| Rating | Description | Website | Description |
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Big Cypress National Preserve (239) 695-1201 |
National Park Service | North of Everglades. The freshwaters of the Big Cypress Swamp, essential to the health of the neighboring Everglades, support the rich marine estuaries along Florida's southwest coast. Protecting over 720,000 acres of this vast swamp, Big Cypress National Preserve contains a mixture of tropical and temperate plant communities that are home to a diversity of wildlife, including the elusive Florida panther. Roads: Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41, the main drive thru the park), Loop Road (CR 94), Turner River Road (CR 839, with excellent wildlife viewing), Wagonwheel Road (CR 837) and Birdon Road (CR 841). Kirby Storter Boardwalk, located west of the Oasis Visitor Center is an elevated boardwalk taking you through prairie, dwarf cypress and into the heart of a cypress strand. Look for alligators, wading birds and a variety of migrating songbirds. Be on the look out for birds east of the park. Allow 2 to 6 hours. |
| Biscayne National Park (305) 230-7275 |
National Park Service | South of Miami. Biscayne National Park protects the spectacular underwater life of Biscayne Bay and the coral reefs, as well as the tropical hardwood hammocks of its keys. It is an unparalleled wildlife sanctuary, protecting an incredible diversity of mammals, birds, fish and flora. Visible from downtown Miami, Biscayne boasts a rare combination of aquamarine waters, emerald islands, and fish-bejeweled coral reefs. Be sure to see some of the coral reefs. You can snorkel, dive, or take a glass-bottom boat tour $45 (2009). | |
| Blowing Rocks Preserve (561) 744-6668 574 South Beach Road Hobe Sound, FL 33455 |
Nature Conservancy | North of West Palm Beach. Blowing Rocks Preserve is a magnificent barrier island sanctuary located on Jupiter Island, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon. Blowing Rocks protects a variety of natural habitats, including beach dune, coastal strand, mangrove wetlands, tropical hammock and oak hammock. Its rocky Anastasia limestone shoreline is the largest on the Atlantic coast. During extreme high tides and after winter storms, seas break against the rocks and force plumes of saltwater up to 50 feet skyward, an impressive sight for which the preserve was named. Be sure to check for high tide. $2/person (2009). | |
| Blue Springs State Park (386) 775-3663 2100 W French Ave. Orange City, FL 32763 |
Florida State Parks | Daytona Beach. Blue Springs State Park is a picturesque getaway along the St. Johns River near Orange City in central Florida. Winter home to numerous endangered manatees, Blue Springs is 2,644 acres of natural Florida. Sightings best between November 15 through March 1. | |
| Boyd Hill Nature Park (727) 893-7326 1101 Country Club Way South St. Petersburg, FL 33705 |
St.Petersburg | Tampa. A 245-acre nature reserve containing more than three miles of trails and boardwalks located on the western shores of Lake Maggiore. Features 5 unique ecosystems: hardwood hammocks, sand pine scrub, pine flatwoods, willow marsh and lake shore. Part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. The wooded area supports a variety of bird and animal-life including egrets, bald eagles, opossum, fox squirrels, turtles, frogs and alligators. There is an information center with interpretative exhibits.$3/person (2009). | |
| Bulow Creek State Park | Florida State Parks | Preserves one of the largest remaining stands of Southern Live Oak forest along Florida's east coast and contains 3,230 acres of upland forest, hardwood swamp, saltmarsh and tidal creeks. Many historic plantation ruins, mostly hidden in the forest undergrowth, can be found and are protected as state archaeological sites. One of the highlights is Boardman Pond. Visitors to the platform either originate as hikers along the Bulow Woods Hiking Trail or they park at the pull-off on Walter Boardman Lane. From Walter Boardman Lane, a 1-mile "hike-in" is required. Either way, visitors are not disappointed. Sightings include ibis, snowy egrets, dowitchers, willets, herons, and much more. Park hours are 8 to 5. | |
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Canaveral National Seashore (321) 267-1110 |
National Park Service | Titusville. Situated on a barrier island along Florida's east coast, inviting park highlights include pristine, undeveloped beach, dunes and lagoon offering sanctuary to an abundant blend of plants and animals. Year-round recreation includes fishing, boating, canoeing, surfing, sunbathing, swimming, hiking, camping, nature and historical trails. Sea turtle May to August. I-95 exits: Exit 249 (North District; Apollo Beach), Exit 220 (South District; Playalinda Beach). Not busy. We lost count of the number of beaches. We saw Florida scrub jays, and lots of turkey and black vultures. Allow 2 to 8 hours. |
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Castillo de San Marcos National Monument (904) 829-6506 1 S Castillo Dr. St. Augustine, FL 32084 |
National Park Service | St. Augustine. The Castillo de San Marcos served as an outpost of the Spanish Empire, protecting St. Augustine, the first permanent settlement by Europeans in the continental United States, and the primary sea route for ships returning to Spain from its completion in 1695. In its history, the Castillo has served a number of nations, but it has never been taken through military force. During the 18th century, the Castillo went from Spanish control to British and back to the Spanish, who remained in power in Florida until the area was purchased by the United States in 1821. The park consists primarily of the cultural and historic site of the Castillo itself with its attendant grounds, some 25 total acres. Daily canon firing. $2/person. Allow 1 to 4 hours. |
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Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary (239) 348-9151 375 Sanctuary Rd. West Naples, FL 34120 |
Audubon | Naples. A 2.25-mile raised boardwalk takes visitors through four distinct environments: a pine upland, a wet prairie, a cypress forest, and a marsh. Offers views of almost 200 bird species including: Hawks, Owls, Ibis, Heron, Limpkin, Anhinga, Black Throated Green Warblers, and Yellow-Billed Cuckoo's. Corkscrew supports the largest colony of Wood Storks in the United States. $10/person. Allow 2-4 hours. |
