Fun Facts About Florida’s Colleges and Universities
If you’re looking for some fun facts about Florida’s many colleges and universities, you’ve come to the right place.
This listicle isn’t focused on rankings (you can go to sites like US News & World Report for that) but instead shares some quirky and historical facts about several of Florida’s colleges and universities.
So why are we at Florida Culture devoting space to the topic of colleges and universities in Florida? We’ve got a few good reasons:
—Even if you aren’t college-bound, many of the college campuses are still interesting to visit. Whether you want to attend a sports event, get a shirt at the bookstore, or just go for a stroll, there’s a lot you can get out of visiting many of Florida’s college campuses.
—We’ve visited seven different campuses over the past year...and a smattering of others before then. We once taught English as a second language for a year at Florida Southern College in Lakeland.
—One of our clients publishes Florida college and university lists each year, and we help compile info on enrollment and school president names.
So as you can see, we’re a regular Betty Coed around here.
15 Fun Facts About Florida’s Colleges and Universities…in No Particular Order
- There are 372 active colleges and universities in Florida, according to UnivStat.com. This includes a 200+ for-profit schools (generally speaking, these are schools that have a website ending in .com).
- The Florida public university system has 12 schools. The largest is the University of Central Florida in Orlando, with an enrollment of more than 70,000 students. As you can imagine, it feels like its own city when you visit. The smallest within the public university system is Sarasota’s New College of Florida, with around 700 students.
- The most expensive university in Florida? It’s “the U” aka University of Miami. Including both tuition and room/board, it’s an annual cost of more than $77,596 before financial aid.
- Speaking of the U, its campus is home to the world-renowned Bascom-Palmer Eye Institute, the leading eye hospital in the U.S. It attracts ophthalmologists and ophthalmologists-in-training from around the world.
- One reason to visit Florida Southern College in Lakeland is for the Frank Lloyd Wright architecture on campus. Thirteen of his structures are there. The campus offers both guided and self-guided tours. The campus is also located on scenic Lake Hollingsworth.
- The University of Florida in Gainesville is home to one of the largest occupied bat houses in the U.S., and it’s home to a staggering 450,000 to 500,000 bats. There’s apparently a time after sunset where you can keep a safe distance and watch the bats emerge.
- The University of Florida also is not far from Paynes Prairie, a large preserve and park that is home to wild bison, wild horses, and Florida’s favorite pre-historic creature, the alligator.
- The Miami Dolphins used the campus of St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens as their training camp for 23 seasons, from 1970 to 1992. For most of that time, the school was called Biscayne College, but it became St. Thomas in 1984 (STU’s roots actually started in Havana, Cuba, until the school’s land was seized by Fidel Castro.). St. Thomas went on to add its own football team, the Bobcats, in 2019.
- Southeastern University in Lakeland started in 1935 in New Brockton, Alabama, as the Southeastern Bible Institute. It moved to Lakeland in 1946 and became a liberal arts college in 1970. Its campus includes a new football stadium, a Chik-Fil-A, and a sweet therapy dog at its tutoring center.
- You have to drive through orange groves to get to Webber International University in Babson Park. After all, it’s located in Central Florida in the heart of the citrus-growing territory. Webber is located on peaceful Lake Babson. If you’re in that area, you can also make your way over the Warner University, about 10 minutes away.
- Ave Maria University, located about 40 minutes from Naples in Southwest Florida, was founded by Dominos Pizza founder Tom Monaghan. The school originally started in Michigan but was then moved to Florida. The campus is part of a planned community geared toward the Catholic faith.
- Florida’s State College system (once known as its community college system) includes 31 schools spread all around the state.
- The Florida State University mascots are Osceola and Renegade. Osceola is in honor of the Seminole warrior of the same name, and Renegade is his horse. Osceola and Renegade appear before FSU’s home football games. Click here for a video of them at a game. If you go in person, it’s quite the sight to see and to feel the energy of the crowd.
- Some of FSU’s famous alumni include actor Burt Reynolds, golfer Brooks Koepka, fitness guru Richard Simmons, and football player Deion Sanders. Famous University of Florida alumni include sportscaster Erin Andrews, home improvement expert Bob Vila, and football player Tim Tebow.
- Some schools in Florida’s Panhandle, such as the University of West Florida in Pensacola, offer reduced tuition for Alabama residents. There are a few schools in Alabama that also offer the same convenience for Florida Panhandle residents as the two areas are geographically close.
Mixon Fruit Farms in Bradenton: How to Plan for Your Next Visit
Mixon Fruit Farms in Bradenton is a family-owned citrus farm, but it’s actually so much more than that. Whether you want to try homemade fudge or orange swirl ice cream, see a crocodile, feed koi fish, or hold a special event like a wedding, you can do it there.
Mixon Fruit Farm has been part of the Bradenton community since the late 1930s. As you likely know, oranges have been a huge part of Florida agriculture, although a disease called citrus greening has pummeled citrus growth in the state over the past decade or so.
To diversify, the Mixon family now grows more than just oranges and other citrus fruit. It also grows a small number of star fruit, bananas, and papayas, among other items. The farm has focused big time over the past four or five years on organic Asper bamboo, which can be used in a variety of ways, including in textiles and for eating. It’s clear that the Mixons are adapting with the times.
You can learn all about the Mixon legacy — and a whole lot more — during their tram tours. Held three times a day in season (usually at 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm), the tram tours will give you a soup-to-nuts look at the farm’s agricultural growth, kids’ play place, and its Wildlife Rescue Center. If you have time for more than just a cursory visit to the retail store, we definitely recommend a tram tour. The cost? $12 for adults and $6 for kids.
10 Things You Can Do at Mixon Fruit Farms in Bradenton
OK, so let’s dive in and find out the many things your family can do at Mixon Farms in Bradenton:
—Enjoy the retail store. Think of their retail store almost like a Floridian Cracker Barrel store….and we mean that in a good way. It’s chock full of Florida-themed souvenirs, candy, and food. Whether you want sea salt harvested from local waters (Sea Salt Florida), a kids’ book about marine life, coastal art work, local honey, or gator jerky, you can find it here. All of that is in addition to the homemade and farm-type items available….and that brings us to our next item.
—Sample juices and other items, like homemade fudge. Well, you’re at a citrus business, so of course you have to try some fresh orange juice, right? Get yourself free samples of orange and grapefruit juices or lemonade. If that wasn’t enough of a sugar rush, then there’s the homemade fudge to sample. Plus, there are samples of Florida-made wines with names like Mango Mamma and Key Limen (three guesses on the flavors in those wines). It should go without saying that you should follow up your samples with some purchases of orange juice, fudge, and wine to enjoy at home.
—Grab a meal. If all the retailing and tram touring wipes you out and you and your companions are starving, don’t miss the Groveside Cafe. Menu choices include a Citrus Splash Salad, Mixon’s Renowned Cuban Sandwich, and the Italian Stallion sub. The cafe is also where you can try some of the yummy orange swirl ice cream.
—Buy citrus. Naturally, you can load up on oranges and grapefruits at Mixon, and we’ve heard of many snowbirds who stop at citrus sellers like Mixon in the spring to buy a bag full of oranges before they drive back home to Indiana or Michigan. You can do that, or you can buy some citrus fruits to take home to your local abode as well. Don’t miss out on the citrus fruit samples, including a massive-sized fruit called a pomelo. Gift shipping of citrus also is available at Mixon’s.
