Stump Pass Beach State Park Manasota Key Florida $3 to get in small parking lot well secluded and so many shells...well worth it! Definitely do-able again and again!! If I lived here I would come here 3-4 times a week! The water was gorgeous and we saw some dolphins playing in the water! There might have been 40 people spread out here at this beach...so gorgeous w my cousin Shari

Awesome spot! There was a huge amount of shells from the recent storm. It was like 3 feet deep. There's shark teeth all over but you gotta figure out what to look for or you'll miss them. We saw a dolphin here and lots of birds. My son found a ton of sea slugs and baby fish. Very family friendly and peaceful. I'd recommend this spot!!

Beautiful area. Heard they are planning to fill in an area caused by hurricane Milton making access to tip of Stump Pass. Let nature be natural I say!

The staff was amazing 😍! Beautiful State Park, get there early and get in line for parking. Remember parking is limited and a privilege. Show courtesy and patience; some of us save up all year to take our family 20 minutes away.. We know it's not far. We live here year round and love our visitors; love us back ❤️. Thank you 😊

It's the most beatific beach in Florida! The sand and water were perfect. Great spot for shells.

Stump Pass is a nice beach. The parking area is small so if you don't get there early you might not be able to park. However, it also means it's not very crowded. The beach is on a sandbar area and on one side there were jellies swimming about. The staff there are super friendly and helpful and we found some really nice shells.

One of the best kept not so secret beaches in the area. After the hurricane milton they had to move a lot of sand before they opened again, now its open and beautiful. Still under development in some parts but overall a great beach spot.

Beautiful black sand beach with tons of shells, and if you're lucky, shark teeth! They aren't just laying around, you'll want to bring a bucket or strainer to sift through the shells & sand.

Always love it here it's not cool the road is still closed but still able to get to beaches and find teeth

This is my favorite beach n florida! I am an actual born and raised Floridian and still enjoy this spot. But if you have children (or a weak stomach) beware of walking too far south down the beach. The naked old and weird will come out of the tree lines. Some are harmless other than the obvious, but there are a few mouthy ones who think they are entitled to be there naked and you shouldn't be there. I was cursed out with my husband for stopping to find shark teeth in a spot that they were hiding when we arrived then descended down on us 100% naked. The upside of this beach are the amazing amount of fossils you will find. Especially if you know what to look for. Check it out for sure. Just be mindful of how far south you stray.

I’ve heard in Heaven the streets are paved with Gold-at this beach the streets are paved with sharks teeth! You literally shower off standing on shark teeth. The beaches are pristine and the sand is like powdered sugar. Bring a kitchen strainer and prepare for a day of exploration of finding your own treasures. You won’t be disappointed. Check out my Podcast for more hard hitting truth.

A pristine beach located off the beaten path with plenty of spots to claim a peaceful day. A long walk if your planning to come without a boat, There is a ferry that takes people back and fourth from the South Venice yacht club. Found lots of shark teeth and the sand was blazing hot. Make sure you have some adequate sun protection.

I went on Sunday morning and there were over 2 dozen people sifting through the beach looking for sharks teeth. They were spread out the whole length of the beach (over 2 miles ). The sand is fine and is not rocky except for shells in various amounts throughout. It isn't too busy and has plenty of space so you don't have to be on top of other people. Great place to take the kids or to relax without a lot of hassle around you. Free parking is great.

One of the lesser known beaches of the area, but if you know of shark teeth then you definitely know of Caspersen! This beach is so fun because it’s so unique- there are lots of rocks right along the shore like and a huge walkway across the sand, making for some great views! There are lots of shells to be found, not even just shark teeth but a large array of other conchs, scallops and really good ones! If you want to find teeth, though, I suggest you bring either a rake or some kind of straining/ scooping element because otherwise they are super difficult to find. You also need to find the right spot, so if you’re not finding any, keep on moving and don’t give up! Caspersen also has some bathrooms and rinse stations, but beware of parking because it can get tough- so great there EARLY or get there late- the in between may have you driving around quite a bit!

This is really a unique place to visit. We bought the package deal which included a tour of the castle, which was filled with unique objects made by Solomon, and a tour of Solomon's later creations and his antique car collection. Our tour was led by "Uncle Jimmy," who was entertaining and quite knowledgeable. It was quite an interesting experience and well worth the $39 per ticket that included both tours. Afterwards, we enjoyed lunch at their on-site restaurant, The Boat on the Moat. The food was good as well, and my wife and I enjoyed our excursion to Solomon's Castle very much. It was well worth the time and money.

Absolutely loved it. Mr Solomon was an amazing artist. All his art is created from other people's trash. I can't begin to describe all the beautiful art in the castle which was also his home. Definitely worth a visit if you are a lover of all things creative. There are 2 small restaurants on the grounds and the food was very good. No inside photos are allowed so I will share my beautiful outside photos.

Was a whole surprise and definitely well worth it. Great staff, Good food and an exquisite ambiance surrounded by nature and the magic of Solomon’s art. We’re repeating again for sure. Highly recommended.

WOW! You could tour this place over and over and still not see everything! The guides are knowledgeable and friendly. This is a one-of-a-kind experience. See the genius artistry of a creative mind who "made stuff" by recycling trash to treasure. Don't miss this one! It's out of the way, but a beautiful drive. Plan to stay for a delicious lunch and enjoy the sweet gift shop, but bring cash; they don't take plastic.

