40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (2024)

The top stops along the way from Jacksonville to Clearwater (with short detours) are Magic Kingdom Park, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Other popular stops include The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley, LEGOLAND® Florida Resort, and The Dalí Museum.

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Worlds Most Famous Beach Daytona Beach

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Beach

Nature & Parks

The beach known as "World's Most Famous Beach" is a popular spot in Daytona Beach for tourists to take photos. With miles of coastline, the area is home to many different attractions and festivals throughout the year.

HOURS: The beach is accessible and free for pedestrians and bicyclists 24 hours a day, depending on tides and weather conditions. Driving and parking on the beach is open to vehicles from sunrise to sunset from November 1 through April 30 and from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm (out when the tide comes in) from May 1 through October 31.Parking is $20 a ticket which you can use for the whole day.PROS: You park 25 feet from the waterfront. Aqua ocean views. Mixed demographic, all ages. Bathwater warm water.CONS: Absolutely nothing. A must visit!

C N — Google review

1sr time at the beach here. The water is very clear. It’s busy on the weekend of course but great for a day at the beach with family. We went Saturday but it started raining and Sunday tide came but we had time enough to enjoy the beach!!!

Angie J — Google review

Save your money not worth it.. unless you bring everything there is nothing to do here. The water is nice and the beach is relatively clean but other than that it's not worth it. It's packed and loud, no shade or any attraction, not really any where to get food. and despite the fact that on the website it says there are designated areas where you can take your dogs there are none and you will get kicked off the beach, after they take your money and let you on it

Dana G — Google review

Definitely one of my go to places mainly because I can park on the beach!!

Otto J — Google review

Awesome views with great beaches. Very convenient to drive on beach and park not having to drag coolers, umbrellas, etc.

Dillon L — Google review

A beautiful beach ⛱️ it was worth stopping g by and swimming 🏊‍♂️ in

GASPAR P — Google review

Been coming here for 40 plus yrs. Still amazed at the size of this beach. It's never crowded, anytime of the day. It's a gradual walk into the water, no drop off. Perfect for kids. Lots of places to stay and eat. The pier is so much fun on a Saturday night.You can't beat this place!

Alistair R — Google review

I normally avoid this are of Daytona, it is where the party seen is. Although I went today seeing how last minute we decided to go watch the sunrise so we did and then hung around the beach for a few hours. The beach was dirty the people that go there to party unfortunately do not clean up after themselves! There was a man passed out in the sand as well, clearly from the night before and yes I made sure he was alive and gave him some water and he went back to sleep without a care in the world. Do your part and clean up your trash.Otherwise it was a great trip. We enjoyed the sunrise and we spent a couple of hours getting some vitamin D. Kudos to the workers on the beach they where out early picking up the trash and emptying bins doing their best to clean it up so BIG THANKS for that. I would advise going further away from the boardwalk for family’s just my opinion but as always we had a great time.

Lilmisskml — Google review

Daytona beach really surprised me! I loooved getting to spend time in the water and just relaxing. Very chill and family vibes. The sand is white and the water is clear enough for me. I would definitely go again and visit!

Ronny S — Google review

If you are planning to visit this beach, do not search “Daytona Beach” we got confused as Daytona beach is a city name. You need to search by including “World famous” in it, and it’s for a reason! You can drive in your car around the shore for $20. The beach is very clean and calm. If you have enough time do spend an evening there, you will never get bored of this calmness. We saw all kinds of people having fun, camping, dancing, modeling and making best of their time. There are limited parking outside the entry gate, it’s better to take ticket and drive at the shore. A must go if you are around Orlando

PIYUSH K — Google review

Very clean beach, never crowded and the water is always fun to play in. If you are lucky enough, you can catch dolphins swimming near the shore in the morning.

Mike B — Google review

The ‘Worlds Most Famous Beach Daytona Beach’ sign is nice and all but really the beach is pretty good and totally worth a visit; don’t just snap the sign and leave. Mostly blue water, light sands and great to see everyone social distancing. waves looked fairly gentle, a lot of fishing and a lot of families having good times in the sun. Beach umbrella rentals doing a roaring trade when I was there.

R C — Google review

Love the option to bring my Jeep on to the Beach

Our C — Google review

Driving on the beach is a different experience. But other than that, nothing special about the beach. Very congested place. Unclean beach. No easy access to showers or washrooms. People blasting music with loud speakers and smoking everywhere. Can’t even breathe fresh air at the beach due to the cigarette smell. Jacksonville and St.Augustine beaches are so much better. Daytona is an overhyped place.

