Love the area, it is very well kept, and the people who work here are super knowledgeable about the animals, trees and wildlife. You can bring your bikes or hike through the preserve. There are wild pigs/hogs and of course gators can be found in plain sight. Being alert is especially important here but I feel that makes it a better experience. The preserve is enormous so plan on making multiple trips. F.y.i. Bring yourself plenty to drink and wear comfortable clothing. There are a lot of mosquitoes depending on the time of year so plan for that during the hotter season.

Ok so for the 3 star rating. Now the place is absolutely cool looking for sure plenty of hiking trails that are very well maintained and definitely what's the word photogenic or something now I could probably easily rate it 5 stars but man we were so disappointed when we went , we saw pretty much nothing as far as wildlife, no gators, otters, bobcats which we figured we wouldn't see them due to the time of day but that being said it was pretty decently sunny and in the 80s so definitely figured we'd at least see some alligators and before going when we seen reviews on Google that it was a definite Hotspot to see them so as for that it was a let down. Like I said otherwise definitely a nice scenic place and I'm sure as far as the wildlife goes some days will be better than others .

Loved the scenery. Nature at its finest for sure. Loved the free parking and free entry to this place. Make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes when coming here. I learned the hard way (I had on flip flops) We got to see lots of alligators up close and personal. Saw lots of birds and even a turtle. The people visiting were very nice and repeat visitors too. The workers were very pleasant and spoke to us giving us information for future visits as far as tours etc. This was a definite work out and make sure you bring lots of water to stay hydrated when walking here !!

Even with Central Florida havling a very dry season wildflower and wildlife were all over as we walked the trails! Parking lots were filling up around 9:30am. Portable bathrooms were clean. Lots of benches along hiking trails

A nature reserve park with lots of green spaces and path walks. Finding some alligators, turtles, and birds along the trail felt like true-to-life Jurassic park. I had a wonderful time with friends.

I love Circle B Bar Reserve. Last week we spent over $200 to go on an air boat ride to see alligators. Didn’t really see anything but a little one. Then I took them to the reserve! Such a great place to take our family from up north. My grandson saw several little guys and one huge alligator. The trails are so well kept and it just feels good to be able to walk and see such beautiful nature.

As a wildlife photographer hobbyist this place is great when it comes to diversity in wildlife. From small birds to alligators, if you are patient and have a good eye you will see some amazing creatures. Please take out what you take in.

Dinosaur World FL was a fun experience for our family. Decorated for Halloween made it even more fun. Dinosaur World has Twenty two acres of dinosaurs, along with a splash pad, play grounds, and a museum. I think it would appeal mostly to families with smaller children. General admissions is a good deal however if you want to do any of the activities like fossil hunting, the tram or dino cars its extra. There is no cafe though they do have vending machines and snacks in a few locations so bring your own food or eat before coming. The park overall is clean and staff friendly with a large gift shop and clean bathrooms. We had a great time.

Great place for the younger and older dinosaur lover! We took our grandson who is 3 and there was so much for him to do! There is a splash pad, 2 playground areas, a train ride, a fossil dig, gem mining and so much more! It is very well shaded all throughout the park and there are plenty of rest areas, picnic areas and misting fans around to keep everyone happy. It was also well decorated for Halloween with a trunk or treat and other Halloween festivities going on all around the park. This is a must do activity for toddlers!

Dinosaur World has lots of cool dinosaur statues to look at, and my little ones really enjoyed seeing them up close. The staff was friendly and helpful, which we really appreciated. However, for the full price (even after paying for extras), it didn’t feel like there was enough to do. There were limits on how many times you could ride the train, and there weren’t many activities to keep the kids busy beyond looking at the dinosaurs. Overall, a nice visit for dinosaur fans, but the experience could definitely be improved — especially considering the cost.

Way overpriced for what it was! our 5 and 7 year old were very bored. Staff was pleasant and the park was clean. Nice murals and the trees were pretty to look at . Many dogs there, looks like people brought their pets .

This is a great park. A lot bigger than it looks. A lot of life sized dinosaurs with great kid activities: train ride, fossil dig, and mini golf to name a few. Great museum, gift shop, and info placards along the way for adults also. Conviently located right off I4.

Definitely needs some TLC!! Beautiful foliage all around the park but really needs to be cleaned up. If it weren't for all the Halloween decoration there really wouldn't be much too look at and do. But we had a good time walking around and checking it out.

We went to the Halloween event. Very fun! There was face painting and fake tattoos. Very decorated for Halloween. During the day would be nice because they have a splash pad and a part of the park I wasn’t able to see due to it being closed for the event. We will be back! Also they have a whole crystal/rock collection for sale in the front.

This place is awesome! Easy to navigate, cool to look at, pretty educational if you take the time to read. It's also located on a port or something where cruise ships arrive and depart, which was neat to watch. All of the wildlife appears well taken care of, which is a huge plus. Tickets on a Saturday were pretty expensive, nearly $50 each, but if you think of it like a means to offer the care and attention for these animals, it's not so bad. The only real negatives, to me, were the gift shop (not much in the way of interesting merch for an adult), and the food. The food was abysmal. I paid almost $20 bucks for a burger that was unbelievably overcooked and dry, I couldn't even finish it even though I was starving. Good thing you don't go to an aquarium for the burgers! I still highly recommend visiting, it was a great experience. Just make sure you eat first and you'll be fine. Take your time to sit and observe the wildlife instead of trying to rush to the next thing. It really is something special.

Such a beautiful aquarium! I loved all of the exhibits. They have cool enclosures for all of the birds and where the lemurs are at. The big tank had lots of cool fish and sharks! They also have an octopus which I thought was pretty cool. It was a fun experience and was not too crazy busy for a Saturday. Definitely glad they had the trolley that brought us right to it too, very convenient!

The aquarium was beautiful. So many fun fish to see. It was interactive and the employees are all very kind. I only wish there was more to see!! I love the outside area for the kids to run around and the adults to grab a drink. Our tickets also got us a discount on the warship right around the corner which was also an amazing experience. Highly recommend!

Lovely experience visiting the aquarium. Fun thing to do if your visiting. It took us alittle less than 2hrs to get through it all. My kiddos are tweens so they were able to get through it quicker. We were disappointed in not being able to see penguins because of the repairs being done to their exhibit but we did confirm they do have them and that they supposedly bring them out a few times a day. I do think for the size of the aquarium tickets should have been a little less. Overall we enjoyed our visit.

The Florida Aquarium in Tampa completely exceeded my expectations! 🐠 From the moment I walked in, I was amazed by how beautifully everything is designed — it’s clean, spacious, and full of life. The exhibits are stunning, especially the coral reef tunnel and the huge ocean tank with sharks, rays, and sea turtles. What I loved most was how interactive it is — you can touch stingrays, watch playful otters, and see penguins up close. It’s not only fun but also very educational, with lots of information about marine conservation and Florida’s unique ecosystems. Perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers. Whether you spend an hour or half a day, it’s a peaceful and inspiring place to visit. Definitely one of Tampa’s top attractions!

The Florida Aquarium was a wicked awesome surprise. From the minute we walked in, it was wall-to-wall incredible exhibits and hands-on stuff that made you feel like a kid again. They’ve got interactive activities everywhere, so you’re not just staring at fish — you’re actually part of the whole experience. The shark tank? Bub… unreal. Those things glide by you like they own the ocean, and honestly, they kinda do. One of the coolest tanks I’ve ever seen, and I’ve looked at a lot of fish in my day. Everything was clean, the animals looked healthy, and the staff was as friendly as a Mainer handing you a whoopie pie at a potluck. You can tell they really care about the place. We had a wicked good time and would go back in a heartbeat. If you’re anywhere near Tampa, don’t be a chowderhead — go check it out. Totally worth it!

Bro. This aquarium is awesome. I live near the Baltimore aquarium and this aquarium blows the Baltimore aquarium out of the water. Very clean and super friendly staff. The only regret I have is that I was only able to spend one day here. If you go, please tell Saaba I said hi and give him a pet on the head for me. Also , i recommend putting a live camera in the cypress swamp pointing at the bottom of the stairs.

What a fantastic zoo!! My family is in town visiting from out of state. We used our reciprocal zoo membership to visit. I told my husband about halfway thru the day that if we didn’t have our membership and had paid full price it would’ve still been worth visiting. The kids and us had a blast! The zoo was very clean, the exhibits seemed spacious and the animals seemed happy and well cared for. The rides throughout the park, water play area and playground were an unexpected added bonus! We will definitely be back the next time we’re in town.

This zoo is awesome. I was visiting from Miami for a concert and decided to extend my trip to enjoy the zoo. It’s not as big as ZooMiami, but it makes up for it with a lot of heart and some great theming. I’m particularly fond of the Animal Kingdom style safari ride they have here. It’s great and super informative. The Africa and Florida sections are really good but the Australia section leaves a LOT to be desired. That being said, I highly recommend coming here either by yourself, as a couple, or as a family. It really is fun for all ages.

I have been to a few different cities Zoos but this is one of the better ones for sure. They got a great selection of animals and activities for all ages. They got a show on Disney + called Secrets of the Zoo: Tampa, if you want to check it out before going to ZooTampa. There are a ton of food options and different animal experiences as well. I would recommend signing up for the experiences in advance to make sure there is availability the day you want to go. They have added a dinosaur exhibit and they also do theme events during the holidays. If you live in the Tampa Bay Area, I would recommend buying the pay for the day pass because you can come back as much as you want for a year.

