40 Best Stops Between Lakeland and Venice (2024)

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Our visit was on Groundhog Day, lucky us, six more weeks of cooler weather. Great day to stroll this amazing theme park. Animals appeared to be more active today than in the heat of summer.Wonderful wildlife (caged or fenced in) viewing areas throughout the park. Many thrill rides and children areas. A very nice train ride where you can see many different animals. Train has wheelchair access on board. A variety of dining options; somewhat pricey. Lunch for two, Chicken Tenders / Fries / two drinks can set you back over $30. There is 10% off food, 20% off merchandise with annual pass. Check web site as prices and offers may change.Many of the attraction and shows were closed due to maintenance or health concerns. Just the same, a very enjoyable day out with family.Park is clean and staff are polite and pleasant.Recommended checking website for prices, events, and times before showing up in the parking lot.

Overall wasn’t the best experience, some rides are really fun, train ride was good as well, however most animals on the train ride can’t be seen. Lines are fast moving and organized. Layout is cute. Some misters around the park to cool off was much needed, more would have been perfect. Customer service is basically non existent in the restaurant and cafe we went in. Would we go again not sure 🤔

We arrived shortly before 9am and there were cars already waiting in line. The park opens at 10am, however, they opened the lines for parking at 930am. You can either walk to the gates or take the tram. If you have purchased tickets online, you can go directly to the self-ticketing kiosk, and scan your printout and you will receive your tickets. The park is nice, loved being able to see the animals. It was cold, so going on the roller coasters was interesting 🥶 the best ride for me was Cobra's Curse. Loved going backwards and spinning in the coater cart 💯 but it was a short ride! The longest waiting ride, is Cheetah Hunt. You will want to ride this one as soon as you get in! Definitely lots to see and do. I suggest more spots for purchasing coffee, tea and hot chocolate. Too cold for ice cold beer! LOL!

Great rides staff is rude and acts like they hate their job . Don't get me started on the waste of money on the highest season passes we paid for . No preferred parking we are always told and there is always plenty of spots open , extremely rude parking people at the pay booths saying they have security and I'm not allowed to even look to see if they have any spots open when that was a lie . Aside from that the park is dirty and they choose to do yearly maintenance on rides when it gets warm outside and not in off season . Now keep in mind aside from that they have a lot of nice rides and it's beautiful and peaceful there at night time so don't not go cause of a few issues . If you like coasters then it's a great place

Great place for kids. We loved Elmo's show, the kids area, the zoo. You need a few hours to see the whole park. They do have food areas, a very nice restaurant, many rides for kids 5-7 years old. Also many places where you can be inside to cool off. Very nice experience. My 5 years old son had a blast. He loved the hippo, giraffes and cheetah. Mamma Kangaroo had a baby and my kid was very happy to see that.

Visited on an extremely hot day! This may have benefited us as wait time for rides and attractions were very short. Purchased the food pass, we thought this worked best for us, as we planned on a long day at the park. We ended up being there for 7 hours. So it was a perfect pick for us. The food is good, don't expect fine dining but our family of 4 enjoyed it the options provided to us!Our kids loved the Sesame Street area, thats where they could have most of their fun! Splash pad, kids roller coasters, and animal exhibits were great! With it being so hot out, some of the animals were interested in getting their pictures taken.

We went to Busch Gardens for a day when it got a bit chilly for beach fun. It was Monday, December, 3rd, the last day of Christmas break and it wasn’t very crowded. Quick queue passes and all day dining made our day really easy and stress free. These triple the cost of your ticket but are well worth it, if don’t want to spend all the time in lines and have several teenagers in the family who eat a lot like we do. All day dining includes an entrée, a side or desert and a fountain drink in any of 5 main restaurants every hour. It doesn’t include any snacks or other food vendors. Mind: you still have to wait in lines to get food in restaurants, so we didn’t even go to a BBQ place that smelled so good, the line was probably more than an hour long there and we didn’t want to waste time. We also went on Serengeti safari tour and loved it: got to feed the giraffes and see all the animals up close. The rides are awesome, me and our youngest kid 9y.o. did some family friendly rides, which were too much for me anyways (I just can’t do any roller coasters). My husband with older kids had a blast on all the crazy rides. Everyone loved our day in Busch Gardens, we’ll definitely be back.

Went on a Tuesday mid July. Park was fairly busy but literally everything was shut down. It rained for a bit but other than that it was just cloudy but they kept the rides and games closed anyways. I was there for 4 hours and got to ride 1 ride and play 1 game, the rest of the time was us walking around the park trying to find something to do. The animal exhibits were cool though, animals were very active. Don’t get the all day dining. It only works for certain restaurants and their food is sub par at best since it seems it’s not very organized in terms of making it and getting it out. I got chicken tenders and fries and it made me almost puke (I hate saying this because I know it’s an amusement park, but this was just bad). The one ride I rode was fun though, it was the new iron coaster and was a lot of fun. Line went by at a decent pace and the ride itself was fun. Staff were friendly and helpful whenever we needed it. Honestly, just save your money and go to universal or somewhere else. $300 to waste that I can’t get a refund on!

A great place for families with children. We spent three days there - that's all you need to see and do all the attractions. great option to travel by train around the complex - safari wonderful! Sesame Street and attractions around it - very well thought out, for children of all ages and more. We had a great time here! We'll be back someday :)

The fun card pass works best because we had rain for several days and you may not always qualify for a rain pass refund. We can also use this particular pass for the rest of the year, in case we decide to go back. The all day meal pass works best for large groups. Several restaurants provide a good portion size, so kids could probably share a meal together from one pass. The train ride is perfect for getting to different areas of the park, while getting photos of the wildlife. Make sure to check out the shows, they had an ice skating show that was a quality event, plus it is cool inside, if you need a break from the heat. The vehicle parking is across the street from the park. They have a tunnel that allows you to access the preferred parking area, which gets you really close to the entrance (it's a $15 premium over regular parking). If you download the app, the map feature will actually help guide you through the park. The location function must be active on the phone. The app will also store all your passes if you buy online, so you will not need to keep up with tickets. If it is raining, some of the walking paths can be slick. We saw one kid running and tried stopping quickly and ended up on their behind.

I've been here a bunch of times over the years, ever since I was a kid, back with the original owners of the theme park. I most recently visited in Feb 2023. It was fun. It wasn't as fun compared to ten or twenty years ago. I feel like the park has lost some of its luster. Not run down per se, but just not as much upkeep as I remember compared to previous visits. But, the roller coasters were a lot of fun. And if that's why you're coming to Busch Gardens, and it probably is, then it's a decent place to visit.

Fantastic, you get to experience the best of both worlds a zoo and a theme park. My son and I could not explore much because it was raining, and the park had to close for weather safety. We Will go back. The rides are cool and exciting. Many restaurants, and the ambiance is exciting. The scenery is different than other theme parks. That is what makes it unique.

I recently visited Busch Gardens in Tampa, and it was an incredible experience! The park is a perfect blend of thrilling rides and amazing animal encounters. The roller coasters like SheiKra and Cheetah Hunt were a blast, and the animal exhibits were both educational and entertaining.The staff were friendly and helpful, and the park was clean and well-maintained. The food options were diverse, and I particularly enjoyed the dining experience at Serengeti Overlook Restaurant. The landscaping and scenery throughout the park are stunning, making it a great place to enjoy a day outdoors.Whether you're a thrill-seeker or looking for a fun family day out, Busch Gardens has something for everyone. I can't wait to return for more adventures and excitement. Highly recommended!

Amazing park in Tampa. Lot ofRides and fun activities inside along with animals. Loved this place. Enjoyed till last moment. DON’T miss any rides. Has good amount of rides for toddlers as well.. Sure I am gonna visit this place again..

This place is a hidden gem. Not too crowded. Get here early and the lines for rides are not bad at all. The later you stay, the longer the lines get for the rides.The staff are helpful and friendly. The animals are worth the trip. So many to see. Gorgeous representation of their species. The park is clean. They do an outstanding job of keeping it presentable.Cost of food here is like you would expect at an amusement park. Quality of food is subpar at the locations we did try.Overall, my visit was amazing. It was well worth the visit. One FULL day is all that's needed to do everything you need to do here. Two FULL days will allow you to get your complete fill of the amusement park.

Great park with a mix of big coasters and smaller rides. A fair number of rides and restaurants were closed. We were definitely there on a slow day, barely a wait for anything except lunch. The Sesame area is really fun for the little kids. The tree house was a favorite.

Fantastic day out with the family.Easily accessible parking (albeit a little expensive) with a short connecting land train to the park. We had purchased tickets via an agent and they were really easy to collect from the self service machines.The food options were great. We took advantage of the all day dining option and despite reading some pretty damning reviews, I felt it offered excellent value for money - we each had five drinks throughout the day and two meals which were great portions and very tasty. The food at Zambia Smokehouse in particular was really nice.The rides are brilliant and there are a great selection for all ages. We visited on a weekday and in general the lines for all rides were short and I think the longest wait was around 30 minutes.The animal element of the park is great and our kids loved seeing Flamingos, Giraffes, a Rhino, Gators and Elephants as well as loads more. The staff all really seem to genuinely care about the animals too and it was lovely to see them caring for them throughout the day. The environments in which they are kept seem to be as close to natural as they can be and none of the animals at any point looked like they were sad to be 'on show'.In summary, a great day. A completely different experience to the other theme parks in Florida and well with a visit if you haven't been before.

Just AMAZING.I payed for the safari tour, Sloth tour and Penguin tour and it was amazing ❤️ such a wonderful experience! I honestly love the fact that they explain to you so many things about how to help the conservation, how to save the wildlife and how their bodies work and such. I learned so much and I was just amazed by the greatness of every single animal I saw. ❤️The park is great, clean and had wonderful workers.

Had a blast here. Went on a Thursday and lines were fairly short was able to ride most the rides multiple times and even getting front seats. I would suggest the food and drink day pass and share it. You can get food and a drink every 90 minutes. We really enjoyed the safari ride and feeding the Giraffes. It was an awesome experience. I also enjoyed the amount of animals to see mixed in to the amusement park and rides. The Iron Gwazi was awesome and would absolutely suggest the front seat for the 91 degree drop.

Amazing day at Busch Gardens (June 10 2024). Quiet day, most we waited for any ride was 30 minutes, most wait times were under 15 minutes. Iron Gwazi is insane, and all the coaster there are amazing fun. A great day out for everyone. Combines the best of a zoo and a theme park.

This place was great. There is plenty to do for kids and adults. The kids rode the rides, and we looked at the animals. The kids loved it. It is a big park and it does have plenty of places to eat. We bought the dining pass, and it was worth it. General parking was fine with the trams running.

I love this park. The coaster section is great. The shows are pretty good for amusement parks. The animal tours are outstanding. We love to take people to the safari to feed the giraffes.The cost of admission is a great value with the fun card. Pay once and go the whole year. The memberships have great perks, free tickets , free money to eat in the park, discount tickets etc

This is my first time at this location. I was very surprised to find that not only does the park have rides and attractions but it also has a grief focus on wild animals. There is an Animal Care Center that you can enter and at times there will be a veterinarian taking care of an animal. There are exam rooms that have clear glass in front of them so that you can observe what the doctor does with the animals. The park seems to be well-designed for families. I would recommend this place if you want thrill rides animals and family fun!

I love Busch gardens. I used to go to the one in Virginia. I felt it was much better in the terms of maintenance. May be the Tampa bay park isn’t that well maintained probably due to they just opening to public after Covid. I had gone to this park in the late summer of last year.This location also has a small zoo. The roller coasters are pretty good, the park has something for everyone. They also have shows.Would definitely come back here.

Been a Florida resident my whole life and Busch Gardens never disappoints. It is a fantastic park! The animals, the rides, the attractions... they even have up close animal encounters which are amazing. I would definitely recommend everyone go spend the day. As the rides are exciting, the park itself is relaxing and caters to everyone... whether you are a ride enthusiast, park lover, admirer of animals... everyone will have a great day.

We always have a great time at Busch Gardens! Lots of exciting roller coasters, beautiful animals with amazing conservation efforts, and fun shows. We liked the new Summer shows. Open late for Summer Nights. Closed a few times for Summer thunder storms, but that's to be expected in the Florida Summer. They do a great job keeping everyone safe. Wonderful staff! Very accommodating for my child with autism. Oasis Pizza was yummy! Our favorite is always the pretzels at Twisted Tail though. That's a must try! The price of the drink refills have gone up again, but the cups are still a good deal, especially when you want to stay hydrated in this heat. You'll wish you got a refillable cup. Love having a pass and we will definitely be back!

First time at Busch Gardens, and it was great overall. My wife and I went on Friday, and it was surprisingly quit empty for a Friday, so it meant super quick lines. We never had to wait much for any of the rides. The ride "Kumba" was closed along with one of the water rides, which was a bummer. Also, some of the animal attraction places were empty with no signs, so that was a waste of time. Parking was $30 for the day ($45 for preferred parking), but you can take the mini tram that drives you to the front entrance of the park. The rides were definitely fun. Food options are okay over there, and the markups on beverages/water are insane (we paid close to $6 for a water bottle there...). The park felt like it was missing more rides as we got done pretty quick with no lines, and it also felt like workers were just waiting around. All in all, I'd definitely recommend paying a visit if you are in town as the rides are fun and thrilling.

This place is awesome!! It has a lot of roller coasters for adults and young people and there is a special area for kids that is pretty big! You can find food, beverages, souvenirs and more! You can also enjoy the different attractions and shows, you can spend the whole day here without being bored. I really recommend it. I had a really great time here.

We had a lot of fun here. I grew up going to Six Flags in Georgia and the rides and everything here were so much better. My favorite was the cheetah coaster. I love how everything in the park is themed and decorated and all the foliage everywhere helped keep it cooler along with all the fans. They had some Halloween decorations up as well, that was cool to see. We already want to come back again.

Had an amazing time. Best theme park. Roller coasters are awesome. Safari experience is a one of a kind. Food is amazing and the atmosphere is full of fun! Glad I'm a newly season ticket holder!

Love this place and the events they throw throughout the year. Definitely the type of amusement park where you get the best of both worlds: thrilling rollercoasters and viewing animals!Definitely being a local, it’s worth it to get an annual pass for the perks and discounts. My friends and I love coming for the special events each month and seeing new shows and performances that come in or eat during their food-festival events. We are big fans of the regular foods available all-year, too, where this park definitely is above other theme parks in the state for food quality and cost.The animals look well cared for. The staff in the animal’s spaces can answer a lot of questions about them. You can also see that they have buildings dedicated to animal rehabilitation (like surgeries) and conservation efforts.Of course this is Florida and the weather can be nasty at times, they will close down rides due to weather issues in the area. This is when my friends and I would catch a show or go walk by the animal areas if it’s lightly drizzling. All the rides are outdoors, so it’s likely when the weather reports say it’s raining that all of the rides are down for that time.Parking is $30, if you are a silver or gold annual pass member, it’s free.

Busch Gardens Tampa is an amazing place! This place doesn't really have as many roller coasters as other major parks do. but I think that all of the other rides makeup for that. The coaster collection is very strong and has some of the best in the world. The flat rides in the park are also very good. The quality of the park is in very good shape after over 50 years of operation. The one complaint that I have is how there are too little kid rides and family oriented attractions. The food here in my opinion is like any other theme park food. Overall, this place is worth visiting for anyone.

I love Bush Gardens! They have a wide variety of coasters plus lots of other rides for all ages and thrill seeking levels. The shows I have seen are fantastic, especially Turn it Up Remix (ice skating show). They have many animals there, including the Serengeti Savannah which you can do a safari or take the train through. There is so much to do and it is a beautiful park!It can get crowded with long lines, so you might want to pay for the quick queue.

This place offers the best of both worlds, a zoo and a theme park. We started off with a train ride which brought us on a safari like tour across the plains. Being a parent with two young kids, we were definitely pleased to see the large playground with rides suited kids below the age of six. We ended the day with the ice skating show at the theatre which showcases exceptional ice skating talent. Definitely a day well spent.

There is something for everyone aged. There is so much to see and do. The tickets with eat all day are great value. You get to eat every 90 minutes if you want. This includes a main meal, desert, and a drink. There's a wide range of animals and wide choice of rides and amusements.

This is one of my favorite parks. This park has something for everyone. They have adrenaline roller-coasters, they have a zoo, they have shows, and kids areas.We got there early and were able to leave no wait in the first couple of rides.SheiKra, with the 90-degree drop is my favorite ride in the park. They also have Cheetah Hunt with a high speed which I love too.We went on the train around the park. The kagoroo encounter was very nice.Overall, everyone will find something to have fun.

Definitely had a blast here! We were fortunate to catch it on a less busy day, so ride times moved decently! Park was kept clean which was nice to see. Be prepared to spend $$$ on food, drinks and souvenirs. (But, thats no surprise at a theme park!) I'd most certainly enjoy another trip back! The coasters are pretty next level! And, as a side note... the app is pretty unreliable for ride times/ride closures, so better to just head to the ride of choice and check it out!

Great number of animals to see on the train tour. Roller coasters are awesome, but be careful if you are 6 foot or taller. You won't be able to fit on a few of them. Had a great time.

The Food and Wine Festival had great options! We purchased the stamp card and it was perfect. They do have a few vegan and vegetarian options at a few of the stands. The rides had short lines today, but we also purchased the fast pass. We waited maybe 2 minutes for one of the rides. All the rollercoasters were awesome! We had a great experience today and will be back in the future. Also, they actually had a decent amount of stuff for kids to do.

It is a great location but needs complete renovation on some parts of the park. The entrance looks old, and the paving needs to be painted or renovated. Some buildings also look old. BBQ is a best place to get a lunch. Very tasty brisket, salads.

Busch Gardens was the most amazing attraction park I’ve ever been to. I love that the gardens have roller coasters and the zoo filled with something for everyone. You can ride the roller coasters, take a train ride to see the animals, taste some delicious food and have lots of fun.Be prepared for the waiting lines. Getting here early in the morning is the best, you’ll likely skip long lines.

Had a great time!! The Safari was SO amazing!! We got to see many different endangered animals and the giraffes came up to our open truck and they gave us big lettuce leaves to feed them! We got amazing pics and memories!The roller coasters are next level! Great fireworks display at the end of the night!

My first time and it was fantastic.Was in the park from about 11-9 and saw pretty much everything it has to offer and could even enjoy the Goo Goo Dolls doing a show while we walked around that side of the park. Wonderful views from the restaurant/bar overlooking their safari.Ashley and Taylor were wonderful as our Safari guides and I can't think of a place you can get closer to the giraffes.Multiple shuttles to & from the parking lot, easy access and a nice friendly layout.Highly recommend it and can't wait to return.

My first time going and we had a blast! Plenty to do, we were there for 8 hours. There are animals, kids park and shows, great restaurants. I recommend you buy the all you can eat bracelet for $50. You can eat and drink all day every 90 minutes. There's a BBQ smoke house that's amazing. I had an amazing time!! Can't wait to go again 😍

Fun amusement park with lots of animals.Lots of fun for children (sesame street themed kids area with rope course. And lots of rides for older kids and adults.If you are going with a child you are allowed to bring outside food and drinks which is amazing.Highly recommend getting the fun pass or annual pass (with parking).

My trip to BGT was phenomenal other than the food. The rides and cleanliness were easily 5-star worthy. Sadly 3 rides were out of service and the customer service we received and the quality of the food was sub-par for Busch Gardens. The only food that was actually decent was at the smoke house.

I had an amazing time at Busch Gardens! The park is packed with exciting attractions, but Sheikra stole the show for me—it’s hands down the best ride there. The thrill of the 90-degree drop is unbeatable, and I couldn’t get enough of it. The rest of the park is a blast too, with a great mix of roller coasters, animal exhibits, and beautiful landscapes. Even just walking around and taking in the atmosphere was fun. Busch Gardens really knows how to deliver a fantastic day out, and I’m already looking forward to going back!

We had so much fun. I visited 25 years ago as a kid, it was very nostalgic to ride the roller coasters I enjoyed then all these years later. The new additions were great, we will definitely be coming back.

My family had annual passes so we go to Busch Gardens often. It is worth looking at the website and planning if it will be your first time. The park is very big and you will not have time to do everything in one single visit, but by planning you are able to make the most of your time there.The train is one of the best rides there if you want to see the animals, and it is better to do it in the morning.The sesame street area is very cute for children, my nephew enjoys it a lot and we get to do a lot of rides with him there.The food and drinks are great, but there are some not great options. So research and consider what you like before buying anything. I would recommend Dragon Fire Grill where there is a lot of choices to maybe please the entire family.The shows are amazing, especially the ice skating shows. Definitely worth the time and you do get to sit in the AC for a while which is great for the hot summer months.This is one of our favorite parks in FL, and will definitely continue to visit!

Absolutely awesome! There is something for everyone. There’s a great Sesame Street play area for kids, there are cheers and elephants and other animals. Also flamingoes. There are insanely wild rides and great shows. They have such fabulous shops not crazy prices for gifts and souvenirs. The workers are so friendly and helpful and there are plenty of bathrooms and lockers. The best place ever!!!!

Good combination between a zoo and amusement park. To enjoy the most of the park, get to it as early as possible. Getting to park takes some time but it’s well organized. My recommendation here is to enjoy the rollercoasters and outside attractions in the morning since in the afternoon it’s most likely to rain and those attractions get canceled. A lot of shows to enjoy. The all-day-dining option is a good deal, we paid $30 per person, and could eat a meal every 90 minutes. The chicken at the Dragon Fire Grill & Pub was awful. If you can, avoid it.

This place is so fun. The cheetah ride is a blast and so fast! My daughter loved the river ride.The food was really good and I loved that all the animals had nice enclosure and they were very clean and wide open. We will definitely go back. Perfect place for people of all ages. Lots of fun things to do for very small children as well. I appreciate all the shade they provide as Florida heat can be miserable at times.

Definitely not how I remember it. I went years ago with family and we had the best time. This time around, we purchased 2-day tickets and after the first day we did not want to return. I realize it’s an amusement park and everything is expensive, but charging $5 per person to ride the SkyRide after getting overpriced tickets seems a little ridiculous. There were also numerous rides closed down which was disappointing, and we found the park catered to the safari/wildlife scene more than rollercoaster attractions. The rides we did go on were great, but again, we had to purchase lockers every single time we got on a ride. Overall, it was a disappointing experience and we will most-likely not be returning.

The rides were great. The place has a combination of zoo and roller coasters rides. Must try Iron Gwazi. You should take it as the first ride when you enter the park . The only complaint is that they had the people with the water mister to spray water to cool down the temperature, but only saw them when the park opens and no one since then till the end of day.

My wife and I attended the Food and Wine Festival on Saturday May 11th. We had a great date day, it's is Veterans appreciation month at Busch gardens so active and Veterans military and up 3 family members get FREE TICKETS FOR ADMISSION FOR THIS EVENT THAT'S A SAVINGS OF $280.00.We still had to pay separate for the Food and Wine Festival but it was still great 👍 👌 🙃 🙂 😅 value for your money 💰 🤑 💸. Caution be careful purchasing the VIP Parking Access it's on a first come ,first serve basis , you are not guaranteed a VIP parking. Other the event for the Food and Wine sampling Festival was good and Busch Gardens is beautiful a must visit.

Great roller-coasters and good food. No shows during the week, so plan on walking around seeing animals, which is nice until it gets hot they tend to hide in the shade. Definitely get the meal package, worth it! Waits are not bad during the week.

Busch Gardens in Tampa is always a go to for me. Hell Tampa Bay in my opinion is the best, and the most relaxing city in Florida. The west coast seems more laid back, and off the beaten path. I prefer this over the slam packed tourist drivers in Orlando.Busch Gardens is all you need in an amusement park, and to go with it is a beautiful Safari tour. The guide was super friendly. This park is not overbearing, and you will have plenty of attractions to appeal your own appetite.I would recommend this to anyone who is in the Tampa area. Thanks Busch Gardens till next time.

Be prepared for outrageous amusement park prices. Bottled water was $5 and soda $7.5. The parking was outrageous as well and waiting for the tram in the heat just adds to the annoyance of the high pricing. They definitely need to add some more rides to get the wait lines down unless you want to pay crazy money for quick pass. In addition, need more covered waiting areas for rides as the heat drains you fast. Glad they had buy one get one tickets otherwise would've been really big ripoff.

4.5

(87809)

4.0

(18538)

10165 McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612, USA

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A super good fun to be had sort of place. It's really the employees that put this over the top, as far as I'm concerned these employees are genuinely cheerful and not just putting on a show. The building itself is very well cleaned and laid out so one's not having to walk from end to end in search of a cocktail or a hot spot in which to feed a roll of quarters.The food is never bland or nondescript. Fresh salads and fabulous bar burgers are always a part of a diverse menu.Next time you're looking for a get away weekend, it's not necessary to leave the greater Tampa area, just head over to Hard Rock and a great time will be had by all .

The Hard Rock Casino is a really cool and fun place to go! My dad always said to me to only bring what you're willing to lose because if you win and walk out with more money then you came with, then that's great, but there's always a chance you will spend everything you brought. There are so many different and newer slot machines, different card games, and the hotel rooms are beautiful! Just make sure you are having fun because even when I walk out with less money, I usually still had a great time. The food is amazing no matter which restaurant you go to! The staff makes sure you are safe, and if there's a problem, go to a blue shirt staff member and they will take care of you.

This place was very nice inside an out. The employees where very nice an helpful to any services we needed. I lost my phone while in the casino an after finding the lost an found which was a trick (until a gentleman lead) the way I was able to get it back. They said 95% of lost phones an 85% of other items are turned into the lost an found. Which is awesome there team an security keep a close eye on everything to make it safe for their guest and their belongings .. But over all everything was great . kinda pricey but nothing less expected being a casino..

Liked the Casino as they have non smoking areas which I prefer. It's large enough and have all the games I enjoy except for Stadium Blackjack. The rooms were really nice ,comfortable and clean. There are a few nice shops to help you spend your winnings...if your lucky. The restaurants we went to were good and I am looking forward to my next visit.

Beautiful casino...VERY TIGHT MACHINES! $1200 Dollars in a hour and a half...25 cent machine's. Didn't see a server for 45 minutes. However after we got service...they were more frequent and very pleasant! I would like to have seen more nickel machines, to stretch out playing time. It would have been more fun if the machines would have let us play. Still a lot of fun!

This is my favorite place to retreat to when I need a break from my immediate world I mean for me it's like visiting an adults playground they have it all and your always welcomed with a smile no matter what time you choose to come rolling units 24 hours so I like to avoid big crowds my usual arrival time is between 3 and 5 am and I get out of there by noon the very latest I have gone all different times as well as stayed for a week strait utilizing the hotel portion and they do st times pack on the players I never thought it was too packed to enjoy oneself but just prefer off hours so 8 can roam around and not worry bout how I look or getting hot on usually no conversations more playing is best for my taste and just cuz it's slow no worries you may still win they don't set any time restraints on jackpots just in case anyone may have questioned their abilities 24 hours of fun fair playtime. ... Come whenever you are feeling lucky

I’m no casino frequenter, but at least three or four times a year. I’ve been to all the local ones in South Florida, but my first time here. I’m kind of surprised, it’s a nice and peaceful casino in a beautiful setting. Make time to go outside to the stands for the horse track and look over the infield and see the link flamingos, they are easy to see. The casino floor is actually quieter than any casino I’ve been to, it’s not overly loud machines blaring. This place is definitely nicer than Gulfstream Casino, by a lot.The food options looked reasonable, if unimaginative. Fair pricing. And where else can you get a Cuban coffee for $1 these days. If you like slots (I did see they have a poker area but didn’t go there), definitely give this place a

12/2023 .. 1) I didn't come to gamble, but will say that they have Many slots. I'm guessing around 500+ machines. Blackjack, poker, no craps yet but coming, sports book, I didn't see roulette but they may have it. My partner says the slots don't pay as well as the Native casinos out west but maybe she wasn't having a good day. 2) Eats: they have quite a few eateries and bars, but the hours vary and somehow I find it difficult to find anything I really want to eat here. The Council Oaks fine dining room is the only place that takes reservations and they were booked full weeks in advance so couldn't eat there. 3) Hotel leaves a bit to be desired considering the price. Pretty nice rooms but room and especially the hallways smell a bit stale. Good hot showers. NOTE: I booked direct, but I notice that there are rates offered on this site that are more than a hundred dollars less per night than we ended up paying, so you might want to shop more carefully or call them to see if they will match those lower rates.4). Parking: Free. There are three parking garages and it can be hard to find your car until you get familiar with the layout, so you will want to make note of which garage, floor and section you park in. Parking gets crowded at certain times of day but I was always able to eventually find a space. 5) The displays of instruments and stage costumes are interesting. They permit photographing these. 6) Cleanliness and disinfection: Excellent. No trash laying around and several two person cleaning teams are working 24 hours a day rotating through the gaming floor and common areas cleaning and disinfecting.7) Every staff member I saw was friendly and courteous, going out of their way to help you have a good time. 8) BEWARE: the jewelry for sale in Rainmaker and labelled "Native Made by Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni craftsmen" may well be Native made but I believe it is made in a sweatshop in Gallup and IMO is made using reconstituted turquoise and inferior metals. Grossly overpriced for what you get, IMO. 9) Live entertainment: nonexistent. There may have been a band in the Council Oaks restaurant but that place was booked full weeks in advance. There is a concert venue separate from the main floors and concerts there carry a significant additional cost and seem to happen only occasionally. 10) Smoking: this is a smoking establishment. Smoking is permitted everywhere except for a relatively very small nonsmoking gaming floor tucked away upstairs. That being said, the air was pretty clear and I never found the smoke level especially objectionable. 11) Wheelchair friendly throughout as far as I could tell.

One of my favorite places to gamble! Huge selection of games, and I have won more here than anywhere else I play. 4 jackpots in the last year. I also think that the Unity rewards program is excellent. Lots of great offers and flexible ways to use your points.As for the rest of the resort, it's top notch. Great rooms, lots of great restaurants, nice pool area.

Second visit and it never disappoints. Friendly staff great music 24/7. The food is good, I really appreciate the small food court with food for everybody, but I have to say in my experience the room service is superb. The meatloaf with mashed potatoes were heavenly, also the grilled chicken sandwich was excellent. Hotel was packed and the food took less than the actual call to the desk. Prices were pretty good considering the awesome place and how full the hotel was.The Casino was exciting and extremely fun. Hotel is near malls and other places.We came for the Billy Joel concert and we also went to a Lighting game.If you conning to Tampa you just consider seriously book here.

We only go for day play. No overnights. Valet parking is ridiculously priced. $30. Large casino. Lots of machines. They pay decently. Clean. Very little smoke smell. Pleasantly crowded on weekdays.

Went to casino only.The smoking section for non smokers will choke you. The non smoking section on level 2 is small but better for your lungs.The week I visited, the news reported a couple winning and the criminals followed them home, robbed and shot them. Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings. This happens in my area as well.Overall, a very nice casino. Gorgeous inside.I ate at the HR cafe restaurant and the food was good.

Had a great time. Ate at the noodle bar, the hard rock Cafe, Rise, and also used room service. All were very good with reasonable prices. Casino had good variety of games. I won some and lost some but it was fun. Parking easy. Not so good were cigarette ashes on some consoles and the smell of cigarettes permeated the whole casino. Bring an eye shade if sharing a room. For some strange reason there are windows from the bathrooms that cast light into the bedroom at night whenever your roommate goes to the bathroom. Not cool in the early morning hours. Beds were comfortable and clean. Nice decor. I would recommend a stay.

Truly enjoy my first night at the hard rock within 30 seconds. I want $533. I was so happy staff are awesome. They greet you with a smile in their voice and with a calming affect. While providing excellent customer services and anything timely manner accommodate customers I lost my phone at one of the machines and a few employees assisted me as a disabled veteran, which was very nice and appreciate it. I will continue to go to the hard rock and play with my luck only because you guys are awesome. Staff assisting customers and making our day brighter *_*!!

