We were excited at first, but as someone else mentioned, make sure you bring bug spray!read more

Terra Ceia Preserve State Park is 2,000 acres of diverse ecosystems including mangrove forests,…read morefreshwater and saltwater wetlands, and uplands communities. There are no facilities so plan ahead to bring bug spray, water and a bag for trash. This preserve is undergoing habitat restoration to return agricultural land to its natural and ecologically diverse condition. It is a great place to take a hike on many of the trails or go birding. You can see native and migrating birds along the trails. Common birds like little blue herons, white ibis found wading along the shore, bald eagle flying and, my favorite, roseate spoonbills wading in the shallows. Fishing is allowed in the saltwater and freshwater mix. Kayaking and canoes are a great way to see the preserve, too. The unimproved boat ramp at Bishop Harbor is the closest place to launch. Though, canoe/kayak launches can be found on Bishop Harbor Road and Stotz Road. I like Terra Ceia and would definitely go back. I like that it is being restored and the wildlife is returning. It's wonderful to have these areas being restored for people and wildlife to enjoy. Check the website before going for updates and more information.

This was our first time here and there is so much more to explore! We drove all the way to the…read morepoint and parked in the lot. There are portable bathrooms there and a lot of small beaches. We walked and stopped and enjoyed the water! We brought the bike and scooter and stroller but didn't get a chance to use them this time although there are plenty of good sidewalks to use! We will be back!

One of my favorite places to visit. From natural trails, tree canopies, various elevation, changes,…read moreand steps to a view of the bay and Sandi beaches. This is a must see if you are an outdoor person and love hiking or you'd like to just explore some of the plant life in history or you wanna launch a kayak or maybe wind sail this is a fantastic park.

One of my favorite places to visit. I have seen all types of creatures at the preserve.read more

We love exploring all the local parks and preserves, and this one didn't disappoint…read more The maps was easy to follow, and the paths are well cared for. We saw lots of birds and ducks and I would highly suggest bringing binoculars as there are things we would have liked to see up closer. The plants and trees are all very interesting and there was a nice variety. My only disappointment was that I wish it was longer as we loved this place.

A great little spot nearby our home that offers camping, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, Manatee…read moreriver access for kayaks, and clean bathrooms next to the Ranger Station. This 145 acre property located just northwest of the Lake Manatee Dam. The preserve's trail system leads visitors through four distinctive ecosystems, including sand pine scrub, xeric oak scrub, oak hammocks and the river community. The trails are soft underfoot and well traveled. Lovely spot for a sit, a walk or some kayaking!

Kind of wish there was a you are here or something on the map but besides that it seems like it…read morewould be better if they showed where all the trails were with a sign. I only found the red trail in the parking lot because I saw someone enter it and then noticed the little white sign that said entrance only. Anyways it was a cute short walk saw a turtle and woodpecker. There's also picnic tables here but I'm unsure if some of them you have to call to reserve a spot for because they had numbers.

Beautiful property by the water and a nice walk with docks extending over the creek. Nice signs…read moreabout the history of the park. Downside is that every time I go there, there are huge riding lawn mowers constantly mowing the grass that doesn't appear to need mowed. They are loud and annoying, ruining any peace you might have hoped to achieve there. And then there are edgers edging, similarly unnecessarily. It never stops. Noisy and smelly.

Little walk ways near the water and plenty of areas to sit…read more Nice little park to visit with boats coming in and out of the channel.

This is a very nice preserve / park. We saw lots of dragon flies and many different types of…read morebutterfly March 2020. Also many species of bird. There are some covered picnic table areas and a small playground. Then some woods with wide and narrow trails. Leads to an open area and slough (lakeish feature). Good mix of wilds and park features. Did a pretty wel established tent campsite with two tents despite the no camping signs. There are buckets out to collect air potatoes if you see any. Lots of large vines,, some saw palmetto, and wildflowers. It was pretty dry this spring and not too buggy. Not sure on summer with the water features around. Lovely area to explore for a walk. Saw people fishing. Reccomended for a nice outing. Peeps were friendly. Lots of dog walkers and nature loving folks.

There are dog walkers with the dog not on a leash. There are signs posted to inform dog walkers…read moreaboilut this

Paved road is nice and easily acceptable for a stroller. Enjoy the small little board walk that…read moregoes out into the lake and even got to see a gator! Enjoyed walking / running here , I would come back more often if it was closer to where I lived.

Love this park for walking around the expensive lake on the paved 1.4 mile trail, looking at and…read morephotographing the myriad of wildlife from squirrels, turtles and every kind of bird to resident alligators. Open until 9pm daily. There are also four ball fields nearby. There is a disc golf course open until 6pm, a fishing pier, plenty of shade to sit in and a large playground. Plenty of parking at the entrance. Note that the squirrels are used to humans and will follow you around :)

Really great walking or biking path right along the water. Plenty of places to park and watch the…read moregorgeous Florida sunsets, dip your toes into the water, you could even launch your boat or kayak from here. The biggest perk is dogs are allowed which is pretty hard to find a nice beach area for dogs in this area. Definitely a nice spot to get some exercise in and enjoy the sun with your pups!

This is the first intercoastal you will pass as you go to Anna Maria Island. One can hang out with…read moretheir dog and play fetch here. Sit by the water without walking to far from the car, launch a jet ski or a kayak, or just plain chill. It would be a 100% perfect spot if the traffic from the road wasn't there. It is still a good spot! You Can wade in the water here too, but depending on the time of the year there may be more seaweed. When you face the water, the view is nice and you could be looking at the view of the huge beach side mansions or the nice blue water. There is a bathroom on the causeway that is covered