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J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge (239) 472-1100 1 Wildlife Drive Sanibel, FL 33957 |
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Refuge | Fort Myers. It is located on the subtropical barrier island of Sanibel in the Gulf of Mexico. home to alligators, raccoons, otters, and hundreds of species of birds. Occupying more than half of Sanibel Island, this 6,000-plus-acre area of mangrove swamps, winding waterways, and uplands has a 2-mile boardwalk nature trail and a 5-mile, one-way Wildlife Drive. The visitor center shows brief videos on the refuge's inhabitants every half-hour and sells a map keyed to numbered stops along the Wildlife Drive. The best times for viewing wildlife are early morning, late afternoon, and at low tide (tables are posted at the visitor center and available at the chamber of commerce). Mosquitoes and "no-see-ums" (tiny, biting sand flies) are especially prevalent at dawn and dusk, so bring repellent. Also, the beaches of Sanibel Island are one of the best places in the world to view and collect seashells. Best viewing during low tide. The drive is closed on Fridays. $5/cars (2009). |
| Dry Tortugas National Park (305) 242-7711 |
National Park Service | Key West. An unspoiled paradise rich in marine and bird species that is popular for birders, scuba divers, and snorkelers. Excellent diving exists year-round with the waters at a warm 80º in the summer months, and dropping to the low 60s in the winter. The best time to dive these waters is in the spring, summer, and autumn months, when the Gulf Stream eddies in, the visibility is better than the usual 40- to 60-foot range, and the currents vary from very little to stiff. More than 200 shipwrecked vessels lie within the park's boundaries, making wreck diving a popular sport. The park also features a Sooty Tern Sanctuary. The islands are located 70 miles west of Key West, Florida. You need to fly or boat to the islands. Birding is best between March and October. As of March 2009, they are working on the fort walls and areas of it cannot be visited. Transportation is listed in the notes section. | |
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Everglades National Park (305) 242-7700 |
National Park Service | Spanning the southern tip of the Florida peninsula and most of Florida Bay, Everglades National Park is the only subtropical preserve in North America. It contains both temperate and tropical plant communities, including sawgrass prairies, mangrove and cypress swamps, pinelands, and hardwood hammocks, as well as marine and estuarine environments. The park is known for its rich bird life, particularly large wading birds, such as the roseate spoonbill, wood stork, great blue heron and a variety of egrets. It is also the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles exist side by side. Best trails: Anhinga (slough: wildlife, our favorite), Gumbo-Limbo (hammock: wild coffee, gumbo-limbo, orchids), Pa-hay-okee (sea of grass), Shark Valley 15 miles (bike or guided tram). Mahogany Hammock (hammock), West Lake (mangroves: wildlife), Bayshore (wading birds, air plants, deer, early morning), Snake Bight (wildlife), and Rowdy Bend. Allow 1 to 7 days. |
| Pro Trails | Nice trail guides. | ||
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Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park (239) 695-4593 |
Florida State Parks | Everglades. gives you an opportunity to see rare plants, bald cypress, nesting eagles, and North America's largest stand of native royal palms and largest concentration and variety of epiphytic orchids, including 31 varieties of threatened and endangered species that bloom most extravagantly in the hot months. It's particularly famous for its ghost orchids, which are visible only on guided hikes. You can drive through the 12-mi-long (one-way) W.J. Janes Memorial Scenic Drive and hike the spur trails that lead off it. Located on Janes Memorial Scenic Drive, just west of Copeland on SR 29, Copeland, Florida. Free. Allow 1 to 3 hours. |
| Florida Caverns State Park (850) 482-9598 3345 Caverns Road Marianna, FL 32446 |
Florida State Parks | Tallahassee. The cave has dazzling formations of limestone stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, flowstones, and draperies. Florida Caverns is also popular for camping, swimming, fishing, picnicking, canoeing, boating, hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding (The park does not rent horses). Stables are available for equestrian campers. Cave tour lasts approximately 45 minutes and are considered to be moderately strenuous. An audiovisual program, touring the cave and other natural areas of the park, is available in the visitor center. $4/car (2009). | |
| Fort Clinch State Park (904) 277-7274 2601 Atlantic Ave. Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 |
Florida State Parks | North of Jacksonville. Fort Clinch was one in a series of masonry forts constructed between 1816 and 1867 known as the Third System Fortifications. It was built at the mouth of the St. Mary's River to protect the natural deep-water port of Fernandina which was the eastern link of Florida's only cross-state railroad. Although construction of Fort Clinch began in 1847, it was never fully completed. Nevertheless, the fort served as a military post during the Civil War, Spanish-American War, and World War II. | |
| Fort Matanzas National Monument (904) 471-0116 8635 A1A South St. Augustine, FL 32080 |
National Park Service | St. Augustine. Visitors arrive at this small Spanish outpost by boat, much as the soldiers did in the 1700's. The island, in the soldiers' time, was small and surrounded by water. Today, marshes and woodlands have taken the waters place. The small watchtower's main purpose is to prevent enemy vessels from passing through the inlet south of the Port, thus protecting this approach to St. Augustine. Fort Matanzas served that purpose from its completion in 1742 until it became United States property in 1821. | |
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Fruit & Spice Park (305) 247-5727 24801 S.W. 187th Ave. Homestead, FL 33031 |
Fruit and Spice Park | Miami (35 miles south of). A 37-acre subtropical botanical paradise nestled in the heart of the historic Redland community. More than 500 varieties of rare fruits, herbs, spices and nuts from around the world including 80 varieties of bananas; 70 varieties of bamboo; 40 varieties of grapes; 50 varieties of mangoes; 15 varieties of jackfruit trees and numerous other exotic edibles are grown here. Visitors are invited to munch at the tasting counter inside the Park Store. Ask about a guided tour (which we loved). $7/person (2009). |
