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!

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.

We visited a few weeks ago after booking last minute — and let me tell you, finding this place has been life-changing. We loved it so much that we decided to celebrate my 40th birthday here instead! When I called to upgrade last minute, Itzel went above and beyond and made it happen complimentary! She and Clark are absolute rockstars — some of the hardest-working people in hospitality. The BRGR place was fantastic. We ordered in-room dining, and the food arrived hot, fresh, and delicious. Can’t wait to do that again! Poolside drinks were outstanding (I’m still dreaming about the Cornerback Punch), and breakfast was perfect — my wife hasn’t stopped talking about the grits! Every bit of service was spot-on. WAY TO DO IT RIGHT! Huge thanks to Itzel for making my 40th birthday one to remember! 🎉

Our stay at Treasure Island Resort turned into an absolute nightmare because of their dangerous negligence and lack of staff training. Before dining at the poolside café, we explicitly told the waitress that my fiancé has a severe fish allergy and asked if it was safe for him to eat there. We were reassured over and over that everything would be fine. Trusting their word, we ordered a burger and calamari. Not long after, he began coughing uncontrollably, his heart was racing, and his skin broke out in welts. He said he felt like he was choking. This was a life-threatening allergic reaction caused by their careless misinformation and preparation of our food. We had to rush to our room to administer his EpiPen and run across the street for Benadryl in case things escalated further. We filed a report immediately and requested that the previous day be refunded since we were stuck in the hotel room all day recovering from their negligence. The manager and restaurant “manager” offered hollow, and obvious insincere apologies and the hotel”manager” promised to “have our back” when we called for the refund. Once we left, he suddenly became “out of office” every single time we tried to reach him. When AMEX contacted the hotel on our behalf, he flat-out denied our request — after personally assuring us he would support it. This entire situation was handled with ZERO professionalism, ZERO empathy, and ZERO accountability. Fish allergies are common. Many restaurants handle them with strict sanitation protocols, proper staff training, and allergy kits on hand. This hotel clearly has none of that. Although the resort’s location is beautiful, it’s not worth risking your life. If you have any health concerns, allergies, or need even basic assistance, DO NOT stay here. Their lack of care and training turned what should have been a relaxing stay into a traumatizing near-death experience.

Had another amazing experience! The service was wonderful at the front desk and anything we needed could be done instantly by text, even though they reached out proactively constantly to see how things were going. The rooms are large and in great condition... showers are great and the mattresses are really nice (both really great things to have in a resort!). We hope to return again soon.

Beautiful resort — the rooms are far superior to the Don Cesar, and Clark was absolutely fantastic and incredibly helpful. Unfortunately, check-in was a bit rough. Itzel could use some additional training on guest communication — she should clearly explain the charges before asking guests to swipe their card and learn how to greet guest warmly.

All of the staff members were pleasant, courteous, and a pleasure to deal with. They were attentive, helpful, and genuinely willing to assist to the best of their ability. I even received a call from the front desk before my arrival — gentleman (sorry can't remember name) asked when I was expecting to get there and even wished me safe travels. When we arrived at the hotel, the front desk staff was incredibly welcoming, took the time to explain everything we could expect during our stay, and truly made us feel at home. The only suggestion I have is to consider upgrading the kitchen utensils to include a few more cooking tools for added convenience and variety.

Stayed here this past weekend. I cannot say enough about how beautiful of a hotel this place is. The staff was beyond amazing. Super friendly and very accommodating. Views that take your breath away. I will most certainly be coming back as well as recommending this beautiful place to as many people as I can. Also, the Burger place in the hotel is great and the wait staff are super friendly as well.

Treasure Island is a very nostalgic area with many older establishments. Some of these are very tired and not modern at all. THIS is NOT one of them. TIBR is a modern, full-service resort that is top notch in amenities and service. Stayed here for a 3-night local get away and had a great experience with the staff and the services provided by the hotel. The on-site restaurant and bar is very good. The menu has everything from simple items to more adventurous foodie items. I highly recommend!

