft vendors at sunset.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is an African themed amusement park with thrilling rides, live entertainment and family-friendly activities. It is one of the top attractions in Tampa for guests all year round.
A really nice park to visit for a day. Some of the rides are a little rough, but all in all a lot of fun.
The Sesame Street kids area was wonderfully themed and had some great things for my son to do.
Security took a little while to get through but I think that is my biggest complaint. The food and beverages around the park were delicious.
Corey Alukonis — Google review
Our visit was on Groundhog Day, lucky us, six more weeks of cooler weather. Great day to stroll this amazing theme park. Animals appeared to be more active today than in the heat of summer.
Wonderful wildlife (caged or fenced in) viewing areas throughout the park. Many thrill rides and children areas. A very nice train ride where you can see many different animals. Train has wheelchair access on board. A variety of dining options; somewhat pricey. Lunch for two, Chicken Tenders / Fries / two drinks can set you back over $30. There is 10% off food, 20% off merchandise with annual pass. Check web site as prices and offers may change.
Many of the attraction and shows were closed due to maintenance or health concerns. Just the same, a very enjoyable day out with family.
Park is clean and staff are polite and pleasant.
Recommended checking website for prices, events, and times before showing up in the parking lot.
El Keith — Google review
Overall wasn’t the best experience, some rides are really fun, train ride was good as well, however most animals on the train ride can’t be seen. Lines are fast moving and organized. Layout is cute. Some misters around the park to cool off was much needed, more would have been perfect. Customer service is basically non existent in the restaurant and cafe we went in. Would we go again not sure 🤔
Rima Alkhalili — Google review
We arrived shortly before 9am and there were cars already waiting in line. The park opens at 10am, however, they opened the lines for parking at 930am. You can either walk to the gates or take the tram. If you have purchased tickets online, you can go directly to the self-ticketing kiosk, and scan your printout and you will receive your tickets. The park is nice, loved being able to see the animals. It was cold, so going on the roller coasters was interesting 🥶 the best ride for me was Cobra's Curse. Loved going backwards and spinning in the coater cart 💯 but it was a short ride! The longest waiting ride, is Cheetah Hunt. You will want to ride this one as soon as you get in! Definitely lots to see and do. I suggest more spots for purchasing coffee, tea and hot chocolate. Too cold for ice cold beer! LOL!
C Rod — Google review
Great rides staff is rude and acts like they hate their job . Don't get me started on the waste of money on the highest season passes we paid for . No preferred parking we are always told and there is always plenty of spots open , extremely rude parking people at the pay booths saying they have security and I'm not allowed to even look to see if they have any spots open when that was a lie . Aside from that the park is dirty and they choose to do yearly maintenance on rides when it gets warm outside and not in off season . Now keep in mind aside from that they have a lot of nice rides and it's beautiful and peaceful there at night time so don't not go cause of a few issues . If you like coasters then it's a great place
Chris Dezlo — Google review
Great roller-coasters and good food. No shows during the week, so plan on walking around seeing animals, which is nice until it gets hot they tend to hide in the shade. Definitely get the meal package, worth it! Waits are not bad during the week.
D. — Google review
We went to Busch Gardens for a day when it got a bit chilly for beach fun. It was Monday, December, 3rd, the last day of Christmas break and it wasn’t very crowded. Quick queue passes and all day dining made our day really easy and stress free. These triple the cost of your ticket but are well worth it, if don’t want to spend all the time in lines and have several teenagers in the family who eat a lot like we do. All day dining includes an entrée, a side or desert and a fountain drink in any of 5 main restaurants every hour. It doesn’t include any snacks or other food vendors. Mind: you still have to wait in lines to get food in restaurants, so we didn’t even go to a BBQ place that smelled so good, the line was probably more than an hour long there and we didn’t want to waste time. We also went on Serengeti safari tour and loved it: got to feed the giraffes and see all the animals up close. The rides are awesome, me and our youngest kid 9y.o. did some family friendly rides, which were too much for me anyways (I just can’t do any roller coasters). My husband with older kids had a blast on all the crazy rides. Everyone loved our day in Busch Gardens, we’ll definitely be back.
Eva Volf — Google review
Went on a Tuesday mid July. Park was fairly busy but literally everything was shut down. It rained for a bit but other than that it was just cloudy but they kept the rides and games closed anyways. I was there for 4 hours and got to ride 1 ride and play 1 game, the rest of the time was us walking around the park trying to find something to do. The animal exhibits were cool though, animals were very active. Don’t get the all day dining. It only works for certain restaurants and their food is sub par at best since it seems it’s not very organized in terms of making it and getting it out. I got chicken tenders and fries and it made me almost puke (I hate saying this because I know it’s an amusement park, but this was just bad). The one ride I rode was fun though, it was the new iron coaster and was a lot of fun. Line went by at a decent pace and the ride itself was fun. Staff were friendly and helpful whenever we needed it. Honestly, just save your money and go to universal or somewhere else. $300 to waste that I can’t get a refund on!
Bre Catanese — Google review
A great place for families with children. We spent three days there - that's all you need to see and do all the attractions. great option to travel by train around the complex - safari wonderful! Sesame Street and attractions around it - very well thought out, for children of all ages and more. We had a great time here! We'll be back someday :)
Emilia Rydzewska-Smaza — Google review
The fun card pass works best because we had rain for several days and you may not always qualify for a rain pass refund. We can also use this particular pass for the rest of the year, in case we decide to go back. The all day meal pass works best for large groups. Several restaurants provide a good portion size, so kids could probably share a meal together from one pass. The train ride is perfect for getting to different areas of the park, while getting photos of the wildlife. Make sure to check out the shows, they had an ice skating show that was a quality event, plus it is cool inside, if you need a break from the heat. The vehicle parking is across the street from the park. They have a tunnel that allows you to access the preferred parking area, which gets you really close to the entrance (it's a $15 premium over regular parking). If you download the app, the map feature will actually help guide you through the park. The location function must be active on the phone. The app will also store all your passes if you buy online, so you will not need to keep up with tickets. If it is raining, some of the walking paths can be slick. We saw one kid running and tried stopping quickly and ended up on their behind.
Richard Nance — Google review
I've been here a bunch of times over the years, ever since I was a kid, back with the original owners of the theme park. I most recently visited in Feb 2023. It was fun. It wasn't as fun compared to ten or twenty years ago. I feel like the park has lost some of its luster. Not run down per se, but just not as much upkeep as I remember compared to previous visits. But, the roller coasters were a lot of fun. And if that's why you're coming to Busch Gardens, and it probably is, then it's a decent place to visit.
David P — Google review
Fantastic, you get to experience the best of both worlds a zoo and a theme park. My son and I could not explore much because it was raining, and the park had to close for weather safety. We Will go back. The rides are cool and exciting. Many restaurants, and the ambiance is exciting. The scenery is different than other theme parks. That is what makes it unique.
Buffet Day — Google review
I recently visited Busch Gardens in Tampa, and it was an incredible experience! The park is a perfect blend of thrilling rides and amazing animal encounters. The roller coasters like SheiKra and Cheetah Hunt were a blast, and the animal exhibits were both educational and entertaining.
The staff were friendly and helpful, and the park was clean and well-maintained. The food options were diverse, and I particularly enjoyed the dining experience at Serengeti Overlook Restaurant. The landscaping and scenery throughout the park are stunning, making it a great place to enjoy a day outdoors.
Whether you're a thrill-seeker or looking for a fun family day out, Busch Gardens has something for everyone. I can't wait to return for more adventures and excitement. Highly recommended!
Jennifer Eastburn, Realtor — Google review
Amazing park in Tampa. Lot of
Rides and fun activities inside along with animals. Loved this place. Enjoyed till last moment. DON’T miss any rides. Has good amount of rides for toddlers as well.. Sure I am gonna visit this place again..
Sam K — Google review
This place is a hidden gem. Not too crowded. Get here early and the lines for rides are not bad at all. The later you stay, the longer the lines get for the rides.
The staff are helpful and friendly. The animals are worth the trip. So many to see. Gorgeous representation of their species. The park is clean. They do an outstanding job of keeping it presentable.
Cost of food here is like you would expect at an amusement park. Quality of food is subpar at the locations we did try.
Overall, my visit was amazing. It was well worth the visit. One FULL day is all that's needed to do everything you need to do here. Two FULL days will allow you to get your complete fill of the amusement park.
Jonathan Winchester — Google review
Great park with a mix of big coasters and smaller rides. A fair number of rides and restaurants were closed. We were definitely there on a slow day, barely a wait for anything except lunch. The Sesame area is really fun for the little kids. The tree house was a favorite.
Suzanne Armitstead Aguiar — Google review
Fantastic day out with the family.
Easily accessible parking (albeit a little expensive) with a short connecting land train to the park. We had purchased tickets via an agent and they were really easy to collect from the self service machines.
The food options were great. We took advantage of the all day dining option and despite reading some pretty damning reviews, I felt it offered excellent value for money - we each had five drinks throughout the day and two meals which were great portions and very tasty. The food at Zambia Smokehouse in particular was really nice.
The rides are brilliant and there are a great selection for all ages. We visited on a weekday and in general the lines for all rides were short and I think the longest wait was around 30 minutes.
The animal element of the park is great and our kids loved seeing Flamingos, Giraffes, a Rhino, Gators and Elephants as well as loads more. The staff all really seem to genuinely care about the animals too and it was lovely to see them caring for them throughout the day. The environments in which they are kept seem to be as close to natural as they can be and none of the animals at any point looked like they were sad to be 'on show'.
In summary, a great day. A completely different experience to the other theme parks in Florida and well with a visit if you haven't been before.
David Hunt — Google review
Just AMAZING.
I payed for the safari tour, Sloth tour and Penguin tour and it was amazing ❤️ such a wonderful experience! I honestly love the fact that they explain to you so many things about how to help the conservation, how to save the wildlife and how their bodies work and such. I learned so much and I was just amazed by the greatness of every single animal I saw. ❤️
The park is great, clean and had wonderful workers.
Luisa S.M. — Google review
This is my first time at this location. I was very surprised to find that not only does the park have rides and attractions but it also has a grief focus on wild animals. There is an Animal Care Center that you can enter and at times there will be a veterinarian taking care of an animal. There are exam rooms that have clear glass in front of them so that you can observe what the doctor does with the animals. The park seems to be well-designed for families. I would recommend this place if you want thrill rides animals and family fun!
Michael Siracusa — Google review
I love Busch gardens. I used to go to the one in Virginia. I felt it was much better in the terms of maintenance. May be the Tampa bay park isn’t that well maintained probably due to they just opening to public after Covid. I had gone to this park in the late summer of last year.
This location also has a small zoo. The roller coasters are pretty good, the park has something for everyone. They also have shows.
Would definitely come back here.
Sindu — Google review
Been a Florida resident my whole life and Busch Gardens never disappoints. It is a fantastic park! The animals, the rides, the attractions... they even have up close animal encounters which are amazing. I would definitely recommend everyone go spend the day. As the rides are exciting, the park itself is relaxing and caters to everyone... whether you are a ride enthusiast, park lover, admirer of animals... everyone will have a great day.
Ashley Hepsen — Google review
We always have a great time at Busch Gardens! Lots of exciting roller coasters, beautiful animals with amazing conservation efforts, and fun shows. We liked the new Summer shows. Open late for Summer Nights. Closed a few times for Summer thunder storms, but that's to be expected in the Florida Summer. They do a great job keeping everyone safe. Wonderful staff! Very accommodating for my child with autism. Oasis Pizza was yummy! Our favorite is always the pretzels at Twisted Tail though. That's a must try! The price of the drink refills have gone up again, but the cups are still a good deal, especially when you want to stay hydrated in this heat. You'll wish you got a refillable cup. Love having a pass and we will definitely be back!
Jennielle Potter — Google review
First time at Busch Gardens, and it was great overall. My wife and I went on Friday, and it was surprisingly quit empty for a Friday, so it meant super quick lines. We never had to wait much for any of the rides. The ride "Kumba" was closed along with one of the water rides, which was a bummer. Also, some of the animal attraction places were empty with no signs, so that was a waste of time. Parking was $30 for the day ($45 for preferred parking), but you can take the mini tram that drives you to the front entrance of the park. The rides were definitely fun. Food options are okay over there, and the markups on beverages/water are insane (we paid close to $6 for a water bottle there...). The park felt like it was missing more rides as we got done pretty quick with no lines, and it also felt like workers were just waiting around. All in all, I'd definitely recommend paying a visit if you are in town as the rides are fun and thrilling.
Mohammed Akhtar — Google review
This place is awesome!! It has a lot of roller coasters for adults and young people and there is a special area for kids that is pretty big! You can find food, beverages, souvenirs and more! You can also enjoy the different attractions and shows, you can spend the whole day here without being bored. I really recommend it. I had a really great time here.
Becca L'pz — Google review
We had a lot of fun here. I grew up going to Six Flags in Georgia and the rides and everything here were so much better. My favorite was the cheetah coaster. I love how everything in the park is themed and decorated and all the foliage everywhere helped keep it cooler along with all the fans. They had some Halloween decorations up as well, that was cool to see. We already want to come back again.
Jennifer Scott — Google review
Had an amazing time. Best theme park. Roller coasters are awesome. Safari experience is a one of a kind. Food is amazing and the atmosphere is full of fun! Glad I'm a newly season ticket holder!
Erik Nieman — Google review
Love this place and the events they throw throughout the year. Definitely the type of amusement park where you get the best of both worlds: thrilling rollercoasters and viewing animals!
Definitely being a local, it’s worth it to get an annual pass for the perks and discounts. My friends and I love coming for the special events each month and seeing new shows and performances that come in or eat during their food-festival events. We are big fans of the regular foods available all-year, too, where this park definitely is above other theme parks in the state for food quality and cost.
The animals look well cared for. The staff in the animal’s spaces can answer a lot of questions about them. You can also see that they have buildings dedicated to animal rehabilitation (like surgeries) and conservation efforts.
Of course this is Florida and the weather can be nasty at times, they will close down rides due to weather issues in the area. This is when my friends and I would catch a show or go walk by the animal areas if it’s lightly drizzling. All the rides are outdoors, so it’s likely when the weather reports say it’s raining that all of the rides are down for that time.
Parking is $30, if you are a silver or gold annual pass member, it’s free.
Ana — Google review
Busch Gardens Tampa is an amazing place! This place doesn't really have as many roller coasters as other major parks do. but I think that all of the other rides makeup for that. The coaster collection is very strong and has some of the best in the world. The flat rides in the park are also very good. The quality of the park is in very good shape after over 50 years of operation. The one complaint that I have is how there are too little kid rides and family oriented attractions. The food here in my opinion is like any other theme park food. Overall, this place is worth visiting for anyone.
Jonathan C — Google review
I love Bush Gardens! They have a wide variety of coasters plus lots of other rides for all ages and thrill seeking levels. The shows I have seen are fantastic, especially Turn it Up Remix (ice skating show). They have many animals there, including the Serengeti Savannah which you can do a safari or take the train through. There is so much to do and it is a beautiful park!