Today my grandson and I enjoyed a full day and did not see everything. We purchased the one day with all 2026 admission included. The Christmas holiday permeates the zoo that is usually open til 5pm with special evening holiday event by separate admission or members free We loved the Aftica section with elephants, white rhinos, hippos, giraffes, and less usual a smiles like Okapi and Tapir. We were sad that the train was not working today but my grandson loved the children’s ride with Outback cars and banana airplane ride. The carousel with a dragon and elephant were a hit. Over and over The areas for animals were divided by continent and with a Florida section. Several food selections offered pizzas, popcorn, canned alcohol, bottle beverages often in 100% recycled containers. I found a hot dog eatery with hot dogs and sausage under $11. Delicious Men’s women’s and family Restrooms were located throughout the park, with a dedicated wheel chair accessible stall with grab bars and 4ftx6 ft space. Restroom doors were push and heavy to open. A touch pad opening would be helpful for some visitors inc the woman in a wheelchair that I held the door for— and she agreed about the touch pad. The zoo is mostly accessible except at some rides and kids playground. Today 3 employees went above and beyond. LAURA at customer service understood my mistake in not bringing my phone charger and charged my phone so I could drive my electric vehicle. JACOB at Kona Ice answered my question about their service project. he talked so proudly about Kona Ice that I thought he was the owner, but he is a proud employee. CARLO was the most awesome docent at the giraffes. My grandson got a blister and crying hysterically near one of the shops. DESTINEY offered bandaids and ointment. She maintained complete calm while he screamed, with no judgement. She asked if he wanted some ice cream and gave him a small amount. That gesture really comforted him. Great experience today. Just be aware, the exit is through the gift shop

Was really looking forward to this visit at they claim its a top zoo. Its got a lot of unique activities, unfortuantely all of them seem to be closed or abandoned. The water slide was not running, and most of the booths and other quick service stands had no employees running them. Was hard to find anything to eat or drink The zoo was dead, as in it felt like a ghost town which in a way is nice because some animals were closer due to the low noise of bigger crowds it just felt very very. We tried to go into the African resteraunt and they said the kitchen was closed, the water slide in florida was not running, there were no handlers out to talk to us about the animals, no encounters, or really any sort of event other than the Halloween event which takes place after normal business hours. Very quiet but hard to find any events to do. Really like the australia area which had lots of play items for kids to burn energy out on while also getting see animals. Feels like an educational but fun place to visit, would really enjoy coming back still even with the setbacks experienced. Feels like a blend between a amusement park and zoo. Good value.

We like ZooTampa! Actually a small zoo but lots of things to do! I describe it as a zoo mixed with a theme park! We just bought the CityPass tickets but I just got the annual membership because its gonna be so much worth it especially with a toddler! Our favorite is the “Australia” section where there is a splash pad, a playground, rides, petting zoo! There are also lots of tables and shaded area for parents to wait. It’s clean and well maintained! There are fans everywhere to ease up the heat and also misting stations! The animals are well taken care of! They also have a rehabilitation area for manatees and stingrays that can be touched! Parking is free when we went but they will be implementing a pay parking starting January 2026 for non-members! Can’t wait to come back!!!!

ZooTampa was an absolutely wicked awesome day, bub. We went during the off-season, so it was no lines, no crowds, no waiting — just pure, relaxed exploring. Felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. The rhinos were incredible — giant prehistoric tanks just hanging out. The elephants were majestic as always, and the giraffes were a definite highlight, towering over everything like they owned the zip code. The Africa ride-along tour was wicked cool and made the whole experience feel like a mini-safari. The primates were pure entertainment, doing what primates do: judging us, ignoring us, and occasionally showing off. And the manatees? My wife was in absolute heaven. Those gentle sea floaters were adorable and calming to watch. Now listen — they technically did have a big cat. One lonely tiger, clearly on his coffee break, just sprawled out living his best lazy life. Didn’t move a whisker. I respect it, but I still had to laugh. Overall, the place is clean, well-run, full of cool animals, and just an all-around wicked good time. Five stars without hesitation. If you’re in Tampa, don’t skip it — this zoo is the real deal.

We had such a great time at Busch Gardens Tampa! The park was super quiet when we visited, which made the experience even better - we were able to go on all the rides multiple times without waiting in long lines. It felt like we had the park almost to ourselves. The highlight of the day was definitely the newest coaster, Iron Gwazi. It’s an absolute must-ride - fast, smooth, and full of thrills from start to finish. We couldn’t get enough of it and rode it several times! Overall, the park was clean, well-run, and offered a perfect mix of excitement and relaxation. If you get the chance to visit on a quieter day, you’re in for an unforgettable experience.

Busch Gardens blew me away on my recent visit! The holiday décor was stunning—festive, detailed, and honestly more impressive than what I’ve seen at Disney lately. The food and beverage selection was excellent too, with tons of flavorful options and great seasonal drinks that made the experience feel extra special. The park has clearly invested in major upgrades. Everything felt cleaner, more modern, and much more thoughtfully designed. Plus, there are a ton of awesome rides for both thrill-seekers and young kids, along with multiple playgrounds for all ages—perfect for families who need a breather between attractions. Overall, Busch Gardens has really stepped up its game. The improvements, atmosphere, and value easily put it on a level that rivals—and in many ways surpasses—Disney. Highly recommend!

My favorite happy place in the world when it comes to amusement parks. Busch Gardens prices on tickets is unbeatable for a park that has some of the best rides in the world. The lines are a max of 15 minutes, it is super shady when walking from 1 ride to the other, the fans blow on you so youre not melting in the summer sun and there is something for every age. From safari and animals to rides, it really is a park build for families in mind. The drive is 2 hours for me but its totally worth it!

Oct 2025 We visited busch gardens while holidaying in Orlando for 2 weeks ..It's been 6 years since we last visited, so were very much looking forward to it and the weather was also a lot better than last time...We used the free transport service supplied from SeaWorld Orlando👍. As it was free can't complain .we did have a couple of pic ups on the way , which slowed the journey a bit..We arrived there about 45mins after park open ...The main thing I liked was the coach didn't leave till after park closed , so we were able to make a good full day of it ... Only 2 rides were not operational on the day , cobras curse and the log flume which is now permanently close ...The main attraction for us was going to be iron gwasi ..!!🫣 They hadn't finished it on our last visit,so was very much looking forward to it and it didn't disappoint..The ride is mental from start to finish , Awesome..😁 Apart from a couple of new additions to the park, everything was exactly the same . Although it was a Tuesday and the park was quiet..we didn't have time to check out the animal parts ..But everything else we managed to do more than once...We did have the all day dine , which was ok..kids got more from it than mum and dad did..Food was ok ..Only down side was I couldn't find open and closing times for restaurants on the app (same as SeaWorld)..so a restaurant I did fancy was closed 1 hour before park closed ..Which was disappointing...Overal we had a great day and would return again if we came back to Florida 👍👍

Fantastic day out. Caught the free shuttle bus from Orlando. Went weekday mid November and no ques, although we didn’t actually go on any rides. We did do the safari where you get to feed giraffes, AMAZING. This was on a Black Friday deal for $25, You get quite a bit of time with them and plenty of lettuce to feed them. We also did the sloth encounter (also a black Friday deal for $35), you got to meet 3 sloths (including the baby one) and also got to stroke one. Highly recommend doing this. A fab day out.

My family and I arrived at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay early on Saturday, November 22, 2025, about 30 minutes before the official 10:00 a.m. opening. Staff began letting vehicles into the parking areas around 9:45 a.m. We upgraded to preferred parking, which I highly recommend; it offered a convenient, short walk of just a couple hundred yards to the park entrance. The admission process began promptly at 10:00 a.m. and was a breeze, likely because we had purchased our tickets and parking pass in advance. Since no one in our group enjoys roller coasters, I designed an animal-centric itinerary aimed at an efficient viewing route. My plan led us to the back of the park first, which is where we hit a snag: this section doesn't open until 10:30 a.m. We had to backtrack and follow my itinerary in reverse order. This information wasn't readily available anywhere I looked, so it's a minor inconvenience worth noting for future visitors. Despite the small route change, our overall experience was wonderful. The staff were consistently friendly and informative, all facilities and restrooms were clean, and the animal enclosures appeared well-maintained. I would definitely recommend a visit to Busch Gardens, suggesting you look for discounted tickets during a sale to maximize value. This route took us approximately 4 hours to complete at a leisurely pace. Below is my animal-centric Itinerary. Suggested animal-centric itinerary starting at 10:30 a.m. Continue straight in from entrance to Bird Gardens and Kangaroo, Head North on map towards Jungala to Orangutangs & Tigers, Use the Skyride to go back to beginning of park, Head South on map to Cheeta Run & walk around the Edge of Africa, Jump on the Train once off the train head up to the Asian elephants (if we choose to), Head South on map to see the Penguins, then the Gorillas & Chimps, Continue to head south on the map to the exit.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay always delivers, but the Christmas season takes it to another level. The Christmas Village is a blast — great energy, solid food options, and plenty for the kids to explore. The lights throughout the park are absolutely spectacular and make the whole place feel new again, even if you’ve been a hundred times. Add that to the already top-tier coasters, animal areas, and consistently smooth operations, and you’ve got one of the best holiday park experiences in Florida. Easy five stars - worth the trip every year.

Had a great time at this aquarium. At first I was a little disappointed to find out that feeding dolphins and stingrays would be an extra cost, but was then QUICKLY pleased with how many animal interactions we were able to have!! First coming in I got to pet a starfish which was super cool, got to see lots of dolphin tricks, pet a stingray!!!! I would do this again for sure. They also had such beautiful memorials all over the building for baby Winter, and props from the movie as well.

We had a great time here. I will say, there weren’t quite as many exhibits as I had hoped for the price we paid. We did see a great quality dolphin presentation, though, that was quite close and I felt was almost worth the whole cost of admission. I just didn’t think it took as long for us to get through as I had thought. Overall, though, a great and VERY educational experience. They clearly spend a lot of their time and money on rehabilitation work for their animals, and I felt great that my money went towards that work.

Loved it! I took my granddaughter and the new addition is great! Love the new dolphin area with all the viewing areas up and down and around the tank.They are still working on upgrading the older areas and repairing hurricane damage.

Best aquarium I've been to! Loved the many dolphin viewing portals, and the various animals that they had in their care. Admission was a little pricey compared to other aquariums I've been to, but considering everything that they had to offer, and the fact that they are a hospital aquarium, the money goes to the care and possible eventual release of the special needs animals. Highly recommend the safari boat tour. For the price, it was well worth just riding on the boat, but also included seeing multiple wild dolphins, and a show and tell of marine life that they pulled from the bay. Very cool!