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.

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.

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

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!

We love this spot. The water is emerald colored and clear. You don't have trash or the amount of people like what you would find at a public beach. The people are friendly and polite. It is a very family oriented beach. I highly recommend giving it a visit.

We absolutely love Anna Maria! Bean Point Beach is absolutely stunning! It’s a family friendly beach… quiet, clean and so much great things to do on the island. The waters are crystal clear on good days and great for family with small kids since there aren’t really big waves (at least when we’ve gone). We’ve been to many beaches on the west coast of the Gulf, and AMI is our #1 fave. Take the trip… so worth it!

Absolutely gorgeous, only downside the parking is horrendous. Lots of beautiful shells and the water were gorgeous. I took engagement photos here, and they're beautiful. We spent about 5 hours at the beach. It was pretty packed, especially for a Tuesday afternoon. I recommend being there early for decent parking and spots on the shore.

Beautiful beach with easy access. The weather obviously can be very sporadic and reflects the water conditions. Parking can be easy to find if you come out early in the morning

An absolutely perfect beach with sand dollars and shells galore! Also a really big part of the sea turtle protection program! Come prepared though because there are no restrooms on the beach.

Bean Point Beach is absolutely stunning. Peaceful, crystal-clear waters and breathtaking views. A perfect spot to relax and connect with nature.

First time to this beach. Loved it! Gotta know where to park to gain walking access to beach.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

Very wonderful place to go. Only $10 for a recommended admission donation and they truly take wonderful care of their animals. We saw Jaxon the opossum eat and we saw the bald eagle chirping. Wonderful place and very friendly and educated people there ready for any questions and wonders!

I really loved this place when I visited for the first time. I came down to Florida from Missouri and was really interested in something wildlife based to visit that 1. Didn't cost very much (this is perfect because there is no entrance fee, they only ask they you make a donation if you can. There is suggested amounts to donate, but no one is there twisting your arm) and 2. Didn't require much hiking to see cool things. It was quite hot and sunny the day we visited so it was nice that it was in more of an urban setting. I want to start by reminding anyone that this whole place is pretty much run by volunteers! They are super awesome people, very knowledgeable, and incredibly generous to dedicate their time to the care of all of the animals. For review purposes: I will warn anyone with children or a large party that it isn't the biggest place. It is a single walkway with animals and information on both sides. It is NOT air conditioned, but partially shaded. There is a small gift shop that IS air conditioned which is a wonderful break from the heat. There are not bathrooms in the facility, but there are the park bathrooms outside. While it isn't a "premium" experience, you get what you didn't have to pay for. If you really love wildlife, rehabilitation, and general education then it is a nice little place to visit. The gift shop had quite a few things I was happy to buy lol.

This sanctuary has such beautiful animals, friendly staff and a great setup in general. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and gave a great presentation on Halloween. We saw lots of birds but there are a few furry friends as well! The gift shop has a ton of fun and cute items for a good price. If you’re in the area this place is the perfect place to stop.

I really enjoy coming here with my wife to check up on the critters, but I am extremely concerned about what will be done with the land after the move to the new facility. It is my understanding that a developer wishes to come in and build on Ponce de Leon Park. People need to wake up and get vocal! Nobody wants more condos!! We want our beautiful nature!

Great people working there pretty educational and friendly. My daughter and us were so happy about the explanations the workers provide. It's really good and you learn a lot about what they do and how good they take care of the animals.

Took scenic route home and glad we stopped here. Volunteers were very knowledgeable and friendly.

Amazing! Great to see the permanent resident animals and how they are taken care of. They had 2 owls out for interaction and it was so fun to see them up close.

We visited here on 9/13/25. There is plenty of parking. Most of the shops don’t open up until 11am or noon. The place is clean as are the restrooms. There are a couple of restaurants open with at least 3 upcoming.