—See wildlife. Aside from the store, our favorite location at Mixon is the Wildlife Rescue Center that is part of the tram tour. Damien Hurd, of Wildlife, Inc., in nearby Anna Maria, gives the scoop on his scaly and furry friends. They include a crocodile, smaller alligators, a leucistic raccoon (basically, a raccoon without pigmentation so it’s white), owls, an emu, and other creatures. Hurd’s friends were all rescued locally, and many come with offbeat #FloridaMan or #FloridaWoman type stories. Hurd and the folks at Wildlife Inc, rescue about 4,000 animals a year and give them a place to live.
As part of the wildlife experience, youngsters and the young at heart can hold a small (maybe 2 or 3 feet) alligator so you can take pics to share with Aunt Zelda and your friends back at home. Hurd also shares some tips on how to live safely around gators–because let’s face it, there are about 2 million alligators here so they’re about as common as human sunbathers. Keep a safe distance if you spot one and never feed them.
—Visit the packing plant. Attached to the Mixon retail shop is its packing plant, where the oranges are processed for orange juice and other purposes. You can see the goings on in the packing plant from a vantage point in the retail store.
—Feed the fish at the koi pond. The koi pond at Mixon is chock full of fish, and you can buy some feed to keep them happy and full.
—Play at the play space. If you need a surefire way to tire out the kiddos, Mixon has a children’s maze and a play place. You can also rent these areas for special events.
–-Get married. Well, maybe don’t come to Mixon’s and decide to get married right there on the spot. You’re not in Vegas, so that may not work out. But if you book in advance, you can rent the farm’s wedding pavilion, which bills itself as “Vintage Charm with a Southern Twist.” You and your partner can get pics in the orange grove to show how your love has blossomed.
—Attend a special event. Mixon’s is always attracting new visitors with its special events. In March 2022, it will hold its Taste of Mixon’s and Blossom Craft Fair. The website’s Calendar of Events will keep you up to date on special events.
3 Ways to Prepare for Your Visit to Mixon Fruit Farm in Bradenton
For the most part, you can just show up and have fun at Mixon’s Farm, but we’ve discovered some tips that may help you be better prepared:
- Buy your tram tour tickets online, in advance. This is especially important in the busy winter months. If you just show up minutes before a scheduled tram ride, you may find that it’s full. Buying online in advance helps ensure you get on the tour that you want.
- Double check hours on the website. It’s typically closed on Sundays and Mondays. In the summer, there are a few weeks when the business is closed to the public. Retail store and tram tour hours are usually reduced in the summer.
- Have your kids wear shoes they can run in. You may show up just for the retail store or tram tour, but when your kids see the play area or koi pond, they’ll want to run around a lot more than you may have thought.
5 Day Trips From Tampa and the St. Pete Area
If you’re looking to get away from the Tampa Bay/”Champa Bay” area for a day or the weekend, you’ve got plenty of options. Although Orlando is just an hour or so away, you actually have many more day trip options near Tampa that you may not have considered yet. Here are five day trips from the Tampa/St. Pete area to check out next time you need a nearby getaway.
Micanopy, Florida
The tiny town of Micanopy, Florida, is small in size but big on charm and history. Located just 15 minutes from the University of Florida (go Gators), Micanopy (pronounced mic-uh-NO-pee; population: 700) is the oldest inland town in Florida, according to the Town of Micanopy website. The town has served as an Indian trading post, farming town, and Hollywood movie setting in the past. Now, visitors flock to Micanopy for antique shopping and other unique stores and a friendly small town experience. If you can stay overnight, the Herlong Mansion Bed & Breakfast is the place to hang your hat. Built in 1845, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Herlong offers just the right kind of feel for a visit to Micanopy.
Round out your visit to Micanopy with a few hours spent at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, where you may get lucky enough to see some wild buffalo and horses roam, as well as a few big alligators. Paynes Prairie, also located in Micanopy but away from the “downtown” area, has lots of trails to explore. Find our guide to visiting Paynes Prairie here.
Silver Springs State Park
Located in Ocala, Silver Springs State Park feels like a step back in time, which may not be a coincidence. After all, Silver Springs State Park has attracted visitors since the 1800s and served as a Hollywood set where shows like “Sea Hunt” and movies like “Creature from the Black Lagoon” were filmed.
What keeps visitors coming back, aside from the beautiful park itself (which actually feels like an autumn stroll up north if you visit during Florida’s winter months) are its glass-bottom boats. Step on the boats for a tour, and you can see down through the clear water to spot marine life and the occasional manatee and alligator. The park has many underwater springs, with some that are millions of years old.
In addition to glass-bottom boat tours, Silver Springs State Park attracts visitors for kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking, or trying to spot the 200 rhesus monkeys that live in and near the park.
Anna Maria Island
You’ve got some great beaches in the Tampa area, like Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach, but there’s something special about Anna Maria Island. Make your way through the town of Bradenton to reach Anna Maria Island for an “Old Florida” feel. Anna Maria attracts snowbirds and beach lovers who want a quiet pace of life. Anna Maria is home to two piers (including the recently remodeled Anna Maria City Pier), unique shopping that’s mostly along Pine Avenue, and miles of beaches that provide killer sunset views. Don’t forget seafood restaurants and the nearby authentic fishing village of Cortez. Oh, and if anyone in your group misbehaves, you can throw them in “jail”–Anna Maria City Jail, an open-air area that once housed those who were naughty, usually after a night of drinking.
Word about Anna Maria has gotten out, so best to arrive as early as possible for your day trip from Tampa. Pay attention to any parking signs, as visitor parking is often a topic of debate among year-round residents. You can also use a free trolley from MCAT to travel from the town of Anna Maria to the tip of Anna Maria Island, where you’ll find Bradenton Beach and Coquina Beach.
Myakka River State Park
There are alligators, and then there are ALLIGATORS. Myakka River State Park offers both small alligators and ALLIGATORS–the kind that you snap pictures of and share on social media to wow your non-Floridian friends.
Located in Sarasota, Myakka River State Park has been around since the 1934 and is considered one of Florida’s oldest parks. Among its 58 square miles, you’ll find hiking, camping, biking, and lots more. Want to get the real scoop on the park? Take a boat or tram tour. There’s even shopping at the Pink Gator Cafe.
And about those alligators: The park is home to 4,000–yes, 4,000–alligators. That’s why no matter where you go in the park, if you’re near water, you have a good chance of seeing one or multiple alligators hanging out and catching some rays. Keep a safe distance and use whatever close-up lens you have available to get the best shots. On the boat tour, the captain will take you near some park areas where you also may be fortunate enough to see a few more gators.
Boca Grande
The affluent enclave of Boca Grande has quietly attracted visitors to its beaches, shops, and restaurants for decades. Still, its out-of-the-way location on Gasparilla Island in Lee County doesn’t mean it goes unnoticed. From the Bush family to Fox News host Tucker Carlson to Clemson U. head coach Dabo Sweeny, many celebs and politicians have spent some time in Boca Grande.