| Green Cay Wetlands 12800 Hagen Ranch Rd. Boynton Beach, FL 33437 |
Palm Beach County | Palm Beach. This park includes 1.5 miles of elevated boardwalk, which takes visitors through various habitats, including Cabbage Palm Hammock, Cypress Swamp, Wetland Hammock, and Tropical Hardwood Hammock. Chickee Huts are spread out along the boardwalk, which also has descriptive signs offering information on the wildlife and plant life. The Nature Center showcases exhibits on the Water Cycle as well as a turtle pond, frog terrarium, alligator hole, and a wetland diorama. There is also a theater and gift shop inside. Many species of birds can be seen throughout the park, including Purple Gallinule, Least Bittern, and Northern Rough-winged Swallow. Mammals include Marsh Rabbit, Raccoon, and Bobcat. | |
| Hatbill Park (321) 264-5037 100 Hatbill Rd. Mims, FL 32754 |
Brevard Parks | Titusville. A variety of habitats are found here including pine, palmetto, hardwood, hammocks, freshwater lakes and river, and wetlands. Certain areas have a unique plant community supported by connate saltwater which flows from small springs near Harney and Puzzle lakes. The salinity of small lakes in the area approaches one-third that of sea water. Many salt-tolerant and marine-dwelling organisms present here are not found anywhere else in the St. Johns River. Hatbill Park is a great place to be at sunrise. There are usually lots of wading birds and some small peeps along with mottled and wood ducks and other waterfowl. There are bobwhites and meadowlarks as well as red-winged blackbirds, boat-tailed and common grackles, fish crows and anhingas. You can usually find cardinals, shrikes, rufous-sided towhees and vireos here. Working along the road you may see blue jays, tufted titmice, robins, cedar waxwings, sedge and march wrens, swamp and savannah sparrows, and four species of woodpeckers (pileated, red-bellied, downy and flicker). Occasionally seen are red-headed woodpeckers and yellow-bellied sapsuckers. You can usually find pine, prairie, black and white, parula, palm, yellow-throated, and yellow-rump warblers in season. Many others may be found in migration. Solitary and white-eyed vireos are here as well as red-eyed in migration. Blue-gray gnatcatchers and brown-headed nuthatches are usually around somewhere. Barred owls, great horned owls and screech owls are also found here. | |
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Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park (352) 628-5343 4150 S. Suncoast Blvd. Homosassa, FL 34446 |
Homosassa Springs | Tampa. It is a showcase for Florida wildlife (zoo and recovering animals). It offers visitors an excellent opportunity to observe native animals, birds and plants in their natural setting. Walk along a naturally beautiful boardwalk and view many Florida species such as manatee, cougar, bear, white-tailed deer, bobcat, otter, and fox. I has an excellent manatee demonstration that includes an underwater observatory. $9/person. Allow 3 to 6 hours. |
| John D MacArthur Beach State Park (561) 624-6952 10900 Jack Nicklaus Dr. N. Palm Beach, FL. 33408 |
Florida State Parks | Palm Beach. A unique mixture of coastal and tropical hammock and mangrove forest, this barrier island provides a haven for several rare or endangered native tropical and coastal plant species. Visitors can swim, picnic, and surf at the beach; scuba diving and snorkeling are also popular activities. Birdwatchers can see herons, brown pelicans, terns, sandpipers, and gulls. Features guided nighttime turtle walks, where you may be lucky enough to get a front-row view of giant endangered loggerheads, as well as leatherback and green turtles, laying their eggs. Walks are held in June and July, 8:30-11:30 p.m. (days vary to best catch the full moon) | |
| Jonathan Dickinson State Park (772) 546-2771 16450 S.E. Federal Highway Hobe Sound, FL 33455 |
Florida State Parks | Palm Beach. This park teems with wildlife in 13 natural communities, including sand pine scrub, pine flatwoods, mangroves, and river swamps. The Loxahatchee River, Florida's first federally designated Wild and Scenic River, runs through the park. Ranger-guided tours of the 1930s pioneer homestead of Trapper Nelson are available year-round. Visitors can enjoy paved and off-road biking, equestrian, and hiking trails. Boating, canoeing, and kayaking along the river are also great ways to see the park. Anglers can fish along the riverbank or from a boat. The nature and history of the park comes to life through exhibits and displays in the Elsa Kimbell Environmental Education and Research Center. | |
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John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (305) 451-6300 Mile Marker 102.5, north of Key Largo |
Pennekamppark | Keys. A world-class park. First undersea park in the U.S., covers approximately 178 nautical square miles of coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangrove swamps. Established to protect the only living coral reef in the U.S. Famous for diving and snorkeling to view the coral reefs, which are among the most beautiful and diverse of all living communities. Has glass-bottomed boats ($24) that depart daily at 9:15, 12:15, and 3:00. $5/person entry (2009). |
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(Arthur R. Marshall) Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge (561) 732-3684 10216 Lee Rd. Boynton Beach FL. 33473 |
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Refuge | Boynton Beach. The 146,000-acre refuge consists mostly of the sawgrass marsh that is so characteristic of the Everglades environment and is one of the few places where lucky observers might see the endangered snail kite searching for food. provide viewing opportunities for a large variety of wetland flora and fauna. It is home to the American alligator and the endangered Everglades snail kite. In any given year, as many as 257 species of birds may use the refuge's diverse wetland habitats. $5/car. Allow 2 to 10 hours. |
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Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (321) 861-0667 |
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service |
