Here Are 7 Things to Do When You Visit Sarasota, Florida
If you’ve got a trip coming up to the Sarasota, Florida, area, then you’ve got no shortage of fun things to do.
From 35 miles of coastline to art exhibits to a thriving restaurant scene, there’s something for everyone in Sarasota County.
Although Hurricanes Helene and Milton hit the Sarasota/Bradenton area hard, locals are working just as hard to recover (as of this writing, November 2024).
Just what is there to do for fun in Sarasota, Florida? We’re glad you asked as we’re locals! Here are our top picks. (A quick note: There’s the city of Sarasota, but there’s also Sarasota County, which includes the city of Sarasota, Venice, North Port, Englewood, and other areas. This article includes destinations within Sarasota County.)
St. Armands Circle
St. Armands Circle is Sarasota’s European-style shopping district, literally shaped like a circle with stores and restaurants extending around and near the circle. Come to St. Armands Circle for seafood, an Italian meal, unique gifts, or just to people-watch. There also are festivals held here throughout the year.
Sadly, St. Armands Circle was badly hit by Hurricanes Helene and Milton in Fall 2024, and a number of businesses are still recovering. Some may choose to close up shop entirely, or at least move away from flood-prone St. Armands Circle. Yet there’s definitely still a lot of life at the Circle, and we highly recommend visiting if you’re from out of town.
Insider’s tip: Columbia Restaurant is the oldest restaurant in Florida and has one of its locations at St. Armands Circle. The original location in Tampa opened in 1905. You’ll find yummy Cuban/Spanish food, but there will likely be a wait as well. Tommy Bahama is another good option; don’t miss Kilwins right next to Tommy Bahama for fudge or ice cream.
If you have your heart set on visiting a specific place in St. Armands Circle, check in advance that it has reopened post-hurricane.
Myakka River State Park
Did someone say alligators? As in, thousands of them? Myakka River State Park is the premier place in the Sarasota area to see lots and lots of alligators. At this massive park, you can hike, bird watch, climb to the top of the canopy walk, take a boat ride, camp, or browse in the gift shop. Don’t be surprised to see alligators just lounging around. On the main road through the park, there’s a bridge where people typically stop and gawk at the alligators in the river below. They may be still and sunning themselves. Or, they may be swimming with the current.
Don’t. Get. Close! We’ve seen people traverse close to the water to try and get pictures. Gators are actually shy and scared of humans unless they feel threatened. You don’t want one to pursue you out of fear.
With that PSA out of the way, we can say that Myakka River State Park is one of our favorite places in Sarasota and we strongly suggest a visit for the nature and photography lovers.
Insider’s tip: It’s always good to check their website or call in advance of your visit as the park is sometimes closed due to weather. Find out more scoop on Myakka River State Park in our stories here (an overview), here (about the canopy walkway), and here (where to take the best pictures at the park).
Farmers Markets
Florida is kind of funny….there’s a lot of agriculture here, but much of it is commercial farming. Because of this, there have been times that the farmers market community has not been as well-established. That’s not true about Sarasota. The Sarasota Farmer’s Market in downtown Sarasota has been around since 1979 and welcomes about 70 vendors each Saturday year-round. The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch has more than 100 vendors each Sunday and was voted the top farmers market in Florida in 2023.
If you can’t make it to those, then there are other farmers markets almost every day of the week, including the Englewood Market, Venice Market, the newer market in North Port, and others. Come by Fresh From Florida produce or enjoy prepared foods from one of our local vendors. You’ll find cute jewelry and art, too!
Insider’s tip: We always recommend arriving early for the markets when you can, so you can beat the heat and get a good parking space. Check in advance to find out market hours and days, as some are not open year-round. We give an overview of the Sarasota and Bradenton farmers’ markets here. The article was updated in October 2024.
The Beaches: Siesta Beach, Lido Beach, and Others
The Sarasota/Bradenton area is famous for its beaches, with white, soft sand and clear blue water. All of our beaches are pretty terrific, but you may want to try a few to see which ones you like best. Lido Key is convenient if you’re near St. Armands Circle. Siesta Beach is big and has the crowds to match–yet during a recent visit, we arrived early and had a great time taking in the pristine view and the colorful lifeguard stands. Venice Beach and Caspersen Beach are known for shark-tooth hunting, making them great for children (see below). If you don’t like crowds, go as early as you can. Definitely enjoy a beach sunset while you’re in town!
Insider’s tip: There’s a Drum Circle on Siesta Key on Sunday evenings starting an hour before sunset, if you want to see something different.
Searching for Sharks Teeth in Venice
Venice, Florida, is known as the Shark Tooth Capital of the World, thanks to the millions of shark teeth that have washed up there over time. Vsitors bring various sifting devices to find tiny, sharp specks of black or gray that could be shark teeth. (On Venice Beach Pier, you can rent a “Florida snow shovel” to make shark tooth hunting easier.) On Caspersen Beach just down the road from Venice Beach, you can find dedicated hunters early in the morning, eager to see what’s washed ashore overnight. Shark tooth hunting is a family-friendly and potentially free activity.
Insider’s tip: If you don’t have any luck finding sharks teeth (and you probably will get lucky, so don’t worry), head over to Sea Treasures and Pleasures in downtown Venice for a display of larger sharks teeth found over time.
We’ve written a lot about searching for shark teeth. You can check out these articles: Answers to Shark Tooth Hunting FAQs, 7 Ways to Search for Shark Teeth in Venice, and 9 Things to Do in Venice.
Visit The Ringling and Ca’ d’Zan
The beautiful Ringling property in Sarasota has a few things you’ll want to explore.The property was owned by circus magnate John Ringling and his wife Mable. With the couple’s interest in art, the Ringling estate went on to build a large art collection. Currently, the art museum houses an impressive collection of European art from Medieval times to the 19th century. There’s also a center for Asian art and a gallery for contemporary art. Then, there’s the Ringling Circus Museum, which pays tribute to the Sarasota area’s circus heritage. If you like scenic walks, enjoy walking around the grounds of the Ringling and meandering around Mable’s Rose Garden.
Your can’t-miss is Ca’ d’Zan, which means House of John. It was the 36,000-square-foot opulent and ornate home for John and Mable, and it’s impressive both on the inside and the out. It’s located right on Sarasota Bay, so you can take some spectacular shots of the home and also life on the water.
Insider’s tip: If you’d like to just enjoy walking around the grounds, admission is only $5 (versus $30 for an adult admission to the museums and grounds). You’ll want to choose the option for the Bayfront Gardens. General admission is less for Art After 5 on Thursday evenings.
Find out more about The Ringling here.
Enjoy a Meal in One of the Cute Neighborhoods
Sarasotans appreciate good food, and you’ve got more than your choice of places where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner. Here are a few neighborhoods to check out:
—Downtown Sarasota always has some tasty options, and you’ll get some feel of the nightlife if you visit for dinner. (Sarasota isn’t a big city, but the area has grown a lot in recent years. The same can be said for the nightlife there.)
—The Rosemary District has several locally famous restaurants and makes for a cute walk.
–The area around The Mall at UTC has both chain favorites and a few locally beloved places. This is a good area if you have a car and want more of a suburban feel.
—Lakewood Ranch is one of the fastest growing master-planned communities in the U.S. and has expanding options both in its Main Street shopping area and the newer Waterside Place.
Insider’s tips: You can’t beat the view from the rooftop bar at The Westin Sarasota. Also, we recommend Discover Sarasota trolley tours if you want more history and background on downtown, the area’s circus history, and many other aspects of Sarasota history and culture.
Some Final Thoughts
The Sarasota area has long been popular with “snowbirds,” or retirees who spend half of their time up North and the rest of the year down here. That continues to be true, but the area has attracted a broader mix of ages since the COVID pandemic. The downtown area has grown up a lot as well in the past few years, with more taller buildings.
It’s just something to keep in mind as you plan your visit.
We could suggest even more places to visit in Sarasota, and perhaps we will in a future article.
Let us know if you have any questions about our area!
Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton: On-the-Ground Photos from Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, and Sarasota
Our travel blog usually focuses on the great places to visit in Florida. Yet with two back-to-back hurricanes in October 2024–Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton–we wanted to share some of the storm damage photos we took locally.
We’ll let each picture below tell its own story. We hope you’ll consider helping those in need, such as those who may have had flooding, lost their home or have been without power for several days. (The worst we experienced was a power outage for more than a day and a second shorter outage a day later….no home damage.) Below are a few ideas on how you can help those in Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach, Sarasota, Siesta Key, Englewood, Manasota Key, St. Pete, and other areas. Then you’ll see our photos.
Of course, you also can consider supporting other hard-hit areas, such as Florida’s Big Bend where Helene hit directly and Western North Carolina, which had massive flooding.
How to Help After Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton
–Donate to the Red Cross, Florida Disaster Fund, Feeding Tampa Bay, World Central Kitchen, or another trustworthy organization working directly with hurricane relief.
–Donate to The Humane Society, which is helping animals displaced by the storms. Or, check with local animal shelters about their needs.
–Consider fostering animals that need a temporary home because of hurricane damage.
–Volunteer if you can. The Center of Anna Maria Island did an excellent job coordinating resources and volunteers right after Helene. You can check out their website or social media to find out when their efforts will be able to resume. Volunteer Florida also can connect you to volunteer opportunities.
A Few Quick Facts About Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton
—Hurricane Helene hit Perry, Florida, in Florida’s Big Bend (Northwest Florida) as a Category 4 hurricane. However, it also caused major storm surge/flooding in other parts of Florida, including our local Anna Maria Island. It also led to catastrophic flooding in Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Hurricane Helene caused an estimated $200 billion in damages and killed more than 230 people.
—Hurricane Milton hit Siesta Key, Florida, as a Category 3 hurricane. As of Oct. 13, there are 23 reported deaths. Officials continue to review the full extent of the storms damage. The hurricane was not as severe as originally predicted, but it still caused a lot of destruction along Florida’s Gulf Coast. There also were tornadoes and other reports of damage across the state.
Find more hurricane-related videos and other Florida pics and videos on our Instagram page, @Florida_Culture.
7 Things to Do in Punta Gorda, Florida
Orlando, Miami and Tampa may get a lot of the glory when it comes to Florida travel destinations, but there are plenty of under-the-radar towns where you can still enjoy fun in the sun. Punta Gorda, Florida, located in Charlotte County on Florida’s Southwest coast, is one of those towns. Here are some of the things you’ll want to see and do during your next visit to Punta Gorda.
First, A Little Punta Gorda History
Punta Gorda was established in 1884, and the early founders designated parks at every waterfront block. That’s led to a legacy of public parks that culminate in the 2.5-mile Harborwalk, still used today.
Even in the 1880s, visitors were drawn to Punta Gorda for winter sunshine, water fun, and commercial fishing. The growth of the railroad contributed to the growth of Punta Gorda, as it did for many Florida towns.
Through the early 20th century, Punta Gorda had a couple of milestones, including use of its airfield during World War II to train aircrews.
In Spanish, Punta Gorda means “fat point.” It got that name as it literally sticks out as a “fat point” in Charlotte Harbor, one of the largest natural harbors in the U.S., according to the Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce. The Peace River, along with the Myakka and Caloosahatchee rivers, feed into the harbor.
Punta Gorda is located south of Sarasota but north of Fort Myers, so it’s an ideal location if you’re along the Southwest coast and looking for an easy, peaceful day trip or weekend getaway.
Things to Do in Punta Gorda: Sunseeker Resort
Technically, Sunseeker Resort has a mailing address of Charlotte Harbor. However, it’s just over the bridge from Punta Gorda, so we’re including it here.
Allegiant Airlines owns the 785-room Sunseeker Resort, located right along the Charlotte Harbor. It opened in late 2023 and cost $720 million to build. It has a food hall with 11 food “experiences” (in addition to seven restaurants), two pools (including a rooftop pool that is adults only), and a lovely walking path right on the water that ends at Bayshore Live Oak Park–so you can extend your stroll a little further to check out the park’s peaceful view.
We haven’t stayed overnight yet, but more than 1,000 online reviewers give the hotel 4.2 stars. We liked the vibrancy of the food court, and the walk along the harbor was beautiful. You can get a day pass to visit ($50) so long as it’s not on a holiday or the weekend. However, as we discovered, they can decline a day pass if they are at capacity–thankfully, we hadn’t paid just yet. The resort is definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area as it’s the biggest hotel of that level in the Punta Gorda area.
Things to Do in Punta Gorda: Peace River Wildlife Center and Octabon Wildlife Sanctuary
The nonprofit Peace River Wildlife Center serves as a home for animals that cannot return to the wild due to injuries. It helps rehab animals and has about 120 permanent residents. Since its beginning in 1982, it has rehabbed 50,000 birds and small mammals. Although Peace River Wildlife Center is free, it welcomes donations.
A visit to the Peace River Wildlife Center, located inside Ponce de Leon Park (see below) comes with a greeting by friendly volunteers. Perhaps we just got lucky or because we were the first visitor that day, a volunteer gave us a personal tour through the center. We learned a lot about the owls, hawks, pelicans, and many other animals that call the center home. We were amused to watch a pelican strut in front of a mirror, believing that he was looking at another bird. The center obviously puts a lot of time and care into helping its residents live happy lives.
Although we didn’t make it to Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary, also located in Punta Gorda, it was recommended to us by a volunteer at the Peace River Wildlife Center. It serves as a home for animals like tigers, lions, bobcats, bears, and others that need special care. It’s open to the public by guided tours online, so make sure to book online versus just showing up.
Tours are $20 for adults and $10 for children. They seem to fill up quickly, so make sure to book in advance.
Things to Do in Punta Gorda: Ponce de Leon Park
Juan Ponce de Leon is considered the founder of “La Florida” (not including the Native people who were already here, of course). So, you’ll find a lot of places around the state named for him. Ponce de Leon Park in Punta Gorda is one of those places; it’s a 16-acre park on Charlotte Harbor.
Visitors come to the park to fish, launch their boats, play on the playground, and to visit the Peace River Wildlife Center. There’s also a small beach area. On the very hot day that we were there, we took a brief walk around and watched storm clouds roll in from afar.
The park also has a couple of symbolic statues of Juan Ponce de Leon that you might enjoy posing with. It added a somewhat cheesy but fun feel to the park, not unlike certain things you see in St. Augustine–where’s there’s also a lot of Juan Ponce de Leon memorabilia.
Ponce de Leon Park is free to visit.
Things to Do in Punta Gorda: Fishermen’s Village
Ironically, Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda isn’t the place to go if you’re ready to cast your line into the water and see what you catch. It’s actually an outdoor mall with retail shops and restaurants, a marina, and hotel rooms. Fishermen’s Village is probably one of the better known tourist attractions in Punta Gorda.
Although small, Fishermen’s Village has some unique shops if you’re in the mood for retail therapy, like the Spice & Tea Exchange and Naples Soap Co. (here’s a link to a map of Fishermen’s Village). Onsite restaurants include Harpoon Harry’s, Village Brewhouse, and a few others. The marina makes for a scenic walk right on Charlotte Harbor.
Here’s where you can find more info about staying at The Suites at Fishermen’s Village.
Things to Do in Punta Gorda: Nearby Beaches
Technically, the beaches in Punta Gorda are not actually in Punta Gorda. Yet they’re close enough that you definitely can include them in a visit there. Plus, with the many parks abutting Charlotte Harbor in Punta Gorda, you still may be able to find a mini-beach experience right in town, like the one at Ponce de Leon Park.
Some nearby beaches within a short driving distance include:
—Englewood Beach in Englewood
—Blind Pass Beach in Englewood
—Stump Pass Beach State Park on Manasota Key
—Don Pedro Island State Park in Cape Haze
—Gasparilla Island State Park in Boca Grande (find out more about beautiful Boca Grande in our article here)
Some of these beaches are a little more secluded, which means fewer people. They also tend to be more family-oriented. Keep your eyes open for shark teeth that wash along the shores. The beaches offer white sand and light blue waters along the Gulf of Mexico.