Nice spot will catch the museum at a later date as the tour a little more than I expected. We ate in the pirate ship . You could also eat outside or in a lighthouse. It was a cute experience and food was good and reasonably priced.

Fabulous Family Day out! We had a great time. Boat in the Moat restaurant was great, food was awesome! Shout out to Dean for taking the phone call that put my son's mind at rest 😁 Dean really took his job to the next level, big thank you❣️ Informative, fun and well worth the trip 👌

It is well worth the trip out there to see all the art and sculptures. It is not really a place for kids who like hands-on/interactive museums. I would suggest teens who are into art and sculpture and old cars. There is also a place to eat.

Amazing way to spend Mother's Day...any day really! Enjoyed the narrated boat tour...galloping gators, feral hogs, and fauna galore...something for everyone!

beautiful place for enjoy the nature and the real Florida landscape and animals!

Great for kids! Airboat tour with gators, birds, wild pigs in sight. Tram ride with excellent description of flora, fauna, and history. Great restaurant and gift shop. Camping facilities look nice and we'll kept. Many opportunities for walks and bicycle rides.

Excellent camp ground for youth scout camping and to the looks of it great for family camping. Gas stations within 15 min drive for ice and other things along with a Walmart about 20 minutes away. Great roads for bike rides and also plenty of good views with alot of alligator sitings. Make the 1 hr trip to peace river if you can and dig for some fossils when the water is low!

Wonderful campground with plenty of space.

The campsite was huge and well cleared with plenty of flat spots for tents; the water out of the spigot was delicious and clean and didn't have that standard Florida sulfur taste; the state park staff was extremely accommodating and helpful; and the site was secluded from other campers. Overall, a fantastic experience!

Its better just putting anything modern away and imagine it being 90 years ago. Get the real feel for the real Florida

Absolutely breathtaking! The beach is a true paradise warm, crystal-clear waters that are so inviting, and perfectly shallow for wading or just relaxing. The scenery is stunning, and the peaceful atmosphere makes it the ideal spot to unwind and soak up the sun.”

— Siesta Key Beach Florida Review — I’ve been here 5 weeks ago. It is the best beaches I have ever been to. I definitely recommend going to this exact beach in Florida if you want Jacuzzi style relaxation. The water is really hot! When it’s sunny and humid, you will have to handle it going into the water will make it worse since it’s really hot. 5 star beach and definitely the best beaches I ever went to. Highly recommend!

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!! Siesta Beach is ranked among the top 10 best beaches in the U.S. every year — and of course, our family wanted to see if it really deserves the title. It absolutely does! All the photos online are real — not exaggerated at all. Parking: there are plenty of spots, though I imagine it might be tricky to find one during the busy season. There are also designated spaces for people with disabilities. Before reaching the main beach area, there’s a large shaded zone with a playground, picnic shelters, and showers. It takes about 5–7 minutes to walk from the parking lot to the beach. The sandy area is divided by a small service road where you can easily set up a tent or have a picnic. The sand is truly amazing — pure white, very fine, soft, and cool even on hot days. The ocean is a paradise for the eyes! The water color is stunning, even when there are waves. The entry into the water is smooth and safe, perfect for kids. There are lifeguards on duty and sheriff patrols, which makes you feel even safer. Highly recommend this beach for everyone — families, groups of friends, or couples looking for a beautiful and relaxing spot to enjoy the day. 💙

The sand is truly unique — pure white, incredibly soft, and as fine as powder. The best part is that it never gets too hot, so you can walk barefoot along the entire shoreline without a problem. The water is stunningly clear, with a gorgeous turquoise color and a perfect temperature of around 30°C, making it ideal for swimming or simply relaxing in the shallows. The beach is also very well equipped. At the entrance, you’ll find places to buy drinks, snacks, and light meals, which is super convenient if you want to spend the whole day there. There are free parking areas — although when I visited on a Wednesday, they were almost full, so I can imagine weekends get quite busy. Another big plus is the excellent facilities: there are showers and restrooms available, all very well maintained and clean, adding to the comfort of your visit. On top of that, a pleasant breeze keeps the heat from feeling overwhelming, making the whole experience even more enjoyable. The atmosphere is lively yet relaxed, with families, couples, and friends all enjoying the sun, the sand, and the beautiful surroundings without it feeling too crowded. It’s the perfect blend of natural beauty, comfort, and good vibes — a place you’ll want to return to again and again.

Best beaches in the Sarasota area. Get there early if you want to find a parking spot. It is a very popular beach and people flock here. Food is available and there are ample public bathrooms and foot washing station. The beach is a bit of a hike from the parking lot but well worth the walk. Great place to take your family. Plenty of space for grilling, a playground for the kids, and a few covered areas for large parties and to stay out of the sun.

The sand at Siesta Key is unbelievably soft — it literally feels like walking on flour. The beach is spotless, the water is clear, and the sunsets are unbeatable.