Titusville. Consisting of 140,000 acres, the Refuge provides a wide variety of habitats: coastal dunes, saltwater estuaries and marshes, freshwater impoundments, scrub, pine flatwoods, and hardwood hammocks provide habitat for more than 1,500 species of plants and animals. Many recreational opportunities are offered at the Refuge. Bird and wildlife observation, a 7 mile wildlife drive, manatee observation deck, fishing and hunting opportunities, and boating and paddling are examples of available activities. One of our favorite parks for wildlife. |
| Myakka River State Park (941) 361-6511 13208 S.R. 72 Sarasota, FL 34241 |
Florida State Parks | Sarasota. One of Florida's largest and most diverse natural areas, covering approximately 45 square miles. The Myakka River flows through the park for 12 miles. An airboat tour is available on Upper Myakka Lake, with a tram tour of the park's hammocks and river floodplain offered seasonally. Some 7500 acres of the park are designated a wilderness preserve. There are abundant cottontail rabbits, deer, bobcat, red-shouldered hawks and other wildlife in the park. $5/car (2009). | |
| Naples Nature Center & Briggs Nature Center (239) 262-0304 1450 Merrihue Dr. Naples, FL 34102 |
Marco Island | Naples. Naples Nature Center features a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center amid a unique 14-acre environmental retreat in the heart of Naples and includes a 3,000 gallon sea-turtle aquarium. Briggs Nature Center is a haven for those who want to explore natural Florida. There is a scenic boardwalk, a refreshing butterfly garden chock full of beautiful native plant species, abundant bird life and the chance to set off in a canoe or kayak to discover hidden natural wonders along meandering waterways. | |
| National Key Deer Refuge (305) 872-0774 28950 Watson Blvd. Big Pine Key, Fl 33043 |
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Refuge | Lower Keys. Located on 25 islands and consists of a patchwork of small and large tracts of pine forest, mangrove forest, hardwood hammocks, freshwater wetlands and marine waters. Key deer are found on these 25 islands. The Key deer is the smallest sub-species of the Virginia white-tailed deer. Because the Key deer population is low and remains under threat of extinction from human interaction, the subspecies is federally listed as endangered. The current population is estimated between 600 and 750. Key deer can best be seen at dawn or dusk in the field at the far end of Key Deer Blvd. and along Watson Blvd. on No Name Key. | |
| Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (912) 496-7366 Folkston GA 31537 |
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Refuge | Jacksonville. Actually in southeast Georgia. Okefenokee is a vast bog inside a huge, saucer-shaped depression that was once part of the ocean floor. Peat deposits, up to 15 feet thick, cover much of the swamp floor. These deposits are so unstable in spots that one can cause trees and surrounding bushes to tremble by stomping the surface. In fact, Okefenokee is a European rendition of the Indian words meaning "land of the trembling earth." | |
| Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park (352) 466-3397 100 Savannah Blvd. Micanopy, FL 32667 |
Florida State Parks | Gainesville. Prairie is biologically, geologically, and historically unique. This park became Florida's first state preserve in 1971 and is now designated as a National Natural Landmark. Over 20 distinct biological communities provide a rich array of habitats for wildlife, including alligators, bison, wild horses, and over 270 species of birds. Exhibits and an audio-visual program at the visitor center explain the area's natural and cultural history. A 50-foot-high observation tower near the visitor center provides a panoramic view of the preserve. Eight trails provide opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and bicycling. $4/Car (2009). | |
| Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands (321) 637-5521 10001 Wickham Rd. Melbourne, FL 32940 |
Brevard County | Titusville. A popular site for birders, photographers, and eco-tourists. The entire wetland system is accessible by automobile, making the site popular among those who find the rigors of hiking trails and summer temperatures daunting. Even better, viewing the site from one's automobile serves to screen visitors from birds and wildlife, enhancing the experience. | |
| St. Joseph Peninsula State Park (850) 227-1327 8899 Cape San Blas Rd. Port St. Joe, FL 32456 |
Florida State Parks | Tallahassee. Features miles of white sand beaches, striking dune formations, and a heavily-forested interior. Its Gulf beach was rated #3 in the U.S. in the 1999 "Best Beaches Survey" conducted by noted coastal researcher Dr. Stephen Leatherman, known as "Dr. Beach." The park is an excellent birding area, with sightings of 209 species currently recorded. Furnished vacation cabins are located on the St. Joseph's Bay side of the park, and there are 118 campsites with water, electricity, picnic tables and grills. | |
| Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve (904)641-7155 |
National Park Service | Jacksonville. Visit one of the last unspoiled coastal wetlands on the Atlantic Coast. Discover 6,000 years of human history and experience the beauty of salt marshes, coastal dunes, and hardwood hammocks. Visitor centers, Fort Caroline and Kingsley Plantation. More sites and activities can be found under Plan Your Visit and Partnership Areas. | |
| Venice Rookery | Florida Tourism | Sarasota. One of the world’s premier destinations for the Bird Photographer. This bird sanctuary sits quietly amidst the densely populated areas of western Florida between Tampa and Sarasota, in the town of Venice. This Mecca for the Nature Photographer is located within a few short blocks of a busy Wal-Mart, and a Burger King. Such an unassuming a location, that most residents may never realize, that such a productive oasis of bird life is within their midst. Bird photographers and nature lovers from around the world, flock to this small, unobtrusive island, to witness its avian wonders. The Venice Rookery offers the nature photographer an opportunity to photograph colonies of nesting Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, and may yield opportunities to photograph other species such as the Anhinga, Snowy Egret, Cormorants, White Ibis, Black-Crowned Night Heron, Common Moorhen, Pied-billed Grebe, Wood Stork as well as a plethora of other small visiting birds. Directions: take I-75 to Jacaranda Boulevard (Exit 193). Go right (north) on US Highway 41 until you see the State Highway Patrol Office located at 4000 S. Tamiami Trail. Turn left just past the Office, as if you were going there, but instead follow the road all of the way back until you reach the park in about a mile. Parking is to your left. | |
