Ponce de Leon Park in Punta Gorda has that easygoing, waterfront charm that makes you want to…read morelinger, even if you miss the big show at sunset. I arrived too early for the evening colors, which is a bummer, but the park still delivers plenty to enjoy. There are picnic tables, shaded spots, and enough open space for families to spread out and make a day of it. The fishing crowd was out in full force, and the boat launch gives you direct access to Charlotte Harbor, which adds a nice sense of motion and purpose to the shoreline. The only real disappointment is the boardwalk. It is completely closed and visibly buckled, likely from hurricane damage, and it leaves a quiet gap where a scenic stroll should be. Even so, the park holds its own as a relaxed, functional waterfront stop with a lot of local life happening around it. [Review 1591 of 2025 - 2171 in Florida - 25141 overall]

Ponce de Leon is a nice park to visit overlooking the Charlotte Harbor. There is a sandy beach area…read morethat you can watch the sunset. There are wild animals; I saw a raccoon just hanging out and not fazed by how many people were there. There is a boat ramp, fishing pier, and picnic area. Plenty of parking too!

Definitely recommend this park and environmwntal center. It has trails. A playground. Some…read moreeducational demo gardens. We saw lots of wildlife. Bald eagles (one of the trails was closed for them and they flew right over us a few times). Lots of plant seeds stuck to us. They also do educational events here. Some signage about the wildlife. A few trails to choose from. Recommend.

Volunteer knew little about the trails. Boring if you have ever walked through a Florida wilderness…read morearea. There was a bald eagle nest although now empty. There was a tortoise at the visitors center. Other than that it was just a walk through the hot woods.

It is a great park to take your dog for a walk. Very pretty! I give it a 4.5…read moreI only gave it a 2 because my dog and my friend's dog , got many ticks! Be careful! Not the parks fault , just be careful with your dog.

If your looking for beautiful blue water, breathtaking sunsets and the possibly of seeing dolphins…read moreand/ or manatee, this is it! Interested in the Lemon Bay ecosystem? The best was to learn about the mangrove and its creatures is through a local on the water tour, like a cruise. I highly recommend "Native Charter Company" -- family owned, native to the area, passionate about the Lemon Bay ecosystem, $25.00pp for one hour. They are licensed and take your safety seriously. Search them on Yelp, read my review plus pictures. TIP: wear sunscreen and shoes!!

To get into the park with one person, it is $4; decent price. The woman at the entry was friendly,…read moregave me a map and a suggestion as where to start hiking since it was windy and cold when I arrived. I definitely got my money's worth, walking a little over 13 miles of trails. Most of the trails are well marked, but I did find it hard to navigate some of the trails resulting in me making a couple circles before I found the correct direction... but, extra steps aren't a bad thing, right?! There is a big lake along one of the trails. I was hoping to see a lot of wildlife here, but it wasn't super active. I did see about four different types of birds. There are a good amount of restrooms available as well as areas to have a picnic. I think most of the trails are doable for all levels of fitness as I saw several benches to rest along the way; they are also marked on the trail maps. I only went to explore for the day, but there are many campsites, a nature center, playgrounds and a beach area that I spotted in my park travels.

Beautiful park in a rapidly shrinking green space in the once beautiful Sarasota, FL. Park staff…read moreare great, friendly, helpful and generally lovely. Once you're through the entrance, you can pretend Sarasota hasn't been invaded by cancerous northerners who have absolutely trashed the city and destroyed everything in their wake. You can appreciate what Sarasota once was, beautiful, natural, and covered in flora and fauna. God save Oscar Scherer!

This is a Super Top Secret little park in a quiet neighborhood of lovely little bungalows. It has a…read morecouple benches, one parking spot, and lovely water views and access. Technically I al not even supposed to be sharing information on this park. It is TOP SECRET. But I know I can trust you. Just don't tell anyone else about it. Could easily have two spots but the parks peeps only one car visitor at a time. So unless someone who lives close walks over or someone else gets here first you will have it all to yourself. Bring your kayak / paddle board. Or just sit back relax and enjoy. This is as good as it gets!!!! Very close to Nokomis Beach. Lots more parking and beach access there, North Jetty Park which is past it (including a big playground) and both those parks have inter-coastal access for kayaking and paddle boarding opposite the beach parking areas. Nokomis Beach has a snack stand that is sometimes open. There's also a yummy ice cream shop nearby. And Captain Eddie's isn't far! Cafe Evergreen and Anita's too for the Greenies. You're welcome.

This is a good sized park in Englewood with an area for boat trailer parking and past it for…read moreregular vehicles. There's some shoreline and the Lemon Bay Paddlers have their crewing boats stored here. Nice views. Relaxing area. A lot of the park is parkong. Irony? Still nice to visit and relax.

This is a nice community park in Venice, Florida. It has a playground for kiddos, a historical…read moremarker, some open space and shade trees. Residential area. Not farm from Venice Library and Blalock Park where there is an arboretum and butterfly garden as well as some sculptures and swings. Walk em? Nice area to enjoy. Downtown Venice is great too and the fountain there and kaleidoscope by it are fun!

Nice and nicely maintained community park. Recently added shades for the kids playground . They…read morepaved a walkway around perimeter and thankfully left most of the shade peaceful trees there - and added some others . Some picnic tables and benches added as well. Couple of doggy bag complimentary stations as well - good spot to walk your four legged pal as well.

Nice little neighborhood "pocket park" with access to Legacy Trail and for paddlecraft. Some…read moreinvasives. Some wildflowers and plants. Quiet. Not much for amenities but if you need a place to relax, canoe, kayak, or take your bike out this is a nice spot in a quiet neighborhood of Nokomis. I say Yes Komis!!!