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is such a special place to visit, especially for families. It’s not your typical aquarium—it’s more focused on marine rescue, rehabilitation, and education, which makes the experience really meaningful. You get to see rescued dolphins, sea turtles, otters, and other animals up close, and learn their unique stories. The facility is well laid out, with interactive exhibits, educational presentations, and a great view of the rehabilitation areas. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about what they do. Kids especially love the dolphin encounters and the hands-on learning zones. There’s so much to see and do that you can easily spend the majority of a day here, taking your time with the exhibits and enjoying the different experiences. You also leave knowing your visit helps support rescue and conservation efforts. Overall, a must-visit if you’re in Clearwater—both fun and inspiring!

A marine that rescues and rehabilitates dolphins, sea turtles and more. Giving the public lots of educational opportunities. The only issue we ran across were the guys with the sea turtles … unfortunately, they were quite unfriendly and when asked a question, the one was very short and rude. Even at times was on his phone. Not saying it wasn’t work related but it was a bit disappointing. An awkward moment that passed as just that … a moment! Definitely not a deal breaker! Especially being, everyone else was friendly, helpful, polite and present!! I still highly recommend taking the opportunity to visit Clearwater Marine Aquarium! I believe it’s good to familiarize and educate yourself with what is going on and what prevention is needed for a better outcome for all!

This has been my daughters dream..the facility was very nice and big. The staff was very informative and you had good access to all rescue animals. My daughter has had many dolphin experiences but her dream was to have one interact with her. Well she did! The animals were very interactive! They were happy, healthy and lots of fun! We would do it all over again in a heartbeat 💓 this is where my daughter has always wanted to work and now she is more motivated than ever since this experience.

Absolutely incredible park from the lakes to the trails to the campgrounds to the kayaks! My friends and I went glamping for the weekend, and I'm so glad we chose this park to do so. The tent - 200 sqft, air conditioned, and furnished - was perfect for the three of us. The grounds were well-maintained, the instructors and staff were knowledgeable, and the bathrooms were always clean and stocked. At the Camper Canteen, Ashe was so kind, fun, and helpful to us as inexperienced campers. She was always happy to explain the rules, show us hidden spots and places we might have missed, and give us tips to make the most of our time here. She made our getaway special! Overall, this is a park worth visiting whether you're a local or a visitor. With miles of hiking trails, spots for dogs and horses, a quiet beachfront, beautiful sights, and loads of activities, there truly is something for everyone at Lake Louisa. I can't wait to go back!

This park has been a family favorite for decades. My grandmother started bringing us here in the late 80s. Then we only came to swim in the lake. Over the years we have camped, hiked, even with our dogs and still swim. We haven't tied down a boat yet but you can if you have one. They have bathrooms at the big lake and even a cute little playground for the kids. If you have horses and need a place to walk them this is a safe place for that. The smaller ponds have canoes that you can rent. Miles of walking trails. You can camp in a camper, camp in a tent with the water hookups, or you can camp in a tent out in the middle of nowhere or they even have little cabins that you can rent. You'll often find deer, armadillos, raccoons. I've never seen the pig, but I know they used to have a pig. There's plenty of beauty to be found.

My family and I love being outdoors on trails and on bikes and have never seemed to make it to this state park. Today was our first time and I really liked the park. The hiking trails are great. Some of the signs and markers are in desperate need of some TLC. New numbers and a light cleaning. If you are hiking, get a map and take a pen so you can mark where you turn. It is easy to get lost on the over 20 miles of trails. We drove my the horse area and I will be excited to return and try that experience soon. You can rent kayaks, bikes and more up near the campground area. So if you want to get out on the water, you can do so easily. The campground is extremely open. There are very few sites that have any shade. I’m not sure if I want to spend any time in the campground in a tent as the sites are extremely small and open. The primitive sights are gorgeous though. As long as you don’t mind not having a fire at night. The cabins are large and I am going to see about renting one of these very soon. Plenty of places to hike, fish and even go swimming in the lake. Just be careful of the alligators. This is all nature.

Incredible horseback riding. I call the ladies that are responsible for your well being, the T & T Connection. Tracy and Tina. They are amazing with their knowledge of the park, the plants, the trees, animals, the Indians that lived there and the medicinal purposes of the plants, trees and berries. VERY EDUCATIONAL along with being a fun ride. You can't bring a back pack... whatever you bring it has to be able to tie around your waist.

An oh man One of the better campgrounds we have visited.grrat facilities clean rest rooms.laundy and showers were also great. So much to do .kayak, hike,canoe,horseback riding,on a great lake w docks and piers. Trails omg really great and tons of them..great place .pull through as well as back in All spots are very large,with partial hook ups.water and electric.with a convenient and clean dump station..

Beautiful Park!! Lots of different trails, some with a few hills. Hiking, camping, fishing, and horseback riding are available to enjoy here.

Had an amazing experience at Lake Louisa State Park! Plenty of nature trails, and primitive camping spots! Would be a wonderful spot for photography during a sunset! I unfortunately could not stay that late.

This was the cutest and the most interesting place. Greek town. I could have spent all day looking at the boats in the harbor and all of the shops had the most creative things in the them. Homemade soap with sponges in them. It was such a creative and welcoming town. Great place to walk around. All of the Greek food was an adventure for sure, but delicious.

I loved walking around and looking through each of the stores. Such a beautiful town by the docks. Bought candy of course and these wonderful spices to try when I get back home. The Greek restaurants are abundant and I didn't have room to try any, we had breakfast before going here... darn it! Because I love authentic Greek food, yum!

Such a pleasant place! It has a nice variety of local shops and plenty of options to enjoy a meal or a drink. Since it was a rainy day, there weren’t many people around, which actually made it even better — we got to enjoy everything more comfortably and didn’t have to wait to get into any spot!

One of the best places in Tampa to visit. Lots of local shops, great deals and restaurants. Most of shops are selling famous sponges, sea shells, clothing, potteries, local food, teas, herbs, flowers and so much more. It gets pretty crowded on the weekends, so make sure you’re bringing your wallet and credit cards with you to buy souvenirs from the stores. Come early so you can see all the local shops and booths.

I loved my experience here. Most of the shops have the same stuff in it but it the feel of the area that I believe is why people visit here. The 2 hour dolphin tour is great!

I was unaware that Tarpon Springs is a Greek town. It features a plethora of local Greek shops, restaurants, bakeries, and cafes. I really enjoyed my visit, taking a pleasant stroll through the town and hopping from shop to shop to find some sponges and handmade Greek olive oil bar soaps.

It is a very pleasant place to visit. You will enjoy every minute you spend there until you realized that time is not the only thing you spent. Right after you left you will start questioning your financial decisions. Expensive has different meaning, maybe even new meaning at Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks.

Went to Fred Howard to kayak. Easily found the launch, which was not busy. You start the day in a mangrove tunnel, which was a lot of fun. However you do need to get in the water briefly to get your boat deep enough in the water and it's muddy. Recommend to have bug spray applied as you go through the tunnel. Be prepared to break your paddle down and use it like a canoe paddle as the tunnel is very narrow. Between marker 1 and 3 it goes well. At 3, the path narrows nad you have no choice to turn towards open water. Once on open water, it's calm and relaxing.

Nice spot to stay in Family, we love being so close to nature, this particular park has trail's bikes roads and kayaking zones to bring visitors safety and comfort. Visit and enjoy

Nice for a relaxing time to walk & get grounded They have portapottie right now. Great place to bring small children It's not very deep. The park is also shaded and beautiful before you get out to the beach

A park ranger came around immediately at sunset and kicked everyone out. He was nice about it. Just seemed a little early. People were still trying to take photos. BEAUTIFUL place. Highly recommend!

Beautiful location. Kids friendly beach. When we were there, too many sea grass on the beach. Even though we live in east coast of Florida, my daughter still enjoyed it.

Beautiful white sandy beaches. Not crowded on a Wednesday afternoon. Clean water.

I love this beach. It’s not usually as crowded as other beaches in the area, sometimes I see dolphins, there’s a little bit of shade here and there, and the sunsets here are gorgeous!

Beautiful hilltop winery. We attended the outdoor concert/ food under the trees. There were plenty of large picnic tables under the pavilion and also out in the open. The trees covered all of the grounds where the concert was held, so no worries about sun exposure. Many people brought chairs and blankets to lay out. The food was alright, not such a variety. About 4 items to choose from that came with either salad,rice, or fries. At a price of $20 a plate, i didn't find it worth it. Next time, we'll eat somewhere else then go just for the music. The store was beautifully set with many different varieties of wine and cheese. They also have a few souvenirs. If you check the website, you could see the days and times of the winery tours, which I highly recommend

Review for Luisa – Lake Ridge Winery, Clermont FL Yesterday I made an unplanned stop at Lake Ridge Winery after my original Sunday plans fell through. I was driving back to Orlando feeling a little disappointed when I saw the winery sign and decided to make the best of the day. From the moment I walked in, everyone was kind and welcoming, but Luisa behind the bar truly made the experience unforgettable. Luisa went far beyond normal customer service. She greeted me with a warm smile, asked how I was doing, and even noticed that I was visiting alone. Instead of keeping things surface-level, she started a genuine conversation, offered recommendations, and even took time to show me around the winery between serving guests. Her kindness and attentiveness quickly made me feel comfortable and cared for, and before I knew it, I no longer felt alone. What began as a day of canceled plans turned into a beautiful memory because of Louisa’s loving personality and professional grace. She is the kind of employee who not only represents the winery well but also changes a guest’s entire mood with her presence. Management should know what an asset she is. I will absolutely return and recommend Lake Ridge Winery to friends and family because of the way Luisa made me feel. Highly recommend!!!!!

Celebrating my 31st birthday, we had lots of festivities set up but honestly, this one was my favorite and surprisingly the cheapest😂 $5 ticket, they start you in a room where they show you a little intro video telling you a bit about the winery. Then you have your tour guide that walks you throughout the winery giving fun facts and you can ask questions (I love learning). Then We were brought to a large bar too area with a list of the tastings we would be sampling and he would tell us about each one. I’m struggling to remember his name right now but you see him in the pictures and he was incredibly nice and knowledgeable. Would 10/10 recommend this experience to anyone and honestly can’t wait to do it again and bring my best friend.

