The 30 Best Wildlife refuge visits in Florida

The Robinson Preserve Tower is a stunning observation tower located in Bradenton, Florida, United States. Situated within the expansive Robinson Preserve park, this tower offers visitors breathtaking views of the surrounding natural beauty. It is a popular tourist attraction for nature lovers, bird watchers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Whether you are looking to take in the sights from above or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll through the park, the Robinson Preserve Tower is a must-visit destination in Bradenton.

The Secret Garden is a hidden gem located in St. Pete Beach, Florida, United States. This enchanting park is a peaceful oasis where visitors can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. With lush greenery, colorful flowers, and winding pathways, the Secret Garden is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and reconnect with the natural world. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to read a book, have a picnic with loved ones, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll, the Secret Garden offers a serene setting for all to enjoy. Come visit this magical park and discover the beauty and tranquility that awaits you at the Secret Garden.

Stephen J. Wortham Park, located at 12108 Rhodine Road in Riverview, Florida, is a beautiful park with a variety of natural habitats to explore. The park features a mix of hardwood hammocks, sand, slash, and longleaf pines, as well as a variety of wildlife including gopher tortoises, box turtles, and foxes. Please note that the red trail connecting Stephen J. Wortham Park to Rhodine Scrub Nature Preserve is currently closed due to a washout. However, visitors can still access Rhodine Preserve by using a walk-through gate onto the yellow trail located at 12560 Rhodine Rd. Parking is available on the side of the road for this access point.

Triple Creek Nature Preserve is a stunning 969-acre park located at 13305 Balm Boyette Road in Riverview, Florida. This beautiful preserve serves as a vital link between existing preserved lands, creating a contiguous wildlife corridor that includes a creek system, hardwood wetlands, and upland habitats. Visitors can enjoy exploring the diverse ecosystems and recreational trail system that connects the Rhodine Scrub and Balm-Boyette Scrub Preserves. Triple Creek Nature Preserve is a must-visit tourist attraction for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts in the Tampa Bay area.

Ocklawaha River Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is a picturesque park located at 15698 Northeast 152nd Street in Fort McCoy, Florida, United States. This institution is dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and wildlife of the Ocklawaha River region. Visitors can enjoy hiking, bird watching, fishing, and boating in this peaceful and scenic area. The park is a great destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the diverse ecosystems of Florida. With its lush forests, tranquil river, and abundant wildlife, Ocklawaha River WMA offers a unique and immersive outdoor experience for all who visit.

Ridgewood Park Butterfly Garden is a serene and enchanting oasis located at 2200 North Glenwood Drive in Tampa, Florida. This park is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the beauty of butterflies, providing a peaceful retreat for visitors to enjoy the fluttering creatures and lush greenery. Stroll through the garden and admire the colorful flowers, listen to the gentle sounds of nature, and witness the delicate dance of butterflies in their natural habitat. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, a photography enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, Ridgewood Park Butterfly Garden offers a unique and magical experience for all who visit.

South Lake Howard Nature Park is a picturesque park located in Winter Haven, Florida, United States. Situated at 1570 Lake Howard Drive Southwest, this nature park is a popular tourist attraction for visitors looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of the outdoors. With its serene lake views, lush greenery, and diverse wildlife, South Lake Howard Nature Park offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the trails, have a picnic by the water, or simply relax and take in the natural surroundings. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a photography buff, or simply looking for a tranquil spot to unwind, South Lake Howard Nature Park is the perfect destination for a day of outdoor exploration.

Marshall Hampton Reserve is a picturesque park and popular tourist attraction located at 3115 Thornhill Road in Winter Haven, Florida, United States. This serene oasis offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature, with lush greenery, tranquil walking trails, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Whether you're looking for a peaceful place to relax or an opportunity to explore the great outdoors, Marshall Hampton Reserve is the perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages.

Duette Preserve, located at 2649 Rawls Road in Duette, Florida, is the largest Preserve in Manatee County, covering over 21,000 acres. This beautiful park in the northeastern part of the county is home to a diverse range of game and non-game animals, including several species of special concern and endangered/threatened species such as the Florida scrub jay, Florida panther, and Eastern indigo snake. Visitors to Duette Preserve can enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding on designated trails, with parking available at three different locations. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset for pedestrian, bicycle, and equestrian traffic, except on certain weekends when it is closed for the Hunt Program.

Jack Creek is a charming park and zoo located in Sebring, Florida, United States. This institution offers a unique opportunity for visitors to connect with nature and observe a variety of wildlife up close. From playful monkeys to majestic birds, Jack Creek provides a memorable experience for all ages. Stroll through the lush grounds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, or participate in one of the many educational programs offered. Whether you're a local resident or just passing through, a visit to Jack Creek is sure to be a memorable and enjoyable experience.

Peace River Trail is a serene park located at 2348-2476 Mount Pisgah Road in Fort Meade, Florida, United States. This beautiful institution offers a peaceful and scenic trail for visitors to enjoy nature and unwind. With lush greenery, flowing rivers, and picturesque views, Peace River Trail is the perfect destination for a relaxing outdoor experience. Whether you enjoy hiking, birdwatching, or simply taking in the natural beauty, this park is a must-visit for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Come and explore the tranquil surroundings of Peace River Trail and experience the beauty of nature in its purest form.