Things to Do in Punta Gorda: Harborwalk
You can really get to know Punta Gorda by taking a walk along the 2.3-mile Harborwalk. Harborwalk connects a variety of destinations in town, including the Laishley Park Marina, the Military Heritage Museum, Gilchrist Park, and more. It makes for a great stroll or bike ride.
Things to Do in Punta Gorda: Military Heritage Museum
We still have to make it to the Military Heritage Museum in Punta Gorda, but it earns 4.8 stars on Google Reviews and definitely seems like a place worthy of a visit. It has more than 20,000 artifacts from military history as well as 1,000+ historical docuents. There’s a Hall of Heroes to honor vets that includes recipients of Florida’s Medal of Honor and galleries that focus on military history from a variety of wars.
The museum also has hands-on, interactive activities, including flight simulators and virtual reality experiences.
Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for vets, and $9 for those age 14 and under. It’s open on Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum is located near Fishermen’s Village and in fact, if you park at the village, there’s a free shuttle that will take you to the museum.
Here’s What to See and Do on a Day Trip to Anna Maria Island
December 2024: Anna Maria Island received a lot of damage from the fall 2024 hurricanes Helene and Milton. Although many businesses have reopened, make sure to check websites or social media for any specific place you’d like to visit on the island to make sure it’s open.
Have you heard about Anna Maria Island in Southwest Florida and wanted to plan a visit? If you’re not able to stay overnight “on the island,” as locals call it–or even if you are and you want to plan your visit–then read on for our day trip ideas during a visit to Anna Maria Island.
Before we share the details on what to see and do during a day trip to Anna Maria, let’s get some background out of the way.
Anna Maria Island is part of Manatee County, close to Bradenton, Sarasota, and the authentic fishing village of Cortez. It’s also about an hour or slightly more to St. Pete and Tampa.
Anna Maria Island is actually home to three towns: Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach. Each town has its own popular beach enclaves as well as shops and restaurants. Without traffic, it will take you about a half hour to 40 minutes to drive from the tip of Anna Maria (called Bean Point) to the end of Bradenton Beach where it borders Longboat Key.
The barrier island of Anna Maria reflects “Old Florida,” a time before high rises took over the skyscapes of many Florida coastal cities. (Fun fact: One of the original Anna Maria pioneers, Charles Roser, was an inventor of the Fig Newton cookie.) Anna Maria remains a family-friendly and snowbird-friendly destination that maintains a small-town feel. As Anna Maria receives more accolades from national media—include Southern Living —it’s attracted more tourists and traffic. Still, it definitely has its charm, even for those who live local and visit often.
That background out of the way, now let’s take a look at some of the best day trip plans for a visit to Anna Maria Island:
A Beach Day on Anna Maria Island
If you’re down for relaxing beach time, then that could take up a full day (or more!) of your day trip plans on Anna Maria Island. Our fave (try to keep it a secret!) is Bean Point, located at the northern tip of Anna Maria Island. (Our article here offers more Bean Point scoop.) It offers spectacular views as it’s right where the island curves around to meet Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The water has clear, turquoise and dark blue hues, and you’ll see many people on their boats and fishing. On one side of Bean Point, you can stare at the Sunshine Skyway Bridge going from Manatee County into St. Pete and then look further left to see Fort DeSoto Park and Egmont Key, both in St. Pete (Egmont Key is accessible only by boat).
As great as Bean Point is, parking can be tricky, and it’s a little further of a drive. If you can’t make it there, Anna Maria Island has several miles of beach coastline you can access. Manatee Beach and Coquina Beach both offer a lot of parking (although it still gets tricky to find a spot when busy) and cafes, restrooms, and changing areas as well as lifeguards. Bradenton Beach is another beach area we enjoy as it’s not as packed as those larger public beaches.
Don’t miss sunsets on any of the Gulf-facing beaches!
Shopping on Anna Maria Island
If you want a beach break to load up on coastal souvenirs, then make some time for shopping on Anna Maria Island during your day trip. Pine Avenue, located in the town of Anna Maria, offers several blocks of unique shops and restaurants as well as the Anna Maria Historical Society Museum and Jail (see info in our next section). At the end of Pine Avenue is the Anna Maria City Pier, which was a great destination for fishing or to take in the peaceful view before part of its boardwalk was destroyed by Hurricane Milton in October 2024.
Keep your eyes open as you walk, bike, or drive around Anna Maria for other shopping destinations that dot the commercial areas. One favorite of ours is Sand Dollar, located on Marina Drive and featuring coastal decor, clothing, soaps, and books. In the same shopping plaza you’ll find Sun and Surf Beach Shop, a beach supply store that also has the cutest parrots in cages right outside. Watch what you say around them as they may imitate you! BTW, it’s not a shopping destination but Waterline Villas and Marina right across the street from Sand Dollar and Sun and Surf is interesting to check out as well.
On Bradenton Beach you’ll find Bridge Street, a smaller enclave of shops and restaurants along with the Bradenton Beach Pier, where you can dine at Anna Maria Oyster Bar.
Depending on when you visit, you may also be able to support local vendors at the City of Anna Maria Farmers Market, held on Tuesdays from October to May. Coquina Beach also has its Coquina Beach Market on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. (Market season may be affected by 2024 hurricane damage.)
Get Historical on Anna Maria Island
Are you a history buff? Then reserve a chunk of your time to immerse yourself in Anna Maria history with a visit to the Anna Maria Island Museum and Historical Park, located on Pine Avenue. At the museum, you’ll discover Anna Maria’s roots, going back thousands of years and then fast forward to the early 1900s when it was a destination for the wealthy. The museum also features the 1927 Old City Jail, an open-air jail you’ll want to visit and take fun pictures at, but be thankful you’re not actually staying at long-term. The heat and bug bites alone were punishment enough for people who had to stay there. The museum also features Belle Haven Cottage, which once was located on the Anna Maria City Pier and served as a bait shop until it fell in the water in 1926. Somehow, the house remained intact and was brought to land and eventually saved from demolition. Inside the home, you can see dozens of artifacts from life on the island during the 1920s.
Make sure to check the museum’s schedule online before you visit as it sometimes as limited hours.
If you want more history, the AMI Historical Society has prepared brochures with self-guided walking/biking tours for Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach. You can find them at the museum.
Fish on Anna Maria Island
*Note: The piers are not currently open due to hurricane damage. Rod & Reel Pier was completely destroyed, and a large chunk of the City Pier’s boardwalk was destroyed. These piers will eventually rebuild, so we’re including our information below for past/future reference.*
Cast your fishing rod, and you’re almost bound to hit a good fishing spot on Anna Maria Island as you’re never too far from coastline. That said, in addition to fishing right on the beach, there are a few piers we can recommend. The Anna Maria City Pier is open from 7 a.m. to 10 pm; in addition to fishing, you can grab something to eat at City Pier Grill (outdoor seating only) or check out the free mini-exhibits from MOTE Marine Aquarium. Rod & Reel Pier is Anna Maria’s other iconic pier, a perfect destination for fishing and seafood. It’s open from 8 am to 9 pm. Down on Bradenton Beach, there are several unnamed, small piers that jut out into the water that are often used for fishing, snapping pics, or just taking in the view. The Bridge Street Pier is bayside and has a cute clock tower.
If you really want to fish, consider a captain-guided fishing tour.
Eating on Anna Maria Island
Let’s face it, you’re going to get hungry during your day trip to Anna Maria Island. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of yummy places to eat. The challenge is that we can’t list them all here. If you’re like most people, you’ll do your research and read reviews to pick where to grab a bite. However, here are a few that we like for the view, the food, or both:
—The Sandbar in Anna Maria and The Beach House in Bradenton Beach. Both are Gulf-facing so they have great views and are used to accommodating tourists. Both are operated by Chiles Hospitality, which specializes in sustainable food practices.
—La Creperie in Holmes Beach. An authentic French crepe place on the island!