It can get crowded with long lines, so you might want to pay for the quick queue.
Will Gausman — Google review
Had a blast here. Went on a Thursday and lines were fairly short was able to ride most the rides multiple times and even getting front seats. I would suggest the food and drink day pass and share it. You can get food and a drink every 90 minutes. We really enjoyed the safari ride and feeding the Giraffes. It was an awesome experience. I also enjoyed the amount of animals to see mixed in to the amusement park and rides. The Iron Gwazi was awesome and would absolutely suggest the front seat for the 91 degree drop.
Bradford Lindberg — Google review
Great number of animals to see on the train tour. Roller coasters are awesome, but be careful if you are 6 foot or taller. You won't be able to fit on a few of them. Had a great time.
Edward Wright — Google review
This place offers the best of both worlds, a zoo and a theme park. We started off with a train ride which brought us on a safari like tour across the plains. Being a parent with two young kids, we were definitely pleased to see the large playground with rides suited kids below the age of six. We ended the day with the ice skating show at the theatre which showcases exceptional ice skating talent. Definitely a day well spent.
Henry Lau — Google review
My first time and it was fantastic.
Was in the park from about 11-9 and saw pretty much everything it has to offer and could even enjoy the Goo Goo Dolls doing a show while we walked around that side of the park. Wonderful views from the restaurant/bar overlooking their safari.
Ashley and Taylor were wonderful as our Safari guides and I can't think of a place you can get closer to the giraffes.
Multiple shuttles to & from the parking lot, easy access and a nice friendly layout.
Highly recommend it and can't wait to return.
Joshua Tam — Google review
The Food and Wine Festival had great options! We purchased the stamp card and it was perfect. They do have a few vegan and vegetarian options at a few of the stands. The rides had short lines today, but we also purchased the fast pass. We waited maybe 2 minutes for one of the rides. All the rollercoasters were awesome! We had a great experience today and will be back in the future. Also, they actually had a decent amount of stuff for kids to do.
Chris — Google review
We had so much fun. I visited 25 years ago as a kid, it was very nostalgic to ride the roller coasters I enjoyed then all these years later. The new additions were great, we will definitely be coming back.
Scott Coon — Google review
My first time going and we had a blast! Plenty to do, we were there for 8 hours. There are animals, kids park and shows, great restaurants. I recommend you buy the all you can eat bracelet for $50. You can eat and drink all day every 90 minutes. There's a BBQ smoke house that's amazing. I had an amazing time!! Can't wait to go again 😍
Ginger Carter — Google review
My family had annual passes so we go to Busch Gardens often. It is worth looking at the website and planning if it will be your first time. The park is very big and you will not have time to do everything in one single visit, but by planning you are able to make the most of your time there.
The train is one of the best rides there if you want to see the animals, and it is better to do it in the morning.
The sesame street area is very cute for children, my nephew enjoys it a lot and we get to do a lot of rides with him there.
The food and drinks are great, but there are some not great options. So research and consider what you like before buying anything. I would recommend Dragon Fire Grill where there is a lot of choices to maybe please the entire family.
The shows are amazing, especially the ice skating shows. Definitely worth the time and you do get to sit in the AC for a while which is great for the hot summer months.
This is one of our favorite parks in FL, and will definitely continue to visit!
Cristina Theis — Google review
This place is so fun. The cheetah ride is a blast and so fast! My daughter loved the river ride.
The food was really good and I loved that all the animals had nice enclosure and they were very clean and wide open. We will definitely go back. Perfect place for people of all ages. Lots of fun things to do for very small children as well. I appreciate all the shade they provide as Florida heat can be miserable at times.
Located in Tampa, ZooTampa features exhibits like the Asian Gardens, Safari Africa and the Primate World. Educational programs are also offered, including opportunities to feed a giraffe and learn about other animals. There is also a water play area for kids.
Such a fun place, my kids love it every-time we go. You buy a ticket once and it’s good for as many times back in the year that you want to come. It’s the perfect size park for kids to be able to do everything and see everything there without being too much. A nice fun day trip. There’s also two splash pads for when it gets hot, which is perfect ! Easy to navigate and the staff is always helpful when you need assistance. They have several rides. Some for little kids and some for bigger, as well as face painting & jungle gyms for the kids to play on as well. My family loves it.
Kira D — Google review
It was a hot summer day, so we took the kids to the zoo! Everything went well, but one observation was that some of the animals were not out, and the kids did not get to see them and experience them. The water activities kept the kids cool and refreshed as we walked around, and the rides were easily accessible (no major lines or wait times). We got the yearly pass for less than the day pass, so we will be going more often for sure!
Yara Gutierrez — Google review
Loved this zoo!! Well kept/ maintained/ organized! Such a large assortment of animals. Bought the one day ticket that is good for free entry for the rest of the year, so I will be back! Highly recommend. Skip the restaurant, though, high prices, not the best food, and they overcharged us for 3 drinks/ sodas when we only ordered 2. Didn't realize until we got home, and they were $6 each.
Great gift shop!
Janette Badia — Google review
It was a well maintained place. We came when most kids went back to school so it was pretty empty so we could see everything pretty fast. I highly recommend coming to visit. It has a nice water fountain for anyone to cool off so I recommend wearing a swimsuit or fast drying clothing. Overall my experience was awesome. One thing I kind of was sad was most of the animals couldn’t be seen. Maybe they were hiding from the heat or something else. The Zoo was nice, and clean. Would totally recommend!!
David The Apple Tech Guy — Google review
This place was a lot of fun. They have a lot of neat exhibits in there are very interesting animals there. I also really like the Safari ride. It's not as big as a Busch gardens, but it's still very nice suit to visit. It is also very family friendly for young kids.
Scott — Google review
Great zoo! Fun for the kiddos! They have a big Mary go round with authentic animals to ride, a solid playground and even a splash park 👍. We always enjoy taking a family day trip here. The yearly passes are super easy and absolutely worth it if you have kids and plan to go more than a few times per year. This last trip was Halloween nights. All the characters were on point, very fun and family friendly. We had a great time!
Elliott laplant — Google review
We love this zoo. My daughter started watching their show on Disney and became obsessed with the African "Panda" dog, aka African painted dog. We did a road trip just to visit the dogs. Now, we have been back multiple times. The park has a perfect combination of animals and extra fun kid activities. The Manatee exhibit is my personal favorite. There are so many cool ways to see them up close and realize how much personality those manatees have. Seeing a Florida Panther up close was also neat. The carousel, safari ride, face painting, and log flume ride all break up the day to add an extra layer of fun. My daughter got one of their junior zookeeper vests and wears it constantly. Overall, we had a really good experience at this zoo and have already come back and plan to go more. My only negative is that the lunch options are not very healthy. We ended up doing pizza the first visit, and it was very greasy. That is where I could see room for improvement.
Laura Garcia, Realtor — Google review
Was a fun day trip. We have been talking about going for awhile, and now we are talking about heading back. The Zoo is clean, enjoyable, well laid out and the amenities are perfect. Fans and misters for hot days, lots of beverage and food options, and of course fun gift shops.
The staff were friendly, knowledgeable and seemed to actually enjoy their time there. Great family trip or just two adults like us looking for something fun to do.
Chris Jagodzinski — Google review
We had a blast at this place. My boys were mesmerized by the the range of animals. Mommy, Daddy, and Auntie enjoyed the numerous beverages carts around the zoo. I give this place 5 stars but many of the animals were inside due to the chilly weather. Not the Zoo's fault but we didn't see the whole park. It's still deserves 5 stars based off what we saw.
Mike Paolini — Google review
Absolutely loved it here. Great experience and was well worth the money. You can spend many hours here. We spent about 3 hours here. Tons of different animals here and you can tell the zookeepers love their jobs and the animals. They have many backstage experiences as well for an additional cost. Tons of different shows to go see as well in the different regions of the world. Tons of food and beverage spots around the park so if you are in need of something they have it. Parking is free and overall we had a great time here!
Nick G — Google review
The entrance fee was quite pricey - right around $45. The grounds were nicely maintained, and the staff were extremely helpful and pleasant. Had wonderful service from Ryan at the gift shop where we picked up our electric carts for the day. They were also prepared to store our walkers for us in a secure area and were very quick to retrieve them when we arrived back. Food prices were more reasonable than I anticipated, I suggest purchasing their refillable beverage cups when you get there - you can skip the lines and refill the cup as often as you like with soda or icees.
Lisa Brown — Google review
We got a membership a few months ago and have been four times. It is small enough to see everything, but big enough to have some very cool animals. I love the talks they give about being good stewards of our incredible animals and their efforts towards conservation. When we lived here 25 years ago, my little ones loved going, and now taking them as adults is just as much fun.
Melinda Geskey — Google review
Visited a few times in different years, and it's always a great experience. The animals are well cared for, and their conservation is very extensive and impressionable. My son loves seeing the animals, the staff are always on hand for questions and the food on site is really good 👍 will be going here again for years to come no doubt.
Victoria D'Agostino — Google review
Super expensive, but all of the attractions are included with the price of admission (carousel, safari tour, ect). We went on a Tuesday in October so most kids were in school, and it was much more enjoyable since it wasn't packed! The zoo was much larger than expected! We were there for about 4 hours and still missed the Africa section. Also, the food and beer selection across the park was fantastic!
Stefanie White — Google review
The personnel were very nice and ready to assist if needed. They do offer strollers, wheelchairs and scooters for rent. The animals there appear healthy and it was clean. They have a lot of food, snack and drink booths throughout the park. There's a carousel, but adults aren't permitted to ride the animals on it. There's a small flume ride and a 30 minute "safari" in a comfortable vehicle. Unfortunately, a lot of animals were unavailable due to either construction or ??? No hyenas, no gorillas, no chimps, no camels, no tigers, no lions. The habitats appear small, but they're clean. Things are expensive. All animal encounters are only available for separate payments. I'm bummed that there wasn't more to do. I will say that for the price of two tickets, we now get to come and go until the end of 2024, yes 2024, for no extra cost, so that's nice and hopefully they'll improve. Also, word has it that they're talkin about destroying the clam shell that's been there forever to make way for more parking...I really hope they don't.
Monarch Serenity — Google review
Such a nice zoo with so many interesting animals! My boys just loved the zoo and all it had to offer. The whole family really enjoyed the Macaw exhibition as soon as we entered the main entrance. The fly overs were amazing to watch! The manatee viewing areas were amazing and were the highlight of our trip to the zoo!!! Tampa City Pass made for an easy entry into the park with no wait lines at all! Highly recommend for a fun family day out.
Sarah Buck — Google review
Very impressed. Great layout. All the animals were active. Love the new addition of Australia.
This zoo has it all. Animals, shows, and rides! Rides are geared mainly for the littles, but we had a blast watching them have so much fun. It's definitely a must do when visiting Tampa. There are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat and bars scattered across the zoo.
S G — Google review
We had a really nice day at the zoo today. They have a lot of nice exhibits, experiences and even rides! The tickets were approximately $49 per adult, which seemed reasonable. It took us a little over 4 hours to get through everything and that included waiting 30 minutes for the safari ride. I recommend getting there when they open because parking is limited.
Will Gausman — Google review
Absolutely gorgeous zoo. Most of the animal exhibits are very large and well created for the animals. Great layout. Lots of unique animals with great descriptions at the exhibit. I would highly recommend. The only issue we faced was finding parking. We arrived late on a Thursday morning and it took more than 20 minutes to find a parking space
Scott Johnson — Google review
This Zoo has some of the best natural habitats for their animals that we've seen. The staff is also great. The safari is worth the wait as well. We spent most of the day here and still didn't make all of the exhibits. The manatees are great to see up close. The water ride was such a blast for the kids that they went twice! We can't wait to come back again soon.
R S — Google review
Great zoo experience
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Create a 25-line review, talking about the excellent experience at the Tampa Zoo, variety of animals, attractions, quality, affordable price, environment, family program, great experience, parking, security and recommend it to everyone.
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Tampa Zoo Review: A Great Experience for the Whole Family
I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Tampa Zoo and was blown away by my experience. This zoo offers an incredible variety of animals and attractions that captivate people of all ages.
Upon entry, I was greeted by friendly and helpful staff who gave me information about the different areas of the zoo. The variety of animals present is impressive - from the majestic African elephants to the adorable meerkats, there is something for everyone.
One of the things that most impressed me was the quality of the facilities. The animal enclosures are spacious and well maintained, providing a natural environment for the animals to live. In addition, the zoo offers regular lectures and demonstrations, where you can learn more about the animals' habits and behaviors.
A positive point that I must highlight is the affordable price of the ticket. Compared to other zoos, the amount charged is very reasonable, especially considering the quality of the experience offered. The zoo also offers discount options for families and groups, which makes visiting even more affordable.
The zoo environment is very pleasant. There are shaded areas to rest and many food options, from quick snacks to full meals. The well-signposted trails and lush vegetation make the ride even more enjoyable, providing a sense of immersion in nature.
Another highlight is the program for families. The zoo offers interactive activities, such as feeding animals and encounters with caretakers, which make a visit even more memorable for children. There is also a children's play area with games and toys to keep the little ones entertained.
The parking issue was also resolved. There is ample space available, with many vacancies, which makes it very easy for visitors. In addition, security is taken seriously, with staff and surveillance cameras ensuring a safe environment for everyone.
In summary, my visit to the Tampa Zoo was an excellent experience. The variety of animals, the interactive attractions, the quality of the facilities, the affordable price, the pleasant environment, the program for families, parking and security were aspects that impressed me positively. I recommend this zoo to anyone looking for an educational and fun experience for the whole family.
Jairo Da JCD — Google review
I visited ZooTampa at Lowry Park back in 2021. The place is very big, so I suggest you give yourself some time to explore. I really enjoyed their selection of birds. The monkey exhibit is really cute. You can watch them swing around on ropes and climb towers. If you like hands on experiences- there is an area where the birds are very friendly and sometimes they come so close that they touch you, for myself it was a very pleasant experience. I definitely recommend this Zoo.
Katelyn Gelormino — Google review
This zoo is so good we originally went for the day but decided to get a yearly membership. Definitely worth joining, plus 50% of other zoos and aquariums that take part in it. Animals are in habitats that resemble their natural habitat. What an awesome experience to say the least. Go online and plan out your day by feeding the giraffes, or doing one of the other activities with an animal. A kid area with rides, and games for them to play for an additional cost. Also don't forget to ride the safari truck that explains about the different African animals in that area of the zoo. I highly recommend stopping by and checking out what it has to offer.
Jeffrey Pennell Sr. — Google review
Went for creatures of the night. Great experience for our 3 yr old great granddaughter. Not to scary. Actors were very considerate to the little ones and did not scare or chase them, but they did the older kids.