Must see excursion in Punta Gorda. Quaint shopping area in the marina. Covered but open to the Charlotte Harbor breeze and beach vibe atmosphere. Boat tours available dockside. Unique treasures for gifting a small slice of local flavor, handmade and/or natural shops, or just plain fun little things to enjoy with friends and family. Interesting concept with suites available upstairs overlooking the harbor. Beautiful place!

Outstanding. The sandy bay, the deck chairs, a Caribbean-style cocktail from the bar and an extraordinary sunset. Small loving boutiques, a restaurant with a view into the sunset possibly paired with an overnight stay. Unbelievable.

Fisherman’s Village what a cool place, we came across this place when visiting the area. A must see! From shops to buy clothing, odds and ends. We had lunch at the tiki bar which had good food and waterfront views. I had the chicken BLT wrap. It was amazing.

So serene! This is the epitome of Florida living. The weekends are hectic, but the weekdays are glorious! I love the tiny shops with beach clothing, toys, ice cream shops and cute eateries. You can hop on a boat and take in the best of Punta Gorda and the amazing sunset. And…. You can rent a room and vacation on the second floor of the building. I can’t wait to get back.

This is a great way to spend an afternoon in Punta Gorda. Lots of cool shops to go to and some restaurants and bars. The tiki bar is fantastic or the best I’ve seen , it’s right on the water with its own beach a perfect tropical setting. Let the wife and kids walk around to the shops while you get yourself a cheeseburger in paradise and a nice margarita or a cold beer. I just discovered this place recently and if I go back to Punta Gorda, I’ll be definitely coming here again..

Nice place to go for a walk and end up at sunset with ice cream and coffee. So sad it’s suffered from last hurricane so our restaurant is closed for renovation and the next to it completely closed. Basically no place to eat at the waterfront anymore. Beach bar and coffee shop along with few other shop are open .

Beautiful beach with clear water, tons of shells, not crowded at all. You do have to pay $6 to enter (toll) and $3 to park. There were only portable toilets-seems like they are doing a bit of construction.

Beautiful beach, clear water, nice sand, great atmosphere, respectful people around, not noise people! LOVE THIS BEACH

What a heavenly beach. Absolutely beautiful. Nice clean bathrooms are available. Not very crowded. I tried fishing here and had an absolutely great time. I caught lots of small fish and I cought my first pompano (and it was a keeper) very exciting.

Not a good beach for families with little ones. There’s a big drop off, broken shells are abundant and the day we went anyways, the sea was rough. We did see fish even in the little ways we went in. However, water wasn’t as clear as I was expecting from all the hype we heard about this area. (Went mid October) No manatees or any other wildlife. Church was closed, lighthouse museum was open, but didn’t go in as we were all in our bathing suits. Did find 2 Sharks teeth without digging around & son’s picked up some larger whole shells. Entry fee and small parking fee. This time of year, all senior citizens at the beach except for us. Lots of people fishing from the beach however didn’t see anyone catch anything.

If you have littles, please read my review :) 6/12/2023 UPDATE: Since Ian happened last summer, this beach has lost a lot of sand. The beach is much narrower and the drop off at the front isn't as deep but now the water level is a bit deeper than it was las summer. My sone is now turning 4 in August and the water was a bit deeper on him. It's still nice and I got to see a manatee again this year and that was so exciting !! Original: This beach is pretty quiet and just relaxing! We were a little bit north of where the pinned Boca Grande Pass spot is (aroung the 5th street entrance) but I just want to review the beach as I saw some say it wasn't kid friendly 😁 it's a narrow but nice. The sand is a bit shelly but bareable being barefoot. The current isn't bad at all and the waves come in at an angle. I have a almost 3 year old and he loved the fact he could walk out probably 30 feet from the shore and still stand on his own (its knee to hip deep about 50 feet out I would guess). The waves weren't too bad and he did really well for his first ocean trip! There is a slight drop (maybe a foot or less) at the very beginning and the shelly sand ends at the sea kelp line (you can see it in the photos). Just on the other side there was just pure soft sand. I even saw a manatee and was so happy I got to see one 😁😁 Thanks for reading my review and hope you have a great beach day!