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Wakodahatchee Wetlands 13026 Jog Rd. Delray Beach, FL |
Palm Beach County | Delray Beach. The Wakodahatchee Wetlands have attracted an abundant variety of wildlife including turtles, frogs, alligators and birds. More than 140 different species of birds have been spotted at the site. These species thrive in the various wetland zones found at Wakodahatchee Wetlands. The zones were designed for a mixture of habitat types: 1) Open pond water areas to attract waterfowl and diving birds, 2) Emergent marsh areas for rails, moorhens, and sparrows 3) Shallow shelves for herons and egrets 4) Islands with shrubs and snags to serve as roosting, nesting, and basking sites 5) Forested wetland areas for long-term habitat development. A park on the Intercoastal. Shows what the native fauna is like. Allow 1 to 3 hours. |
| Weeki Wachee Springs State Park (352) 592-5656 6131 Commercial Way Spring Hill, FL 34606 |
Weeki Wachee Springs | Tampa. "Mermaids" have been putting on acrobatic swimming shows here every day since 1947. It's a sight to see them doing their dances in waters that come from one of America's most prolific freshwater springs, pouring some 170 million gallons of 72°F (22°C) water each day into the river. There's more than mermaids here; you can also take a Wilderness River Cruise across the Weeki Wachee River and send the kids on the flume ride at Buccaneer Bay, the water park part of the attraction. In 2008 the park was taken over by the state. $15/person plus $3 parking (2009). | |
| Wekiwa Springs State Park (407) 884 2008 1800 Wekiwa Circle Apopka, FL 32712 |
Florida State Parks | Orlando. Offers 7800 acres of wild scenery that show how central Florida looked when the Timucuan Indians speared fish in the spring-fed creeks and stalked deer in the uplands. Wekiwa Springs is the headwaters for the beautiful Wekiva River. The main spring area pumps out 42 million gallons of water daily. A number of threatened and endangered plant and animal species are found at the park, including the Southern black bear and the American bald eagle. Popular activities include swimming in the cool clear waters of Wekiwa Springs and canoeing on the Wekiva River. There are 13 miles of trails. $5/car (2009). | |
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West Lake Park (954) 926-2410 1200 Sheridan St. Hollywood, FL 33019 |
Fodors | Hollywood. 1,500 acres at the Intracoastal Waterway, Rent a canoe, kayak, or boat with an electric motor or take the 40-minute environmental boat tour. Extensive boardwalks traverse mangroves, sheltering endangered and threatened species. A 65-foot observation tower showcases the entire park. More than $1 million in exhibits are on display at the Anne Kolb Nature Center. The center's exhibit hall has 27 interactive displays, an ecology room, and a tri-level aquarium. |
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Audubon Center for Birds of Prey (407) 644-0190 1101 Audubon Way Maitland, FL 32751 |
Audubon Center for Birds of Prey | 5.00 (2009) | Orlando. A good place to spend an hour or two. It is mostly outdoors. They hand you a plastic coated guide book which tells about each of the species of raptors at the sanctuary, along with pictures of specific birds, why they are there, and their name. You can stroll past the aviaries to see each of the different birds. The best bet is to see if any staff are available to converse. We definitely got to learn a lot more because we spent time with some of the volunteers who run the center. It's gratifying to note that none of these birds could exist in the wild, all having been injured, imprinted or abandoned. You get great respect for each of these magnificent birds. TThere is a small indoor area with videos, and a window overlooking a garden. In the front entrance, ask to see if a volunteer is available to bring birds out to show. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10PM to 4PM. Good photo opportunities. Allow 1 to 4 hours. |
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Babcock Wilderness Adventures (800) 500-5583 8000 State Rd. 31 Punta Gorda, FL 33982 |
Babcock Wilderness Adventures | 18.00 (2009) | Fort Myers. Features the Swamp Buggy Tour, which is a 90-minute wildlife tour through the swamp area and ranch. Specially built swamp buggies carry you through unspoiled pinewoods, fresh water marsh, and sections of the Telegraph Cypress Swamp. A tour guide completes the experience with commentaries on the wildlife, ranch activities such as cattle and horses, and history of the area. You will encounter panthers, alligators, wild turkeys, and other Florida wildlife. You may need to make reservations. Allow 2 to 3 hours. |
| Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum (239) 395-2233 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Rd Sanibel, FL 33957 |
Shell Museum | 7.00 (2009) | Sanibel. the only museum in the United States devoted solely to saltwater, freshwater, and land shells (yes, snails are included). The museum is a far cry from the tourist-trap shell factories you'll see throughout the state. Shells from as far away as South Africa surround a 6-foot globe in the middle of the main exhibit hall, thus showing their geographic origins. A spinning wheel-shaped case identifies shells likely to wash up on Sanibel. Other exhibits are devoted to shells in tribal art, fossil shells found in Florida, medicinal qualities of various mollusks, the endangered Florida tree snail, and "sailor's valentines"—shell crafts made by natives of Barbados for sailors to bring home to their loved ones. The library attracts serious malacologists (those who study mollusks) and a shop has clever shell-themed gifts. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 4pm | |
| Billie Swamp Safari (863) 983-6101 Clewiston, FL, Lemon Grove Road |
