This Florida State Park Has Lush Wetlands, Wildflower-laced Prairies, and Canopy Walkways—and It’s Just 20 Miles From Some of the State’s Best Beaches

When most people think of the Sarasota, Florida area, beaches usually come to mind—the beautiful white-sand variety, lined with warm, clear water. Most visitors don’t explore beyond the shore—or their beachfront hotel. But tucked just 20 miles inland is an entirely other world, filled with unique wildlife that’s just as enchanting as the shoreline.

Myakka River State Park is one of Florida’s oldest and largest state parks. It was built around the Myakka, a wild river that’s a haven for the state’s unique wildlife. Here, visitors will find miles of wetlands as well as expansive prairies covered with wildflowers. You can spot limpkins (a tropical wetland bird) wading through the water and osprey soaring above live oaks draped with Spanish moss.

But for those interested in a more active adventure, Myakka River State Park offers some of the area’s best fishing and boating opportunities. Here, anglers (with a recreational freshwater license, of course) can cast for brown hoplo, blue tilapia, vermiculated sailfin catfish, and walking catfish. Flat-bottomed boats take daily trips around Upper Myakka Lake, while stand-up paddleboards and kayaks are available for rent within the park. (Note: canoeing and kayaking south of State Road 72 is limited and requires a permit from the ranger station.) It’s hard to believe that this park is located just 20 miles west of the sandy shores of Siesta Key, Florida.

And while water activities make up a large part of the park’s draw, it’s also known for its hiking and biking trails. There are bike rentals within the park as well as seven miles of paved, cyclist-friendly roads that run along the shore of Upper Myakka Lake. Mountain bikers will find plenty to keep busy with on the backcountry dirt roads, too. As for hikers, the park is perhaps best known for the Myakka Trail, a well-maintained 38.9-mile loop that can be shortened into a day hike if need be.

There are also a variety of guided boat, tram, and wildlife tours available for those interested in learning more about the park during their visit.

The park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset every day. Since Florida’s weather can get hot and muggy in the summer, early spring and late fall are some of the best times to explore Myakka River State Park.