hidden gem. My dog loves it. The creek is clear and people working there are very niceread more

Payne's Creek State Park is a historical center in Bowling Green Florida - Who knew this place even…read moreexisted. The only reason I found out about it is because a Facebook friend of mine let me know they were offering Ghostwalks during the month of October due to the high spirit activity on the land. Legend has it that some Renegade Seminole Indians once came to trade at the little grocery on the property, but trading wasn't what they had in mind. Instead they ambushed the whites and killed them, taking their child with them to Tampa. In late 1849 Fort Chokonikla was built, and though the Indian's never attacked it, it was nearly destroyed by Mosquitoes. The restless spirits of soldiers who died of infected mosquito bites and boredom seem to wander about. No one knows for sure where their bodies are truly interred. The walk sometimes takes you to the youth camp about a mile away, on Payne's Creek itself where Mary Jane is said to have perished when she swung out over the creek on a rope swing and got caught in one of Florida's many shallow limestone caves. Divers tried to rescue her lifeless form but they too, got caught - because in those days the tanks and suits were heavy and bulky - far from the stream lined things of today, and they drown as well. Their spririts are said to roam as well. The information we were given, the tools we were allowed to use and the pictures we took were all interesting. I can't say I saw anything paranormal or super natural. What I can tell you is that it was a good time with friends. It was a lovely evening under the blood moon and it was totally worth the $5 I paid for the tourguides time.

My family and I absolutely love HHSP!! Their agency trails and CCC Museum never fall short!! Aside…read morefrom all there is to do at the park, a hidden gem is Geocaching!! You can find many caches at Highlands Hammock, on the curbside or on a trail!! I never feel unsafe in my surroundings and am confident I find what I'm looking for!! You can bike and hike your day away and stroll the many trails available!! Remember to stop in the CCC Museum and get a piece of history under your cap!! Seeing the animals and their left behinds makes for an exciting and unique part of your day!! Enjoy what their General Store has to offer as well as letting the little ones play on their awesome playground after enjoying an ice cream!! Don't let the park intimidate you, as it is quite large!! With many spots to park near the trailheads, you won't be physically pressed; keep an open eye on the map given to you at the Ranger Station to help guide your trip!! Enjoy the day taking in the sights amongst the amazing trails and friendly patrons!!

This historic 9000-acre park opened in 1931. It's considered an old growth forest and full of bald…read morecypress trees. There are a wide variety of endemic wildlife and plants. The main feature of this wonderful park was the boardwalk that goes through the swamp forest. Some really old trees that are possibly 1000 years old, is located in this park. There are nine trails, a campground, a playground, and a picnic area. There's a 3-mile loop trail for biking and driving. Also, a museum and concession built by the Civilian Conservation Corps; they constructed many buildings, bridges, and blazed trails in Florida State Parks. We were staying nearby and decided to explore this park. I enjoyed the historic land and old trees. The boardwalk was pleasant to stroll on; I saw quite a few memorial plaques. Generations of people walking on the same paths decades ago. It's a peaceful place and I'm glad they didn't turn it into farmland back in the 1930s.

We stopped in at Patterson park when getting my flat tire fixed across the street. The park had a…read morelot of potential but was a bit unkept with some Transient people hanging around it. The lake was very green and had some garbage in it but there was some nice wild life in it as well. I walked my dog through the park, overall it felt safe during the day, but I would not recommend it at night.

Patterson Park was a welcome break on my northbound drive today. After so many miles of rural…read moreFlorida roads, it felt good to step into a well kept space with open water views in every direction. The small bridges were lovely and gave the walk a gentle rhythm, each one offering a slightly different angle on the shoreline. On a cool but not cold late autumn day, the air had just enough crispness to make the walk feel refreshing without pushing me back to the car. What I appreciated most was how easy it was to settle into the quiet of the place. The path along the water encouraged an unhurried pace, and the calm made it simple to shake off the road for a few minutes. Nothing flashy, just a clean, peaceful park with graceful crossings, steady water views and a chance to reset before heading onward. [Review 1610 of 2025 - 2187 in Florida - 25158 overall]

This is not open!!! The walkway is closed off!!' Only picnic tables available. And they were…read moreworking in the bathrooms that left a chemical smell for the whole area Lots of parking at the top

This park was the site of a 460 acre open-pit phosphate mine until the early 1980s. The land was…read moredonated to the Polk County Parks and recreation Division in 1984. The park borders the Peace River floodplain. This park is south of Kissingen Spring, which was once one of Florida's major springs pumping more than 20 million gallons a day. It stopped flowing in 1950 as a result of the flow of the Peace River dropping due to the increase of phosphate mining in the area from mines like this one. The park has a peaceful one mile elevated boardwalk that winds through the shady floodplain forest out to the Peace River. Along the way interpretive signs give background information on the 1,800-square-mile Peace River basin. There is an additional 7.5 miles of multi use trails for hiking and horseback riding through wetlands and scrub in the reclaimed mine lands to the west. The parking lot is at the top of the hill and there is a restroom and picnic pavilion in the park. The park is known as a great place to bird watch. Birds that have been sighted here include limpkins, winter ducks, green-winged and blue-winged teal, hooded merganser, gray catbird, blue-headed vireo, American white pelican, and eastern meadowlark. Raptors that have been recorded here are the Red-tailed Hawk, Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk and Swallow-tailed Kite. More than 25 wood-warblers have been found in the park like the Louisiana Waterthrush and the Chestnut-sided Warbler. Peace river Mosaic Park is open 7 AM to dusk. Admission is free. This is a great place to get your steps in and take in the natural beauty of Polk County.