Billie Swamp Safari | Airboat 15.00; Swamp buggy 25.00 (2009) | 65 miles west of West Palm Beach. It is an up-close-and-personal view of the Seminole Indians' 2,200-acre Big Cypress Reservation. Tours into reservation wetlands, hardwood hammocks, and areas where wildlife (seemingly strategically placed deer, water buffalo, bison, wild hogs, ornery ostriches, rare birds, and alligators) reside. Tours are provided aboard swamp buggies, customized motorized vehicles specially designed to provide visitors with an elevated view of the frontier while they comfortably ride through the wetlands and cypress heads. The more adventurous may want to take a fast-moving airboat ride or trek a nature trail. Airboat rides run about 20 minutes, while swamp-buggy tours last about an hour. A stop at an alligator farm reeks of Disney, but the kids won't care. You can stay overnight in a native Tiki hut for $35 (2009) per night if you're really looking to immerse yourself in the culture. Also includes animal petting and possibly feeding them. The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum is next door. It presents the history of the Seminole Indians. They are the only Indians that did not sign a peace treaty with the United States. Need to make reservations. | |
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Bush Gardens | Bush Gardens | 70.00 (2009) | Tampa. A family adventure park offering an array of fascinating attractions based on exotic encounters with the African continent. A unique blend of thrilling rides, one of the country's premier zoos featuring more than 2,700 animals, live shows, restaurants, shops and games. Allow 1 to 3 days. |
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Butterfly World (954) 977-4400 3600 W. Sample Rd. Coconut Creek, FL 33073 |
Butterfly World | 24.95 (2009) |
Boca Rotan, As many as 80 butterfly species from South and Central America, the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan, and other Asian nations are typically found within the serenity of Butterfly World, a 3-acre site inside Tradewinds Park (itself a delight with fishing, an educational farm, horseback riding, and sports-equipment rental). A screened aviary called North American Butterflies is reserved for native species. The Tropical Rain Forest Aviary is a 30-foot-high construction, with observation decks, waterfalls, ponds, and tunnels where thousands of colorful butterflies flutter. Kids bug out on the bug zoo. Allow 1 to 4 hours. |
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Cape Coral Burrowing Owls | Cape Coral | free (2009) | Fort Myers. The burrowing owl is a pint-sized bird that lives in open, treeless areas. The burrowing owl spends most of its time on the ground, where its sandy brown plumage provides camouflage from potential predators. One of Florida's smallest owls, it averages nine inches in height with a wingspan of 21 inches. The burrowing owl lacks the ear tufts of the more familiar woodland owls. Bright yellow eyes and a white chin accent the face. Unusually long legs provide additional height for a better view from its typical ground-level perch. About 10,000 burrowing owls live around Cape Coral. Allow 1 to 4 hours. |
| Bill Tucker Wildlife Photography | Summary of the article: There are many areas in Cape Coral that have Burrowing Owls. I will only highlight one main location. Other locations can be found on the linked map below or by driving around the area. The main area to look is on roads off of Skyline Dr. You want to look on the ground within the first 30 feet or so from the street, known as the swell. Most burrows are staked with white PVC posts, signs and an awful looking T-Perch. There may or may not be surveyors tape tied between the PVC posts. One of the more reliable areas to find these little guys is around the Cape Coral Library. The street that runs in front of the Library generally has the majority of the burrows. As these little guys are used to people it is not generally too hard to get close. Keep a distance of 20' or more. If they puff-up attempting to be bigger/taller or start making clicking sounds or bobbing their head they are not comfortable with how close you are or your actions. They will be more tolerant if you're sitting on the ground. Typically they are out in the early morning and the late afternoon. Do not walk or step inside the staked areas. It takes very little weight to collapse their borrows possibly trapping them inside. Cape Coral Borrowing Owl Map. Directions: Take Pine Island Road west to Skyline Blvd. Make a left on Skyline and continue until you reach Mohawk Parkway. There will be a Wal-Mart Grocery (green signage) on your right. Make a right on Skyline then a right on SW 9th Ct. Continue to the next intersection you will then be facing the entrance to the library. One can also reach Skyline Blvd from Ft. Myers by coming across Veterans Memorial Parkway/Colonial Blvd or Cape Coral Parkway/Collage Parkway. | |||
| Caribbean Gardens & Naples Zoo (239) 262-5409 590 Goodlette Rd Naples, FL 34102 |
Caribbean Gardens | 19.95 (2009) | Naples. The only zoo in Florida to have rare, Indochinese tigers and a supporting cast of lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, and African wild dogs, Caribbean Gardens is an oasis of animal activity. In addition to the standard caged animals, the zoo has boat rides, primate islands, a large display of flora, and close encounters with kangaroos, alligators, and pythons. You can see them on a boat safari that slinks through spectacular tropical gardens and the islands of Lake Victoria, which monkeys, lemurs, and apes call home. The Safari Canyon presentation is a cool multimedia combination of video, music, and live animals that swim, leap, stalk, and slither around the natural rock-work theater that's only a splash away from the audience. Allow 3 to 4 hours. | |
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Disney World (407) 939-6244 |
Disney World | 75.00 (2009) | Orlando. What can you say about a place that features no less than 6 theme parks? Includes Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Blizzard beach, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Typhoon Lake. No matter how old you are, you need to go here at least once. Ticket prices drop dramatically at the number of days goes up. Allow at least a day per theme park. |
| Dolphin Research Center (305) 289-1121 MM59 BS The Keys |
Dolphin Research Center | 180.00 (2009) | Keys. Their Dolphin Encounter program offers two options! Enter the exciting world of the dolphins, participating in a playful, structured, interactive program. During a workshop, the trainer will explain what to expect and also show you basic hand signals so that YOU can ask the dolphins for a variety of interactive behaviors during your session. The Deep Water Dolphin Encounter includes the energetic dorsal pull. Not a swimmer, or uncomfortable in deep water? Choose the Shallow Water Dolphin Encounter for a great time while remaining on the submerged platform. | |
| Edison & Ford Winter Estates (239) 334-7419 |
