myakka river state park

ColleenB982

We took our grandson their to see the alligators. Turns out it was a windy day and the boat ride bombed for seeing alligators. With the wind they stayed at the bottom of the water. We enjoyed the tree top canopy walk. Climbing the tower is a challenge. Seemed we had to wait for down climbers on our way up, then on the way down we had to wait for the up climbers. Go figure. Maybe we were the only courteous ones. We did manage to see 'gators by the dam and along the bridge on the way into the park.

Chumpmeister

We were staying in Sarasota and wanted to get out for a walk and to see a bit of 'real' Florida. We arrived at approx. 12.00 on a Weds and made our way to the visitors centre (at the end of the main road). The place was so busy we were unable to find a parking spot and had to park on the side of the road approx. 1/2 mile away. At the front gate it had a sign that said 'Next Air Boat Tour 1.45 but when we went to book onto a boat tour all tours up until 3.15 had been fully booked (maybe they could have a sign that says 'Next available Air Boat Tour') - we booked onto the 3.15 and set out to explore for a few hours. Alligators were easy to spot at the side of the lake next to the visitors centre so you don't need to go on the boat if that is what you are looking for - I would strongly recommend the boat tour though. Our guide was knowledgeable and funny. We saw a lot of alligators and learned about their nesting, hunting and eating habits. We also saw a lot of birds on the 1 hour tour. I would visit again but aim to get there earlier in the day to avoid the parking issue and have more time to explore the park.

JohnGross

it's a nice place to visit and walk around the place .we had Armadillos walk between are legs .tey are so engrossed looking for food they don't even know your there.look carefuly and you may even see wild boars along with gators. take the canopy walk which is really cool great place for kids to learn and see things

BathMonkey

If you want to see alligators, this is the spot. We did the boat tour around the lake and you could see tons of gators. Very cool! It was a windy day and we saw a father and son head out on the water in a tippy canoe...hmmmm....

BostonTraveler62

This is a large park and to see it you really need to hike or bike. Bikes are avialable for rent, there are kayak rentals too. The Bird Walk and the Canopy Walk are very short. Best thing to do is to take the airboat ride, it's about an hour and you will go out onto the lake and see wildlife and alligators. The docent was very knowledgeable about local animals. Great area for birding. There is a cafe so you can eat there or take lunch with you on the boat.

gmurph915

For a relatively low cost of admission, we were able to enjoy a day of nature and wildlife without having to trek all the way to the Everglades. Overall great experience.

Suzy7252

I guess we should have come earlier in the year. Didn't see hardly any birds. We did have a nice picnic at one of the shelters though. Was hoping for more boardwalk trails. The canopy walk was very nice though.

RichFromOmaha

Florida is so beach oriented that it was great to go inland to see the lush tropical forest, the marshes, the lakes and the wildlife. We saw countless varieties of birds, turkey, and alligators. The park has some great scenic roads and many places to stop and explore, especially the board walk across one of the marshy areas. We stopped in at the gift shop and discovered that they served lunch, The prices weren't too bad. I had a lunch with a bowl of fairly decent home cooked gumbo. There were tables on the veranda and out under the trees to use. Take your time on the various hiking trails. Stop and just listen to both the quiet and the rustle of wildlife. We had the great opportunity to see a small alligator

775brittanyd

We stayed at the campground at Myakka State Park in March for my spring break trip but it was about 25 min away from the closest beach (Siesta Beach). My boyfriend and I aren't the partying type and this campground was exactly what we were looking for. Friendly neighbors, mostly older couples but still a great area. The nature walk (40 min) and canopy walk were very nice. LOTS of wildlife, saw armadillos, raccoons, many birds, deer, lizards and most of all alligators. If you want to see alligators in their natural habitat, this is the place to go. We decided to go kayaking, the price was $20 for the first hour and $5 for each hour after which was a great deal. Saw TONS of alligators, very dosile, on land and in water, some 15 ft away from us. They also offer airboat tours (world's largest boat), canoe and bike rentals, wildlife tours and have a gift shop and restaurant that serves alligator. All reasonably priced but we stuck to just kayaking. Overall, the camp was very clean, the staff was very friendly and knowledgeable and we thoroughly enjoyed our visit.

ALinden

Beautiful inland park with several lovely hiking trails through palm forests and along the river. We spent about 1.5 hours hiking, including the canopy walk, which is a raised walkway about 100 feet long. We also took advantage of the picnic area to eat our lunch.We didn't try the airboat ride but the park met our expectations for providing a serene and natural oasis. There was ample parking and the signage was good throughout the park.

MaryB244

Great park, get there early to get tickets for the 9:00am airboat tour. You will see lots of gators at a reasonable price. Afterward walk out to the dam to see birds and gators. Be sure to climb the tower for a walk through the tree tops. Good day for seeing a lot of wildlife.

Nancy046

We have been on the air boat ride three times, and it is OK. However, each time there have been screaming children and then it is difficult to hear the captain. But the land trip is wonderful, with fascinating history presented. You will want to take it "all in." By the way, the food there is pretty darn good (and reasonable) as well.

mariaeberle

What I loved most were seeing the gators in the wild. The scenery was exciting and diverse. Beautiful place!

ChrisM338

After the bridge take the small path (not the big named one on the map) on the right which follows beside the river and check out all the sunning gators! Great birds and wildlife. Can't wait to go back! Dog friendly. Incredible sunset views across the lake further along. Magnificent.

Cindy06191954

We went in January but it was very cold and windy that day. We only saw two alligators because of the cold and the wind. We really enjoyed the tram ride and learned so much about Florida and the area. We loved the nature trail where you walked the wooden bridge through the trees and climbed the tower. What a view!! We look forward going back there now that it is warmer.