We booked the private vip wine tasting experience and it was totally worth it! Thomas was a great host as well! This place is beautiful and the wine is tasty!! If I could suggest one thing. To make the tasting longer so we didn’t have to basically chug the wine. It would have been nice to sit and talk and enjoy the sips.

We always enjoy the fun and friendly atmosphere! The shop.had some new and interesting items. We especially like the mulled wine....yum!!

My wife and I jennifer, loved it! I came here about 30 years ago and love the southern red. Thank you Patrick for a great tour of the Winery and Vineyard!

This is a local gem. I have brought friends and family who come from all over the country to experience this place. Check out the free wine tour on the weekends before trying a glass. I absolutely love both of their sweetest wines, Southern White and Southern Red. Try the wine slushies outside during the hotter months. I recommend coming before 2 to have ample time before the outside stops serving at 4pm.

We stayed here while in Tavares area for a Labor Day weekend with all our naughty friends. Our lake view room was large! Could have used full length mirror in the room. Pool was great. Rooftop bar was awesome. 10% off coffees and other places as they own some of the shops and restaurants at the bottom of their other two buildings. Great price. They are in the process of making some upgrades, so it’ll get even better. We’ll stay there again!

The location and view were great, beautiful pool and lots of restaurants to choose from! They quickly addressed an issue with loud neighbors, much appreciated . I can’t speak for all the rooms, but we were in building 2 and our room smelled musty, was in dire need of updating, and wasn’t the cleanest I’ve ever stayed in. No cleaning service unless you asked the day before you wanted it. Very cheap little soaps and hair products, no coffee maker or phone. Elevator looked as though it hadn’t been cleaned in a month. Not really worth the price

So I recently stayed at this hotel for my wedding weekend this week. I booked the block more than a year in advance with notice that they would be done renovating by the Summer. My disappointment to hear all of our guests that stayed at this hotel had various complaints about the conditions of the room (mold, sealed holes in the wall, smell from the AC), We even had 2 family members request their money back to stay at another hotel because of the accommodations. I booked the 2bd suite which was 1,100 dollars for 3 nights and was disappointed that within an hour of arrival, I had to call the front desk to have them change a curtain that had a blood stain on it and to clean the balcony that was unkept and killed 3 spiders on the door to access it. To be charged this amount of money for a semi renovated room, I could have stayed in a Airbnb for a week. Now another thing that threw me off was the way I was treated initially when I contacted the hotel about early check in. I called because my bachelorette party was that day and asked if I can come an hour early because I was busy for my wedding to be told I had to pay 30 dollars to check in early. Now that’s fine, but to find out my friends who checked in the day before in the morning were not charged this same fee made me upset because it needs to be even across the board and we were the ones that brought those guests to the hotel. Regardless, when I went down about the things that needed to be changed in the room, I was met with some annoyance and told to make a list since I was leaving. Besides this, the area was beautiful and convenient. I have photos of the sheets in one of the rooms were there were holes and I didn’t know until we saw it, it also had dried blood. I would think they would check the rooms to make sure it was ready to go. I would not recommend anyone book blocks for a wedding as their hotel is not ready to handle this, and the price was not worth it in the end. For reference it was myself and at least 6 other rooms in different buildings that had issues. I also would have appreciated transparency that the hotel was still not done with renovations. Thank you.

Great place to stay for the evening!! My boyfriend and I came into town for the first time and we picked The Citrus for their rooftop bar and other amenities surrounding the hotel complex. Our room was in building 3 and we were pleased with how clean it was and how well our AC unit worked. They did not disappoint there, but the rather disappointing part was our experience on the rooftop. If you want to pay cash, better make sure they don’t run your card and pocket your money. We understand it’s mandatory to have a card on file for an open tab to secure payment, but my boyfriend told the bartender he would pay the bill with cash. The bartender wouldn’t take any cash at the time he asked for the card, so we thought we were good to go. Before we leave, our bartender asked another coworker to close us out. They ran the card on file AFTER my boyfriend paid for the bill in cash. It’s been a week and still no update.

LOUD LOUD LOUD. Don't stay here unless you're bar hopping and don't plan on sleeping. So disappointed. Was looking for a nice boutique experience and a full night's rest for months. Turns out, I would've gotten better sleep staying home with my 8 month old. Also, room smelled like cigarettes, floor was sticky and dirty, and the lake view is of a busy parking lot with the lake in the distance :(

Parking is survival of the fittest. They give you a parking permit that is useless and it’s just good luck Literally said good luck….The best part was you get a metal cut key for your door Which is a little dated. But nothing compares to booking your room in advance and then giving your room to somebody else and you getting a key to go into the room that somebody is already occupied with all their stuff out. That is the citrus on the lake. They had no solution and just made me sit there - also didn’t believe me when I told them the room was occupied. I had to get a hotel an hour away.

What a great find. Nice hotel with a beautiful view of the lake and awesome nightlife in a walkable area if you stay in the hotel. 7 minutes from downtown Mount Dora.. perfect for a little weekend getaway at a Great price! Large roomy room with a balcony that was perfectly perfect for the sunset. This will be our go to when visiting Mount Dora from now on.

They are currently doing construction on the ranger experience, so the boat ride was full all day. The mermaid show was great though. I’m fascinated with how they sync with what we hear in the audience. The show is short enough the hold the attention of younger children. There are beautiful peacocks that roam the grounds, and bring a bathing suit because the water park looks fun too. I didn’t have my suit with me. Definitely a great attraction to check out.

Beautiful place to enjoy an incredible view! This stunning spring with crystal-clear waters offers the amazing chance to see manatees up close, all surrounded by nature. You can explore the area by kayak—rentals are available for solo paddlers or pairs. Keep in mind that swimming in the spring is not allowed, and no food is permitted—it’s all about preserving the beauty of the environment. If you’re looking to swim, there’s a beautiful natural pool nearby, also with crystal-clear water, surrounded by comfortable lounge chairs where you can relax and soak up the sun. You can also catch one of the fun shows offered in the area. There’s a nice restaurant on-site—we enjoyed some tasty burgers and delicious French fries. Highly recommended whether you’re visiting with family or just looking for a peaceful escape on your own or with someone special!

Weeki Wachee Springs is an amazing excursion and truly a one-of-a-kind experience. The water is crystal clear and teeming with manatees, and the best part is that you can interact with them naturally and at your own pace, without a guide mediating the encounter. The spring feels like a hidden paradise with plenty of ways to enjoy it—kayaks to rent for exploring, rope swings to launch into the refreshing water, and tree ladders to climb for extra adventure. The only downside is that the rental facility could use a little updating and modernization to match the beauty of the springs themselves. That said, the natural surroundings more than make up for it. All in all, Weeki Wachee is an excellent place to spend the day, whether you’re looking for peaceful time on the water or a bit of thrill and fun. Highly recommended for anyone who loves nature, wildlife, and a unique Florida adventure.

One of the best springs in FL. So pristine and clear. I’ve kayaked this many times and love the peacefulness of the environment and beauty of Florida.

I'll give them two stars for their efforts but don't come for the mermaid show. There's a natural spring pool with a lifeguard on duty, the slide is closed, and there's a half hour mermaid show consisting of a host and two mermaids playing out a skit for young ones with the host kicking one of the mermaids at one point. I really didn't get that. First come first served, no reservations. $13.00. No animal shows, nothing else except a souvenir shop and restrooms. It is a State run park and they must be real short on funds. I give them credit for trying to keep this once main attraction open today. Visited Sep 2025

Simply awesome. The Mermaids were amazing. This place represents outstanding value for money.

Don’t waste your time! Arrived around 12:00 and was told the cruise was already booked for the rest of the afternoon. A bus load had arrived and since it only holds 20 ppl. They had booked the next 4 hours. There were 2 upcoming shows to see but not until 2:15 and 3:00. Walked around and the places to eat were closed off to accommodate the bus tour. Only thing available were cold drinks and frozen ice cream bars. Basically you would have to wait for 2 hours and do nothing until the 2 shows. They should have told us that before we purchased tickets. It was $13 each so we decided to go ahead and leave and not wait for the shows. On btw, you could not get back in if you left the premises, even if you wanted to go back after getting something for lunch to see the shows! 😱😱😱

Kyle was an awesome guide and told us all sorts of gator facts! The office staff was also knowledgeable and showed us their resident gator, Lucas. Plenty of photo opportunities with the gator. Very well put together tour and efficient use of time. The airboat was not as loud as I thought which was great. Entire property and facility was very clean and well played out. Very fun and hope to visit again sometime. Highly recommended 🐊

Capt. Randy was great and we learned a lot from him. We loved our time on the airboat and loved seeing the mama alligators and their babies in their natural habitats. It was neat seeing the springs bubbling up and to see an alligator den and learn what they do with their pray. 😳 We LOVED holding the Alligator at the end! it will be our family's Christnas picture this year! Tha k you! We will be bringing our grandsons for sure next trip to Florida.

This was the best thing we did on our vacation to Florida!! Todd was our tour guide and was very knowledgeable and patient with our kids asking so many questions. I got an amazing video of one of the momma gators on tour jumping out of the water to eat a fish and I’m so excited about it! The entire staff team was just amazing. After our pictures with the gator we even got to see where Luke (the gator we took pics with) stayed along with three other gators. I highly recommend you will not be disappointed!

BEST AIRBOAT RIDE IN FLORIDA!!! This was AMAZING!! We drove 1000 miles and this was the FIRST THING WE DID. They recommend purchasing your tickets beforehand but had no issue accommodating us walking in. I have wanted to do this for a LONG time and it was BETTER than expected! The boat is comfortable and roomy. The Captain was very knowledgeable. He shut the boat down when we saw wildlife and explained what it was and anything interesting he knew. We saw 5 large gators and dozens of babies, king fishers, huge turtles, snakes, and several other small birds. We saw 2 gator nests with mama's protecting them. The springs fed lake is a perfect mix of reedy marsh, EPIC spanish moss covered trees and open water. This will be a lasting memory for my family.

It was a really fun time but what was really Beautiful was the view while they took us all the way into the swamps. We see actually alligators, birds and turtles. We held an alligator too. Must come here and drive PAST ALL THE OTHER SPOTS. This place rocks. Oh pack a lunch abs chill out in the barn with pool tables and games.