Once you pay a toll to cross the Boca Grande Swing Bridge, you’ll pick up on a different, laidback feel. Visit Boca Grande to fish (it’s the so-called Tarpon Capital of the World) and visit not one but TWO lighthouses. Boca Grande Rear Entrance Range has a more traditional lighthouse look, while Port Boca Grande Lighthouse and Museum is smaller and located inside Gasparilla Island State Park.
Boca Grande also has a small but cute downtown area for shopping and restaurants. There’s also The Gasparilla Inn, a treasure trove of history and a local destination for golf, spa time, and tennis.
Here Are Things to Do at Bahia Honda State Park in Big Pine Key, Including Snorkeling
No question about it, if you’re into snorkeling and visiting the Florida Keys, a guided boat ride that takes you to specific reefs or other areas is the way to go. However, maybe you’d rather explore something close to shore on your own or you’d like to do some DIY snorkeling and exploring in addition to a boat tour. For that reason and many others, Bahia Honda State Park on Big Pine Key in the Florida Keys could be just the place you need to visit.
Located at Mile Marker 37 (in the Keys, locations are often given by their Mile Marker, or MM), Bahia Honda offers pristine views for snorkeling, beach time, fishing, kayaking, and lots more.
Some background to get you started: The 500-acre Bahia Honda State Park is located in the Lower Keys, meaning that it’s closer to Key West than it is to Key Largo in the Upper Keys. The islands in the Keys are 125 miles long that go from south of Miami to Key West. The famous Mile Marker 0 is in Key West.
Bahia Honda, which means “deep bay” in Spanish, was part of Spanish nautical maps hundreds of years ago, according to the park website. The Florida Park Service gained control of the park in 1961. If you want to discover more about the park’s history, including the role played by a massive hurricane in 1935 and some related railroad history, check out the details here on the park website.
5 Things to Do at Florida Keys’ Bahia Honda State Park
If you’re coming to Bahia Honda State Park from Islamorada or Marathon, you’ll cross the famous Seven Mile Bridge and drive a short distance before reaching the park. If you’re coming from the Key West area, you’ll drive through Big Pine Key and the area famous for Key deer. When you get to the park, be prepared to pay $8 per vehicle to enter the park.
Once you’re at Bahia Honda, here are just a few things you can do for fun:
Snorkeling: When snorkeling at Bahia Honda State Park, you’ll see small fish (and maybe the occasional big one), seagrass, shells, and clear water. If you’re a longtime snorkeler who’s been to the Caribbean, it may not compare. That said, you’ll have some decent underwater views and a relaxing beach day at Bahia Honda. During our visit, most of the people we saw in the water had their face masks and snorkels, with their heads underwater. The most interesting find for us while snorkeling was a six-inch living conch shell. It was a lot bigger than shells you may usually find while beachcombing.
The best time to snorkel is when it’s high tide. Here’s one site you can check for high and low tides. Did you forget to bring or buy snorkel gear? No worries. The park has a nifty gift shop (more on that later) where you can buy or rent snorkeling equipment.
If that doesn’t satisfy your desire to snorkel enough, Bahia Honda State Park also does boating tours that will take you snorkeling at Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary, where you’ll find reefs and coral. The boat leaves three times a day, and the price is $29.95 for adults and $24.95 for kids under age 18. You can bring your own equipment or rent it. We didn’t do the boat tour, but here’s where you can find more information about it, including a $3 off coupon for the 9:30 am tour. The tour allows you to snorkel for about an hour and a half.
Sunbathing: Many times, a visit to the Keys is focused on fishing, for all of the obvious reasons. However, maybe you just need some time to veg out on the sand and take the occasional dip in the water. There are two areas where you can do just that at Bahia Honda State Park. Loggerhead Beach is the longer of the two beach areas, although not very wide. Calusa Beach is smaller, more focused on swimming and snorkeling, and provides a view of the Old Bahia Honda Bridge. Between the two beaches, Calusa is the one where you can view those famous Florida Keys sunsets. There is a third beach area called Sandspur that is undergoing reconstruction due to damage from Hurricane Irma in 2017.
Taking in the view along Old Bahia Honda Bridge: The Old Bahia Honda Bridge is an unused rail bridge that connects Bahia Honda Key with Spanish Harbor Key. Although a gap in the bridge prevents you from walking fully across, you can use a trail access point near the park’s gift shop and restrooms to access the bridge and get a super-scenic view of the park, the water, and the sky or sunset, along with the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Even the gap in the bridge makes for some interesting photos.
Browsing the gift shop: Bahia Honda State Park has a pretty cool gift shop that’s clean and comfortably air conditioned, which will feel refreshing after you’ve spent time out in the sun. In addition to the usual mix of T-shirts, beach bags, mugs, and snorkel gear, you also will see some display-only items, like a finding from the Atocha shipwreck now famous throughout the keys. The gift shop is also where you go to check in for the snorkeling boat tours. Plus, the gift shop includes a deli with drinks, sandwiches, hot dogs, and yes, Key lime pie.
Fishing: You are in the Florida Keys, after all, so fishing is a natural part of the fun at Bahia Honda State Park. One fruitful spot we found was following the walking trail past Calusa Beach and walking until there’s a concrete barrier beside the water. You’ll have a close view of the Bahia Honda Bridge. Drop your line down in the water and see what you can catch. We think we spotted a small shark at one point that made the fish temporarily scurry. No spearfishing or collecting of tropical fish is allowed, according to the park website. Don’t forget to get your Florida fishing license.
And Even More Things to Do at Bahia Honda State Park
Above are some of things we were able to see or do while at Bahia Honda State Park in Big Pine Key, but there are plenty of other things you can do during a visit, including:
–Biking along the 3 1/2-mile hard road that is in the park
–Birding
—Camping for RVs and tents, but there are also six camping cabins
–Kayaking (rent a kayak from the gift shop area)
–Scuba diving
–Stargazing if you are camping there or staying at the marina (here’s info on boat slip rentals); it’s the darkest spot for stargazing in the Florida Keys, according to the park website
–Sunset watching
–Visiting the Sand & Sea Nature Center near the gift shop and main parking area. It includes displays of local sea life, but it was not open when we were there.
Three Quick Tips for Your Time at Bahia Honda State Park
- The park is open from 8 am until sundown, so plan accordingly.
- Dogs are allowed but there are several restrictions. They aren’t allowed on beaches, in buildings, or in the camping cabins. They must be well behaved and on a 6-foot leash.
- Use the map at this link to help you plan where to go.
Things to Do When You Visit Florida’s Gatorland
Ready to see some gators? If you’re planning a visit to the theme park Gatorland in Kissimmee, Florida, in the Orlando area, you’ve come to the right place. Gatorland has been around since 1949, even before a mouse named Mickey came to the area and started the local Disney empire. A visit to Gatorland can fulfill your need for a smaller, more laidback theme park and help you check off “See an alligator in Florida” from your to-do list.
Here are some basics on how Gatorland works, followed by a few ideas of things to do at the park that go beyond just staring at the gators (not that there’s anything wrong with doing just that).
First, start your visit getting a picture at the historic gator mouth entrance, which has large teeth and looks like, well, a gator mouth. Post your pics to social media and make your family in the Midwest jealous. Use the hashtags #gatorland and #WeAreAlligators.