One my favorite beaches! It’s beautiful and clean! There are manatees that swim around this area so be on the lookout! I’ve heard manatees are friendly though. Unfortunately there aren’t any wash station around. There are portable potties. Before getting to the island there is a $6 toll but we’ll worth the trip!

A great place to find a variety of shells🤩

Beautiful space to walk and learn about wild life, explore and learn from locals! Gift shop was cute! Easy and low cost parking ($2 an hour via parking meter), bathrooms were accessible. It was very clear on website there were no recent manatee sightings due to the time of year and weather so it was confusing why some families were so disappointed about not seeing any. This is a wildlife park and there are no captive animals here, that doesn't take away from the natural beauty and also spotting tiny lizards, butterflies and enjoying the water! Many benches and picnic tables available!

It was such a beautiful park. We were hoping to see Manatees but we only had an hour to spare before our flight. The nature walk was so beautiful and relaxing!

Always a favorite place of ours to stop at. Although there were no Manatees here today, it is an awesome park to stroll through and take in all that it has to offer. When you hit the timing right, the Manatees are everywhere! Nice little boardwalk that takes you out and onto the River. Plenty of parking and a small 2$ fee to stay per hour.

Such a beautiful place to sit by and look at the water. My son and I come here when it's cold- because the manatees are attracted to the heat from the power plant across the way, so they migrate there for warmth. I highly suggest stopping by and supporting your local parks!

Pretty park, looked fun to kayak in but the water was too dark to really watch the manatees unless they popped up for air.. also had to pay per hr for parking. The gift shop was small and packed with people but we found a nice magnet. Not sure if I’ll be back, But it was a nice day. I did find it humorous that it’s a “no dogs allowed” park and everyone had dogs there. Lol should just allow them.

We came to kayak this time. We have been there in January before and there were literally thousands of manatees. This time, in November, it was quiet. They need to clean up the mangroves between the launch and the orange river…we almost didn’t make it through (we found a tiny opening just big enough for the kayak while ducking under branches). Beautiful day. Great place to kayak. We have kayaked with the manatees in Jan/Feb and I highly recommend it! They are so playful.

We saw many manatees from land about 11 AM late Dec. You can get up pretty close. Free, minutes parking fee. You also have the option to rent kayaks on either a guided tour or DIY (additional charges, life jackets provided). Gift shop. Neat nature trail with habitat restoration efforts, lizards and snakes. Sometimes the manatees will bump your kayak, so plan accordingly with keys, phone, kids, etc. Go!

Beautiful place to visit. The grounds are just gorgeous. I enjoyed the museum portion the most. There were old cars, lots of history information, inventions, so much to see and read about! I love seeing the miniature of the laboratory and then the laboratory itself. I wish we were able to actually walk through the homes as you could only look through the doorways/windows, but it was still very neat to see the history there.

This is a great place to visit and educate you about some history. The place is well kept and clean. Not so crowded so you can walk easily around the premises. There's clean bathrooms and a souvenir shop with cute items to purchase. The young woman at the ticket information was extremely helpful, she was so charming and courteous and professional. She answered our questions with a smile, when we return again to purchase tickets I will update her name. We were just visiting at this time, so you can freely walk around the buildings and shop if you like.

This place is really nice. It has a museum and also the grounds are across the street. It is like stepping back in time to the place where these two high IQ inventors lived while vacationing in FL. Set aside 2-3 hrs to view this place although you can spend more time if you stop and read every single display.

We had a great time at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates! It was just me and my fiancée on the guided tour — we were the only two people there, which made it feel really personal. The guide was super friendly and knowledgeable, even though it was funny that she still used a megaphone for just the two of us! Overall, it was a great experience — beautiful property, rich history, and definitely worth visiting.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers is an absolute gem! Wandering through the beautifully preserved winter homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, amid lush botanical gardens and manicured grounds, was both inspiring and peaceful. The gardens are stunning, the history is rich and well-communicated, and the museum adds depth and context. Truly a must-visit if you love history, innovation or simply a gorgeous place to explore.