Hard Rock is nice place to visit. Pool is smallish but seems nice. Plenty of slots to play and they have a special during the week during the height of the day for $5 Blackjack games (at least right now). It can be a little confusing to tell where smoking and non-smoking is and you can get a little lost with how much is actually in the building. Decent variety of eateries, but be aware that prices are a little high but understandably high. There's not really much in the area to go do something else. You have to go about 20-30 minutes away to get to other attractions. Overall great place to visit for a day of fun in Tampa.Center BarIf you go here for a visit and drink, ask for Dana K. What a delightful server! Not only was she genuinely nice, but wonderful to talk to, attentive to the table, and easy to understand (music overhead of the bar). You want a nice experience with a great smile and beyond friendly server, go find Dana K.

Just stopped in for a little gambling and to get something to eat. I was a little disappointed in the casino. First of all, it was way, way too hot inside. In fact, we left early just because of that. Secondly, they really need to address overflowing ashtrays and trash cans. I'm not sure what the issue was, but I've never seen anything like it inside a casino.We ate at the Rock n Raw and everything we ordered was fresh and delicious. The service was barely average. It wasn't really very busy and it really should have been better.Overall the experience was only fair and if I return, it will only be because it was a convenient location for us.

This is a great casino hotel resort. The rooms are well presented and the pool is great. The restaurant is brilliant and with the live band makes it a real experience whilst dining! The casino area is very accommodating especially good for high rollers. Extra shout out to Travis and his team who looks after us and makes sure we have a great stay!

The casino is a 10/10 absolute gamblers paradise! I was shocked by how big it was and how many games they have to offer. It wasn't until about an hour in that I even discovered the other side. I stayed all evening easily. One thing I will say is go with $$ to spend if you want to have a good time. The max bet on all of the machines seemed really high for what I'm used to. Overall it was a great time and I'd love to go back!

First valet parking charged $35 per day without tip. Second they don't clean your room unless it's requested (nasty). Third the casino is extremely dirty, hardly any drink service. Fourth the players card booth, employees were unhappy and it showed. Fifth hotel check in staff looked miserable.In conclusion; the slots pay nothing back just take and take. They did not even give us a fighting chance and we only play HL. Bell hops were pleasant, and the patrons were very friendly. Overall it might be a good casino to some but for me it was awful. Will never return, my entire party was unsatisfied. Good luck.

Kinda fan but HATE the pervasive smell of smoke. Our non smoking rooms in the WESTtower smelled of smoke. The hallways smelled of smoke. Also not a fan of dogs in the casino.We went to the pool one afternoon and loved it! Great service. DJ and the water was warm.I think this is the closest true casino for us but we’ll keep looking.

We only went to the casino and did not stay in the hotel. The overall experience was good since we did win a little. Large and plenty of machines and playing opportunities. The smoking area did have a strong odor, but we are non-smokers, so it was more noticeable to us. I recommend for a fun afternoon if you enjoy playing.

The rooms were very well kept except for this red stuff on the mirror that looked like blood it scared my kids so much that they couldn't sleep. The location was great they had a pool and a good proximity to Universal and a path. Overall, it was a very fun experience. I can't wait to go back next year!

I always enjoy my time at the Hard Rock. On this visit I would have to give a 4 star rating. I stayed M-W and I got the feeling my bread at the 2 restaurants were from Sunday. Plus the music at the pool was Monday music. Meaning it wasn't very good. Question for the fantastic Hard Rock management is, should Monday's and Tuesday's be just as fun and exciting as Fridays and Saturdays? I think it should. Thanks for listening

My wife and I came to stay here because my father lives in Florida. We thought the facilities were really nice and the food was really good as well. It was a clean environment, but we spent three days there and spent a ton of money and won nothing on slots. The only people that were winning were spending $50-$100 per bet. We loved everything else about the casino besides the gambling. It’s hard for anyone to enjoy a great time when you can’t win anything and you come from out of town. Hosts didn’t do much when we asked if we could get comped anything back, it seemed like a waste to have hosts if they can’t “help with your visit”.

Returned to play for a few weeks. Stayed off-site.I had an issue with security at one point because I pointed out that a security golf cart was driving the wrong way into oncoming traffic going down the ramp from the garage. I pointed this out to security and they told me they can drive wherever they want. They did not take my concern seriously. I've worked with law enforcement and this is not true. Security guards must obey traffic laws.On an unrelated note, bonuses paid from $0.75 to $1.76 spins resulted in too many $4.00 payouts. Slots are still extremely tight and rarely pay significantly. Highest payout I've received was less than $600 a single time. Only people who win large unit multiplied bonuses are people betting $50-$100 per spin. Then the casino only gives those wealthy players Spin to Win credits on certain nights to further fund players inequitably.I understand you want the wealthy to play, but word of mouth happens at penny slot pull players and word is spreading this is a money pit, not a casino. Great for an experience in Florida, but not for gamblers looking to fish for any meaningful jackpots over time.As a blue collar worker with a simple Star card, I felt like I was at a disadvantage both with staff and slots.Would love to receive an X card so I can see the change in attitude towards my concerns.

We have stayed at countless casino hotels and have never had one be so dirty. We are on a smokeless floor yet all our room smells like it's smoke. The ac doesn't work well so we wake up drenched in sweat. Maintenance says it works just fine. (The air blows cold just hardly blows) it's full of mold. Staff at check in wasn't the greatest. Second round and on our second day have been the best. Phone doesn't work in our room you have to use bathroom phone and press O and hope someone answers. We do understand we are at a casino however we have never stayed at one where the rooms weren't fresh and free of all smoke. This is a birthday trip ruined as now from the mold my face hurts so badly and just miserable! Also good luck with the shower it has one temperature burning hot. Tried to clean our daughter and what a nightmare! We did enjoy the pool but it's a wind tunnel! However loved it since it's so hot. Front desk staff has since offered to SWITCH me rooms ON MY LAST NIGHT and my birthday nonetheless. That’s a huge inconvenience. They told me to come down to front desk which I did and they then said someone would call within 10 minutes it’s been over 30 minutes so the review is going back up! I did delete last night at 2:45 after I had missed calls from a manager thinking the situation would be rectified. We haven’t told very inconsistent and incorrect things front desk and I’m really just irritated because all this should have been fixed the first night when I called down five different times.

For whatever reason the Saturday that I win seemed busier than usual. Not that that was a problem. I love the energy I love this casino very clean staff is always friendly and the games are always fun. The amenities are nice bathrooms are clean. Just a good weekend spot. Not sure when I'm going to go out there again but I'm sure it's not soon enough. Can't wait to go back.

This was a memorable experience! The hotel’s amenities are great for the price. The staff was accommodating and professional. I again, enjoyed the costume gallery featuring the biographies of the celebrities that wore them and who frequent this hotel and casino. The wealth of information entailing each guitar’s history on display was an added bonus. My absolute favorite time spent was at the spaaaaaaa! You have to spend a day there. The personalized service you receive is more than worth the expense!

I absolutely LOVE my visits to this casino and hotel!! This is an overall review as I have been here several times over the years and stayed in various rooms in all towers.OVERALL:This casino is designed beautifully - very modern with plenty of gambling available from slots to tables, lots of dining choices, and shopping. The casino floor is huge and there is also a smoke-free gambling area upstairs. Plenty of parking garages available as well as valet and over-size parking for big rigs or jacked up trucks/jeeps that can't make the clearance into the parking garage! This casino is equipped with three swimming pools (no jacuzzi), an outdoor bar & grill, and a gym.HOTEL:I would have to say that I prefer the East over the West tower. The rooms nicely furnished, well equipped with amenities, a comfy bed and quality towels! The restroom is spacious with his and her sinks and a gorgeous walk-in shower. Our views are always amazing as well.CASINO:I can't believe how huge the casino floor actually is! There are so many slot machines available and sometimes I prefer to go upstairs where there is no smoking allowed because it's less crowded. Also, if you're gambling in the high rollers area you are able to get free cocktails from the waitresses walking around.DINING:I have tried every restaurant at this casino and I have to say that Jubao is my absolute go-to!! They are open super late, and the line is long, but so worth it! If you are looking for much finer dining there are plenty of great options but make sure to make a dinner reservation.

I came to Hard Rock via a bus day trip from my community. I haven't been to a casino in 5 years. This experience was very different from my last trip.The casino was clean and flashy. Sounds, lighting, and large screens on "slot" machines make it all seem exciting, and it draws you in.You put cash bills in the machine. If you don't have cash, you can use an ATM or credit card. It's too easy to overspend if you don't have control.The machine conveniently keeps track of your wins and losses. If you're lucky enough to win any money, you cash out, and the machine spits out a slip to take to a cashier. Thankfully, there are lots of 1c machines. Be aware that the minimum bet ranges from 30c to a couple of dollars. Similar rules for 2c, 25c, and higher machines.Overall, we had a good time. Sadly, we didn't win, but we also didn't spend more than the maximum amount I planned. Which wasn't much. We walked around, ate, and looked in stores to pass some time.My only complaint was that people were smoking all around us. It was awful. I had no idea there was another side that was non-smoking. Signs would have been nice.

We stayed at the west wing of the hotel. For our anniversary, of course! I tell you these rooms were exceptionally well put together. The bathroom was a sight to believe. Experiencing this stay with my wife was unforgettable. Hopefully we can get to visit once again next year! Fingers 🤞

The hotel has a lot to offer(food, shopping, entertainment). My one issue was the amount of smoke you are subjected to just walking through the main portion of the hotel. We didn't put our clothes in the closet after going out, so our other clothes wouldn't get smelly. If they invested in smoke vents to pull the smoke out it would be the perfect hotel. Therefore, I deducted an overall star for the smoke.

Road trip to Tampa with my friend, who had time before a meeting, so checked it out.Huge venue. Very nice, clean. Many shops, places to eat + Tremendous amounts of Slot Machines. Other games to experience, as well, if u like to "try your luck"!🍀We enjoyed our short visit. Thank you!👍🙂

It's a great experience. Very nice scenery. Everyone is so pleasant. Venture out you will enjoy. We live in Tampa.We just went on a family outing to Seminole Hard Rock. Go you'll have a nice time. If you have some respiratory issues wear your mask to help with the smokey smell.

This hotel provided a wonderful stay. I had back surgery a few months ago and was having some residual pain during my trip, and the soaker tub was wonderful. The bed was the best I have encountered in any hotel. The food at the pool was so great—the chicken sandwich and waffle fries were wonderful!—and the service and security were excellent.I attended one of the Rod Stewart shows, and I was so impressed by the venue. We got in quick, and security was quick to handle the few issues I saw. I have attended literally hundreds of concerts, and this one was my favorite.The only negative for me was the smoke on the casino floor, but I get it. I just wanted to warn anyone who might be sensitive to it because it is overwhelming. That said, I have never been to a casino before this, so I had no experience.I wish I could have stayed longer but had to get home.

I ❤ this place too much.A lot of fun had a very good streak however, the last 2 visits I had to give back a little that's gambling. I visit on the average 3 times per month. Restaurants are great and employees very friendly and the entire complex is first rate and immaculate. 😎

I am a disabled Vietnam veteran and I regularly visit the Hard Rock I find the slots extremely relaxing and therapeutic. This place is consistently amazing. A seemingly endless selection of cutting edge slots as well as a huge selection of table games. Always clean, wide variety of eateries, rooms are immaculate and the staff is always welcoming and ready to help. I love it.

I drove past it everyday for years and finally stopped in for dinner at council oaks. The steak was excellent, it literally melts in your mouth. Spent some time in the casino and I can tell you they did a wonderful job turning this once convenience type store into a glamorous casino. It is a destination that you need to visit with live entertainment and a clean well thought out plan. To be honest I didn't think it would be so nice inside.

I had an incredible experience at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino! The rooms were absolutely amazing—spacious, modern, and impeccably clean with a vibe that made the stay unforgettable. The amenities were top-notch, and I especially loved the attention to detail in the decor.The staff truly made the experience exceptional. From the warm welcome at check-in to the attentive service throughout my stay, everyone went above and beyond to ensure I had everything I needed. Their professionalism and friendly demeanor made me feel like a VIP.I can’t recommend this place enough—whether you’re there for the casino, the entertainment, or just to relax, Hard Rock delivers on all fronts. I’ll definitely be returning!"

Ringing in New Year’s 2024 at Hard Rock Tampa was an unforgettable experience. The venue was alive with energy, perfectly capturing the excitement of the new year. Every detail, from the vibrant decor to the electrifying music, contributed to a festive atmosphere that was second to none. The staff went above and beyond to ensure everyone had a great time, providing exceptional service throughout the night. The food and drinks were top-notch, with a variety of options to satisfy all tastes. Celebrating New Year’s at Hard Rock Tampa was a truly spectacular start to 2024, leaving me with memories I’ll cherish forever. Highly recommended for anyone looking to celebrate in style!

We’ve lived in Tampa most of our lives and came to being our mother who turns 69 this week to experience the casino. She was recently diagnosed with dementia and we wanted to give her the experience of a lifetime. Unfortunately due to a rude, and abrasive waitress wanting us to order drinks from herself rather than the bartenders who were previously handling our tabs and making us feel at home we were caught in an uncomfortable situation causing our mother great anxiety. My brother in law who never even spoke to said waitress was brought into the situation and accused falsely of using profanity towards her. We were then treated like street trash and asked to leave the premises at no fault of our own whatsoever. Meanwhile the woman who created this incident was allowed to stay and enjoy the rest of her evening. We left in complete disbelief and have no plans to return to this establishment to spend our hard earned money. We are so very disappointed and have been patrons of the casino for many years. The unprofessionalism of the security staff literally left us absolutely stunned and traumatized. We do not plan to spend another dime here and suggest you hire some employees who actually listen to customers concerns instead of angry irrational waitresses and their false accusations so they can have “their tables” to make tips from customers already tipping other staff very well. We are so disappointed and quite frankly flabbergasted at the way we were treated.

Well this is a hum dinger!!!! Showing my age but to the younger folks it's a Definite Yes!!!! The L Bar is where it's at every day of the week!!!! Well I don't really know if it's everyday because I got here on Friday so I'm going to amend that to it's popping on the weekend DEFINITELY!!!!! The drinks were awesome and the service is good, music is a vibe (good mixture) Now the casino stayed jumping, very festive! The room was overlooking the pool so I did enjoy the view. I give the property a 10 out of 10!!!!! A must see

Hubs & I go often - we live just north of Orlando. We stay overnight sometimes, go for the afternoon or evening more often. The bartenders at Cipresso are fun & engaging, the food is always wonderful. (I do miss the Crab Alfredo, though.) Parking is never a problem, the only complaint I would have would be the air - or lack thereof - when entering from Winner’s Way garage. Sometimes we break a sweat on the way in & then it’s chilly down on the floor. Can we even that out a smidge? ;)

I went there on a weekday on my birthday. I had a 15$ off 25$ coupon through Unity rewards so I wanted to eat at the HR Cafe inside the Casino. I had to show my ID to people 3 times during my visit (to get my physical Unity card, at the cafe to take advantage of my discount and at the gift shop) and never once heard a ‘happy birthday’. The overall feeling I got from staff was superficial and like they didn’t really want to be there. Service at the cafe was prompt but rushed (bill came with dessert, not after). Food was good and made as ordered. After dinner I wanted to gamble for 20$ (I’m not into gambling) since it was my birthday, but seeing other people at the machines was depressing. So I just got a shirt for a family member and left. I’ve been to the Casino before, and this was the worst experience service and atmosphere wise I’ve had. Next time I’ll just go to the cafe inside Tampa International.

My family and I went here to visit the casino. we tried to hit it rich and retire but in the end we all ended up making donations. the main casino part is on the first floor but we spent our time on the second floor where is smoke-free. They had slots and table games. it qas cool to walk around and look at all the memorabilia. after making our donations, we had a drinks at the bar. I had an expresso martini. it was pretty good.

There is plenty of different things to do there. Food is great at all the different restaurants. The casino has many different slots and tables. The hotel was very clean and roomy. Also very quiet in the rooms. Casino is also close to alot of different attractions in Tampa, easy on and off the expressway. It's a great way to spend a get-away weekend.

Overall, amazing place. We couldn’t find a table where the minimum bet was less that $20 a hand so if you’re looking for lower wagers you’ll be disappointed. But the service was amazing. The food was amazing. I can honestly say the shrimp at the Hard Rock Cafe was some of the best I have ever had. And the burger was to die for. Overall, fantastic experience and other than the gambling wage requirements, this is a five star place all the way around.

Absolutely disgusting. Reeks of smoke on all of the first floor. It is all you could smell or taste. Would prefer not to eat in the restaurants near the casino because it smelled so nasty.Went to the second floor where there is a "smokeless" casino. There is a haze hanging over the entire floor that has filtered up from the first floor.You have to go back down from the "smokeless" casino and walk through the smoke filled casino to get to the Hard Rock Cafe. Even the hostess said you will be able to smell the smoke inside the restaurant. We asked for a table furthest from the casino entrance. We still sat under a haze of smoke, even to get to the restrooms! We chose the cheapest thing on the menu.....why buy a nice expensive meal to eat what tastes like ash? (Not from being overcooked.)Used the valet section to park. The escalators up and down to the valet area smell like cat urine. Strongly of cat urine.Please make this place smoke-free. Or work on your filtration system to get the horrible haze of smoke out. The majority of people don't want to deal with this.I am sorry I wasted any money here. I am here for a concert, and didn't buy a room at the discounted price. I will be forever grateful I missed that window. I would hate to find out what a smokeless room would smell like.I had an allotment of money to spend in the casino, but I don't want to give any more money to this place (after concert tickets and the cheapest dinner). I'm going to use the money to go buy some scratch off tickets anywhere else in Tampa.I am upset I couldn't walk around and look at the memorabilia because the hotel stunk so badly. My chest hurts from the smoke and I have a headache from the smell. I'm going somewhere else to spend the two hours before the concert. So disappointed.

Worst Casino I’ve ever been to Spent over 1000 and only hit two bonuses very little payouts we ate at rise, kitchen deli very terrible food. The chicken fingers taste like fish sticks And my steak sub tasted terrible as well very disappointed and they’re charging way too much for beers eight dollars apiece is ridiculous. Casinos in New York give you beer for free just so you gamble more and spend more money.

I feel like if I didn’t know how cool the other location was then it would be a five. The ambience is ok but the bars and service is good. Went up to check out the pool and grill area is pretty cool because the grill is actually out to where you can see them making the food to order. It is well kept and clean.

Haven’t been comped a room yet or Nothing so can’t speak on there room…. I got Message said I’m on a hot streak from them, which is why I’m writing this review or whatever this message is to or for ,but just lost 500$ and got only 10$ free play, and lost 300$ a week prior to that 😂 and got another 10$ free play I couldn’t use, because of the time frame it gave me to use it…wouldn’t call that a hot streak 😂😂…definitely fun place to go and friendly staff…wish gave a little more comps,for my losses but other than that no complaints! Will definitely be back soon!

The casino is a pretty nice looking one and the slots were diverse and had a good mix of old and new. But the minimum bet for blackjack tables in the middle of the day were mostly $50 tables; and only two $25 tables, which is kinda crazy. The bars were cool... some great vibes and great chill options. Beer on tap was reasonable $8-$10.. but for whiskey on the rocks it was like $15 for a single! Also valet is $30! For a casino taking money, u want $30 ... that's insane! Overall it was an ok place, but just expensive with tight machines. But I guess we have to live with it since it's the only casino within a 3 hr drive.

One of the cleanest and nicest casinos I've been to. Staff is very friendly and helpful. Very convenient location. Enormous selection of games, but limited odds regulation means plenty more losses than you'd find elsewhere. Still, a great place to have fun!

We drove by and stopped to play a little.It was fun. Nothing really wrong with it. My only complaint would be smoke rises. Putting the non-smoking section of a casino above the smoking section doesn't really help to much. But it was fun. We did enjoy ourselves.

Stayed overnight and the experience was great. We are FL residents so it was easy to drive there. The staff is very welcoming and the place is very clean. I am very picky when it comes to hotel rooms but this place was awesome. Beautiful king room and you could eat off the floor. Quiet and luxurious. Pool was clean and fun. Casino is nice unfortunately I ended up down over $4k. We ate at two of the restaurants and food and service were great. Drinks are a little high priced for a casino. Well worth the trip if you have never been.

It was honestly such an amazing experience, we were hesitant as our stay at the hard rock in Orlando was underwhelming and we were disappointed but the hard rock in Tampa is somewhere we have already made plans to return to! We were upgraded to a gold suite which was so kind of them, I’m not sure why we were upgraded but this trip was particularly special to us for personal reasons and that was such a nice surprise! The room service was awesome, the security at our elevators were awesome, check in was a breeze, slots of course were fun and the Hard Rock Cafe was ok. Overall, 10 out of 10! Thank you!

We had so much fun here. Seen a man win a $97 thousand dollar jackpot. Now that's what I'm talking about!!! Easy parking garage to navigate. The walkability of the casino layout was super easy. No wait time for games, plenty of slots, tables and electronic roulette & craps tables. Just go to have fun, if you win it's a bonus.

Nice casino. Drinks should be FREE.Waitress would get better tips. And people gamble more with a buzz. Look it up. It's proven.Very smoky. I had no idea people still smoked stupid cigarettes.It's like living in an ash trey.

I ate at the pool side bar and it was amazing. It feels like you are on vacation on a cruise. Their long islands are not that amazing ; however, their club sandwich is massive and delicious along with the fries and grouper bites. Great location for a little get away.

This was my first limited experience visiting the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. From what I was able to enjoy I found interesting. There's several pieces of art and photos of celebrities that I assume previously stayed or played at the casino. Some I immediately recognized and others maybe not so much, but that's cool. I noticed several shops and eating options; sorry I didn't partake so I can't really address. I was working on a tight play window and therefore I was busy getting my game on. To get started I stopped by one of their three player club counters - genius idea by the way! This helped to reduce wait time for new patrons who wish to set up new player accounts or get information about upcoming events and so forth. The casino has a very large single level slots play area divided into two sections; smoking and non-smoking. My only disappointment is that it felt as if the smoking section was the larger of the two with seemingly the majority of the newer gaming machines. And because I don't smoke or enjoy being around the fumes I found myself not playing as long as I would have liked. Poker is my jam anyway! Again due to limited time, I didn't play any poker on this trip, but I was pleased to see there was also a large poker room on the lower level. Maybe next time I'll have longer to stay and play. But all in all I enjoyed the experience.

Gambling is great and fun. Drink service is very good 👍, but the music is just TOO LOUD. And mostly out of date decor and music too. Soft Rock and/or modern Country would greatly be appreciated during the daytime hours. LOVE the Gelato stand out front.

Everything was nice and made for a great night of sleeping well. The only reason the rooms got a 4 instead of a 5 is because there was a strong odor coming from the bathroom. I think it was either a strong ammonia or a drain cleaner. Room service was very simple, just fill out the card and leave it outside your room by 2am and pick your delivery time. They were very prompt with delivery and the food was great, the coffee was wonderful. They did a great job putting together all the extras you might want, such as jelly and butters, sugars and creams. It was way more food than you would expect. They were generous with all the portions. Highly recommend the convenience and quality of breakfast served in your room. Enjoy!

4.3

(52475)

3.5

(2755)

5223 Orient Rd, Tampa, FL 33610, USA

+25 other lists

It was a hot summer day, so we took the kids to the zoo! Everything went well, but one observation was that some of the animals were not out, and the kids did not get to see them and experience them. The water activities kept the kids cool and refreshed as we walked around, and the rides were easily accessible (no major lines or wait times). We got the yearly pass for less than the day pass, so we will be going more often for sure!

Loved this zoo!! Well kept/ maintained/ organized! Such a large assortment of animals. Bought the one day ticket that is good for free entry for the rest of the year, so I will be back! Highly recommend. Skip the restaurant, though, high prices, not the best food, and they overcharged us for 3 drinks/ sodas when we only ordered 2. Didn't realize until we got home, and they were $6 each.Great gift shop!

It was a well maintained place. We came when most kids went back to school so it was pretty empty so we could see everything pretty fast. I highly recommend coming to visit. It has a nice water fountain for anyone to cool off so I recommend wearing a swimsuit or fast drying clothing. Overall my experience was awesome. One thing I kind of was sad was most of the animals couldn’t be seen. Maybe they were hiding from the heat or something else. The Zoo was nice, and clean. Would totally recommend!!

This place was a lot of fun. They have a lot of neat exhibits in there are very interesting animals there. I also really like the Safari ride. It's not as big as a Busch gardens, but it's still very nice suit to visit. It is also very family friendly for young kids.

Great zoo! Fun for the kiddos! They have a big Mary go round with authentic animals to ride, a solid playground and even a splash park 👍. We always enjoy taking a family day trip here. The yearly passes are super easy and absolutely worth it if you have kids and plan to go more than a few times per year. This last trip was Halloween nights. All the characters were on point, very fun and family friendly. We had a great time!

We love this zoo. My daughter started watching their show on Disney and became obsessed with the African "Panda" dog, aka African painted dog. We did a road trip just to visit the dogs. Now, we have been back multiple times. The park has a perfect combination of animals and extra fun kid activities. The Manatee exhibit is my personal favorite. There are so many cool ways to see them up close and realize how much personality those manatees have. Seeing a Florida Panther up close was also neat. The carousel, safari ride, face painting, and log flume ride all break up the day to add an extra layer of fun. My daughter got one of their junior zookeeper vests and wears it constantly. Overall, we had a really good experience at this zoo and have already come back and plan to go more. My only negative is that the lunch options are not very healthy. We ended up doing pizza the first visit, and it was very greasy. That is where I could see room for improvement.

Engaging zoo with clever placement of spray pads to keep you cool. Was hoping for more animals in a zoo of this size, and a better flow of traffic.Appreciated all the different flora and fauna. Everyone was so helpful and friendly. Strongly recommend the reusable beverage cups! We really enjoyed our trip

We had a blast at this place. My boys were mesmerized by the the range of animals. Mommy, Daddy, and Auntie enjoyed the numerous beverages carts around the zoo. I give this place 5 stars but many of the animals were inside due to the chilly weather. Not the Zoo's fault but we didn't see the whole park. It's still deserves 5 stars based off what we saw.

Absolutely loved it here. Great experience and was well worth the money. You can spend many hours here. We spent about 3 hours here. Tons of different animals here and you can tell the zookeepers love their jobs and the animals. They have many backstage experiences as well for an additional cost. Tons of different shows to go see as well in the different regions of the world. Tons of food and beverage spots around the park so if you are in need of something they have it. Parking is free and overall we had a great time here!

The entrance fee was quite pricey - right around $45. The grounds were nicely maintained, and the staff were extremely helpful and pleasant. Had wonderful service from Ryan at the gift shop where we picked up our electric carts for the day. They were also prepared to store our walkers for us in a secure area and were very quick to retrieve them when we arrived back. Food prices were more reasonable than I anticipated, I suggest purchasing their refillable beverage cups when you get there - you can skip the lines and refill the cup as often as you like with soda or icees.

We got a membership a few months ago and have been four times. It is small enough to see everything, but big enough to have some very cool animals. I love the talks they give about being good stewards of our incredible animals and their efforts towards conservation. When we lived here 25 years ago, my little ones loved going, and now taking them as adults is just as much fun.

Visited a few times in different years, and it's always a great experience. The animals are well cared for, and their conservation is very extensive and impressionable. My son loves seeing the animals, the staff are always on hand for questions and the food on site is really good 👍 will be going here again for years to come no doubt.

Super expensive, but all of the attractions are included with the price of admission (carousel, safari tour, ect). We went on a Tuesday in October so most kids were in school, and it was much more enjoyable since it wasn't packed! The zoo was much larger than expected! We were there for about 4 hours and still missed the Africa section. Also, the food and beer selection across the park was fantastic!

The personnel were very nice and ready to assist if needed. They do offer strollers, wheelchairs and scooters for rent. The animals there appear healthy and it was clean. They have a lot of food, snack and drink booths throughout the park. There's a carousel, but adults aren't permitted to ride the animals on it. There's a small flume ride and a 30 minute "safari" in a comfortable vehicle. Unfortunately, a lot of animals were unavailable due to either construction or ??? No hyenas, no gorillas, no chimps, no camels, no tigers, no lions. The habitats appear small, but they're clean. Things are expensive. All animal encounters are only available for separate payments. I'm bummed that there wasn't more to do. I will say that for the price of two tickets, we now get to come and go until the end of 2024, yes 2024, for no extra cost, so that's nice and hopefully they'll improve. Also, word has it that they're talkin about destroying the clam shell that's been there forever to make way for more parking...I really hope they don't.

Such a nice zoo with so many interesting animals! My boys just loved the zoo and all it had to offer. The whole family really enjoyed the Macaw exhibition as soon as we entered the main entrance. The fly overs were amazing to watch! The manatee viewing areas were amazing and were the highlight of our trip to the zoo!!! Tampa City Pass made for an easy entry into the park with no wait lines at all! Highly recommend for a fun family day out.

We had so much fun at this zoo. Checking in I didn't buy tickets ahead of time and I am thankful I didn't. The assistant was friendly and helped me understand that it was cheaper to get a zoo membership than it was to pay for 2 adults and a 4 year old. Now I have a membership that gets me into select zoos and aquariums all over the US at a discount price, plus a discount when buying stuff inside the zoos and aquariums like the gift shop and pictures. We took other reviewers recommendations and went straight to the safari ride so we wouldn't wait in long lines. Definitely a good idea we had to wait two rotations, the vehicle seats quite a lot of people. I always visit zoos when on vacation, so I didn't do much research about this one. I was pleasantly surprised that there is a water ride, which is included in your ticket to get into the zoo. We where racing a storm on our visit. There is a large splash pad area that my 4 year old didn't get to play in. If there is a storm in the area FL shuts down water rides and splash areas. All the animals look well cared for and have nice enclosures with plenty of enrichment. I kept commenting how thought out the zoo was, there is plenty of shade built over the paths and trees for shady areas. We where there early in the morning and most animals where visable, your always going to have some hiding. Which is good that they have the choice to hide from the heat and hustle and bustle of human chaos. I definitely recommend taking this adventure, it took us about 3 hours and its a beautiful zoo. More time could of been spent if the storm wasn't approaching.

This Zoo has some of the best natural habitats for their animals that we've seen. The staff is also great. The safari is worth the wait as well. We spent most of the day here and still didn't make all of the exhibits. The manatees are great to see up close. The water ride was such a blast for the kids that they went twice! We can't wait to come back again soon.

Great zoo experienceUserCreate a 25-line review, talking about the excellent experience at the Tampa Zoo, variety of animals, attractions, quality, affordable price, environment, family program, great experience, parking, security and recommend it to everyone.ChatGPTTampa Zoo Review: A Great Experience for the Whole FamilyI recently had the pleasure of visiting the Tampa Zoo and was blown away by my experience. This zoo offers an incredible variety of animals and attractions that captivate people of all ages.Upon entry, I was greeted by friendly and helpful staff who gave me information about the different areas of the zoo. The variety of animals present is impressive - from the majestic African elephants to the adorable meerkats, there is something for everyone.One of the things that most impressed me was the quality of the facilities. The animal enclosures are spacious and well maintained, providing a natural environment for the animals to live. In addition, the zoo offers regular lectures and demonstrations, where you can learn more about the animals' habits and behaviors.A positive point that I must highlight is the affordable price of the ticket. Compared to other zoos, the amount charged is very reasonable, especially considering the quality of the experience offered. The zoo also offers discount options for families and groups, which makes visiting even more affordable.The zoo environment is very pleasant. There are shaded areas to rest and many food options, from quick snacks to full meals. The well-signposted trails and lush vegetation make the ride even more enjoyable, providing a sense of immersion in nature.Another highlight is the program for families. The zoo offers interactive activities, such as feeding animals and encounters with caretakers, which make a visit even more memorable for children. There is also a children's play area with games and toys to keep the little ones entertained.The parking issue was also resolved. There is ample space available, with many vacancies, which makes it very easy for visitors. In addition, security is taken seriously, with staff and surveillance cameras ensuring a safe environment for everyone.In summary, my visit to the Tampa Zoo was an excellent experience. The variety of animals, the interactive attractions, the quality of the facilities, the affordable price, the pleasant environment, the program for families, parking and security were aspects that impressed me positively. I recommend this zoo to anyone looking for an educational and fun experience for the whole family.