Visiting Siesta Beach was one of the best beach experiences I’ve ever had. The moment I stepped onto the sand, I understood why it’s consistently ranked one of the best beaches in the country—and even the world. The sand is unbelievably soft and cool to the touch, even on a hot day. It’s not your typical beach sand either—this is pure white quartz that feels like walking on velvet. It made just being there feel relaxing and refreshing, before I even reached the water. The beach itself is massive, so even when there are a lot of people, it doesn’t feel crowded. I liked how easy it was to find a spot to settle in without being too close to anyone. The water was calm, crystal clear, and perfect for swimming or just floating around. You could really tell the area is well-maintained, from the clean restrooms and outdoor showers to the lifeguards stationed throughout, giving you a real sense of safety and care. But what really made it special for me was the atmosphere. It’s peaceful, family-friendly, and full of people enjoying themselves without the chaos or noise of more commercial beaches. I even got to stay long enough to catch the drum circle at sunset, which was an incredible experience. Watching the sun dip into the Gulf while listening to live drumming and seeing people dance freely in the sand—it just had this beautiful energy that stays with you. Siesta Beach isn’t just another beach—it’s a destination that feels like a perfect mix of nature, relaxation, and good vibes. Whether you want to play, unwind, take a long walk, or just sit and watch the waves, this place has it all. I would absolutely come back again and again. It’s a true gem of Sarasota and easily one of my favorite spots in all of Florida.

Very nice aquarium! Loved the renovation. The food court had an excellent range of food options. The manatee, penguins and otters were my kid's favorite.

I had a really great time at this aquarium, and I definitely would come again. There are two main buildings, the building with fish and other attractions like a preserved giant squid and a virtual reality experience, and a building with mammals like manatees and turtles. Once you pay for a ticket, you can enter both of these buildings. I suggest starting at the main building, and when you finish, follow the path marked with paintings of fish, and you can find your way to the mammal building. There's also a bird sanctuary, which is free entry. You can spend a decent amount of time there, so if you don't want to spend any money, it's a great option. This place is great for anyone of any age, and the elevators for accessibility make it a very open experience for anyone of any demographic. I highly recommend this place if you want to learn about marine life or just enjoy your day viewing interesting sea creatures.

Super cute little aquarium, I heard they're expanding recently as well? (I went a few years ago). Have a focus on sea turtles and rescue/rehabilitation of them. Can also see dolphins, manatees, a variety of fish and marine life, and a VERY NICE otter exhibit, the otters have a nice waterfall, clear clean water and lots of toys!

I’m very happy to know they are moving to newer and nicer / larger building soon! This will be amazing for them since you always have to walk to the building across the street. People are so friendly and so nice, we Love the people working and volunteering here! There was an older gentleman who took the time to explain to us how their giant squid ( found dead and now being preserved ) came to the facility. He was an amazing story telling and so knowledgeable about these creatures! We can’t wait to come back but now to the new facilities!

Was hoping to see the new aquarium. However, this one open til July 6th. It is inside and out and allows us to see some amazing sea life. Worth a visit. However, the new place should be awesome. This takes a good 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Does have a café.

Aquarium and marine animal rescue were great. Not crowded on a June afternoon, and docents were terrific. We used our hometown zoo membership to help get a discounted ticket price. We arrived around 3, but wish we had had more time to read about everything and check out the bird rescue, which closed at 4:30, too.

We took our grandchildren here during a vacation. We enjoyed the educational experience. It is kid friendly and a great place for them to explore the wonders of the sea. Staff are knowledgeable and approachable. They enjoy educating the visitors, especially the children. There are hands-on activities for the littles. It is not overwhelming big, the perfect size for the children. The bird sanctuary and manatees are a short walk and worth it.

Thinking this is just a museum dedicated to the circus wrong. of course there is circus memorabilia in two buildings that take you back to your childhood, but there is also the mansion from John and Mabel Ringling, and there is also an art museum with some of the most incredible paintings You have seen in the most amazing building. The property is lush and beautiful. I highly recommend a visit.

My husband and I visited here earlier in the year it was such a cool experience. So much beautiful art, history, lovely gardens, and so much more. This is the kind of place you wander around all day long. The banyan trees are the largest we’ve ever seen in FL. It was kind of disappointing that the rose garden was under construction but I guess we’ll just have to come back again. The staff were all helpful and shared lots of cool information. The cafe was cute but a little over priced so we decided not to eat there. Thank you for an amazing time. This is a great spot to take cool pictures. We were very impressed by the miniature circus.

This place has so much richness to offer! Ensure to leave yourself ample time to enjoy the entire 65 acres of this Museum. The garden is beautiful and so is the 🎭 🖼️ building. The circus 🎪 history. Great place if you're an arts enthusiast. Bonus: catch the sunset on Thursdays they close at 8PM last photo!

Ringling mansion was a wonderful look back to the gilded age. The collection of was magnificent! What was showing was only 20% of the collection. I could NOT believe that there was a Rembrandt on display. This is a must see. The circus portion of the museum was also very interesting.

Loved this place. There is a lot to do here. We ran out of time. It is set in a beautiful garden but there is a lot of renovation going on at the moment. Our favourite bit was the circus. It was fun to learn about the history and the miniature circus was just amazing.

Beautiful 66 acre property with museum, art gallery, castle and manicured grounds. Bring your walking shoes because you will definitely get all of your steps in for the day. To see it all plan to spend at least 5 or more hours here. Highly recommended. 👍🏽 🤡 🎪🤹🎠

This place is definitely worth the hype and the drive. The cadzan was so beautifully and intentionally built, the intricate designs, the detailing in every part of the house! It made me miss the way we used to build things not the modern very bland and very plain we build things now. The house is a work of art, I wonder just how majestic it was back in the days. We couldn’t do a full exploration off the ringling but I’d definitely go again

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.

Driving across country was a goal of mine.I have seen many great sights and experienced many things. But the Sunset Skyway Bridge tops the cake. Beautiful all around and worth paying to go down the piers and see the sights.