Next, wait in line for your Gatorland tickets. Gatorland is more affordable than other theme parks, averaging $30/ticket for adults and $20 for kids. If you are a Florida resident, Gatorland often has 50% specials, so that price slashes down to $15/ticket. (Check their website for package deals, like Gatorland Grunt.) Parking is free, too. Like any theme park, we recommend getting there earlier for a better parking spot and fewer people in the ticket lines. You can go to the head of the line when you buy tickets in advance. Make sure to get a park map, which attendants should offer to you.
Once you’re in the park, you’ll immediately see alligators. Lots of them. The park has several set ups toward the front, including smaller alligators that lay on top of one another and sun themselves and a larger area for some big gators. The park has a Juvenile Jumparoo, where you pay a few bucks and get small fish and a fishing pole to try to feed the juvenile gators. They will happily take the bait.
Next, most of the park’s main attractions follow a horizontal line where you can see more gators, snakes, birds, a petting zoo, white gators (two of only 12 leucistic gators known to exist in the world, according to Gatorland) and shows. Behind these main attractions is a Breeding Marsh (read below for details) that’s a peaceful home to more than a hundred gators and many more birds. Even further behind that you can see even more animals, including crocodiles, owls, and raccoons. Use the train ($2) if you want to check out all the park has to offer without walking too much.
If you have little kids, don’t miss the playground and the Gator Gully Splash Park (don’t worry, moms–no real gators are in the splash park to our knowledge). The part of the park with the kids’ stuff also has enclosures where you can see baby gators, panthers, and giant tortoises.
Gatorland also seems to constantly add new attractions, such as its Stompin Gator Off-Road Adventure, which takes passengers on a massive all-terrain vehicle for a look at Florida wetlands and ultimately toward a huge pond of gators. There’s a separate admission fee for it.
So, you get the idea. There are plenty of animals even beyond just gators to keep you entertained at Gatorland. Now, here’s even more insight on what to see and do at Gatorland. For more details, read older articles about Gatorland here and here from our other blog, Florida Culture.
5 Things to See and Do at Gatorland
- Take some excellent pics at the Breeding Marsh. At the 10-acre Breeding Marsh, there are hundreds of alligators that sun themselves all day and breed in the spring. You get to see these alligators by walking along a boardwalk that goes above the marsh and via an observation tower. If you’re lucky, you’ll hear an alligator bellow–it’s a sound you don’t want to hear at night if you’re alone in a swamp. What’s also cool is the multitude of egrets living at the marsh who also have babies every spring. You can get close enough for some great pics while also staying just far away enough to keep them safe. Fun fact: Parts of the 1984 movie “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” were filmed at the breeding marsh. You’ll see some of the staff dressed as if they helped out Indiana Jones in the movie with their hats and khaki shirts.
- See a show. These aren’t Broadway style shows, but you’ll see a real production. During “Alligators–Legends of the Swamp,” discover more about these prehistoric creatures and watch employees pry open the mouth of select gators (we watched the gator Mighty Mouse). The whole experience would feel down home at the swamp if you weren’t surrounded by a hundred or so fellow tourists. You’ll also get some practical tips, like how to run away from a gator. Don’t run zig-zag, as you may have heard before! Run straight and run fast. (For the record, alligators are probably more afraid of us than we are of them…but knowing how to escape never hurts.) Gatorland has another show, Up Close Encounters, where you get to see snakes and other exotic animals.
- Interact with animals. Another cool thing about Gatorland is that you can actually interact with the animals. There’s an open display of parrots (don’t reach out to touch them, they bite!), and they’re colorful and loud. Then there’s the bird aviary, filled with hundreds (or thousands?) of parakeets. Buy a stick covered with food and they’ll perch on you, including on your head and shoes. For another photo opp, take a picture with a small snake and a small gator with its mouth taped shut. Or, after shows like “Legends of the Swamp,” pay $10 to get a pic of you or your favorite frenemy (er, loved one) sitting on top of a gator. Then, there’s the petting zoo, with goats and other friendly barnyard animals. Finally, take the boardwalk down to Flamingo Island (yes, there are flamingos there) and pay a quarter to throw some gator chow into the water for the gators who also live there. You may also see egrets hitching a ride on top of a gator’s back.
- Eat. If all this gator hunting has you hungry, you have the usual theme park eats. There’s also Pearl’s Good Eats, which serves gator nuggets (tastes like chicken, we hear). Then, our personal favorite is Gator Jake’s Fudge Kitchen, with homemade lemonade, fudge, and chocolate-dipped pretzel sticks.
- Get the zipline view. The Screamin’ Gator Zipline is seven stories high and goes over hundreds of gators and crocodiles. We have yet to try it, but AOL Travel rates it as the best ziplines in the world. There’s a separate admission fee for it. In fact, you should make sure to check the park’s website for other special experiences and programs with extra admission fees but that may be worth it for you or your fellow visitors (like Gator Night Shine).
Here’s What You Can Do at Myakka River State Park (and Yes, There Are Plenty of Alligators)
May 2023 update: Check out the Myakka River State Park website before you go for more information. Some parts of the park were damaged during Hurricane Ian and are still undergoing repair. Plus, weather conditions affect things like the boat rides.
There are lots of reasons you should visit Sarasota’s Myakka River State Park, located in Southwest Florida off of Interstate 75. But we’re guessing the real reason you want to visit is for the alligators.
That’s evident from the moment you drive a couple miles back from the main entrance toward the Myakka Outpost, during which you reach a short bridge area where people congregate because they’ve spotted a gator (or two or three). A Japanese tourist tries to take an alligator selfie with the gator she spots (no worries, she keeps her distance). She and her companions see a man in a kayak coming toward them. “Oh no, he’s going to get near the alligator!” she exclaims.
Somehow, he kayaked by unscathed.
What Is Myakka River State Park?
Myakka River State Park was developed in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps and is one of Florida’s oldest parks. Its 58 square miles offers nearly 39 miles of hiking trails, camping, biking, canopy walking, scenic driving, tram tours, and gator tasting at its restaurant, the Pink Gator Cafe.
The park is beautiful in any season and has lots to explore but as mentioned before, the gators are the big draw. When the weather is warm, you can see dozens of them (together or separately) sunning themselves or gliding along in the river. The park attracts visitors from around the world who are fascinated by these prehistoric creatures, and they may occasionally wonder if the gator is going to pounce at them.
The truth is, they’re probably more afraid of you than you are of them. Unless provoked, alligators seem to want to keep to themselves. Give them a wide berth, and use a telephoto lens on your camera or the telephoto on your phone to get great shots.
6 Things to to Do at Myakka River State Park
So, let’s say you’re ready to visit Myakka State Park in Sarasota. Pay your $6 entrance fee ($6 per car, fees vary if you’re on a bike or a tour bus) at the ranger station. What are some things you can do there? Here’s the scoop.
- Take a boat tour. The flat-bottom boat will take you out on Upper Myakka Lake, where you’ll feel the breeze on the water. If you’re OK with the price, we think this is the best way to get an overview of the park and some fun banter about the park’s history and wildlife, provided by the captain. You will likely see alligators as well. Boat tours last about an hour and are $20 per adult and $12 per child over age 3. Boat tours are offered five times a day (weather permitting) between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. but are more frequent during busier times. Tours are first come, first served. No reservations are accepted in advance. For more details about the boat tours, read the article from our other blog, Florida Culture. Or, check out one of our older articles….an oldie but goodie.