I visited ZooTampa at Lowry Park back in 2021. The place is very big, so I suggest you give yourself some time to explore. I really enjoyed their selection of birds. The monkey exhibit is really cute. You can watch them swing around on ropes and climb towers. If you like hands on experiences- there is an area where the birds are very friendly and sometimes they come so close that they touch you, for myself it was a very pleasant experience. I definitely recommend this Zoo.

This zoo is so good we originally went for the day but decided to get a yearly membership. Definitely worth joining, plus 50% of other zoos and aquariums that take part in it. Animals are in habitats that resemble their natural habitat. What an awesome experience to say the least. Go online and plan out your day by feeding the giraffes, or doing one of the other activities with an animal. A kid area with rides, and games for them to play for an additional cost. Also don't forget to ride the safari truck that explains about the different African animals in that area of the zoo. I highly recommend stopping by and checking out what it has to offer.

Went for creatures of the night. Great experience for our 3 yr old great granddaughter. Not to scary. Actors were very considerate to the little ones and did not scare or chase them, but they did the older kids.

My son had such an amazing time here. He was able to see his favorite animals and more. We had a really good time. The pictures they take of the family are a really fun memory to have.

Beautiful, well-kept zoo with happy, healthy animals. You could easily come back every day in a week and see something different. When I visited in January their special exhibit was animatronic dinosaurs. I am a Dino freak so this made me very happy! That was just an added bonus, but a good one.I'm also a birder so seeing all the lorikeets, flamingos, pelicans and more up close was a real treat.

I quite liked this zoo. It was very busy but the crowds seemed to flow nicely. Parking was free but took a while to find a spot. More food options inside the park would be nice, even snack carts here and there could work out. Most of the animals seemed happy and well looked after. The tiger seemed quite stressed out, pacing back and forth in a habitat far too small for it so thay was kind of sad. The special limited dinosaur exhibit was neat, had a small wait to get in as to keep people sort of spaced out once inside.

Really really fun and educational. It's been a long time since I've been to "the zoo" and I'm so happy I went to ZooTampa at Lowry Park recently. This place is a full-blown theme park with an incredible amount of animals, activities and education if you're looking for it. We saw some amazing things and I am very content with our day long trip. That said, I got us annual passes and can't wait to go back!

Me and my family had a blast here. Loved being able to see all the different types of animals. The prehistoric predators exhibit was amazing too. Great price for everything that’s included. Only thing that I didn’t like was the adults who were drunk and being loud and saying stuff that shouldn’t be said in front of children.

Had a great day at the zoo with my wife and 22 month old. There were lots of cool animals to see. It's a nice zoo as well. Very well kept up with. The splash pad was a big hit with my son as well. Great way to cool off in the Florida heat. I recommend going.

We had a great day at the zoo today! They've added so many new things since the last time I went. The new water ride is really fun. Aunt a great reprieve from the heat. This Zoo just keeps getting better. The kids think it's great and so do we.

A fantastic zoo. Went without researching (on purpose). I Wasn't expecting a water ride or all the water fountain places to get wet and cool off. Recommend wearing a bathing suit and bringing towels to enjoy it all. Also, most of the feedings were already booked up by an hour of being at the park after opening, so I also recommend booking any animal interactions (feedings, etc) prior to visiting! Overall, a great zoo and we will plan accordingly next time, to enjoy all they have to offer.

You know it’s a great zoo when all the animals were thriving and active throughout our entire time at the zoo. It was quite empty when we went, but it was perfect, not too crowded great visibility on all the animals. Got to see a Macaw training session too!Highly recommend! The ticket was also quite affordable, we bought it at the gate and they had a deal for returning to the zoo throughout 2024.

Very impressed. Great layout. All the animals were active. Love the new addition of Australia.This zoo has it all. Animals, shows, and rides! Rides are geared mainly for the littles, but we had a blast watching them have so much fun. It's definitely a must do when visiting Tampa. There are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat and bars scattered across the zoo.

My kids and I had a great time visiting here. We enjoyed seeing the different animals that we haven’t seen before and learning about the manatee rescue.Whoever decided to put rides and water features in the zoo is a genius!! I felt like there was a lot of shade as we were going through and the fans helped cool us down as well.I docked a star bc there seemed to be a lot closed…rides, restaurants, stores, etc. It also smelled really bad by the orangutans…not sure if there was something going on or if that is normal.

Really enjoyed this Park, the animals looked well cared for with nice areas built to enclose them more naturally for many. The elephants were easily viewed on a little free safari included with admission. The rides were a nice plus especially the water ride. Splash pads and misters really helped with the heat, we lasted all day with a 7 yr old in late June around 87 out. Wendy’s Frosty stand was refreshing. Water was a bit pricey but other than that all perfect experiences, including interaction with staff.

A very nice zoo with lots of species. Areas are well-marked and the exhibits are laid out so that you do no wandering and searching like I've done at other zoos. Only 4 stars because a number of enclosures are needing work. (No water in hippo, enclosure, water features in other enclosures no running.) Feb 20 and there were lots of elementary school children swarming from enclosure to enclosure but otherwise, it was surprisingly uncrowded. A few food spots were closed making me suspect this is the slow season. I thought the food was reasonably-priced. Entry fee was on par with other zoos.Is it better than that other Tampa place that has roller coasters and animals? I depends on what you want. I am not big on thrill rides and love animals so I would choose Zoo Tampa. The other place is more of a walk along the back of the park safari path and is cool too. If I had to choose one I would choose Zoo Tampa. If my family had to choose one it would go with the thrill ride park.

This is a nice zoo. I’ve never seen koalas up close like that before. There are a few rides that are free. A carousel and a small kid friendly roller coaster. It’s manageable to see the zoo in 2.5-3.5 hours depending on the age of kids you have. The Asia area and Africa area have nice details that make it feel authentic. Staff were very nice.

So many animals to see! Definitely so worth it but do pick a good day, it can get hot. They do have water mist stations throughout the zoo where you can cool down though. Desserts and food there as well, ofc just be ready to pay a little more than you would outside. Reg drink or bottle of water is what $4-5. Inside you’ll pay double that. Otherwise everything else is amazing. We even got our pictures printed out and shared to us.

We had a blast here. Being able to walk into a place where you can join the birds was an experience. Please do not pass up the chance to see the flying macaw birds. The animals were all out!If you can make it before April, they have a great dinosaur exhibit.Brace yourself, it is expensive. The food, however, was very good. The portions were generous.The cost for a family of 4 was just shy of $200 for tickets, so for a bit more, we went ahead and grabbed season tickets.

We had a really nice day at the zoo today. They have a lot of nice exhibits, experiences and even rides! The tickets were approximately $49 per adult, which seemed reasonable. It took us a little over 4 hours to get through everything and that included waiting 30 minutes for the safari ride. I recommend getting there when they open because parking is limited.

My daughter had a blast there. We went on a field trip. The workers done seem the nicest. But it didn't stop us from having fun. My daughter got her face painted. The lady that painted her face was pretty friendly. And she did a wonderful job. There's even a little splash pad for the kids.

Such a great zoo! My 1st time coming, we will definitely be back with our 1 yr old son.I attached a couple pictures of the line we waited in. How long it went so fast...we were probably only in line for about 5 minutes.🙂 There were approximately 40 people ahead of us when we 1st got in line.(*In The Giftshop*) Motorized-buggies available to rent $40, regular wheelchair $14All the workers were great and the bathrooms were THE CLEANEST I'VE EVER SEEN, clearly That is a High Priority at this zoo! I Love That!!

This is a lovely zoo!We were able to leave our luggage at the front desk. The safari ride, for no extra cost, was a fun experience. Everyone who works here was super friendly and helpful. They had a good variety of animals. The zoo is quite shaded with misting stations, too. They also have dietary restriction friendly options. While the price is high, they're running a promotion so you can get in as many times as you'd like through 2024 for the price of one ticket.

Absolutely gorgeous zoo. Most of the animal exhibits are very large and well created for the animals. Great layout. Lots of unique animals with great descriptions at the exhibit. I would highly recommend. The only issue we faced was finding parking. We arrived late on a Thursday morning and it took more than 20 minutes to find a parking space

Was a fun day trip. We have been talking about going for awhile, and now we are talking about heading back. The Zoo is clean, enjoyable, well laid out and the amenities are perfect. Fans and misters for hot days, lots of beverage and food options, and of course fun gift shops.The staff were friendly, knowledgeable and seemed to actually enjoy their time there. Great family trip or just two adults like us looking for something fun to do.

The safari adventure is a must do part of the zoo, I recommend going straight to it when you get into the park to avoid a long line, you get to see some animals you can't see from anywhere else in the zoo, and different angles and occasionally closer views of the African animals. During the summer I would definitely get there early to beat the heat but there are plenty of fans, misters, and even a water ride to help cool you off. Overall really great experience with plenty of animals and if you have kids there's lots of activities and rides for them to enjoy besides just the animals

4.6

(24827)

4.5

(4113)

1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33604, USA

24 lists

It's closed to the public now. All the signs are down. Pretty area a walk / bike path goes along one of the sides of the property but all you can see is what I posted in these pics.

Glad to hear they are closed. I hope it stays that way. I wouldn't recommend taking your kids to a place like this. Cedar Point kings island Disneyland and any of the above would be a much better idea. After watching a movie series This place put a bad taste in my mouth And I would never take my children anywhere near this place. You know Carol knows best for the whole United States. Lmfao what a joke..... Don't Waste your hard earn money or your time.

The closing of this park is good. Even if they were rescuing animals, they are living in way too small enclosures, from what I've seen on photos and videos. I hope the animals have a better place in the future.

We had Kristen, Bridget, and Jeff as our guides. They were very friendly and made the experience educational yet enjoyable. They answered questions honestly and if they did not know the answer they did not pretend. As a whole Big Cat Rescue is so worth the money. You get a guided tour where you have a device and a fresh ear phone. When you pass by a rescue cat the guide will play a story through your ear phone so you understand what happened to and why the cat is now in a sanctuary. All of the habitats are large and truly enjoyable for the cats. This truly was an amazing experience that will touch your heart. They had said at the very end that if you call and read off the script (pictured) it is worth 100 signatures on a petition.

never been, but the fact they made the decision to close in order to protect their big cats is remarkable. it genuinely angers me seeing people get frustrated with such a decision, knowing they only care for the amusement park type aspect to it. probably the same people who didn’t wear masks or spread Covid due to no precautions. thank you for protecting lovable and deserving creatures, everybody on the team is definitely selfless and hard working people :,) <3

Here me out, I have never been to Big Cat Rescue for a lot of good reasons, I will list my top three...1. Their donations aren't for the cats. It's about the money, if they were spending it on the cats, the enclosures would look bigger and there would be more foliage and possibly more land. The sanctuary looks like it hasn't been redone in about 20/30 years.2. They promote cub petting. Which is a cruel act against the cubs especially the mother. I understand if it's a smaller species of cat like a lynx or a caracal. But not cubs, especially tiger cubs who depend on their for at least a year or two.3. For the people that have visited this sanctuary, if you want the better for the animals, stop visiting Big Cat Rescue and go to an actual zoo that takes care of their animals or visit one of the wolf sanctuaries in California, who are struggling financially and the state trying to take away their land. Visit Clearwater aquarium or Jacksonville zoo who rehabilitate animals and properly release them in the wildThat's all for my review

Extremely disrespectful people! Responses to bad reviews such as "I fear for your children" and "reconsider your life choices" are outrageous! Not everybody is going to enjoy visiting your establishment.. Learn some manners and common decency.Edit.. in response to your reply; I think you have proven my point beautifully!You have no guest list, if you did you'd see that I am on it.

Went on the keeper tour. We loved it and the work they have put into the rescue center is amazing. Staff are great and very knowledgeable. The 2 hour tour may have been a little long on my 10 year old, but the 12 year old loved it. For 2 hours it may be a little expensive but I think it's well worth it.

This is a great place for wild cats sanctuary. They really do take care of their wild cats that have been abused. Whether they were former circus performers, from people who think they can raise tigers, lions in their home then have gotten too wild or people breeding them illegally for private sales. These cats are well take care of here and can live out their lives in peace without abuse.

Shout out to CB. Passing thru your area, was hoping to meet you but looks like you’re closed. Can you recommend a good cut of meat at the Smokey Bones BBQ joint next door to your establishment? Smells really good.

From research and experience, very bad place. Replies to these reviews are repetitive and down right ignorant. I do not need to visit this place when I have interent access that gives me photos and proof on the life of these animals.Animals are in small spaces and need a bigger enviroment as well as different indoor and outdoor enclosures in order to give them their proper needs. The small cages for feeding are not acceptable and do not give the animals proper enrichment, they need to have dead animal body parts scattered round and possibly even different animal scents in order to give them the proper wild experience they lack.The cages as I said before need to be larger and they need an indoor enclosure as well that can keep them out of the rain and harsh weathers, America suffers from tornadoes and earthquakes so assuring there safety during those times building a shelter that can protect them would be helpful as well as give them another place to hide away from the people that visit your "rescue".You can be hands off with them and still go into their cages to give them everything they need and even if i was to watch your own spin off of tiger king on netflix i ensure i could point out so many wrongs in it. If you want to give them the best life up to death than please do it properly.And if the big cat that has seizures from loud sounds like helicopters is still alive, i would highly suggest building a sound proof indoor enclosure for them so if you hear a helicopter approaching it has a place to go to that will avoid this issue.And also please pay the people that work for you, they take time out of their day to do a job and get no pay for it and needs to be sorted out, if you was doing that in the UK you would be shut down for abusing employees.If your gonna copy paste your response like you did with everyone elses, dont bother responding. Just take what i say in consideration.

Do take your self, friends, family to this wonderful Rescue. You will learn so much about how these cats got there, through no fault of their own and cannot be returned to the wild. Most came from horrible places.Take the feeding tour..much value here and your money goes to help sustain these magnificent creatures who need our support.No where can you get so close and the cats are happy and healthy, they even have a vacation area to run and enjoy. Tigers have a portion of the lake to enjoy safely. Much thought went into this habitat for the cats. Become a supporter. This is a wonderful experience.

I loved visiting this place and I love going back when I'm in Tampa. This is not a zoo but a place for felines who can no longer live in the wild. You will meet cats that used to be mistreated or were rejected by zoos because of their age/health. The only way to visit is with a guided tour where they will tell you the story of every feline living in the rescue. I loved how they have big areas to play and run. The volunteers do an amazing job here, they're very informative, and the cats look very happy. At the end of the tour, you can go visit the store. There is also an area where you can adopt one of the cats.

Big Cat Rescue is really great! They do amazing work there caring for big cats that would otherwise not have a safe place to live out their days. They are not a zoo, but an actual rescue. The cats always come first. Highly recommend a visit. You'll learn a lot.

Absolutely wonderful place that rescues big cats from bad situations and gives them a safe habitat and care. Such an amazing experience!!!! I would highly recomend visiting Big Cat Rescue. It was very clean. The cats looked and acted very well cared for. The guide Jennie was very informative and really sweet. Elizabeth the volunteer was a total sweet heart too. Everyone was great. Such an amazing experience!

I don't know if I have the words for how much I love this place and what they do for these cats' lives who have (with a few exceptions) been rescued from horrible conditions. These cats have huge enclosures and the cats who choose to do so take turns going on "vacation" in even larger enclosures. The bigger cats vacation enclosure is 2.5 acres! You can watch the big cats' vacation enclosure 24/7 on explore dot org. Some people only see a small part of a cat's enclosure and think the enclosure is small. If it looks small, they went through a door or tunnel from a much larger area. The cats get enrichment (different sprays or spices on toys and treats) to help keep them from getting bored since they should be living in the wild instead of in cages. Because of the amazing care they receive, many of these cats live into their 20's when they would only live to be 10-12 in the wild. The cats couldn't be more spoiled or loved by the staff, keepers, and interns who go through very extensive training and are all really knowledgeable. The tours are awesome and given by volunteers so every bit of the money goes towards the care of the cats. BCR does so much to fight for big cats' rights, end the abuse, and would actually love to go out of business! They know big cats should not be in captivity and provide the best possible care and the most love for their cats who were born into captivity and therefore can never go free.

Truly amazing rescue. when the guides talk about each cat you can hear the sympathy in their voices and see the passion in their eyes. As happy as it was to see these animals happy, safe and VERY well fed, its still emotional hearing about where they came from and how many cats are still out there not receiving the care they need. We had a great guide named Tonya. She was very knowledgeable, very personable and cool as hell. She volunteers there most days out of the week. Shes there to make a difference, not for a paycheck. Everyone there is a special type of person. Also. They are working to get a big cat public safety act hr 1380 passed. You should call your local rep and tell them you support the act!

Big Cat Rescue is a huge favorite of mine. I went once eight years ago and returned this year for my birthday. They take such great care of all of the cats and the tour guides know every single one's story. Their mission is noble and the education they provide is top notch. Being able to see these cats relaxed and peaceful is an amazing experience that everyone should get to have.

4.7

(1526)

4.5

(2225)

12802 Easy St, Tampa, FL 33625, USA

+63 other lists

4.0

(3106)

Tampa, FL, USA

+103 other lists

The Tampa Aquarium has really upped their game, having been many years since we last visited.Great galleries covering just about every kind of fish and living creature in and around the Gulf.Never have seen so many people there at once, plenty of room and did not feel crowded. Bathrooms were clean, as was the entire building.Parking can be a bit difficult, best to park in the ramp across the street and walk a few 100 feet.We had a wonderful time and will visit again soon.

Probably one of the most organized aquariums I’ve been too! A few hours is all you need. There is a splash pad for kids, a touch tank and many cool and unique are pieces though the exhibits. Not overly crowded, but maneuvered my way around the people

Was blown away! Traveling from Seattle we had a lot of kill time after ending our cruise and, what’s more convenient than a aquarium right next door?! We took the opportunity to visit this aquarium with a huge chance to kill many hours before our flight and we had a good 3-4 hours of picture taking, and walking around to cover. They even had a full food court to enjoy lunch. We arrived at opening with 5 pieces of luggage and they even have a system to leave your belongings (at no cost)for those who have that concern of being stuck with luggage like we were. The place is nice cooled for us non-Florida folk, good gracious you people got it hot!From sharks to rays, and eels to 🐧 penguins this place had it. I saw various species of fish and mammals and even got to feel jellyfish and sting rays!Seattle is known to have a nice aquarium, but it doesn’t even scratch the surface of the Florida aquarium! This is a great opportunity for anyone to go and visit. It’s a gem!

What a lovely experience! We enjoyed a nice lunch at the Cafe with a cool craft beer. Then off to visit the exhibits, which were filled with a wonderful variety of species. We thoroughly enjoyed the natural Florida mangrove section.We finished the day by checking out the gift shop and getting some souvenirs.All in all a nice way to spend an afternoon.Parking is a bit of a walk, but safe sidewalk access to and from.

Clean, not too busy but we were there Tuesday at 1:00. Didn’t know there was a parking garage as we visited on a whim and paid valet - it was only $20 for 3 hours. Clean facilities, fun interactive features for all ages. The cafe was reasonable priced and good food! We spent about 3 hours total and would definitely go again!

Wow what an aquarium. We spent 3 hours there and really enjoyed all the exhibits they have. I enjoyed seeing the Lemurs and learning about the many varieties of Jellyfish. My husband enjoyed the Otters and we both enjoyed seeing the sharks and the schools of fish swimming in a circle. There is a water feature for kids to play in as well as a place to catch lunch along with a well stocked gift shop. It's a bit pricey but young kids will love the exhibits and the hands on stations throughout the aquarium.

Awesome experience at the aquarium! Great for young children. I would recommend that you purchase the annual pass if your a local. After paying for parking and tickets it’s only 20 dollars more to become an annual member. With the annual membership you get free parking. You have to purchase your membership before you come and register your car so you can take advantage of the free parking. Facility is very well maintained with a splash zone for kids and lots of hands on exhibits.

I was blown away by this aquarium! We spent about 4 hours here, which was so unexpected. I’ve been to the Georgia Aquarium (which has huge exhibits and shows) more times than I could count and I loved this one just as much. It’s very unique and there is just so much to see! We were also really impressed with the people who worked there. If you have small kids, be sure to pack a bathing suit and/or a change of clothes. There is a nice outdoor splash pad that we had no idea about!

Awesome day spent at the Florida Aquarium. There are lots of different things to see and look at. I definitely recommend getting the membership if you have small kiddos. They offer military discount. They have a great outdoor splash pad area. There is also a bar outdoors that offers lemonades, water and alcohol. There is an indoor restaurant area that you can order food at.

One of the best aquarium experiences I have ever had. So many exhibits and species to see! The Madagascar exhibit is amazing with the open air birds and fish all together in one dome! I was blown away by the reef tank as well 500'000 gallons! Definitely a must see when in or near Tampa! Use the website to buy tickets it's cheaper!

I've never been so jealous of not being a fish or porpoise. The entire establishment is expertly clean and meticulous on presentation. The care for the animals is paramount, and it shows. My family and I enjoyed every moment of the day at the aquarium. The pictures we took came out incredible. This aquarium is a shining example of how to care and run a successful and sustainable business, equally beneficial to its inhabitants and patrons.

Planned a trip up to Tampa to check out this aquarium and it was absolutely wonderful.We entered the lobby and there was a staff member by the map who answered all our questions.While we were in the lobby, they brought four African penguins through the lobby on a little show and tell. It was delightful. The waddled through and were so curious! One of the days many highlights.I really enjoyed the pace of the exhibits; they were spaced perfectly for us to leisurely stroll through and stop when we wanted to investigate something further. Another thing I really appreciated was how the exhibits flowed into one another. I never had to look at a map and we saw everything. It took us about 4 hours (2 adults, no kids). We finished with lunch from the cafe, which was also great!Something I noticed - there were always lots of staff around, helping with just about everything and answering questions, which was great.Overall it was a wonderful experience. Definitely recommend.

The Florida Aquarium is beautiful. There is such a wide variety of wildlife that we don't get to see at a lot of other aquariums. Make sure you see the otters while you're there, they like to do backflips under water and propel themselves across the water... it's so adorable. The atmosphere is relaxing and the interior is very modern. The staff is extraordinarily nice. The only downside is parking, you need to walk about 5 minutes from the car but all-in-all it's really not that bad. Wait times to get inside aren't longer than 10 minutes either. This is a great place for kids, family, and friends. I highly recommend you take a visit and enjoy your day!

We had a great time. Plenty to see and do. From touching jellyfish to the other interactive exhibits, it was definitely worth the price. It was quite crowded, but spacious enough that we didn't feel squeezed in. Lots of different species of animals and something for everyone. Parking can be difficult but ample paid parking in a garage across the street.

Such a great aquarium. Lots to look at. My only gripe was there was such a build up for the African penguins and I went to see them and there were 3 in a small, very small room outside. So sad and disappointing. So I would wait until 2025 they are building a big structure for penguins, seals and one other exhibit.They do have great displays especially the wetlands area. The birds are right next to you! I am an avid aquarium goer and this would be my number 2 it's close to my number one which is the Atlanta one.This aquarium does have a water play area for little kids plus a playground.Tickets were expensive $37Parking wasn't bad $10 for the day

There were a lot of people, so like any other aquarium, museum or zoo, you kinda feel pushed out of the way but I'm sure if you go on a week day it'll be extremely calming. It was really cool to walk through and fun to learn about new aquatic creatures. Lol I didn't know puffer fish got that big. But it looks like a wonderful place to bring kids or go out on a date or a fun family day.It does look bigger than it is but nonetheless there's still a lot to see and the animals look like they are very well taken care of!

My husband and I got done with a cruise for our honeymoon and we don’t fly home until tomorrow morning, so we wanted to check this place out before we leave Tampa. There are a TON of great exhibits to enjoy! We really liked walking around and seeing the all of the different animals! Although it’s mostly aquarium-based, there are several exhibits with animals that aren’t aquatic, such as tortoises, frogs, geckos, lemurs, and snakes. We really liked the digital information signs for the exhibits. We also really liked the interactive touch exhibits, which are the stingrays, anemones/sea stars, and the moon jellyfish!I think the only downside of this place is the crowds of people. It’s summer and we went on a Saturday, so we understand that it was busy. But there were a LOT of people who were constantly bumping into us, cutting us off, or stepping in front of us after we had been patiently waiting for our turn to see an exhibit up close. We had several children run and cut in front of us or bump into us and the parent would say something like “no” or “wait your turn” but then wouldn’t stop them or do anything to stop them from cutting in front of us. People either had TERRIBLE spatial awareness and/or didn’t care AT ALL that they were being rude.If we’re ever down in Tampa again, we’ll definitely go back to visit this aquarium, but we will absolutely not be going on the weekend!

I really love this aquarium!! I have been there twice now. They have such a great variety of animals. I would highly recommend it for all ages. There is construction in the parking lot but it wasn’t to bad. U just have to walk a little farther.The first time I went here there were not very many people but the second time an elementary school was visiting. I’m happy for them that they could go in sure it’s very fun and educational for the kids but it was SO loud and packed with kids running around. I liked it a lot better the first time without all the noise.

This is one of the best aquariums I've ever seen! We had a phenomenal experience seeing and interacting with the different animals.The birds were in a bigger room so we could get pretty close to them. It was very interesting seeing them eating and how they move around.There are three expositions where you can touch the animals: the stingray, the jellyfish and the starfish.They had a nice eating dinner with and inside and an outside area. As well as a kids splash area outside.

A Wonderful Experience for All AgesI had the opportunity to visit the Tampa Aquarium in Florida and I must say it was a truly enchanting experience. The aquarium offers an incredible variety of marine animals and attractions that captivate visitors of all ages.Upon entering, I was immediately taken aback by the beauty and diversity of the aquatic animals. From colorful tropical fish to majestic sharks, there's a vast array of species to explore. The tanks are designed in such a way as to provide a clear and close view of the animals, which makes the experience even more exciting.The quality of the facilities is simply exceptional. The tanks are well maintained and clean, providing a healthy environment for the animals. Additionally, staff are always available to answer questions and provide information about the animals and their habitats.One of the things that impressed me the most was the affordable price of the ticket. Considering the size of the aquarium and the quality of the experience offered, the amount charged is very reasonable. The aquarium also offers discounts for families and groups, making it even more affordable for everyone.The environment inside the aquarium is peaceful and relaxing. The soft lighting and background music create a calm and immersive atmosphere, perfect for enjoying the beauty of marine animals. There are also comfortable rest areas where you can sit and gaze at the surrounding marine life.The aquarium offers a complete program for families, with interactive activities that delight children and adults alike. There are educational presentations, animal feeding and even the opportunity to touch some species. Children are sure to love this unique experience.Parking at the Tampa Aquarium is convenient and spacious. There is ample space available, which facilitates the arrival and departure of visitors. In addition, safety is a priority, with staff present throughout the area to ensure visitors' peace of mind.In summary, my visit to the Tampa Aquarium was simply wonderful. The variety of marine animals, the interactive attractions, the quality of the facilities, the affordable price, the relaxing environment, the family program, the convenient parking and the security are aspects that make this aquarium highly recommended for everyone. If you're looking for a fascinating and educational experience, don't miss the Tampa Aquarium.

Amazing!!! Best aquarium I’ve been to. I loved seeing its wide variety of fish, birds, and other animals. I especially loved watching the sharks! I spent quite a few minutes just watching the shark tank—I loved watching the sharks, stingrays, and moray eels! I visited once last summer and again this summer. I loved it both times!

Excellent aquarium but very crowded. They could definitely use more sharks. There's only two big sharks and one little bonnet head. Kind of pricey and parking is expensive but otherwise a good time. They also have a playground if you have the kids.

This aquarium a MUST! It was wonderful from start to finish and is SO much more than an aquarium. We enjoyed not only the aquatic life but also many birds, lemurs, penguins and more. There is also a playground and splash pad right next to a bar/ restaurant for the adults to enjoy a beverage. The staff was extremely informative and answered so many questions! I would recommend this to anyone of any age. Amazing !!!!

I love this place. Each tank has a gorgeous display of sea creatures. Very clean. Fish look very healthy. I loved the penguin add on experience. I will never forget how adorable they are. The women who taught us about the penguins were fantastic. You can tell they really love their animals. The boat ride is a little pricey and mostly you see the industrial canal. We did see dolphins riding the bow waves of a big ship coming in which was cool. Watching the sharks get fed was really interesting. The food at the cafe was really good. Definitely try the Korean steak and noodle bowl. I also thought the soak pad for the kids was a great idea. The garden eels are my favorite to watch. This place is expensive but I do feel it is worth it.

We stopped in to the The Florida Aquarium while visiting the downtown Tampa area. Definitely recommend purchasing your tickets in advance, the line to purchase tickets was very long and we were able to walk right in since we had purchased our tickets online. The Aquarium was huge, it didn't seem that big from the outside. They had several areas where you can touch sea creatures like jelly fish, star fish, sea urchins and sting rays. The aquarium was very informative. My family really enjoyed it and we would recommend for people of all ages.

I’ve been to many different aquariums. This is not my favorite, but it’s still a nice aquarium that took us 2 hours to go through. I loved that we could see more than just the aquatic life as they had several snakes, water fowl, frogs and more. I do wish they had a dolphin or sea lion show. I enjoy aquariums who have that. However I was very excited and impressed with all the sea life we were able to feel. We touched jelly fish, sea stars and sting rays. They really have some beautiful electronic information displays too. It was nice to pinpoint where the fish was located in its natural habitat. Every worker was super friendly and customer oriented which is almost rare to find a business with that many great friendly staff! The facility was decently laid out. Just when we thought we had seen everything we’d find more to look at. It was nice to see such a variety of sea life as well. If you enjoy aquariums I do think this one is worth checking out despite it being a little pricey. However keep in mind that price helps feed and care for all their animals along with many other factors. Glad we went as my 3 kids had a great time!

I LOVE this aquarium. We actually got the membership and we reserved tickets online for a scheduled time.The staff are always so incredible. They’re kind, professional, knowledgeable and passionate about the animals, and they’re always so friendly. BIIIGG “Thank you!” to The Florida Aquarium’s janitors- the bathrooms are always clean, the floors always look so great! 🤗 We’ve even witnessed people diving to clean the inside of the glass! 🤩Just in the last 6 days my family and I have been 3 times! Thank you, membership! 🫡😂 This aquarium is spacious and you don’t feel like everyone is stacked up against one another which is awesome!Enjoy the photos I’ve shared from our visits! 🤗

This place was amazing! There's plenty to do, and it's very kid/family friendly. The food at the cafe was great and the prices weren't too bad. Definitely recommend a visit if you're in the area, but I'd also recommend buying your tickets in advance.

Came here on a day off with my boyfriend for a date and honestly so glad we came!! I felt like a big kid in awe over all the exhibits. We came on a weekday, and they do require purchasing tickets in advance, so we made it in pretty quickly. There were a lot of kids on school trips, which made some areas a little hectic. But it was also nice to see the children learning and enjoying everything. We will definitely be on the lookout for the penguin and seal exhibit to be arriving in the years to come!

We had such a great time here! Lovely time with the family. We spent about 4 hours here, which includes eating lunch and playing in the spray park. The spray park was a nice touch for the kids, and they have shade areas for parents to sit. There was a lot of interactive things for the kids, such as touching sting rays and jelly fish, and the morphd section. There is also water fill stations everywhere so bring a reusable bottle!

An absolutely breathtaking aquarium, I can never recommend coming to an aquarium more. This is the best aquarium in this part of Florida, in my opinion. So many exhibits, and it seems they have great funding and management enough that they continue to have new ones made. There was so much to see, so make sure you plan accordingly. My only thing is that it is a bit crowded, and the paths seem like they don't quite manage larger amounts of guests well. Other than that, all of the fish and other aquatic animals seem so well cared for, and they have a rehabilitation program it seems for certain animals. I love coming here, and it is so worth the price for how much there is to do and see in here.

I took my Granddaughter for her birthday to the Aquarium . It was half outdoors and half indoors. It was fascinating to see so many different species of fish. There were other things like frogs snakes alligators.. I didn’t get tickets ahead of time so when I got there I had to buy them over my phone I had to make a reservation time so i would highly suggest purchasing tickets before you would leave to the park. Also you have to pay for parking with credit card . Location is right where the cruise ships depart .

This place was really fun. We parked close by and parking was $10. We used a City Pass here which was quick and simple with the City Pass app. We spent roughly 2 hours at the aquarium. It had a really neat layout with a lot to explore. There lots more here than just fish, there are reptiles, birds and penguins. Would be cool to see a better, more permanent display for the penguins but they seemed fairly happy.