Fort De Soto County Park, located at 3500 Pinellas Bayway South in Tierra Verde, Florida, is a campground, lodging, and park all in one. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the park, which consists of five interconnected islands home to various ecosystems such as beach plants, mangroves, wetlands, and palm hammocks. The park is also a haven for wildlife, with over 328 species of birds documented by ornithologists and nesting loggerhead sea turtles on the beach. Named America's Top Beach in 2009 by Tripadvisor and the nation's No. 1 Beach by "Dr. Beach" in 2005, Fort De Soto offers visitors a chance to relax and explore the diverse natural environment. The park also has historical significance, with a 12-inch mortar battery listed in the National Register of Historic Places and British breech-loading rifles from the 1890s on display.

Cape Haze Aquatic Preserve is a stunning natural park and tourist attraction located in Boca Grande, Florida, United States. This beautiful preserve is home to a diverse array of aquatic life, including manatees, dolphins, and a variety of bird species. Visitors can explore the pristine waters by kayak, paddleboard, or boat, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery and peaceful atmosphere. With its crystal-clear waters and lush mangrove forests, Cape Haze Aquatic Preserve is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

The Creek Bluffs Loop Trail at Tiger Creek Preserve is a fascinating destination located in Lake Wales, Florida. As one of four campus preserves under TNC Florida’s Center for Conservation Initiatives, the preserve is dedicated to advancing conservation through education, outreach, research, and land stewardship. Situated on the eastern edge of the ancient Lake Wales Ridge, Tiger Creek Preserve boasts a diverse range of habitats, including hardwood swamps, hammocks, scrubby flatwoods, pine flatwoods, sandhill, and longleaf pine/wiregrass habitat. The preserve is known for its high concentration of threatened and endangered plants and animals, some of which are found nowhere else on Earth.

Coopers Point Nature Park is a stunning natural oasis located at 3411 Gulf to Bay Boulevard in Clearwater, Florida. This park offers visitors the chance to explore and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding environment, with lush greenery, tranquil walking paths, and picturesque views. Situated near the Municipal Services Building on South Myrtle Ave, Coopers Point Nature Park is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you're interested in birdwatching, hiking, or simply relaxing in a peaceful setting, this park has something for everyone to enjoy. Plan a visit to Coopers Point Nature Park and experience the beauty of the natural world in Clearwater, Florida.

South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve is a stunning natural oasis located at 6125 Osprey Road in Venice, Florida. This beautiful park is a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a chance to explore the diverse ecosystems of the area. With lush vegetation, winding trails, and picturesque views of Lemon Bay, this preserve is a perfect spot for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you enjoy birdwatching, hiking, or simply relaxing in a peaceful setting, South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve is a must-visit destination in the United States.

Southwest Florida Attractions is a premier destination located at 1945 Ortiz Avenue in Fort Myers, Florida. This institution offers a wide range of exciting and entertaining activities for visitors of all ages. From thrilling amusement parks and pristine beaches to fascinating museums and wildlife sanctuaries, Southwest Florida Attractions has something for everyone. Come and explore the beauty and excitement of Southwest Florida at this must-visit institution.

Royal Palm Park, located at 300 Royal Palm Park Road in Fort Myers, Florida, is a beautiful park and tourist attraction situated along the Caloosahatchee River. The park features shade trees, unimproved launch sites for paddlecraft, and a variety of natural landscapes including oaks, palms, and mangroves. Visitors can enjoy a spacious lawn area and scenic views of the river while exploring the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail. A Saltwater Fishing License is required for saltwater fishing from shore, but there is no fee for Florida residents. For more information, visitors can contact the facility staff or the assigned Land Stewardship Coordinator. Come visit Royal Palm Park and experience the beauty of nature along the Caloosahatchee River.

Caloosahatchee Creeks Preserve West is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 17100 McDowell Drive in North Fort Myers, Florida, United States. This serene oasis offers visitors the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the Caloosahatchee River and surrounding creeks. With its lush vegetation, diverse wildlife, and scenic waterways, this preserve is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Whether you enjoy hiking, birdwatching, or simply relaxing in a peaceful setting, Caloosahatchee Creeks Preserve West is a must-visit destination in Southwest Florida.

Mobbly Bayou Wilderness Preserve is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 423 Lafayette Boulevard in Oldsmar, Florida, United States. This 396-acre preserve, managed in partnership with the city of Oldsmar, offers a wide variety of upland and coastal plant communities for visitors to explore. The preserve is situated at the north end of Upper Tampa Bay, providing stunning views and a peaceful environment for nature lovers. Visitors to Mobbly Bayou Wilderness Preserve can enjoy recreational areas overseen by the city of Oldsmar, making it a great destination for outdoor activities and relaxation. Additionally, the preserve offers online access to permitting, inspection scheduling, fee payments, and other services 24/7, making it convenient for both locals and tourists to access information and resources.