–-The Ugly Grouper, which has, appropriately, an ugly grouper statue on its premises
—Ginny’s and Jane E’s Cafe and Coastal Store, which focuses on breakfast, brunch, and lunch in addition to some cool souvenirs and other items
—Two Scoops Ice Cream–because having ice cream when you visit the beach is almost mandatory
—The Donut Experiment. Did someone say donuts?
Finding a Different Way to Get Around Anna Maria Island
As most people will arrive to Anna Maria Island by car, it may be an interesting day trip activity to try a different way to get around. Did you know that Anna Maria Island has a free trolley that will take you all the way from the top to the bottom of the island? There’s also a new ferry that travels from downtown Bradenton to the AMI City Pier to the Bridge Street Pier on Bradenton Beach. We haven’t tried it yet but we’re intrigued. We’ve seen lots of people rent golf carts or bikes to traverse around the island. Last but not least, you can always take a captain-guided boat ride for the pure pleasure of it or to reach a certain destination, like nearby Egmont Key.
Day Trips From Anna Maria
Finally, if you’re staying in Anna Maria for longer than a day and want to do a day trip elsewhere, here are some quick suggestions:
—Cortez, the authentic fishing village that’s just a couple of miles away (this could probably be an afternoon, not a full day)
–Downtown Sarasota
–Sarasota around the Mall at UTC for shopping and to grab a bite to eat
What It’s Like to Visit Buc-ee’s in Daytona Beach, Florida
Buc-ee’s isn’t just a convenience store; it’s practically its own subculture. Originally from Texas, the first Buc-ee’s came to Florida with its St. Augustine location opening in 2021 followed by a Daytona Beach location.
Buc-ee’s is famous for its buck-toothed beaver mascot, brisket, Beaver Nuggets (which taste a lot like Sugar Pops cereal) and so much more. Because of Buc-ee’s massive size, it often attracts visitors who need gas or a drink but who also want the full Buc-ee’s experience. We visited the Daytona Beach location to get the scoop so you know what to do and see when visiting Buc-ee’s in Daytona Beach.
What It’s Like to Visit Buc-ee’s in Daytona Beach
Our visit was on a weekday morning but during a holiday, so we knew it would likely be busy. Buc-ee’s in Daytona Beach is an easy turn off of I-95, the famous north-south interstate that can take you all the way from Miami to the Canadian border in Maine. (For the Daytona Beach location, it’s off of exit 265.)
The first order of business was to get gas, and there were 104 (!!) gas pumps from which to choose. After filling up, we found a spot in the ample parking lot (nearly 400 spots), where surely a circle of life is happening on any given day (not unlike a Walmart parking lot). As many people are driving RVs or road tripping, you could see how they use a Buc-ee’s parking lot to regroup, whether that means taking a brief rest or taking their dog out for a walk. In fact, Buc-ee’s is so often used as a rest stop for dogs, there are some clever signs to remind visitors to pick up pet waste.
Since we’ve visited, the Buc-ee’s in Daytona Bach has added a 235-foot long car wash. It’s only 20 feet shorter than the Buc-ee’s in Kate, Texas, which apparently holds a record as the longest car wash in the world. Prices at the Daytona Buc-ee’s car wash are $13 and $16.
Going Inside Buc-ee’s
Going inside Buc-ee’s is like a collision of a convenience store with a Cracker Barrel, Texas charm, and a massive amount of products with that buck-toothed mascot.
Depending on when you visit, you may be overwhelmed by crowds, something we read about in reviews. The day of our visit was busy but not overwhelming, so there’s was no problem ambling around.
Buc-ee’s is famous for a few specialties, most of which are Texas-themed and made fresh on site:
–Brisket
–Kolaches, a type of Czech pastry brought to Texas in the 1800s
–Fudge
–Glazed nuts (our personal fave)
–Beaver Nuggets
–Beef jerky
The middle of the store has bustling areas where employees are making some of these items (and additional items), so it’s quite the scene to see how they work. You may decide to pick up a biscuit breakfast sandwich, a brisket sandwich, or some fudge (ask for samples!). The area with the freshly prepared foods was definitely the busiest part of the store.
There’s also a part of Buc-ee’s that’s similar to other convenience stores, with drinks, snack chips, candy, and other routine items as well as not-so-routine items (like quail eggs). This part of the store is less hectic than the rest of the store but still may be a necessary part of your trip depending on what you need.
Of course, there are restrooms–large ones–that are clean and ample. We don’t know if they will always be the cleanest restrooms in the world as the company states, but we had a positive experience.
Then, there’s the merchandise. If you’re looking for a T-shirt, socks, toy, football, PJ pants, or just about anything else with the Buc-ee’s logo, you’re in luck. This is the same area where you can find those Beaver Nuggets for sale. You’ll find all of those items for sale here or online (ironically, Buc-ee’s doesn’t have an online store but sells its merchandise on Amazon and on sites like Texassnax.com). In a moment of weakness, we almost bought the Buc-ee’s PJ pants.
There’s another part of the Buc-ee’s store that’s filled with down-home goods–think “Yellowstone” meets Southern Living. Cowboy hats, wine glasses with sayings on them, honey-based soaps, kitchen towels (like the one with a cow on it that says “Kitchen Closed–This Heifer’s Had It”), and soooooo much more. There’s also a lot of similarly themed Florida merchandise.
If you’re a big shopper for goods like these, you’ll likely enjoy it all and want to take your time. If all of that just makes your eyes glaze over, you probably will just want to go back to your car and recover.
A Few Extra Buc-ee’s Tips
—Make time for your visit. If you’re new to the Buc-ee’s world and want to check it out, this isn’t the sort of place you’re going to be able to get in and out in 5 or 10 minutes. Give yourself and your companions a good half hour or hour maybe to visit. Account for crowds as well, which may slow things down. We wish we could tell you a best time to visit Buc-ee’s but as it’s open 24/7, we’re guessing it stays busy pretty consistently. If you’re in a hurry, stick with a regular-sized gas station/convenience store.
—Don’t bring your 18-wheeler. The Buc-ee’s parking lot is not designed for semi-trucks–this is apparently a policy at all Buc-ee’s, not just the one in Daytona Beach. There are signs throughout the lot to let people know.
—Decide on a souvenir you may want to buy. Want some inspiration in advance? We enjoyed this “Southern Living” magazine article on Southern products to buy at Buc-ee’s, including bacon grease, deer feeders, and BBQ.
—After you get gas, move your car to a parking spot if you plan to go inside and shop. With 100+ gas spots, you may assume you’ll have no problem leaving your car there while you go shop. Yet consider how busy a Buc-ee’s can get. You’ll likely leave other customers just waiting so they can get gas. Be considerate and move your car if you plan to do more than just use the restroom.
—Check out this video from TheSmokies.com for other tips on visiting Buc-ee’s–specifically, 10 things to NOT do when visiting the convenience store. Here’s a video from Roadtrip Dave that provides a video tour of the Daytona Beach Buc-ee’s.
Where Can I Find Buc-ee’s in Florida? What Other States Have Buc-ee’s?
Florida currently has Buc-ee’s locations in Daytona Beach and St. Augustine, with a third location slated near Ocala (slated to be its biggest Buc-ee’s ever) and a fourth location planned in St. Lucie County.
In addition to Texas and Florida, you can also find Buc-ee’s in Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
Here’s What to See and Do in Arcadia, Florida
There should be a sign at the border of Arcadia, Florida, that says, “Welcome to Cowboy Country”—but we’d also add, “Welcome to Antiquing Country, Peace River Country, and Rodeo Country” for good measure. After all, the rural town of Arcadia manages to pack in a lot to see and do despite its small size. The town and its residents are also true survivors, having lived through flood waters that reached as high as 23 feet in some points during Hurricane Ian in 2022.