50% changed to new fishes, corals, etc👍👍👍 compared with 2023. In the cafe very delicious fries and pizza pie!! Very convenient food ordering system. The staff is super friendly! Highly recommend it to everyone! Minus only one- parking is not free for members anymore :-(

Fun place to spend a couple of hours. The splash pad was nice but definitely needs to be updated a bit. One of the fountains was off, and our daughter got her foot caught in it. Other than that, the animals were very cute and looked well taken care of food, and gift shop items were reasonably priced for tourist souvenirs.

Huge place, very well appointed. Good food and great dinning room. It's a place full of details and directed to people of all ages. It has numerous species in exhibition, in nice enclosures.The boat ride is subject to weather so check it before buying tickets. This is a good place to visit.

It’s a nice aquarium and small, prices for tickets are quite high for the experience. Went there on a weekday and it was a lot of people. Only lasted there for an hour, wish there was more to see. I recommend buying tickets online in advance since it’s a little cheaper than paying in person on day of visit.

Great place to visit, with many unique and exciting exhibits. Fun place for the young and old alike. There are lots of things to do and explore. There are plenty of interactive experiences to entertain people of all ages. Just like anything in Tampa, try to avoid peak times for a more enjoyable experience.

A must do when in town. A very nice place to spend a few hours but know that it can be pretty crowded on the weekends and during special events. Wonderful displays of marine life, helpful guides and great hands on learning exhibits for kids and adults. Fairly expansive facility and a worthwhile stop in Tampa.

Pretty cool aquarium. My favorite part was the Florida Wetlands area where it was all open for the birds (spoonbills, Ibises) to fly around. The lemurs and alligators are in this area too. The other areas were cool also. We saw reef sharks, yellow fin tuna, an octopus, jellyfish, and others. They had the "no bone zone" where you could touch starfish and sea anemones. My 22 month-old loved it Didn't get to the splash pad or get to try any food.

Visited this place on Father’s Day after stumbling upon it while exploring Water Street. They had a buy-one-get-one offer on tickets, and if you have a Tampa Zoo membership, tickets are 50% off.This is one of the best aquariums I've seen, and we've visited many around the 🌎. The ecosystem setups are pretty amazing.

Purchase your tickets ahead online and then parking is $5 an hour. We spent about 2 hrs but it was a rainy day so no splash pad or outdoors but we still had a great time! Was very informative! Loved all the natural Florida exhibits! Fish and exhibits are very well cared for! Touching the jellyfish was one of my highlights of the trip! Definitely recommend!

I've visited 20+ aquariums across the country and this was by far the most chaotic. You must get tickets ahead of time, so we purchased 2:30 on a Friday afternoon. They had a queue line and didn't use it. Instead the line stretched down the sidewalk as far as the eye could see. It was 1:40 and we had 2:30 tickets and confirmed with the employee we should get in line. By the time we worked our way to the front the other employee was removing all the 2:30 people from the line and saying we shouldn't have been told to get in line. At 2:15 then they told the 2:30 group to get in line. There were masses of people everywhere. Why not use the empty queue lines?? My review doesn't really describe how confusing and chaotic it was. The employees weren't unfriendly, but definitely we're not friendly or helpful. Once we were inside it was a mass of people, crowded exhibits, super noisy and chaotic. We also got bad info from another employee inside, but that is another story.To be fair, if I only rated the exhibits I would give 4 stars. But the overall experience I would give 2 stars. This is the first time I've ever left an aquarium stressed. I personally would not go back. Maybe we went on a bad day, but basing my review off of the day we went.

Fun little Aquarium, right down town. Not the greatest parking but excellent exhibits and interactive areas. The kids had a great time on the splash pad, and lunch was amazingly good, not what you'd expect at a 'captive audience' park.

This aquarium really is top notch, the only critique I would give is the prices. For a family of 4 it was $175 just to get in $23 for 4 hrs of parking, lunch was $90, pretty expensive day, so to cut cost eat before you come, lol. Other than that great aquarium, the boys really liked it!

The staff here was so unimaginably friendly and passionate. Everything was clean and all the animals were cute and interesting! Thursday afternoon there wasn't much of a crowd at all. The gift shop was nice and not too expensive.

Florida Aquarium: A Quick and Clean EscapeThe Florida Aquarium offers a clean and enjoyable respite from the Florida heat. With a variety of well-maintained exhibits, it's a great option for families with kids.However, the aquarium's relatively small size means you can explore most of it within an hour. While the food options were decent, the 4D duck theater being closed was a disappointment.Overall, it's a good place to visit, but don't expect a full day's worth of activities.

Tickets are priceyMust buy ahead of timeWe were able to make a day out of it.Splash Pad and Playground was a great mid day treat, then lunch. Be prepared to pay alot for beverages. Chocolate milk was $5 my yummy salad was $14 which was worth it. I'm not sure why drinks are so pricey.Then we walked back around aquarium.

I'm not quite sure how or why it took me so long to learn about the existence of this place but let me tell you, this is hands down the best Aquarium I've ever been to! Took me daughter and granddaughter yesterday for Mother's Day, and we had such a blast! The Splash pad was absolutely awesome! The exhibits were so clever and really gave you a chance to be up close and personal with the wildlife!Only downside in my opinion, was the cost of parking, but, I paid $20 for valet service which included 3 hours of parking time.Other than that, it was so much fun and we can't wait to go back!! Highly recommend!! Also, buy your tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line for them.

Such a great place to go with toddlers especially right when it opens as it's not too crowded. Loved the small splash pad and playground in the back. Cafeteria food can be pricey but it's easy to spend two to three hours here as there so much to see.

This aquarium was a great getaway from the thunderstorm we encountered on our vacation! Very unique experience and beautiful sea creatures to enjoy. Very family friendly and included a cafe and playground. The employees were very helpful and informative.The only disappointment was having to pay $20 to park after paying $42 admission.

A wonderful aquarium that is a must-visit if you're in Tampa! They have so many unique tanks with a vast array of species. It's very interactive for both adults and children. The staff are incredibly helpful and well-educated about the wildlife. Make it a point to stop here and plan for 4 to 6 hours to see the entire place. Prices for food, gifts, drinks, and more are reasonable and relative to the experience. FAIR WARNING: BUY TICKETS IN ADVANCE AS THEY REQUIRE IT IF PAYING WITH CREDIT CARD.

Great experience once we got in the aquarium. It must’ve been a lot of people on Spring Break. We went on a Wednesday. It took about 35 minutes to find parking. There was a line out to the street to get in the aquarium. Once we were in, we loved every minute. The exhibits were very nice. The animals were so cool and neat to watch. We got caught in the rain going outside to visit the penguins and had to run back inside. To me it was worth the money. We spent about 3 1/2 hours there. Very crowded and people were bumping into other people. The souvenir shop line was so long, we didn’t even waste our time trying to buy anything. Food and beverage very expensive. We purchased 2 churros and that’s it. We waited until we left to eat.

We had a great time. Aquarium was clean and well managed. All staff was very friendly and pleasant to talk to. Food was good and well priced. We had a great experience we will be back again.

Visited the Florida Aquarium while we vacationed in Florida. Our kids ( ages 3.5 years and 15 months) loved this place! There is plenty to keep them busy and entertained. The building was very clean and the staff were very informative!

4.5

(18749)

4.0

(5818)

701 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602, USA

76 lists

We haven't been since the updating construction. This is such a beautiful space now, and wonderful that the integrated the old facility into the new. Added some outdoor spaces and beverage areas. The animals appear healthy, and happy. Love the new pelican area. Lots of parking, and currently they had a dinosaur 🦖🦕 exhibit that was really cute.

This is an awesome Aquarium. Remember it is a rescue aquarium. We took the behind the scenes tour. Olivia our guide was very informative. So much of what we saw was open to the public. But areas like the quarantine area and water treatment plant were off limits. The surgery room was being used while we were there. All the staff were great. There is a cafe there but we did not eat there. It was well worth the time to visit. The new addition is great.

I loved every minute of it. The dolphins were so cute and it was very informative. Make sure to attend the dolphin show. We went to the 2 o'clock dolphin show. Rudy did wonderful. I also pet stingrays and a dolphin came up to me so it was worth the money. I also love that all of the animals are rescued. I will definitely be back.

This is a small but cute aquarium. Lots of rehab going on which is awesome. There is a lot of outside area it's a little warm in summer. I also didn't realize Tampa aquarium and Clearwater are two different entities so I was a little disappointed in the size.The staff is very nice and helpful.You have to pay for parking.They offer different kinds of boat tours for additional fees which I will partake in at my next visit.

I was happy with what I saw at the aquarium. The Boat Ride was worth the money for the trip. I did expect it to be bigger, but while you are there, you learn it is a rescue location, so being smaller is a good thing! All the staff were friendly and helpful.

This aquarium is very well taken care of, especially the dolphins and otters, staff seems to take care of the animals, and they seem genuine and are very knowledgeable. They few activities for children.Helpful staff. It is definitely a great place to teach children how to take care of Mother Nature and learn a lot. Adult ticket $36 dlls per person.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is located in Clearwater, FL. What I liked about this place was, they take in injured and sick wildlife to rehabilitate them. Some of the animals were too injured to be released back into the wild. A famous dolphin named Winter lived there; her tail was damaged from a crab trap and they gave her a prosthetic tail. There were movies based on her story. Aside from dolphins, there were otters, sharks, stingrays, tortoises, and various others. There were exhibits indoors and outdoors. They had a dolphin show with a host telling us all about the dolphins; the dolphins were also performing tricks. There was an outdoor patio on the upper level. Parking was plentiful in the parking garage.We were staying at a local hotel and they were offering discounts to the aquarium because they were affiliated. When you first walk in, they had professional photographers taking your photos; you have the option to purchase it later with all the graphics on it. There was a food court and multiple levels of exhibits. We got to see the dolphins up close and personal at the lower level. They are looking to expand the aquarium and add a manatee exhibit. Overall, we had a fun day there and would go back.

Really cool place to see and pet rays and other aquatic life. A massive aquarium in the center to see marine life and smaller rooms around the rest of the place to see other exhibits.Shows throughout the day every 15-30 minutes.And feedings can be entertaining as wellBuy tickets online at other discounted sites and save 25%Food court. Food smells amazingGreat place to spend some time and admire the marine life around the area. Informative workers and volunteers. Also very nice and some are super cute

It is such a great way to spend the afternoon differently when you're on vacation with kids.We got the photo op with the dolphins, which means you can touch and feed the dolphins and take a picture with them. We were able to take ours with dolphin Nicholas.We also did the Dolphin Boat tour, we weren't able to see that many dolphins, but we saw about 4/5. They just hid immediately and we weren't able to take pictures. We also saw sting rays and a pelican during the boat tour.Some other cool animals are in the establishment, like sea turtles and sea otters.The food is also pretty good. I was expecting more fast food type, but it was actually decent.I highly recommend it!

Incredible incredible incredible!!! This location is absolutely outstanding, between the history here, the dolphins, otters and my absolute favorite sea turtles!!! This place was outstanding!!! Totally worth bringing the family, an incredible time can be spent here educating your family about all the wildlife. Just a great location here in Clearwater Florida, absolutely beautiful spot. And don’t forget to sign up for the dolphin tours. They took us out and we got to see dolphins out in the wild, this was incredible. When we got back we had some snacks, grab something cold to drink and viewed some more of the dolphin exhibit. The turtles in my opinion were the best thing they had to offer, of course I’m a little biased because I love sea turtles!!! This was also the home of Winter, the dolphin with the prosthetic fin. So the history here is absolutely Rich, the staff is absolutely incredible and just an amazing location to experience Clearwater !!! Bring the family and learn learn learn !!!

Very nice place to talk the kids and family. Dolphin show was spectacular. They have ample indoor parking and sell food inside. I enjoyed my time this aquarium however, i feel that the prices are too much for what they have to offer. Aquarium is a bit small, parking is not free and prices could be a bit cheaper.

Provided a fun couple of hours for our toddlers. I had been to CMA in 2012. The new additions to the facility are great, and I appreciated the educational opportunities provided. However, prices were a little high for the number of animals we were able to see/the amount of time we spent there. Most activities were additional costs on top of admission. We paid for stingray feeding, which was neat, but didn’t experience everything due to the cost. (I would recommend checking for coupon codes online and buying tickets in advance, as we were able to save some money doing this!) Some of the smaller educational activities were worn down/broken, but most were functional in some capacity. The CMA mission is great, and the volunteers and staff were friendly and knowledgeable. The layout of the facility was a little difficult to navigate with a stroller (lots of switching around on elevators), but do-able. Overall, we had a good time (two adults and two toddlers)!

We enjoyed seeing the sea turtles and the dolphins, but the aquarium is very small with limited exhibits. We toured it in less than an hour. It is a bit expensive, but I'm happy they are there to rehab the marine life.

Wow stopped by this place after 20 years and what a change. Much larger facility and has much more employees. Compared to other forms of entertainment the prices are not bad. The restaurant was pretty good. Clearwater Marine Aquarium, located in Clearwater, Florida, is a renowned marine life rescue and rehabilitation facility. Focused on the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine animals, particularly dolphins, sea turtles, and otters, the aquarium provides a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about marine conservation. It gained international recognition through the story of Winter, a bottlenose dolphin with a prosthetic tail, inspiring the movie "Dolphin Tale." Beyond exhibits, the aquarium emphasizes education and conservation efforts to promote awareness of marine life and their habitats

Such a wonderful way to spend a morning!! Very educational while being super fun!! The animals all seem so happy... Nice to see that! The dolphins come RIGHT up to the glass and visit you!!

Amazing place to see and learn about marine life. They also act as a rescue/rehab and you can get some up close and hands on experience at some of the exhibits. They give talks every half hour at various exhibits so it's super educational. I've never seen a place quite like this.

Very educational and amazing to be able to see all the rehab available to our wildlife. Was a little sad at the same time. Everyone was super nice and knowledgeable. Please keep up the wonderful work. Worth every penny paid and donated. Thank u.

Touching experience to see the dedication of rescuing marine life! Dolphin watching in the aquarium, reading about their evolution and seeing the friendly dolphin interacting with children was a joy to watch.Loved the boat expedition to watch dolphins in their habitat!Loved the whole experience !

WOW! What an amazing experience!!!! Very educational for us all as well! We went on Father's Day also and were grateful for the discount!! Easy parking...and totally worth the money!!! Izzy was so funny! She played with the kiddos and made us all laugh! We even got to pet stingrays!!!

I honestly thought this aquarium was just a 6.5/10. The staff was friendly, the dolphin show was mediocre, the beer selection was great but the food was just okay, the gift shop was huge, but the aquarium lacked all of the huge fish tanks with something other than dolphins. It seemed there was a lot of unused space under construction. It was worth the money since I got all of my tickets half off, but couldn't imagine paying full price and being fully satisfied.

I'm so glad my son and I finally got to go here. I've been wanting to go ever since I saw the movies Dolphin Tale 1 and 2. The narrated tour was worth paying for. Our guide was very informative and funny. I wish I could remember his name.

Overall, this was a pretty interesting experience for us going for the very first time it’s definitely more of a rescue rather than an aquarium just so you can properly prepare financially to go to the park. It’s $15 to park $39 for an adult ticket $34 for a child ticket and $37 for a senior ticket. There’s no clear explanation of the floors and what’s actually on the floors, but there is a massive tank where you can see the dolphins that are there and the ones that they’re working with on rehabbing them back to health. The show primarily consist of them discussing how to rehab them back to health which again is pretty cool. They do have an awesome little spot to where you can draw picture and then it Becomes real on the screen so that’s pretty cool especially for the Littles. Would I come here again for the price that it was probably not in full transparency because I don’t feel like I was able to get my “money is worth” but I am glad that I was able to support the rescue efforts to the best of its ability right now.I think it is definitely worth it if you purchase the behind-the-scenes or the boat tour or the extra stuff but a lot of the stuff I’m seeing in other peoples reviews. We didn’t even see that particular thing there whatsoever and then I’m reading the reviews and see that they paid for the behind-the-scenes and the boat tour.

Love supporting the Clearwater Marine Aquarium at their special events. They do such wonderful work taking care of the animals that need rehabilitation to go back out into their homes. The people who work there and the volunteers are all so passionate and caring and have great energy both in working with the animals and working with the guests who visit. We are blessed to have this wonderful place.

Let me start by saying, the animals they did have were beautiful. The kids loved seeing them! But..... they had advertised a splash pad for the kids, a manatee exhibit, sharks and we were under the assumptionthere was also a walk-thru aquarium tunnel. One nurse shark was there, nothing else. We were literally finished in an hour. And for $35 a head, I would have to say we were very disappointed. Not to mention, it wasn't very clean. Be prepared, most of it is outside. So very steamy.I believe the reason they became popular was because of the dolphin "Winter" that received a prosthetic tail. Unfortunately, he passed a few years ago.So in my opinion, it is not worth the money. At least right now. I hate writing a bad review, but this was for a child's birthday. I just wouldn't recommend going right now.

Small enough to allow visitor to see all the exhibits available and get to interact with some of the exhibits as well! Also highly recommend the 90 min. Boat ride to get an idea of how Clearwater is monitoring their bays for healthy incoming and outgoing waters.

We live locally and went to the Aquarium on a Saturday for the Capybara meet and greet which my kids just loved! We became annual members and were excited to see the new manatee exhibit they are building.The people working at this facility couldn’t be nicer or more enthusiastic about their jobs. It was an amazing family experience.

We did the dolphin tour and aquarium visit. I am a bit disappointed in the cost and no discount if you’re doing more than one thing, but I also understand the money is going towards helping and saving animals. Also do not push the 3rd floor button, it is not level three! My suggestion would be to completely remove the three as someone in our elevator pushed it and it opened to the dolphin tanks.This place would be 5 stars aside from the cost and from Fernando in the touch aquarium. We were standing in line and he was explaining things in Spanish to this couple ahead of us about what everything was. We waited a few minutes and finally got to the touch zones once the couple left. As we were reaching to touch a crab, he rudely said we have to move along and go fast, even though he let the couple ahead of us stay there for a few minutes. We did not get to touch most things because he pushed us and the two groups behind us out as fast as he could.On the brighter side, we loved the dolphin tour! I forgot all three of the ladies names but they tried their best to show us wild dolphins and it was awesome!I loved the 360 dolphin tank and how the dolphins could freely go to any pool they wanted. Learning about the shark and why it was there was interesting as well! We saw a few turtles in rehab tanks too! Sadly the otter was sleeping when we came, but that’s okay!They have a food court area and a couple gift shops sprinkled around. For some reason we couldn’t find a map, so we got lost a few times but that was probably my fault.Definitely recommend coming as long as you understand the cost and why it is expensive!

This place is amazing, very informative and great views. Loved all the giant tanks to watch the dolphins swim around. Walking through the animal hospital was really cool.

Enjoyed our visit to the aquarium. They have several interesting fish and other ocean animals. The pelican and otters were my favorite. This is a great place to visit while in Clearwater.

Went for the first time today, it was AMAZING the workers going around are very informative and this lovely lady named Kelly showed my daughter and us all the different animals while we were waiting on the capybara exhibit. The older gentleman working the stingray exhibit was very informative. Loved it! Wanting to visit again very soon <3

It was fine. We got cheaper tickets through the MWR so it felt like a reasonable return on our investment. Nicely spaced exhibits allowed us to see each animal without having to be in a certain spot. The layout of the facility is a maze, making it feel disorganized and choppy. We weren’t given any guidance when we arrived but there are maps available if you know where to find them! The dolphin and turtle exhibits were the nicest, and the artwork was cool.

This was a cute place that let you see dolphins up close and learn about them. They offer special backstage passes if your into that.They also have a theater that you can watch short mini movies about dolphins and seaside.There is also a cafe located inside that one of the best burgers I’ve had in a long time. The portion size was large and it fit the priceA definite must see if you love wildlife.

Out of all the aquariums that I have ever been to this one is probably one of the most unique that we have seen. I will start up with saying that if you have a Florida Aquarium reciprocal pass the tickets are way cheaper and more affordable. Overall the aquarium was really nice and it was very interesting to hear all of the backstories of all of the different animals. They had tons of presentations going on throughout the day that we're very educational and informative. We especially liked all the sculptures that were made of recyclable materials. This Aquarium definitely is on the smaller side compared to ones like the Georgia Aquarium but I will say the fact that they do have a boat Safari tour that is really unique. The tour was 90 minutes and we really did enjoy the overall experience of it. We will say that when we got off at the little island that they take you to there really is not much to see there so we really did not see the point of that within the tour but it was nice to be able to stretch your legs. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and wants to answer all of your questions and we definitely appreciated that.

Excellent excellent!! I had an amazing time with my daughter. Saw dolphins, turtles, sea otters, sting rays, nurse shark, fish, it was so much fun especially feeding the dolphins and getting our picture on our special selection of the photo with a dolphin, wonderful choices at the gift shop and even had an amazing place to eat. Spent hours here just walking around a couple laps. Even got to pet the sting rays.There were many other adventures we just didn’t have time to do them all

You definitely want to plan your visit around shows and exhibits. It was very empty when we visited towards the end of the day. The concession stands all closed about an hour before the aquarium closed—which was rough with hungry kids. We also got turned around and had a very hard time navigating the aquarium. There was not much staff to be found. We did have wonderful interactions with staff when they were around. It was petty expensive for what WE got out of the visit but we just equated it to helping with marine life conversation. However, between paying for parking and admission you will definitely want to get there early and have activities timed out to ensure you get a full experience.

This was the best experience ever Elizabeth and Evan were so nice to us and our entire family of five had such an amazing time we spent the entire day there and plan to spend the many more. We did the VIP dolphin experience and this was our first time here. We enjoyed the day so much it made our vacation. We were able to get up close and personal with Nicolas, Izzy, and Hope. They were so good with my kids and spraying Hope with water was a blast.

If you or your children love dolphins, this is the place for you. They are a non profit organization and have a live hospital too. Their mission is to rescue, rehab, and release. The dolphins are amazing. I HIGHLY recommend this place. It’s worth it. For my parents and I to go it as close to $100 dollars but I say it was 100% worth it. They also have dolphin presentations. It was educational and fun to watch. We arrived at 1:50 pm and left around 3:50. Overall the experience was amazing! Thank you Clearwater Marine Aquarium!

So we decided to go visit the park it’s ok but it definitely isn’t worth 39.95 to get in the place before you have to pay another 15 bucks just to park your car. Yes I get it the famous dolphin lived there for over 16 yrs but still there definitely isn’t a lot to see or do and can be completed in about a half hr or so. They are definitely making a lot of money off people that’s for sure there is no doubt about it.

Nice aquarium to visit. The artwork and the exhibits are great quality. You get a great view of the sea life that they in the rehabilitation tanks.

An amazing place to visit! My third time here and each visit never fails to make a lasting impression. Getting up close to so many wonderful animals is a humbling experience.Highly recommended.

My family and I love this aquarium. It’s set up nicely and it’s super cool that it’s a rehabilitation center for marine animals. 🥰 I don’t have any recent photos, but I’m sharing some from when we visited back in 2021!

Cma is an amazing facility that’s worth the money and time! Went there in October and stayed the whole day.People who complain about not a lot of attractions don’t fully enjoy the aquariumIf you just sit there and admire all the animals it’s amazing. Highly recommend visiting! staff and volunteers are amazing! It’s quite pricey but very worth visiting! :D

Clearwater Marine Aquarium offers an unforgettable experience filled with educational opportunities and heartwarming encounters with marine life. From their dedication to rescuing and rehabilitating injured animals to their engaging exhibits and informative staff, every visit is both enjoyable and enriching. The interactive experiences, such as dolphin encounters, allow visitors to develop a deeper appreciation for marine conservation efforts while creating lasting memories. Overall, Clearwater Marine Aquarium provides a fantastic blend of entertainment and education for visitors of all ages, making it a must-visit destination.

This is a must while visiting Clearwater. Great for the kids or a nice day date. The staff is very friendly and helpful. They offer experiences that you won't find often. You can play with the dolphins or feed the stingrays. We had a wonderful time!

Kids enjoyed the seeing the animals. I think for the admission price I would have liked to see some more exhibits. Overall good experience.

4.2

(18413)

4.0

(8050)

249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767, USA

4 lists

Intriguing store from the outside, and loaded from front to back with merchandise! A life size Hulk Hogan in front of the store draws attention! Once your in the store, it's all Hulk Hogan!!! Upon entering, the arrogant bald gentleman at the cash register won't even speak to you when asking a question to his face, but, the young lady workers will answer for him! What a face for a business, what an embarrassment!!! My biggest issue was, there's no prices listed on any of the merchandise which most of it is signed by Hulk Hogan! I definitely would've purchased a signed belt at the least, but, it was a struggle with the manager up front and they became busy rather quickly being such a small store! It just wasn't worth the time! A lot of merchandise is hanging higher than a normal person could reach! If you're a Hulk Hogan fan, you're in the right place, if not, walk on by! 🚶‍♂️💪

This area has something for the entire family. Eateries and a spot for the kids. Places to shop and get a cold drink when you're done. The only draw back is be cautious of the parking garage behind it. It is not cheap. In fact I think it may be the most expensive place to park on the whole island. Other than that this area had a great mix of things to do and places to eat.

Excellent place to eat good tacos. And gelatos ice cream. Also, for good cuban cigars just come by to this place. Excellent!!!

I wish I couldn't give it a 0 because waltenders were not nice at all very disrespectful. I actually sing the bouncers beat up for no reason whether he does something or not, it took 4 guys. To beat him up and then call the cops.I wiwhenever I go back to a place like this.I am from orlando florida

Nice area , lots of places to eat

Truly one of the best experience I ever had in my life I got a chance to meet the man the myth the legend hulk Hogan hell of a guy and so very humble

The brown boxer has great live bands down stairs. The food was good and service was on point. Definitely a great place to check out while in clearwater.

Pelican Walk is a great little outdoor plaza along Mandalay Blvd. It's got a bit of everything for everyone. Great restaurants, bars, pizza, arcades, shops and a great parking structure in the rear. Located just across the street from the beach! All the eateries have open air seating and indoor seating and is completely wheelchair accessible with elevators located in the center of the plaza.

Tate's is awesome and right on the beach. The beer is ice cold and the Blue Pearl is amazing. Get the rum rim!! Drew works the bar and us fantastic and local for great conversation and recommendations. He is fantastic!

I was there two nights ago I thought I lost my wallet there I asked the bartender if he seen it he told me my I paid for my beer and I put it back in my pocket I went back there on Saturday June 22nd he accused destroying the men's bathroom he said he had a video tape if there's a video camera in the bathroom they should be shut down immediately invasion of privacy PS if it was true show me the video

Fun little area with shops, restaurants, bars, ice cream shops, cigar shops and more.Very touristy!

The only problem I have with the place is that the temporary supports holding up the balcony are still there after over a year.

We brought our special needs nephew here as a birthday surprise. He loved it, we let him pick out a T-shirt and couldn't get it back to wash it.

There are several connected shops here. Be sure to check the cigar bar. The outside area is very comfortable at the couches or stools.Brown Boxer has good food!!Hulk Hogan's shop is nice to browse and buy.

Fun spot to visit on your vacation. Parking is a nightmare especially if you're looking for handicap spots.

Great food music and location. Always a great vibe

4.6

(1110)

4.5

(1362)

483 Mandalay Ave, Clearwater, FL 33767, USA

64 lists

4.5

(4793)

Clearwater, FL 33767, USA

+87 other lists

4.5

(12880)

Clearwater, FL, USA

56 lists

Lovely beach! Handicap accessible!!! It's a bit of a walk, and the bathrooms weren't super clean, but they were spacious, and staff was on-site to assist. Parking was easy and affordable!

I enoyed this beach area very much.There is plenty of parking. $5 for all day parking. There is dog beach. Yes, lifeguards on duty. Handicap ramps to the bathrooms and to the beach. There are outside showers, bathrooms and changing rooms. There is a food truck but I have yet to see it open. You can also rent chairs and an umbrella for $35. They don't take cash so make sure to bring your card onto the beach.

Super nice beach! There’s not too many people here and it’s for the most part a very quiet beach! There were still lots of families so it is family friendly and there is a food truck as well. There’s bathrooms and showers as well which was nice. We were even lucky enough to see some dolphins while being out there and you can see AND feel fish swimming around you sometimes too! I highly recommend! I was also able to find tons of cool seashells and watch the beautiful sunset.

This is a great area for a family beach day. They have a place to buy food and drinks and plenty of chairs and umbrellas for rent. The bathrooms are also close to the beach with outdoor showers at each location. They were clean and pretty well maintained. The sand was well taken care of, but the water was a little dirty when we were there. I don't know if the water normally looks like that or if it was weather related. While we were there, a sailboat got washed up on the shore. It was wild and happened early on the day. I attached a picture of it. I would definitely recommend this part of Clearwater Beach to anyone looking for a fun day at the beach with some amenities provided.

This park is the perfect spot for capturing stunning beach photos at sunset. It offers so much, from beautiful beaches and countless shells for the kids to collect, to gorgeous views of large boats entering and exiting the canal. The amenities, including bathrooms and food trucks, add to the convenience. At just $5 for parking, it's well worth it. Highly recommend!

$5 to park and easy to navigate the parking machine where you'll put the printed ticket on your dashboard. Restroom facilities are on site. The beach area itself is kept nice, but is very very busy - meaning if you're looking for a quiet/peaceful beach experience this isn't going to be it. Perfect for families with kids though. Would recommend another lowkey beach for locals.

Sand Key Park is one of our favorite local beaches in Clearwater. Wide open spaces, clear teal blue waters, conveniently located to shops, and relatively clean bathrooms. On a good day it's beautiful, on a great day it's spectacular. Nothing comparative to my home in Hawaii, but it's certainly close enough.

That park has all you need for your family and pet/pets. Dog park is well maintained and clean. Lots of areas with shadows from trees and covered benches. Located next to the beach where early in the morning and later in a day your pet can enjoy the ocean.

There are many pavilions with restrooms in them. The only real drawback is that there aren't any vending machines at least at pavilion 7 where I was for lunch. Parking seems ample and can be done electronically with Park Mobile. Vehicles do not sit in shade on the beach side as the majority of the parking lot only contains palm trees. This park is pretty darn huge! It would probably be a very good spot for coming to the beach. The beach is exceptionally wide in this location. The water seemed to be very fluid with no stagnant areas.If you bring everything with you snacks and drinks and such then you should be okay otherwise you may want to find a different location.

Beautiful beach, clean and easy access. Parking is $5/day til 6pm. The park closes at Sun down. It has play ground as well for kiddos to enjoy. You'll see basket in the main entrance going to the beach, to help the beach clean pick up trash. Food truck in vicinity, clean bathrooms. Plenty of parking spaces. The beach has many cracked shells so just pick the right area to hang out. It is very calm and at the end of the Key you can see Clearwater Beach (key).

Nice clean beach with very warm water. Too warm for me to stay on long. Outdoor showers over by the restrooms is refreshing and nice to cool off with and remove the salt. Quiet place with small rolling waves and plenty of parking. 5 dollars per vehicle Monday-Friday, 8am to sunset or closing.

Beautiful beach with outdoor showers, bathroom, and changing room. There is also baskets so you can pick up trash. Parking was $5 for the day. You can pay with card at the machine or online. The sand is not as soft as clearwater, it has more crunched up shells. We arrived at 10:30 on a saturday and there was plenty of parking. When we left at 1:30pm it was filled. There is also a playground, but it is not close to the water. The one downside is that the parking lot is a far walk to the water. It doesn't seem far at first, but when you are carrying all your stuff and it's hot or need to go back to the restroom, then you will notice. Overall, a nice beach with beautiful water.

I loved all the available parking after driving around the pier 60 area searching for a parking. And I paid $5 for parking. Watching the sunset was priceless!

Amazing! We had a little extra time and decided to check out this scenic park. After spending only $5.50 on parking for the day, we walked along the beautiful uncrowded beach. The sun was shining with the perfect breeze. Couldn’t have picked a better place or a better day. Watched a variety of birds enjoying the beach and ocean and there were many intact seashells for collectors. Restrooms were clean and we were able to hose off our sandy feet outside before returning to parking lot. Will definitely return. In fact, we noticed a nice hotel among the lovely condos where we may stay on our next visit.

