Myakka State Park: One of Florida’s Largest, Oldest & Most Scenic Parks
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Myakka River State Park, one of the largest and most gorgeous parks in Florida, is one of the best I have visited thus far in the state. I love exploring all the wonderful parks and preserves around the Gulf – it’s a great way to escape the beach traffic. This one is a bit of a drive from my apartment (about an hour and a half from suburban Palm Harbor), but so worth the drive as it is a big park with a lot to to do. Plus, I usually add in a visit to gorgeous Siesta Key Beach and several other Sarasota attractions to make a full day out.
At this beautiful park, you will find an expansive 29,000 acre nature oasis with endless opportunities for fun and recreation. There is so much to do here to justify a daytrip, including: hiking trails, biking paths, scenic drives, alligator boat tours, safari tram rides, a canopy walkway, campgrounds, and a scenic observation tower.
The best time to visit
Morning is a beautiful time to plan a visit – this is really the only time I will visit a park in the Bay area, especially during the really hot and humid summer months. Not only will the temperatures will be more comfortable at this time, but you can also take advantage of fewer crowds and increased opportunities for wildlife sightings. Even better is a fall or winter visit as gators are more active this time of year.
On our first visit, we got caught in a thunderstorm, luckily not until the very end of our visit. It was fun to see the dark storm clouds suddenly appear, and actually helped to cool us down a bit! If you do decide on a summer visit, prepare for the heat and arrive as early as possible! Expect 90+ degree temps with high possibility and the high likelihood of afternoon storms.
“The Real Florida”
There are so many things to do at this enormous park that it would be impossible to explore them all in a single visit. The highlight here for me is the extensive variety of gorgeous biking and nature trails. 39+ miles of hiking trails within the forest enable you to explore local plant life and wildlife in a serene, uninterrupted setting.
Fittingly, the park’s motto is “the Real Florida.” Spending the day here is like taking a journey back in time, observing what Florida looked like before all the apartment complexes and strip malls took over. If you have lived in the area or visited more than a time or 2, then you know how bad the traffic and congestion can be.
Park Attractions Guide
Scenic drive/bike loop
The 7 miles of paved road around the park is great for scenic drives, walking, or bicycling. A beautiful combination of oak and palm trees line the path and provide plenty of shade coverage. Views of the gorgeous Myakka Lake can be enjoyed for most of the ride. Serene leafy live oak and cabbage palm hammocks line the entire path. It’s really scenic and probably my favorite way to explore the park.
I love biking this loop – it is a great way to get in an awesome workout while simultaneously enjoying the quiet views. Don’t worry if you do not have a bike with you -rentals are available at the Myakka Outpost. Mountain biking trails are also available for those who desire a more rugged setting.
Hiking trails
Hiking allows you to lose yourself in nature while exploring local plants and wildlife. These trails will take you through a variety of ecosystems including: pine flatwoods, prairie, and wetlands. The 39 mile Myakka Trail is part of the Florida National Scenic Trail, a 1300 mile long continuous path. At this point, the trail is not yet complete and at times hikers will have to pass busy roads. For more info and a trail map, visit the Forest Service website.
Observation tower/canopy walkway
As for hiking at Myakka, the paths are beautiful with views of gorgeous oak trees, pine trees, palm trees, and dry Florida prairie. One of the most unique features is a 25 foot tall, 100 foot long canopy walkway through the forest. After climbing the observation tower, you will get to enjoy the panoramic views of the area.
While the views aren’t overly impressive, there are trees as far as the eyes can see. After months driving around endless malls, I appreciate any sort of nature.
Horseback riding
12 miles of equestrian trails are also available. You must bring your own horse and proof of negative Coggins test.
Boating
Canoeing and kayaking along the lake is another great way to explore the natural surroundings. Choose to take an adventure along the Myakka River (aka “Wild and Scenic River,”) or the Upper or Lower Myakka Lake. Kayaking enables you to experience nature and wildlife up close like no other activity in the park. It’s a great alternative for anyone who doesn’t like to hike. Personally, I am a bit nervous of the thought of kayaking in an area with a high population of gators. Rentals are available at the Myakka Outpost.
Birdwalk
Bird watching is another popular activity due to the diversity of wetlands found within the park. Birdwalk, located on Upper Myakka Lake, is a beautiful boardwalk where you can stroll while viewing many different species. Osprey, eagles, and shorebirds are frequently sighted.
Alligator watching
Like most other parks in the Bay area, this is also a great one for catching a glimpse of an alligator in the wild. Spring or winter months are your best bet for seeing many, although I’ve seen them at all times of the year. The beloved “Gator Gal” (once the world’s largest airboat) has been replaced by pontoon rides.
A picturesque cruise along the lake is a must-do. We learned lots of interesting new facts about gators via our tour guide. We also saw about 6 gators on our first cruise despite it being the inactive summer season. I am glad that we had the unique opportunity to take the airboat ride while it lasted, although I am sure the pontoon rides are just as fun. Online reservations not available. Note that boat tours are first come, first served.
Along with gator sightings, you will also get to enjoy fabulous views of the lake. A boat ride is a great opportunity for those not interested in hiking or biking to explore the beauty of the park.
Check out this alligator we saw at the observation deck near the outpost. Keep your eyes peeled – they are everywhere! Dogs are allowed but I urge you to be careful and honestly I would recommend leaving them at home. I have heard so many horror stories of pets being snatched up by gators. Always keep pets and kids far away from the water and brush up on alligator safety tips before heading out to any local parks.
Tram tours
During the winter and spring months, the park offers wildlife “tram safari” rides. On this hour long ride, you will learn about the park’s history while taking in beautiful views of the forests, marshes, and prairies. Taking a ride is a great alternative for anyone who doesn’t feel like or isn’t up for a long bike ride or walk. The tour allows you to sit comfortably while a tour guide points out different unique aspects of the wildlife and ecosystems found within the park.
Other park amenities
Scenic areas to have a picnic lunch are available to those planning a whole day at the park. As an alternative, you can head over for a snack at The Pink Gator Cafe. The menu is super odd with items such as an alligator stew and fried alligator bites! For those of you (myself included) whom would rather leave the gators in the water, there are several vegetarian options such as a veggie burger and edamame salad.
Three campgrounds consisting of 90 campsites are available for the more adventurous. 6 primitive campsites are also available. If you prefer to sleep indoors, you can rent out one of the park’s historic log cabins. They accommodate up to 6 people and include a bathroom, full kitchen, and living room. Linens, utensils, and a microwave are also provided.
The Myakka Outposts offers camping supplies, a cafe, bike and kayak rentals, and a gift shop. Visit the website to book your cabin.
Location and Pricing Information
This state park is located at 13208 State Road 72 in Sarasota, Florida. Admission is $6 per vehicle (you can leave the park and return the same day as long as you keep your receipt).
Pontoon tickets are $22 per adult and $12 for kids 3-12. Tours run from 9am-4pm. The boat tour operates year round, however, tram rides only run during the winter and spring months. Tram tours (also $22) are offered at 10:30, 12:30, 2:30, and 4:30. More info on tram and pontoon tours. Note that boat tours are sometimes cancelled due to low water levels – it’s best to check the website before heading out.