I don't think I'll ever get tired of those views... I used to do the commute from Bradenton to St. Pete back in the day... I was always appreciative of my commute. That was probably the only time in my life were I was in awe of my commute... lol. It was one of those rare occasions where I was thankful for everything! I got to drive across the Sunshine Skyway Bridge on a regular basis! Occasionally I'd exit the rest stops just to admire the scenic views, especially the Sunsets and sometimes the Sunrise as well. Driving over the bridge was SO surreal....

We visited the bridge after 8 PM, excited by many reviews recommending the night view for the lighting effects. From about a mile or two away, the bridge looked stunning lit up and full of promise. But as we got closer, we were disappointed to find that the lights were only underneath the bridge on the pillars, not along the top or on the iconic cables. It didn’t match what we had imagined. We wish we had visited during the daytime or around sunset, which probably would’ve became a memorable day of our life. Still, an impressive piece of engineering worth seeing, just time your visit right!

The lady on the plane told us about this bridge. Going across it I didn’t really see what the whole hype was about. There are two really unique fishing piers ,one when you start and when we end, I guess that’s where the old bridge was. Looks like a nice bridge.

Sunshine Skyway Bridge 6-26-25 Every time I drive over this bridge I get a thrill. Traffic moves over this bridge fast and you’re going up what feels like a large hill. It feels like you’re in an Airplane by the time you get to the peak of the bridge as you can see forever. At night it looks amazing all lit up. I can’t wait to get up that way again just to cross this bridge. I must give this bridge a 5 out of 5 stars because of the true awesomeness of it. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Follow Me On FB For More Reviews & Fun. Gulf Coast Terry

Must-see attraction. One of a kind bridge and the scenery doesn’t get any better. There are tons of places to pull off and hang with the family. You can swim, grill out, fish, and more! 10/10

We have driven over this bridge during the day and night many times and it can be kind of terrifying, especially if it's windy, but we cruised UNDER it on the Margaritaville at Sea Islander for tree first time last month and it was a whole different experience! Especially on the way back to Tampa seeing it all lit up at 3:30 AM!

A lovely outing to learn about Manatee migration at Big Bend. We always go in January when it is relatively cold, it makes the trip to the concession stand for Hot Cocoa worth it. We get to see so many Sea Cows and their babies playing around, flapping their large tails and huddling together to stay warm. The museum, sting ray pool and souvenir shop are all very nice. I enjoyed it as much as my little one.

This was our first time here and it was opening day. Very well maintained ,Not too crowded on the viewing docks . A very nice place to relax and watch nature, plus it’s free. Beautiful views. We saw 3-4 Manatees, shark swimming in circles, fish jumping out of the water and some tarpons.

We really enjoyed our time here and could have easily spent another hour or two to see everything! Best of all it is free. They have light food on site and a nice gift shop as well. Everything was reasonably priced. They also offer a free golf cart shuttle for those that do. It want to walk from the overflow lot!

It was really cool with so many manatees to see! A nice little boardwalk so a lot of people can look at one time. There nature trail was kinda neat too. I recommend checking the first parking lot, or waiting for the free golf cart ride to save yourself a long walk

Nice view of the Manitees from the platform, a few huddled directly below, they are so docile and slow moving, rarely surface for air. Free to get in, parking was adequate.

This was a really cool free thing to do! We had some time to kill before going to the Tampa airport and decided to check it out. We had a party of 9 people with us, so to be able to kill time here free was a win in my book. So many manatees, sting rays, sharks, and fish! They do have a cafe that looked good and we did buy some things from the gift shop. Overall for a free activity 10/10!

What a great free fun family adventure! A great area to view manatees, other fish species. Very clean

The Dali Museum completely exceeded expectations — surreal, inspiring, and so well presented. You can feel the creativity in every corner, and the staff are super knowledgeable. The building itself is a work of art. Highly recommend taking your time to explore!

Salvador Dali Museum in St Petersburg was an excellent tribute to a fascinating, perhaps controversial artist. Staff were friendly and helpful, there was plenty of parking during our visit on a Sunday, art displays were neat, and the using the app for the narrated tour is highly recommended. At the time of our visit, there was a very well done tribute to van Gogh which we opted to watch as opposed to the Salvador Dali screening, which I'm sure would have been quite good as well. The snack / coffee bar was perfect for the visit. The murals section was an interesting addition, and the interactive street art photo booths were fun. Highly recommended overall.

The Dali Museum was so artsy and amazing — like walking straight into someone’s wild, beautiful dream (and possibly their subconscious). I only had a couple of hours to explore, which is basically a crime against art, so I’m 100% going back before I leave. Also… that espresso? Life-changing. I’m not saying Dali himself whispered inspiration into my cup, but I’m also not not saying that. Next visit: slower pace, more surrealism, and definitely another magical espresso.

Spent the afternoon here and was lucky enough to catch a tour. The docent was so knowledgeable and pointed out all of the symbolism and facts about the pieces and what they meant. There are so many obscure facts and tid bits that I had no idea about before the tour. The pieces were very thought provoking, and after visiting, would love to read his autobiography and go back to revisit

Dalis work is very interesting. You go through the first floor where there’s a cafe, straight to the third floor using the elevator or the stairs. The art gallery is on the third floor, you’re greeted with Dalis most famous panting as soon as you go in, after that it’s his earlier up to his later works. There’s also a VR experience which I thought was pretty cool. To watch the 360° experiences you need to pay extra than the general admission. Overall a good experience

I've been wanting to come here every since they opened, Dali had been my favorite artist since I was 10. I absolutely loved it! All the staff were extremely kind and my husband & I had a wonderful time!