Beautiful beach! Clean and great for families. Parking meter provided in the parking lot or you can pay via Park Mobile. There are picnic tables with trees for shade. Along the jetties side, there are more private spots with an open entrance and slightly covered with trees where you can fish and enjoy the scenery. There was a wedding when we went, that’s how beautiful the area is. Able to fish the jetties on the side. Caught pompano, blue runners, ladyfish, and Spanish mackerel. There were sheepsheads as well but we didn’t catch any. Just saw them by the jetties.

This 95 acre park is at the northern most part of the Sand Key barrier island, a short hop through Sand Key Bridge up to Clearwater Beach, and 21 miles west of Tampa airport TPA.The parking at the park is $5 for the day. The amenity (list) includes outdoor showers @ Boardwalk #3, and #4 which is behind the bathroom and changing room.I only used the beach because I'm here for the 1.2 mile open water swim: it was fantastic!!! Our event has 167 swimmers. I car pooled with my friend. At 7am on this Saturday, the parking lot looks vacant. But by the time we leave, at 11am, there are still many parking spots. Not sure it has anything to do with the water temp hovering around 69°F.Some swimmers say they saw dolphins. I see plenty pelicans, and a few other water birds: Willets, Laughing Gull in breeding plumage, and American Oyster Catcher.

I came here with my family today. The park was nice. Entrance is free, parking is $5 and is paid with card at the kiosk. You just need to know your license plate number.There is a good amount of parking, but does get filled up on the weekends. There is a charging station for EVs.There is a food truck, restrooms and showers. Overall, it was a nice place. The water was fairly clear, and we did get to see some dolphins! There is also a ton of shells. The bathrooms were however, wrecked by the time we got there at 10:30.There is mat that is rolled out to help ease the rolling of coolers/beach wagons. We will be back again to hopefully get some fishing in!

Beautiful! You can rent chairs and umbrellas, there’s a food shack (truck) lifeguard (not sure hours) baskets to carry with you to collect your trash, (newest idea ever!) bathrooms, pavilion/cabanas for parties/get togethers, does cost to park and I believe dogs aren’t allowed in the beach but elsewhere in the park is ok.

Love this park. The access to the beach is phenomenal. Parking is plentiful and only $5 all day. Best beach in Clearwater and you can avoid the headaches of the main beach.

I love Sand Key Park. It's a great beach. Less crowded. They have clean restrooms and outside shower. There is a snack truck there also. Lots of sand dollars at this beach.

Semi clear water, early in the morning, very soft sand. Saw manatees, dolphin, plenty of varying size of fish. Decent place to snorkel. Bathrooms readily available. You can rent umbrellas and chairs but recommend you bring your own so you can be closer to the water. $5 to park all day, need a credit or debit card. I would definitely recommend it.

I love this place. The beach is amazing, the water is clear and during the summer is warm, perfect to spend a whole day with family and friends. The park has a good playground, restrooms, showers, dog park and picnics and events areas. Great access to the beach and affordable parking price ($5 per day)

I work about 15 minutes from sand key park. When the work at the office gets overwhelming, I head over for a half hour salt air, wave washing reboot. It is such a great beach. So peaceful and beautiful.

I love coming here. $5 for parking until 8pm. Been here twice so far. Lots of cool shells. Decent bathhouses. Showers are okay.

I always enjoy coming to this park. It is a favorite of mine. Clearwater beach is beautiful, but I am not a big food or alcohol person. I also don't care for the crowds or NYC priced parking and hotels. A local told me about Sand Key a few years back, and I rarely go to Clearwater anymore. This beach is roomier, has multiple easily accessible multi-stalled clean bathrooms, changing stalls, and outdoor showers. There is a food truck. You can also Uber food to you in the parking lot. I have done it.AND ALL DAY PARKING for $5... come and go as you please for that $5.And the beach is only a quarter of the beauty...There are playgrounds for the kids in shaded grassy areas. Dog parks available for those with furry friends. Walking paths that wind all around the 90ish acres. Let's see... picnic areas, tables, benches, on occasion a hammock, birds, shells, (you get the idea)All this and just a hop south of Clearwater.

We have gone to this gem a few times. The water has always been clear, the back drop scene is lovely.Clearwater beach is your typical hotel tourist type of beach so when you find your way to Sand Key Park it’s like you escape the tourist vibe and get to enjoy “nature”.The whole park is rather large, a few playgrounds, tables and benches, some covered areas to have a nice gathering at with friends. Then there is the beach. It’s not the biggest area so plan for that as far as parking goes.It is also nice as it’s only $5.35 for the day to park! (As of July 2024).The beach has two bathhouses (bathrooms with changing rooms) and a few outside showers near the parking lot.I will mention the bathrooms are close to the parking lot so it is a hike when you’re on the beach to head up to use potty. But the bathrooms are clean. That’s a plus!It’s truly a beautiful place when you want to get away from the tourists on Clearwater beach.As with any outdoors activities there do come dangers lol. One time we visited and my son was stung by jelly fish. The lifeguards helped him with some vinegar water and later we rubbed witch hazel on his chest. He was fine thankfully. We haven’t encountered jelly fish since that time, so maybe it’s just a season thing… and I’m sorry I don’t remember what season it was when that happened.We were just there in July 2024 and a lovely typical summer Florida afternoon storm was heading our way - was beautiful! The lifeguards kicked everyone out of the water / was happy to see that!All in all it’s a great place! Enjoy!

4.7

(9414)

4.5

(1711)

1060 Gulf Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33767, USA

1 list

This place was such a hidden gem! The family that owns it is a great family. Their heart is in it. Listen closely to the tour. I visisited with my two children 10 & 12 and they got many of the well written puns that flow with the art work- if I say more, I'll spoil it! The grounds are well kept, and beautiful for pictures. The boat on a moat/ pirate ship restaurant was homey, clean, and old Florida. The food was great, southern style. We loved the ice cream desserts, we had after the tour. . Angie was our server and she was the kindest, the other waitress was super kind too, the service was great. All clean! It was touching to get to talk to the staff and owners. One of my favorites was right before they end the tour you'll see a beautiful dining room with a door to nowhere. I highly recommended this place for a family, friends or date night. Go before July ends!

It is in the middle of nowhere but definitely worth checking out. I purchased the package tour deal. Be prepared for lots of corny dad jokes about the amazing unique artwork. You only get to see the first floor of the castle. The tour of cars is interesting but you are kept away from the cars. No pictures are allowed inside the buildings which is disappointing. The gift shop has some really cool items. I had planned to eat at the restaurant but ran out of time since it was a 2 hour drive back to Tampa.

The castle is a very unique place. It is cool to see all the creations of Solomon including the castle he built and the boat in the moat restaurant. It is a bit pricey to walk through but you are allowed on the grounds and can eat at the restaurant without an admission charge. It is a good place for kids as well, if they like sculptures and creations out of recycled material. You can not take pictures inside the castle.

Unique place to go. Alot of Solomons own artwork on display. Very creative metal and wood work. A huge antique car collection and great food.

CASH ONLY. Staff was not very friendly, plus everything is overpriced, you’d think you’d get more for your money. There is a lot of cool art to see including the massive aluminum castle in the middle of the property.

I highly recommend this little magical escape. Feels like it is in the middle of nowhere, sort of is. The story of Mr. Solomon and the art he left behind is unbelievable. I visited here 11 years ago and again today. This adventure stayed with me for the past 11 and was just as amazing today. The castle is made of recycled items. There are 2 guided tours with fantastic guides.The restaurant, the boat in a moat is excellent. Great Ruben, potatoe salad and great chef salads. Eat indoors or out on their porch.I highly recommend going down the unbeaten path and filling your cup up with magic.

The castle and the grounds are beautiful. I can't remember the name of our tour guide, but he was amazing. Don't skip the walk along the creek. Knocking one star because lunch was mediocre (wait staff was great). But a BLT should have real bacon, not the tiny precooked (and half frozen) microwave strips of fake bacon.

We had a ball! It’s a reinvention recyclers day dream! Fun and funky! Everywhere you look you see repurpose through the eyes of a genius. Food at the cafe was fast and delish. And you don't need to do the tour to enjoy a great meal and fun gift shop under the sprawling oaks! Live music was an extra treat! We will definitely be back!

Solomon's Castle, is a unique place to visit! If you've never been, you should definitely go, at least once! Mr. Solomon was a genius and built incredible sculptures and other (things). Also the food there is great, with large portions and at good prices 😋. You won't be disappointed 🙂

Solomon's Castle was a unique and cool experience. Solomon's metal art showcased in the castle was impressive, and the creativity extended to a fascinating ship restaurant. The addition of a gift shop and a lighthouse added to the charm. However, the $35 price tag for a single tour seemed a bit steep, especially considering the remote location. We opted out of the tour due to the cost, but the overall atmosphere and Solomon's artistic touch made it a memorable visit nonetheless.

Give it a chance!! Definitely worth the drive. Amazing works of art. Good food. Very friendly staff. Need either cash or check. They do have ATM but fees charged to withdraw.

Amazing artwork! The "corny" humor some have commented on are exactly what the artist scripted for the guides to say about his art. It was endearing, like your dad's jokes... punny for sure. We went with friends who had been before and wanted to go again. There is a lot to see. Nice area to walk around outside. You can take all the pictures you want-- outside only. The Café is pretty good. We did go see the classic cars on the Encore tour. Very nice vintage Fords 1930s and older in great shape and some other makes. Highly recommend both tours!!

This place is amazing! Get the package deal. You don't need to buy ahead you can purchase tickets there at the gift shop..which has lots of nice things. Tour the castle or the collector car versions. Worth your time and then afterwards have a great meal. Reasonable prices and home cooked. You can eat lunch or dinner followed by dessert! Family owned and ran. Great people tooDon't miss out!!! Open Jan-June closed on Mondays otherwise open 10a-4p T-Sun. unless you have dinner after they don't rush you. Very nice and friendly about it. Great people! Photos aren't allowed inside the castle or in the car collection area but everywhere else is game. You won't regret!!

Magical and whimsical place for kids and adults. Solomon’s castle is a wonderful showcase of art and music and fun!!There is a huge boat on the moat where you walk through to lush greenery a very interesting gift shop and live music. They have a working kitchen to grab a yummy bite to eat.We did the original tour and got to see all the beautiful artwork inside the castle. Tix are on sale at the castle gift shop.

So neat to see what was made and to see the art! They had some really cool classic cars there as well! Definitely worth the trip!

Great place to visit. May be difficult for young kids.The tour guides were excellent! Well worth the adventure.

Far away, LOVED the museum and history, no pictures in the castle! Lunch on the boat in the moat, was good! Bring cash or check, NO CREDIT CARDS. All the staff was very nice and friendly! That alone would bring me back! see it once, you will enjoy it!!

The castle has very interesting architecture, the materials are mostly from recycled items. The most unique aspect are the 100's of amazing metal sculptures and wood block paintings made by Mr Solomon. He was a genius. There is also an extensive collection of pre1935 vintage autos kept in 2 separate buildings.He built a large wooden boat which holds a restaurant where visitors can eat lunch. Additionally there is a very nice outdoor patio where you can also eat lunch in nice weather. The food is very good and reasonably priced.

Great atmosphere, good sweet tea, but lasagna needed more basil, Italian, garlic, and oregano. I'm disappointed it didn't come with garlic bread 😕 a dinner roll instead. My husband and friend had chicken pot pies. They loved them. My girlfriend has always had a fresh salad of many different kinds. It is her favorite place to go in the area. One guy Only musician was very talented and had a great voice. We will be back.

We had a delicious lunch at The Boat in the Moat, followed by an informative and humorous tour of Solomons Castle. Cindy was our tour guide and did a great job of showing us all there was to see. It's one of those unique places everyone should visit at least once. We'll definitely go back for lunch again in the future.

One of the most surprisingly awesome places to spend a few hours. In the middle of nowhere but worth the 1.5 hour drive from Tampa. The 45 castle tour is awesome. Howard Solomon was a legend, albeit gotta imagine a lot for most people. Hell of an artist. Boat restaurant on the property serves a great lunch. Gift shop is a bit weak, wish they had some reproductions of his art for sale. Overall tho can't recommend this place more for a random visit. A+++++

This is Hardee County’s best kept secret. It is quirky, genius, and a plethora of history expressed through the mind of one amazing human being. I read somewhere the word “Kitsch” was used to describe the art. Negative! Nothing could be farther from the truth. All the pieces are original, inspired, generated, and rendered via the mind of the artist. His daughter works tirelessly to maintain the tradition, and the script used to describe the artist inspirations? The script was written by the artist for each person tasked with each tour! Everything about this visit was amazing and can’t wait to go back.I feel like I stepped into the timeline of another planet. Please pray for Solomon’s castle during hurricane season. There must be an awakening in the governor’s to provide consideration to one of our state’s treasures!

I’ve been here before. It’s a trip worth while to visit the castle and the antique cars. Please have cash - only deal with this. The first trip we ate from the dinner menu - it was very good. This trip we had lunch - it was fair. Reason 4/5 stars. However there was live music outside 4/5.

4.6

(1913)

4.5

(636)

4533 Solomon Rd, Ona, FL 33865, USA

1 list

We went on a Sunday to pick strawberries and it wasn’t too crowded. It was so much fun and all we had to pay for were the strawberries we picked by hand. We also shopped a little and bought some fresh produce. The petting zoo is like $12 per person but all the animals were so cute. So fun and wholesome :)

Quaint farm and farmers market for many family activities. We went for the sunflowers and wild flowers, as they are currently in season, but you can also pick many types of fruits and vegetables when in season. There is no fee to get in just for what you pick. Pricing is very reasonable and you can also skip the picking and purchase direct from their market. All the produce looked fresh and healthy.We didn't explore it but the pettting zoo looked fun. We sampled their ice cream, which was delicious. Signage is a bit confusing at first since they share an entrance with a camping area.When this place has events I bet it's a good time, looking forward to going back for picking other veggies in the future.

Today (6/1/24) was my first time visiting. I fell absolutely in love! I picked me some beautiful sunflowers and got myself a souvenir! My little family and I enjoyed ourselves! 🌻🤎

Definitely a fun place. My son loved the train ride and petting zoo. Nice big playground, shaded seating with plenty of parking. Wonderful veggies and fruits locally grown available for purchase .....and I am so obsessed with the sunflowers 🌻.

We just happen to see a billboard on the interstate and thought that picking flowers would be a fun thing to celebrate Mother's Day. We had no idea what an attraction this place is! Petting zoo, mini city, picking flowers, vegetables, farm tours and so many other things to do here! This place is truly a hidden gem and a great place to bring the family that has something for everyone to do!

This farm is AMAZING. Their events are so fun! Their products are awesome, especially the delicious tomatoes. The prices are very reasonable. And the owners and workers are SO kind and helpful! Simply the best! Thank you, and keep doing what you’re doing :) :) FIVE STARS - WISH I COULD GIVE 6!!!!

I was in town visiting family and went to the Hunsaders farm over the week with our 2year old. It’s a super cute set up with neat ideas.I have a farm myself so i know the struggles but was very alarmed by what I saw. We were there for about 3 hours. We saw one employee the entire time and it was a teenage boy. He was filling the animals feed bins. Other than that there was no supervision in the petting zoo area whatsoever.We encountered two injured animals with wounds uncared for, none of the animals had clean water, most were full of algae they were so dirty. The cows, donkeys, sheep didn’t have any grass in their pins. The sheep are so matted and uncared for it was heart breaking. The chickens had about 4 days worth of uncollected eggs in their pin.During our visit we ended up having goats hoping their fence and no one around. My husband ended up putting the goats back in their pin. But, during our three hours not a single employee was around or watching the animals or watching us for that matter.I asked the Fresh market ladies about the zoo and they said they didn’t know anything about it other than to ring people up who wants to go through. I asked the KOA desk as well and she said to go to the fresh market.

Came with family and rented a cabin. Had a great time. Well definitely come back. One suggestion since it was so hot to have something to do with water. Weather it be a splash pad. Lazy river. Sprinklers l o l. Just something to do to cool off. But other than that amazing animals were great people that work they were awesome. And the cabins and the grounds were great.

They have a nice field of wildflowers, of the variety you see growing around, and sunflowers, and if you want to walk in the field you pay $2. And if you want to take a cup of flowers, pick your own, fill the cup as best you can, they charge you $8 extra.But I gather they must be hurting for money these days, as they are having a mandatory festival this weekend. The festival is far away from their flower fields, on the other side of their property. They have brought in many vendors, who have surely paid money to have their table do they can offer wares for sale. And the Farm is charging you $15 to enter their festival, so you can walk around and perhaps buy some things. I only wanted to pick flowers, like any other weekend, so I went to the parking near the flowers, far away from the festival, but this weekend they won't let you in to pick flowers unless you pay the $15 for their festival, and then the normal $2 more for the flower field and then $8 more if you want to pick flowers.I let them know I only want flowers, the basic service they offer every weekend, but they insisted I pay for their festival as well, If I want to do what I can do any other weekend for much less.$25 just for a handful of wildflowers is pretty crazy.I hope they make the money they're seeking, but it left a bad taste in my mouth & I don't think I'll be back.Update: I left a review explaining my experience today and relating what I was told by the people working there, at the ticket booth next to the flower field, that I would need to pay $15 and then $2 and then $8, in order to pick flowers. Hunsader farms has replied, accusing me of spreading false information. That is gaslighting.While there today I met other people who were similarly disappointed that to pick flowers was today $15 more expensive than any other weekend, and who also walked away, like me. ... Because they were told the same thing I was told. Perhaps Hunsader farms should talk with the people who were running their ticket booth, before accusing people who came as willing customers to their farm off the beaten path, to enjoy the day and pick flowers. ...

The pumpkin festival has grown so much since we were there 5 years ago, there was so much more to do. The whole family had a great time!

We had a great time at the Farm today. We have been here before and had a blast. Today was no different! There is so much to do from the petting area, feed the animals, games for the kids, pedal bikes that are like a race car on a track, a new kids town area with cement walking area. There is a long hayride, monster truck show, a crazy metal ball with a stunt team, and so much more!!! Highly recommend this as an all day family fun fall festival!!

Hunsader Farms in Florida is an absolute gem! This charming agricultural haven offers a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The vast pumpkin patches, vibrant sunflower fields, and family-friendly activities make it a perfect destination for all ages. The friendly staff, mouthwatering homemade treats, and a real sense of community make every visit special. Whether you're picking pumpkins, enjoying a hayride, or simply savoring a slice of their famous pie, Hunsader Farms embodies the essence of wholesome family fun. It's a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a slice of authentic Florida farm life.

This is definitely one of the best places I’ve been to around here. The vegetables are so fresh and it is amazing that you can go pick your own vegetables here. Also picking flowers was an amazing date idea and a great place for photos. The service here was great and the prices are great as well. I highly recommend this place it’s worth visiting.

Little realistic perspective. Love this place and will keep coming back. Do realize the money that is or can be involved. For a family of 4 it’s $50 just to get through the gate ($15 per human over 10 and $5 parking) Food is always pricey but lack of available water for kiddos on hot days was a tough one. Then paying for everything you do once in side, with cash and keeping up with that cash and the kids for every 5 minutes around the corner can be a little daunting. Means for 3-5 hours you may need to bring another $100-200 or more to pay $10 for a pony ride or $5 for this and $20 for that ride, plus food cost of course are high, then souvenirs etc etc. This is not a knock on people making a living. Just realize if you participate in many of the offered activities it will cost you, this is not just a pumpkin patch (the pumpkins are actually very reasonable). It’s more like a county fair meets, art sale, meets performance art. It is really neat. It is not really inexpensive.

Im not from Florida and this might be one of the most fun things I’ve done here! Beautiful property with all kinds of pretty flowers. I alsoStopped by the market for some food and there were so many locals purchasing goods - that’s how you know it’s good!

Awesome family place to enjoy a few hours or the whole day. My family and I have been here for several festivals over the years, and it's crazy crowded. My daughter just had her daughters 2nd birthday party here, and it was a blast. Unfortunately, it was probably the coldest day of 2023, but everyone still enjoyed themselves. The kids ranging from 11 to 1 all loved the large petting zoo. Along with the section of little buildings to explore. There were close to a dozen buildings. They were big enough for adults to walk into as well as children. My youngest grandson loved the fact that the firehouse had a pole he could actually slide down. The farm also provided a choice to include pony rides and train rides for your party preferences. The kids loved the ponies, but we didn't take advantage of the train ride. My Granddaughters father is over 6' tall and doesn't fit in the train well, so they opted out. My kids have ridden the 2 different trains they have and loved them as well. We were allowed to bring in our own food and drinks for the birthday party, which was nice. We ended up ordering pizza on site . The pizzas were on the small side and not the greatest but not bad enough to remove a star for. They also have an awesome produce stand and homemade jams, pickled beats, salad dressings, and more. We really enjoyed our day and can't too go back once somebody turns the heat back on in Florida.

4.3

(991)

4.0

(149)

5500 Co Rd 675, Bradenton, FL 34211, USA

+15 other lists

This is the most spectacular and the tallest Bridge I have ever seen. To enjoy this view you need to take an exit to either North or South Fishing Pier for a 8$ access permit for 1 hour.You can enjoy fishing too at this pier, might get lucky with a great catch 😉

We went night fishing and we caught a good amount of cat fish. It wasn't too windy and it was actually nice out side. Also I caught my 1st fish in 25 years!

This stunning bridge offers breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico, making it a must-see destination for anyone visiting the area.In addition to the incredible views, there are fishing piers on both the north and south ends of the bridge, making it a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts.BE CAREFUL WITH LIGHTING😱😱

First time going to Tampa/St. Petersburg -- and I insisted in going on this bridge. This bridge is an engineering marvel! I love the design, the imagery and it is really beautiful. I am definitely coming back in April! :-)

Great view from the fishing dock, it is located after you cross the bridge to your right coming from the North. You a small fee to enter for pictures etc. Recommended , you can park out of the fishing dock and enjoy the view, have snacks etc. They have restrooms at the fishing dock .

Lights up in different colored lights at night. It’s very pretty and a cool bridge to take pics. Better to see it from the ground than driving over it. Night times the best

Boating under this massive bridge is a surreal experience. Over 50' deep water around the channel!

Love driving over the Skyway Bridge!Awesome views!Fishing piers belowSometimes windsurfing taking placeHave also cruised underneath this bridgeRead about the History of the BridgeInteresting!

It is a gorgeous place. If you are visiting Sarasota or Tampa, you have to go see this bridge. It is an amazing experience. I totally recommend it.

Sweet kitesurfing sport on the opposite side of the rest area. Do bring your kiting boots though, it’s rocky and there are plenty of sea urchins. Beautiful sport and great community make up for it!

The new Skyway Bridge is an engineering marvel! 🌉 It's a major upgrade from the old one, and here's why it's better in every way:1. **Strength**: The new bridge is built like a tank! 💪 With advanced materials and construction techniques, it can handle heavier loads and is more resistant to wear and tear.2. **Height**: It reaches new heights, quite literally! 🌟 The increased height not only allows for larger vessels to pass underneath but also provides an even more stunning panoramic view for travelers.3. **Durability**: It's built to withstand the test of time. The improved design and materials ensure a longer lifespan, reducing maintenance and repair costs.4. **Safety**: Modern safety standards were a top priority in the new design. It's equipped with state-of-the-art safety features and technology, giving travelers peace of mind.5. **Efficiency**: The new Skyway Bridge is all about efficiency. It reduces traffic congestion, thanks to wider lanes and improved traffic management systems.Overall, it's a shining example of how innovation and engineering can create a bridge that's stronger, higher, and better built in every sense. 🌆🛣️ #NewSkywayBridge #EngineeringMarvel #UpgradedTravel

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is an iconic cable-stayed bridge located in the state of Florida, USA. Here are key features of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge:Location: Spanning Tampa Bay, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge connects St. Petersburg in Pinellas County with Terra Ceia in Manatee County, providing a vital transportation link in the region.Design and Architecture: The bridge is a cable-stayed design, characterized by its towering support towers and cables that fan out to support the roadway. The aesthetic design has made it a distinctive landmark.Original and Current Bridges: The current Sunshine Skyway Bridge is the second iteration, as the original bridge partially collapsed in 1980 due to a collision with a cargo ship during a storm. The new bridge was completed in 1987.Length and Height: The bridge spans approximately 4.1 miles (6.6 kilometers) and reaches a height of 430 feet (131 meters) above the water, allowing for the passage of large vessels beneath.Travel Route: Serving as a crucial part of Interstate 275, the bridge facilitates travel between the cities of St. Petersburg and Sarasota, as well as providing a scenic route for motorists.Scenic Views: The Sunshine Skyway Bridge offers breathtaking panoramic views of Tampa Bay and the surrounding areas, making it a popular route for both locals and tourists.Fishing Piers: The bridge is flanked by fishing piers on both sides, providing opportunities for recreational fishing and enjoying the natural beauty of the bay.Suicide Prevention Measures: Recognizing its height and location, the bridge incorporates suicide prevention measures, including crisis hotline phones and fencing to deter such incidents.Hurricane Evacuation Route: The bridge serves as a designated hurricane evacuation route, allowing residents to quickly move inland during severe weather events.Recognition and Awards: The Sunshine Skyway Bridge has received recognition for its engineering and design excellence, contributing to its status as a notable landmark in Florida.The Sunshine Skyway Bridge stands as both an engineering marvel and a scenic attraction, playing a vital role in regional transportation and offering a visually striking connection across Tampa Bay.

Amazing times. Clean facilities and Amazing employees tending and maintaining the locations. Some of the best night fishing I have ever had. Your bridge pass includes saltwater fishing licenses while present. The Fish And Game Agents were nice and informative, when you have questions about unknown fish and size limits. They were so helpful with keeping me out of trouble. LOL!

Beautiful bridge! Tolls are only a few dollars and people are frequently paying it forward! Traffic is busy at rush hour but the view is always amazing. Boating underneath is easy to navigate and views are equally impressive! Dont miss this one;)

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in Florida, and for good reason. This stunning bridge offers breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico, making it a must-see destination for anyone visiting the area.Paying the toll to cross the bridge is well worth it, as the views are simply spectacular. The best time to drive across is at sunset, when the sky turns shades of pink, orange, and purple, creating a truly magical experience. You'll feel as if you're driving into a painting!In addition to the incredible views, there are fishing piers on both the north and south ends of the bridge, making it a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts. For those who just want to relax and take in the scenery, there are rest areas at both ends of the bridge with nice facilities.One of the coolest things about the Sunshine Skyway Bridge is the lighting at night. The bridge is illuminated with colorful lights that change throughout the night, creating a beautiful and mesmerizing display.If you're lucky, you may even spot some pelicans using the draft from the cars driving by to glide up alongside the bridge and then dive down into the water to catch a fish. It's a truly amazing sight to see!

I love everything about fishing on the skyway bridge. Sleep overnight on the bridge, bathrooms and bait shop.

4.7

(1461)

4.5

(3717)

7508-7534 Sunshine Skyway Ln S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711, USA

9 lists

A very nice place to visit for some good deals for just about anything you can think of. The food court is well below average but there are many stand alone restaurants nearby. Grounds all well kept and parking is better than most outlets in florida.

We shopped here while on vacation. I didn't initially like layout of the outlet mall but it was not as bad as I thought. The food court could use a upgrade but we were able to find a few good sales.

Many options for shopping. Huge parking lot. Not big discounts right now on all brands. Food court is not good, better to avoid. Worth to visit if you are looking to buy premium brands.

We go here to black Friday shop every year. This year will be our last. The "deals" at these outlets aren't deals at all. And the whole place is dirty. All garbage cans overflowing, bathrooms were disgusting. They don't make an attempt anymore to clean anything. Sad.

This is more of a WARNING than a review. The boba tea stand GREEN TEA SPOT at the ellenton outlets 🚫🧋🚫 sells disgusting tea!!! The pictures that are on display do not reflect what they give you. They show a lot of fruit in the drinks but what I got tasted like dirty water with low quality boba, and Nora single piece of fruit in it!!! 🤮 😠 😡The Asian woman told me with a big smile on her face that "people don't like the fruit"They don't have a Website and not even show on Google maps! So there's no way to leave a review for them. I forgot to take a pic of my drink sorry 😔 but you can test them for yourself.

Excellent! You can find the major stores with good prices and variety.

Nice outlet mall to walk around and find good deals

We expended a lot of time here. We arrived when they opened, and we left around 3 pm.In some brands, you can find good deals like Gap, Columbia, and Sweet Victorian.The best prices were in Wrangler and Lee; I bought three pairs of jeans for $7.99 each.

Very pleasant place to shop. Clean. Lots of options. I didn’t get a chance to visit the food court as it was close to closing time, but the men’s bathroom was very clean. I would go again.

My fellow Canadians!! Please take note in this sincere review! I have been shopping here for over 10 years! Of late; the prices are the same if not HIGHER than any regular shopping experience in Florida! Especially in the Tommy Hilfiger and Polo Store. (Keeping in mind the 35%+ exchange rate). Have fun, but be mindful and careful of this so called “outlet mall”.

This outlet mall has a lot of different options for shopping. The stores are well maintained. Every store I visited I had a good experience with the staff members in each location. They have restrooms in a few locations and are well maintained. There is a food court, but it has limited restaurants. The prices and deals in the stores are worth the drive. Parking can be difficult on the weekends, but it does flow well with people in and out.

Went down there with my wife. She shopped around a little bit. We were in and out of there and no time. She had a great time. Found everything she needed in a couple of the stores. Prices are good. Usually the place is pretty crowded though. You can spend an hour in the Bose store sitting in there sample room. Very tourist oriented.

Tons of good deals and a store for EVERYONE! I can’t leave without going into aerie and pacsun. Cute clothes and definitely affordable. also auntie Ann’s and Starbucks are musts 😊

Love this place!!! To start it has great stores, the prices and deals are great, the design of the place is beautiful, open and modern, plenty of space to seat and rest, food court, huge parking all around the stores. It’s definitely worth the driving!!!

Been going for years, seems less is more for higher cost. Manatee statues are gone. Bathroom smelt like raw sewage the day we were there.

Énorme complexe de magasins outlets. Grand choix de marques, offres très intéressantes. Le parking est bien surveillé.(Translated by Google)Huge complex of outlet stores. Large selection of brands, very interesting offers. The parking lot is well monitored.

They had some good stores, but overall, I felt the selection was definitely catered to an older audience. However, if you like the stores they have listed, I'm sure you'll enjoy the large selection they do have. There is plenty of parking, but if it is a lot of walking around, weaving through the stores.

Decent factory outlets. Traffic is just a bit of a pain right now with all the construction going on at the I-75 interchange and on/off ramps. This is all going on as of 2/17/2024 and has been going on for a while. Still may be at least a year before completion so just something to note in your trip there.

I recently visited the outlet mall in Englewood, Florida, and it exceeded my expectations! The variety of stores and brands offered a fantastic shopping experience. The layout was easy to navigate, and the staff was friendly and helpful. I found great deals on quality products, making it a perfect destination for savvy shoppers. The cleanliness and well-maintained facilities added to the overall positive atmosphere. I'll definitely be returning for more enjoyable shopping trips!

Had a great time wished we had more time to spend here. Great sales! Aerie the entire store was less than $20! Nike was having great sales. Converse had 40% off anything marked down.

I only live six miles away from the mall.Nice shopping area also has a atHome store a TJmaxx & Bealls. All in the same parking lot so it's very convenient. Along with the chipotle's gas station and starbucks! Right off Interstate 75. Friendly Area. Quite a few restaurants! Hotel. Woodys on Manatee River has good food, music!

Nice spacious shopping mall with great deals on clothing items. It’s spread across multiple directions and has shaded walkways . There are restrooms in each wing of mall.Only thing we noticed is the food court not many food options and the shops sometimes close early. There are eating places within 0.5 miles. We enjoyed the Hershey icecream 🍦 shop it has a lot variety of ice cream .

Disclaimer: I visited the outlets 2 days after a hurricane.The outlets felt lifeless. No one was really there and half the stores were closed. The few stores I walked into had very poor customer service and showed no interest of being there.I'd be hard pressed to justify another visit to these outlets.