Edison & Ford Winter Estates | 20.00 (2009) | Fort Myers. Mrs. Edison gave the 14-acre estate to the city of Fort Myers in 1947, and today it's Southwest Florida's top historic attraction. It looks exactly as it did during Edison's lifetime. Costumed actors portraying the Edisons, the Fords, and their friends, such as Harvey S. Firestone, give living-history accounts of how the wealthy lived in those days. | |
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Flamingo Gardens (954) 473-2955 3750 S Flamingo Rd Davie, FL 33330 |
Flamingo Gardens | 17.00 (2009) | Fort Lauderdale. See a touch of history on 60 acres of lush gardens, showcasing rare, exotic and native plants. Tour the citrus groves and the Wray Botanical Collection. Explore the Free-Flight Aviary, Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary and historic 1930s Wray Home. Enjoy an eco-experience of the Florida Everglades. Allow 3 to 6 hours. |
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Florida Aquarium (813) 273-4000 |
Florida Aquarium | Aquarium 18.00 Eco Tour 20.00 Both 33.00 (2009) |
Tampa. See the more than 5,000 aquatic animals and plants that call Florida home at this entertaining attraction. The exhibits follow a drop of water from the springs of the Florida Wetlands Gallery, through a mangrove forest in the Bays and Beaches Gallery, and out onto the Coral Reefs, where an impressive 43-foot-wide, 14-foot-tall panoramic window lets you look out at schools of fish and lots of sharks and stingrays. Also worth visiting are the educational Explore a Shore playground, a deepwater exhibit, and a tank housing moray eels. You can look for birds and sea life on 90-minute Eco Tour cruises in the Bay Spirit, a 64-foot catamaran. The aquarium also offers a Dive with the Sharks. We were very impressed. Allow 3 to 8 hours. |
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Florida Keys Wild Bird Center 305-852-4486 93600 OS Tavernier, FL, 33070 |
Florida Keys Wild Bird Center | donation (2009) | Key Largo. plenty of healthy, wild, and beautiful birds around―along the boardwalk, up in the trees, and down along the Bay. But the Center isn't just for the birds! Solution holes, cap rock, & pneumatophores are all around. Minnows, crabs, and sunsets appear regularly along the bay. They feed wild pelicans at 5 PM daily. Bromeliads are abundant along the nature trail. Allow 1 to 4 hours. |
| Gatorland (800) 393-5297 14501 South Orange Blossom Trail Orlando, FL 32837 |
Gatorland | 22.99 (2009) | Orlando. It houses thousands of alligators (including a rare blue one) and crocodiles on its 70-acre spread. Breeding pens, nurseries, and rearing ponds are situated throughout the park, which also displays snakes, toads, insects, turtles, and a Galápagos tortoise. Its 2,000-foot boardwalk winds through a cypress swamp and breeding marsh. There are three shows. Gator Wrestlin' uses the old "put-them-to-sleep" trick, but it's more of an environmental awareness program. The Gator Jumparoo is a crowd-pleaser in which the big reptiles lunge 4 or 5 feet out of the water to snatch a hunk of meat from a trainer's hand. Up Close Encounters features a variety of wildlife, including some venomous snakes. | |
| Heritage Village (727) 582-2123 11909 125th St. N. Largo, FL 33774 |
Heritage Village | donation (2009) | Tampa. Features, a 21-acre living history museum featuring 28 beautifully restored historic structures set in native pine and palmetto landscape. As you stroll the mulched or red brick paths, you learn about Florida's past through the lives of Pinellas Park's early residents. Among the 28 structures, you'll see the oldest existing structure in Pinellas County, the oldest continuously lived-in home in Pinellas County, a one-room schoolhouse, a bandstand and an early neighborhood store complete with service garage and barbershop. | |
| Kennedy Space Center (321) 867-5000 Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899 |
NASA | Titusville. At Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, you get the unique chance to tour – up close – NASA’s launch and landing facilities, experience interactive simulators, enjoy live shows and have jaw-dropping encounters with massive rockets. Plus, you can even meet a member of NASA’s Astronaut Corps. It’s all what you can expect from an inspiring day at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Allow 4 to 8 hours. | ||
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Lion Country Safari (561) 793-1084 2003 Lion Country Safari Rd Loxahatchee, Florida 33470 |
Lion Country Safari | 24.00 (2009) | West Palm Beach. More than 1,300 animals on this 500-acre preserve (the nation's first cageless drive-through safari) are divided into their indigenous regions, from the East African preserve of the Serengeti to the American West. Elephants, lions, wildebeest, ostriches, American bison, buffalo, watusi, pink flamingos, and many other unusual species roam the preserve. Allow 2 to 8 hours. |
| Marine Science Center (386) 304-5545 100 Lighthouse Dr Ponce Inlet, FL 32127 |
Marine Science Center | 4.00 (2009) | Jacksonville. This marine museum has interior displays (with exhibits on mangroves, mosquitoes, shells, artificial reefs, dune habitats, and pollution solutions), a 5,000-gallon aquarium, and educational programs and activities. Though the exhibit area is rather small, there's more than enough information for a child to digest at one time. Perhaps the most interesting part of the center is the space reserved for the rehabilitation of endangered and threatened sea turtles. You can watch them in any of seven turtle tanks—look for the ones that need life jackets to stay afloat! | |
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Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens 561-495-0233 4000 Morikami Park Rd Delray Beach, Fl 33446 |
Morikami | 10.00 (2009) | Boca Raton. A center for Japanese arts and culture in South Florida, with rotating exhibitions in its galleries, tea ceremonies performed monthly in its Seishin-an tea house, an educational outreach program with local schools and organizations, and Japanese traditional festivals celebrated for the public several times a year. Allow 1 to 6 hours. |
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MB MT RT 5 |
St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park (904)824-3337 999 Anastasia Blvd St. Augustine, FL 32080 |