Sandra Hutchings — Google review
My son had such an amazing time here. He was able to see his favorite animals and more. We had a really good time. The pictures they take of the family are a really fun memory to have.
Xiomara Lopez — Google review
Beautiful, well-kept zoo with happy, healthy animals. You could easily come back every day in a week and see something different. When I visited in January their special exhibit was animatronic dinosaurs. I am a Dino freak so this made me very happy! That was just an added bonus, but a good one.
I'm also a birder so seeing all the lorikeets, flamingos, pelicans and more up close was a real treat.
Ellen Boucher — Google review
I quite liked this zoo. It was very busy but the crowds seemed to flow nicely. Parking was free but took a while to find a spot. More food options inside the park would be nice, even snack carts here and there could work out. Most of the animals seemed happy and well looked after. The tiger seemed quite stressed out, pacing back and forth in a habitat far too small for it so thay was kind of sad. The special limited dinosaur exhibit was neat, had a small wait to get in as to keep people sort of spaced out once inside.
etch250 — Google review
Really really fun and educational. It's been a long time since I've been to "the zoo" and I'm so happy I went to ZooTampa at Lowry Park recently. This place is a full-blown theme park with an incredible amount of animals, activities and education if you're looking for it. We saw some amazing things and I am very content with our day long trip. That said, I got us annual passes and can't wait to go back!
Josh Hummel — Google review
Me and my family had a blast here. Loved being able to see all the different types of animals. The prehistoric predators exhibit was amazing too. Great price for everything that’s included. Only thing that I didn’t like was the adults who were drunk and being loud and saying stuff that shouldn’t be said in front of children.
Dianna Welker — Google review
A very nice zoo with lots of species. Areas are well-marked and the exhibits are laid out so that you do no wandering and searching like I've done at other zoos. Only 4 stars because a number of enclosures are needing work. (No water in hippo, enclosure, water features in other enclosures no running.) Feb 20 and there were lots of elementary school children swarming from enclosure to enclosure but otherwise, it was surprisingly uncrowded. A few food spots were closed making me suspect this is the slow season. I thought the food was reasonably-priced. Entry fee was on par with other zoos.
Is it better than that other Tampa place that has roller coasters and animals? I depends on what you want. I am not big on thrill rides and love animals so I would choose Zoo Tampa. The other place is more of a walk along the back of the park safari path and is cool too. If I had to choose one I would choose Zoo Tampa. If my family had to choose one it would go with the thrill ride park.
Scott Linscott — Google review
You know it’s a great zoo when all the animals were thriving and active throughout our entire time at the zoo. It was quite empty when we went, but it was perfect, not too crowded great visibility on all the animals. Got to see a Macaw training session too!
Highly recommend! The ticket was also quite affordable, we bought it at the gate and they had a deal for returning to the zoo throughout 2024.
LeDan Pham — Google review
This is a lovely zoo!
We were able to leave our luggage at the front desk. The safari ride, for no extra cost, was a fun experience. Everyone who works here was super friendly and helpful. They had a good variety of animals. The zoo is quite shaded with misting stations, too. They also have dietary restriction friendly options. While the price is high, they're running a promotion so you can get in as many times as you'd like through 2024 for the price of one ticket.
dana h — Google review
We had a blast here. Being able to walk into a place where you can join the birds was an experience. Please do not pass up the chance to see the flying macaw birds. The animals were all out!
If you can make it before April, they have a great dinosaur exhibit.
Brace yourself, it is expensive. The food, however, was very good. The portions were generous.
The cost for a family of 4 was just shy of $200 for tickets, so for a bit more, we went ahead and grabbed season tickets.
Ybor City, located northeast of downtown Tampa, is a lively and historic Cuban district known for its boutiques, vintage shops and Latin American eateries. The area was founded in the 1880s by cigar manufacturers and drew many immigrants from Cuba, Spain, Germany and Italy. The Ybor City State Museum showcases exhibits on the cigar industry and immigrant communities while the GaYBOR district attracts a diverse crowd to its bars and clubs.
Dinosaur World is an open-air museum situated in Plant City, Florida that boasts over 150 life-sized dinosaur models nestled amongst indigenous flora. The park is located between Tampa and Orlando and has an entry fee of $20 for adults and $15 for children under thirteen. With a Fossil Dig and Boneyard exhibit, Dinosaur World caters to visitors of all ages who are interested in exploring the prehistoric era.
WOW!! What an experience, the dinosaurs are amazing, the landscape is outstanding as well.
The facilities are clean, the playgrounds are great! It was unfortunate that the fossil dig was closed. But the gem excavation was open which is a bonus! Make sure you get your tickets with excavation.
There no food here but many clean picnic table, makes for a great family experience.
Roy M — Google review
Amazing setup and beautiful landscape!! We visited this place with our three children (9, 6 and 3 year old). And everyone loved every bit of it. Mind you it was 92F degrees outside when we went there to visit. However, due to the excellent landscape (lots of thick and tall trees and bushes) we could barely see the sun while it was pleasantly mild temperature all throughout the park. There are plenty of dinosaur and ice age animal exhibitions to see and take pictures of. They have gem finding and fossil finding mini section where children can have extra fun activities for additional fee. General admission prices we found to be adequate for the amount of fun we received during our visit. Don’t forget to ask for their military discount if you’re a veteran or active duty member. And even your spouse or significant other with a proper dependent ID can get a small discount, which I found it to be really nice (every bit helps 😊). All in all it was an amazing experience! Highly recommend visiting this place. Be sure to bring lots of fluids and a stroller or a cart if you got small children. You’re going to be walking a lot. 😁
SOBI's Hobbies — Google review
Went today for my son's birthday. He absolutely loved it. It is definitely a cute place. There were these ducks that followed us for a second patiently waiting for fish food. It was a great time with the family. Highly recommend
Stephanie Schwiebert — Google review
If you're in the area, it's a must-see. It's definitely a family orrinted activity. Dress accordingly, most of the exhibits are located outside. The gift shop is very neat. The staff is very helpful. The ticket is very affordable.
Rolando De la Selva — Google review
Great place to visit and take family. Love the winding paths that you can travel down at your own pace. Beautiful setting. They do not have a place to eat and while the large gift shop carries water, you are welcome to bring your own cooler and the local pizza place delivers here. They are more then happy to invite you to eat in the lovely picnic area with whatever food you bring in. Very helpful and nice staff. Easy to get to right off of I-4 and plenty of parking.
Mrs Dani — Google review
Military get in free!
I’ve driven by this place for years and thought it would be a bunch of chipped-paint-cheap-small plastic dinosaurs around a lake.
My three and one year old LOVED it. Perfect place to take children under 5. It’s divided up into two chunks—there is a playground as soon as you walk in (yes!!) followed by a walking trail of dinosaur species in the back. Dinosaurs are clearly well cared for (no chipped paint!) and they feature ones that I’ve never heard of…so that was kinda fun to learn new things.
There is an option to “upgrade” your ticket and do a rock discovery activity in the middle of the park. We purchased that but it was SO busy with people and the kids wanted to hit the trail right away so I do regret doing that upgrade because we never did it. If you have kids over 5, it would be worth it to do that extra activity.
Could you make a day out of this? Absolutely. It’s also a mile away from Keel & Curley winery which often has strawberries and u-pick options. I am surprisingly pleased and excited to go back.
Rachel Hery — Google review
Loved visiting this hidden gem! If you have a Dino obsessed little one, I’d definitely recommend taking them here. They have what seems like hundreds of different Dino sculptures with descriptions of each dinosaur. Some I’ve never even heard of! I was pleasantly surprised with how many different activities there is to do here. Seems like there is something to do or look at no matter where you looked, which we all enjoyed so much. Especially some of the more “hidden” dinosaurs. I love that there are multiple playgrounds for multiple age groups. Was really excited to see that they were adding a splash pad, but unfortunately it was not in working order when we visited. Overall, it’s a great little place to explore for a few hours with your littles! **Please call ahead if you plan on using military discount because their online and in person discount is very different**
Ctine Doza — Google review
Dinosaur World is a really amazing place. My kid loves it a lot. you can spend around 2 hours there. escavation pass doesn't mean much for adults. it would be better if you could provide some more interactive activities with dinos for kids.
Chamika Sandamal — Google review
Took my five yr old grandson, who is very knowledgeable about dinosaurs. We had a blast. Worth every penny. We only spent a few hours, but could easily have made it 5 hours.
Debbie Kimbril — Google review
It is best to think of this place as a nature park with dinosaur statues and a few activities for the kids. It is a good place to go when the weather is nice and you just want a relaxing few hours. You can bring a picnic basket, walk around the trails, read the placards about various dinosaurs, and enjoy your lunch. It has some activities for young children such as a kids train ride, playground, and mini golf.
Lee — Google review
We enjoyed the Cave City KY location and saw the Florida one was close to our Spring Break trip so we HAD to go! We had a blast! Everyone was nice, it was very clean, and we just had a blast. We enjoyed the quarter smasher and the automated cotton candy machine. We all need to support places like this. So, if you're in the area, check out this super fun place!
Jake Kammerer — Google review
This out in the open dinosaur world of a gem was absolutely fantastic. Really a great place to take the kids they do need more drink and food options while there but all in all a really great facility. My daughter had a great time in the playgrounds and really enjoyed walking the yard looking at the full size dinosaurs this was a great family treat.
Oran Allen — Google review
This park is very nice and simple. My 3 year old had fun here. We did the fossil digging and gem panning. The playground is nice too. Just make sure to bring snacks and drinks especially during summer time as it tends to get really hot. But there are shaded areas where you can rest and have picnics. Interesting place for dinosaur lovers out there!
Maricris Belisario — Google review
We have always wanted to stop at dinosaur world and finally had the chance. It was a really neat experience for everyone. I had doubts that the older kids wouldn’t like it but even the adults enjoyed everything. It wasn’t too crowded and it was nice being outdoors. The only complaint was they didn’t have any options for food or even snacks.
Melissa Wine — Google review
This is a big playground. Like any playground at any park. Its picnic style they do not sell food. A bit expensive for what it is. THE STAFF is really nice. I love the souvenir store. Its more for babies than big kids. Definitely not for teenagers
Wendy BoriDomi — Google review
Took my son for his 3rd birthday (should have went a day early for a free ticket).
Dinosaurs are cool to look at but a lot costs extra. I wish everything would be included in the price, since it's already pretty pricey.
My son had a good time but was disappointed we didn't have a train ticket (we thought we purchased one at the front)
Did enjoy it was dog friendly, so our pups got to join for the day.
Pretty much a one and done deal, no desire to go back again.
Bring your own water and bring plenty, NO water bottle filing stations at the restrooms.
Was cool they had it decorated for Halloween.
Jessica Dale — Google review
Very nice!! Mom, daughter and 4 grandchildren aged 9 years to 10 1/2 months!! Rode the train, played in the fossil dig, fun on the good sized playground, took a cooler with drinks, sandwiches, chips, snacks... you can take a stroller or wagon for kiddos, lots of entertainment for everyone, mini golf...... great gift shop nicely priced... a very good bargain! The store says 2 hours but we could easily stayed for 4 hours!
Deborah Knowles — Google review
Surprisingly well laid out and clean. Great for families with smaller kids. Nice paths.... short and simple train ride.... reasonably price compared to others these days. Most of all, my children loved it. They have a dinosaur themed playground that the kids enjoyed thoroughly. How is this place not better known?
Snarffel McGarlock — Google review
The past is a mysterious and exotic place. Dinosaur world took me to this place and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Me and my best buddy spent 2 hours journeying the park and observing these representations of beautiful beasts. All the reviews say it is for small kids but in reality it is for anyone who appreciates prehistoric animals. Would definitely recommend!
Aaron Lower — Google review
Really cute park to take the young dino enthusiasts. We were there for about 5 hours. Spent time with 2 Paleontologists, learned some interesting facts we didn't know. Prospected for gems (crystals and stones), dug for some little fossils (mostly little teeth and mini bone fragments). The dinosaurs throughout the park are very well done and maintained. They look fantastic in photos. There are real fossils in the museum and the Exhibition Cave. Plus real Dino skeletons in the Doom Exhibit. Fun Dino toys for purchase in the gift shop. Bring your own cooler and snacks. Lots of picnic areas to take a break and eat your food. The playground was a great spot for my 6 year old to finish using up his energy for the ride home.
Amy Beliveau — Google review
Fun and cool looking place, whole family had fun! Definitely another great option to bigger theme parks, as it's cheaper and less crowded. (I prefer this.) Beautiful plants as well, it really felt like we were in a jungle.
Lasha Butler — Google review
Thank you for being dog friendly! Gibson felt so welcome from start to finish. We love the shade and reading through all the education signs.
We also couldn't help but notice how clean the dinosaurs were. This park is clearly loved by the on-site team and it shows!
John's Pass is a charming and historical fishing village that offers an array of shops, bars, restaurants, and watersports outfitters. Visitors can enjoy walking along the boardwalk, shopping at various stores, or simply relaxing on the beach. The village has a welcoming and laid-back vibe with many delicious dining options to choose from. One of the highlights of visiting John's Pass is observing dolphins swimming in the water during dinner at one of its popular seafood spots.
I have been many times. Great family fun. Tons of businesses of all kinds. Walk the curb for many shops or walk the boardwalk for lots of places to eat, shops and a waterfront view. Many special events throughout the year. Pay by tag parking. Jet ski rentals and floating tiki bar.
Robert Negron — Google review
Awesome place to visit! Tons of shopping and restaurants to choose from. We were surrounded by pelicans and even got to see dolphins swimming! 🐬The beach area is really nice and a lot of people were fishing when we were there. You can easily spend an entire day here and still not see everything!
-Artsy Photos LLC- — Google review
Such a beautiful beach and overall area. Great boardwalk. First time there for July 4th. It was beautiful. A whole bunch of strangers watching fellow beachgoer's set off fireworks. Everyone was peaceful and kind. Really great place.
Kay Bee — Google review
Really nice place to shop, eat and explore! Parking gets full, and it is pay to park everywhere, so earlier the better. To see it all I would suggest getting 4 hours worth of parking to start with. We have seen dolphins from the boardwalk every time we have visited also!
Aaron Seiser — Google review
So many great restaurants and stores. The board walk is awesome. I love the vibe and theme of this little village.
java 58 — Google review
John's Pass was a fun place to eat, drink, and shop. Everything is easy to get to! Beware of the parking police! Put the parking app on my phone and kept extending the time. Got back to my car and had a $60.00 fine on the windshield! After spending money all over the place I wasn't pleased with the fine. Also, there were very few cars parked where we were at. We enjoyed being able to walk down to the docks and purchase tickets for pirate ship rides and a sunset dolphin boat ride. Had several yummy meals by the dock. We were at John's Pass Tuesday thru Thursday, so it wasn't crowded. I would visit John's Pass again.