- Catch a tram. If you’d rather stick to land, then you could do a tram tour. The trams at Myakka State Park will give you the lowdown on the park, just like the boat rides will do. Your chances of seeing an alligator may be less, but we did spot a deer and lots of birds during a previous tram ride. Tram tours are also $20 for adults and $12 for kids and last about an hour. If you have your heart set on a tram tour, check with the park in advance. We went on a busy day and were told they weren’t doing the trams that day. The tram rides also may get canceled due to high water levels on the trails, which can happen during Florida’s wet summers. Here are more details on Myakka Park tram rides from a 2021 article on our other blog, Florida Culture.
- Take a hike. Literally. Put on some good waking shoes, and hike Myakka River State Park’s many walking trails. In fact, there are more than 38 miles of trails to explore, and they’re maintained by the Florida Trail Association. At one trail not far from the ranger station, you can climb to the top of a tower and take in the view from a canopy walkway (the hike is about 45 minutes roundtrip). If you park near the Myakka Outpost, which is also where you buy tickets for the boat and tram tours, you’ll find lots of trails you can explore. Here’s a more detailed map of biking and walking trails. There also are 12 miles of equestrian trails where you’ll feel like a real pioneer (here’s a map). Whether you’re on foot, bike, or horse, check at the ranger station to find out which trails may be flooded out or overgrown during the summer or early fall.
- 4. Check out in-season special attractions. One of our favorites in the spring if you’re up for some walking is a visit to Deep Hole, which requires a special permit (30 are given a day) but can enable you to potentially see lots and lots of alligators together during mating season. If you catch it at the right time, it’s a photographer’s dream. The two-mile walk to Deep Hole takes you through dry prairie with little shade. We visited once and apparently hit it at the wrong time, as we barely saw any gators. During another visit, we saw many more. Just remember, it’s not the hike for young kids who get tired easily as there’s nowhere else to really go except staying on the trail. Here’s an article about our previous visit to Deep Hole. Then, in late spring (usually in May), the park gets filled with yellow wildflowers called Coreopsis leavenworthii and Coreopsis floridana. As you can imagine, they’re great for photos for your own enjoyment or on your Instagram feed. They’re easy to access as all you have to do is pull over to the side of the road while driving in the park. We saw some women all dressed up to take pics among the photos, walking in their spring dresses right past cage-like wild hog traps (wild hogs are a nuisance in the Florida wilderness).
- 5.Check out the Pink Gator Cafe and Myakka Gifts & Boutique. If you want to look at everything alligator themed (even if some of it is made in China), then visit the Pink Gator Cafe and the souvenir shop located at the Myakka Outpost. You can also try gator stew or gator bites there or just get a refreshing drink after all of your exploration.
- 6. Take pictures! Here’s our article that features some of the best spots for pics around the park.
There’s lots more to do at Myakka River State Park–we’ve just shared some of our frequent choices over the years. In addition to what we’ve listed, you can:
–Launch a boat
–Go camping (they even have log cabins)
–Go fishing
–Go canoeing or kayaking
–Use the mountain bike trail
–Bring a picnic
–Enjoy the playground
Some Final Tips for Your Visit to Myakka State Park
- Go early if you can. During prime tourist season (including around the Christmas holiday and the winter/spring), cars can get backed up at the ranger station to get in. Inside the park, it’ll feel a little more theme park-like during those busy times. You may not have the park to yourself if you’re there at its 8 am opening, but your chances are much better than if you go at noon.
- Bring bug spray, sunscreen, a hat, and water.
- Double check the pet policy. You can bring your favorite Fido to Myakka Park (including for camping in developed areas), but we’re guessing it’s best if you have a well-trained dog that stays on a leash and you can keep him or her away from shallow water.
- Make sure your GPS takes you to the main entrance off of SR-72. We once jauntily followed directions to the more isolated north gate, only to arrive and see that gate was only open on the weekends. It took us about a half hour to drive to the main gate.
5 Can’t-Miss Florida Day Trips Near Sarasota and Bradenton
Looking for day trip ideas from the Sarasota or Bradenton area? We’ve got you covered.
Sarasota and Bradenton are nicely situated to explore what the Sunshine State has to offer. Although both are coastal towns on the Southwest Gulf, they’re just close enough to the middle of the state to make Tampa about an hour away, Orlando two hours, West Palm Beach three hours, and Miami four hours. However, we share here some day trip ideas that go beyond those busier destinations. We also focus for the most part on outdoors destinations, although we do make mention of a few indoors sights. If you’re reading this article during the pandemic, follow any recommended safety precautions while indoors.
All right—let’s go explore.
1. Sebring and Lake Placid
Florida isn’t just about the coastlines. On the drive to Sebring, located smack dab in the middle of the Sunshine State, you’ll meander on backroads where you can spot wildlife like birds, deer, wild turkey, and farm animals like cows. Sebring itself is mostly a retiree enclave, but it’s also famous for the 12 Hours of Sebring annual race. We recommend Sebring as a slower-paced day trip escape. Make sure to include Highlands Hammock State Park in your visit and its canopy walkway for prime nature viewing (the trip to Sebring is worth a visit alone for Highlands Hammock). You can also make your way to the Sebring pier on Lake Jackson and visit Sebring Soda & Ice Cream Works, which sells 300 different types of sodas.
About 20 minutes south of Sebring is Lake Placid, a town with several nicknames, including The Caladium Capital of the World (96% of the world’s caladiums are grown there) and the Town of Murals. That’s because the town has more than 50 murals depicting Florida and Lake Placid history. It’s also home to a clown school. Both Sebring and Lake Placid offer a small town feel with quaint shops and eateries.
Distance: 1 ½ to 2 hours from Bradenton and Sarasota
Other nearby towns: Avon Park, Palmdale (home to one of our fave spots, Gatorama)
Other articles we’ve written about Sebring or Lake Placid: U.S. 27 Road Trip: From Sebring to Miami, Visit Florida
Lake Placid: The Caladium Capital of the World, Visit Florida
Lake Istokpoga: Trophy Fish, Photos & Gators in Lake Placid, Visit Florida
2. Boca Grande
Boca Grande is not that far at all from Sarasota and Bradenton, but it tends to fly under the radar. However, if you’re an angler, you’ve likely heard of Boca Grande as it’s the Tarpon Capital of the World, attracting fishermen from around the globe for good catches. Otherwise, Boca Grande is an upscale but understated coastal area, famous for the historic Gasparilla Inn and its two lighthouses. It’s the sort of place where when you cross the Gasparilla Bridge to get there (and shell out $6), you’ll feel like you’re crossing into another laidback way of life.