My overall experience at the Salvador Dalí Museum was… okay. I’m not judging Dalí’s work here, just the museum itself. The first thing that stood out was the price: the entrance fee is very high, and on top of that you also have to pay for parking. For a place that’s already expensive, this felt a bit excessive. Another issue is the storage system. You’re required to leave your bags in outdoor, non-secured lockers or simply keep your things in the car. The idea behind it is supposedly to reduce theft inside the museum if you have a backpack with shoulder straps, they make you leave it behind. But they don’t seem very concerned about whether something gets stolen from those lockers or from your car, which is pretty ironic. On the positive side, the guides and staff were excellent. They were helpful, knowledgeable, and made the visit more enjoyable. So overall: great people working there, but the logistics, pricing, and lack of secure storage definitely took away from the experience.

It’s a nice green space with some interesting plants, flowing water features, and a nice retreat similar to other places of that era. If you want some beautiful scenery and wildlife, it’s a nice choice as a regular retreat if you live in the Bay Area. We got a good deal for a family membership so it’s nice to pop over and walk around for an hour or two as one of the few places to get some green around here. There are a couple of shady open areas with astroturf that are good for the kiddos to play. Otherwise there’s not much going on other than looking at things and relaxing. A nice option if you have visitors who love plants, or want something sedate, but mostly just a stroll and relaxing kind of spot.

This was a lovely experience and a great look at old Florida! The plants were beautiful and there was a great amount of information. Plenty of opportunities for cute pictures and we got to see a fair amount of wildlife as well. I felt tickets were well priced for the amount of time we spent and what we got to see. I also thought the gift shop was great. There were lots of cute things for someone looking for a souvenir from St Petersburg!

Escape the city without leaving the city. This garden transports you into a lush tropical oasis. Surrounded by vibrant colors, calming sounds, and layered textures of cascading landscapes, you can meander the blissfully winding trails for hours. Stop by the flamingos to see them dance in delight at feeding time. The Macaws and Tuscan show off their vivid colors at their own exhibits throughout the property. Other special sightings include butterflies, a kookaburra, tortoises, and turtle. The garden also provides ample opportunities for photo ops and has a gift shop as well.

A nice afternoon activity if you need to get out of the house. The place is huge so you will still find quiet corners even with a lot of people in the garden. Personal favorites/ highlights - Koi pond - Flamingo’s - A rainbow tree - If you are wondering what in the world resulted in this huge garden, there is a history center to give context If traveling with kids or older people- The only restrooms are in the visitor center. There is also a kids exploration center which seemed interesting. The ticket to this place for adults is $15, (note that they are raising it to $18 from oct 1,2025) which I felt was steep. They offer discounts if you are AAA member or VA. Overall, it’s a good afternoon activity if you want to get out of the house Plenty of parking is available at this place.

I'm so glad we finally got a chance to go. This place is breathtaking 😍. Trying to navigate with the map is kinda tricky. There are not a lot of restroom. I liked that we could pack our own lunch, so we had a nice picnic on the lawn. They were also setting up for wla wedding which looked very beautiful. I actually got to see the stunning bride. They also have birds.

What a wonderful place to visit. If you have any interest at all in exotic trees, please visit this place. Sunken Gardens has been around for a long time and has some great history. Beautiful blooms and natural architecture of the plants and trees will WOW you. They also have some birds and turtles on site. With a nice little gift shop. For those who are interested for the kids also attached to Great Explorations.

We spent two hours walking the trails. The historic building describes the family that created the gardens, and how the city voted to purchase it and save it for posterity. Lot's of beautiful plants from Central and South America and Asian countries. Free parking!

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.

We went here october 15th, a wednesday. It was crowded, im not sure if its always like that but it was still a very pleasant experience. Highly recommend the fast pass as always, and be sure to buy in advance because eventually the selections are limited. There was plenty to offer for children and some high thrill rides for adults. The Tron ride and space mountain were really fun. The wait time without the fast pass can be 2-3 hours for some of the more popular rides. The park closes at 11 but a monorail takes you from the parking lot to the magic kingdom entrance. We left right at close and it was chaotic getting back on the monorail. It was almost a ride line in its own. Still everyone should make an effort to go at least one time in their life. It was fun and we will have to go back at some point. Be sure to save up money, a Disney sweater is usually about $60 which seems to be around the average price of apparel.

magic kingdom has always been fun and will always be fun. it’s one of my favorite parks in disney. me and my husband came here for our honeymoon, and we had the time of our lives! being able to ride the fun rides, experience the park together, meet the characters, and even just shop around at the shops was fun! we bought the photo pass in advance for the parks and that is definitely a must! it was great being able to see and get all of our photos that were captured from the day!!

Magic Kingdom is . . . Magical. It's our 3rd trip this year and it never gets old! This was our first time going on Halloween then again November 1st and seeing the overnight transformation. Highly recommend! My friend and I surprised our sons who are cross country besties with this trip. Neither knew we were going OR that the other would be there. It made the trip extra magical watching them run the parks together!