Wet cool they let you hold an alligator! The swamp boat tour takes about an hour with a half hour set aside before to hold the alligator and take pictures! Captain Randy was a great guide!

This was the best airboat ride we’ve done out of the three we’ve taken in Florida over the past few years. Captain Kyle truly loves and respects the local wildlife, and you can feel it. He attracts the animals with care, explains many interesting facts, and keeps everything fun and engaging. The place itself is incredible, and after the airboat ride you can spend some time playing the outdoor games available there. The experience of holding the alligator was also a lot of fun! A 100% recommended spot.

Great place for live music 🎶, plenty of different and unique shops around. Very, very clean, well taken care of, no trash sitting on th ground, which is a huge plus. They have a bar with DECENT pricing, I couldn't believe it when I asked how much a Jack and Coke was (6 single, 11 double). Being that it is in the world famous villages, it is a very friendly community with everyone on their golf carts, waving to everyone because everyone knows everyone and if they don't know you then they want to get to know you, so you better be a friendly person haha. My girlfriend performs out here with bands she plays in so there is always a good turn out. The pictures don't do much justice due to it raining but I will update the review, add pictures and some videos.

This place is absolutely amazing! Lots of music, food, drinks! Entertainment every night on the town square 5pm-9pm. A must see and do! Golf carts welcome! They have other locations as well, such as Brownwood, Lake Sumter landing, and Village of Fenney.

What an enjoyable evening! This was our first time there. People were friendly, the food at Amerikano's was delicious. And let's not forget the ice cream at Kikwins. We walked around with our German Shepherds, sat and listened to the Rundown band. Awesome! We will keep an eye out where they play after we move down to the Village.

I know Lake Sumter is the more popular choice, and I DO love it there, but a smaller, more intimate experience is sometimes just what I'm looking for! Recognizing people you've tapped with in the past is nice. The restaurants that are still there are excellent, and I'm looking forward to the renovations being done and a slew of new restaurants and bars coming in!

Absolutely wonderful spot to walk around and enjoy what the area has to offer. When I visited, they were getting ready to celebrate St Patrick's day. It was so much fun. They had beautiful antique cars on display, and they were getting ready for a parade. Absolutely gorgeous. I will definitely be back to explore some more of this area.

There is considerable construction going on right now which will affect the parking for carts and cars. Lots going on here..great place to hang out ..security present which I like but didn't need..shops are abundant and great restaurants also from sit down to take out to coffee and ice cream! Mens and women’s bathrooms are available a short walk down the street. Cash, credit and debit accepted at mostly all the shops. Beautiful surroundings. Great entertainment every night.

Very clean. Music was fabulous. Bartenders were very nice and efficient!

We came here for a quick after walk-through. The price was a bit steep for what they offer, but we were happy to contribute to the sanctuary. Good variety of wildlife. Excellent flamingos. The exit was closed, so you have to turn around and walk back the way you came, so that was a bother.

It was a great day for a walk through the springs. The hurricane from last year did some damage, but they've done a great job restoring and making the park presentable and accessible. Buildings were closed, with few staff and volunteers, but those who were there were kind and helpful. We arrived mid-afternoon on a Friday. A crazy amount of vultures are hanging out with all the other birds. Plenty of animals to encounter for the size and space. I look forward to visiting again.

We visited the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park on a weekday, November 2025. They were starting to decorate for the Christmas holidays. Unfortunately, there is still significant damage from the last hurricane, last year. So not only were some of the walkways and bridges either closed or less than optimal. All the things like restaurants and gift shop were still closed. Although they did have a snack truck that also sold the entrance tickets. We took the tram both ways to and from the park. It runs from the visitor center/parking, to the park. As does the boat ride. I wanted to take the boat ride one way. But the times were more limited, and not when we were making the trip in and out of the park. But I’ll live. But I guess we saved the extra money for the boat trip. The tram is free. The park itself is a nice place to see wildlife that mostly is natural to Florida. It is also a safe new home to the wildlife who can no longer survive in the wild for whatever reason. I will say the we waited too long and put off visiting. Because of this, we missed out seeing the Hippopotamus that sadly passed away this spring after many years greeting visitors. They had a nice manatee program at 11am and 1pm to learn about Manatee’s. Followed by their feeding time following the show. We screwed up and forgot to visited the under water viewing section. Yes it was our fault, but also because of the bridge closure that had us walking all the way around to what we missed (getting to the show). All in all it was a nice park that I’m sure we will probably visit again, maybe multiple times in the future.

Had a wonderful day here at Homosassa. You can tell that the animals are well taken care of and the employees and volunteers are informative and kind. It's a great way to get to know the natural wildlife we have here in Florida. Also, the path that the tram uses is a walkable hiking trail and it makes for a very peaceful stroll. Pictured with this review are the pelicans, the panther, the bear, and one of the many species of owls that are at Homosassa.

5/26/25 used my Florida State Park pass and did about 1.6 mile on the board walk since half of it is closed. Got to see tons of animals! Beautiful waters, nice area!

It is a great family friendly spot. They have native Florida animals. All of the animals are there for rehabilitation. They were injured. Some cannot be released due to the injuries. This allows them to live and gives us a chance to see them.

We went off roading with the maintenance guy and he recommended this place. What a pleasure! We saw a FL panther up close and watched manatee munch on lettuce. It was stupid hot that day but the shade was just enough to make it bearable. Thanks for all you guys do for these animals.

Very nice place to visit and experience the great Gypsy Gold Horses. They have 2 tours. The short one is good with little kids and it’s about an hour long. If you are really interested in knowing the history then other longer tour is good which last around 2.5 hours. The location is beautiful and staff is super friendly. They will feel you like you are home. Do visit if you are near Ocala.

Spending some time in Ocala all the way from Australia. This tour was such a fun morning, my husband and enjoyed it so so much! I could listen to Dennis’ stories forever ! The history behind it all is sooo very intriguing, you can truly tell Dennis is a very wonderful man that has such passion for what he does. I would recommend this to all! Bring along some carrots and apples and the horses will love ya! The donkeys and birds are an added bonus as well. Again, love your work yall, keep it up ❤️

We really enjoyed the history that started the Gypsy Vanner's journey to the US. Eileen shared her love of these majestic horses during the tour. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the farm. It was a pleasure to meet the owners and see their beautiful farm.

The two hour history and farm tour was a highlight of my trip in this area. The beauty of the Gypsy Vanners is magnificent! The owner’s passion for his horses, their cultural history and helping others is so genuine. I loved meeting the special donkeys he has as well. It was a unique and heartwarming experience.

Gypsy Gold is a treasure. Dennis is so passionate about his life's work. The places he has been and his travels were amazing to hear. I truly hinged on his every word. I hope this treasure of a place continues forever. It is his labor of loved and should be honored. He is a tue visionary. His sister inlaw gave us a tour and she is just as passionate about these magnificent horses. I can't wait to visit again.

Karen and Shannon took great care of us on our tour today. We had VIP tickets that included meeting a Clydesdale foal. Our tour included all kinds of great information about what the Cobbs do with their horses, how they breed the horses, how they pick individuals for jobs, and how they spearheaded competitions for their horses in Florida. The horses we met were sweet and curious. It was a treat to meet your gentle giants and learn about the job that these amazing horses do. Thank you for sharing your horses with us!

We had a great time learning all about the horse breed and the people who own the farm. The horses were beautiful. I also enjoyed the other great animals ( mules, donkeys, macaws). I would recommend this to anyone that loves horses.

Beautiful spot. Looking forward to coming back to see hundred of manatees and can’t quite imagine it. No way get access from land, so if you want to swim rent a kayak and make your way up. Regular shuttle from a parking lot that makes several stops around the small town. Bring your national park pass or veteran’s ID if possible, otherwise it’s 12.50 a person, not vehicle. Handicapped plates allow you to drive right down to the boardwalk, otherwise it’s a ten minute walk down.

We loved this location! My girls were disappointed we were there too early for the manatees but it was still absolutely breathtaking. The shuttle driver was extremely kind and knowledgeable, we could have ridden with her all day. The water was just gorgeous, so clear we watched fish swim. We will try to make a return trip when the place is full of manatees!

We visited on a HOT 🥵 Sunday afternoon in June 2025. You pull in and pay then turn around and go out, take a right and an immediate left and you’re in their parking area. They give you a wristband that allows you to ride their shuttle bus which goes to various stops around Crystal River and of course to Three Sisters Springs. The springs have a boardwalk where you can view the beautiful clear blue water. There were a lot of people swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding in the spring when we were there. We started walking down the boardwalk and onto a dirt path. I wish they had path markers to let you know how much further to go. It was so hot I started to feel a little nauseous and we had to turn back. I definitely recommend picking a day when it is not 90° or hotter because there are several miles of walking paths that you can explore and we really didn’t get the full experience due to the heat. All the employees were very friendly and there was an older gentleman employee with a younger girl who I’m guessing was shadowing him. He gave us all kinds of information about the springs and asked if we had any questions for him and answered them all. I plan to one day kayak or paddleboard into the spring so I can fully experience the beauty.

Beautiful springs, has a bus to take you or can walk in. Has a boardwalk around the three springs. Can see divers and people in kayaks, depending on the water temperature can see manatees. You can kayak and swim in from outside the park but cannot access the water from the park. The bus will also take you to other destinations as part of the entrance fee.

Beautiful spring area of course but a bit misleading having to go around and find your way into the springs. No manatees when I went, saw a baby gator and a few fishies.

Absolutely beautiful. Breath taking it’s a short paddle I took my stand up paddle board launched from Hunter springs. I even paid to walk to board walk as well and it was worth it. Everyone is so nice.

Not a huge area, but so beautiful and they have great walking areas / boardwalk. The volunteers are so helpful in providing information about the manatees and anything nature. We went really early in the morning and were able to find the manatees right away to get great views of them. It's very well kept and nice clean bathrooms. There's no parking except some handicap spots, but you can park at the center across the street and take the shuttle or walk in.