Distance: 1 to 1 ½ hours from Bradenton and Sarasota
Other nearby towns: Fort Myers, Punta Gorda
Our other articles about Boca Grande: 7 Things to Do in Boca Grande Florida, Florida Culture Blog
Four Lighthouses in Florida You Should Visit, Florida Culture Blog
3. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park and Micanopy
Located south of Gainesville, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park encompasses more than 21,000 acres with several different park entrances. Although Florida has lots of beautiful parks, the big draws at Paynes are the wild bison and wild horses. The bison live on the—take a guess?—prairie of the park. You won’t always spot them but if you do, you’ll feel like you’re out West. The wild horses wander in the park and while we didn’t see them during our visit, we did see, um, evidence that they had passed by pretty recently. Paynes Prairie also offers excellent views of birds (300 species), alligators, and deer. The park is designated as a National Natural Landmark.
Before or after your visit to Paynes Prairie, make the short drive to the charming small town of Micanopy (pronounced mi-ka-no-pee). It has real Southern charm with historic mansions, billowing trees with Spanish moss, and antique and arts shops. There are also a couple of eateries where you can sit outdoors and people watch or enjoy live music. Often called “the town that time forgot,” Hollywood filmmakers haven’t forgotten Micanopy. Footage from the town appears in films like “Doc Hollywood.” The late rocker and Gainesville native Tom Petty mentioned Micanopy in his song “A Mind With a Heart of Its Own.”
If you have time to stay overnight, the historic Herlong Mansion Bed & Breakfast is the place to stay.
Distance: 3 hours from Bradenton and Sarasota
Other nearby towns: Gainesville, Ocala
4. Egmont Key State Park and Shell Key Preserve
If you live in West Bradenton or Anna Maria and own a boat, your visit to Egmont Key State Park is only a short boat ride away. If you were a bird, you could fly there. If you have neither a boat nor wings, take in the view while crossing over the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and hop on a ferry that will take you to Egmont Key or Shell Key Preserve.
Egmont Key is a state park that was charted by Spanish explorers in the 1500s and housed soldiers during the Civil War. Nowadays, Egmont has old military buildings, a lighthouse, gorgeous beaches, shells, and several trails. It’s also home to a large gopher tortoise population, so you may just see a tortoise or two or three crossing your path. We thoroughly enjoyed Egmont Key, but you do need to plan ahead, as there are no restrooms and no food for sale. Bring your snacks and drinks, and hit the restroom in advance from places like St. Pete’s Fort De Soto Park (assuming you took the Egmont Key Ferry from the park).
Similarly, Shell Key is a smaller destination that’s near Egmont Key and Fort De Soto Park. The main goal at Shell Key is to find shells, and they definitely are in abundance. If you bring snorkel equipment, you may even find shells underwater that are 6 inches to a foot long, much larger than what you’ll find on a typical day wandering along other beaches. Shell Key also is a great destination to find sand dollars. Again, bring your food and drink. Plus, no restrooms.
There are a few ferry companies that will take you to Egmont Key or Shell Key, but the one that appears to be the largest is Hubbard’s Marina. Keep in mind the cost to take ferry as well as parking and toll costs if you’re starting at Fort De Soto Park.
Distance: A 45-minute to an hour drive to St. Pete’s Fort De Soto Park, then the ferry ride to either destination is about 20 minutes
Other nearby towns: St. Petersburg.
Our other articles about Egmont Key and Shell Key: What It’s Like to Visit Egmont Key in Florida, Florida Culture Blog
Here’s What It’s Like to Visit Fort De Soto Park and Shell Key Preserve in St. Pete, Florida Culture Blog
5. Okeechobee
Talk about Cow Town. Okeechobee is THE place to go if you want to see cattle. It’s the type of town where Florida’s agricultural roots shine through. In fact, Okeechobee County is one of three of the largest cattle-producing counties in the state, according to the Florida Beef Council. Florida ranks 13 in the nation for its cattle production.
Okeechobee has a downtown area with a few small shops, colorful murals, and Flagler Park (which features military helicopter and tank as well as a colorful butterfly garden). Okeechobee also has a walkway along the massive Lake Okeechobee, where we spotted gators cruising along in the water. Of course, a lake means good fishing, and that’s another reason to visit Lake Okeechobee. About 10 to 20 minutes from downtown, we visited Arnold’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, which is a full-time home to more than 300 animals. They include panthers, cows, deer, kangaroo, and many others. The friendly staff also rehabilitate animals year-round so they can return to the wild.
Distance: 2½ hours from Bradenton and Sarasota
Other nearby towns: Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie
Our other articles about Okeechobee: Fun Things to Do in the Town of Okeechobee, Florida, Visit Florida (make sure to read about Lightsey’s Seafood Restaurant, which is worth a visit)
7 Things to Do in Boca Grande, Florida
October 2022 update: Boca Grande sustained damage from Hurricane Ian. It’s a good idea to double check Facebook or Instagram sites linked to the specific places you plan to visit for any updates.
Looking for a day trip or weekend getaway in Southwest Florida? There’s a good chance you haven’t thought about visiting Boca Grande. Here’s why you should.
For starters, Boca Grande is likely closer than you think. It’s located on Gasparilla Island, situated on the Gulf in Lee County (Fort Myers also is in Lee County). From our home in Bradenton, the drive there was a little under 90 minutes away. That means if you’re in Bradenton, Sarasota, or Fort Myers, Boca Grande is a getaway without feeling too far away. Boca Grande is close to Charlotte Harbor and Punta Gorda, both in Charlotte County.
A trip to Boca Grande could be the quiet, Old Florida destination you need for a break. To get to Boca Grande by car, you have to cross the Boca Grande Swing Bridge in nearby Placida, Florida. Pay your toll of $6 (be ready for it—they accept cash or credit card but no Sunpass), and you’ll cross over the only way by vehicle to reach North, Cole, and Gasparilla islands.
Once you make that crossing, your mindset starts to shift as you take in the calming view of the water. Boca Grande is calm by design, as it’s an affluent, hidden enclave that offers just enough to do for all ages without feeling overwhelming or as flashy as Naples or West Palm Beach. The Bush family has spent a lot of time there over the past few decades. Clemson University football head coach Dabo Sweeny and University of Alabama head coach Nick Saban both have been spotted there, according to Sports Illustrated.
You may have heard of Boca Grande if you’re into fishing—after all, it’s the Tarpon Capital of the World—but otherwise, it seems to keep a low profile.
Before we share a few things to do in Boca Grande, here are a few helpful history factoids:
- The Calusa Indians were the first inhabitants of Gasparilla Island. Researchers have since found 20-foot high shell mounds in the area filled with pottery and arrowheads.
- Sportfishing has always been a big attraction in Boca Grande. There are long-time fishing families still in the area.
- Phosphate, which is used in just about everything, is a big Florida commodity. In the 1880s, phosphate was discovered near Punta Gorda, about 20 miles away from Boca Grande. Factor in Boca Grande Pass as one of the deepest natural inlets in Florida (about 80 feet deep), and that led to the development both of the town of Boca Grande as well as the railway system reaching Gasparilla Island. In turn, that also would lead to the construction of two lighthouses on Gasparilla Island, which we’ll describe below.
- Wealthy people from the North came to visit Boca Grande as a vacation destination. In turn, the now-famous Gasparilla Inn was built in 1912.
Now that you know a little more about Boca Grande’s history, let’s take you on a little trip so you know more things to do during a visit to this Southwest Florida town:
1. Visit the lighthouses. Lighthouses have a quiet charm about them, so we rank this high on the list of things to do in Boca Grande. The two lighthouses are often confused—in fact, they even had the same name at one point due to a clerical error.