Not worth a visit. Dated, lack of stores and selection. One and done. Total waste of time. Better off going to UTC or Tampa Premium Outlets. Ellenton needs to take the “premium” out of its name. This is not premium in no way shape or form.

On 3/29 ordered the new lavender-matcha drink. The cashier rang me up for the wrong drink. The wrong drink was made after 10 minutes of ignoring my order while 5 other customers were getting their order after me. The drink was incorrect, they had to fix it and the young man that was making my drink was super slow, there was no customer service experience. He definitely didn’t want to be there. It took 18 minutes to get my drink. The worse service I’ve ever gotten at Starbucks…. The manager needs to do better on training her employees.

Ein schönes Outlet mit vielen bekannten Marken. Adidas, Puma, Nike, Asics, oder Sketchers. Um nur einmal ein paar Sport Marken zu nennen.Viele Parkplätze sind vorhanden.Es gibt einen Food Court, bei dem würde ich allerdings einen Stern abziehen.Es ist eher eine große ungemütliche Halle.Keine bekannten Restaurants drinnen sondern kleine Unternehmen. Diese öffnen alle etwas zeitlich versetzt. Wir waren kurz vor 12 Uhr dort, da waren 2-3 noch geschlossen. Diese öffneten während wir gegessen haben.Ansonsten ist das Outlet sehr schön angelegt. An jedem Gang sind wenn Wegweiser zu den Geschäften in diesem Gang. Auf Google Maps ist ein Lageplan einsehbar, ist gibt diesen auch auf Papier vor Ort.Waren jetzt schon öfters hier und sind immer fündig geworden.(Translated by Google)A nice outlet with many well-known brands. Adidas, Puma, Nike, Asics, or Sketchers. Just to name a few sports brands.Lots of parking spaces are available.There is a food court, but I would deduct a star from that.It's more of a big, uncomfortable hall.No well-known restaurants inside but small businesses. These all open at a slightly different time. We were there shortly before 12 p.m. and 2-3 were still closed. These opened while we were eating.Otherwise the outlet is very nicely laid out. On each aisle there are signs pointing to the shops in that aisle. A map can be viewed on Google Maps and is also available on paper on site.Have been here several times and have always found something.

So many stores to see!I bet they will have more than what you were looking for

4.4

(10139)

4.0

(895)

5461 Factory Shops Blvd, Ellenton, FL 34222, USA

19 lists

Very clean! Good food and drinks! See lots of bigger fish and manatees here. Had a guy singing when we went this time. Not much sun so bring sunscreen. Has more parking than the Rod and Reel, but does fill quickly. Get there by 930 or so if you want to park.

This is not a restaurant, it is order at the window and then eat at tables outside or walk along the pier. You have to walk across a pier from the main road to get there and then there is ocean view and people fishing. There is next to no parking where the pier starts, so either you get lucky or will have to park on the road somewhere further and walk.The quality of the food is decent, same as what you would probably get at most of the restaurants, (priced that way too) and the service is pretty quick. Beer and wine here too, reasonable priced about $5. Fried coconut shrimp was very good, grouper bites average.Would recommend if you want food quick without waiting too long and to walk around or sit outside, but not if you want an actual restaurant or be served.

Seriously, a fish sandwich on the pier, What’s not to love?!!! Great views, delicious Food & drink selection, calm atmosphere- you have to visit this iconic place. Spotted pelicans, sand pipers and a MANATEE! Time on Anna Maria just isn’t complete without grouper on the pier.

At first, I was skeptical because there is just a fast food order station and no restaurant and limited beer/wine options. However, if you are looking for SIMPLE, the live music on Saturday, the fried shrimp and fries were some of the best I’ve ever had! Seriously, the breading on the shrimp was a little peppery and super yummy. Plus, the view is amazing! And the fisher people fishing for shark - YES SHARK - are fun entertainment 😁

Coconut Shrimp was on point! Fresh and hot. Their chicken chicken fingers were tasty. Hush Puppies were Amazing!!!Everything was served hot and fresh. Dropping sauces were delicious too!!!Forgot to take pictures of the food!!!

City Pier Grill and Bait is located in the back. Nice relaxing location, quiet and peaceful. Terrific spot to watch dolphins and other wildlife.Not to be confused with Rod and Reel Pier that is an actual restaurant where you can sit down.

One of the highlights of our trip. Amazing pier walk to the restaurant (we saw a fever of stingrays on our second visit and several up close pelican experiences). Grouper bites were delicious and they have the most amazing Hibiscus Iced Tea. Cashier on 4/18 was so nice and friendly (cashier on return visit [blonde female] was sitting down and acted like I was bothering her with my order). Servers were extremely friendly. There was a local artist playing guitar and singing that just sealed the deal on making an AMAZING atmosphere.

Loved fishing here. The guy that sold bait was great he helped us free the stingrays we caught.

Ok, we came here on December 26, 2022. My wife and I desperately wanted fish and chips by the water, but for whatever reason, Anna Maria Island doesn't do fish and chips at any of their restaurants. Anyway, we wander around and find ourselves at the pier and at this restaurant. We decided that we would eat there because they had some fish and it'll be nice on the pier. We both order the grouper sandwich, pictured below, and thoroughly enjoyed it! It was light, crispy, and wonderfully flavorful. We don't really see the need to put this beautiful piece of grouper in a sandwich though. Throw it in on its own with some fries and slaw. That is really all you need. The reason it's 4 stars instead of 5 is due to price. The sandwich was great, but not worth the 32$ price tag. In total we spent 65$ on two items. Food was great, atmosphere is great, service was great, but definitely overpriced.

Awesome place to hang out with family and friends, great music, drinks and food.The atmosphere there is incredible definitely if you visit Anna María Island this is a place that you must go !!

Food was good. Staff was friendly, atmosphere even better. Dolphin shows while you enjoy your food. An amazing place to relax and enjoy your day.

This was the perfect spot to chill out and enjoy a bite to eat. You feel as if you are on private Island . Because of the location and the open structure of the venue. They also had karaoke. It was a great experience.

We did not eat here. We went to go fishing. It cost about 5 dollars per pole 🎣 plus bait and tax. 5 people cost ~35 dollars. We fished for an hour and caught 7 small fish but none of us are serious anglers.

Delicious shrimp tacos with a pineapple slaw! Beautiful location for a bite. I also had a great glass of wine too.

Can’t get any fresher!Grouper bits, are outstanding!Ace pineapple hard cider!!

Great place spent about a 1/2 a day here. Beautiful views water was fantastic!

Live band, usually 4-7. Fun little Mote Marine outpost (aquarium). Decent grill food and beers. Great views of the Bay and Tampa.

Love the live music here at sunset. This is really very cool guys! Thank you! The view from the pier and on the pier is sometimes simply impossible to describe in words - the beauty is unreal! The burger was also pretty good!

Fantastic, long pier that extends out into the bay. Free place to go fishing. Sufficient free parking is available. There is also a free marine science center at the end of the pier which is great for younger kids. We did not eat there but the food and drinks looked good.

This place is very nice clean and cozy. You get to meet nice people and the band that plays the music is so cool I’ve returned more than once on my vacation in Florida. it is a must go to

Took a walk out there after a while with my sister and we did not regret it. The view was remarkable! Me and my sister split the grouper bites yesterday and they were delicious! The cashier (the pregnant one) was super informative and helped us decide on those! We had a good encounter with the kitchen as well and they were all super friendly and looked as if they enjoyed doing their job lol.

There's probably other things to talk about, but lets just cut right to it. The bathrooms are quite simply the cleanest nicest pier bathrooms in the history of pier bathrooms. Yes. The clams were delicious. Yes there's a little conservatory museumy thing. Yes,the views are amazing. But honestly you can only sit out here for hours when the bathrooms are nice.Also? There is beer.

Great experience, the food is amazing 👏 will come back soon ! Also, the view is breathtaking

Visiting AMI? Be sure to visit the Pier. Stroll out to enjoy a snack, beverage and sunset while watching the fishing action--or wet a line yourself. The water taxi provides an interesting new option. Bet you'll want to come back!

Amazing place for snack and drinks!! Pelican and dolphin around, sangria is awesome, great service!!Live music on pier !!

4.5

(1131)

4.5

(458)

100 N Bay Blvd, Anna Maria, FL 34216, USA

16 lists

My favorite spot in FL. In the north corner of Annamaria Island, Bean Point Beach is a beautiful beach with private house for rent, fishing area, pier, restaurants and much more to do. I love the water colors from light blue to green and the breathtaking sunsets. A magical place.

Amazing beach. Northern point of AMI, lets you easily walk from Gulf side waves around the point to Bay side calm. Water is clear and beautiful shades of blue and green. Swam with both dolphins and manatee. Found starfish, conch shells, live scallops, and sand dollars. This place has jaded the Jersey shore for me with clear water, cool, white sand beaches, warm water, and uncrowned beaches.

Breathtaking hidden little piece of natural Florida. Not as crowded as the main beach on the island and has a great view of the Skyway Bridge in the distance. Water is very calm and perfect for a nice beach day away from tourists! Be VERY careful with street parking here as you will get a $50 parking ticket if your tires touch the pavement.

Most beautiful beach I’ve seen in my life. So peaceful and tranquil. Manatees swim by right up by the shore. Sunset brings tears to your eyes….

Bean point is such a gorgeous beach! The sands are almost pure white and the water is so clear. We saw tons of dolphins too! We went early morning to look for shells and sand dollars and didn’t find anything so that was a little disappointing BUT I know a lot of people do find stuff there so I am sure I’ll have better luck next time

Bean point is Anna Maria Islands most hidden gem! Very hard to find parking but we'll worth it. If you go to the northern most point of the beach you can literally see where the gulf waters meet the bay, as well as the sunshine skyway bridge in the distance. Use Google maps to locate bean point. Good luck and enjoy!

What a gorgeous beach on the north tip of Anna Marie Island. There aren’t many access points and parking, but we found a spot on the street a block away and it was a nice walk out to a powdery sand beach with turquoise water and the occasional family of dolphins. The water is warm, calm, and it’s a very peaceful setting to enjoy an afternoon in the sun.

Sunsets are an event in this area.Parking can be tricky, but make sure to park between sings and be considerate with homeowners and pedestrians.The area is very clean, and theres various points of entry.

Water was so clear it was almost transparent, love that you can see the bay (and the skyway) on the other side.

It was a bit of a trek for me since I took the trolley which took 40 minutes than walked up North Shore for another 16 minutes. You’ll see the signs for the beach access. I suggest renting a car, golf cart, or scooter to conserve energy. Parking is an issue also marked by signs pointing if u can park there. It was a beautiful spot. I trekked up to the northern tip. There’s no amenities here like bathrooms or getting something to drink etc. Glad I visited it though.

Absolutely beautiful beach and water ( be careful of current and riptide).LOTS of various shells to search for. Parking can be difficult to find so go early.

If you don't stop here while on the island, you will regret it!!! Sugar white sand, shells, sunsets, the marine life. Beautiful 😍

I absolutely loved this beach!! Gorgeous water, friendly faces and not over crowded what so ever. We had a blast snorkeling and saw many crabs, bigger fish by the skools and sea shells. The parking is a bit harder to find but it's manageable. We will come back until we can't!! Lol gorgeous!!!!

Beautiful. The sand was like powder- the sunset was amazing.This far down the island you just park on the side streets- after Coquina Beach there was no public parking that I noticed- I could have missed it, though.Make sure to watch that you are on a street with a sign stating parking is allowed.Bring your wagon if you’re carrying much- but it was worth it.

One of the best beaches I have ever been to. Family and I spent the whole day there; we enjoyed every minute. We saw like 6 dolphins, sand dollars and shells were everywhere. Totally worth the trip.

It is a beautiful beach. It was a bit populated when we were there, but it really didn’t take away from the phenomenal scenes. Incredible sunsets. Love this beach. It is a bit tricky to find, but that’s part of its charm. One of my favorites.

Anna Maria Island's northern tip is a hidden gem that is often overlooked by tourists. The beach is gorgeous, with powdery white sand and turquoise blue water. There are often families of dolphins swimming nearby. The water is warm and calm, making it the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun.There are a few things to keep in mind, however. First, there are few access points and parking is limited. Second, there are no bathrooms close by. Third, the west side of the island has nice waves, but if you walk over to the east side there are almost no waves. This makes the east side perfect for smaller kids.Overall, Anna Maria Island's northern tip is a great place to relax and enjoy the beach. Just be sure to plan accordingly and bring everything you need with you.

Prettiest beach that I’ve ever been to.

This location you have to check out. Now it takes a bit of walking because you can't park right there but it is well worth it. You can actually get away from people out here because it is not as busy as other location on the island. The beach is very wide here and can be hot in summer so wear something on your feet. It is far away from things so bring food and drink with you. great place to surf fish also.

This beach is more like a residential beach and trying to find public parking is impossible. Due to how it’s inside a neighborhood if you park anywhere expect the allowed areas you’ll get fined. Along the intersection of North Shore Rd and Fern Rd are two signs that say “parking is permitted between these two signs” you can park there for free but the one catch is your tires cannot touch the pavement or you’ll pay a 40 dollar fine. Right in front of this allowed area is beach access, and there are not public amenities such as restrooms. The beach is gorgeous with striking white sand, a mellow surf, and emerald green water!

Fantastic place to watch the sunset. Yet it can be extremely hard to find parking. Weekends are very crowded at sunset. If you're looking for a romantic, secluded beach, this is not it. Found it interesting that some were swimming in the water whileonly a few yards down the beach. You had others fishing for sharks. 🦈

This is the best beach in Anna maria Island in the Tampa area, And a beautiful sunset

We’ve been coming to Bean point Beach me and my family for the last nine years. This is our home away from home.

I mean, how could you give this place less than five stars?! Gorgeous. Breath taking. Perfection.

4.8

(1479)

4.5

(989)

793 N Shore Dr, Anna Maria, FL 34216, USA

Great experience - it is free and very nice. Fun for the whole Family.

For my birthday, this year, I opted for a day of walking trails instead of going out drinking....and I'm sure glad I did. I really enjoyed myself as it was quiet and very relaxing to listen to the wildlife. (Such a nice change from the daily sounds of the city.) While we didn't get to see an abundance of critters like most do, it was still a great day and worth a trip if you are in the area.

I travel to different areas to Stay and do bike trails. Even if Myakka State Park is not big it had lots of things to see on the way. The main attraction would be the towers. Is call Canopy walk if you want to find the 70 feet towers, great views and very well made.. I challange myself and is definitely a good spot. 👍 15 miles bike trail. The only dissatisfaction for me was that the Cafe is a small trailer near the building.. That would of been nice to seat and look out the windows to the lakes. They do have a gift shop. I got my fridge magnet for my memories. Bathroom were everywhere.... camping, kayak, bike rentals, bring your own and pay a fee. Oh! Is $6,00 per vehicle.

The Myakka Canopy Walkway is easily the best thing to do at Myakka River State Park! It’s a short walk from the parking area through a pretty Florida forest, and the walkway itself is pretty high above the trees! Don’t worry - it’s quite a sturdy structure, and it’s entirely worth walking across the bridge. Not too often do you get a higher view of Florida scenery, so when you get a chance, take it! There are some other great attractions at Myakka River State Park too, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to do everything - not just the canopy walkway! It’s a hidden gem in South Florida!

Great state park, I found a video of the canopy walkway on tiktok and had to go! Make sure to get gas & water before because we we figured there would be a gas station nearby after we exited the expressway but there wasn't. They have 1 hr long boat tours, but it was raining when we went so it was canceled. But we were able to see multiple alligators from the balcony of the gift shop.

Myakka never disappoints. We have camped here, but we came for a day trip, since we had to cancel our camping trip. I love the canopy trail, but there is so much to see in the way of birds and other wildlife. The boats weren't going out due to the high wind and chop, but plenty of people were enjoying the perfect sunny weather.

This visit met and surpassed our expectations. We only had time to enjoy part of a nearby trail which took us over a field of wild flowers (on a walkway to avoid local snake residents) but it was a beautiful walk. Check out the canopy walkway first and foremost, it is a very cool experience and if you want to climb the approximately seven story (?) observation tower attached, bring quarters for the telescope. 10/10 would recommend, incredible view!Leashed pets are welcome on the trail, not on the canopy walkway or tower however. Also expect to carry your poop bags a long way as we did not run into any trash receptacles along the trail, only at the entrance near the parking lot.

Excellent place to become familiar with the canopy niche. Plenty of aerophytes, birds and insects. Look closely for other plants and animals as well. In the distance you can see wetlands, prairies and the dense hammocks of South Florida. The nature trail leads you through the hammock at ground level. So keep your eyes and ears open for the animals.

Unfortunately still recovering from hurricane. Walkway is 25-30 feet in the air, but only about 40 yards long. Tower is another 30 feet up and probably has cool view of tree canopy. Seeing alligators on the river banks was the highlight for sure.

The whole park is lovely, but the canopy walk way is super fun. We visited during the week and had the place to ourselves. It's a lot of flights of stairs and if you have even a mild fear of heights, like myself, I recommend going when it is less crowded. You feel the movements of other people when you are on the tower so if that bothers you, again head out when is less busy. The top of the tower is quite small, only a few can be up there at a time, but that view is breathtaking.

It's beautiful at Myakka State Park. Every area of the park is a different experience. The observation tower and bird walk are very relaxing. As you walk over, the preserve. And observe the birds in their natural habitat.The deer are my favorite. Especially at dusk, in the summer. That's when they come out as the Sun is setting. Mama Doe takes the kids out for dinner. In May, at Myakka State Park, the coreopis bloom. The river and The Preserves light up with color. Every year, they come back a little different color . This year, the bloom wasn't as beautiful as usual . Because of the severe drought here in Florida.Myakka State Park is beautiful at any time of the year. Especially after the drought. As the foliage dries out, it creates so much color and contrast in the forest and along the waterways. Of the Myakka River It's worth a ride from any part of the state. I am fortunate to be centrally located and surrounded by so many beautiful places, such as the Myakka State Park. SafeTravels 🏞And also great Campground🏕

Love this park! Friendly rangers and gate staff! It's HUGE! The observation deck is a must do. Warning - SO MANY STAIRS. Also the walkway is super narrow. Lots of wildlife. Concessions and boat tours. Bathrooms!

This state park is always beautiful to visit. Nice volunteers. And they have geocaching! If you don't know what it is google it. You won't be disappointed!

Beautiful land and surroundings that feel like you are thousands of miles from civilization. This is what Florida used to be. See this amazing place and all of it's magical creatures. Time and nature are preserved here. Respect it and the creatures that call this place their home.Truly wonderful for your heart and soul.

Nice place to relax, bike friendly, the main road is about 7 miles one way, plenty of restroom, the canopy walk has an excellent 360 degree view, the top is at iver 70 feet above ground.

Very nice park, lots of wildlife. The most alligators I've seen of the several times I've been to Florida. Boats were not running because of the drought and the lakes and ponds were very low. The canopy walkway was disappointing because I thought it was higher up and longer but still an interesting thing, mostly fun for kids, but the tower was pretty tall and you could see for a long distance.

It was underwhelming. I feel like I built this up in my mind so that's on me but it was a fun little walk up and a nice view from the top. Too hot to do in the summer though lol but there wasn't a crowd so that was nice. It was only $5 to get into the park, usually $6, so a cheap day out. Saw an alligator in the river. The food truck looked overpriced and not very appealing so we didn't try it, some people were eating on the picnic tables around in the shade. The gift shop was extremely overpriced, $35 for a short sleeve women's top is a bit much for me but the designs were cute. Overall it was a fun day.

Very neat and beautiful area! Climbing up the tower was a lot of work, being out of shape but well worth it. The canopy walk was fun too!

Great trails and beautiful scenery. 75+ ft tower provides an excellent view of the entire state park.

Great State Park. We mainly went for the canopy walk, but we’re pleasantly surprised by the amount of gator activity we saw. There’s hiking, camping, birdwatching, a small learning center and store. Definitely worth checking out.

The park has trails of varying lengths, plenty of parking at each trail head. The trails are not marked, but the park rangers have decent maps that help. The canopy walk is about 100 feet in length and you must climb up 75 feet on wooden steps. The structure is well maintained and feels very safe. There are some wasps/bees on the structure (not aggressive if you don't bother them).

What a neat place this was! I’m so glad we ventured out here. The canopy walk was so neat! The observation tower was kind of creepy as I’m not a fan of heights and some of the stairs look a bit questionable but the view is amazing!!

The trails are well marked. It's a nice peaceful walk. The canopy is an experience! The wooden bridge takes you over to the canopy and then up steps to about 80 feet. It's a great view from the top! One of the few places I go every time I'm in Florida. Love it!

We thought this walk way canopy was a large portion of the park but I was about 100 feet long or so. But it is up high and beautiful. It was a fun little stop for our family. Lots of trails to hike on. We did see a few alligators.

It is a beautiful place and gives you a work out if you are used to flat FL trails. There is are Towers connected by a suspension bridge. There is a beautiful view from the top. The boat ride was closed because we went on a holiday but I intend to go back. The food they offer is very pricey. There is also a gift shop. My service dog was welcome.

4.7

(669)

4.5

(504)

Sarasota, FL 34241, USA

+89 other lists

Haven’t been here in many years since I was younger. New buildings, everything even nicer than I remember. Took the family for the day when the weather was nice, had a playground in the center in the park and the kiddo loved that. I loved the dioramas of the old circus setups. The grounds are as beautiful as ever and it was a great day to walk the grounds and see the many beautiful types of plants and flowers. As every time I’ve ever been always need more time, just means we will be back soon. There is so much to see, the grounds are worth the trip alone and then the museum for circus items and the art collection. You could easily fill several days or many trips to see it all.

A nice chance to walk around a Franco-Italian piazza from 100 years ago, managed and maintained very nicely. One ticket gets you into almost the entire grounds usually, and my little nephews (7 & 8) and I really enjoyed the Summer Circus Spectacular before making the most of our day. The show was excellent. It’s very intimate in a small theater, no three-ring circus. This is so much the better! The clowns draw you in and make you feel they’ve prepared the show for you alone. The woman from Ethiopia is an incredible juggler, and we also loved seeing the balancing act, acrobats from Ukraine on the double swings, and the acrobat on the long silk rope. We had cheesy macaroni and fish tacos respectively for lunch, but the museum and playground, and we walked through the mansion turned art museum. Fantastic day even in 100 degrees. A great place to talk a walk-and-talk!We bought tickets when we walked up, but we got there exactly at 10AM.

I am so happy we decided to go here. We had such a great time. For years I thought it was just a museum about the circus or clowns but it's so much more. Firstly, there is a museum about the history of the circus and it was honestly very interesting and I learned a lot I never knew about the circus. The miniatures were awesome. The gardens are huge and absolutely gorgeous. Definitely worth taking a walk around. There's a huge playground for the kids but I didn't visit it. The mansion was intricate and beautiful and definitely worth seeing. And after all that, there's still the museum you have to see. I think there are 31 galleries plus the Asian arts building and the courtyard. It was definitely an all day adventure for us. I had a great time. 🎪🤡

Absolutely beautiful place we visited it in the middle of December. Natural setting with beautiful art galleries and mansion which looks like piece of Europe. There are art gallery, botanical garden and the circus museum in one place. For extra cost you can see the first floor of Ringling’s mansion which I found very interesting. The Circus museum has miniature model of the circus from the beginning to the end. I really liked the Glass exhibition.

Gardens are amazing! Went late in the afternoon, so I didn't have time for a full visit. Will definitely be back to see the museum and mansion. Free admission to gardens and museum on Mondays.

This place is much bigger than it looks. It was clean, nice and cool. Lots of great art to look at and the circus to learn about. It will take a few hours to get through this property. Beautiful gardens and property.You are not allowed to take photos inside so I took a few outside.

Worth it!The garden and three museums are wonderful. The view for the Sarasota Bay is stunning. For the exhibition, I love the art museum section, lots of paintings and well maintained for the whole area.Parking is super easy, with plenty of space.Just make sure you are hydrated enough since Florida is always hot!

I lived in Sarasota for 5 years and I never went to this place. However after having move away I always come back every year to visit, and this year I made sure to visit to John and Mabel Ringling aren't museum. Just so you know, admission is free on Mondays so we decided to go on a Monday. Even though there were a lot of people there, the place is so massive that you never really feel crowded. I was able to leisurely view the entire grounds without feeling rushed or crowded. The inside of this place is just as beautiful as the outside. Be sure to hit up all of the wings of the museum. If you're facing the courtyard they are both to the right and left. The house is also gorgeous (Ca d' Zan), But we did not pay to actually tour it. Despite this you can still walk out on the back porch of the home and enjoy the beautiful views. Definitely would recommend!

The John and Mable Ringling Museum is an absolute gem! From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted with a sense of wonder and excitement. The stunning water views add a touch of magic to the whole experience, making it truly unforgettable. Walking through the museum, you can feel the passion and dedication that went into creating such a beautiful place. Every exhibit is thoughtfully curated, showcasing a rich tapestry of art and history that captivates the imagination. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just looking for a delightful day out, this museum has something for everyone. It’s not just a museum; it’s a journey through creativity and inspiration. Highly recommended!

Loved the gardens and the employees art! Really enjoyed the new glass gallery. Overall, most paintings didn't appeal to me. They have too dark or violent themes for me. I personally like uplifting artwork! I found enough to enjoy to make it a nice visit. I'm glad, however, that I hadn't paid to view the art. The rest of the complex is awesome!

Wonderful collection of circus memories and modern art and other items collected by John and Mabel Ringling. Great incite into their lives as well as the lives of some of the performers in their circuses. The park is large, well kept and beautiful. Plan to spend an entire day here. We arrived as soon as they opened and stayed till close. Still didn't get to see everything tho, so the art museum is a two day trip if you want to experience all of it.

I’m glad to visit this museum during our stay in Sarasota. I learned a lot of interesting facts about cirques industry back in the beginning of 20 century. I couldn’t imagine how big was the scale of running cirques for just one day performance for public. Amazing!!The only sad fact is that the cirques king died completely broke having having such a huge and beautiful collection of art.

This place is awesome. There are multiple museums on the grounds, along with the mansion and beautiful gardens. You can easily spend a full day here in order to be able to see everything. The coffee shop above the gift shop has really good coffee.

We only went to the art museum ✨️ It was huge and wow, what a selection 👏. We are members of the Bishop and it has a reciprocal admission with The Ringling so it was free. We plan to go back to see the other buildings. There is a ton of cool things to see. Very well done and worth going to. Free parking, and they have a nice Cafe above the visitor center and gift shop. There are many ponds, gardens, and statues(art) outside as well. It is right on Sarasota Bay with beautiful views 😍

Beautiful gardens to walk through! atmosphere amazing ! art museum amazing painting specially the ones John Ringling requested! We where there 10am to 430pm make sure to wear comfortable shoes!

Very beautiful place. It really is like being temporarily transported to Europe. The gardens are nice but the best part for me was the art gallery. Incredible paintings with some descriptions on their origin. Some paintings are so large they take up a whole wall.Wonderful place to visit!There was a moderate amount of people there on the day we went, though the area is so big it almost feels like you’re the only person there

Wonderful art museum and grounds, as well as a circus museum and opulent house in which they lived. This is a full day’s visit. We went on Monday, when the art museum is free, but still paid for the circus museum. Great collection of renaissance art, some Asian art and more recent stuff. Circus museum is a novelty but very interesting to learn the culture. Staff is friendly everywhere.

There are tons of reviews about this place online. What else I can mention? If you are in the area, absolute must to visit. Easy to navigate and find it. Parking is super convenient and plenty of spaces on the property. No reason to buy tickets in advance. Lines are short and staff is very quick and professional. Price is $25 pp. Prepare to spend at least 2-3 hours there. Lots to see and a lot of stuff you can’t find anywhere. It’s a huge park and be prepared to walk a lot. They have very cool cafeteria/bar with choices of beer and snacks, which is very helpful to re-fuel after walking for hours.Good luck and happy travels!

We came to Sarasota Florida, especially to see the Ringling brothers museum and spend the day. We arrived for our 10:30 welcome house tour to see floors 1 & 2; then proceeded to Grill room for relaxing lunch; onto buildings one and two of the circus museum. We went to Mables for a coffee break upstairs above the gift shop and then finished with the art museum.We didn’t leave the property till 430. It was a wonderful day strolling inside and outside seeing architecture, statues, gardens, artwork and learning circus history.I left with a newfound respect and understanding for the circus, for the Ringings and for their efforts in using their resources for collecting art and donating their legacy to the state of Florida.Definitely worth our time.

Absolutely gorgeous place. Would go again any day. Be prepared to walk a lot so bring comfortable shoes. If it’s humid and hot you might not enjoy the gardens fully but the museum is incredible. Could spend the whole day there. The James Turrell exhibit is a must.

This is probably one of the most unique and creative museums I've ever been to. It focuses on the history of circuses, which you don't often think about. The absolute scale and painstaking detail that went into the miniatures are crazy impressive and aesthetic. Theres also some pretty fun interactive elements to the museum as well.The shore is also within walking distance of this museum, and it's absolutely gorgeous.

Such a great place to visit. Art museum has a lot of old paintings mostly with Biblical references. The inner garden is tranquil and beautiful. They always have different exhibitions that show the artworks from world around. If you like the history of circus the museum will definitely your place. But the most lovely place for me is a house of Ringlings. Castle… Nest.. I don’t know how to name it. It’s amazing. Till today. If you are nearby, you have to visit it. Read the history of John Ringling before to visit this place.

Absolutely 😍 loved the Ringling Museum. This was an experience for the entire family (including my 19 year old son who Never hangs out). We had a blast, from the miniature circus recreation to the galleries to the garden to the Grill. It's just wonderful. You could visit this place two to three times and discover something new each time.

I didn't think I would like this place but...Wow! The miniature model of a working circus (at least 1500 square ft), and the incredible detail, was worth the price of admission alone. Very interesting place with beautiful gardens/grounds to walk around and relax. Nice little restaurant overlooking a pond that has pretty good food too.

This place is a MUST VISIT if you come to Sarasota. The circus exhibitions, history, and details have exceeded my expectations. Ca'D'Zan Palace was breathtaking. The architecture, details, furnishings, and location were stunning.This will give you a different perspective on the life of the circus.

The Ringling museum was very interesting. The House "Ca' d'zan was really cool. The museum had a ton of painting and other art.We wanted to do the 40 minute tour with the upstairs of the house, but it was sold out. The house is right on the water. It was $35 for the museums and the first floor of the house self tour. I guess you can buy them online if you want to do a tour.

What a fabulous experience! Easy and plentiful parking! There used to be so much to see. Very short wait for ticket purchase. On Monday, the art gallery is free and the outdoor gardens are spectacular, with nature mixed with art and sculpture. There used to be something to entice your eyes from every view. Great art, interesting mix of cloth art, sculpture and paintings.

Went to Ringling for the first time, I was very impressed with the entire complex. There are so many different ways to spend your time, from the art museum, circus museums, gardens and walking through the Mansion. I thought it was very unexpected to have such a nice restaurant at that location. The Ringling Grill room overlooks the pond and has a fabulous menu to choose from. Sitting on the terrace with a cocktail and a delicious lunch is the perfect way to spend a leisurely afternoon. What is so unique is that you could spend a few hours or an entire day at this location, it is all dependent on your whims.

The kids (ages 2 to 12) and I enjoyed the circus museum. They enjoyed the interactive portions and the miniatures the most. The adults and the 12 year old liked the art museum.There is an outdoor playground with picnic tables and a water feature. This was a nice place to take a break and let the kids play.

So I accidentally chose to come on a day when 500+ school age kids and families were here for free backpacks. However, very very few actually ventured inside to the galleries. I had an Amazing visit. The temporary exhibits were so inspiring!!

100% worth the visit! The entire place is gorgeous and massive so it doesn’t feel crowded. We went on a Monday when entrance to the art museum and the gardens are free. The art museum is wonderful-my partner and I like vastly different styles of art, but this museum had both the styles we love. The view of the water and the gardens was beyond beautiful, just walking around and spotting the turtles and watching for dolphins was amazing. I would suggest spending about 5 hours here if you want to see and do everything. We will definitely be returning to do the circus museum and the house tour at some point.