Arcadia, Florida, is about an hour away from Bradenton, Sarasota, and Fort Myers, making it a perfect day trip destination (find some other great day trip ideas here if you live in the Bradenton/Sarasota area). This article shares some of Arcadia’s history and things to do in Arcadia, Florida, including:
–Antiquing
–A self-guided walking tour of downtown Arcadia
–The rodeo
–Restaurants
–Joshua Citrus
–Activities along the Peace River
–Local parks
Arcadia, Florida: A Few Historical Facts
Here are a few interesting historical facts about Arcadia, Florida, that you’ll want to know before your visit.
- The town of Arcadia was incorporated in 1886 and became the county seat for DeSoto County in 1888. It incorporated as a town nine months after the first train came there.
- Arcadia got its start growing citrus and other produce, including watermelon. The DeSoto County Walking Tour website says that during the 19th century cattle wars, “Arcadia was as wild as any frontier town.”
- By the teens and 20s of the 20th century, Arcadia had three railroads as well an amphitheatre. The town had its first rodeo in 1929, the Arcadia All-Florida Grand Championship Rodeo that continues today.
- Arcadia was called “Aviation City” after World War I because there were two Army air fields there for training pilots.
- The town established a Historic District and had nearly 400 homes and businesses placed on the National Register of Historic Places in the 1980s. This era also led to the establishment of a Main Street program to revitalize the downtown and have antique stores, according to the Walking Tour website.
- Arcadia has been hit by its share of hurricanes, including 2004 with Hurricane Charley, 2017 with Hurricane Irma, and 2022 with Hurricane Ian, during which waters reached more than 23 feet. Although Arcadia is miles and miles away from the coast, it’s located on the Peace River, which increases its vulnerability.
Although Florida’s citrus business has dwindled considerably due to citrus greening, Arcadia remains an area of farming (including cattle, citrus, watermelons, and more) and as an antiques haven.
7 Things to Do When You Visit Arcadia, Florida
1. Have a blast from the past when you go antiquing in downtown. Arcadia’s downtown is well-known among antique lovers as a go-to destination. If you’ve lived long enough, antique shopping in Arcadia is a blast from the past. If you’re younger, then antique shopping in Arcadia will help you discover what life entailed before the internet and iPhones. Make sure to visit on the fourth Saturday of each month when there’s a big antiques fair in town attracting 35 to as many as 100 vendors. Stores like Cory’s Antiques and Biggar and Biggar Antique Mall will even have curbside items to peruse. Other vendors set up an outdoors booth for the occasion. If you’re lucky (??), you’ll even get to hear the local street preacher who makes a scene during the monthly event. You can also discover more about Florida’s antiques scene, including in Arcadia, at the website Florida Antique Trail.
Bonus suggestions: They aren’t antiques store but we particularly enjoyed the Blossoms Beauty & Boutique on Oak Street in downtown for its boho/country style. We didn’t make it to Honey Belles Boutique but it looks very cute as well and is also on Oak Street.
2. Take a walking tour of the downtown. If you like to guide yourself to discover new places, you’re a good match for Downtown Arcadia’s Walking Tour. Using the site found here on the South Florida State College website, your tour will take you to about 20 different historical buildings found in and around downtown Arcadia. The self-guided tour includes the Railroad Depot, Rosin Arcade, and the Opera House. In fact, the Opera House is more than 117 years old and was damaged during Hurricane Ian but has been restored and re-opened, thanks to private donations. Discover how the buildings you’ll see have been used over time. Downtown Arcadia has preserved much of its historical look, so the self-guided walking tour is a real treat for history and architecture buffs. You can also grab a bite to eat at one of the downtown’s charming restaurants (see more information below). Find out more here about supporting downtown Arcadia’s Main Street.
3. Go to the rodeo. For real cowboy living, visit Arcadia in March when the rodeo is in town at Mosaic Arena. Nicknamed the Granddaddy of ‘Em All due to its longevity (nearly 100 years), the Arcadia rodeo athletes compete with the hope of making it to national finals in Las Vegas. Come watch the rodeo for barrel racing, bull riding, and bareback bronc riding.
4. Grab a bite to eat. Arcadia offers down-home country meals with Southern cooking, hidden Mexican gems, and American staples. You can get a great mix of Southern charm and history in the downtown at places like Mary Margaret’s Tea & Biscuit, Oak Street Deli, and Wheeler’s Café. Slim’s Bar-B-Q gets solid ratings for its barbecue. Some highly reviewed Mexican places include El Charro, Azul Tequila, and Taqueria La Favorita. You can find out more about many of these restaurants at the following TripAdvisor site.
5. Head on over to Joshua Citrus for an up-close view of life on a citrus grove. Have you ever tried fresh orange juice or an orange/vanilla soft-serve swirl at a Florida citrus grove? If not, don’t miss a visit to Joshua Citrus in Arcadia, which has had roots in Arcadia since the late 1880s. You can buy fresh citrus like Honeybell oranges and grapefruit, try the delicious fresh juice, order citrus products as a gift, and enjoy that yummy soft-serve swirl that we mentioned. Joshua Citrus also sells some Florida-themed gifts and other food items. Double check its schedule in advance, as places like Joshua Citrus often are open only seasonally to the public.
6. Spend some time on Peace River. We still have to make our way to Peace River to see all it has to offer, but we hear terrific things about paddling, fossil hunting, and airboat riding along the peaceful Peace River.
7. Take a stroll at one of Arcadia’s many parks. Whether you want to bring a picnic, take a stroll, use the boat ramp, or go fishing, there’s a park for that in Arcadia.
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park in Florida: What to Do, What to See
If you’re looking for a swimming and nature adventure with springs, wildlife, and mermaids (oh my!), then look no further than Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, located off of U.S. 19 in Weeki Wachee, Florida, about an hour north of Tampa. Our article takes you through some of Weeki Wachee’s 70-plus year history in the Sunshine State and tells you what things to do and see at Weeki Wachee.
First, let’s share some highlights and fun facts from the park’s esteemed history:
–Weeki Wachee began when former U.S. Navy man Newton Perry was searching for a site to start a business and eyed U.S. 19, at that time, a small two-lane road. “More alligators and black bears lived in the area than humans,” according to the park’s website. Perry had a background training Navy Frogmen to swim underwater in World War 2, and he began to experiment with underwater breathing hoses and a way to breathe underwater with a free-flowing air hose that supplied oxygen from an air compressor. He also began to hire local young women to train to swim with the air hoses. They would perform by doing aquatic ballets and had spectators watch them from a newly built 18-seat theater. The theater allowed visitors to watch the show but also to view the sparking, clear water from the springs. Weeki Wachee was born and offered its first show in 1947. The name Weeki Wachee means “little spring” or “winding river” in the Seminole Indian language.
–Word spread about Weeki Wachee, and by the 1950s, it was one of the most popular roadside attractions in the U.S. Park attractions included the mermaid shows, orchid gardens, “jungle cruises,” and a new beach. Movies like “Mr Peabody and the Mermaid” were filmed there.
–Believe it or not, ABC (as in the TV network) purchased Weeki Wachee in 1959 and began to promote the park. It built a 400-seat theater still used today located in the side of the spring and 16 feet below the surface. It also developed themes for underwater shows. Potential mermaids came from around the world to try out and perform in shows like, “Alice in Wonderland” and “Peter Pan.” They gave eight shows a day to sold-out crowds. Find some cool pics of the mermaids and the park at the link here.
–ABC sold the park in 1984 to Florida Leisure Attractions, and it was then sold to Florida Leisure Acquisition Corp. By 2008, it became part of the Florida State Parks System.
–Although not as heralded as it was in the past, Weeki Wachee and its famous mermaids still make appearances throughout pop culture, including in the Kelly Clarkson video for “Stronger,” in a 2023 Netflix documentary called “MerPeople,” and as the backdrop for a Penn and Teller comedy special. During our visit, an appearance of the mermaids during a Jimmy Buffett concert in Tampa was shown before their performance (Buffett even once swam with them).
—Weeki Wachee Springs has the deepest freshwater cave system in the U.S. It’s so deep that the bottom has yet to be found. “Every day, more than 117 million gallons of clear, fresh 74-degree water bubbles up out of subterranean caverns,” according to the park’s website.
