We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
Free Newsletter

Interested in Sarasota?

We'll send you updates with the latest deals, reviews and articles for Sarasota each week.

  • Save Myakka River State Park
  • E-mail this page

Myakka River State Park


TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.0 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #11 of 52 attractions in Sarasota
Traveler Description: The park is a great day trip for families. The airboat trip on the lake is well worth it..you always get to see an alligator. The canopy walk is also... more »
Know about Myakka River State Park? Share your expertise with other travelers. Add to this description now.
Attraction type: State park, Scenic drive, Wildlife park
Activities: Viewing wildlife
Address: 13208 State Road 72 Sarasota, FL 34241
Tel: 941-361-6411

Reviews you can trust

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
Save Review
4 of 5 stars
FunTexasNurse   5 contributions
Houston, Texas
Nov 10, 2009

We did not spend the entire day at this park as we were trying to see as much as we could during our trip. We purchased tickets for the slow moving air boat...don't know exactly what it is called. While we were out we saw several pretty birds and wildlife. What we did not expect to see was a large... more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
alibird   3 contributions
Sarasota, FL
Oct 8, 2009

Myakka State Park should be on everyone's must see list when visiting the west coast of Florida. You can drive and stop at the viewpoints to get amazing views of alligators, or you can put on a backpack and sleep in primitive campsites, and lots in between. There is a museum to explain the habitats and the inhabitants of the... more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
mtndog21   1 contribution
sarasota, florida
Aug 27, 2009

Myakka is truely a gem of the Florida Park Service. Just because the people below had a bad day dont let that change your mind from comming. The wildlife is not always right there when you want it to be, this is a park not a zoo. Wonderful trails to walk. Some of the best federally endangered open prairie that... more

Save Review
3 of 5 stars
angn8tr   2 contributions
Hamilton, OH
Jul 16, 2009

We drove up from Englewood. I will see the vegetation was very impressive, it was like walking into a jungle. All the huge oaks with Spanish moss were beautiful. The canopy walk was neat, but I will say I was disappointed. I got the impression it was much longer. It was only about a 40 ft. walk between the stairs... more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
cocobaby20   24 contributions
Virginia Beach
Jul 14, 2009

We missed the airboat rides, came to late last one at 1 p.m. but park was beautiful to walk on the trails. Especially the one tower trail was fun climbing the tower and going over the bridge. The tower is 76 feet high, if you want to climb to the very top. Alligators are no problem to find and armadillos... more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
sanegirl   2 contributions
Indianapolis
Jul 7, 2009

We vacationed on Siesta Key, and took the short drive to Myakka Park one day. What a treat! After years of theme park side trips, this lovely, peaceful park gave us close-up views of alligators, eagles, owls, and other birds too numerous to name. Don't miss the canopy bridge on the nature trail. The palm trees, palmettos and spanish moss... more

Save Review
4 of 5 stars
TripwBag   13 contributions
Colorado Springs, CO
Jul 2, 2009

Myakka River State Park is fairly close to Sarasota, and is an easy pleasant drive for out of state visitors on Siesta Key. The road enters a rural area and just when you believe you're hopelessly lost because there aren't any giant billboards advertising the park, there's a little sign about Myakka State Park being ahead. We took the air... more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
summerinplaya   7 contributions
NW US
Jun 18, 2009

Walk on the trail toward the dam - we saw several alligators, vultures, and egrets/herons. The view was beautiful. We took the airboat ride which was a little too slow and wordy for our young children but was interesting to us. We did see a couple alligators but the guide told us that it is more common to see alligators... more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
neptunechic   57 contributions
headingsouth
May 14, 2009
1/1 found this review helpful

This park is georgeous. Any road you take here is scenic. The palms drape over the road and form a canopy. Many roads are along the lake which just adds to the beauty of this park. The only thing that compares is Hawaii'sstate parks. When we come back to this area we will definately come back here to spend the... more

Save Review
4 of 5 stars
DaiseyH   64 contributions
Longwood, FL
Apr 22, 2009
1/1 found this review helpful

I went on April 18th, the time to go if you want to see gators. The bridge on the way in didn't have many just after 8am, but when I came back by around 11:30am there were plenty sunning themselves. I took the 10am boat ride. If your expecting the fly across the water airboat, this is not it. However,... more

Travelers Who Viewed This Attraction Also Viewed
No photo provided
Location: Sarasota, FL
Price not available
No photo provided
Location: Sarasota, FL
Price not available
Location: Sarasota, FL
Price not available
Write Your Own Attraction Review

Been to Myakka River State Park? Share your experiences!

Write a Review
Add Photos
Add Videos

Myakka River State Park: Management Resources

TripAdvisor has free and easy resources to help you enhance your listing and promote your property.

  • Start Here - Visit Your Owners' Center
  • Add Photo
  • Add Video

Myakka River State Park Address

13208 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241
Tel: 941-361-6411