In my opinion THE best Disney park in Florida. Something for everyone. Tron is awesome but best ridden in an evening as the atmosphere is slightly better. Find a spot for the electric parade in the main Town Hall square as it's far less crowded than along Main street and the Castle area. My top tip is to then follow the parade immediately behind the rope carried by the cast members at the rear of the parade. This will take you straight to the Castle steps where, 30 minutes later, you'll bag a fantastic view of Happily Ever After, the evening Projection and Fireworks show.

Haven't been in over a decade. As always very clean and decorated. See parades were well performed and all rides were operational that weren't shut down. The day after register's day was very busy took over an hour to leave via monarail at the end of the night. All foods were prepared fresh and tasted great.

Great family vacation. Planning things out helps minimize the concern around cost. And the legends are true -- the customer service was exceptional in handling my questions and occasional "emergency". Greatly appreciated the staff's patience and understanding.

Had fun at Disney World's Magic Kingdom Park with our kids and grandkids. The rides are great. The attention to detail with the rides is impressive, and they are alot more than just amusement rides. Every ride is themed, and even waiting in line adds to the theme of the ride. Granted, the lightning lane is the way to go. It is nice to be able to ride more than 2 rides in 4 hours. Each area in the park has it's own character, and it was even fun noticing the details through. The lights and even the trash cans are themed. The food is really good. It's a little more expensive than some amusement parks, and major league baseball parks we've been to, but it is good.

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.

A great place for families, with plenty of entertainment options even for very young children, and many places to eat. I recommend getting a pass; the annual pass is very convenient. The integration of the animals and their habitats within the park is incredible. It's all one cohesive whole, and the animals are truly thriving and are treated very, very well.

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 👍👍

I had a blast at Howl o scream!!! I went to all the haunted houses and loved them. There was also a live show that I caught a part of. Lots of drinks and refreshments available, ample restroom access, and I only waited in line for quite a while for 2 of 5 haunted houses, which was fine because its not like I had someplace to be lol. Overall really enjoyed the scare zones in between the haunted houses and will go again.

Busch Gardens Tampa is absolutely amazing! The experience was incredible I managed to ride almost every attraction in a single day, and each one was thrilling in its own way. The park is clean, well-organized, and full of energy. September was the perfect time to visit, great weather and shorter lines. I totally recommend it for anyone looking for an unforgettable adventure!

I'm writing this review after just leaving Busch Gardens in Tampa. I didn't want to wait since it is still fresh on my mind. For the short version, WOW! The Holw-O- Scream was done awesome. I would like to say I haven't visited Busch Gardens since I was real little and I didn't remember it being anything like this. Every single ride we rode was absolutely amazing. And they all felt completely unique. The twist and turns are insane! I highly recommend this event and this park. I didn't do any research prior to attending so I really didn't know what to expect. I am glad I came. I am truly blown away. Unfortunately I didn't get to ride everything but I will be back! Great job Busch Gardens! I will definitely make a vlog about my experience. Keep up the great work!

Hard to rate. Good start with getting a quick parking place and getting a nice ride to the entrance. Tickets also got quick an easy, for my taste is the regular price quied too high. We were lucky and got black Friday tickets, but also this ones too high. Rides are fine in the park, the Zoo is for my taste to old school and not state of the art. Fore every single service like animals food some rides you have to pay. It feels very commercial and not fair espescialy with the current ticket price. I understand tickets for animal visits but not for the safari However some people like Mathew who made the tortoise tour with us are very great.

I love animals and my husband, and I decided to pop in the zoo for a little day date! It wasn’t packed and we got to see lots of animals! The staff was very friendly and helpful. We got some souvenirs from the gift shop and it wasn’t too overpriced. It’s about average. It would be a great place to go on a date or to take your children!

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS ZOO!!!!We came here during the week on a Wednesday in October during the day time and it was not crowded at all we had the time of our lives, i went up on to 6 or 7 different zoo keepers and asked tons of questions about the animals we were near and every single one of them answered my questions with ease and were super friendly. There was one zookeeper named Joe who was near the Orangutans and he was so knowledgeable and kind talked to for almost 15 minutes and knew every single question i had to ask. Plenty of water fountains and shady areas to cool off in. Safari Ride was a must! Devin was our guide on the ride .He was awesome very informative and super personable.There wasn’t a single question i asked that he could not answer with additional information on top of it. Every animal was active and visible but with the exception of one or two and if you go to lots of zoos you know that’s just apart of it but it was nice to see how the zoo made sure the animals could be comfortable and visible at the same time. Loved the Free Encounters they do with the Manatees and the Other Animals.We watched the one with the Orangutan and you HAVE to do this when you come!!You get to see them up close and have a great view and it’s a surreal experience being so close to them and we didn’t have to pay anything extra to do so.You also HAVE TO FEED THE LORIKEETS!!!! Since it was slow that day the Kind Lady who worked the Enclosure gave us a bit extra food when feeding since there was no one waiting behind us. It’s little things like that make It feel so personable and enjoyable. We also went thru the Dinosaur area And OH MY GOSH WAS IT SO COOL. They have life size dinosaurs you can get right up next too that are animatronic and so life like.Im an adult and felt like i was 10 years old again it was amazing! 10/10 Would recommend visiting here. I didn’t meet a single staff member who wasn’t friendly as can be and Also SUPER KNOWLEDGEABLE.Food and drinks are widely avaible everywhere. We had A Pizzafor lunch in the africa area that tasted great! Overall 10/10 i got my moneys worth and can’t wait to come back!!!

