Myakka was one of the first spots I wanted to go when we switched from playing tourist in Sarasota to becoming a local- it’s dog friendly, wooded, and is one of the most peaceful places I’ve found in Florida.
Myakka State River State Park is one of Sarasota’s best hidden gems- it’s over 50 square miles and the perfect place for hiking, walking along river, biking, kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, and there is even a canopy walk to take in the views. Plus, it is one of the only areas that I know of where you are guaranteed to both see and eat alligators (I myself will pass on both, thank you very much)!
Most people we have talked to here have never been to Myakka- admittedly you have to be prepared to see some wildlife, but besides the gators I have loved that about visiting! We have had baby deer walk right by our car, seen families of wild pigs playing, and even manatees.
I’ve heard a lot of people rave about Sarasota’s best park being the Celery Fields– let me be the first to tell you that unless you are feeling super skittish around wildlife, skip the fields and drive a little further, it is so worth it!
Visiting Myakka River State Park
We have barely scratched the surface of the 37,000 acres but there is so much to see and do in Myakka. Here are some of our favorites for a quick visit if you want to spend a few hours- note this is for folks wanting to have a taste of the park, consider it outdoorsy-light!
Myakka is a state park, so there is a fee to enter at $6 per car. As Florida residents, we decided to buy the annual Florida park pass for ~$100 a year, which allows us to get into any State Park, like those with natural springs. It was easily worth it for us!
I’m sharing this post in the summer, but it is hot in Sarasota in July…Plan your visit around the weather and focus on an early morning or early evening. Bring plenty of water, dress for the weather, and don’t forget a hat, sunscreen, and bug spray.
How to Spend the Day at Myakka State Park
Start your day at the visitor’s center, where you can get a map of the park and learn about the day’s conditions. In the summer, the trails and roads can flood after storms, and if you are from out of town, it’s best to hear from the guides directly! I recommend chatting with them about local wildlife and we also loved their advice on handling Basil, our pup, around the gators.
Drive your car up the main road until you hit the bridge- there, you will see signs marking where the alligators like to hang out! Pull over and bring your camera- you will likely see several on either side of the bridge.
Once you’re ready to get moving, walk the William Boylston Nature Trail, a nature walk that is very beginner friendly at less than a mile. There are 40 miles of hiking trails in the park, but this one is the perfect taste of nature for a quick visit!
On the trail, be sure to stop by the Canopy Walkway, a 25 foot structure in the hammock canopy that sits on the south part of the trail. You can also stop by observation deck for great prairie views.
After your walk, head back to the lake where you can get a boat tour for $22, the perfect way to see the wildlife without risking it all in a canoe or kayak. However- if you’re feeling brave, you can rent one there for $20 an hour! You can also rent bikes for $15. Boat tours run at 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, and 5pm depending on weather and have that classic Jungle Cruise feel to them.
Spend a few minutes walking around the lake while you are there– the views are so spectacular you might have to remind yourself that you’re only a few miles away from the Gulf. You will probably spot some very large alligators sunning themselves or in the water, too!
Finish your day at the lake at by the Pink Gator Cafe, a food truck that sells hand-breaded gator bites (and less adventurous options as well). It’s a great spot for an afternoon picnic and you can use the bathroom and stop at the gift shop at the boathouse, too.
Wildlife and Safety- (Is Myakka Dog Friendly?)
We take Basil to Myakka every time we go, but we are very careful with him when we visit because Myakka is full of wildlife, including the very large gators. The park lists bobcats, otter, manatees, alligators, 100+ species of birds, and wild pigs as part of its diverse ecosystem of the Florida dry prairie.
In our past few visits we have seen: alligators, wild hogs, deer, a rattlesnake, and Sandhill cranes. On our last visit Basil didn’t even notice a particular alligator that was hiding under the stack of canoes one evening while we walked by about 3 feet away, until he finally saw him and bowed to play. It would’ve been adorable if it wasn’t so frightening- we have to be very cautious and if Basil was any smaller we probably would not bring him.
That being said, we love bringing Basil with us and I can’t see myself going to the park without him! We always see several dogs when we go, though we have never attempted super remote hikes or gotten close to the water with him. To be extra cautious, we keep him on a harness with a short leash, and always several feet back from the water depending on where we are. If I feel remotely uncomfortable (like when that gator was near us by the canoes), I immediately pick him up and we head back to the car. We also always have water for him and unscented dog treats, and I have a puppy first aid kit and extra water in our car.
Note: dogs are not allowed up on the Canopy Walkway itself.