Things to Do at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
Fast forward to modern times, and just what is there to do at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park? We’re glad you asked. Let’s get some basics out of the way and then we’ll fill you in.
First, the park is open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. Expect to pay $13 for each adult and $8 for kids ages 6 to 12. Those 5 and under are free.
When the park reaches its capacity, it will not allow new people in–and it does indeed get busy on certain weekends and holidays. When we arrived around 9 a.m. for our visit over Labor Day weekend, we found a snaking line of people ahead of us. Everyone had to wait (im)patiently beside a variety of mermaid statues.
Once in the park, you’ve got a few different choices:
—Hang out at Buccaneer Beach. The beach area consists of some sand and grassy areas and a decent-sized area in the springs for swimming. Their “lazy river” is a small, roped off area beside the swimming area. There are also water slides that are sure to be a hit for the young’uns. (Note that the water slides are open seasonally, although swimming remains open.) You may wonder if there are alligators at Weeki Wachee when you swim there. The good news is that there are not. They prefer darker waters, not the clear spring water–which is constantly monitored anyways so if something unexpected did come through, park officials would know.
—Take a river cruise. Although we didn’t have a chance to do the river cruise, we feel confident it’s a beautiful ride. The Wilderness River Cruise runs between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Seating is first-come, first-served.
—Watch the mermaid show. Part of the allure of Weeki Wachee is enjoying the clear springs, and the other allure is its majestic mermaid history. If you’re serious about wanting to discover more mermaid history, then you must check out one of the mermaid shows at 11 a.m. or 3 p.m. There’s no additional cost for the show beyond your admission to the park. When the park is busy, seating fills up quickly in the theater for the shows. Get in line early if you can. While waiting, there are some TV monitors that will show you video and images from the park’s history. The mermaid show itself is visually stunning, both in terms of how the mermaids and other actors move around effortlessly underwater but also for how the springs appear underwater (including fish!). Even if the 30 minute or so show itself isn’t calling out to you (it’s more geared toward kids), it may be worth a visit so you can say you’ve seen an underwater show.
—Learn more about the park’s wildlife in the Ranger Experience. Park rangers will fill you in on local wildlife, including tortoises, snakes, and alligators. It’s a cool, low-key show for the animal lovers in your group, taking place at 10 a.m., noon and 2:15 p.m. daily.
—Go kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. Enjoy the springs and Weeki Wachee River (which flows 12 miles into the Gulf of Mexico) by renting a kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Rentals are available from Weeki Fresh Water Adventures, or the company can help you launch your own equipment if you have it. The kayaking and paddleboarding experiences in the river are said to be easy even for beginners. One tip: Use non-disposable food and water containers for your river adventure; throwaway, single-use items aren’t allowed. Find out more about that rule here.
—Grab a bite to eat. You can bring a picnic to Buccaneer Bay or grab something to eat at the Mermaid Galley, Captain’s Quarters, Pirate’s Grubb, Snack Shack, or Tiki Bar.
The park also has a gift shop, restrooms, a shower station (good for getting sand off before driving home), and a playground. Plus, there are a couple of mermaid statues where you can pose and snap a few pics.
A Few Final Tips for Your Visit to Weeki Wachee
–Arrive early for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. The beach area gets crowded as well, which is another reason to arrive early.
–Use the park map to help you. It’s available in this brochure, but we prefer the map we received onsite. See a picture of it earlier in this story.
–Kids’ floatation devices (including life jackets) are allowed in the park; other floatation devices are not allowed but can be rented at the park. Get the skinny on park rules here.
–Have everyone in your party with you when you purchase admission to the park.
–It’s OK to bring food and drinks to the park, but keep them in outside areas (such as the beach).
–Know that admission fees are non-refundable, including for bad weather.
–If you like the somewhat kitschy, historical feel of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, consider visiting Silver Springs State Park, which was once operated by the same company as Weeki Wachee. Silver Springs, located in Ocala, also has a long history in Florida and even became famous in Hollywood movies and TV shows. Find out more about Silver Springs State Park in our article here.
–Sorry, wanna-be mermaids….costumes aren’t allowed in the park!
9 Things to Do When You Visit Lakeland, Florida
Central Florida’s Lakeland, located off of Interstate 4 between Tampa and Orlando, makes for a great day trip or weekend destination. If you’ve visited Lakeland in the past or lived there years ago as we once did, you’ll be surprised to see how much it’s evolved in recent years.
Before we share some of our top picks to visit during your Lakeland visit, let’s share a few interesting facts:
–Lakeland gets its name because (shocker) it has a lot of lakes.…38 of them within city limits as well as some smaller ones. The biggest lake is Lake Parker.
–Lakeland is home to the corporate offices for Publix, the behemoth supermarket associated with Florida as much as our alligators, a mouse called Mickey, and sunshine. Find out more about Publix history here.
–In 1956, Elvis Presley performed at the Polk Theatre in the downtown.
–Munnville, Redbug (named for the harvest mite insects once found there), and Rome City were all names proposed for Lakeland. We think people got it right by sticking with the current name!
–Lakeland High School has a beast of a football team and prior to the 2023-2024 season, it ranked 56 nationally, according to MaxPreps.
–In 2023, Lakeland was ranked #3 as a boomtown in the U.S. by LendingTree, due to its fast growth. It ranked even higher than Jacksonville and North Port, the two other Florida cities in the top 10. Metro Lakeland currently has 364,000 residents. Expansion at Publix and a nearby Amazon hub as well as its proximity to other major Florida cities and counties make it attractive to many. Plus, it’s more affordable than many Florida coastal areas.
9 Things to See and Do Around Lakeland
So, whether you’re checking out Lakeland as a potential place to live or you just need a getaway, here are 8 places you should see.
Circle B Bar Reserve
There are places in Florida with alligators, and then there are places with ALLIGATORS. We don’t necessarily mean a difference in gator size but just in quantity and how, well, wild the place feels. Circle B Bar Reserve fits into the ALLIGATOR category. The reserve is is truly the alligators’ home, and we’re just visiting it. Plus, you’ll find tons of birds and other wildlife. Circle B has a mix of trails from which to choose, whether you want an easy stroll with kids or you want to take your time to get nature shots (you’ll find many birders and photographers there). As always, we recommend going early and bringing water, sunscreen, and bug spray. Stay AWAY from any gators, even if they are blocking the trail, which happened to us last time. Show them respect and just turn around to go the other way! Find out more about Circle B in our previous story here.
Florida Southern College
Florida Southern College has been named one of the prettiest campuses in the U.S., and we can see why. It’s situated right beside scenic Lake Hollingsworth, and it’s home to the biggest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world. In fact, the college even offers architectural tours and has a special visitors’ area where you can find out more about Wright’s buildings there. Home to about 3,000 students, if you still want to see more after your campus stroll, there’s a trail around Lake Hollingsworth, and there are some cute historic homes to see in the adjacent Lake Morton neighborhood.
Southeastern University
If you’re into campus tours (self-guided or with others), then you should also visit Southeastern University, a growing Christian college also located in Lakeland. The campus has expanded a lot in recent years (it now has 8000+ students) and added a football stadium, Victory Field, in 2014. The campus architecture has a more modern feel to it with some peaceful touches like butterfly sculptures. Plus, there’s a Chick-fil-A on campus–need we say more?!
The Swans at Lake Morton
Swan City, baby! Lakeland is home to about 80 swans that live on Lake Morton in the downtown area. Believe it or not, #SwanLife in Lakeland started in 1926, when the city even established a Swan Department to care for the 20 swans living there. Unfortunately, they were dying out due to alligators, chemicals, and other reasons. Then, Queen Elizabeth II gifted two swans to the city in 1957. Here’s a link to an interesting story about how the swans got to Lakeland. Since then their ranks have increased, and you’ll notice that Lake Morton is also now home to a bevy of other birds, including ibises, ducks, and others. The city continues to monitor the swans’ health and rounds them up once a year to check on them. Visiting the swans to feed them or take pictures (at a respectful distance, please) is just part of Lakeland living. You’ll also find swan statues around Lakeland in honor of their historical role.
Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market
If you’re into farmers markets, you’re in for a real treat. We’ve watched Lakeland’s Downtown Farmers Curb Market on Saturdays grow into a big, popular happening. You’ll find ready-made food, produce, artisans, and lots of fun music and people watching. The market is located in the ever-changing downtown area (plan to stick around a bit and check out some nearby shops and restaurants), and it’s open 11 months out of the year. The market closes in August. Find a map of the market’s location here.
Bonnet Springs Park
Bonnet Springs Park sits on 168 acres of a former railroad operation in Lakeland that was long forgotten until plans for Bonnet Springs Park began to form. This private public park opened in October 2022 and is quite impressive with its size and dozens of nooks and crannies to walk and enjoy nature on your own or with family and friends. Bonnet Springs Park also has some hills, which you don’t see every day in Florida. Plus, entrance is free. There’s lots to explore at the park, like the Florida Children’s Museum, a botanical garden, a playground, nature center, canopy walk, and much more. There’s also a Depot Cafe and a garden bar, but we think the park is a great place to have a picnic as well. You could make a half-day of your visit to Bonnet Springs or, if you’re with kids, perhaps a full day if you also visit the kids’ museum.
Hollis Garden
Hollis Garden offers an oasis of calm in a crazy world. Located in downtown right beside Barnett Family Park, the manicured 1.2 acres of Hollis Garden offers a free, public botanical garden with more than 10,000 flowers, native trees, and ornamental shrubs When we visited, the park was piping in some classical music, and we could take our time wandering the garden paths and looking out at Lake Mirror. We saw one family taking pictures there for a daughter’s quinceañera (15th birthday party celebration), so it’s definitely a place to keep in mind if you want special pictures. Just double check some of its photo rules online. You can also hop onto a path to extend your walk around the lake. If you’re visiting nearby Barnett Family Park for the kids, a quick stop at Hollis Garden could help you regain your composure! Check the schedule online as Hollis is closed on Mondays.
Safari Wilderness Ranch
See nature up close….like real close! Safari Wilderness Ranch brings you face-to-face with some of the most famous safari animals you can think of, like zebras, water buffalo, lemurs, gazelles, and more. Choose from a drive-thru safari experience (if you’ve been to Lion Country Safari in the Palm Beach area, it’s similar), an open-air tour with a group, a camel tour, an ATV and even a kayak tour. The animals live on 260 acres and roam freely, often in herds. Plus, we see that they now offer camping. Double check prices before you book as it’s not cheap, but Safari Wilderness definitely an unforgettable experience. Here’s a link to another time that we wrote about Safari Wilderness Ranch.
Common Ground Playground
If you’re on the go with kids, then you’ll definitely want to make time to visit Common Ground Playground, geared toward children of all ages and abilities. We remember visiting Common Ground not long after it opened and were impressed by the wide range of equipment in this “inclusive play experience,” as its website describes it. It’s a pretty big playground, so have a plan in place to keep your eye on wandering kiddos.
What to Know Before You Visit Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Want to see where wild horses and buffalo roam? You don’t need to buy a ticket to go out west. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park near Gainesville boasts a population of more than 50 wild bison as well as wild horses, alligators, and almost 300 species of birds. Here’s the scoop on its history and what to know before you visit Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.
History of Paynes Prairie Preserve — and How Did the Buffalo Get There?
As far back as 1774, naturalist and artist William Bartram wrote about the land that is now Paynes Prairie Preserve, calling it “the great Alachua Savannah.” Yet even before his writing, Native Americans (including members of the Seminole tribe) called the land that is now Paynes Prairie home, dating back 15,000 years. The land also was valued by Spanish explorers. The landscape that makes up Paynes Prairie has always attracted such interest because of its unique mix of marsh land, wet prairie, and open water, according to the park website. It 21,000 acres is also home to 430 vertebrate species. The park has 20 unique biological areas.
In 1971, Paynes Prairie became the state’s first official preserve. It celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2021.
Although Paynes Prairie is in the Gainesville area, it’s officially in the town of Micanopy (mick-a-no-pee), which has a charming small downtown area and was recently named one of Florida’s most charming small towns by Travel + Leisure. You can easily combine a day or two visit to both Paynes Prairie and Micanopy. Find out more about Micanopy here.
But what about one of the preserve’s most famous inhabitants, the bison? They were actually introduced to Paynes Prairie in the mid-1970s, after the land became a preserve. The wild horses are said to be descendants of the horses brought to the area by Spanish explorers. And the alligators? As you likely know, they are long-time residents in many, many areas of the Sunshine State, but places like Paynes Prairie give you a closer-up view.
What to Expect When You Visit Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
With its massive size, Paynes Prairie has a lot to offer, including:
–Hiking along its 10 trails
–Camping near Lake Wauburg
–Fishing
–Biking along the 16-mile Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail
–Wildlife viewing
–Horseback riding along the Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail
–Boating
–Spending time at the nature center
–Birding…and more.
The trick is knowing where to go depending on what you want to do. The park’s many trails do not all branch out from the same location, which is why you may want to decide in advance what you want to do. Here is a link to a map of Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park to help you plan ahead.
Alligator Spotting at Paynes Prairie
If your focus is wildlife photography, particularly alligators, the best recommendation is La Chua Trail, located beside a smaller residential community. The trail is 3 miles round trip. La Chua takes you briefly through a small stable (no animals in it; it’s a nod to the area’s cattle and horsing heritage), followed by a long boardwalk that goes over a marsh area. Then, the Alachua Sink is home to alligators sunning themselves. On the trail, you also encounter a platform that overlooks Alachua Lake. In recent times during our visit, part of the trail has been closed due to flooding or other reasons.
On our first two visits to La Chua Trail, both in late August, we actually didn’t see any alligators. Yet on a recent June visit during alligator mating season (from April to June), we saw literally dozens. They were sunning themselves in the water and occasionally jamming each other out of the way while we humans remained on an elevated boardwalk. A whole gaggle of them (perhaps 10 in one area) hanging out while we humans–either photographers or birdwatchers–stayed mesmerized by them. They were close to us but at the same time distant as we were elevated above water level. Yet watching them naturally interact and seeing so many at a time was truly memorable.
Observation Tower and Visitor Center
If you want to really learn more about Paynes Prairie and try to see the wild bison, then go to the park’s main entrance. You’ll pay $4 to $6 at the ranger station, and drive a couple miles back to the Visitor Center. The rustic and recently renovated Visitor Center has historical information, exhibits, and “home on the range” type views that look out on to the prairie where the bison are often found. We strongly recommend the Visitor Center because of several cool features, including a gorgeous film that gives background on the park. If you have just arrived at the park, you’ll get your bearings at the center and you can check out the huge map of the park there. If you watch the film after walking around, the film gives you a short respite to cool off. The Visitor Center also has a visitor log (so you can see where people are from) and a nature log (where people can note the type of animals they have seen). From the Visitor Center’s back patio, you can take in the view and make your way down to Cones Dike trail to go toward the prairie.
Less than a five-minute walk away is the observation tower, where you up your chances of getting a great view of the bison if they are on the prairie.
The park’s main entrance includes the campground, several other trails, and Lake Wauburg. Although we weren’t camping there, it was interesting to look around the camping area and its fishing pier, barbecue area, amphitheater, and other amenities.
As you get to know the park, feel free to explore some of the park’s additional trails outside of the main park area. In addition to La Chua, these include Bolen Buff Trail, the Ecopassage Observation Boardwalk (really more of a scenic view than a trail), and the Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail. Of note, the Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail is paved and goes on for 16 miles. It’s a historical railbed between Gainesville and Hawthorne and is popular with bikers. However, the trail also has a grassy area, making it great for multiuse.
We explored Bolen Buff Trail (2.5 miles roundtrip) once to take a chance at seeing wild horses or the bison herd. Alas, no spottings, but we did see recent animal dung from one of these famous inhabitants.
8 Tips for Your Visit to Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
We absolutely recommend a visit to Paynes Prairie to see “wild” Florida or for wildlife photography or birding. Here are a few tips to follow to help you plan your visit.