My mother-in-law was in town and we took a troop up there to rent a canoe and see wildlife. The water was beautiful, as a spring is always are, we saw alligator, turtles, tons of birds and fish! The water is absolutely clear. We did our own little thing in a canoe with three of us... And my service dog. We had an absolutely wonderful time and will definitely go back. I would suggest doing a tour because we caught a few tours that were giving some pretty cool information and we will definitely try that next time. After we were done we went hiking a little bit. We ran into a gentleman who was liking along the trail and he warned us that there are bear there. So next time I will definitely take some mace with us just in case. But the paths are well marked and it's beautiful. Lots of hiking to be had. It's pretty flat but very sandy.

My friend came to visit so we played tourists for the day and drove to the spring for the glass bottom boat ride and brunch. We had such a lovely visit in the park. The park is beautiful, we'll maintained, lovely local vegetation and wildlife from birds to reptiles. We strolled the pathway for a while taking it all in. The glass boat ride did not disappoint with one exception no Manatee but we saw the wonderous and famous springs, turtles, alligator and tons of birds. The Captain was entertaining and knowledgeable about the history of the springs. Then we enjoyed brunch at the café on sight. We lingered there for a while enjoying sangria, coffee drinks and of course delicious entrees of eggs Benny and chicken and waffles. After brunch we enjoyed checking out the shops and the water fountain. All in all a great park for a visit. I look forward to returning for some kayaking

Silver springs state park is absolutely one of the most beautiful places in the world! I immediately feel in love the second I stepped into the park. I highly recommended hopping in a kayak and doing the full river! It's about a 4 our adventure but you see soooo many amazing beautiful things. There was no shortage in wildlife there and you can tell they are all well loved, protected and cared for.

Wow.. what an amazing way to spend a few hours! We rented the glass bottom kayaks which were very easy to control after about a minute in them. They are made to not tip very easy and one person on the tour with us went from sitting to kneeling and moving to the front to get a picture with no issues at all. Alyssa, our guide, was very knowledgeable, kind and beautiful. Our time in the water was 2 hours and every minute we were finding something to see. Manatees, turtles, alligators, they have monkeys but were not around on this day, fish etc. A very peaceful experience and perfect for most anyone that can get into a kayak and paddle. You will not be disappointed with the site for sure. There is some places to eat etc on site as well.

This is a must-see experience if you do the 90 minute glass bottom boat tour. The Springs are incredibly beautiful. We got to see lots of manatees, alligators, turtles, and birds. Sadly, we did not see any monkeys. I highly recommend! Male a reservation in advance to guarantee you get on one of the boats.

Absolutely beautiful park with crystal clear water - you can see the bottom from anywhere on the river. It is a very slow flow River that makes for an easy canoe trip. It takes about 1.5 hours to do the loop. There are lots of fish, turtles, and fish to see. We were lucky enough to run upon a baby manatee that we were able to follow for 15 minutes.

Amazing place with breathtaking views and so many wild animals. But for me absolutely the best were really nice and helpful staff and park rules which allow people to come with dogs as long as they behave. Thanks to that you can spend great family time on the trails. You can also rent a kayak which is so much fun.

We enjoyed our visit. The waterfalls and walking trails are beautiful. All concrete walkways, extremely well maintained. Gorgeous foliage! Thick, and lush with lots of geckos, and butterflies. Well organized and managed. Friendly volunteer workers. Modern, clean restrooms too! There's also an air-conditioned visitor center where you can buy souvenirs, pool noodles, hats, etc. There's a small cafe on site with covered eating area too. We plan to return in October with kayaks and spend the day on the gorgeous water.

Rainbow Springs State Park is absolutely breathtaking! The water is crystal clear with the most stunning shades of blue and green it really feels like you’ve stepped into a tropical paradise. The swimming area is refreshing and perfect for cooling off on a hot Florida day. The walking trails are peaceful, full of lush greenery, waterfalls, and wildlife, making it a great place to explore and relax. The park is very clean, well-kept, and the staff is friendly and welcoming. Whether you want to swim, kayak, or just enjoy nature, this park has it all. Definitely one of Florida’s hidden gems and worth every visit!

It was my first time here at rainbow Springs State Park. I have to say I will definitely be back. I really enjoyed the spaciousness of the river for kayaking/canoeing. It is a two hour long river however it takes twice as long to get back, we rented a kayak For one hour went down the river 20 minutes and went back up 40 minutes. The weather was incredible. We got to see turtles, a variety of birds, ducks, and even some otters which was so cool. The staff is very friendly, kind and helpful. The swimming pool was spacious enough for people to swim and some even had some Floaties. I would definitely recommend bringing a pool noodle to help float in the swimming pool as the water is deep and you cannot touch the floor. The views are incredible. The water is clear and there are three different walking trails to enjoy. I didn’t see any showers however they do have clean restrooms. I would recommend bringing a blanket, picnic basket and your own food and water to enjoy there at the park. They have several trees that you can get some shade under or you can lay out on the lawn and get some sun.

This was such an amazing experience to go to the water does feel cold if you touch it but once you jump in, it is perfect! Definitely bring items to help you swim, if you’re not a great swimmer since you can’t touch the bottom. They also sell pool noodles, but they are very thin. And don’t bring a flotation device that’s too big like a circle floaty. I had to bring mine back to the car. They do have a section of the state park where you can go tubing, but you have to drive there and I would definitely call ahead to see if there is tubing that day. I also recommend goggles so you can see in the water! They also have paddle boarding and kayaking, a water fountain, but it’s not cold hiking trails bathrooms, food options, and a gift store

Really torn about how to rate this park. We went on a Tuesday so no line to get in, parking was easy. But it was beastly hot, a longish walk to bathroom area and then another very steep longish walk to swimming area where there were some benches to sit on. BE AWARE that there are NO steps or ramps to enter the swimming area (the only options are to go down the ladders or to jump or dive in). That being said, this is probably the cleanest clearest water I have ever gone swimming in and I have been swimming all over the world. It was VERY difficult for me to get out of the water because it was so pleasurable being in it!! Just incredibly delightful! I could see to the deep bottom sandy floor with no chance of touching it unless I dove under. You can watch fish happily swimming around way below you. I think I was there the hottest day of 2025 so the water was perfectly refreshing.

Spring head is great to swim in. You cannot touch. Its 20ft in some spots and no where you can stand in the water. So bring a noodle or Buy them for $3 in the giftshop. Plenty of tables and picnic grassy area. Take the historic waterfall walk. So beautiful

One of the best state parks I’ve been. There is parking and rest rooms! Hiking trails are paved and d non paved. Swimming in the lake kayaking that you could rent or bring your own. There are waterfalls that are made but looks so natural. Restaurant in for Burgers etc.

The day we went was cold and they opened exhibition at 1 pm. While we were waiting we walked around and it was pretty cool. After we went to see butterflies. I have never seen some such a big butterflies and different colours

This is one of my favorite museums in the entire state. The butterfly collection is gorgeous and their breeding program is amazing. We especially love the button quail, that clean up the floor in the aviary. It's a must do every time we're in gainesville.

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!!..

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.

100% worth the drive and the admission. Great for recharging and relaxation. Between the sounds of the waterfalls and the birds and the multitudes of butterfly species it was a sensory overload. Combine this attraction with the natural history museum and the art museum next door (both free admission) and you've got your morning or afternoon fully covered.

Absolutely wonderful place to visit! The garden with the butterflies also has turtles, fish, and several birds. The facility is clean and well-maintained. There were students from the university throughout the museum speaking with guests, which was a nice touch.

I took my wife here and it was awesome. There are so many different types of butterflies and finches as well. If you're a person that likes butterflies here's the place to go. They would land on you and fly all around you. Plus Free parking on the weekends.

Went for a day trip with my family, total of 4. The park is very reasonably priced. We paid $6 to enter and then $84 for our tubes, (pictured) and tram service. The float was serine, and we had an amazing time seeing nature. It wasn’t too busy during our visit. The north was closed so we couldn’t swim. The gift shop and food was also reasonably priced. I’ve been coming here since a kid, and this was my first time as an adult with a family of my own. Very clean as well. 10/10 can’t wait to come back.

Loved this place! We drove 3 hours from Savannah, Georgia just for the clear springs and it was so worth it! The water is crystal clear and nice and COLD!!! But once you get in it feels amazing! They had tons of picnic tables, bathrooms, a playground, a food truck, and even a little store, if you forgot any essentials. Plenty of parking! We had two people in the car so it was $6 to enter the gate but besides that, we didn’t have to pay for anything. They have canoes, tubes, and so much more you can reserve easily on their website! It’s best to reserve the day before if possible. They have a nice place to swim and then a walk down is a blue hole you can jump in and swim in as well! I saw some dogs there so it’s dog friendly but there are some areas where they aren’t allowed to be as well. There were park rangers at the entrance of the swimming area and they were very helpful and answered any questions! Larger floats are not allowed in the springs but noodles and smaller floats are allowed! Very pleased with our visit and would totally come back again!

We visited Ichetucknee Springs State Park today, and what an amazing experience it was! This was our first ever trip in Florida and to a spring, and the place truly felt like heaven. From Gainesville it took us about 45 minutes, and we entered through the north gate ($6 per vehicle). After parking, we started with the Blue Hole Trail (0.4 mi), all geared up with binoculars and camera for birding. Along the way we spotted titmouse, northern cardinal, ibis, Carolina wren, and white-eyed vireo. The trail led us to the Blue Hole Spring, the deepest spring here, and it was simply breathtaking – crystal-clear blue water that looks like something out of a dream. We then explored Trestle Point and the Pine Ridge Trail (about 2.25 mi) before heading over to the Head Spring, where we couldn’t resist jumping right into the refreshing spring water. What an unforgettable experience. The park also offers kayaks and canoes for rent, which is perfect if you want to explore the Ichetucknee River and enjoy the beauty of the springs from the water. Between the trails, wildlife, and the chance to swim and paddle, this park has it all.

We had a blast, absolutely loved it and we will definitely be back. Only bummer was the big swimming hole was closed down due to repairs but we plan to go back so we can enjoy the river and both swimming springs. It was beautiful and water so clear.

Beautiful, serene park. The Blue Hole is amazing. The water is crystal clear and cold. Bring a noodle pr some sort of floatation device and googles. The current is extremely strong, even for a strong swimmer. This is a gem of a state park.