Beth Hainline — Google review
Loved every moment ❤️
From eating a delicious lunch and having rum buckets🍹 and margaritas 🍹 on the Tiki bar patio at Crabbys, to sitting dockside watching the pelicans,stingrays, dolphins, and manatee, to going to the white sand beach ⛱️ and swimming in the clear turquoise water---we had a blast at John's Pass!
stephanie levoyer — Google review
This is a great tourist destination. Bring your appetite as there are 5+ restaurants, bakeries, ice cream, deep sea fishing, wave running, paragliding, you name it, it's there.
Gene Boyd — Google review
Cool place to explore with shops and restaurants. Scully's service and food was excellent! And Dolphin quest was very nice.😀
Kathy Hayes — Google review
Went down to John's Pass grabbed a beer at Mad Pub and a cigar at Cuban Paradise Cigar and Cafe both in John's Pass next to each other. If you want a really good beer or cigar, stop here at these places. Friendly staff ready to explain the different types of beers or cigars available. They will gladly cut and light your cigar if needed. They have seating and ashtrays available in front of the store so you can enjoy a cigar. Then I walked the boardwalk. Saw a pirate ship cruise you can go on. Lots of sightseers and tourists and enjoying their day. And have a delicious slice of pepperoni at DeLosa's Pizza🌊🍺💨🍕
Tony Bowles — Google review
We spent the day St. John's Pass shopping, walking the boardwalk, and sitting on the beach. It was a very nice Sunday afternoon. There were many shops and restaurants. The beach was very nice and not overcrowded as was the entire village. We went back in the evening for dinner and to see a beautiful sunset on the beach. It was much one crowded with a wait to get into the parking garage. However, it was definitely worth the wait! Dinner at The Hut was delicious and we saw several dolphins swimming! The sunset was perfect! We were so glad we spent the day and evening here!
Terrie — Google review
Fun place to shop if you don't mind spending $8 on a cup of juice or $40 on a tshirt. They have live music daily and even a little private spot on the beach if you want to swim. Lots of shops and restaurants and boating excursions.
L Vandervest — Google review
Great place to walk around! Pretty views towards the boardwalk.
Pet friendly!
Many restaurants to choose from and ice cream shops!
Saul Rivas — Google review
Great place to stroll around it has a great view as well. It gets crowded during summer time. If you are in the area come check it out.
GrimzFamilyTravel — Google review
If you're new to Madeira Beach or just passing thru on Gulf Blvd, you MUST stop here! This boardwalk village with its funky beach shops, cool waterfront restaurants and friendly bars will chill you out!
Bring the family it's kiddos friendly too. Gorgeous sunsets nightly.
Dianne Taylor-Century 21 Beggins — Google review
Excellent Ice Cream at a fair price. The owner advertises home made ice cream, and it was dandy. Some of the best Rum and Raisin and Peanut Butter chocolate I've had. Generous scoops, small 5.00 medium 6.00. If you're craving a bit of Ice Cream, check this place out on the boardwalk.
Rudy Embury — Google review
Super touirtsy place loaded with shops, restaurants & entertainment. Located right on the Gulf, this is an enjoyable place to spend a day for anyone visiting the area. We bring our own kayaks, we did the dolphin cruise, rented jet skis, bought candy & have had dinner & ice cream many times. John's Pass is a must-see for everyone!
Hope Larkin — Google review
Went for the 2924 Seafood Festival. Great event, they had free public transportation and the driver was really nice. Very Nice event with many food trucks and up to 100 stands of all kinds. A real beach place.
Sylvie Bédard — Google review
Parking was crazy and very expensive. $50 for four "4" hours. Had a great time with friends and family. Lot's of shops, bars, food, activities
Jodie Spackey — Google review
This is our favorite beach, we've come for years now and it's never been a bad experience! Excellent fishing! The shops are wonderful, walking the boardwalk enjoying the views.
Gun Slingin' Mama's — Google review
cute and fun tourist boardwalk. i found it a bit tricky to navigate in my wheelchair, some of the inclines are a bit sus but i was able to get through. overall it could be way more accessible so i deducted a star, but it’s a great place to spend an afternoon.
St. Pete Beach is a resort city situated on a barrier island, west of St. Petersburg, Florida. It is renowned for its beautiful beaches and the iconic Don CeSar Hotel that dominates the shoreline with its elegant pink Moorish-style architecture. Pass-A-Grille area offers visitors access to galleries, shops, and Gulf Beaches Historical Museum that showcases postcards and other relics from as far back as 1917 when it was a church.
15% as popular as Tampa
15 minutes off the main route, 76% of way to Sarasota
The Salvador Dali Museum is a renowned museum housing extensive surrealist art by the Spanish artist. It has a unique theatrical exterior and is a must-see for fans of Dalí's work.
This Museum is spectacular. The architecture is well-suited to display an artist like Salvador Dali. The design suggests ideas of things rather than actual things. Dali was Spanish, a Surrealist and a big believer in Freud's theories about dominance of dreams & subconscious.
Dali was very popular in the 1950s through 70s. He was a master technician in his craft. His works are evocative and in-your-face simultaneously, full of wild, uncomfortable images. For me, it feels like he's trying too hard. I did, however, appreciate seeing his works in this magnificent collection.
Picasso works were also on special display. His series on Bull Fighting is extraordinary-- gruesome subject but his culture, his passion. Photos of Picasso give you a look at his intensity.
If you like either artist. GO!
Sher OBRIEN — Google review
I visited when there was no temp exhibit, so at this time it was a one-gallery museum, which felt more than a little underwhelming. An impressive collection of Dali's work, to be sure, but hard to call it a *museum* when there is only one room of artwork.
Just feels like a lot more could be done with this space to make it feel more whole. For example, the gift shop is nearly larger than the gallery. And for gods sake would it kill you guys to have more than one shirt with some cotton content? Almost every shirt in the store was 100% polyester, which is worse for our oceans than single-user water bottles. I do realize it's the "Dali museum" and not the "surrealist museum", but I do think bringing in the work of other surrealists to inform what was going on in the genre at the time would give more context to his work.
The architecture of the building is lovely and the skylights positioned to illuminate the Masterworks (Dali's largest paintings) is a great use of the space. Bring some headphones because the audio tour app is valuable to get a deeper understanding of some of the pieces. I wish they had a recording for every piece, especially given that the whole museum is just one room.
Be warned that parking is $10 extra, separate from your admission fees.
I am glad I went, there were some works I was thrilled to see in person, but now that I've been, probably won't be back.
Luke S — Google review
If you like Dali art, this place is amazing! Thursdays after 5 pm is half price, but I would recommend a membership. Parking is free for members! Plus, you could easily come back multiple times so it will pay for itself. Also take a few minutes at the drawing exhibit and draw like Dali!!
Mike Kappmeyer — Google review
I went here over on a weekend. Parking was $10. The place has a great selection of Dali’s work and there are also voluntary docents at certain hours of the day that will help answer your questions regarding Dali’s works! The whole trip took less than 2 hours and it’s great to be able to see Dali’s life, art style changes, and some of his most notable works in one go. If you can download the museum’s app, be sure to do so as well because they used quite a few technologies to complement the viewing experience of some artworks.
XRM — Google review
We went at 5 so we had to speed through the whole place ! Really great art work on display. Wasn’t familiar with Dali’s work but now I’m a fan. We didn’t do the Dali Experience since it was a $15 add on. We spent $30 a pop for me and my wife. Cool museum though and prime location near everything in DT St Pete walking distance from the pier !
Realtor Kris Sabio — Google review
The museum itself was wonderful and a beautiful experience. The paintings are amazing. The outside garden was also beautiful. We did the Dalí Alive 360 which is well worth it!! The food was a bit expensive 😞 and pay for parking 10$ but glad there was parking . There were quite a-lot of people and loud in the museum so kinda had to rush then go back to read the ones we missed. Over all it was a great experience. Also, every worker we had contact with was so friendly!!
L J — Google review
Really enjoyed this museum. The outside is just as beautiful as inside. This was our first time, so we were caught off-guard by a staff member at the front door asking to look in my purse. After that, we were allowed to enter where we paid for tickets. The person at the counter never asked if we had coupons. It would have been nice to know we could use what we had. With that being said, the museum was just gorgeous, and we loved it. If you're an art lover, you'll enjoy this museum.
Shera Campbell — Google review
This was my second visit; my first visit was before COVID and I feel things have changed a lot. When we went, there was a Picasso exhibit which was pretty cool since Dali was inspired by his work. Picasso was fascinating to see. Once we got over to the Dali side, I feel like a lot of the pieces that used to be shown have been pulled down and not replaced with new paintings. There were several things that I think should be addressed. First, the fact that you cannot bring large purses into the museum is bizarre to me. My friend brought her backpack and was let inside but then when we went to go upstairs the security dude said she couldn't take it upstairs. Just weird. Second, the theater movie wasn't working when we went in so we missed whatever that was supposed to be. We didn't stay to go around the grounds since it was pretty crowded and honestly we felt like we were being followed around. This sucks because I really enjoyed the art work by both Picasso and Dali. Third, I never received a custom painting that was done virtually even though I put in my phone number into the system - that was pretty disappointing when I got the text but only asked me to sign up for the newsletter :-/ Can't speak for the deli or gift shop since we just left as soon as we were done checking the artwork. Took us about 2 hrs to see it all.
Natalie A. — Google review
Amazing museum, definitely need to see it while in St. Pete! The permanent collection of Dali's work is immaculate with some readily recognizable pieces, and others that you really have to look closely at to see all of the amazing detail placed into his work. The building itself is gorgeous, and outside there are Dali references sprinkled around, even as you're walking up the front steps. The rotating exhibit on the third floor was cool to see, and they had another Dali piece stashed away in there! You also absolutely have to walk through the garden outside, lots of fun photo opportunities! Lastly, don't forget to attach your wristband to the wish tree! You can do it yourself, or you can leave it in a box up front for museum staff to put on the tree for you (but it's more fun and personal to do it yourself).
Bryn Berkowitz — Google review
One of the best small museums in the country. I often take family and friends when they visit and it’s always a highlight of their trip. Even those that aren’t necessarily “art lovers” enjoy the history of Salvadore Dali and especially the wonderful gift shop. Worth every penny! But plan ahead and make reservations as they do book up!
Jennifer Helton — Google review
Great collection. Pricey admission, but look out for discounts for locals and various FB events. I particularly enjoyed seeing his earlier work and insights into his evolution as an artist. I'd like to return with more time for the full audio/app tour. Plan for 4-6 hours.
Rebecca Shumway — Google review
This is a bucket list museum for art lovers and I’m thrilled to say I saw it! There is a playful essence to the museum that is lovable. The views and architecture are gorgeous and the galleries are quick to walk through. It was quite crowded though on a Saturday around lunch time in August, this is the reason I took one star off. Ideally I would’ve liked to have time to see each piece however it was so crowded I could only glance at pieces and had to wait for crowds to disperse so I could take longer looks and read labels. I had pre purchased tickets so my party did not have to wait in the line that wrapped outside of the building. The gift shop was great too. Again, I highly recommend going to this museum. It is truly one of a kind and iconic for St Pete.
Arifa Alli — Google review
I always wanted to visit this museum as it houses the 2nd largest collection of Dali works— the largest collection being being in Spain— so, once I knew I’d be in the area, I decided to go. Luckily, it was a Thursday, so it was half-price after 5p. I was staying in the hotel just a block or so away, so I walked. I did purchase my ticket online in advance, and there was a short wait to get in. There is a little cafe, and I ate my evening meal there— it was good food, and there is a bar and a number of tables both inside and outside. It’s by the water so it’s a nice view, and the architecture is beautiful. Dali art, like all art, is subjective, and it’s not really my style. I find most of it too abstract for my tastes, though he does have a few paintings that are beautiful. But, as I said, I always wanted to visit this museum so it was a must-see for me. I joined a free museum tour, and it was very informative. No regrets!
Karen Sconyers Grubbs — Google review
The Dali365 experience was neat to see but the museum and the additional exhibit they had on impressionists was a bit underwhelming. I love Dali's work. He was a brilliant painter for his era but I was expecting more on exhibition to see. The impressionist exhibit was fairly sparse as well. Even with stopping at every piece, reading the plaque and examining the work, I was done in probably 45 minutes.
Rebecca S — Google review
The Dali is an amazing collection of his works. We went the weekend before the Grand Prix so it added a slight difficulty in finishing the museum. You do have a 10$ parking fee if you park in the Dali parking lot. The museum has a very strict bag rule, if it looks anything like a backpack, of any size ( small sling pack ) even if they could clearly see it is being used as a purse. You are required to wear a mask while inside the building. ( covid ) even with all that just seeing Dali's pieces was well worth it. You are able to take pictures, ONLY FOR YOUR OWN PERSONAL USE.
wes borden — Google review
The Dali Museum is a real masterpiece of art in itself. Perfectly placed for lunch or dinner after your visit. The collection is outstanding. The layout takes you through Dali's life and work. The lighting is just right. The staff is very helpful. There's an app you can connect to that gives you the history of each painting. I will go again the next time I'm near.
Hank Stites — Google review
It is a wonderful place for both education and creativity. I enjoyed walking into the different galleries that were informative and visually beautiful. Make sure to check if the virtual experience is up and running. You won't want to miss it.
Tash B — Google review
My husband and I visited the museum for our anniversary and loved the whole experience. It was the perfect amount of art with the exhibition included. We started off with a sangria in the garden area, the video in the theater, then upstairs to look at the art. Parking was easy also! Overall, a great experience.
Casandra Bennett — Google review
Beautiful place to experience art. Highly recommended doing the 3D art show. It was definitely worth it. Gift shop and the staff were very nice.
Jasmine Roberson — Google review
I love this place. It is always organized when it comes to exhibits or special events. The staff do a great job with instruction, security, and answering your questions. The grounds are beautiful and a nice way to spend some time having a Cafe or snack after the exhibit. The gift shop is well stocked with books, shirts, magnets, post cards and other gifts. I will definitely visit again for future exhibits.
Michelle — Google review
This was my first time visiting The Dali Museum, and I was very happy with my visit! There is a dedicated parking lot available for visitors, and they charge a small fee for it. Once you are inside the museum, there is much to see on Salvador Dali and other artists before and during his time! Dali’s paintings and other art along with paintings from many well known artists are displayed in the museum. After you pass the gift shop, there is an entrance to the museum, which is on multiple floors. A staircase will lead you to the upper levels, and elevators are also there. On the upper floor, there are some beautiful views of waters surrounding St. Petersburg, and it is an excellent place for taking pictures! Also, the Dali Alive 360 degree experience is not to be missed because it showcases his life from humble beginnings to his visits to the United States. In the gift shop, there are two large screens where Dali gives you his advice, and where you can also get your pictures taken with Dali! In summary, I highly recommend visiting the Dali Museum to everyone on your next trip to Tampa, Florida!
Kaushal Pandya — Google review
Fantastic all around! Dali 360 was 100%worth the extra admission- my 7 yr old loved it! Emotional experience getting up close to many of the paintings especially being an art student who studied them extensively... Dali's soul and legacy in a museum- Viewer can most certainly feel his embodiment!