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.

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.

Amazing zoo so many animals the staff is so nice and amazing we bought passes and go there all the time went with friends they loved it too! ❤️ The rides are fun and they have so many activities to try! This is one of the best zoos I've been to 11/10 recommend!

Visited Showcase of Citrus and was absolutely delighted. If you're looking for an affordable, engaging, and delicious way to spend an afternoon, this is it! The animals- pigs, goats, lemurs and cow- are clearly well cared for and happy to interact. The option to buy food to feed them adds an extra layer of fun, especially for kids (or adults who are kids at heart!). It's a really special experience to get up close and feed the friendly residents. The capybaras and their new babies was fun to see and even the option of helping name them! The food scene here is great, too. The selection of food trucks meant there was something for everyone, from Cuban, Jamaican and Venezuelan trucks, but the bar also offered amazing creamsicle slushies and exciting themed drinks! They're creative, refreshing, and definitely deserve a spot on your social media feed. The whole atmosphere felt lively and welcoming. The staff is so friendly and welcoming! Finally, for anyone who loves taking photos, this place is a dream. They've gone all out creating fantastic photo opportunities around the property. Whether it's a rustic backdrop, a cute sign, or a beautifully themed display, you're guaranteed to get some stellar shots to remember your day.

What an honor to experience the first-ever haunted monster truck ride! 🎃 Tickets were about $30, and we were driven by Ranger Jack and his assistant Sam. The tour was pretty good although there is definitely some room for improvement. The ride lasted around 15 minutes, which felt a little short for the price (I think 30 minutes would’ve been perfect for the price). I loved the theme of it too! I also appreciated that it wasn’t crowded in the monster truck. There was plenty of room to move and actually enjoy the ride without feeling packed in. I would say it is a one-time experience for Halloween. At the end of the ride, they mentioned a Christmas-themed ride coming up! 🎄I am looking forward to checking that out!

Such a wonderful place! The decoration is absolutely stunning for fall festival, was not crowded at all (went on an afternoon Friday). You can see the animals and walk around for free, but they also have paid options such as feed the animals, monster trucks rides, stores and a bar. For those who have children, there is an amazing playground outside with a lot of shade. Absolutely worth it!

Today we visited Showcase of Citrus and had such a great time! As a homeschool family, we’re always on the lookout for affordable (or even free) places to explore, and this spot was such a gem. One thing I really loved is that there’s no cost to go in—you can enjoy the property without worrying about admission fees. They have a nice variety of animals, and the food to feed them is very reasonably priced. There’s also a play area for kids. While the toys are a little older, it still gave our kids a chance to run around and have fun. If you’re looking for a fun outing that doesn’t break the bank, this is definitely a place worth checking out!

As someone who has lived in the Clermont area for most of her life, it’s truly insane to me that this stunning gem has been right under my nose my entire life! The Showcase of Citrus is one of the most educational, resourceful, entertaining, and inviting place I’ve ever been to! Whether it’s a date, solo trip, or family outing this lovely place is a must, and it’s free to enter! If you want to feed the animals, they have different buckets ranging from $6-$25, it’s very affordable and you get to connect with the wildlife. I will never be able to forget the exceptional service given to me by Madi and Leo, the peach cobbler drink (aka peach slushy and ice cream) that I was recommended by Madi is absolute heaven. As I’m writing this I’m craving another refreshing cup! The gator chili nachos recommended by Leo blew me out of the park. Usually when I have gator it’s tough and dry, however Leo’s gator is tender and explodes with flavor! I will definitely be back, especially for the U-Pick season in December, January, and February! No matter what season you end up coming, there will be something magical inside the Showcase of Citurs!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ We had an absolute blast! Our first option was South Hills Farm, but they were fully booked for the day. I had promised my son a pumpkin patch adventure, so we found Showcase of Citrus and we’re so glad we did! We didn’t know what to expect, but my son loved it! The place is very organized, has beautiful photo spots for fall portraits, and plenty of fun activities for families. We all had a great time and will definitely be back! 🎃🍊

We love Showcase! We visit often and recently had our son’s 3rd birthday party here. The process to reserve a party package was so easy and a great 3HR get together with friends and family. Definitely choose the option with a private monster truck ride for your whole party, it was a hit with kids and adults! They even have a surprise for the birthday kid during the drive! Shout out to Aly for being so helpful day of even with how busy the place was. She was cool as a cucumber and just crushing it in the best way!

Very impressive venue! especially loved the set up for the pre-show dinner with appetizers. It was delicious and George Thorogood was absolutely amazing! Also love the outside garden area! highly recommend checking this place out plus the staff was very friendly I look forward to attending another rock ‘n’ roll band. concert.

Excellent sound in this venue for the stand up comedy show I attended. The security was quick and efficient. There are lots of ushers to help guide you to your seat. Decent amount of leg room. The are no central aisles in this theater so if your seats are in the middle and you need to get out you have to walk all the way past the other guests so get your beverages and snacks before you seat down. The seats are padded a little and pretty comfortable. I thought the temperature could have been a little lower. I wore a lightweight long-sleeved shirt and I was a little warm but not hot. The security is plentiful and present throughout the entire show and when leaving. It felt safe in here. Exiting is a little bit of a jam because all patrons have to move down the aisles but not too bad. Uber prices were extremely high after the show but I walked a mile away and it dropped by 30$. I will return for a musical show to check the acoustics. I recommend!