This looks like it's public but it is not. It's a park for the neighbors with one handicapped…read morespot. No parking anywhere near by. Water was beautiful and sandy with a nice picnic table but the parking makes it a no go for me

It's a nice little beach, but there is only one handicap parking space. In front of the nearby…read morehomes are signs indicating "no parking between 8am and 8pm". Bummer. Other than that, it's a nice little spot with some grass, some trees and a light beeze if you're lucky. But I prefer the Veterans Beach on the other side of the lake.

I was in town visiting. A day pass is valid for a week between $20-25 per vehicle. There are…read moredifferent beach lots. I visited the first lot. There was parking available, accessible restrooms, trash and recycling bins next to beach ramp. The water was a bit chilly but gorgeous! It was easy to walk on the sand, not many shells. I highly recommend a visit to this beach.

Beautiful, unspoiled beach with a clothing-optional area. I enjoyed spending time here with my gf…read moreduring our trip to Florida

Gasparilla Island/Boca Grande is a hidden gem and one of my new favorite places to visit in…read moreFlorida. You can get to both of these places through the same toll, and is just a smaller, quaint, and quieter side of the gulf shores in Florida. Very beautiful pristine and crystal clear waters from all ends of the island. $6 for Tolls and $3 for Parking Arrive anytime between 9am-3pm to check out most of the shops within the area. It is a more small and private island where many of the residents shops close early. (Island Time) This place has two light houses. One in the middle of Gasparilla and then the other at the very bottom of Boca Grande. This place is going to have beautiful sunset views from most places on the island as well!

Love this beach so much . Good place to see the sunset with your love one or friends !! Great warm…read moreweather during February . Warm ocean water, too . Wish can stay this place forever .

Cool park with a walking path, pond , and some statues. We didn't see any manatees, but they are…read morethere. The parking lot was large and the park is very open, great for walking.

A very nice park well kept where, if you are lucky, you can view some manatees…read more Manatee Sanctuary Park in Cape Canaveral, Florida, is a well-maintained park in the area for all to enjoy. It is located right along the Banana River between Port Canaveral and Ron Jon's. The entire property is well-kept and manicured. It features a nice paved walking and jogging path for a workout or a peaceful stroll. Between the walking path and the river there is a covered walkway with pavilions that stretch along the water's edge. While manatee sightings can be hit or miss, the general peace and the chance to spot other creatures like dolphins and wading birds make a trip to this location worthwhile. Right off the parking lot, a fun detail that adds character to the park is the very nice statue of turtles. Taller than an average person. The park provides a good size parking lot that can comfortably fit about 25 cars, which is a huge plus, ensuring easy access even during slightly busier times. While the park does have bathrooms, they were unfortunately not the cleanest on the day of my visit. OVerall, Manatee Sanctuary Park is a nice place for visitors looking for beautiful scenery, and excellent paths for exercise. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a quiet, relaxing outdoor escape.

A friend told us about this park so we decided to check it out. The park itself is a good size they…read morehad lots of stuff to do for the kids. Plenty of shade from the trees which was great and they have pavilions near by for parties and picnics. They also have some walking/ trails as well. It's a great park but if you have kids who like to wander just be aware because it's right next to a HUGE lake.

Beautiful park with great trails and tons to do! We had a…read morewonderful day at Lake Parker Park in Lakeland. It's a lovely spot with so many amenities for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. We came mainly for hiking in the early afternoon; even though it was a hot, breezy day, the trails were comfortable-b I sy enough to feel lively but never crowded. We walked all three trails (green, red, and blue), and each one was well-marked, peaceful, and shaded, with beautiful views of the lake. There are plenty of spots along the way to rest, stretch, or get in a little extra exercise. The grounds throughout the park are very well maintained, and the scenery is gorgeous. Beyond the trails, there is a huge variety of amenities: boat docking, tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts, a soccer field, shaded picnic areas, pavilions for private events, and lots of parking. Overall, Lake Parker Park is a clean, well-kept, and truly enjoyable place with something for everyone. We are looking forward to coming back.

We rented a canoe and opted for the 5-mile trip, although we arrived later in the day and had to…read moresettle for the 1:30 trip. Despite the timing, it was incredibly peaceful as the sounds of traffic faded away, leaving only the symphony of nature - birds, animals, and plenty of sightings of alligators and turtles.

Awesome time, great prices. Very friendly staff. I would recommend this place to any new kayakers,…read morealmost no current and a nice breeze.