Cristin Foster — Google review
The Dali Museum is quite the experience and absolutely worth making a trip to the area. The parking is $10 for all day and can be limited but we found it no issue.
No backpack type bags are allowed and only disposable water bottles are allowed (first floor only). Luckily they have free lockers just outside the museum to stow your stuff, especially if you like to carry your own water bottle like me and want to go upstairs to see Dali’s works. So bring a small purse/bag and disposable water bottles.
I suggest you purchase the tickets ahead of time because it can get crowded/busy and you want to ensure your entry. It got packed by the time we headed upstairs.
The outing will be pricey, especially if you add on the “360 experience”, some snacks, drinks at the cafe and of course…the souvenir shop.
At first we weren’t going to do the “360 experience” but decided on it last minute since we already made the trip out there. I have to say it was worth it! We absolutely loved it and found it inspiring and moving. We’d do it again.
Plan a trip to The Dali Museum and give yourself time to enjoy all it has to offer.
The art pieces themselves are incredible and I could’ve easily spent all day here, there’s truly a lot to see, especially if you read about each piece.
There’s a small theater that plays Dali’s life story on repeat, which we enjoyed. The building itself is gorgeous and something Dali would’ve loved!
Cecile Arce — Google review
I really enjoyed this. I liked Dali's work prior to going here, but had never actually seen any of it in person. I have a whole new appreciation for it now. Also, friendly staff, very clean restrooms, and easy parking. There's a shop area where you can purchase all kinds of items (clothing, books, prints, posters, jewelry...a broad range of items) that are all reasonably priced. My son did some activity with a 3D headset that he thoroughly enjoyed. Theres also a Dream Tapestry where you input a description of your dream and AI will generate an artistic interpretation of it that's pretty cool. I would definitely recommend this if you're an art lover, and even if not, try it...you may become one. I would definitely go back here again, enjoyable for the whole family.
Shelly Hofmann — Google review
We had a fantastic long half day at the Dali. It exceeded our high expectations! Very extensive collection and highly experienced, knowledgeable and enthusiastic docents and guides. On top of that an excellent restaurant. We look forward to another visit. We recommend planning to stay at least 3 hours.
Nancy Robinson — Google review
Such a great and interactive museum which kept adults and kids engaged. It has an activity that uses AI to make your image into a piece of art and interactive app that animates different parts of the paintings and tells you about each. The Cafe at the museum was stellar. My whole family enjoyed Spanish food on the patio. Lovely!
Michelle Afkhami — Google review
We were in town for several days for our 50th wedding anniversary. Our last visit was 30 years ago so there were new attractions we wanted to see along with those we had already experienced. The Dali Museum was among the latter. We don't remember much about the old museum except that it had many more master works. Not a big deal when you enter this amazing space and begin to understand and remember Dali’s talent.
Teagen, at the front desk, accepted our $3 off coupons (up to 4 adults or seniors) for discounted gallery admission which I found in the Discover Downtown Map and Guide. We combined those with the senior admission price. The coupons are also available on the Discover Downtown mobile app. We visited on the last weekend of the "Dali and the Impressionists" exhibit. Dali was influenced by the impressionists but didn't feel their style would last long.
There were several knowledgeable guides available to answer questions. We especially appreciated being able to take (non-flash) pictures. One guide overheard me lamenting that the 'melting clocks' masterwork was not in the museum. It is in another museum but he directed us to the Dali Alive 360, "an immersive experience bringing Dali's work to life like never before." There, on the outside of the dome, is a sample of the melting clocks which can also be seen at the Dali Alive 360 for an admission add-on.
Restrooms are clean and plentiful. People rave about the cafe. We met a woman who had the gazpacho and pronounced it excellent. It does great business but we didn't want to spend our limited time waiting in line. If you do have the time, be sure to eat outside and enjoy the view. We visited the gift shop for souvenirs. Pricey, yes, but I found a cool shirt on sale.
The museum has a strict policy about backpacks and liquids in the museum; an attendant checks all bags. We used the free lockers available at the entrance. Simply select a four-digit code from the keypad, take a picture of the code and locker number, scramble the code and walk away. Easy and secure.
We walked to the museum from the Pier; our car was parked in the Sundial Garage. I saw that the free Downtown Looper had a pickup at the Dali which we boarded. The Looper only stops at the museum when it is open. We enjoyed a city tour while en route back to the garage. If you ride the free Looper, be certain to tip your driver who is committed to getting you safely to and from your destinations.
Marnette Severance — Google review
Parking was $10, (all day parking), however parking is limited. There was a graduation at the theater next door and a boat show, we got lucky and got one of the last spots. They were asking folks to park just two blocks away.
There are docent tours every hour 12:30, 130… check before you go and do go, fascinating! So knowledgeable and polite.
There is a Dalí Cafe, delicious (limited indoor seating but worth the wait). I don’t normally enjoy museum cafes but this one had very tasty food (we had the cheese plate, bread plate and carrot hummus, plus coffee and tea.
The is a decent selection of Dali photos, paintings and information and you can go online to learn more. I would go back again since our friend is not much of a reader and is more of a quick browser. I would like to spend a bit more time and perhaps go on another docent tour.
Go, enjoy and try the cafe, too!
Holly King — Google review
First time at this location, hadn't been since the 90's. I love Salvador Dali, my favorite artist for decades. We spent a little extra for the 360 experience, totally worth it. The coolest part was the AR app that made the paintings come to life. Staff were great, prices reasonable.
Vici Gidge — Google review
Do not dilly dally. Check out the Dali Museum. So many cool things and deep historical contexts in his paintings. Good food/coffee/ treats and artistic treasures to buy.
Patricia Gedra — Google review
Absolutely loved it. Be sure to take a guided tour. On my own, I never would have seen all of the details the guide pointed out. What an amazing talent Dali is. ENJOY.
The Manatee Viewing Center features a 50-foot observation tower, trails, a boardwalk and butterfly gardens. This nature preserve is perfect for viewing manatees in their natural environment. The center also offers educational opportunities about manatees and their ecology.
This was a really cool (free!) place to visit on a Saturday. The close parking lot was full so we parked in the overflow which ended being great because there is a little center over there with energy games and activities. Bathrooms as well. Then we took a leisurely stroll to the center. There were several manatees in the water and a stingray petting area. Lots of boardwalks and it's kind of cool to see the power plant up close. Lots of activities for young kids scattered about as well as informational signs. Staff were friendly and we had a great visit!
Justine Vild — Google review
Shout out to the lady who said there was another boardwalk, or I would have completely missed my chance to see the manatees. Great place, very friendly staff. Observator, stingray center, food, manatees, trails. What could you not like about this place.
ZRinaldi — Google review
Lovely place. Great for the kids. Nice nature trails, boardwalks, and observation tower. Come in the winter to see the manatees but there is plenty of other wildlife to see year round. Staff were very friendly and helpful.
Theodore Reese — Google review
This place is amazing, and free!! Parking filled up fast, but they have an overflow parking lot. There were at least thirty manatees in the area when we came, and it’s still pretty warm right now. The observation tower was worth the walk, lots of schools of fish to see and watch them jump. The learning area is geared towards smaller children but was still interesting. Cute gift shop. We didn’t eat onsite, but they did have a place for food and the prices seemed very reasonable.
Lisa Meminger — Google review
During my visit to the Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach, FL, I was truly impressed by the exceptional level of maintenance and care evident throughout the facility. The staff's extensive knowledge of marine life, particularly their expertise on manatees, greatly enriched my visit. Furthermore, I was delighted to see the commitment to sustainable energy, with a notable emphasis on solar and wind power. The fact that the majority of the facility operates on solar energy is a commendable feat, reflecting a dedication to environmental responsibility.
The day of my visit was particularly memorable as I had the opportunity to witness a remarkable number of manatees, as well as encountering some sharks and tarpon. This diverse marine life added an extra layer of fascination to the experience. Overall, the Manatee Viewing Center left a lasting impression on me, and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of Florida's marine ecosystems.
Jace Knockout — Google review
This place is huge. Lots of walking. Unfortunately we came the day a.big storm was coming in and a few days before the viewing area closes for the summer.The water was very muddy. Still got to see a couple sharks and tarpons. We could tell where the manatees were. Still we enjoyed the area. The butterfly area was very nice. We will comeback this winter
Scott Remy — Google review
Yesterday was the second time that I got to experience and enjoy the Manatee Viewing center. The first time in February I got to see tons of manatees because they were kind of wintering there. Yesterday in April 2020 we took the time to walk the many nature trails there and go to the 50 foot high look-out observation tower! It was beautiful and worth the walk. I would suggest though taking a trail map if there is one because there are multiple trails and things to see. Well worth the trip! Highly recommend seeing this. Especially in the winter months, but really anytime. The educational center was really nice and great for children also the butterfly garden and other exhibits there as well!
Rebecca Jackson — Google review
We went on a very warm day so we saw 3 manatee and many fish. Touch tank open but educational center closed. Arrive early due to parking
Joann Godin — Google review
The Manatee viewing center is a great place to visit. Many things are outstanding here and the fact in the day and age is it's free, yes I said free. Colder days are better to visit as your chances of seeing manatees increases greatly. We did see 7 when we went on a 80 degree day though. Find a park representative and ask them about the park all of them are more than happy to educate anyone willing to lessen. They also have a tank with several stingrays in them that anybody can touch. I would visit this place again when we are in Florida and I would recommend others to do so.
Michael Marcum — Google review
Well kept center that brings you closer to nature. Great walking areas and tons of wildlife. The touch pool for the rays was amazing. Wish the center was opened all the time instead of seasonally.
Brenda Broussard — Google review
This place was amazing. I'm so glad that they give back to the community like they do as it is free. There is a gift shop, two peirs to walk out onto. They had a petting area for sting rays. They had several beautifully landscaped gardens. These are all just extra perks as far as I'm concerned. The manatees were so very cool!!!
Kayla B — Google review
What an awesome experience for people of all ages, and at no cost!!! Everything is set up perfectly. The gift shop was amazing and prices were great! Employees/volunteers were phenomenal. We definitely will be back. Visit on a cooler day to increase your chances of seeing more manatees. Also, consider adopting a manatee to help save these gentle giants!!
Sunshine Mumford — Google review
This is a really nice facility and fits nicely into the surrounding environment. There is no guarantee that you will see any manatees, although we did see several, and they were impressive. There is plenty of parking and includes many for handicapped as well. For those with electric vehicles, there are charging stations available. There is no cost for parking or to enter the facility, which is fantastic.
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pmw — Google review
A must visit in the area! Beautiful and one of a kind experience. Manatees and Sting Ray up close for photos and experiencing. Great bird watching and plant life viewing also. The staff were amazing and very knowledgeable about the animals and plants. The parking lot was crowded but easy to find. Handicap accessible throughout the center. We did not visit the gift shop due to the very long line to enter. Restrooms are available on site. Highly recommend for guests of all ages and interests!
ArtsyPhotos LLC Professional Photography — Google review
Love free adventures! Entry is free and plenty of parking is free. The manatee viewing is always a thrill. Touch tanks are fun as well. You can walk out to a tower or walk the decking along the water. Restrooms are clean. There is a small gift shop and a snack area. I would check their live cam to be sure the manatees are there before you head over. We've seen them in Jan, Feb and March. Excellent place for kids!
Dr. Carole Gadomski — Google review
We had an amazing experience at the Manatee Viewing Center! Be prepared to do a lot of walking as there are many beautiful walking trails. We pretty much walked the entire property (about 5 miles). There is a shuttle on site if needed. I recommend getting there at opening as the place tends to get crowded and the parking area closest to the entrance fills up fast (there is over flow parking in the back). Definitely put on your walking shoes as the roads are paved with seashells throughout the trails. Maybe even pack some snack if you have toddlers/infants and definitely stay hydrated! Sunscreen is a good idea too.
This is a well maintained property with lots to offer. The viewing pier gets a bit crowded but luckily manatees gather on all sides so everyone has a chance to see them. There is also a fishing pier as you get further into the property. We also visited the Aquarium where they have rescued turtles. There is also an education building that offers lots of FREE brochures/booklets on wildlife and sea life as well as interactive things for the kiddos while in there!
Staff at the gift shop was very helpful and friendly. Restrooms are kept clean and stocked. You have the option to donate and support via CHECK only. I wish this was something I knew ahead of time but I will definitely be ready on the next visit. And get this, the Manatee Viewing Center is FREE to the public!! Overall, I think this is a great place to check out and we will definitely be visiting again at the end of the year.
grlenamored — Google review
Went here on December 26, 2022. This is a Nature Preserve where manatees in Tampa Bay are attracted to the warm waters of industrial canals. There was a wait time for cars to park at the Manatee Viewing Center, but we got patient and decided to wait. It was a busy day, but was still enjoyable. This experience is free!
All the boardwalks and gravel paths are clean and maintained, but bathroom cleanliness can be improved. All the staff were volunteers and were very friendly. During our experience, we saw hundreds of manatees! It was a delight to see these manatees huddle together in a man made habitat. There are various signs educating people about the behavior of manatees and clean energy on the walking trails to the Observation Tower and Overflow Parking. Overall, is definitely worth the wait. Is great to see an organization that sincerely cares about our local wildlife and not looking for our money!
Landon Bellamy — Google review
The Manatee Viewing Center was wonderful! I definitely didn't expect to see so many manatees but boy was I wrong. We saw black-tipped sharks, Atlantic Tarpon, Redfin Needlefish, and stingrays! What a wonderful and free experience available to the public! The gift shop has so many cute and affordable keepsakes or gifts to choose from. There is a stingray pool where you can watch and touch the rays as they swim by. So much fun! We can't wait to return!
Monica Mullins — Google review
Super nice place. They have a few trails to walk, a viewing tower, manatee viewing, a stingray pool, and a gift shop. The trails went to places that talked about solar energy and other sustainable energy sources. They had some interactive activities at the stops. They had a little pool with stingrays you could touch where the volunteers were really kind. The manatee viewing spot was perfect. There were so many! Overall great experience considering all the activities were free!
Samantha Brown — Google review
Great facility! It's free and free parking. There is a gift shop, you can also get food and drinks there. They have a touch tank with stingrays. We got to see so many manatees and sharks. If you park in the overflow lot the walk to the area is not bad it's pretty. They do have a golf cart shuttle. I will go here again.
Melissa Witt — Google review
Love this place. A nice bit of walking, since we had to park in the overflow parking lot. Thankfully they have a trolley service which we took after getting our steps in🤣. Plenty of manatee huddle up trying to keep warm. The souvenir shop is small, but we managed to get the perfect pin we were looking for. The turtle hospital was worth the trolley ride. Totally recommend going, it's very educational. It's totally free to get in.
Javier Ortega — Google review
So fun, clean, and it's FREE!!! This place is great! Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. First time touching a sting ray! The walkways are large, everything was clean (even the bathrooms). While the manatee weren't close, you can definitely see them there. It's amazing the entire facility is free. It needs to be on your bucket list!