This was our third visit to Edison & Ford Estates, and it never disappoints. I would suggest visiting the museum first to get more of the background story before walking the grounds. The grounds are absolutely gorgeous. They are so well-kept. My favorite thing about the grounds is that so many trees and plants are labeled with their names and information. That alone is worth the visit if you are interested in that type of thing.

We’ve been here a couple times but most recently for the fall fest. Despite the road construction going on around the area everything was very well organized. Lots of craft vendors food trucks and activities. We loved the pumpkin patch, and the flower cart was a wonderful addition to that. The estates themselves are wonderful to walk-through and view. It’s such a blast from the past but so well maintained. I highly recommend coming here, especially when they do the Christmas decorations. It’s even more festive at that time!

I'm not sure what to write about this place. Not much to do or see. This is a 4 mile one-way road. We didn't see any animals. The viewing towers were nice, but nothing impressive. The ten dollars fee would have a better use when paying for beach parking space.

They’re open every day except Friday. We stopped in on a Monday afternoon on our way to the Bubble Room, and it wasn’t busy at all. Jim at the booth was welcoming and very knowledgeable—he suggested we take the path closest to him and check out the tower, which was a great tip! We saw tons of birds, manatees playing in the water, a gator, and even a bald eagle. A few trails were closed, but it was still well worth the drive through.

Beautiful place! Quiet and very well kept! You can walk, bike ($1) (although was too hot in June) or take your car ($10) It is only 4 miles with 15 mile speed limit. You can fish or take kayak. Really worth it!

I had an amazing time visiting the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. I was able to spot a variety of wildlife, including a manatee, a majestic bald eagle, an osprey, and a beautiful yellow-crowned night heron. I also came across several other birds throughout the area. This place is definitely worth a visit, especially if you enjoy photography. If you have camera gear, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to capture incredible shots. It’s also a peaceful and calming spot to walk around and enjoy nature. There are some insects here and there, but nothing that takes away from the experience. I’ll definitely be coming back.

The Ding Darling Wildlife drive is well worth a visit and you never know what you will see along the way, there are many stop off points where you can see different things or just have a walk, my advise is to take it slowly and pull over to the right when you want to look at something and don't be intimidated by the cyclists that overtake you. Photo 1 is a green iguana that was on the side of the track and photo 2 was some fishermen at the end of the power line walk. Things to note, The reserve is not open on Fridays. There is a small fee to go on the drive. There is a toll to go over to the island. There are washrooms at the visitor center and some chemical type on the drive. Binoculars would be useful.

We were excited to go here. We didn't get to see a lot of what we were expecting because of the over cast day. We will plan to go again on our next visit to the island.

I had a fantastic experience using the drive-thru recently! From start to finish, the service was fast, efficient, and friendly—everything you hope for when you're on the go. The line moved quickly, and the staff member taking the order had a clear, upbeat tone and repeated my order back to make sure everything was accurate. When I got to the window, I was greeted with a warm smile and my order was ready without delay. Everything was fresh, hot, and exactly as I ordered it—no mistakes, no missing items, just great service. The employee even took the time to double-check my drinks and included plenty of napkins and condiments without me even having to ask. You can tell the team working the drive-thru is well-trained and truly cares about delivering a great customer experience, even during busy times. It’s little things like this that turn a routine stop into a pleasant part of your day. Highly recommend this location if you’re looking for quick, reliable, and friendly drive-thru service!

Times Square in Fort Myers is the heart of the beach scene—full of energy, music, great restaurants, and amazing sunset views. Whether you’re grabbing a bite, doing a little shopping, or just people-watching by the pier, there’s always something fun happening. It’s clean, safe, and family-friendly. Definitely a place you can visit during the day or at night and have a great time. Can’t wait to go back!