What a beautiful creation of God, best springs, though short, I've ever kayaked on. Clearest, cleanest waters ! Best time to go is late November with the falling leaves and beautiful change of colors of all the trees, plenty of turtles, birds and even saw an alligator.

We had an amazing time! The cabins were lovely, featuring a window air conditioning unit that I didn't expect, along with a table and four chairs, two rocking chairs, and a broom. The beds were comfortable for the kids, and I even managed to fit a full-size inflatable air mattress in there too. The bathrooms were surprisingly clean for a campground. The spring was just a two-minute drive away, with the river where you can canoe, kayak or tube down is like 5 minutes drive away the scenery was stunning all around, making it a really enjoyable experience. The only downside was the lights out at 11:00; the kids were on vacation and wanted to have some fun. Also a little different that we had two houses behind us. However, you can still relax by the campfire with some ambient noise. We definitely plan to visit this campground again.

We really had a great time all the rides was not open but I would tell you The boomerang does not have to ever worry about seeing me again

Love the concerts. Water park is awesome

The water park is amazing! It's very safe right now. Not many people. Robert in the Mayfield ice cream shop was very helpful! I love the suggestion he gave me! Will be back!

Amazing concerts here every year. I always look forward to seeing Skillet. Request reserved seats wayyyyyy in advance for the best concerts or you will be miles away in the back.

Nice place to warch concerts. Make sure to check the schedule before you head for a concert. Winter schedule is way dofferent than Summer and Spring. Great place to hang out with your family.

When we are in our concert season, this is where it's all held. Me video in the concerts I'll tell you it's a site to see and experience. So come out to Wild Adventures and make it a memory worth remembering

Love this place . dont go to all concerts but the ones I do are always great. The sound the stage . everything is set up great.

The museum exhibits are in poor lighting. I had problems reading about them. Great set up and some much to see. Lighting needs to be improved. Still worth your time Walking around outside was so interesting.

A somber and powerful experience steeped in the horrors of war and fearful side of mankind. Along with the sadness I also saw the struggle and sacrifice from those who gave all to fight to destroy the evil. A beautiful memorial to those it represents.

It is a solemn place which displays the harshness of the treatment and the enduring resolve of the POW. The engagement in the readings and videos takes us back to those moments where lives suffered. The facility is monumental and the staff knowledgeable.

Awesome Military Staff Ride at Andersonville Prison National Park. Reactors were on hand. The Park staff was well prepared and very knowledgeable. Great visit.

We have been a couple of times. It's such an incredible but sad museum. Highly recommend taking the time to read everything and be humbled by what we as humans have endured. Bless America, and we shall never forget those that served and continue to serve. The grounds are beautiful and can take a little bit of time to walk, so come with plenty of time to walk around or drive around as both can be done with parking throughout some of the drive to get down and read.

Posted earlier. Amazing and an absolute must visit. Such an honor to step where so many perished.

Pleasantly surprised at how well the museum was done and the grounds upkeep. The short film was worth it although it is quite depressing. The only negative was that some of the exhibits were too dark to see. I understand that it was meant to create a mood, but it was a little frustrating not to be able to read things. All in all, very impressed

If you’re looking for a quick escape from the city without driving too far, Stone Mountain Park is a must-do. The walk-up trail is about 2 miles round trip and gives you a surprisingly good workout; it starts easy, then turns into a steep granite climb that will get your heart racing. It’s short enough for beginners but rewarding enough for regular hikers. The views from the summit are spectacular, on a clear day you can see downtown Atlanta, Kennesaw, and even the Appalachian foothills. The exposed granite top has a strange, lunar feel that makes the climb feel otherworldly. If you don’t want to hike both ways, the Summit Skyride cable car is a fun option. It’s a glass-enclosed gondola that glides over the mountain and offers panoramic views. Many hikers take the cable car down after trekking up - it saves your knees and lets you soak in the scenery without effort. Just note that the Skyride ticket is separate from the $20 park entry fee, and lines can get long on weekends. The only downsides: the trail can get crowded, especially late mornings, and the granite gets slippery when wet. Bring plenty of water, good shoes with grip, and go early to catch sunrise or late evening for cooler weather. Overall, Stone Mountain is one of Atlanta’s best quick treks, a mix of natural beauty, light adventure, and a cable car view that feels straight out of a travel ad. Whether you hike, ride, or do both, it’s absolutely worth it. ⭐ Rating: 4.6 / 5 📍 Best Time: Early morning or sunset 🎫 Tips: Bring water, sunblock, and take the Skyride down for the best combo of effort and ease.

Day trip to Stone Mountain Park. Good experience exploring the sights of Atlanta, one of it being this amazing and natural attraction. Walked around the park, took the cable car up to the “summit” and soaked in the views at the top of the stone. The views at the top were fantastic and the whole experience was fruitful. The attraction can be a bit far from downtown Atlanta, you can expect a USD 30-35 Lyft ride one way from downtown if you plan to visit this attraction. A 5* trip, and will recommend to experience once if your travels passes by Atlanta.

Hi everyone! My family and I visited this very interesting park. It was nice to climb up that mountain. If you have the chance, be sure to go up and look from above! You can see everything around you, the forest is very beautiful, and the panorama looks beautiful. I think climbing the mountain is good for your health. If the walking is difficult, there's an escalator! There's a large parking lot and plenty of entertainment. The kids really enjoyed it, and so did the adults. If possible, we'll come back here again and climb it again. There are also toilets (clean). There are trash bins along the way. There are places to eat and stay. Everything is great!

Beautiful today because ....FALL! The leaves are beautiful. Everything is set up for the light show tonight and the winter wonderland. Seems a little pricey for the tickets but everything seems to be about 50 bucks a piece at places. Get a map for sure. There is so much to see other than the mountain. Grist mill, lakes, trails, waterside.

We had beautiful weather. All we need was camp and hike. We did not go on the mountain. There are a number of hiking trails and we loved the campground. It was nice to see the changing of the trees as well

I haven’t taken the scenic skyride, but I usually go hiking instead. For those who enjoy hiking, this is a very easy trail, and for beginner hikers, it offers just the right amount of challenge. Once you reach the top, you’ll get a full 360-degree view of Atlanta — it’s beautiful! Parking is $20 for a one-time visit, and $40 for a season pass. Hope this helps!

The Best Fall Festival Ever! Stone Mountain Park truly outdid themselves with the Pumpkin Festival! We went as a family and were completely blown away by the "Play by Day, Glow by Night" experience. Everything was fantastic: the glowing jack-o'-lanterns, the parade, and the sheer amount of family fun. It's magical, well-organized, and worth every penny. Highly, highly recommend this for anyone looking for the perfect fall outing! Go make those memories!

Wonderful experience. You may want to see the sunrise and sunset here. Amazing place for self and family visitors. Highly recommended.

Went on Saturday morning 7/5/25 felt so good out there with a nice breeze and low humidity that morning. It was a good hike, with it being my very first hike at Stone Mountain. I normally go to KENNESAW Mountain but that day I decided to go to Stone Mountain to hike over there for the first time and I will definitely be coming back more often I enjoyed it. I was expecting myself to make it to the top within 45 minutes to an hour, but nope I got there sooner. I got there to the top in 30 minutes and 24 seconds from the walk up trail parking lot With 4 stops along the way to catch my breath lasting at least 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Pros: - Parking is relatively cheap inside the park; $20 a car per day, or $40 a car for a whole year. Access is also technically free if you can find parking within the town of Stone Mountain and then just walk into the park. - The natural landscape is pretty beautiful and peaceful (aside from a rather hideous carving on one side of the mountain's face), especially on a sunny day with blue sky. You might even get a close look at some interesting wildlife, like deer, owls, and hawks. - The hike up the mountain poses a good challenge for hikers, runners, or just anyone looking to get in a workout. Took us about 40 minutes from parking lot to peak moving at a steady pace with a couple rest stops. I would rate the difficulty somewhere between 6/10 to 8/10. It is filled with smooth rocky steps that can be a bit slippery and there are sections that get REALLY steep. - At the peak, offers some spectacular views of the surrounding park and lake. On a clear day, you can also see the Metro Atlanta skyline from Downtown to Buckhead to Sandy Springs. I also appreciated the wind and breeze at the peak since this was in the middle of summer. Cons: - A lot of areas on the hiking trail don't have much tree cover, and the mountain feels like one giant smooth slab of concrete, which means on a hot sunny day, the heat can be pretty brutal. Plan and pack accordingly! - I found the Welcome Center at the top to be a little disappointing. Refreshments seemed expensive. At least they had bathrooms and AC.

Amazing experience. We have been there twice, in winter for Christmas and in summer for the 4th of July. I strongly recommend this place. A lot of activities most of them for kids but not only. The nature is amazing and there is also a camping site by the lake. Magical ambiance at night with the Christmas decorations and it is even if it snows. The 4th of July show with drones and fireworks is also amazing. I would go again for a weekend retreat.

Climbed it for a sunrise mountaintop experience, very much worth it. Brought my 3 year old daughter and she was able to walk up most of it only needing help in the very steep parts. Legs were burning but the air was clear and the sunrise was beautiful. Would recommend.

One of the most beautiful places I visited in Atlanta so far. The view is amazing, wonderful sunset, and clean track. You can enter for free by the pedestrians entrance, but I believe you should pay a fee to go by car until the park lot.

Wanted to hike while visiting one of my close childhood friends and we ended up settling for this place the day before I had to head back home. For parking it was $20 so just keep that and mind and it was also $20 for the sky ride if you would like to experience that as well. We had a really good time and are glad we went when we did because we got to watch the sunset which made this hike 10000% better. You can see the whole sky and trees from all different parts of this mountain so makes it cool for a couple different stops. For sure should at least check this place out once if you haven’t been there before..

Plan to spend at least 3 hours here and wear comfortable shoes. Beautiful scenery and wide variety of well cared for plants. My visit was in late September, but there were still a lot of blooms around. I'll have to come back for the daffodils next year in the spring!