Cindy sh63 — Google review
I absolutely love visiting here, its my 3rd time and I never tire of seeing these beautiful creatures. Parking was easy... and if there is not space in the main parking lot, there is remote parking with a shuttle, free. I always enjoy walking on the boardwalks and there is plenty of railing space to get a good view in. The signs are helpful to identify the birds and fish. The gift shop is very reasonable priced.
Sarah Taylor — Google review
I have to rate this place 5 stars not least because it’s totally free! It’s a fabulous way to see these gorgeous creatures and enjoy watching all their cute habits. Plus there are so many other exhibits and fun things for adults and kids to watch and take part in. The little cafe has good food and drink options at really reasonable prices. It was well worth the trip and we will most likely go again when we have friends and family in town. We went over the weekend and did not have to wait even though it was popular. We did not have to buy tickets in advance.
Mari-Ann Kucharek — Google review
A fun, unique, and free experience! It was cool to see the manatees, but also the variety of fish and birds, as well as the occasional shark! There was a neat educational area in the basement with stingrays. We visited in the middle of March so there weren't as many manatees visible, but it was still a great experience.
Anne Gibbs — Google review
Best time to go is during colder weather months as Manatees hang out here due to the warm water. Mostly gone by March. But they do have an interactive ray tank and you can take a free tram to the turtle conservation center any time and both are wonderful.
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is a famous bridge located in Tampa Bay, Florida. It is one of the most impressive bridges in the world, and it's definitely worth visiting if you're ever in the area. The views from the bridge are absolutely stunning, and it's a great way to spend a morning or afternoon.
The new bridge is so much better than the old bridge that collapsed several years before I was born. the new bridge: has lights, is stronger, is safer, and has a 180 ft navigational clearance while the old bridge had a 155 foot clearance.
N D — Google review
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is an iconic cable-stayed bridge located in the state of Florida, USA. Here are key features of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge:
Location: Spanning Tampa Bay, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge connects St. Petersburg in Pinellas County with Terra Ceia in Manatee County, providing a vital transportation link in the region.
Design and Architecture: The bridge is a cable-stayed design, characterized by its towering support towers and cables that fan out to support the roadway. The aesthetic design has made it a distinctive landmark.
Original and Current Bridges: The current Sunshine Skyway Bridge is the second iteration, as the original bridge partially collapsed in 1980 due to a collision with a cargo ship during a storm. The new bridge was completed in 1987.
Length and Height: The bridge spans approximately 4.1 miles (6.6 kilometers) and reaches a height of 430 feet (131 meters) above the water, allowing for the passage of large vessels beneath.
Travel Route: Serving as a crucial part of Interstate 275, the bridge facilitates travel between the cities of St. Petersburg and Sarasota, as well as providing a scenic route for motorists.
Scenic Views: The Sunshine Skyway Bridge offers breathtaking panoramic views of Tampa Bay and the surrounding areas, making it a popular route for both locals and tourists.
Fishing Piers: The bridge is flanked by fishing piers on both sides, providing opportunities for recreational fishing and enjoying the natural beauty of the bay.
Suicide Prevention Measures: Recognizing its height and location, the bridge incorporates suicide prevention measures, including crisis hotline phones and fencing to deter such incidents.
Hurricane Evacuation Route: The bridge serves as a designated hurricane evacuation route, allowing residents to quickly move inland during severe weather events.
Recognition and Awards: The Sunshine Skyway Bridge has received recognition for its engineering and design excellence, contributing to its status as a notable landmark in Florida.
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge stands as both an engineering marvel and a scenic attraction, playing a vital role in regional transportation and offering a visually striking connection across Tampa Bay.
Charlie — Google review
We went night fishing and we caught a good amount of cat fish. It wasn't too windy and it was actually nice out side. Also I caught my 1st fish in 25 years!
Dixie Tesnar — Google review
Boating under this massive bridge is a surreal experience. Over 50' deep water around the channel!
Seth Gilland — Google review
First time going to Tampa/St. Petersburg -- and I insisted in going on this bridge. This bridge is an engineering marvel! I love the design, the imagery and it is really beautiful. I am definitely coming back in April! :-)
Branden Omoregie — Google review
Sweet kitesurfing sport on the opposite side of the rest area. Do bring your kiting boots though, it’s rocky and there are plenty of sea urchins. Beautiful sport and great community make up for it!
Lina Schumacher — Google review
The new Skyway Bridge is an engineering marvel! 🌉 It's a major upgrade from the old one, and here's why it's better in every way:
1. **Strength**: The new bridge is built like a tank! 💪 With advanced materials and construction techniques, it can handle heavier loads and is more resistant to wear and tear.
2. **Height**: It reaches new heights, quite literally! 🌟 The increased height not only allows for larger vessels to pass underneath but also provides an even more stunning panoramic view for travelers.
3. **Durability**: It's built to withstand the test of time. The improved design and materials ensure a longer lifespan, reducing maintenance and repair costs.
4. **Safety**: Modern safety standards were a top priority in the new design. It's equipped with state-of-the-art safety features and technology, giving travelers peace of mind.
5. **Efficiency**: The new Skyway Bridge is all about efficiency. It reduces traffic congestion, thanks to wider lanes and improved traffic management systems.
Overall, it's a shining example of how innovation and engineering can create a bridge that's stronger, higher, and better built in every sense. 🌆🛣️ #NewSkywayBridge #EngineeringMarvel #UpgradedTravel
Bertha Paz — Google review
I love everything about fishing on the skyway bridge. Sleep overnight on the bridge, bathrooms and bait shop.
Janette G — Google review
Love driving over the Skyway Bridge!
Awesome views!
Fishing piers below
Sometimes windsurfing taking place
Have also cruised underneath this bridge
Read about the History of the Bridge
Interesting!
Lorraine J — Google review
It is a gorgeous place. If you are visiting Sarasota or Tampa, you have to go see this bridge. It is an amazing experience. I totally recommend it.
Leticia Puentes — Google review
Beautiful bridge! Tolls are only a few dollars and people are frequently paying it forward! Traffic is busy at rush hour but the view is always amazing. Boating underneath is easy to navigate and views are equally impressive! Dont miss this one;)
A Treat — Google review
Amazing times. Clean facilities and Amazing employees tending and maintaining the locations. Some of the best night fishing I have ever had. Your bridge pass includes saltwater fishing licenses while present. The Fish And Game Agents were nice and informative, when you have questions about unknown fish and size limits. They were so helpful with keeping me out of trouble. LOL!
Mr. Williams — Google review
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7508-7534 Sunshine Skyway Ln S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711, USA
I'll never travel to Sarasota without this trip planner again
Bean Point Beach is a serene and beautiful location in Florida with a wide sandy beach, calm waters, and stunning sunset views. It is less crowded than the main beach on the island and offers a great view of the Skyway Bridge in the distance. However, street parking can result in a $50 fine if tires touch pavement. Bean Point is considered to be Anna Maria Island's hidden gem, offering breathtaking vistas where Gulf waters meet the bay.
The most gorgeous beach I’ve been to in Florida. Gorgeous white sand than never gets hot, well compacted and easy to walk on, calm waters. The sunset is like no other.
Ilya Lapin — Google review
Top 5 Tips:
1. Get there early! (Limited Parking)
2. There are no bathrooms so you’ll have to get creative 😅
3. Do not leave any trash!
4. Beware of the Red Tide during this time of year👍🏽
Overall, the beach was absolutely breathtaking! It was so calm and peaceful. The waters were somewhat calm and there was a lovely breeze keeping us cool for the sun. This the perfect for a sunset view! Sanely we couldn’t stay that late but I will definitely come back to catch a sunset. 🌅
Alejandra's Studio — Google review
My favorite spot in FL. In the north corner of Annamaria Island, Bean Point Beach is a beautiful beach with private house for rent, fishing area, pier, restaurants and much more to do. I love the water colors from light blue to green and the breathtaking sunsets. A magical place.
Gio M — Google review
This beach is more like a residential beach and trying to find public parking is impossible. Due to how it’s inside a neighborhood if you park anywhere expect the allowed areas you’ll get fined. Along the intersection of North Shore Rd and Fern Rd are two signs that say “parking is permitted between these two signs” you can park there for free but the one catch is your tires cannot touch the pavement or you’ll pay a 40 dollar fine. Right in front of this allowed area is beach access, and there are not public amenities such as restrooms. The beach is gorgeous with striking white sand, a mellow surf, and emerald green water!
Ragu N — Google review
Breathtaking hidden little piece of natural Florida. Not as crowded as the main beach on the island and has a great view of the Skyway Bridge in the distance. Water is very calm and perfect for a nice beach day away from tourists! Be VERY careful with street parking here as you will get a $50 parking ticket if your tires touch the pavement.
Melissa Previte — Google review
Most beautiful beach I’ve seen in my life. So peaceful and tranquil. Manatees swim by right up by the shore. Sunset brings tears to your eyes….
Molly Davis — Google review
It is a beautiful beach. It was a bit populated when we were there, but it really didn’t take away from the phenomenal scenes. Incredible sunsets. Love this beach. It is a bit tricky to find, but that’s part of its charm. One of my favorites.
Katie Cranley — Google review
Bean point is Anna Maria Islands most hidden gem! Very hard to find parking but we'll worth it. If you go to the northern most point of the beach you can literally see where the gulf waters meet the bay, as well as the sunshine skyway bridge in the distance. Use Google maps to locate bean point. Good luck and enjoy!
Scott G Johnson — Google review
What a gorgeous beach on the north tip of Anna Marie Island. There aren’t many access points and parking, but we found a spot on the street a block away and it was a nice walk out to a powdery sand beach with turquoise water and the occasional family of dolphins. The water is warm, calm, and it’s a very peaceful setting to enjoy an afternoon in the sun.
Jeff Mraz — Google review
Sunsets are an event in this area.
Parking can be tricky, but make sure to park between sings and be considerate with homeowners and pedestrians.
The area is very clean, and theres various points of entry.
Elena Christinne — Google review
This location you have to check out. Now it takes a bit of walking because you can't park right there but it is well worth it. You can actually get away from people out here because it is not as busy as other location on the island. The beach is very wide here and can be hot in summer so wear something on your feet. It is far away from things so bring food and drink with you. great place to surf fish also.
CJS — Google review
Beautiful. The sand was like powder- the sunset was amazing.
This far down the island you just park on the side streets- after Coquina Beach there was no public parking that I noticed- I could have missed it, though.
Make sure to watch that you are on a street with a sign stating parking is allowed.
Bring your wagon if you’re carrying much- but it was worth it.
Keli Young — Google review
Absolutely beautiful beach and water ( be careful of current and riptide).
LOTS of various shells to search for. Parking can be difficult to find so go early.
Frederick Stearns — Google review
I absolutely loved this beach!! Gorgeous water, friendly faces and not over crowded what so ever. We had a blast snorkeling and saw many crabs, bigger fish by the skools and sea shells. The parking is a bit harder to find but it's manageable. We will come back until we can't!! Lol gorgeous!!!!
May Nortom — Google review
Anna Maria Island's northern tip is a hidden gem that is often overlooked by tourists. The beach is gorgeous, with powdery white sand and turquoise blue water. There are often families of dolphins swimming nearby. The water is warm and calm, making it the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun.
There are a few things to keep in mind, however. First, there are few access points and parking is limited. Second, there are no bathrooms close by. Third, the west side of the island has nice waves, but if you walk over to the east side there are almost no waves. This makes the east side perfect for smaller kids.
Overall, Anna Maria Island's northern tip is a great place to relax and enjoy the beach. Just be sure to plan accordingly and bring everything you need with you.
Travis Floyd — Google review
Fantastic place to watch the sunset. Yet it can be extremely hard to find parking. Weekends are very crowded at sunset. If you're looking for a romantic, secluded beach, this is not it. Found it interesting that some were swimming in the water while
only a few yards down the beach. You had others fishing for sharks. 🦈
The Ringling Museum of Art is one of the most iconic and well-known art museums in the United States. The museum houses a spectacular collection of art and cultural objects, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative pieces from around the world. It's also home to one of the best circus museums in the world.
Amazing must experience museum. We took hundreds of beautiful photos and spent a good 3-4 hours here, lots of walking so wear comfortable shoes. The grounds are gorgeous and well kept. The restaurant food was quite delicious and convenient as we were starving after our 1.5 hour drive. I would definitely return especially during the different seasons. The place was decorated so nicely for Christmas. There was a lot to do and see.
Desyre Arnold — Google review
Haven’t been here in many years since I was younger. New buildings, everything even nicer than I remember. Took the family for the day when the weather was nice, had a playground in the center in the park and the kiddo loved that. I loved the dioramas of the old circus setups. The grounds are as beautiful as ever and it was a great day to walk the grounds and see the many beautiful types of plants and flowers. As every time I’ve ever been always need more time, just means we will be back soon. There is so much to see, the grounds are worth the trip alone and then the museum for circus items and the art collection. You could easily fill several days or many trips to see it all.
Erroll Ends — Google review
A nice chance to walk around a Franco-Italian piazza from 100 years ago, managed and maintained very nicely. One ticket gets you into almost the entire grounds usually, and my little nephews (7 & 8) and I really enjoyed the Summer Circus Spectacular before making the most of our day. The show was excellent. It’s very intimate in a small theater, no three-ring circus. This is so much the better! The clowns draw you in and make you feel they’ve prepared the show for you alone. The woman from Ethiopia is an incredible juggler, and we also loved seeing the balancing act, acrobats from Ukraine on the double swings, and the acrobat on the long silk rope. We had cheesy macaroni and fish tacos respectively for lunch, but the museum and playground, and we walked through the mansion turned art museum. Fantastic day even in 100 degrees. A great place to talk a walk-and-talk!
We bought tickets when we walked up, but we got there exactly at 10AM.
Jessica Carr — Google review
Mondays are "free museum day" to enter the art galleries. Huge tapestry size paintings and nice collection of art. The Center of the U-shaped museum has a large outdoor courtyard with statues, greenery, and shaded walking areas on the building's inner edges. Restoration efforts have preserved the original charm of this building and surrounding gardens. Many sights to see on the Ringling estate in addition to the art. Visitor's entrance to the museum grounds includes a gift shop and sit-down restaurant.
Karen Cusey (KarenQZ) — Google review
The John and Mable Ringling Museum is an absolute gem! From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted with a sense of wonder and excitement. The stunning water views add a touch of magic to the whole experience, making it truly unforgettable. Walking through the museum, you can feel the passion and dedication that went into creating such a beautiful place. Every exhibit is thoughtfully curated, showcasing a rich tapestry of art and history that captivates the imagination. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just looking for a delightful day out, this museum has something for everyone. It’s not just a museum; it’s a journey through creativity and inspiration. Highly recommended!