Time Square on Fort Myers Beach.One of my favorite places ❤️ You have so many shops/ restaurants/ Hotels to choose from. All with in walking distance! Yahoo 🤗 You also got the fishing pier. You also have the city bus stops all along the way. It’s my happy place.💦

Lots of food trucks and music. Walking distance from our hotel. Ft myers is making a come back!!

I stopped by Fort Myers Beach/Times Square to catch the sunset. It was great to see restaurants open and a lot of people at the beach. The city was hit so hard by Ian and there is still a sobering feeling but it’s good to see the progress.

Nice place at walking distance to the beach, full of restaurants and souvenir shops, you can go and choose from oysters, ice cream, tacos or sushi all in one block, great variety of food, definitely worth taking a walk around and discovering all it has to offer. Don't forget to stop a the brewery.

This is a fun, kitschy beach strip with all the usual shops and restaurants. No beach should be without it. There are a few nicer boutique shops included - like Local Color, which was my favorite. There was very little in that store I wouldn’t buy. Also there are several fun ice cream shops. You see the usual chains - DQ, Cold Creamery, and Kilwins - but after much research 😉we decided the locally owned 80 Flavors shop was the best. It’s a great place to pick up tshirts, sweatshirts, or alligator shaped chocolate for the folks back home.

A fun place to look around, see a lot of people, shop for all kinds of touristy things, see pelicans up close, and eat at some pretty good little seafood restaurants. Parking lots charge $20. There is a new Margaritaville being constructed across the street so parking is at minimum. We took a Lyft to avoid all that.

Cool way to get to and from Key West. 3.5 hours going down there. 4 hours coming back. There is a bar and comfortable seating throughout. Get there when boarding begins for the best seats. I recommend first floor in a banquette or 6-top table. Keep in mind sun on the left headed down to KeyWest, sun also on the left side headed back. Sun is pretty intense on the way back, so don’t sit right next to the windows on the left side.

Excellent trip to Key West and back about 4 hours each way. The crew was excellent, very enjoyable. Glad I booked you folks!!!

1st time using the ferry. Very relaxing vs driving. There is a full bar hot food & snacks. It is open seating. Being a double hull boat the trip was smooth. If you walk you can sense the motion a little.

A great experience. The trip to Key West was quick, we had plenty of time for sightseeing, and the return trip to Ft. Myers was spectacular!

Took a ride on the Key West Express this weekend. The crew and the ship are both amazing. The ship rides so smooth yet is so fast, you are at Key West before you know it. The crew makes the whole experience run smooth and they keep the drinks flowing. Really a good time.

My husband and I have talked about taking the Key West Express each time we visit Florida and had just never gotten around to it. We had a really great round trip from Fort Meyers. The crew was welcoming and very helpful. The bathrooms were clean and well-kept. We spent the trip down sitting on the open-air deck, which was windy and loud, like riding in a convertible. Wear plenty of sunscreen if you plan to do that, and hold on to your sunglasses and hats. Be sure to bring cash for the raffle, purchases from the galley, and tips. It is possible to open a tab in the galley, to close out at the end of the trip, but they prefer not having to do that. There is no cell phone or wifi service, so come prepared to entertain yourself old school for four hours.

Such a great experience! The boat is incredibly neat and fast! The crews keep the vessel very tidy, they are very professional! Its probably a good idea for people in groups to come earlier and sit in those 6 seater tables, but its harder to take a nap there. The airline style seats are good for taking a nap. Plenty of seating arrangements, snack bars, regular bars. I guess the best way to get to key west from Tampa!!!

Great beaches! The park was damaged by a hurricane impact but it’s open. It has 4 parking slots. The fee is $6 per car including 2 or more passengers. You can pay via a QR code available or site or following an honors systems where you deposit cash on a blue envelope, deposit the envelope on a mail-like box and show the slip on the front window of your car. The beach is great, white sand and tranquil waters. In summer it usually rains in the afternoon so make sure you’re here early. Only missing a good facility with restrooms and showers, hope it happens soon.

