Are you looking for the best places to see Florida's wildlife? From lush forests to crystal-clear waters, Florida is home to a wide range of animals. To help you make the most of your visit, we've compiled a comprehensive guide to the best places to see Florida wildlife.
Related Blog: A Guide to Hidden Gems and Local Favorites: Plan Your Family Trip to Southwest Florida
Here are five of the top places in Florida to spot wildlife.
Myakka River State Park
Located in Sarasota, Florida, Myakka River State Park features birds, alligators, turtles, and other wildlife living in their natural habitat. This incredible park highlights the beautiful Myakka River and offers experiences such as kayaking, nearly 39 miles of hiking trails, biking trails, and a beautiful canopy walkway where you walk amongst the treetops. The Big Flats Marsh provides excellent birding opportunities, as well as the Birdwalk, where you will often find many volunteers who will help you locate and identify birds. If you'd like to immerse yourself among the wildlife, there is camping available within the park, as well as several cabins that are located off the beaten path. Be sure to book your camping site or cabin in advance as these tend to book up rather quickly.
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
This amazing refuge was created specifically for the protection of the threatened Florida manatee and offers a variety of ways to interact with Florida wildlife. There are unique wildlife viewing opportunities, as well as refuge trails found at Three Sisters Spring, a boardwalk, fishing, boating, kayaking, and guided tours. Manatee season begins in mid-November and ends in late March. There will also be plenty of opportunities for unique birdwatching and interacting with other Florida wildlife in this spectacular refuge.
Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary
This unique wildlife rehabilitation facility rescues, treats, and then rehabilitates sick and injured birds to release them back into their natural habitat. Visitors are invited to walk through the 1.7-acre sanctuary, home to nearly 100 permanently disabled birds. Several unique events and guided tours are available throughout the year, including public bird releases, birds of prey presentations, and even pelican hand-feeding that takes place daily at 2:30 pm. This must-see attraction in the Tampa Bay area offers access to a variety of interesting birds such as pelicans, vultures, parrots, hawks, and even owls, making it a key stop to add to your wildlife tour of Florida.
Everglades National Park
The Everglades National Park provides visitors with the rare opportunity to be among species like manatees, American crocodiles, and Florida panthers in their natural habitat. Take a walk on the Anhinga Trail, or get up close and personal with a boat or kayak tour where you may be able to see crocodiles, manatees, or dolphins. You should also be ready for plenty of views of alligators along the Tamiami Trail where the large reptiles line the canal banks in the wilderness of the Big Cypress National Preserve.
Smugglers Cove
Take advantage of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play 18 holes of mini golf among 20-30 American Alligators! This adventure-style golf course features unique opportunities to learn about, interact, and even feed alligators while experiencing waterfalls, caves, and even a pirate ship in a lush tropical landscape. Fun challenges await you at every hole, making it obvious why they have been voted "Best Mini Golf in Florida" 5 years in a row! This incredible wildlife experience can be found at 5 great locations throughout Florida, making Smugglers Cove a must-see attraction whether you live in Florida or are visiting.
Here are just five of the amazing wildlife experiences that Florida has to offer. No matter where you are visiting though, make sure you come to Smugglers Cove for some mini golf! For more information, please contact us today!