The Queen Made to clean — Google review
Absolutely beautiful place we visited it in the middle of December. Natural setting with beautiful art galleries and mansion which looks like piece of Europe. There are art gallery, botanical garden and the circus museum in one place. For extra cost you can see the first floor of Ringling’s mansion which I found very interesting. The Circus museum has miniature model of the circus from the beginning to the end. I really liked the Glass exhibition.
Tatiana S — Google review
Gardens are amazing! Went late in the afternoon, so I didn't have time for a full visit. Will definitely be back to see the museum and mansion. Free admission to gardens and museum on Mondays.
Dawn Easparro — Google review
This place is much bigger than it looks. It was clean, nice and cool. Lots of great art to look at and the circus to learn about. It will take a few hours to get through this property. Beautiful gardens and property.
You are not allowed to take photos inside so I took a few outside.
Day — Google review
Worth it!
The garden and three museums are wonderful. The view for the Sarasota Bay is stunning. For the exhibition, I love the art museum section, lots of paintings and well maintained for the whole area.
Parking is super easy, with plenty of space.
Just make sure you are hydrated enough since Florida is always hot!
陳亮彣 — Google review
I lived in Sarasota for 5 years and I never went to this place. However after having move away I always come back every year to visit, and this year I made sure to visit to John and Mabel Ringling aren't museum. Just so you know, admission is free on Mondays so we decided to go on a Monday. Even though there were a lot of people there, the place is so massive that you never really feel crowded. I was able to leisurely view the entire grounds without feeling rushed or crowded. The inside of this place is just as beautiful as the outside. Be sure to hit up all of the wings of the museum. If you're facing the courtyard they are both to the right and left. The house is also gorgeous (Ca d' Zan), But we did not pay to actually tour it. Despite this you can still walk out on the back porch of the home and enjoy the beautiful views. Definitely would recommend!
Casey Nicole — Google review
I thoroughly enjoy taking day trips to the museum. The restaurant is a true delight, with an incredible chef who never fails to impress. The bar offers a wide variety of options to choose from. And I always find great joy in exploring the stunning art and landscaping on display.
Samantha Everett — Google review
Loved the gardens and the employees art! Really enjoyed the new glass gallery. Overall, most paintings didn't appeal to me. They have too dark or violent themes for me. I personally like uplifting artwork! I found enough to enjoy to make it a nice visit. I'm glad, however, that I hadn't paid to view the art. The rest of the complex is awesome!
Joan Sheehy — Google review
Wonderful collection of circus memories and modern art and other items collected by John and Mabel Ringling. Great incite into their lives as well as the lives of some of the performers in their circuses. The park is large, well kept and beautiful. Plan to spend an entire day here. We arrived as soon as they opened and stayed till close. Still didn't get to see everything tho, so the art museum is a two day trip if you want to experience all of it.
JAE D'FIVE — Google review
I’m glad to visit this museum during our stay in Sarasota. I learned a lot of interesting facts about cirques industry back in the beginning of 20 century. I couldn’t imagine how big was the scale of running cirques for just one day performance for public. Amazing!!
The only sad fact is that the cirques king died completely broke having having such a huge and beautiful collection of art.
Double K — Google review
This place is awesome. There are multiple museums on the grounds, along with the mansion and beautiful gardens. You can easily spend a full day here in order to be able to see everything. The coffee shop above the gift shop has really good coffee.
Ileanna Wright — Google review
We only went to the art museum ✨️ It was huge and wow, what a selection 👏. We are members of the Bishop and it has a reciprocal admission with The Ringling so it was free. We plan to go back to see the other buildings. There is a ton of cool things to see. Very well done and worth going to. Free parking, and they have a nice Cafe above the visitor center and gift shop. There are many ponds, gardens, and statues(art) outside as well. It is right on Sarasota Bay with beautiful views 😍
Joe Watson (Joe Cool) — Google review
Beautiful gardens to walk through! atmosphere amazing ! art museum amazing painting specially the ones John Ringling requested! We where there 10am to 430pm make sure to wear comfortable shoes!
Michelle Glassman-Sprachman — Google review
Very beautiful place. It really is like being temporarily transported to Europe. The gardens are nice but the best part for me was the art gallery. Incredible paintings with some descriptions on their origin. Some paintings are so large they take up a whole wall.
Wonderful place to visit!
There was a moderate amount of people there on the day we went, though the area is so big it almost feels like you’re the only person there
Dominga Allende — Google review
I didn't think I would like this place but...Wow! The miniature model of a working circus (at least 1500 square ft), and the incredible detail, was worth the price of admission alone. Very interesting place with beautiful gardens/grounds to walk around and relax. Nice little restaurant overlooking a pond that has pretty good food too.
Dan G — Google review
Absolutely 😍 loved the Ringling Museum. This was an experience for the entire family (including my 19 year old son who Never hangs out). We had a blast, from the miniature circus recreation to the galleries to the garden to the Grill. It's just wonderful. You could visit this place two to three times and discover something new each time.
Kimerly Christie — Google review
Such a great place to visit. Art museum has a lot of old paintings mostly with Biblical references. The inner garden is tranquil and beautiful. They always have different exhibitions that show the artworks from world around. If you like the history of circus the museum will definitely your place. But the most lovely place for me is a house of Ringlings. Castle… Nest.. I don’t know how to name it. It’s amazing. Till today. If you are nearby, you have to visit it. Read the history of John Ringling before to visit this place.
Nonna Pidvalna — Google review
Went to Ringling for the first time, I was very impressed with the entire complex. There are so many different ways to spend your time, from the art museum, circus museums, gardens and walking through the Mansion. I thought it was very unexpected to have such a nice restaurant at that location. The Ringling Grill room overlooks the pond and has a fabulous menu to choose from. Sitting on the terrace with a cocktail and a delicious lunch is the perfect way to spend a leisurely afternoon. What is so unique is that you could spend a few hours or an entire day at this location, it is all dependent on your whims.
LOParadise — Google review
The Ringling museum was very interesting. The House "Ca' d'zan was really cool. The museum had a ton of painting and other art.
We wanted to do the 40 minute tour with the upstairs of the house, but it was sold out. The house is right on the water. It was $35 for the museums and the first floor of the house self tour. I guess you can buy them online if you want to do a tour.
Roger Potter — Google review
What a fabulous experience! Easy and plentiful parking! There used to be so much to see. Very short wait for ticket purchase. On Monday, the art gallery is free and the outdoor gardens are spectacular, with nature mixed with art and sculpture. There used to be something to entice your eyes from every view. Great art, interesting mix of cloth art, sculpture and paintings.
Naomi Sprung — Google review
100% worth the visit! The entire place is gorgeous and massive so it doesn’t feel crowded. We went on a Monday when entrance to the art museum and the gardens are free. The art museum is wonderful-my partner and I like vastly different styles of art, but this museum had both the styles we love. The view of the water and the gardens was beyond beautiful, just walking around and spotting the turtles and watching for dolphins was amazing. I would suggest spending about 5 hours here if you want to see and do everything. We will definitely be returning to do the circus museum and the house tour at some point.
Sheena P — Google review
Wonderful first visit! Miniature circus display was amazing!!! Actual circus museum less so... Beautiful house tour with audio. Take a guided tour for upper floor access. Excellent fine art museum, special exhibits and sculpture garden. Bistro was very good as well. So much to see!
The Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is a nonprofit marine research institution dedicated to studying and protecting the world's oceans. With a focus on research and education, they have a small but passionate team of marine scientists committed to conservation. The aquarium offers unique experiences such as a touch tank with stingrays, a shark tank, and an adjacent mammal center where visitors can observe manatees.
So much fun! The exhibits are well done and very informative. I like that some were inside, some are outside. The volunteers are helpful and able to share lots of information about the creatures on display. One member of our party has some mobility issues; she was able to move about with ease, access the restrooms, access exhibits on the second floor of each building, etc. A really great experience.
Denise Hoffman — Google review
Awesome marine lab and aquarium. Both in and outdoor display are well organized. Kids loved the petting places where they could touch the sting rays, sharks, starfish, sea cucumbers etc
Manatees are such a huge attraction.
The volunteers and staff are very helpful.
The tickets can be expensive but you get 50% off if you have a zoo membership somewhere.
You can also get discounts for your boat tours with your mote tickets if you want to do the tour next or later.
No food allowed inside but water is welcome. There are places for your to get your water refilled. And a cafeteria in case you get hungry.
Expect a couple hours to go over everything. Lot of walking involved for sure.
But come have fun with your kids.
Tim Tr. — Google review
Second timer, but it's been a while. Pretty stellar spot -- was pretty spread out and they now have two buildings that you can walk between. Definitely thought that was a cool new addition.
Had several exhibits that I felt you could sit and enjoy for a while, including the river otters that were quite amusing.
Different activities for all ages, including a virtual reality experience, several touch tanks, opportunities to feed some birds, and a gem mining experience to name a few.
They have a restaurant on site with basic items and have both inside and outdoor seating areas. There is also a very large area for events and/or kiddos to get the wiggles out.
Highly recommend.
Tiffany Cartier — Google review
This is a nice aquarium. We got there early so parking wasn't an issue. We also ordered online so we didn't have to go through the ticket line. All we had to do was show the door attendant our phone or proof of purchase.
Walkong through the exhibits was easy and straightforward. It would be hard to get lost in this place. They had a virtual tour where you sit in this egg shaped seat and put on virtual goggles. The seat would move as you explored the ocean. It was 6 dollars a person. They also, had many stations for touching marine life for free. Sting rays, a Dogfish, and even little sharks. It was very cool. We also sifted for shark's teeth. I think it was 10 bucks a bag. It was a bag of sand you sifted in running water. You get a handful of teeth and you get to keep the bag they came in.
Mote also has gators, river otters, manatees, and live sea turtles. Those are in a different building so be prepared to walk about a quarter mile to get there. We had a baby so we just drove to the other parking lot closer to that building because it was hot outside.
Overall the experience was great. Our family highly recommends making to Mote if you're in Sarasota. It's worth trip. Takes about 2 to 2.5 hours to see everything. Have fun!
Clyde Hartley — Google review
Before our trip, we heard such great things about the Mote Aquarium. Our visit lived up to the hype and more. On the surface, the aquarium doesn’t seem like much but it’s packed with interesting displays! Some of our favorites included the sharks, eels, river otters, turtles, and alligators. On top of those, there is plenty more to experience. The staff is more than friendly and were always there to lend a hand, give advice, or teach us a mini lesson. We spent about 2-3 hours going through both buildings. Overall, a great trip and experience and a place I think everyone should, especially with kids.
Tony Pangaio — Google review
Extremely interesting and educational. Loads of opportunities to interact with the sea life. There are indoor and outdoor exhibits between several buildings.
It may be slightly expensive for some. However, what they do with your money is priceless and well worth donating a few extra dollars towards. Especially their research programs. Mote is a global marine science institution, leading more than 27 diverse, programs. Again, well worth the investment. My favorite area was the jellyfish reproduction lab.
Great for families and kids. Don’t forget your water if you go in the summertime, especially for the kids, as you need to walk outside to get to other buildings and their exhibits. ENJOY!
Mary Thompson — Google review
This is a very cool place to visit if you have a fear of open water but still want to experience creatures of the sea. The on-site restaurant is a little pricy for being concession stand food, but it is good. One thing that may be an important detail is that the gift shops close early. I love this place and will be back again.
WinChowski — Google review
Decided to visit the aquarium and we were not disappointed. Once you walk in and round the corner, it shows you all the different tanks of fish they have.
They also had small pools meant for gently handling the different species.
That took us and hour.
But wait, there's another building!
Manatee, otters, turtles and more.
The whole experience took roughly 2 hours and it was fun!
Highly recommend to all ages.
Briana Almand — Google review
We went on a Sunday and it was not that crowded. This place was clean and well staffed with knowledgeable people to ask questions of. They had way more marine life there to enjoy than I expected. They even had some interactive displays for the kids to play with including 3D headsets.
They are building a new bigger and fancier Aquarium, opening some time in 2026. This one is well worth a visit in the meantime. We will be back.
Mark Stephenson — Google review
Very nice and fun place to walk around. I’m happy that they are trying to keep this place clean. At this place, you can learn about many marine life and see the laboratory.
You can touch some of the sea creatures and the staff explains about the creatures. One thing is the manatees place was little dirty Water and couldn’t see them well. Other than that, it was very well managed.
Also they have place to sit and eat and souvenir shop
taiyomom — Google review
Not sure if it was because I had low expectations for this place, but I was very impressed with this aquarium. The layout flows nicely, with no bottlenecks. Both indoor and outdoor areas are fun and well designed. The food area is well placed, and has a nice menu. Walking to the second building could be an issue during rainy days, though. But once you're there you'll be treated to cool turtle and manatee exhibits. Overall a fun time if you have a couple of hours to burn.
Rodney Rosario — Google review
Nice aquarium with two different buildings to check out. Great for kids and adults. They have a kit you can buy for $11 that your kids can sift for shark teeth, fossils, and possibly a Megladon tooth. Was a good time all around. Would recommend stopping by and checking his place out!
Cameron Haslett — Google review
I have visited Mote Marine on several occasions, and each time, I feel there is something new that I missed from previous visits. I could stand in front of the octopus tank for hours, watching this fascinating creature who seems to have a personality of his own. The jellyfish are mesmerizing, and the otters are a laughable bunch who want to entertain as they frolic, slide and wobble about. There is plenty to see, and don't miss the rays touch tank or the shark exhibit. We even thought our burgers at the on-site diner were as good as any we've had elsewhere and far better than any of our local fast food joints. If you're looking for summer entertainment for the kids, Mote will never disappoint!
Mary Hosford — Google review
My kids love ocean creatures and this was the perfect place to visit with toddlers. There was a lot to see and touch, which kept them engaged. At first we had trouble parking, until we saw the sign for additional parking. The additional parking turned out to be a great location because we started in the marine mammal center, which was less crowded.
Also zoo and aquarium food can be hit or miss, but the Deep Sea Cafe was amazing. The onion rings were the best I've had in a very long time.
Kimberly Moy — Google review
Absolutely awesome aquarium and one of my favorite I've ever been to. I'm not from the coast t, so I can't claim to be authoritative on how great it is, but man I loved it. I could have petted a loggerhead turtle!
Price was a bit much, but I thought it was a good value. They have discounts if you gave a zoo membership at other locations too, so that helped.
They also had a nice aviary to see as well.
