Big appreciation for little spots like this in Lakeland! Peterson Park is a gem that is definitely…read morealso pretty hidden. It's tucked away behind quaint Cleveland Heights neighborhoods and CH golf course. You can enter it by turning between the YMCA and Cleveland Heights animal hospital. I can't even properly word how gorgeous this area is. There are gazebos and grill out spots, baseball fields and a few other activities, along with plenty of parking. And then there's the boardwalk. Holy moly. The boardwalk, as one would expect, criss crosses all over one of the many lakes of LAKEland (yes, the name is actually accurate for the area haha). It's serene, quiet and peaceful but lively and buzzing at the same time (lots of funny bugs, frogs, birds and other flying all around). There are benches to sit on and just enjoy the nature- though do remember you are still in Florida. Some nasty looking spiders love to hang out in areas like this. I am just in love with Peterson Park. It's such a marvelous getaway right in my own backyard. It's the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It's also a typically much, much less crowded walking/ running option compared to Lake Hollingsworth down the road. Let's go explore!

Most beautiful park I have found in forever. This park is not one where you may run into a bunch of…read morewild life. What makes this park so beautiful are the boardwalks. They take you on top of the trees. Once you walk them, which is a gradual slope up, your views of the water are breath taking. I never think I'll see elevation, and it definitely was unexpected. This park has a parking lot and once you park, you will see picnic tables, a playground and baseball diamond. You also see short boardwalks. But when you go across the street from where you park there are two more walks. One, you are on the ground and are right beside the lake. The other is the boardwalk that brings you above the trees. Definitely take it. It's amazing beyond words. This park also has a small boat ramp, and it has restrooms. It's definitely a beautiful treasure. It made us so happy to find it!

Great spot to get away and enjoy nature. There are trails for horseback riding, driving, bicycling,…read moreside by sides, and hiking. They have campsites for campers and primitive ones to bring just your tent. There are places for picnicking, grilling and get together a with family and friends. If you like fishing there are lots of spots to do that as well as boat ramps to bring your boat or even a kayak. The deer encourage picture takers and I have also seen alligators, otters, possums, armadillos, to name a few of the wildlife in the park. Bird watching is another great activity to do as I have seen bald eagles and hawks.

Love camping here! Beautiful park, relaxing, nice walks, riding bikes, fishing, Florida nature at…read moreits best!

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.

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

This passive park is located along Wauchula's main street. There is street parking nearby and the…read morepark is in excellent condition with close-clipped very green grass and well shaped shrubbery. There is a pretty fountain at the center with sculptures of egrets and a bandshell/shelter. The park has benches and picnic areas. There are also restrooms. There is no playground or active activities. [Review 16806 overall - 1530 in Florida - 319 of 2022.]

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 .

Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to read two reviews. Read Ariel W's and especially…read moreperuse her photos. As a five-year resident of this teeny tiny town, I'll add to hers and here are my additions- * The pavilions are a big draw as they have nice big canopies for shade and sturdy picnic tables. Each has its own trash bin a few feet away. That's nice but they are fly and hornet magnets! Just sayin- * Because of the adjacent playground, birthday parties are common. Expect a bunch of rug rats to be running around. * This is a no pets park except for service animals of course. There is minimal chance you will step in something horrendous with your bare feet. * It's nicely lit at night so it's a nice place to enjoy the cool of the evening. * If you enjoy alcohol, as long as you wrap your can, you know what I mean, nobody with bother you. * This is rural Florida and everyone with half a brain knows every lake has gators! The beach is nice and if you swim during the day the chances of even seeing one is minuscule! If you decide to take a swim at night with an open wound, well, you didn't really need four appendages, did you?

Donaldson Park is located on East Main Street close to downtown. There are shady oaks, picnic…read morepavilions with tables, and a playground. During my visit there was birthday party in one of the pavilions. Donaldson Park sits on the shores of Lake Verona and there is a beach for swimming. I have always heard that if you swim in lakes in Florida you can get the brain eating Naegleria fowleri amoeba. When water gets up your nose it travels to your brain which is almost always fatal. There have been 37 reported cases in Florida since 1962. Peak times to get it are July through September. I am not sure if they test the water here or if people are just careful not to submerge their heads in the water. Although I grew up swimming in lakes in New Jersey, this is the first time I have seen a swimming beach on a Florida lake. Also noteworthy is the dinosaur skeleton on the beach. It features heavily in promotional pictures for Avon Park. The park is used by the City of Avon Park for events like the Blueberry Festival and Christmas in the Park. The beach looked inviting but I am just not sure how safe it is to swim here.

Whenever we have company to come stay with us, we always make sure to take them to Hollis Gardens…read more The team here are constantly rotating the flora. After the freeze this year, I was concerned that there would be not much left, but I can tell a lot of care was put into surviving this past freeze. The grotto did take a little bit of damage, but I know it'll be back. The fish are super big and thriving as usual. The fountains are always running. It's always so beautiful. Kudos to the team that keep it epic!

Hollis garden is a cute garden area and very well maintained despite the grueling Florida heat. It…read morewas a welcome addition to our day in Lakeland.

If someone in Lakeland tells you they are going to walk/ run/ rollerblade/ bike/ set up a hammock…read moreat "the lake", there's 0% chance they are talking about anywhere other than Hollingsworth! (okay, so maybe more like 2%, but you get what I'm saying). Hollingsworth is the lake. It's the place to go anytime you need to get out, need something to do, need to exercise or see some nature or are a bored college student. (especially the college student thing) It's a fantastic lake, and easily one of the largest in Lakeland. There's a lovely walking and running path that wraps around the lake, that adds up to being just shy of 3 miles total. It takes half an hour at a slow jog to get around the lake, or 45-60 minutes to walk. If you watch closely enough, you can spot a few gators, ducks, cranes, egrets, and even the occasional turtle or otter hanging out at Hollingsworth. It's not just a Lakeland local spot for people, it's the animals' choice too! Not to mention the walking paths also have markers indicating how far you've gone, at quarter mile intervals. So if you go here deciding you'll torture yourself with a run, you know how long you've lit your body on fire and how much longer you need to reach full battery drainage. It's really a lovely attribute. There is free parking and a decent amount of spots, but in the evenings it fills up quickly and many will park on the grass right along the path. Brb, I'm gonna go walk the lake!

Came to visit this place with my family and enjoyed the walk very much. I like the fact that the…read morepark offers different types of activities you can do with the family or on your own. If you like the outdoors and like nature walking, this could be a place for you. Come visit this place if you happen to be in Lakeland.