My visit to Gibbs Gardens was an absolutely refreshing and memorable experience. Surrounded by beautiful seasonal flowers, vibrant fall colors, and peaceful landscapes, the garden felt like stepping into a living painting. Every corner offered something unique, from colorful roses and hydrangeas to water lilies floating serenely on ponds. The changing fall leaves rich shades of red, orange, and gold added an extra layer of charm and perfectly framed the floral displays.The design and layout of the gardens made the experience even more enjoyable. Clear signboards and maps were thoughtfully placed throughout the property, making navigation simple and stress-free. I could easily find each themed garden, whether it was the Japanese garden with its stone lanterns and statues or the wide flower fields bursting with color. This attention to detail ensured that I could focus fully on the beauty around me without worrying about directions.The staff at Gibbs Gardens were another highlight of my visit. They were consistently friendly, approachable, and helpful whether offering guidance on trails or simply greeting visitors with a warm smile. Their presence made the entire visit feel welcoming and well-organized, showing that guest experience is clearly a top priority here.I was also impressed by the balance between natural beauty and careful landscaping. The wooded areas, with tall trees and filtered sunlight, offered rustic charm, while the manicured flower beds and artistic sculptures added elegance. Together, they created an atmosphere that was peaceful yet energizing, making it easy to spend hours just wandering, relaxing, and taking photographs.Cleanliness and maintenance were excellent as well. The walking paths were tidy, rest areas were spotless, and benches were thoughtfully placed for comfort and photo opportunities. Every detail seemed designed with visitors in mind, which made the day even more enjoyable.Overall, Gibbs Gardens is not just a place to see flowers it’s a sanctuary for the soul. It offers peace, joy, and inspiration in every season. Whether you are looking for a quiet escape, a spot for photography, or simply a way to reconnect with nature, Gibbs Gardens delivers an unforgettable experience. With its helpful staff, clear organization, and breathtaking scenery, it truly deserves its reputation as one of the most beautiful gardens to visit. 🌺🌸🌹🌼🌻😍

Breathtaking Fall Colors and a Perfect Family Outing! This was my second visit to Gibbs Gardens, and it was just as magical as the first! I took my in-laws to show them the beautiful fall colors, especially in the majestic Japanese Garden — it was absolutely stunning. 🍁 They also loved exploring the Wildflower Garden, which was full of vibrant colors and peaceful views. The gardens are so well-maintained, and every corner feels serene and picturesque. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy nature and spend a relaxing day with family. Highly recommend visiting during the fall season!

Absolutely beautiful! Such a peaceful and well-kept garden — everything is so nicely maintained and full of life. A perfect place to relax, take a walk, and enjoy nature’s beauty. Highly recommend visiting!

I went last week for the 1st time! I went out for the 2nd time this week. We've all got a yearly membership. The Manor house is beautiful. The Japanese garden was amazing. We will be going back next week. Just a peaceful gorgeous walk to take with friends and family.

What a spectacular way to spend an afternoon. This was my wife and my first time visiting. Mr Gibbs love letter to his passion is nothing short of amazing. I look forward to visiting many more times! DONT FORGET YOUR CAMERA!

This was our first visit to Gibbs Garden. The grounds are in great shape and the employees are so friendly and helpful. Christine was a rockstar, giving us so much helpful info! The butterflies were loving the wild flowers and I can't say enough about the Japanese Garden! We became annual members the same day, well done Gibbs Garden!!!

This place is truly a refreshing escape into nature. The moment you arrive, the sound of rushing water and the crisp, fresh air instantly create a calming atmosphere. The waterfall is absolutely beautiful as it cascades down the rocks, surrounded by lush greenery and seasonal colors that make the entire view feel alive. Standing near it, you can’t help but pause and soak in the serenity it brings.The trail leading up to the falls is well maintained, marked clearly, and lined with tall trees that offer both shade and stunning views. The gentle breeze, mixed with the earthy scent of the forest, makes the hike enjoyable and relaxing. Even in the fall, the play of golden and red leaves adds a magical touch, making every step of the journey worthwhile. What I love most is how peaceful and energizing this place feels. It’s the perfect spot to disconnect from the busyness of everyday life and simply be present in nature. Whether you’re hiking, taking photos, or just sitting quietly to listen to the water, every visit leaves you refreshed and renewed. This is one of those places you’ll want to return to again and again. 🌿💧🍂🍁😇

Amicalola Falls is absolutely breathtaking! The views are stunning from every angle — whether you’re looking up from the base of the falls or hiking to the top. The sound of the rushing water and the mountain air make it such a peaceful escape. We enjoyed exploring the trails, and the steps to the top are definitely a workout but completely worth it for the view! The park is clean, well-maintained, and perfect for all ages. There are plenty of picnic areas, beautiful overlooks, and friendly staff throughout the park. If you’re planning a visit, take your time to enjoy the scenery — it’s truly one of Georgia’s most beautiful spots. Great for a day trip, a weekend getaway, or just a little time in nature to refresh your soul.

Beautiful park to visit when the leaves are changing in mid October to November. It was nice to have the option to drive to different parts of the park or hike. This makes it convenient for families that may want to split up amd experience the park in different ways. A walking stick and water bottle is helpful if your planning to do more hiking than driving. There are a lot of steps! Great for exercise.

Amicalola Falls is an absolute must see! The waterfall is stunning, and the trails offer amazing views and fresh mountain air. The visitor center and gift shop were great especially the mini wildlife display! A huge thanks to Carla, who was so knowledgeable and friendly while helping us plan our route to the falls. The stairs up and down were a fun adventure with breathtaking views. This park is truly a peaceful, beautiful Georgia jewel. Can’t wait to return!

A really nice state park centered around the tallest waterfall in Georgia. The waterfall itself and the staircase section are the stars of this park. The easiest way to view the falls would be to park at the West Ridge Parking Lot and walk over about 0.25 miles. The staircase section, starting from the reflection pool and going to the top of the falls is a great workout and has great views. I was slightly disappointed with the other trails I used to make a loop while parking at the visitor center. The Creek Trail and East Ridge Trail were just okay to me. I would try the AT approach trail starting from behind the visitor center if I visited again.

Absolutely wonderful experience! Very nice around early to mid-Fall, but I'd watch out for wildlife, such as snakes and bears! Also, if you're planning on hiking, I'd recommend parking, then taking "the arch" up, then the stairs down and back into the parking lot.

My wife and I had a wonderful experience at this park today. It was $5 to get in and it had a ranger station which was pretty impressive. They had information centers plus they had the souvenir section which was very well stocked. The rangers were very knowledgeable and friendly. There was a ATM on site and purified water stations by the toilets. They also had three Park stamps instead of one hours of collect patches in the wife collects postcards and magnets as well. Drive across the street from the ranger station up that road and come to your first parking space on the right. Then go down the walkway, not the stairs and about .3 mi you'll come across the middle of the falls. Then you get back in your car and go up to the top. Behind the ranger station is access to the Appalachian trail which is kind of neat. I would have liked to have hiked that but I'm too old for that now. The restrooms were very clean and we had a wonderful time.

Loved this adventure today in car 114! It was beautiful scenery. Our tour guide was cool, he properly introduced himself, but of course I can’t recall his name (I’m sorry.) I was able to sit next to some good peeps and ‘Hawk Eye Betty’ was even quick enough to spot us a deer! I will say they properly say to arrive 45min early to pick up your ticket and it was spot on! Even thought the line was long, it didn’t take long to get the ticket from the prepaid ticket window. I deducted a star due to web link to see parking was “not found.” Thankfully I found a lot to park in nearby, but the info is not marked well. They caution you to be careful because some parking is limited to 3 hrs, so I could not tell if I was fixing to waste $10 to park. I was fortunate enough to have a couple walk up that used the lot yesterday and was able to confirm it was all day parking. I have tried to save the parking info, so maybe I can request that the web link be fixed to show you parking options and to put a sign on/near the parking kiosk that it is day parking, but I am going to include info in pics. The lot I used which was great is right by tracks and stores: Blue Ridge Bird Seed Company and M. Main Farmhouse market. The train ride is worth it in the open car! It was cold today and it was very tolerable with appropriate attire.

We and others were a bit disappointed to learn that the train does not go up the mountain or through any valleys. In fact, for the majority of the ride, one side of the train has nothing to look at because there is a berm right up to the rail. The other side has a view of a small river the majority of the ride. It is a very pretty view, but a lot of it is more about seeing nice homes along the river than seeing fall foliage. Also, for what it's worth, the train only goes 10 mph. It's a 26-mile round trip ride on flat ground. No hills. We rode the Premier car, and it was comfortable. The attendant was nice. The town surrounding the train station is very charming. A strip full of restaurants and shops. I will be back to experience all of that. All in all, the train experience was a little underwhelming for me.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Our trip on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway was absolutely incredible! We booked Coach Car C for the 2-hour ride, and it was such a perfect choice. Sitting in the open cart added a whole new level to the experience—the crisp fall air, the colorful leaves, and the peaceful sounds of the train made it unforgettable. The views along the route were stunning, and stopping at the Georgia/Tennessee border was such a neat highlight! It’s the perfect outing for anyone wanting to soak in some fall beauty and small-town charm. Highly recommend! 🚂🍁

I visited the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway with my service dog Toothless. He has never experienced a train, so it was a training day for him. Lots of new sounds (many of them scary), steep stairs to board (handicap lift available), so many new smells, and crowed with lots of new people! He did a fantastic job learning and listening. The staff from check in to helping me find my lost key fob was fantastic! Jeff was our guide for the Express Ride and had some good "dad jokes" and a fish story!. The weather was crisp and the fall colors on full display! Such an amazing experience and history of this rail line! We will definitely be back!

We opted for the 2 hr open coach tour...short & a relaxing afternoon ride. Bit early for foliage, prefer the ride out this time of year, not much to see on return. Note you change seats on return so you experience both sides. Narrator Chip did a wonderful job. Arrive early for good seats as train is popular.

My Husband and I got to mark an experience off of our bucket list! We went on the 4 hour ride on Halloween 🎃 day! All the workers were dressed up. The leaves and scenery was so beautiful. The only downside was that Cooper Hill Tenn and MaCaysville Ga were extremely crowded and the map we received was hard to navigate!

I thought the ride was going to be too cold in the open car, but the train didn’t go fast and the weather was perfect. Our car guide, Jeff, was super informative and even funny at times😃. He was full of knowledge in both history and local stories. I also loved that passengers changed sides on the return trip so everyone could experience all of the views.