Sean G — Google review
OMG, this aquarium is awesome! Staffs and volunteers are very kind, and we loved watching sharks and one big cute manatee! 😍 It is truly worth visiting here if you live in Florida! Don't forget to touch baby sharks, too!
hwasun lim — Google review
I think the price ($26 per adult) is reasonable for what you experience. The grounds are spread out and you must traverse from one exhibit another. The exhibits are bright and interactive - perfect for young kids. There are several hands- in areas where the kids can grab horseshoe crabs, starfish, etc. There is lots of parking. The bird area is very nice with a red tail Hawk, vultures and owls. There are 2 gift shops and diner like restaurant.
nika h. — Google review
I have been upwards of four times and loved it each visit! Wide variety of wildlife, information, and interactive activities. I spoke to a few volunteers, who were all super knowledgeable and sweet- one had been volunteering there for 15 years! There was also a section on the history of the research center and aquarium that was fascinating. It was very crowded, as I went on a holiday, but that did not affect my experience. Points off for the cost (I understand that aquarium upkeep takes funding) and the fact that there were countless additional activities that cost extra. Would definitely go again, but it would be much more frequent with a reduced cost/student discount!
Abby Jones — Google review
This was my third visit to this aquarium, each time taking visiting family members. We had two kids under 10 in our party. I was disappointed in the pricing for kids at $21. Nevertheless, the aquarium is cool, with a manatee, sharks, rays, and huge turtles. Some of the exhibits (like the Ray tank) are interactive. There are many volunteers who are helpful in describing things and were quite informative. Overall, it was a good place and cool experience. I'm sure I'll be back.
Michael C. Delapena — Google review
Such an amazing adventure and experience! So much closer up encounters and education. And a lot of focus on keeping young ones entertained. This might be one of my favorite aquariums!
Brandi Harnish — Google review
Mote is an absolute blessing. Their animals are so well taken care of and you can tell this is a place built on love and dedication to sea life. I always feel joyous and fulfilled coming here, and it never gets old. There’s also a bird section which is a lot bigger than it looks from the outside! There’s also a park on the beach a short walk away with boardwalks through mangroves which is always a must.
vesper cecilia — Google review
Very educational for all ages, All types of sealife but bring your walking shoes after you finish 1st section you will walk outside to the Birds area(fun to talk to the parrots) then onto the otter section across the way. Yes you can take a break between exhibits & you can drive/walk to the otter building then show tix to get in. Walk at your pace. We spent 3 to 4 hours really looking at all the exhibits & animals. Clean environment for all all animals. ❤️ Lots of parking areas including ♿️ & elevators when needed. Keep up the great work, FUN day in Florida.
MK D — Google review
My friend and I had an absolute blast at Mote! It was really fun seeing all the sea creatures… The staff members at the exhibits were very informative and friendly.
Mary Delfinis — Google review
I’m surprised the ratings are so high here. Nice volunteers, nice hands on exhibits for kids, but we had 3 adults for $87, and I’ve seen better exhibits in the Midwest. One reviewer said he felt sorry for the animals, and I concur. It’s a bit pricy for the experience. I was happy to see that there are plans for a remodel/expansion.
If you're looking for a botanical oasis in the heart of Sarasota, look no further than Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. This downtown campus features 15 acres of lush tropical plants, making it the only such garden on the planet devoted to epiphytic plants. Highlights include an orchid garden and a rainforest for children.
This place is a gem. Low key, like the rest of Sarasota, but there is a lot of heart in their staging. The variety of plants is wonderful, but the arrangement of scenes and sitting benches is inspired. Many great places to sit and reflect or read. Restaurant has lots of yummy choices, and today there was a food truck, too. Docents are very helpful and engaging. Mapplethorpe show was well done, and helped rehabilitate him for me.
Barry Demchak — Google review
Beautiful & peaceful. Easily accessible. Has a great kids area! We were there at the end of April when had a Tiffany collection display; lamps & vases were so neat to see.
There were large artist creations, like Tiffany, through out the garden. We spent 5 hrs enjoying this great place! The water view was incredible.
Volunteers were friendly & helpful!
Tracey Alverson — Google review
Very nice botanical garden, definitely worth a visit. They have some epiphytes I have not seen in other botanical gardens. You can spend about 3 hours there and see everything in depth. They have free parking and it is 26 bucks a person. There are good ocean views and good walking trails. The mansion houses a mask exhibit and when I went they were auctioning the masks. The workers are very ready to answer questions and look like they are enjoying themselves.
Dan Saxman — Google review
Selby Gardens is a fantastic botanical jewel. En extremely interesting venue that has options for every nature lover. Winding paths with banyon and other trees overhead, colorful flowering plants, exhibits, a tropical greenhouse, fantastic vistas and so much more. There's a children's play area (more like a huge tree house city) that is elevated and has interactive exhibits that frankly, adults can enjoy as well. Selby Gardens also has several restaurants to dine in. The Orchid is very good, but know that it's expensive and may not be your best option for your dollar. If you're Sarasota and looking for a location to spend a relaxing and enjoyable afternoon at, check this place out.
Ken Hutson — Google review
Beautiful gardens of all different types with beautiful trails right on the Sarasota Bay. Had multiple bathrooms with easy access and all different places to explore. Cute little gift shop full of nice souvenirs Only trouble was parking as they are doing construction and the parking lot was fenced off and rock. My first time going and it was great! Beautiful!
Alexa — Google review
What a delightful place to visit, brought my mom with me and when I asked if teachers got a discount,the person working the counter was eager and happy to tell us that teachers are free. They had free valet parking due to construction in their typical parking area, I had a little snack and a drink at the café. Although it was 93° out the breeze from off the water and the shaded areas provide much comfort from the heat. I was a little disappointed to find the greenhouse was closed, even though I had looked on the website I did not know this in advance. But I enjoyed it so much I’ll definitely make the two hour trip to visit again.
Mary Schu — Google review
Fun day at the gardens with the family. Lots of really fun things to see if you like plants! Kids might have a bit of a tough time here but they still had a good time and enjoyed the koi fish pond. The butterfly gardens were also neat to see. Definitely recommend an afternoon here.
Dmitry Choukline — Google review
Absolutely beautiful. There are so many plants to explore. Tiffany exhibit was educational and beautiful. Property is huge so wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle. On the water, so the breeze is appreciated. Different places to sit and take a moment to soak it all it. You can purchase food and drinks on the property in the adorable house cafe. Seating inside if you need to cool off and plenty outside. A very peaceful relaxing time ❣️
Christine — Google review
The garden is nice but quite a bit of mosquitoes and bugs. My arms and legs got bitten even with spread on.
Most of the volunteers were very nice and friendly.
The Garden's cafe Michael's was a surprise with excellent sandwiches and choices.
Michael Lee — Google review
Attending Matt and Maggie Dorn's wedding at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota was an unforgettable experience. The venue, a picturesque garden overlooking tranquil waters, was breathtaking, especially as the sun began to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. The atmosphere was magical, almost surreal, and Annemarie and I were spellbound by the beauty of it all.
The ceremony itself was intimate and heartfelt, with every detail meticulously planned. Matt and Maggie, surrounded by the love of their family and friends, exchanged vows against the backdrop of the setting sun, making the moment even more special. The air was filled with emotions, joy, and laughter, creating an ambiance of pure happiness.
As the evening progressed, the celebration moved into a beautifully decorated area, where tables were adorned with elegant centerpieces and soft, ambient lighting. The dinner was a culinary delight, each dish more exquisite than the last, complementing the upscale yet intimate theme of the wedding.
The music was a perfect blend of classic and contemporary, setting the tone for a night of dancing and merriment. Annemarie and I shared dances under the starlit sky, the melodies creating a romantic and enchanting atmosphere. We chatted with old friends and made new ones, reveling in the joyous occasion.
The entire night was unlike anything we had ever experienced. The combination of the stunning setting, the delicious food, the wonderful music, and the great company made it a truly epic celebration. It was a night to remember, not just for Matt and Maggie, but for every guest who had the privilege of being a part of their special day.
Zack Schneider — Google review
I was thrilled to return to Marie Shelby Botanical Gardens long absence of 10 years. This place held a special significance for me and my husband as it was where he proposed to me. We were filled with excitement as we embarked on this journey down memory lane.
To our delight, we discovered that the garden had undergone significant transformations and welcomed several remarkable additions to its property. The abundance of beautiful plants and trees was a sight to behold. The meticulous care and attention to detail were evident in every corner of the garden.
One particular highlight was the introduction of stunning boardwalks that enhanced the overall experience. These pathways offered a sense of tranquility and serenity, providing visitors with the perfect opportunity to immerse themselves in the peaceful surroundings. It was a truly rejuvenating experience to wander along these paths, basking in the natural beauty that surrounded us.
The exceptional staff at Marie Shelby Botanical Gardens further enhanced our experience. Their friendliness and warmth made us feel truly welcome, and their dedication to maintaining the garden was evident. We appreciated their efforts in ensuring that every visitor had a memorable and enjoyable time.
I highly recommend a visit to Marie Shelby Botanical Gardens. Whether you are seeking a romantic afternoon or simply desire a moment of quiet contemplation amidst nature, this garden will exceed your expectations. Its remarkable transformations and stunning additions make it a sanctuary worth exploring.
Veronica Gordon — Google review
Such a beautiful place to enjoy the beautiful plants and flowers of FL! You can walk out and get a wonderful view of Sarasota Bay as well. Don’t miss it if your visiting.
Tracy Anderson — Google review
Wonderful, lush garden that’s surrounded with exotic plants, the ocean, and kind people. The Shelby Gardens is a great place to visit if you’re from out of town, want to spend a day with the kids and family, or just enjoy plants itself. The facility is clean and well managed. When you come into the gardens, you’ll have your car valeted and returned at the end. We just happened to come the day after their newest exhibit opened which included these colorful Costa Rican masks. Plenty of areas to sit and enjoy the landscape. Definitely check it out!
maryroselol — Google review
Very nice. We were there during Tiffany Exhibit which was great. Not sure if special large stained glass decor throughout park was there because of Tiffany or they are standard displays, but loved them. Great that it sits along the bay. Orchid section was wonderful. I highly recommend it mostly for adults, not small children though there is a small kids section.
Kim H — Google review
Beautiful gardens. There is an awesome area for kids to play. They have concerts for members and an amazing greenhouse. I love how they always have a revolving collection of artwork that they incorporate into the gardens.
Emily Boulger — Google review
Nice quiet stroll through beautiful gardens. Make sure you take your camera or have your phone ready - lots to capture.
Kids area has lots to climb on and nooks for them to explore.
Cafe has cold drinks and food.
Brst way to spend the day.
Celeste Acevedo — Google review
Wonderful garden. The Orchids were fabulous. We took our time and strolled through everything and it took about 2.5 hours. Worth every penny.
Alex Buchanan — Google review
This place is a must see! If you like orchids you especially need to come see their orchid exhibit. They have an outdoor botanical garden that is beautifully maintained and raised wooden paths that give you a sense of adventure. The view of the ocean is particularly stunning and I’m sure must be wonderful at sunset (although we were there at midday). They have left the natural mangroves along most of the sea’s edge so it’s a great place to see that type of habitat as well. I was particularly fascinated be some of the really old mangrove trees with their roots so big that I didn’t think that still existed except maybe in the Everglades or abandoned islands. There is a cafeteria, and a visitor center which is all being replaced with a huge building across the street which is also part of the compound (probably the new visitor complex). I can’t wait to come back as my wife bought us a membership.
Waldo Carbo Jr — Google review
First time going to night in Bloom at the gardens. We did buy advanced tickets and included the parking which was super helpful. Really enjoyed the experience in the atmosphere. The lights, the music, and the garden itself was all beautiful. Lots of different areas to walk through and enjoy, they had games to play for the young ones. It was nice that they had the ability to buy cocktails in food while you walk through the garden. Highly recommend as a family Christmas activity.
LOParadise — Google review
An Amazing place to spend the whole day. Beautiful. Like a whole different world. Educational. Amazing orchids. Plants from many contents. I have 250 I wish I could share. They also have a flower shop. Should be on your bucket list good.
Cam T. — Google review
Absolutely spectacular! Right in the heart of downtown Sarasota, the Selby gardens is a lovely asset to the city. Beautiful gardens and unmatched views of the bay. I can visit again and again and it’s different every time. We went for the holiday light event this year and i was blown away! It will absolutely be a yearly visit to see the lights from now on! I do recommend buying tickets ahead of time as they sell out, especially right around Christmas. Great for families, people of all ages and interests!
Lauren Victor — Google review
A beautiful afternoon at the botanical gardens. Be prepared to walk thru all the gardens and special exhibits overlooking the beautiful beaches and surrounding areas of beautiful plants and trees and landscapes. It was an awesome afternoon of casually strolling the magnificent grounds and witnessing mother nature in her finest. Kudos to the expansion project, which seems to be complete. Such a beautiful peaceful date with mother nature.
Maria S Nasca — Google review
We haven’t been in almost 10 years and was pleasantly surprised. We enjoyed walking around the gardens and the interactive exhibits. Impressed with the number of volunteers and many are so friendly and willing to share their knowledge.
Nice, parking garage (free)
Laura Duplain — Google review
The new and extended Gardens are just wonderful! The added space really has made such a difference, and the new restaurant is marvellous. Light, airy, welcoming and friendly, the food is sublime. Can't wait to go again!
Alison Love — Google review
Spent a lovely afternoon roaming around the gardens. Extensive tropical garden indoors with water trickling over the stone walls.
Waterfront along the estuary with views of Sarasota have extensive mangroves.
They close at 430. Allow a couple of hours.
There's a restaurant in one of the buildings. The mansion has a small tour inside.
It's 26 dollars for adults, admission.
It's definitely a great way to spend a day
N Fornaro — Google review
What an oasis! To think all of this beauty, diversity, art and natural tranquility is minutes from downtown Sarasota is staggering. The parking is incredibly convenient. The volunteers were beyond helpful. And our visit was free because we’re members of another Florida garden — Bok Tower in Lake Wales. Such a gem.
Jeff Houck — Google review
Parking was a little confusing. It wasn't evident to me that the ramp was for the garden. It is. They don't allow outside food which was a shame because we packed a picnic lunch that we had to enjoy on a bench right outside the park instead of in the magnificent gardens. Even if you buy tickets online you still have to stop at the main entrance to get your sticker.
John Ridley — Google review
Really enjoyed this garden. It was beautiful! Wonderful display of orchids and all sorts of beautiful flora. Very well put together, the kids section is super interactive and my niece and nephew loved it! We got to explore nearly every part except for the education center/museum which I'll have to check out next time. They also had a great little bonsai display and I enjoyed the cactus garden too. They had a beautiful Christmas display up and whole array of lights that must look amazing at night. Really enjoyed it!
The drive from Cedar Key to Sarasota is 184 miles (296 km).
How long does it take to drive from Cedar Key to Sarasota?
Driving from Cedar Key to Sarasota should take you 3 hrs 28 mins in normal traffic.
How much would gas cost from Cedar Key to Sarasota?
Gas from Cedar Key to Sarasota would cost around $16 to $38, depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.
Where should I stop on the way from Cedar Key to Sarasota?
You could check out Butterfly Rainforest at the Florida Museum of Natural History and Florida Museum of Natural History-Exhibits, or the always popular Manatee Springs State Park!
What are the best cities to visit between Cedar Key and Sarasota?
People love visiting Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg, among others.
What's the weather like in Cedar Key?
It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.