Alligator Farm | 21.95 (2009) | St. Augustine. Gators and crocs are a dime a dozen. In fact, there are more than 1,000 of them—including some rare white ones—on display at this more-than-a-century-old attraction. It houses the world's only complete collection of all 22 species of crocodilians, a category that includes alligators, crocodiles, caimans, and gavials. There are also ponds and marshes filled with ducks, geese, swans, herons, egrets, ibises, and other native wading birds. Entertaining (and educational) 20-minute alligator and reptile shows take place hourly throughout the day, and you can often see narrated feedings from spring through fall. Don't miss Maximo, an Australian croc that weighs 1,250 lbs.; is 15 feet, 3 inches long; and is the father to 17 baby crocs. In the spring, you can get very close to wading bird nests. Excellent place! Allow 2 hours to days (for photographers). |
| Sarasota Jungle Gardens 941-355-5305 3701 Bay Shore Rd Sarasota, FL 34234 |
Sarasota Jungle Gardens | 14.00 (2009) | Tampa. One of Florida's better throwback attractions, Sarasota Jungle Gardens fills 10 acres with native and exotic animals as well as tropical plants. The lush gardens date to 1936, and still have the small-world feel of yesterday's Florida. You'll find native species such as red-tailed hawks and great-horned owls in the birds of prey show, Burmese pythons and other snakes in the reptile encounter and bugs of many varieties in a show called Critters and Things. You can talk to trainers in the Meet the Keeper show and get to know such plants as the rare Australian nut tree and the Peruvian apple cactus in the gardens. Also on-site are flocks of flamingos, reptiles, and a butterfly garden. | |
| SeaWorld Orlando 800-327-2424 7007 SeaWorld Dr Orlando, FL 32821 |
SeaWorld | 49.95 (2009) | Orlando. SeaWorld has perfected an excellent recipe for adventure – take spectacular entertainment, combine it with animal interactions, and add thrilling rides to have a "fin-tastic" time. As the world's premier marine adventure park, SeaWorld Orlando features 200 acres of world-class shows, thrilling rides and unforgettable animal encounters. SeaWorld guests can get splashed by Shamu, dine eye-to-eye with sharks, sleep next to manatees, or be suspended mid-air on a state-of-the-art roller coaster – all in one adventure-packed day. | |
| Silver Springs (352) 236-2121 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd. Silver Springs, FL 34488 |
Silver Springs | 34.99 (2009) | Ocola. (150 miles NW of Orlando). The springs gush nearly 550 million gallons (over 2,000 million liters) of crystal clear water every day creating the largest natural artesian spring formation in the world. Features glass-bottomed boats, jungle cruises, wildlife park, petting zoo, alligator farm, and botanical gardens. | |
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Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary (727) 391-6211 18328 Gulf Blvd Indian Shores, Fl 33785 |
Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary | donation (2009) | Tampa. The largest wild bird hospital and bird sanctuary in the United States, based on the admission of up to 10,000 birds per year. For over 37 years, the Sanctuary has helped injured wild birds. The Sanctuary's mission is dedicated to the rescue, repair, and rehabilitation of injured birds and then their release back into nature. Open 365 days a year from 9:00 AM until sunset. Public tours are Wednesdays and Sundays at 2:00 PM. Wild birds are all around the sanctuary. Allow 1 to 4 hours. |
| Turtle Hospital (305) 743-2552 2396 OS Marathon, FL 33050 |
Turtle Hospital | 15.00 (2009) | Marathon. A rescue center for sea turtle. Provides tours and the chance to feed the turtle. |
| Daytona Beach | Daytona Beach | The city is historically known as having one of the few beaches in the world where the hard packed sand allows motorized vehicles to drive on the beach in restricted areas. This hard packed sand made Daytona Beach a Mecca for motorsports, with the old Daytona Beach Road Course having hosted races for over 50 years. | |
| Key West | Key West | At the bottom of the Keys, this town is a vacation haunt. | |
| Miami | Miami Beach | Beyond the radiant sun, surf and sand, discover Miami Beach’s rich history as an entertainment and cultural destination, from world-famous Art Deco architecture to renowned nightclubs to designer fashions on Collins Avenue and Lincoln Road. There’s so much going on in Miami Beach, you’ll need an extra hour to enjoy everything that makes this city so vibrant. As the world’s elite playground, Miami Beach promises a 25-hour day; and whether you are an arts enthusiast, foodie, shopaholic, socialite or sun worshipper, there are plenty of options for where to spend that extra hour (or at least wish you had). | |
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St. Augustine | Augustine | The nation's oldest city, also holds the distinction of being one of the nation's most charming. Known as the "Ancient City," North Florida boasts a year-round mild climate perfect for strolling Saint Augustine's delightful historic district, with its cobblestone streets, quaint cafes, bars, unique shops and bed-and-breakfast inns. Experience the beauty of an early morning that slowly comes alive with locals and tourists setting out on foot to explore significant landmarks. |
Marker 88 Restaurant, MM 88 BS,
Islamorada (305) 852-9315. $$.
Trip Advisor reviews. We had a wonderful lunch here. The food and
view were excellent.By the way, you can find substantial discounts to some of these attractions. Many give senior discounts, some give AAA discounts, AARP, and others offer a discount or coupon on their website.
| Rating | Book |
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Adventure Guide Florida Keys & Everglades National Park by Bruce Morris, 2005. A terrific, opinionated guide with lots of in depth information and ratings. If you are going to the Keys, you definitely want to take this one. |
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Frommer's Florida with Your Family: From Theme Park Fun to Sunny Beach Getaways by Lesley Anne Rose, 2008. Although this book was written for the British, it is excellent guide. Lots of nature lover location and more in depth detail than the standard guides. |
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Lonely Planet Florida by Willy Volk, Adam Karlin, and Becca Blond, 2009. Lots of good places and more detail than most of the other books. |
The maps were made with Google Earth. It is a free from
Google. You can download the files I created:
After installing Google Earth and downloading the files, just double click on
the files to display them.
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07/11/10