Wonderful first visit! Miniature circus display was amazing!!! Actual circus museum less so... Beautiful house tour with audio. Take a guided tour for upper floor access. Excellent fine art museum, special exhibits and sculpture garden. Bistro was very good as well. So much to see!

I thoroughly enjoy taking day trips to the museum. The restaurant is a true delight, with an incredible chef who never fails to impress. The bar offers a wide variety of options to choose from. And I always find great joy in exploring the stunning art and landscaping on display.

This place has something for everyone - the circus museums have tons of cool exhibits and information. The art museum is incredible. There are gardens, water views, a playground, and more! We spent 3.5 hours here and didn't get to see everything - this can be an all-day activity and you can absolutely get your money's worth. Highly recommended!

Mondays are "free museum day" to enter the art galleries. Huge tapestry size paintings and nice collection of art. The Center of the U-shaped museum has a large outdoor courtyard with statues, greenery, and shaded walking areas on the building's inner edges. Restoration efforts have preserved the original charm of this building and surrounding gardens. Many sights to see on the Ringling estate in addition to the art. Visitor's entrance to the museum grounds includes a gift shop and sit-down restaurant.

This museum was excellent. So unexpected & interesting. Beautifully presented. Lovely gardens. Grille restaurant had delicious food. The miniature circus room was fantastic !I was never a follower of circus information, but this was fascinating !After 3 hours of circus & house tour there wasn't enough time for the art museum. You can easily spend 3-5 hours & not see everything.2pm on a Thursday was perfect. Not too many people.A definite must location to explore.

4.8

(7923)

4.5

(7441)

5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243, USA

Amazing way to spend Mother's Day...any day really! Enjoyed the narrated boat tour...galloping gators, feral hogs, and fauna galore...something for everyone!

beautiful place for enjoy the nature and the real Florida landscape and animals!

Great for kids! Airboat tour with gators, birds, wild pigs in sight. Tram ride with excellent description of flora, fauna, and history. Great restaurant and gift shop. Camping facilities look nice and we'll kept. Many opportunities for walks and bicycle rides.

Excellent camp ground for youth scout camping and to the looks of it great for family camping. Gas stations within 15 min drive for ice and other things along with a Walmart about 20 minutes away. Great roads for bike rides and also plenty of good views with alot of alligator sitings. Make the 1 hr trip to peace river if you can and dig for some fossils when the water is low!

Wonderful campground with plenty of space.

The campsite was huge and well cleared with plenty of flat spots for tents; the water out of the spigot was delicious and clean and didn't have that standard Florida sulfur taste; the state park staff was extremely accommodating and helpful; and the site was secluded from other campers. Overall, a fantastic experience!

Its better just putting anything modern away and imagine it being 90 years ago. Get the real feel for the real Florida

4.9

(32)

4.5

(3423)

13209 State Rd 72, Sarasota, FL 34241, USA

1 list

Visited Sarasota National Cemetery. Very moving experience. Came to visit a family member who served us in WWII.Absolutely beautiful grounds. There are 295 acres, which will serve veterans for the next the next 50 years. They are working on a large pavilion in the center, called Patriot Plaza. When I stopped at the visitor center, a lovely lady came right up to me and help me identify where my family member was and how to get there. She gave a detailed map and made sure I understood it.

A beautiful veterans cemetery off the beaten path a little in the Sarasota area. An absolutely gorgeous layout and beautiful landscape for a cemetery. One of the most impressive veteran cemeteries aside from Arlington National Cemetery that I have ever seen.

The cemetery is beautiful and it was an honor to bury my parents there. The communications are lacking however. I was originally told it would take about seven days for plaque for the niche on columbarium. Then told up to sixty days. I was told I would be notified by email when it was done. Never received one. Had to drive there to see it. I called and asked about it. The woman had no idea and told me someone would call me back. That was a week ago. No call.

The grounds are immaculate and well kept. We will be coming here every year for my father’s birthday. He served in Vietnam and has one of the most beautiful burials in the wall, right under the giant flag.

Beautifully curated memorial to the men and women who have served our country, along with the sacrifices made by their families. This places reminds you of how precious democracy is.

Beautifully maintained grounds. We interred my Mom and Dad here together, and the staff were wonderfully helpful. My Dad served during the Korean War.

The price for your freedom....those willing to serve.Placing a coin on headstones of a service member is a show of respect as well as letting the deceased service member's family know someone was there.The denomination of the coins each have a distinct and significant meaning.295 acres along State Road 72, Sarasota County.

Interred my best friend's wife in one of the beautiful columbaria there. Breathtaking grounds and a fitting resting place for our brave patriots.

I had the honor to be apart of placing flags on the graves for Veterans Day. It was a wonderful experience. The grounds were kept Immaculate. There were people set up with tables and books around the grounds so that you could find your family or loved one easily I looked up several people that I knew and was very easy for me to find them once I knew where to go.

The Sarasota National Cemetery is a truly serene and sacred place, serving as a final resting ground for our nation's heroes. Stepping onto the grounds, you are immediately enveloped by a profound sense of peace and tranquility. The cemetery's beautifully landscaped surroundings create a serene and comforting atmosphere, paying tribute to those who have served our country with honor and bravery.The attention to detail in maintaining the grounds is commendable. Lush green lawns, meticulously trimmed shrubs, and vibrant flowers create a picturesque setting. As you walk along the paths, you can't help but appreciate the care and dedication put into ensuring that every corner of the cemetery reflects the utmost respect for the fallen.The atmosphere at the Sarasota National Cemetery is one of reverence and gratitude. The rows upon rows of white marble headstones, standing tall and uniform, serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by our military personnel. The sight is both humbling and awe-inspiring, leaving you with a deep appreciation for those who have served and protected our nation.One of the most striking aspects of the cemetery is the sense of unity and solidarity it evokes. People from all walks of life, from different generations and backgrounds, gather here to pay their respects and honor the memory of our fallen heroes. It's a place that fosters a deep sense of community, bringing together individuals who share a common appreciation for the sacrifices made by our military.The Sarasota National Cemetery is not just a final resting place; it's a place for reflection, contemplation, and remembrance. The quiet and peaceful environment allows visitors to find solace and comfort amidst their thoughts and memories. It's a space where one can escape the chaos of daily life and find a moment of stillness and reflection.The cemetery also serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing legacy of those who have served. The presence of memorials, flags, and other symbols of patriotism further enhance the experience, instilling a sense of pride and gratitude for the sacrifices made by our military personnel and their families.The Sarasota National Cemetery is not only a place to honor and remember; it's a place to learn and gain a deeper understanding of our nation's history and the sacrifices made for our freedom. The cemetery provides resources and information to help visitors learn more about the individuals laid to rest and the significance of their service.In conclusion, the Sarasota National Cemetery is a hallowed and peaceful place, where the memory of our fallen heroes is honored with the utmost respect. It offers solace, reflection, and an opportunity to express gratitude for the sacrifices made by our military. A visit to this sacred ground is a moving experience that reminds us of the true cost of freedom and the debt we owe to those who have served.

A beautiful cemetery for this who have served in the military. The grounds are immaculate and such a peaceful place to visit.

Exceptional staff and well maintained landscape. Very fitting for the last resting place of our veterans.

This National Cemetery has the most amazing volunteers. I have had problems with local florists not confirming delivery to my brothers grave site. Florists will not provide photo of arrangement and have delivered to the wrong plot on occasion. The cemetery is filled with kind volunteers who have sent me photo confirmation of delivery. My brother is buried in Florida and I’m in RI so there is no other way to know whether flowers made it to his site. I’m so grateful for the cemetery volunteers, their compassion, and willingness to help families of the deceased. Such a blessing 🙏

This is a beautiful well kept Cemetery. My grandmothers headstone was not up yet and she still had a reef for Christmas with her marker. It melted my heart all the wonderful people that brought and took their time to decorate the headstones for Christmas. I went to take her marker some flowers, it was a lovely surprise. I know they hold this event but I didn't expect it because her headstone was not up yet. I would suggest anyone in the area to go around and look at all the displays and the many beautiful ways the National Cemetery honors those who have served. Especially around Christmas time it is amazing to see how much love is put in by the local community gives to our loved ones that have passed on.

Beautiful cemetery with exceptional upkeep. It shows great respect to those who've served this country. It's peaceful and serene. The views are breathtaking! The growth speaks for itself.✌🏼

Free to roam. Beautiful place.We will both be resting there one day.

4.9

(196)

5.0

(469)

9810 State Rd 72, Sarasota, FL 34241, USA

+86 other lists

Beautiful & peaceful. Easily accessible. Has a great kids area! We were there at the end of April when had a Tiffany collection display; lamps & vases were so neat to see.There were large artist creations, like Tiffany, through out the garden. We spent 5 hrs enjoying this great place! The water view was incredible.Volunteers were friendly & helpful!

Very nice botanical garden, definitely worth a visit. They have some epiphytes I have not seen in other botanical gardens. You can spend about 3 hours there and see everything in depth. They have free parking and it is 26 bucks a person. There are good ocean views and good walking trails. The mansion houses a mask exhibit and when I went they were auctioning the masks. The workers are very ready to answer questions and look like they are enjoying themselves.

Beautiful, clean, and staff was sweet. Unfortunately we hit it during they're swapping themes time so a couple buildings were closed. It still took us about an hour plus to walk all the paths and see all the things. The shop was beautiful and had many things to offer. Definitely give yourself time if you just want a nice relaxing stroll. I have never been to a place with such a huge "ouch garden" the cactus plants were so beautiful. Wish we could grow half of the beautiful plants they have here back home. Loved it all!

Beautiful gardens of all different types with beautiful trails right on the Sarasota Bay. Had multiple bathrooms with easy access and all different places to explore. Cute little gift shop full of nice souvenirs Only trouble was parking as they are doing construction and the parking lot was fenced off and rock. My first time going and it was great! Beautiful!

What a delightful place to visit, brought my mom with me and when I asked if teachers got a discount,the person working the counter was eager and happy to tell us that teachers are free. They had free valet parking due to construction in their typical parking area, I had a little snack and a drink at the café. Although it was 93° out the breeze from off the water and the shaded areas provide much comfort from the heat. I was a little disappointed to find the greenhouse was closed, even though I had looked on the website I did not know this in advance. But I enjoyed it so much I’ll definitely make the two hour trip to visit again.

Fun day at the gardens with the family. Lots of really fun things to see if you like plants! Kids might have a bit of a tough time here but they still had a good time and enjoyed the koi fish pond. The butterfly gardens were also neat to see. Definitely recommend an afternoon here.

Absolutely beautiful. There are so many plants to explore. Tiffany exhibit was educational and beautiful. Property is huge so wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle. On the water, so the breeze is appreciated. Different places to sit and take a moment to soak it all it. You can purchase food and drinks on the property in the adorable house cafe. Seating inside if you need to cool off and plenty outside. A very peaceful relaxing time ❣️

The garden is nice but quite a bit of mosquitoes and bugs. My arms and legs got bitten even with spread on.Most of the volunteers were very nice and friendly.The Garden's cafe Michael's was a surprise with excellent sandwiches and choices.

Attending Matt and Maggie Dorn's wedding at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota was an unforgettable experience. The venue, a picturesque garden overlooking tranquil waters, was breathtaking, especially as the sun began to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. The atmosphere was magical, almost surreal, and Annemarie and I were spellbound by the beauty of it all.The ceremony itself was intimate and heartfelt, with every detail meticulously planned. Matt and Maggie, surrounded by the love of their family and friends, exchanged vows against the backdrop of the setting sun, making the moment even more special. The air was filled with emotions, joy, and laughter, creating an ambiance of pure happiness.As the evening progressed, the celebration moved into a beautifully decorated area, where tables were adorned with elegant centerpieces and soft, ambient lighting. The dinner was a culinary delight, each dish more exquisite than the last, complementing the upscale yet intimate theme of the wedding.The music was a perfect blend of classic and contemporary, setting the tone for a night of dancing and merriment. Annemarie and I shared dances under the starlit sky, the melodies creating a romantic and enchanting atmosphere. We chatted with old friends and made new ones, reveling in the joyous occasion.The entire night was unlike anything we had ever experienced. The combination of the stunning setting, the delicious food, the wonderful music, and the great company made it a truly epic celebration. It was a night to remember, not just for Matt and Maggie, but for every guest who had the privilege of being a part of their special day.

It was a beautiful place. Me and my girlfriend loved it. Amazing flowers incredible things we saw. Didn’t see it all we will be back to finish the walk . Love it ❤️

We visited here on a Monday afternoon at the end of July and spent a little more than an hour exploring. Definitely felt the FL summer heat and would love to come back in the spring when it's a bit cooler. Absolutely loved everything about the experience - very nice gift shop, clean restrooms, friendly staff, an interesting (and air conditioned!) art exhibit, and the grounds were gorgeous. So much to look at. Highly recommend.

Such a beautiful place to enjoy the beautiful plants and flowers of FL! You can walk out and get a wonderful view of Sarasota Bay as well. Don’t miss it if your visiting.

Wonderful, lush garden that’s surrounded with exotic plants, the ocean, and kind people. The Shelby Gardens is a great place to visit if you’re from out of town, want to spend a day with the kids and family, or just enjoy plants itself. The facility is clean and well managed. When you come into the gardens, you’ll have your car valeted and returned at the end. We just happened to come the day after their newest exhibit opened which included these colorful Costa Rican masks. Plenty of areas to sit and enjoy the landscape. Definitely check it out!

Very nice. We were there during Tiffany Exhibit which was great. Not sure if special large stained glass decor throughout park was there because of Tiffany or they are standard displays, but loved them. Great that it sits along the bay. Orchid section was wonderful. I highly recommend it mostly for adults, not small children though there is a small kids section.

Beautiful gardens. There is an awesome area for kids to play. They have concerts for members and an amazing greenhouse. I love how they always have a revolving collection of artwork that they incorporate into the gardens.

Nice quiet stroll through beautiful gardens. Make sure you take your camera or have your phone ready - lots to capture.Kids area has lots to climb on and nooks for them to explore.Cafe has cold drinks and food.Brst way to spend the day.

Wonderful garden. The Orchids were fabulous. We took our time and strolled through everything and it took about 2.5 hours. Worth every penny.

This place is a must see! If you like orchids you especially need to come see their orchid exhibit. They have an outdoor botanical garden that is beautifully maintained and raised wooden paths that give you a sense of adventure. The view of the ocean is particularly stunning and I’m sure must be wonderful at sunset (although we were there at midday). They have left the natural mangroves along most of the sea’s edge so it’s a great place to see that type of habitat as well. I was particularly fascinated be some of the really old mangrove trees with their roots so big that I didn’t think that still existed except maybe in the Everglades or abandoned islands. There is a cafeteria, and a visitor center which is all being replaced with a huge building across the street which is also part of the compound (probably the new visitor complex). I can’t wait to come back as my wife bought us a membership.

An Amazing place to spend the whole day. Beautiful. Like a whole different world. Educational. Amazing orchids. Plants from many contents. I have 250 I wish I could share. They also have a flower shop. Should be on your bucket list good.

This place was gorgeous. So peaceful and beautiful. I'm always surprised at what we have in our backyards here in FL.Great place to spend the morning. Go early while it's still cool out. However, there are plenty of shady spots and benches.The butterfly garden, the dock, the views - all wonderful. Also, the price is reasonable.

My husband and I visited this beautiful spot over the weekend. So much to see and enjoy. The grounds were spotless. Air conditioned restrooms. Nice little cafe for lunch. The green tea was delicious and refreshing on a hot day.

This place is beautiful, I highly recommend going first thing in the morning when they open, there is less crowd, better parking (it’s free anyway) and you can beat the heat a little bit. It took about 2.5-3 hours to gm through everything, the trees and flowers are really pretty. Make sure you bring water and stay hydrated.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens was the dream venue for our March 2024 all-outdoors wedding. It made for a day straight out of fairy tales. With flowers in full bloom, guests were in awe by the beauty and the magical environment it created. The food was fantastic. We are also members and love supporting the Garden’s initiatives. Best experience ever and simply cannot wait to return to enjoy these beautiful gardens over and over.

A beautiful afternoon at the botanical gardens. Be prepared to walk thru all the gardens and special exhibits overlooking the beautiful beaches and surrounding areas of beautiful plants and trees and landscapes. It was an awesome afternoon of casually strolling the magnificent grounds and witnessing mother nature in her finest. Kudos to the expansion project, which seems to be complete. Such a beautiful peaceful date with mother nature.

What an oasis! To think all of this beauty, diversity, art and natural tranquility is minutes from downtown Sarasota is staggering. The parking is incredibly convenient. The volunteers were beyond helpful. And our visit was free because we’re members of another Florida garden — Bok Tower in Lake Wales. Such a gem.

Selby Gardens is a fantastic botanical jewel. En extremely interesting venue that has options for every nature lover. Winding paths with banyon and other trees overhead, colorful flowering plants, exhibits, a tropical greenhouse, fantastic vistas and so much more. There's a children's play area (more like a huge tree house city) that is elevated and has interactive exhibits that frankly, adults can enjoy as well. Selby Gardens also has several restaurants to dine in. The Orchid is very good, but know that it's expensive and may not be your best option for your dollar. If you're Sarasota and looking for a location to spend a relaxing and enjoyable afternoon at, check this place out.

This place is magnificent. My mom and I had a nice walk through this beautiful garden. It amazes me that someone like Marie Selby so selflessly donated this place so we can all enjoy it. This piece of haven is located by the bay and offers amazing views of the bay and Sarasota. Having a place where everyone has access to instead of multimillion-dollar homes or condos is priceless.

The new and extended Gardens are just wonderful! The added space really has made such a difference, and the new restaurant is marvellous. Light, airy, welcoming and friendly, the food is sublime. Can't wait to go again!

Spent a lovely afternoon roaming around the gardens. Extensive tropical garden indoors with water trickling over the stone walls.Waterfront along the estuary with views of Sarasota have extensive mangroves.They close at 430. Allow a couple of hours.There's a restaurant in one of the buildings. The mansion has a small tour inside.It's 26 dollars for adults, admission.It's definitely a great way to spend a day

Really enjoyed this garden. It was beautiful! Wonderful display of orchids and all sorts of beautiful flora. Very well put together, the kids section is super interactive and my niece and nephew loved it! We got to explore nearly every part except for the education center/museum which I'll have to check out next time. They also had a great little bonsai display and I enjoyed the cactus garden too. They had a beautiful Christmas display up and whole array of lights that must look amazing at night. Really enjoyed it!

I was thrilled to return to Marie Shelby Botanical Gardens long absence of 10 years. This place held a special significance for me and my husband as it was where he proposed to me. We were filled with excitement as we embarked on this journey down memory lane.To our delight, we discovered that the garden had undergone significant transformations and welcomed several remarkable additions to its property. The abundance of beautiful plants and trees was a sight to behold. The meticulous care and attention to detail were evident in every corner of the garden.One particular highlight was the introduction of stunning boardwalks that enhanced the overall experience. These pathways offered a sense of tranquility and serenity, providing visitors with the perfect opportunity to immerse themselves in the peaceful surroundings. It was a truly rejuvenating experience to wander along these paths, basking in the natural beauty that surrounded us.The exceptional staff at Marie Shelby Botanical Gardens further enhanced our experience. Their friendliness and warmth made us feel truly welcome, and their dedication to maintaining the garden was evident. We appreciated their efforts in ensuring that every visitor had a memorable and enjoyable time.I highly recommend a visit to Marie Shelby Botanical Gardens. Whether you are seeking a romantic afternoon or simply desire a moment of quiet contemplation amidst nature, this garden will exceed your expectations. Its remarkable transformations and stunning additions make it a sanctuary worth exploring.

I came here for a fun day trip and absolutely loved my time here. The Selby Botanical Gardens are beautiful! The minute we walked in we were welcomed by so many kind staff members. The place is beautifully maintained. All the landscaping was beautiful. Teachers get in for free! They have a covered parking garage too which is really nice. This is the perfect place to visit on a day trip or to be outdoors with friends/family. I’d love to come back and see if they have seasonal exhibits for the holidays.

A gorgeous place to enjoy the local flora! Everything about the visit was very enjoyable. The parking garage has finished being constructed, the meal in the Green Orchid was fantastic tasting, artistically presented with plants from their gardens, and they have rotating temporary exhibits, currently for Yayoi Kusama. The whole visit was a great value overall, especially for members and their guests. It's a must see for nature lovers. Be prepared with sunscreen and hats!

We haven’t been in almost 10 years and was pleasantly surprised. We enjoyed walking around the gardens and the interactive exhibits. Impressed with the number of volunteers and many are so friendly and willing to share their knowledge.Nice, parking garage (free)

Exceptionally curated grounds for all of the senses! My favorite thing to see and learn was the honor they paid to the African American groundskeepers and gardeners that made the historical contributions to its lovely style and maintenance. Teachers get in free!!! There's a lovely playground for the children. 5 stars in every category. The Cafe had great, fresh food. Bring your camera, sketch pad, kids, parents, date, and stay a while!

Very beautiful botanical garden! Well maintained and clean. Lots of stunning plants. Stopped by the Selby House Café for a quick lunch. Had the Grilled Chicken Melt, and it was really good! Staff was very kind. Gift shop was cute and had a lot of different items!

Parking was a little confusing. It wasn't evident to me that the ramp was for the garden. It is. They don't allow outside food which was a shame because we packed a picnic lunch that we had to enjoy on a bench right outside the park instead of in the magnificent gardens. Even if you buy tickets online you still have to stop at the main entrance to get your sticker.

First time going to night in Bloom at the gardens. We did buy advanced tickets and included the parking which was super helpful. Really enjoyed the experience in the atmosphere. The lights, the music, and the garden itself was all beautiful. Lots of different areas to walk through and enjoy, they had games to play for the young ones. It was nice that they had the ability to buy cocktails in food while you walk through the garden. Highly recommend as a family Christmas activity.

Absolutely spectacular! Right in the heart of downtown Sarasota, the Selby gardens is a lovely asset to the city. Beautiful gardens and unmatched views of the bay. I can visit again and again and it’s different every time. We went for the holiday light event this year and i was blown away! It will absolutely be a yearly visit to see the lights from now on! I do recommend buying tickets ahead of time as they sell out, especially right around Christmas. Great for families, people of all ages and interests!

This place is absolutely breathtaking. We couldn’t be more impressed the the amount and variety of plants, flowers and trees. The air plants are amazing. We can’t wait to go back for the holiday lights!

This is one of my favorite places I’ve been so far! Tons of amazing plants and lots of different examples of species of various ecosystems in Florida. You can tell this is an established place as everything is so grown in you can likely see new things in multiple trips. Can’t wait to go back! Just wish they had some plants for sale instead of typical gift shop fare.

4.7

(5441)

4.5

(3347)

1534 Mound St, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA

+68 other lists

Awesome marine lab and aquarium. Both in and outdoor display are well organized. Kids loved the petting places where they could touch the sting rays, sharks, starfish, sea cucumbers etcManatees are such a huge attraction.The volunteers and staff are very helpful.The tickets can be expensive but you get 50% off if you have a zoo membership somewhere.You can also get discounts for your boat tours with your mote tickets if you want to do the tour next or later.No food allowed inside but water is welcome. There are places for your to get your water refilled. And a cafeteria in case you get hungry.Expect a couple hours to go over everything. Lot of walking involved for sure.But come have fun with your kids.

Visited on a holiday weekend was not too crazy busy and was able to see all the exhibits.Staff was super friendly and welcomed us with a smile.All the animals looked happy and well cared for. The otters were playing and being goofy water puppies. 🤣🤣Would recommend for couples or families with kiddos.

This is a nice aquarium. We got there early so parking wasn't an issue. We also ordered online so we didn't have to go through the ticket line. All we had to do was show the door attendant our phone or proof of purchase.Walkong through the exhibits was easy and straightforward. It would be hard to get lost in this place. They had a virtual tour where you sit in this egg shaped seat and put on virtual goggles. The seat would move as you explored the ocean. It was 6 dollars a person. They also, had many stations for touching marine life for free. Sting rays, a Dogfish, and even little sharks. It was very cool. We also sifted for shark's teeth. I think it was 10 bucks a bag. It was a bag of sand you sifted in running water. You get a handful of teeth and you get to keep the bag they came in.Mote also has gators, river otters, manatees, and live sea turtles. Those are in a different building so be prepared to walk about a quarter mile to get there. We had a baby so we just drove to the other parking lot closer to that building because it was hot outside.Overall the experience was great. Our family highly recommends making to Mote if you're in Sarasota. It's worth trip. Takes about 2 to 2.5 hours to see everything. Have fun!

Before our trip, we heard such great things about the Mote Aquarium. Our visit lived up to the hype and more. On the surface, the aquarium doesn’t seem like much but it’s packed with interesting displays! Some of our favorites included the sharks, eels, river otters, turtles, and alligators. On top of those, there is plenty more to experience. The staff is more than friendly and were always there to lend a hand, give advice, or teach us a mini lesson. We spent about 2-3 hours going through both buildings. Overall, a great trip and experience and a place I think everyone should, especially with kids.

Extremely interesting and educational. Loads of opportunities to interact with the sea life. There are indoor and outdoor exhibits between several buildings.It may be slightly expensive for some. However, what they do with your money is priceless and well worth donating a few extra dollars towards. Especially their research programs. Mote is a global marine science institution, leading more than 27 diverse, programs. Again, well worth the investment. My favorite area was the jellyfish reproduction lab.Great for families and kids. Don’t forget your water if you go in the summertime, especially for the kids, as you need to walk outside to get to other buildings and their exhibits. ENJOY!

This is a very cool place to visit if you have a fear of open water but still want to experience creatures of the sea. The on-site restaurant is a little pricy for being concession stand food, but it is good. One thing that may be an important detail is that the gift shops close early. I love this place and will be back again.

Decided to visit the aquarium and we were not disappointed. Once you walk in and round the corner, it shows you all the different tanks of fish they have.They also had small pools meant for gently handling the different species.That took us and hour.But wait, there's another building!Manatee, otters, turtles and more.The whole experience took roughly 2 hours and it was fun!Highly recommend to all ages.

I thought I had been to just about all aquariums and seen it all. Boy was I wrong when I went to this aquarium. Very very educational. A wealth of information regarding sea life and opportunities to see them up close as they may be in recovery or a permanent residents due to injuries matters. I probably could have stayed there from the time they open till they closed. I highly recommend this place for anyone, whether you're single dating married or on a family vacation. Definitely stop by this place!

Very nice and fun place to walk around. I’m happy that they are trying to keep this place clean. At this place, you can learn about many marine life and see the laboratory.You can touch some of the sea creatures and the staff explains about the creatures. One thing is the manatees place was little dirty Water and couldn’t see them well. Other than that, it was very well managed.Also they have place to sit and eat and souvenir shop

Not sure if it was because I had low expectations for this place, but I was very impressed with this aquarium. The layout flows nicely, with no bottlenecks. Both indoor and outdoor areas are fun and well designed. The food area is well placed, and has a nice menu. Walking to the second building could be an issue during rainy days, though. But once you're there you'll be treated to cool turtle and manatee exhibits. Overall a fun time if you have a couple of hours to burn.

Nice aquarium with two different buildings to check out. Great for kids and adults. They have a kit you can buy for $11 that your kids can sift for shark teeth, fossils, and possibly a Megladon tooth. Was a good time all around. Would recommend stopping by and checking his place out!

I have visited Mote Marine on several occasions, and each time, I feel there is something new that I missed from previous visits. I could stand in front of the octopus tank for hours, watching this fascinating creature who seems to have a personality of his own. The jellyfish are mesmerizing, and the otters are a laughable bunch who want to entertain as they frolic, slide and wobble about. There is plenty to see, and don't miss the rays touch tank or the shark exhibit. We even thought our burgers at the on-site diner were as good as any we've had elsewhere and far better than any of our local fast food joints. If you're looking for summer entertainment for the kids, Mote will never disappoint!

My kids love ocean creatures and this was the perfect place to visit with toddlers. There was a lot to see and touch, which kept them engaged. At first we had trouble parking, until we saw the sign for additional parking. The additional parking turned out to be a great location because we started in the marine mammal center, which was less crowded.Also zoo and aquarium food can be hit or miss, but the Deep Sea Cafe was amazing. The onion rings were the best I've had in a very long time.

Absolutely awesome aquarium and one of my favorite I've ever been to. I'm not from the coast t, so I can't claim to be authoritative on how great it is, but man I loved it. I could have petted a loggerhead turtle!Price was a bit much, but I thought it was a good value. They have discounts if you gave a zoo membership at other locations too, so that helped.They also had a nice aviary to see as well.

OMG, this aquarium is awesome! Staffs and volunteers are very kind, and we loved watching sharks and one big cute manatee! 😍 It is truly worth visiting here if you live in Florida! Don't forget to touch baby sharks, too!

I think the price ($26 per adult) is reasonable for what you experience. The grounds are spread out and you must traverse from one exhibit another. The exhibits are bright and interactive - perfect for young kids. There are several hands- in areas where the kids can grab horseshoe crabs, starfish, etc. There is lots of parking. The bird area is very nice with a red tail Hawk, vultures and owls. There are 2 gift shops and diner like restaurant.

Throughly enjoyed a mid week visit, quite busy at times, plenty to see. Great exhibits of the different species of fish, sharks, manatees, otters. All well cared for in clean appropriate surroundings x

Free experience and love that they are doing some good. Kids watched the pelican feeding which was fun and also free. Something nice to do for an hour or so if you're killing a little time between beach hopping.

This is a fantastic Aquarium! We drive 3 hours to come and visit, and it was well worth the drive. I loved the variety of species. All critters looked well cared for, and everything was clean. I didn't know there were dwarf Cuttlefish, and they may have been my favorite. They changed colors and did the moving stripes patterns, too. We were lucky enough to be watching them at feeding time. That was fun! Shifting for shark teeth was great fun, too. There are 2 touch tanks. In one, you get to touch a shark! How cool is that! The staff and volunteers were very friendly and talkative. All seemed happy to be working or volunteering there. Loved seeing the preserved Giant Squid. Sharks, eels, Axolotis, large variety of fish, birds, otters, Alligator, Manatee, Loggerhead Turtles, Octopus, snake, ..... that's just some of what you will see. They have a 50's Diner that is a great place to eat. $12.95 gets you a cheeseburger and fries. It's a big, juicy burger. I would go to a restaurant that served that burger if it wasn't inside the aquarium. Diner had friendly staff and was clean. I can't say enough good things about Mote Marine. Very family friendly, and we will be back!

We have been to this aquarium three times already and we love it everytime. It's nothing grand compared to larger aquariums but it's great for a small family trip if wanting to go to an aquarium. Everything looks clean and the animals look like they're well taken care of. Employees are very nice and helpful. I highly recommend coming here!

Second timer, but it's been a while. Pretty stellar spot -- was pretty spread out and they now have two buildings that you can walk between. Definitely thought that was a cool new addition.Had several exhibits that I felt you could sit and enjoy for a while, including the river otters that were quite amusing.Different activities for all ages, including a virtual reality experience, several touch tanks, opportunities to feed some birds, and a gem mining experience to name a few.They have a restaurant on site with basic items and have both inside and outdoor seating areas. There is also a very large area for events and/or kiddos to get the wiggles out.Highly recommend.

Do not miss!!! My favorite aquarium ever. Lovely staff well taken care of animals and equipment. I got to pet 6 different kinds of fish. They have Sharks, jellies, otters, manatee. And tons more Even a bird sanctuary! Really cute gift shop.

Such an amazing adventure and experience! So much closer up encounters and education. And a lot of focus on keeping young ones entertained. This might be one of my favorite aquariums!

I thought there was incredible variety of sea life and a wonderful mix of interactive and educational displays. The music in some of the aquarium rooms really set the stage for an inspiring experience. I loved witnessing how kind and knowledgeable the staff was towards our group. I absolutely loved sharing this experience across the generations of folks we had in our pod. That being said, I wish I could’ve received a little more information about the fossil display!!!Would most definitely return!!!

This was a great little side trip to take a break from the sun. There was a large variety of sea life and the volunteers were very friendly and informative. I especially love the sea turtles! My only disappointment was there was only one Manatee.

This was an amazing aquarium!!!! This place was packed with all kinds of things to see. When you thought you were done, there was another building and then an entire bird area. I could have stayed and watched the Cuddlefish forever because they are absolutely bizarre creatures. We got to watch them clean and scrub the turtles' backs, and saw the biggest manatee named "Buffett" I have ever seen.