Telegraph Creek Preserve is a part of the Conservation 20/20 land acquisition and stewardship program in Lee County, Florida. Located at 16451 North River Road in Alva, this park is a popular tourist attraction for visitors looking to explore the natural beauty of Southwest Florida. With 30,000 acres of conservation land protected in Lee County, the preserve offers a unique opportunity to experience the diverse ecosystems of the region. Established in 1996 and reaffirmed by voters in 2016, Conservation 20/20 is dedicated to preserving natural areas for the benefit of present and future generations. The program is overseen by the Conservation Land Acquisition and Stewardship Advisory Committee (CLASAC), which holds open meetings for the public to attend. Visitors can learn more about recent projects and initiatives through annual and quarterly reports available on the Conservation 20/20 website.

The Sterling Ranch Cypress Tree Bird Sanctuary is a serene and picturesque park located at 2192 Providence Ridge Boulevard in Brandon, Florida. This sanctuary is dedicated to preserving the natural habitats of various bird species, with a particular focus on the majestic cypress trees that provide shelter and nesting grounds for the local avian population. Visitors can explore the winding paths and peaceful surroundings while observing the diverse array of bird species that call this sanctuary home. Whether you're a bird enthusiast or simply looking for a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, The Sterling Ranch Cypress Tree Bird Sanctuary offers a unique and enriching experience for all who visit.

Scherer Thaxton Preserve is a peaceful and scenic park located at 13125 Honore Avenue in Sarasota, Florida. This beautiful preserve is a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a chance to explore nature and wildlife in a tranquil setting. With its lush greenery, winding trails, and diverse ecosystem, Scherer Thaxton Preserve is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, birdwatching, or simply enjoying the serenity of the outdoors. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or just looking for a relaxing escape, this hidden gem in Sarasota is sure to delight all who visit.

Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve North is a stunning natural oasis located at 11400 Luckett Road in Fort Myers, Florida. This park offers visitors the opportunity to explore a unique cypress swamp ecosystem, complete with boardwalks and trails that wind through the lush vegetation. The preserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, turtles, and alligators, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. Whether you're looking to relax in a peaceful setting or learn more about the local flora and fauna, Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve North is a must-visit tourist attraction in the Fort Myers area.

The Calusa Blueway is a popular tourist attraction located at 3410 Palm Beach Boulevard in Fort Myers, Florida. This scenic water trail offers visitors the opportunity to explore the stunning waterways of Southwest Florida, including the Caloosahatchee River and its tributaries. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating while taking in the beautiful natural surroundings and diverse wildlife. The Calusa Blueway is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to experience the beauty of the Florida coast.

Caracara Prairie Preserve is a stunning natural park and tourist attraction located at 2320 Corkscrew Road in Immokalee, Florida. This beautiful preserve offers visitors the opportunity to explore and appreciate the unique and diverse ecosystem of the area. With its expansive prairies, lush wetlands, and abundant wildlife, Caracara Prairie Preserve provides a peaceful and serene setting for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Whether you're looking to hike, birdwatch, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery, this institution is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to experience the beauty of Florida's natural landscapes.

Palmer Point Park is a serene and picturesque park located in Osprey, Florida, United States. This beautiful park offers stunning views of the water and lush greenery, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing day out in nature. Visitors can enjoy walking trails, picnic areas, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Whether you're looking to unwind and soak in the peaceful surroundings or engage in outdoor activities, Palmer Point Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Gator Trails Park is a scenic outdoor destination located at 3612 Garden Boulevard in Cape Coral, Florida. This beautiful park offers visitors the chance to explore nature and wildlife in a serene setting. Take a leisurely stroll along the trails, surrounded by lush greenery and peaceful waterways. Keep an eye out for the park's namesake residents, as gators are known to make appearances in the area. Whether you're looking to enjoy a picnic, go for a bike ride, or simply relax in nature, Gator Trails Park is the perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Come and discover the beauty of this hidden gem in the heart of Florida.

Prairie Pines Preserve is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 18400 North Tamiami Trail in North Fort Myers, Florida, United States. This preserve is part of Conservation 20/20, a land acquisition and stewardship program aimed at protecting natural areas in Lee County for current and future generations in Southwest Florida. With 30,000 acres of conservation land protected in Lee County, visitors can explore the diverse ecosystems and wildlife that call this area home. Follow the story of Conservation 20/20 with an interactive web map that showcases recent projects and acquisitions. The program, established in 1996 and reaffirmed by Lee County voters in 2016, is overseen by the Conservation Land Acquisition and Stewardship Advisory Committee (CLASAC). CLASAC meetings are open to the public, providing an opportunity for community members to learn more about conservation efforts in the area.

Bird Key Park Car Park is a convenient parking facility located at 200 John Ringling Causeway in Sarasota, Florida. Situated within the picturesque Bird Key Park, this car park is the perfect starting point for exploring the park's lush greenery, scenic walking trails, and stunning waterfront views. Whether you're a local resident or a tourist visiting Sarasota, this park and car park offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Don't miss the opportunity to relax and unwind in this beautiful natural setting.