Please visit this beautiful Park to help with the monetary rebuilding it will take to bring it back to its full glory. Beautiful views, soft sand, great water, and for kids the waves are more mild and not so strong. Take beautiful pictures and videos as you enjoy what my Granddaughters call a "sundowner" at sunset !!! You also can find and see aquatic life here if you are patient. We used to go early in the morning right after sun up and sometimes saw manatees, schools of different rays and or fish.

This is a great place to hang out at the beach. Parking is easy and only six dollars for a car and they have a QR code so you can pay with a credit card. The walk to the beach is short and the beach wasn’t very crowded when we went on a Wednesday. Plenty of shells if you want to go, Shelling and the water is beautiful if you want to just hang out in the water. We saw a pod of dolphins that swam right by us while we were standing in the water and we saw three manta rays that literally swam under us while we were floating on our inner tubes.

One of the most beautiful places I have been to in Florida. The best bit was the pass right at the top. I walked there from car park 3 which took a while so might be worth parking at 4 or 5 but the walk was lovely. Toilet block as you first come in and then portaloos in each car park.

Nearly 3 years after Hurricane Ian, the beach sand that washed pushed across the park is still visible in the trees, and the roads are still broken. The beach is still amazing, and the sunsets are awesome. Lots of parking and a nearby bus stop and drop off area.

Excellent place to hang on the beach, fish, people watch and many other outdoor stuff like kayaks, boat launch. Parking fills up fast on peak days and the overflow lot is about 1 mile away so prepare accordingly. I put crab traps here with success. Snook, redfish, snapper, all from the shore/pier.

Lovely beach! Plenty of beach space so you don’t feel crowded! Portable bathrooms were clean and well stocked with toilet paper.

This place is an absolute must see for anyone who likes the outdoors, especially if you are a birder. The swamp is amazing and it is so cool to get to see an old growth forest like this. The trail is very well kept. There are lots of activities that they offer. When we went it wasn't too crowded. Go early if you're visiting outside of the winter months to avoid the heat.

My first time at this beautiful place. I will be back. Lovely two mile boardwalk with gorgeous views and very friendly people that work there! Have a nice gift shop, clean bathrooms and I got water and snacks as well for the walk. Very accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. Highly recommended checking out this wonderful preserve! Take your time and listen to Nature!

This place is gorgeous. The boardwalk is in great shape. There is a lot of shade so we were comfortable despite the Florida sun and heat. If you really want to take your time, you could easily spend about 3 hours at this place. We didn't see as much wildlife as we had hoped for but then we were on a tight time schedule. Even so just the relaxing nature of the place and the beauty made it worthwhile. If I had anything negative to say, I feel the $17 per person is a bit much for a place like this.

A great way to experience all of the ecotones of the everglades with a boardwalk. Move through the various habitats over the 2.25 mile walk to observe so much flora and fauna of Southern Florida. Great experience for our family.

Such an interesting park with a plethora of wildlife and plant life. Whether you enjoy a nice walk, plentiful wildlife or different plant life, this is an excellent destination. We will be back!

Corkscrew swamp is an amazing place. No matter what time of year you’re there, there’s a lot to see. The bird life here is great, and in the winter it’s a little easier to spot certain things because the plants are a little bit smaller and less obstructive. There’s good birds year-round, but especially in the spring and fall. Lately, I always seem to be here in the middle of winter.

We have been visiting Corkscrew Swamp for many years now and have had some great visits in the past, over the last few years though it has been somewhat disappointing as there has been a much lower water level to what it used to be, unfortunately this seems to have affected how much wildlife and birds that we have seen here. It is a lovely walk on the boardwalk. Facilities can only be found at the visitor center (entrance) Don't forget the bug spray Don't forget to book online before you go.