First there’s the Boca Grande Entrance Rear Range in Boca Grande, which has a more traditional lighthouse look. It’s the one closest to the actual town of Boca Grande, before you reach Gasparilla Island State Park. The lighthouse originally stood in Lewes, Delaware, but was taken apart and then moved to Boca Grande in the 1920s to help guide ships. The phosphate industry in the Boca Grande area died out in the 1970s. There was talk of demolishing the lighthouse in 2004, but that was met with much resistance. The lighthouse is now maintained by the Barrier Island Parks Society. You currently can’t climb to the top, but make sure to check the society’s webpage for updates.
Just about a mile down, drive to Gasparilla Island State Park and you’ll find Port Boca Grande Lighthouse and Museum, built in 1890 and originally used to guide ships into Charlotte Harbor. It doesn’t have a traditional lighthouse look as you just climb up a flight of stairs to reach it. It’s now home to a museum and gift shop. The Port Boca Grande Lighthouse also is managed with help from the Barrier Island Parks Society. Due to COVID-19, as of October 2020, the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse was closed, although you can still walk around the exterior and enjoy the beach area in Gasparilla Island State Park. Park admission is $3. Check the lighthouse’s webpage to find out when it is usually open.
A recent article we wrote provides more detail on the history of Boca Grande’s two lighthouses.
2. Check out the beaches. Like any Southwest Florida coastal town, this is the obvious idea. The beaches are beautiful, with turquoise water, blue sky, and white, puffy clouds. You can search for shells and shark teeth, throw a fishing line in the water, or just relax in the Gulf.
3. Fish. In the Tarpon Capital of the World, you’ll find your share of anglers from around the globe, all ready for a fresh catch. “From Boca Grande Pass to Bonita Springs, fishing guides and amateurs alike try their hands at catching one of these powerful adversaries,” according to the Boca Grande Beacon’s 2020 Visitor’s Guide. In fact, a fully-grown tarpon can weigh 50 pounds or more, and they’re known to put up a fight. Thousands of tarpon gather in the Boca Grande Pass from April to August. You’ll also find plenty of other fish to keep you busy if you’re not ready for the tarpon challenge, including:
- Snook
- Grouper
- Flounder
- Pompano
- Mackerel
- Mangrove snapper.
Use your own boat, rent a boat, or get in touch with a local Boca Grande fishing guide to properly guide you.
4. Check out The Gasparilla Inn. Wealthy society members from Boston were the first customers of The Gasparilla Inn in the early 1900s. J.P. Morgan and Florida railroad tycoon Henry Plant stayed at the inn as well. Since its opening, the inn has maintained its elegant reputation, and it’s a historic hotel as designated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. You can golf, head to its beach club, play tennis, go to the spa, or enjoy a meal at several on-site dining locations. Whether you’re able to stay at the inn or not, The Gasparilla Inn is still worth a stroll to check out local history.
5. Go on a golf cart journey. Golf carts rule in Boca Grande—so much so that there are cut-out paths in the downtown area specifically for carts. There’s even a July 4th Gulf Cart Parade. If you spend time near Gasparilla Inn, you’ll see a whole fleet of golf carts waiting to take you around. Can’t snag a golf cart ride? Then biking is the second-best option. Boca Grande is flat and scenic, making it ideal for biking.
6. Take a walk down Banyan Street. Named for the massive and beautiful Banyan trees that line it, Banyan Street is so picturesque, it’s even popularly used for weddings. The picture here of Banyan Street is from photographer Paul Marcellini. The trees on Banyan Street were first planted in 1915 by the developer of The Gasparilla Inn.
7. Spend time in downtown Boca Grande. It’s a small town, but there’s still plenty to do in the downtown area. Here are a few highlights:
- Grab a bite to eat at some of its popular eateries, including Loose Caboose, Temptation, The Pink Elephant, and The Outlet on the Innlet. This TripAdvisor link will give you the scoop on the restaurants we mention here, as well as a few others. Many restaurants in town have outdoor seating.
- Go shopping. Boca Grande has its share of souvenir shops with Old Florida décor, souvenirs, Boca Grande-themed clothing and signs with witty sayings (one of our faves: Exercise all you want, you can’t burn off crazy). The downtown also has a quaint grocery store called Hudson’s with a pink old-fashioned gasoline pump out front.
- Check out the four-panel aqua-filled mural depicting life in Boca Grande.
9 Free Things to Do on Anna Maria Island
Nestled away in Southwest Florida is the beautiful Anna Maria Island, located in Manatee County and just a few minutes from Bradenton. In Anna Maria, you’re also just a short distance (traffic notwithstanding) from Sarasota and the tiny, authentic fishing village of Cortez. So, what can you do for free on Anna Maria Island?
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.)
To this day, 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 the traffic to get there during its busiest times can be brutal. Still, with the Gulf quite literally in your backyard (there are seven miles of beaches) on one side and Tampa Bay on the other side, the island maintains its tranquil charm.
Anna Maria Island is home to three towns: Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach. There’s plenty to do on Anna Maria Island, but like any vacation destination, some of it requires a hit on your wallet. Let’s look at some of the free things you can do on Anna Maria Island during your next visit.
1. Hang out on the beaches. This is the low-hanging fruit among the free things you can do on Anna Maria Island but probably the most popular as well. The beaches are gorgeous. Whether you take an early morning walk, sun yourself like a lizard midday (Use sunscreen, please! Skin cancer treatment is practically a hobby in Florida), or peacefully enjoy a sunset, you can’t go wrong. Even during storms, the beaches are photogenic. There are several public beaches with large parking lots, restrooms, changing areas, and lifeguard stations, including Coquina Beach and Manatee Beach.
For a more dramatic look, there’s Bean Point right at the northern tip of Anna Maria Island. If you fly over Anna Maria, you can’t miss it, jutting out dramatically among the gulf’s turquoise waters. The cool thing about Bean Point is you see where the gulf and the bay meet.
For even less crowded areas, check out any of the public beach access areas on Anna Maria Island that may have a limited number of parking spaces or be pedestrian access only.
Tip: Anna Maria has limited parking spots near Bean Point, and parking also is limited around the smaller public beach access areas. Follow any parking restriction signs and if you’re not staying on the island itself, arrive early to obtain a spot without schlepping all your beach stuff forever from your car.
2. Spend some time on the piers. There are two iconic piers on Anna Maria Island—the Rod & Reel Pier and Anna Maria City Pier. Rod & Reel Pier doubles as a restaurant and now has a small resort area adjacent to the pier. Anna Maria City Pier, which has been around since 1911, was damaged during Hurricane Irma in 2017 and reopened in June 2020. Both piers serve as good fishing spots and provide tranquil views of the gulf, nearby Egmont Key (look for the white lighthouse), and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge going into St. Petersburg. Along the Anna Maria City Pier, we recently watched tens of thousands of tiny, brown fish swim together in shallow water and occasionally jump out of the water when a larger-sized snapper or snook swam below them. Tip: You can watch the sunrise from the piers; the sunset views are on the beach side of the Anna Maria Island.