Saw Brit Floyd here. I've seen them well over 10 times in 3 states. This venue was much more lit than others which affected the light show. For some reason they opted to not make it dark enough. Other than that the show was great and the staff was friendly. Of course they charge way too much for drinks.

recently saw George Thourgood along with the Artemis Pyle Band at Ruth Eckerd Hall, and it was an excellent concert. The sound quality was fantastic, and the venue itself is a great size—big enough for a lively crowd, but still intimate enough that you feel close to the stage. The Artemis Pyle Band especially put on an incredible show. The hall offers plenty of options for drinks, with multiple bars and lounges available before and during the show. The only downside is that the alcohol prices are pretty steep. Overall, Ruth Eckerd Hall is a solid concert venue with great performances, friendly staff, and good amenities—just be prepared for higher drink prices

Great concert and performance hall. Easy to find your seat and plenty of room to sit comfortably. Does have an elevator for people who can not climb stairs. Plenty of parking, and they do have valet parking. I will definitely be attending more events there!

This place is a great musical venue! We've seen a few concerts here. Access and parking was a breeze. There's a little hidden gem on the back side of the building. When you make your way through Ruth Eckard Hall work your way around the back and you'll find a quant little area outside. There is a bar, comfortable seating along with some tables and chairs to relax in before the show. The last concert we attended there was a duo playing outside which was offered a great vibe! All in all, it was a great experience and we love going there. Cheers!

GREAT PLACE to see entertainers & shows. Really good experience & not too far from Hernando County. Comfortable seating and good concession services provide almost everything you need besides plenty of parking. Great acoustics in the hall.

Totally worth the visit! You must book in advance. It was easy to create an account and book it online. We paid $6 for one car with 2 people. The place is beautiful, clear crystal fresh water. We spent the time at the natural pool and then went kayaking for about an hour. The minimum option for kayaking is 2 hours $50 which is a decent price. It was a nice experience to enjoy the wild life and the silence while going down the river. They have a cafe, a store, and 2 restrooms areas. There are also a few hiking trails and camping options.

Nice State park. We did a Canoe trip. Within in a few minutes we saw our first manatees. A little further down the springs were turtles and a fairly large gator. There’s a nice boardwalk hike as well. Worth Checking out if near by.

A friend and I went to Kings Landing to go Kayaking, and oh my gosh that place was amazing. The people there were so nice and helpful. The water was so clear and cool, the trees came over the water and so beautiful. Would go again.

I visited three natural springs in the area and Wekiwa Springs was my least favorite. I liked Rock Springs/Kelly Park nearby the best, but here you can actually properly swim, which you can't do there. The biggest tip here is to GET A RESERVATION online beforehand, *several* days beforehand if you want to visit on a weekend! I recommend doing both parks, go to Kelly Park when it opens, then come here after with your reservation, which is good all day. The vibe here is more like a public pool. It's basically a swimming hole, just with cool, clear water and some rocks you can perch on. Most folks arrange themselves around the edges and while it's pretty deep, an adult can still touch in most places. Folks bring everything from pool floats to stand up paddleboards here. There is a nice boardwalk trail that you can pretty much walk barefoot just behind the pool. There are also bathrooms, a gift shop, and a snack stand. The good thing is that with a reservation system, the parking lot and pool don't ever get too crowded. Rock Springs is where this water originates, and Wekiwa is basically where it ends, and in between is the "rock springs run" which you can rent kayaks or canoes for. There's a rental dock here and I think another put in close to Kelly Park, but I don't think you can kayak the entire thing, I'm not sure.

Nice park with a beautiful spring to swim around in and very kid friendly, rentals of canoes for several miles of river as well as several hiking trails that can be biked or walked, some even with pets. Overall worth the visit as it's a nice state park. BUT.... Its by reservation only so do that first online!

We had a great time at Wekiwa for Father's Day. I highly recommend booking a parking spot in advance on their website. It was $6 for my family of 4 the day we booked. Great opportunities for swimming and kayaking. (We only swam, but there appeared to be kayak rentals as well as people bringing their own.) I recommend bringing a pool noodle or floatie as parts of the swimming area get deep, but there were some shallow parts as well. As typical with the Florida springs, prepare for the water to be quite cold, though refreshing. There is also a snack shack and a small store near the swimming area, and restrooms nearby as well. Some pavilions and picnic tables are also available. I can't wait to return again soon!

An amazing experience! We rented a canoe and they do give you a disclaimer that you may see gators and other wildlife and we sure did! We did feel safe tho as long as you stay away they really do not make any move, they literally just sit there!

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.

If you’d like to experience a quieter, more relaxing area on our West Coast Weeki Wachee is a nice place for the experience. They offer a very well known and one of the oldest tourist attractions in the state, the Mermaid Show. It lasts about 1/2 and hour and is entertaining especially for children. There is also a waterpark, kayaking, and general strolling all around the park. They have a ranger show that didn’t seem to be up and running when I visited 10 days ago. We went on the little boat tour they have and except for learning some tidbits I didn’t know from living here about forever, I wouldn’t spend the money on the ride as it’s all of 20 minutes from departure to the end. We visited one of the restaurants on site and enjoyed a hot dog which was very good and fries we didn’t enjoy. They had that weird crunchy stuff on them that so many restaurants seem to be offering recently; I believe they are rolled in potato starch. Just makes them not true fries. All in all though, we enjoyed our morning there.

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.

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.

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.