- Have a few dollars on hand. We know, who carries cash? The park entrance areas outside of the main entrance request that visitors pay up to $4 per vehicle, placed in a blue envelope. Once you pay, you can take a tag to hang in your car. It’s an honor system. There may be a way you can handle this transaction online instead, but we didn’t see how. Hence, have some cash on hand. For the main park admission, you can pay online.
- Know in advance that the major wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Our big motivation is getting those primo wildlife shots, such as alligators, horses, and bison. We saw the buffalo from far away during our first visit. They were so far, even our telephoto lens on a nice camera couldn’t capture a clear shot. That said, we spotted a deer right away during one visit, and we’ve seen many types of birds. As mentioned before, there was no luck spotting alligators our first two visits and then we hit the gator jackpot the third time. Sometimes, it’s just dumb luck to see the animals you want to see.
- Know that weather may affect what you can do. If you visit in the summer (aka, Florida’s rainy season), water levels may affect certain trails. That’s what happened twice for us on La Chua Trail. On Cones Dike Trail, in the main park area, the walk lasted just a couple minutes before it started to get muddy (again, from rain).
- Use the park’s map to help show you where to go. Seasoned hikers likely already know this, but here’s a tip for the less experienced among us. You can have a link to park maps on your phone but also take a screenshot of them. That way, if internet signal is not available, you still know where the heck you are going. As mentioned earlier, use the maps to plan your visit as the options at Paynes are diverse.
- Find out which trails allow you to bring your best canine friend and which ones don’t. Understandably, not all trails allow pets because of the wild animals living there. Per the park map we have seen, Cones Dike, Bolen Buff, and La Chua trails do NOT allow animals. The Lake, Chacala, Jackson’s Gap, Ecopassage Boardwalk, and Gatesville-Hawthorne trails allow your favorite Fido or Fluffy.
- If you are fortunate enough to spot alligators, bison, or horses, leave them alone. They are not Disney characters. This is real-deal nature!
- Bring water, sunscreen, bug spray, and maybe snacks. The first three items should be obvious for anytime you’re out in Florida nature. Snacks are useful if you plan to be at Paynes Prairie for a while. That’s also because your food options are limited unless you drive a few minutes into Gainesville in one direction or into downtown Micanopy in the other direction.
- Check out the Observation Boardwalk if you don’t have time for a full park visit. The Ecopassage Observation Boardwalk (area 8 if you’re looking at the map) is just minutes from Interstate 75. In fact, you can see I-75 off in the distance when you stop there. The boardwalk, located off of 441, offers panoramic views of Alachua Lake, where you may spot fish, gators, and birds. It’s a great way to take a scenic break, especially if your visit to the area doesn’t include a longer park visit.
St. Pete Saturday Market: Vendors, Location, and What to See and Do
There are lots of great reasons to visit downtown St. Pete, Florida. If you’re looking for a good excuse to visit on a Saturday morning, there’s the Saturday Morning Market. Packed with more than140 vendors, you’ll have no shortage of food, artisans, and fun.
There are many other farmers/open-air markets in the Tampa Bay area, but we’re pretty sure the Saturday Morning Market is the biggest among them. It draws about 10,000 visitors each week, according to Visit St. Pete/Clearwater. The market website reports that it has more types of ready-to-eat food than any other U.S. market. That includes Belgian, German, Greek, Ethiopian, vegetarian, and many more.
The Saturday Morning Market in St. Pete is open 9 am to 2 pm October through May and 9 am to 1 pm June through September.
The Saturday Morning Market in downtown St. Pete combines ready-made foods from around the world along with Florida-based farm vendors and local artisans selling jewelry and other art. Here’s just a sampling of what to expect:
—Mr. Fun Guy, featuring mushrooms ready to eat and in powder and extract form
—Gulf Coast Sourdough, selling delectable baked goods like bread
—Worden Farms, a Punta Gorda-based organic farm famous for its wide selection and colorful sunflowers
—Big Crush Slush, with hand-crafted citrus and ginger seltzer drinks
—Mitch Armstrong Nursery, which sells a variety of plants including butterfly vines and succulents
We could go on, but you get the idea. Find the full vendor list here, which also serves as a map for the market.
One other cool thing at the Saturday Morning Market–or really, any farmers/open-air market–is the people watching. The St. Pete crowd has a nutty-crunchy, younger feel to it compared with some of the other nearby markets. A visitor buys coffee and an empanada for their breakfast while weaving through the market with their dog (more on the dogs a little further down). Parents with their young kid in a stroller amble while checking out Florida-grown produce. Another visitor enjoys a vegan smoothie as an antidote for the Florida sun while sitting and listening to the market’s live music. (Check the market website for details on weekly entertainment, available most times of the year except the summer.)
Saturday Morning Market’s Location in Downtown St. Pete
One thing to keep in mind with the Saturday Morning Market is that it changes location seasonally. In the summer, it moves to Williams Park (350 2nd Ave. North), which has more shade. There are usually fewer vendors in the summer, although the market remains big year-round. The rest of the year, the market takes place in the parking lot of the Al Lang Stadium (230 First St. S.). There’s on-street parking and some parking garages near both locations. For on-street parking, you may have to use and pay via the Park Mobile app.
5 Tips for a Great Visit to St. Pete’s Saturday Morning Market
For an enjoyable visit to the Saturday Morning Market, here are a few tips:
- Arrive early. This piece of advice serves you well in many situations so you can easily find parking, keep crowds to a minimum, and avoid Florida’s midday sun.
- Know where you’re going. If you plan to come to the market and just wander, kudos! We support you. If you’re more of a planner or you have a limited amount of time, use the market map online to scope out vendors you know you want to visit.
- Bring sun protection, reusable bags and a cooler. A reusable bag is an easy, sustainable way to carry your market goods. The sun protection is, well, obviously needed in the Sunshine State. A small cooler will help if you’re buying perishable items and plan to stay at the market for a while or have a long drive back home. You don’t necessarily need to carry the cooler with you, just have it in the car.
- Think in advance about bringing Fido. The Saturday Market is dog-friendly, which is great. Our beef is that we see many dogs that look hot in the Florida sun, with their tongues wagging way too far. Thankfully, many vendors have water bowls for your canine friends. Yet think in advance if you really want to bring Fido or Fluffy. The sun can make the asphalt temperature reach 100 degrees or above, dangerous for your dog’s paws. If your dog is a heat-sensitive breed, older, has joint issues, or is iffy about crowds or other dogs, they’ll probably be happier at home.
- Consider making a day of your St. Pete visit. In addition to its nearby famous beaches, there’s a lot to do in downtown St. Pete. We share a few suggestions below.
More Things to Do in or Near Downtown St. Pete
While you’re in town, consider playing tourist with a few other attractions:
––St. Pete Pier: The beautiful redone pier features a splash ground for the kids, a restaurant, a gorgeous view of Tampa Bay, special events, nature spotting and lots more. On the weekend, the pier even has its own small craft market. The St. Pete Pier is about a 10-minute walk from the market’s Al Lang Stadium location, although you’ll walk at least another 10 minutes from the start of the pier to the end of it. Consider using the pier’s free tram if you want to save steps.
—Salvador Dali Museum. This world-famous museum features art work from the famous Spanish artist as well as like-minded artists.
—James Museum. Consider this museum if you enjoy Western art, featuring the West’s open spaces, cowboys, and Native Americans.
—Chihuly Collection at Morean Arts Center, feature Dale Chihuly’s glass art.
—Downtown murals. The Central Arts District has a cool collection of murals to check out, but also keep your eyes open for street art all around the city.
If your visit to the Saturday Morning Market merely whets your appetite for more open-air/farmers markets, then you’re in luck. St. Pete Beach has a Sunday market, the weekend Pinellas Flea and Farmers Market in Clearwater features a large number of Asian food vendors, and there’s an active network of Tampa Bay markets. Plus, we’ve got the scoop right here on markets in the nearby Bradenton/Sarasota area, including the popular Sarasota Farmers Market on Saturdays and Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch on Sundays.