3. Window shop. Don’t have any money to spend? Don’t worry. Window shopping is fun on Anna Maria Island. First, there’s Pine Avenue, which has an array of eateries and shops and is flanked by the beach on one end and Anna Maria City Pier on the other end. When you’re ready to spend a little cash on food, you have a few choices. Two of our faves are The Donut Experiment and Poppo’s Taqueria, both popular destinations that have now expanded in the Bradenton area (Poppo’s) or around Florida (The Donut Experiment). Read our previous Pine Avenue articles here and here. There are also some cool shops on other parts of the island. Our top picks: The Original Sand Dollar Gift Shop, which sells affordable coastal décor and jewelry; and Rader’s Reef, an old-fashioned seashell and antique shop where you just might have the privilege of meeting the owners’ basset hound.
4. Bring a picnic to Bayfront Park. A short distance between the two piers is Bayfront Park, which has a smallish beach area as well as some stately Australian pine trees and a couple of picnic tables and grills. The town of Anna Maria sometimes holds events at Bayfront Park, and it’s a reasonable alternative if you’re having trouble finding a spot on the beach or if you want somewhere you can set up a picnic.
5. Walk or bike around the town of Anna Maria. Whether you just want to get some exercise or your goal is to marvel at the ever-expanding homes on the island, there’s always an interesting view during a walk around the town of Anna Maria. Don’t miss the luxury, multimillion-dollar homes on North Shore Drive and nearby streets. There’s even a home near Bayfront Park that has a see-through pool that’s partially visible from North Bay Boulevard.
6. Take Fido to Scentral Park. Or, take the kids to the playground, or take your teens to the skate park. You’ll find these attractions, along with a baseball field, off of Flotilla Drive. The aptly named Scentral Park is a newer dog park that has wide-open grassy areas along with some shady cover. There are separate areas for large and small dogs. Dogs aren’t allowed on Anna Maria Island’s beaches, so the dog park may be just what you need to get Fido some exercise.
7. Check out the outdoors markets. Down at Coquina Beach, there’s the Beach Market at Coquina Beach, where you’ll find a lively mix of prepared food, produce, and arts vendors nine months out of the year, on Sundays and Wednesdays. The market is held under the shade of the Australian pines. From October till May on Tuesdays, the town of Anna Maria also has a newer farmers market held at City Pier Park featuring local growers and other items.
8. Go to jail. Go directly to jail, do not pass go, do not collect $200….jail time is indeed what you’ll get at the Anna Maria Jail, an outdoors, square-shaped, enclosed area that was used from 1927 to 1940 to hold the town’s rabblerousers. Those who stayed had to endure the heat and the mosquitoes. Nowadays, you can swing by just long enough to get a few pictures. If you’ve got a little extra time, the Anna Maria Historical Society is right next door and worth a visit.
9. Take the trolley. The free Anna Maria Trolley allows someone else to do the driving for you so you can sit back and take in the view. The trolley, operated by MCAT, starts as early as 6 a.m. and goes from the City Pier in Anna Maria to the southern tip of Bradenton Beach. Here’s a link to the trolley schedule and a trolley map (click on the area that says “Trolley: Anna Maria Island.”)
Big Alligators and Big Fun at Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland
So just what is there to do at Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland? Lots.
Circle B Bar Reserve offers peace, quiet, and bird and gator spotting. Located on 1,267 acres of what was once a cattle ranch, Circle B Bar Reserve (find a link to a small map and more info about the reserve here) is now operated by Polk County Environmental Lands and is a great–and free!– place to visit. Here’s why:
- It’s a bird watcher’s and nature lover’s dream. Egrets, herons, woodpeckers, ibis, and dozens of other birds were spotted during our recent visits. Circle B is also known for eagles, armadillos, bobcats, and otters, to name just a few.
- It’s popular for nature photography. Visitors with fancy cameras and even tripods are commonplace at Circle B Bar Reserve.
- You will likely see alligators. We can’t promise you’ll see the massive gator crossing a trail as shown in this video from Tampa’s Fox 13 in 2018, but with the massive size of Lake Hancock onsite, you’re bound to see, at a minimum, gators coasting along in the water.
- You’ll help educate the kiddos on nature. There’s a Discovery Center to help everyone in your crew learn more about the reserve.
- Circle B Bar Reserve is a peaceful place to take a walk and get away from the digital world. Need we say more?
Get Ready for Your Next Visit to Circle B Bar Reserve
So, what are some tips to keep in mind for visiting Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland? Here are a few pointers.
- If you’re visiting with kids, plan your trail walk in advance. That’s because there’s a labyrinth of trails onsite, some of which are longer and less shaded in the others. You probably know what your kids can handle depending on their age, so check out the trail descriptions at this link. Some easier trails include the Shady Oak Trail, Alligator Alley, and Lost Bridge. (Our personal fave is Alligator Alley with the views of the massive Lake Hancock.) Look near the Discovery Center for a paper copy of the map. There also are maps on display at some points along the trails but we found them small and hard to read. So, grab a paper copy or take a picture of the map and then you can enlarge it with your phone. Of course, if you have any questions about where to go, staffers at the Discovery Center can help.
- Wear good walking shoes. You would think this would be obvious but during a recent morning visit, we saw two—TWO—grown men in separate groups who were barefoot. This is Florida, people! There are surely snakes all around, not to mention animal droppings and sharp sticks. Ow.
- Bring water while you explore. Again, this seems obvious, but we don’t mind stating the obvious. Although you’re probably wise enough to think about water, what we didn’t think about during one recent visit to Circle B Bar Reserve is that we’d end up on a trail that would take us to another trail and before we knew it, we didn’t know where we were—and it was about 95 degrees outside. Thankfully, we did have some nice agua to keep us hydrated but if we didn’t, our little adventure would have been less pleasant, especially because we also had a big Nikon camera to lug around.
- Respect any signs for trail closures. Sometimes, certain trails are closed for maintenance or to give the animals living there some space and privacy—such as during alligator mating season. Considering the size of some of those prehistoric creatures, we’ll give them all the space they need. The Circle B Bar Reserve link here will alert you to any trail closures.
- Keep the pets at home. Pets aren’t allowed at Circle B Bar Reserve, surely because of the abundance of wildlife living there. Apparently, music and balloons aren’t allowed, either (we’re guessing for similar reasons). However, there are picnic areas, so if you’re OK having a lower-key celebration, this could be your park.
- Respect the wildlife at a distance. When we lived in Lakeland a few years back, there was another park where people would go to see “Big Mama,” a 12-foot gator living there. We heard that people would try to get near Big Mama and feed her. We don’t know if everyone who did so survived, but suffice to say that the nice folks at Circle B want you to take your snaps of their resident gators and other animals from a respectful distance. See, socially distancing prepared you for this—and that’s what telephoto lenses are for!
- Make a side trip to downtown Lakeland. If you’re visiting from outside of the area and want to make the most of your time, nearby downtown Lakeland has some cute restaurants and shops. It also has Lake Morton (famous for its resident swans) and Florida Southern College, with its Frank Lloyd Wright architecture.
Enjoy your visit to the beautiful Circle B Bar Reserve, and make sure to tag us on Instagram with any photos you take. Our account is @Florida_Culture. For more Florida travel tips, check out our other articles on this site or on our other website, Florida Culture. Happy travels to Circle B Bar Reserve.