I was in the area just for a weekend and wanted to do something for fun but at the same time where I can learn something new.Amazing place to learn more about the marine ecosystem. 🐟🐠🐡🦈I loved the whole experience and definitely recommend it for all ages. We need to take care of our marine environment for the sake of future generations.

Mote is an absolute blessing. Their animals are so well taken care of and you can tell this is a place built on love and dedication to sea life. I always feel joyous and fulfilled coming here, and it never gets old. There’s also a bird section which is a lot bigger than it looks from the outside! There’s also a park on the beach a short walk away with boardwalks through mangroves which is always a must.

Took a day trip out to the aquarium and was very surprised about the variety of animals! Large enough to spend at least an hour or two there but still have plenty of the day left! Just as a heads up if there is no parking in the main lot go to the boat slip parking and park there, save the hassle of driving around hoping for a close spot!

This is a fantastic place to visit if you are visiting the area. Took my kids for a little relief from the sun. They had a blast. Went first thing in the morning it wasn't crazy busy. It did get really busy while we were leaving. Spent about 2 hours here. My only word of caution is the manatee and turtles are in a separate building about a 5 min walk so if you park in the first lot and you have someone who can't walk long distances in the heat jump back in the car and drive to the other lot closer to that building.

Very educational for all ages, All types of sealife but bring your walking shoes after you finish 1st section you will walk outside to the Birds area(fun to talk to the parrots) then onto the otter section across the way. Yes you can take a break between exhibits & you can drive/walk to the otter building then show tix to get in. Walk at your pace. We spent 3 to 4 hours really looking at all the exhibits & animals. Clean environment for all all animals. ❤️ Lots of parking areas including ♿️ & elevators when needed. Keep up the great work, FUN day in Florida.

We had opportunity to visit this awesome aquarium this time while on our Anniversary at the Siesta Key resort. It was only a short 20 min drive from the Key to get their and was well worth the trip. We bought our tickets in advance on line so no waiting in line at the gate. (I highly recommend buying your tickets on line and also strongly suggest getting there at least 15-30 min before your ticket scheduled time slot). This is a great family friendly environment great for any age but I would also suggest that the kids be at least 5 yrs old to really enjoy it. Children under 2 yrs of age are free to get in. Considering that all the proceeds go to the aquarium up keep and the rehabilitation of injured sea creatures it is all very well woth the modest price of $30 or so a person for adults. I would Pay that easily anyday to see the Cool sea critters they have in here. They have one exhibit where you can actually reach your hand into a pool and physically touch Sea Rays 🌊 and Guitar Fish. (*I warn you though, The Guitar Fish is a attention hog and a ham, Lol!) I could go on for sometime about all the cool stuff but since a picture is worth a thousand words please see my pics or better yet go there in person. Unless you hate aquariums you will not be disappointed.

I have been upwards of four times and loved it each visit! Wide variety of wildlife, information, and interactive activities. I spoke to a few volunteers, who were all super knowledgeable and sweet- one had been volunteering there for 15 years! There was also a section on the history of the research center and aquarium that was fascinating. It was very crowded, as I went on a holiday, but that did not affect my experience. Points off for the cost (I understand that aquarium upkeep takes funding) and the fact that there were countless additional activities that cost extra. Would definitely go again, but it would be much more frequent with a reduced cost/student discount!

This is an older, small aquarium and marine biology research facility founded in the 1950’s. You’ll see sharks and jellyfish and a touch pool. Pose by the massive jaws of the Megalodon Shark. There is a snack bar and gift shop. Take the time to read the signage by the displays — they are very informative. This is a great place to bring the kids!Mote is building a huge modern aquarium just off of I-75 that’s scheduled to open next year.

My friend and I had an absolute blast at Mote! It was really fun seeing all the sea creatures… The staff members at the exhibits were very informative and friendly.

I’m surprised the ratings are so high here. Nice volunteers, nice hands on exhibits for kids, but we had 3 adults for $87, and I’ve seen better exhibits in the Midwest. One reviewer said he felt sorry for the animals, and I concur. It’s a bit pricy for the experience. I was happy to see that there are plans for a remodel/expansion.

First time here absolutely loved the experience beats sitting around on a Sunday waiting for workday to come upThe staff was extremely knowledgeable and made the experience here very pleasurableI’d recommend this place to anyone looking for somewhere nice to go see some interesting aquatic speciesI reside in north port which is boring as hell!Sarasota hosts some of the most interesting places to visit and shops yes it’s about an hour away but can’t buy timeSo I recommend this place to anyone and everyone!

We went on a Sunday and it was not that crowded. This place was clean and well staffed with knowledgeable people to ask questions of. They had way more marine life there to enjoy than I expected. They even had some interactive displays for the kids to play with including 3D headsets.They are building a new bigger and fancier Aquarium, opening some time in 2026. This one is well worth a visit in the meantime. We will be back.

This was my third visit to this aquarium, each time taking visiting family members. We had two kids under 10 in our party. I was disappointed in the pricing for kids at $21. Nevertheless, the aquarium is cool, with a manatee, sharks, rays, and huge turtles. Some of the exhibits (like the Ray tank) are interactive. There are many volunteers who are helpful in describing things and were quite informative. Overall, it was a good place and cool experience. I'm sure I'll be back.

Nice aquarium with lots to see. Not too busy when I went, though sound can be overwhelming at times. There's also a walk between buildings as there are two sections. Overall nice aquarium.

4.7

(9216)

4.5

(4420)

1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA

4.5

(5822)

Sarasota, FL 34236, USA

+45 other lists

This is now one of my favorite beaches in the US! Such a quiet and chill beach! It’s clean, family friendly but also we didn’t feel like we were over run with children. The water was warm and beautiful. The sand was powdery soft and not grainy like most beaches. The waves were pretty calm for the most part. They have free parking and nice accommodations with shops and a lot to do. I really enjoyed myself and can’t wait to return. Definitely check them out! Worth the trip to have such a relaxing day on the water!

The Gulf coast of the US are home to some of the best beaches in the country and this beach is right there at the top . The sand is soft, white and sugary. The Emerald colored water is very clear. A must visit beach for sure.

Beautiful beach w beautiful sand and view. A lot of people walking the beach, that was nice. Clean and Clear water. Love that they have a concession stand w breakfast in the menu. I had a bagel breakfast sandwich, it hit the spot and they tables you can sit and eat at. They have a small nice souvenir shop.

Super soft, powdery sand. Water is nice temperature and pretty clear. Many little fish swimming around. Didn’t see any crabs, hermit crabs, jellyfish, etc. pretty sure we saw a manatee pop up not too far from the shoreline. The main part of the beach has lifeguards on duty. That area can become very congested. We went way further down and it was so relaxing. Beautiful views. Watched sunset but the views were limited due to clouds that night. Attempted to watch sunrise but it was difficult due the the building on that side. Definitely softer send than turtle beach. Would recommend turtle beach if you’re looking for shells. Siesta Key beach did have some shells, but did not find as many large ones.Tons of local shops and great restaurants nearby! Check out my other reviews for food recommendations!

Great beach, sand feels so soft and it doesn’t get hot. Water was clear and just warm enough. No issues finding parking but we arrived after 2pm. We stayed to watch the sunset and it did not disappoint.

It is the most beautiful beach that I have ever seen. Perfect white sand is so thin and delicate. Stays cool even in the high heat. Just Perfect.

Coming from the East coast beaches, Siesta Key was a refreshing change from the heavy, pounding waves at Cocoa beach, Melbourne beach, Sebastian Inlet and Vero Beaches. The waves at Siesta Beach are relaxing and hardly any current to worry about taking you away. Waist to chest deep clear cool water make it nice to cool off after laying in the sun. Of all the beaches I have been to in Florida, this is my favorite. I will be visiting again.

I have been going to Siesta Key Beach for years! It is, in my opinion, the best beach in the United states. The quartz sand is baby powder soft and bright white! The waters are crystal clear and have the most beautiful aqua blue color due to the quartz sand reflecting under the water. It is so beautiful, it's like being on a Caribbean island. Siesta Key is the only Beach I will go to in the United states. No other Beach compares.

Linda and I drove down from Longboat Key to Siesta Key Beach to see for ourself the famous white sand. It was unbelievably soft to walk on and regardless of how hot the day became, you could still walk on the white quartz sand without burning your feet. We had an awesome time with plenty of free parking, restroom and outdoor showers and the water was just great! If we had more time, would definitely consider spending another day at the #1 beach in the USA!

One of the most amazing beaches of the world. The smoothest and most white sand I’ve ever seen. I highly recommend to have your sunglasses with you because the white sand is reflecting the sun so much. And if you want to enjoy the water, don’t forget an umbrella or a pavilion to have some shadow. I highly recommend going to the beach on weekdays because on weekends it’s very full. And if you can manage it enjoy the beach in the early morning when you can look at the sea and the sun rises to your left, this is an awesome start into the day and you won’t be alone.

Nearly 80 degrees today. Water tempt was in 60s, possibly 70s. Food. Folks. Fun. Families. Vendors. Clean restrooms. Volleyball. Swim. Shop. Competitive parking. Patience. Follow the arrows. Avoid ignoring the DO NOT ENTER signs in the parking lot. Be kind and avoid stealing parking spaces from other patrons. Be nice.

From the moment you set foot on the beach, you are greeted by a sense of tranquility and beauty that is unmatched. The water is clear and inviting, ideal for swimming or simply soaking up the sun. With its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere, it's no wonder why Siesta Beach is consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the US.

Beautiful beach. Nice amenities… breathtaking sunsets. So much soft sand it seems magical.

This beach was beautiful! It may have been super busy but the sand and water was amazing. The sand was super white, soft, and it wasn't hot when you walked on it. My fiance and I had a great time relaxing at this beach and playing in the waves. We also saw dolphins!

4.8

(25024)

4.5

(8648)

Sarasota, FL 34242, USA

3 lists

Will be Demolished in Late 2024. Rebuilt hopefully by 2027. Considering the building was built in the '60s It makes sense.https://youtu.be/fz00DljQJlgAlso Port Charlotte is really darn boring!! As a single man in my 30s I don't like living here. Maybe the center will host some dance nights to meet others or some such. Concerts and Theatre is important.Alternatively...They could use it to house the homeless. They will have to go somewhere 🤷

I loved to go dancing in 'the Big Room'. It was the best and biggest dance floor in the whole area.Meanwhile they got a new, very uneven floor with rinks all over>> you're ruining your dance shoes.I'm a Ballroom Dancer for decades; such a dance floor I saw only at small towns yearly dance in a barn!If you are organizing a dance event, consider another location!!!

I went hear for my 2 covid shots. 1st time very organized as well as quick. Today was a much longer wait but once they started the injections the wait wasn't that bad. Just glad I have both shots now!!

I was at the library's used book shop and found three great books. My wife found four books that she had been looking for (we have different reading interests.) The total came to $6.50, what a great buy for some really good books.

Shame on the Administration that allowed this Board Decision to close one of the main attraction centers in Port Charlotte. The Culture center is one of the Attractions when People make decisions to move in this Area. The administration has there Heads up the wrong Place. Come -on Lets get it back together ,

This place should not qualify as a cultural center . There's nothing cultural about it . Venues as such should offer shows that represent different foreign countries in music , dance and theatre . They are a staff of close minded individuals that offer dull events with no consideration to their audience or local residents .Its truly too bad for the community as they add no pride to our town . It's decor is extremely outdated and they cannot think outside the box . Their stage presentations are dull and quite insulting since I paid for a ticket . I've seen better shows in public schools . Don't waste your time supporting a center that claims to be exactly what it is not ... cultural . It should be called " The Depressing Center "not cultural by any means .Don' t waste your time and I do not recommend it at all . Head to Sarasota or Fort Myers instead .

Excellent community meeting place and hosting of many private and public events. Low cost breakfasts and lunches, educational courses, gym, theatre, thrift stores and host of various service clubs including Charlotte Harbor Rotary on Tuesdays at 7am. Also hosts the award winning Charity Trivia Nights on the second Wednesday of every month at 6.15pm. This event is now in its 7th year and has helped many local non-profits.

The cultural center has lots of things to look at and purchase for small amounts of money and their food in the cafeteria isn't all that bad either they have good portions and everything is good service as well. I'd like everyone that reads this to take advantage of going to the cultural center and see what's available they got small little shops in there and if you know what you're looking for you find it.

4.3

(98)

4.5

(151)

2280 Aaron St, Port Charlotte, FL 33952, USA

1 list

Great grounds and facilities, much nicer than others in the area. 1 star rating for charging me $9 for a convenience and procession fee. Seriously, transactions cost lest than 10 cents with any other vendor in town, why gouge your customers before they even get to the field.. save it for the $10 hot dogs

Great day out with family. Great staff and great prices. Un- limited food and drink with a good quality Stone Crab hat for and ticket to the game,Wait for it.....45 dollars approx. Great level of play, always a good day watching the possible stars of tomorrow.

I always love coming to Stone Crabs games. This time was a spurred of the moment, last minute decision. I decided to bring my 3 young kids. To my delight, the park wasn't too crowded on a Saturday evening. But, there also weren't fireworks. So, I was able to just let my kids kind of roam free around the left field hill without worrying too much since I was able to see them and it wasn't crowded. It was a nice leisurely night.One difference this night then others is that I wanted to bring by Keenz stroller to keep my kids together. But, I wasn't sure what the stroller policy was, and the website doesn't state anything. So, I just decided to go for it, and didn't have any problems. So having the stragon made is really easy to lug the kids around. So, it seems they are open to any stroller.

What more can I say besides we love this place. Great place to unwind and see up and coming stars of the game. Great place to bring your family without breaking the bank. The children will also love it.

Had a great time, free admission, free parking! 15 bucks got you an all u can eat buffet, burgers, hot dogs, baked beans, potato salad, pop n water and chips!!

Amazing stadium! Awesome food (I recommend the cheesesteaks). And they have great weekday specials....and Sunday Funday is a must. Check out their website for detailed info.

Nice ball park. Went for a spring training game. Very slow to get in the park. Seats were fine. Food and drink over priced.

I was here after hurricane Ian and the military was great. Thank you for your help. Thank you for letting them use your facility

4.7

(96)

4.5

(199)

Charlotte Sports Park, 2300 El Jobean Rd, Port Charlotte, FL 33948, USA

+10 other lists

Smaller dog beach area than some other areas, but plenty of room. Great parking and plenty of it. Plenty of dog bag dispensers and trash cans, very clean. Double gated fences to keep dogs from running off. Separate small and large dog fenced play areas. Some of the best shell hunting I've seen.

Great day for a puppy's first beach day. There was ample gate security to ensure pet and owner safety. The walkways were sufficient, plenty of parking and signage. We also were happy to see plenty of garbage cans and litter bags available for cleaning up.Everyone was respectful and having a great time with their pets. The water was gorgeous and warm. Our pups loved being on beach patrol, but we have a way to go for full enjoyment of playing in the water. :-)Returning to the Brohard Paw Park is a must.

Awesome dog park and beach. Dogs are able to run loose on the beach and most of the fur-parents that were there were really responsible and respectful of the others who were there. One bit of advice especially if like myself you're used to white sand beaches, don't kick your shoes off at the end of the boardwalk! There is a lot of black to this sand and it gets HOT!!!😄

This is a great dog beach! There are three RV parking spots available too. When I went here, the dogs were very well behaved. There are stations to wash the sand off your feet and 2 hoses to wash off your dog by the parking lot/entrance.

This was our first time visiting Brohard Paw Park it is a dog park along with a trail that goes to the dog beach.The park has plenty of waste stations, water and a house to wash the salt water and sand off your pet and plenty of area for them to run and play. Our puppy loved being able to play with other dogs and they had two different play areas for large and small dogs.She took to swimming right away, but she wasn’t crazy about the boogie board.Everyone was pretty considerate and watched their dogs.We will be back. 😊🐶🐾 Happy doggie, happy family.

What a hidden gem! I had no idea the surrounding parks didn't allow dogs until I arrived with my pup in tow. So I found this dog park tucked in. I thought I would have to find somewhere else but this park and beach was PERFECTION! The people are so nice. I brought my 3lb toy Yorkie and was able to let her be off-leash on the beach. It was great! That's not always possible when dogs of all sizes are present but the owners of the dogs were all very considerate and had great control of their pups.The dogs are friendly, the restrooms are clean. The beaches and park is clean and not littered with garbage or animal waste. It's beautiful.This is a beautiful area with wonderful facilities and incredible people and the sweetest pups! I can't wait to come back!

Love this place! Always super clean, owners are very diligent and keep it that way. Always friendly people and pups alike. Great facilities on the way in/out to get dogs rinsed off etc. Bathroom/changing area always clean as well. Our newest pup LOVES the water so we'll be here often. Pics included for cuteness 😍

Loved this beach experience! The water was beautiful and all the different dogs hanging out with their owners was a great way to spend the day. Bring water for your furry friend, but they have plenty of poop bags and a trash cans, and also a dog wash off area back at the entrance to get the sand and salt water off before heading home.

Pretty amazing for a public park.Lots of entrances and exits, fresh water for the dogs and a bathing station for two dogs.Came in the morning when the waves were small. Water was warm and 95% of the people were very friendly.But it's a dog park, so you get the usual dog park people and behaviors.

My second visit here with Oscar and we will keep returning!2 gated “play” areas for small or large dogs(20+), but the rinse off hose for the dogs is in the large dog area, and you also have to walk through it to get to the beach. Theres a sign posted no dogs over/under that weight, So thats confusing, but we just went through!The water gets deep pretty quickly for small, small dogs.Off leash pups running around everywhere, but the owners have been respectful! Great exposure for fur babies.

As a disabled senior citizen, walking from the parking lot to the beach was extremely difficult. on the pathway to the beach there is no place to sit. However, my service dog, loved every second of it. There were people out with floating nets, sifting shells. All the other dogs were well-behaved and under control by their owners.

We LOVE IT here! My bf and I have been brining his fur babies here 6mos now. It's always fun and the dogs have an excellent time.

Our little family absolutely loves this beach! My dogs are sooo happy everytime we go!!

Love this dog beach. all owners i have encountered are very friendly, dogs are very well behaved.Once you arrive you will walk into the dog park, there is a separate area to the right that takes you to the beach.

Wonderful place to take your dogs. People are great, dogs just having fun and a very clean area for your dog to play on the beach or just relax by the water. Great view of the pier. Couldn't ask for a bitter dog friendly beach.

I felt like I was in heaven. So many dogs. The people were all so friendly and let me play with their dogs as well. The Beach was clean, boardwalk was well kept, bathrooms were also cleaned. Wish there were nearby restaurants. But It was nice to be able to pack a lunch and enjoy a day at the beach. It's close to a little airport 🛫 so it was fun to watch the planes taking off. I would highly recommend this park to any dog lover

We brought our one year old Boston Terrier- She loved it!! We kept her on leash (a long 50 footer) because doesn’t always come when called. Most dogs were off leash. Big variety of dogs running and playing. We’ll go back for sure.

We visited for the first time last week and my dogs absolutely loved it and so did we! Beautiful beach to enjoy the sunset with your pups. There are restrooms nearby just next to the parking lot then you walk through the dog park area to get to the beach where you have a designated area to stay in with your dogs.We did see a couple dogs get a little too worked up and it was an unaltered young male dog that was a pretty big energetic guy and some screaming was involved. There are so many dogs off leash this is truly only a place for friendly well behaved dogs as there were multiple dogs running up to mine to play. My dogs were more excited to see the people there instead of the other dogs hahaWe will definitely be going back :)

Between 2005 - 2015 my parents took their border collie to this beach frequently without any issue. This place was a gem! With population growth in the area, this dog beach now seems to be far more populated, with that A LOT of dogs off leash, some of which are unmonitored and not in control by their owners.Last week when visiting family in the area we took our dog (an older blue heeler) to the paw park beach for the first time. He was on leash and we intentionally did not take him in the areas where large populations of dogs were running around off leash. Despite us being in a quieter corner of the beach, with him under a shaded beach tent, on leash, close to us, an unattended off leash dog attacked our dog and our pup got two puncture wounds on his face before we could separate them.The owner, who subsequently grabbed and hit her dog, refused to give contact information, did not apologize, and fled the beach. I contacted the police, who didn't seem even slightly surprised to be getting a call from this dog beach, and upon sharing in a facebook Venice FL Community group (who subsequently removed the post as according to the admin they 'don't try people in their group') over 100 people responded within a few hours that their dog has been attacked or they have witnessed dogs get injured, people get bit, dog owners who were not accountable, and even dog deaths at this beach in recent years. I feel terrible I brought my dog to this beach and we will never return unless the beach became a safer environment and there is more responsibility exhibited from owners.Picture of owner fleeing the beach with her black/white dog off leash who attacked. If you go to this beach with your dog proceed with caution! It is a dangerous, over-populated, unpredictable environment for dogs. Especially dogs that are timid, reactive, or you wish to remain on leash.

We loved visiting the paw park and the beach! It was such a nice area and had so many great dogs. The area is kept nice and clean, even with the stinky sulfur walk from the park to the beach, it is worth it!! My dog loves the water and had a great time each visit!

We had a lot of fun here with our pups. This beach is clean and beautiful, all of the dogs were friendly and well behaved. Everything about the area was really nice, we will be back!

i love taking my pup here, and he loves it too. everyone is friendly, and the beach and park are easily accessible. clean for the most part however you do get people who don’t clean up after their pets. so glad we have something like this in the area!

4.7

(1682)

4.5

(478)

1850 Harbor Dr S, Venice, FL 34285, USA

I’ve heard in Heaven the streets are paved with Gold-at this beach the streets are paved with sharks teeth! You literally shower off standing on shark teeth. The beaches are pristine and the sand is like powdered sugar. Bring a kitchen strainer and prepare for a day of exploration of finding your own treasures. You won’t be disappointed. Check out my Podcast for more hard hitting truth.

Shark teeth central

Beautiful beach for fishing and looking for sharks teeth. Beach is very rocky. Nice restrooms and outdoor shower.

A great beach, family friendly with plenty of handicap parking as well as accessibility ramps to the beach and bathrooms. Rocks in some areas, good for shark tooth searching.

A pristine beach located off the beaten path with plenty of spots to claim a peaceful day. A long walk if your planning to come without a boat, There is a ferry that takes people back and fourth from the South Venice yacht club. Found lots of shark teeth and the sand was blazing hot. Make sure you have some adequate sun protection.

The BEST beach we have ever been to for shark tooth hunting. It was so beautiful and fun. Not crowded at all.

One of the lesser known beaches of the area, but if you know of shark teeth then you definitely know of Caspersen! This beach is so fun because it’s so unique- there are lots of rocks right along the shore like and a huge walkway across the sand, making for some great views! There are lots of shells to be found, not even just shark teeth but a large array of other conchs, scallops and really good ones! If you want to find teeth, though, I suggest you bring either a rake or some kind of straining/ scooping element because otherwise they are super difficult to find. You also need to find the right spot, so if you’re not finding any, keep on moving and don’t give up! Caspersen also has some bathrooms and rinse stations, but beware of parking because it can get tough- so great there EARLY or get there late- the in between may have you driving around quite a bit!

Great beach however erosion and hurricanes have really done a number on this beach. The dunes are now at ground level. Palm trees, sea grasses and debris litter the sand.

I think we gathered more than a thousand sharks teeth our first mini vacation there. It has become our go-to place to enjoy the beach, fishing and relaxation.

As a beach lover I would put this beach in the top 10 Beaches of my favorite beaches I have seen in the United States.Not that I am a avid beach traveler although my favorite beaches are in the Caribbean.Yesterday 03/13/2023 was one of the most perfect days with the weather, slight breeze and water I have ever had in all my visits to the beach.It was a perfect 80 degrees with no humidity and a small breeze blowing off from the ocean .As I sat in the water edge ~ looking for “ Shark Teeth” I was amazed at the “ turquoise water” that glistened with the sun rays, beaming down off of the water and bouncing up on my face.This would bring serenity to anyone’s soul ….The pictures I took are not edited and are taking with the simple feature of a iPhone 11~.

Nice beach. Originally very rocky then a little south and very sandy. LOTS of shells. Easy access. You have to go worth the trip. I bicycled there from legacy trail.

I went on Sunday morning and there were over 2 dozen people sifting through the beach looking for sharks teeth. They were spread out the whole length of the beach (over 2 miles ). The sand is fine and is not rocky except for shells in various amounts throughout. It isn't too busy and has plenty of space so you don't have to be on top of other people. Great place to take the kids or to relax without a lot of hassle around you. Free parking is great.

Found some sharktooth! Great place to relax.

This is a great place to go shark tooth hunting, as well as to lay out in the sun due to the black sands intensifying the heat. You would need to get here super early though, because the shark tooth hunters are often territorial, and parking can be a little hit or miss if you arrive after 8:00

4.6

(173)

4.5

(1865)

Florida 34223, USA

8 lists

The nice thing about Manasota Key is the great facilities. There’s ample free parking across the street, and also handicapped parking adjoining the facilities. As you walk in, there are covered picnic facilities to the left of the main restroom building and another common covered bench area to the right of it. The beach is nice with soft sand, though it is narrower than others in the area - the only negative.

Lots of free parking and handicap parking is beside the pavillion. Nice outside shower areas, plenty of picnic tables and grills beside the pavilion. There's a lifeguard staffed daytime hours. The only thing I don't like about this beach is that it doesn't have a lot of shallow areas it drops off quickly.

We love Manasota Key and visit here annually. So long as the “red tide” isn’t out when we’re visiting, it’s always an amazing time. It’s got a great feel for everyone, young and old alike. We’ve been coming here for almost 10 years and really enjoyed going to restaurants before Covid (hopefully we’ll feel comfortable again by next year’s visit).

Came here while I was in the area and I'm so glad we found this gem. Water was super clear and waves were very small. The beach was not very busy which was nice and everyone was super friendly. We found shark teeth with another family that offered us their equipment. I would recommend if you are in the area.

We enjoy visiting this beach. It isn’t our favorite in the area because it gets a little too crowded at times but like all the beaches in the area it is very beautiful, lots of good shells and a decent amount of sharks teeth to be found. Good amount of parking and a restroom and wash station.

Great pull off beach. There’s parking across the street showers, clean restrooms and a ramp to the sand. We found a handful of sharks teeth a piece of sea glass and some cool rocks sifting for approx 2 hours. Very child friendly. We’re uncertain if it’s a pet friendly beach but we did see one or two dogs.

Nice beach at the end of the key. There was plenty of parking, and the walk to the beach wasn't too bad. Nice facilities. There were plenty of people there but no problem finding a spot to sit and enjoy the water.

I love this beach. I have family that lives less than 10 minutes away. In my opinion, it has the best sunsets. When I was last there at the end of May, it was crowded at sunset but it had an awesome vibe. As you can see in one of my pictures people swim during the sunset, highly recommended. In May the water temp was mid eighties. If you visit in June as the water gets warmer, the stingrays sit at the bottom of the ocean. Do the shuffle with your feet to avoid stepping on them. You’ll find plenty of sharks teeth at this beach. Ive seen people spending hours looking and collecting the teeth. The parking is a short walk to the beach and it’s free. Restrooms are clean and nice. There are showers to rinse off right next to the bathrooms. I love the tropical vegetation that you walk through as you make your way out to the beach.

Fun lovely beach, easy parking even on a crossed weekend you can find a spot if you look around enough, parking isn’t far from the beach, has bathrooms and showers, water is clear, sand is a little rocky at shore line but not overly so. Plenty of shark teeth to find, even more than Caspersen beach. Sunsets are beautiful. We had family photos done here later in the evening at sunset and it was the perfect spot.

Very nice beach with a big parking lot, bathroom facilities, picnic tables. Clean and not crowded. You can find some shark teeth here! Not dog friendly.

I would say this is a good beach to hang out at. Lots of shellers, the sand gets hot hot 🥵 so wear shoes! Just like others said, I confirm that there is restrooms, showers, plenty of FREE parking and ramps.

Incredible beach. I love this beach whenever I visit the Venice area. The sand is nice, the water is warm, and the weather was nice and sunny. Try and find those Shark teeth when you’re here! Incredible beach overall.

Came here on our vacation to escape cold Midwest weather lol. Nice beach, clean bathrooms, and lifeguards on duty. Would recommend coming here to swim relax or tan.

Fabulous beach with easy parking and each access. Clean restrooms and covered picnic area. Beautiful sand and lots of sharks 🦈 teeth to find.

Manasota Key Beach is a hidden paradise nestled along the Gulf Coast of Florida, offering visitors a serene retreat away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its pristine white sands, crystal-clear waters, and lush coastal vegetation, this beach epitomizes the natural beauty for which Florida is renowned.One of the highlights of Manasota Key Beach is its unique and untouched shoreline, known for its abundance of fossilized shark teeth. Beachcombers of all ages delight in combing the sands in search of these ancient treasures, making every visit an exciting adventure.Nature enthusiasts will also appreciate the beach’s diverse ecosystem, which provides habitat for an array of wildlife. Birdwatchers can spot native and migratory species soaring overhead, while sea turtle nesting season offers a rare opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.For those seeking relaxation, Manasota Key Beach offers ample opportunities to unwind and soak up the sun. Whether lounging in the shade of a swaying palm tree, taking a leisurely stroll along the water’s edge, or simply enjoying a picnic with loved ones, the beach provides the perfect backdrop for rest and rejuvenation.Adventure-seekers will find plenty to keep them entertained, too. The calm waters of the Gulf are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking, allowing visitors to explore the vibrant underwater world teeming with marine life.As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the tranquil waters, Manasota Key Beach transforms into a breathtaking vista of natural beauty. Whether watching the sunset with a loved one or simply reflecting on the day’s adventures, there’s no better way to end a day in paradise.In essence, Manasota Key Beach offers a blissful escape where nature reigns supreme, inviting visitors to unwind, explore, and reconnect with the beauty of the natural world.

Loved it. There are so many shark teeth and other fossils! It wasn't overly crowded, so that was nice, and everyone was friendly. The bathrooms were clean and there were plenty of garbage and recycling bins to keep this beautiful beach clean. If all of that hadn't sold you... DO NOT miss out on the sunset! It's incredible

Best place to find shark teeth in 2 days I found over 300

Beautiful waters with lots of shells. Sand is darker than most west coast beaches. Gorgeous views.

our favorite beach, kids love it. lots of pretty shells and great for shark tooth hunting!

Fantastic beach to visit! Numerous positives to consider choosing this location: Free parking, not a long walk from car to ocean, bathhouse onsite, wash down stations, clear water, sand dollars/shells galore, super clear water and tons of shark teeth to discover. Grab your umbrella, sunblock, snorkel gear and some shell bags and have at it!! 10/10 recommend.

Spent the day doing our normal thing, She goes shark tooth hunting and I sit back and enjoy the sounds of the Gulf.First time here as we normally go farther down to Blind Pass, but wanted a change.Day started with a little excitement as a diver suffered an unfortunate incident and had to be taken away by EMS.Was impressed by the lifeguards working this area. Nice people.Found the shark tooth hunting a little below par.Facilities were well maintained and clean. Actually a little better than Blind Pass in that regard.

We didn't expect much about this beach, but when we got there it was actually beautiful it was very crowded it's because it is summer time of course. They have picnic tables in the parking area before you enter the beach. The walking trail/path to the beach are easy to navigate and we've even done pictorial on there pathway. The sand is white and very fine, our kiddos loves making sand castle. They even have a playground in the area. This beach is family friendly, keep in mind you have to pay for parking look for the pay machine and don't forget to get your parking ticket ,there's plenty parking everywhere.

Beautiful beach with free parking. Great place to catch the sunset. Lots of sharks teeth too!

Manasota is a beach that I like to go for a walk, swim, and watch the sunset. It is a clean beach, it has free parking, bathrooms and showers.

We really had a wonderful time here, enjoy the beach, lay down on the sand and waiting for sunset. There are many people who reading book, play with wave, stay beside their beloved ones. I felt peace when looking at people activities.This place has free parking and public restroom and fresh water for you can bring clothes to change. It also has station for gathering, take a break with foods.

4.7

(4290)

4.5

(1036)

8570 Manasota Key Rd, Englewood, FL 34223, USA