Naren — Google review

This area (experiencing a high rise construction boom) has become run-down, with little variety in cheesy souvenir shops, T-shirt shops and bars predominant. Everywhere we walked we inhaled the secondhand skunky-stink of pot smoking tourists. Ugh. The beach itself was a mess with trash - tossed cups and food rinds littering the sand. Sidewalks are grimy - City of Daytona Beach, you should be ashamed..! Hire people to rake the beaches and use pressure washers on those sidewalks.! Disgusted by the condition - we will never return here..!

Thea — Google review

Came by to walk the pier and check out the food. The whole beach smells like smoke and garbage. It feels super dirty so you won’t have an appetite. The beach did look like a great spot to play in the sand and had great waves.

Kate S — Google review

Beautiful area! The public beach is a little crowded but if you stay at a condo or hotel on the beach it's absolutely wonderful.

Leara C — Google review

Miles of old worn-down and poorly-aging condominiums dot the highway. The place needs a major face-lift and more recreational and modernized dining options. Some of the high rises are so close to the waterline, it looks like they are about to fall in. In December, this place is a ghost town.

Travel T — Google review

4.6

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4.5

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838 E International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32118, USA

2

Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum

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Museum

Sights & Landmarks

Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum is a historical brick and granite lighthouse from the 1880s that offers scenic views of inlets and exhibits featuring artifacts. The museum also includes vintage games at Daytona Arcade Museum, knowledgeable staff at the gift shop, well-maintained property, informative exhibits, clean restrooms, and a beautiful 360-view of Florida's waterways after climbing 203 steps to the top of the lighthouse. Admission is reasonable with military discounts available.

This is a well-kept, clean, and beautiful historic site. I loved the historic explanations making the outbuildings and grounds even more meaningful and educational. The lighthouse is such a gem. The climb is worth it, but it’s quite a climb up the 203 steps - it would be hard to bail out mid-way, so be thoughtful about starting. I would not recommend this for young kids or the elderly. The inside is so well preserved. The gift shop also offers a lovely collection of coastal items. Check out the playground nearby.

Julie S — Google review

We venture to discover new places here in Central Fl, so a time ago we saw this lighthouse from far and i wanted to find this place, i have been many times in Daytona Beach but never exploring the area. This place is a well maintained jewel, affordable we paid just$20 and we are 5 members, excellent for family with kids and you can learn more about this enigmatic place..Definitely i loved the experience but be ready to dare to go 203 steps inside the lighthouse..Beautiful site and views my kids have a blast here. 100% Recommended.

Sandy N — Google review

My family & I have been here twice since living here & both times we have really enjoyed it. The kids love climbing to the top of the lighthouse & the views are exceptionally breathtaking. The history & artifacts are interesting as well. Overall, this is a great place to stroll and look around w/ your family.

Cassandra S — Google review

One of my favorite places on the east coast of Florida. Beautiful lighthouse w historic museum at the base. (Dont miss it, very interesting). The walk up the lighthouse will be rewarded with a marvelous panoramic view of the inlet and ocean. Then enjoy a walk on the beach... My favorite time is at night when the red color of the lighthouse shines as a bright beacon against the backdrop of the ocean waves and salty sea air. Later, take a walk down the jetty which can be absolutely breath-taking when stormy and waves thunder against the rocks.

J D — Google review

This lighthouse is one of my favorites. So much history, the views are beautiful. My 9 year old son enjoyed it. They had an interactive part to understand the lighting of the lighthouse, which my son enjoyed.The grounds are very well kept. I wish I had more time to be there.I recommend visiting this lighthouse if you're in the area.

Isabel R — Google review

Very lovely ladies "manning" the gift shop. They were knowledgeable and helpful with an outstanding sense of humor. The property itself was very well maintained. The exhibits were informative. Clean bathrooms added to the positive experience. Lastly, if you can make it up 203 steps to the top of the lighthouse you will be rewarded with a beautiful 360° view of Florida's finest waterways. Admission was reasonable and military service is honored with a discount. Please consider donating while walking the different "museums". It's definitely for a good cause.

Berlin 1 — Google review

I love lighthouses. I live in Florida, and I am visiting as many lighthouses as I can. So far, this is one of the best ones, although I like all of them.The lighthouse is in amazing shape, and the grounds are also in great shape. The lens museum is one of my favorite exhibits, but there are so many different ones in the park.There are 203 brutal steps up to the top, but it is worth every single step. After the 1st 2 levels, we started resting at each level, catching our breath and letting our leg muscles settle down. Going down is much easier, but the angle of the staircase keeps you going slow.The employees in the gift shop are very friendly and love to chat and share lighthouse stories and information. Their knowledge of the lighthouse and it's history is amazing. This is both a very enjoyable and historic place to spend a day. I highly recommend it.For photographers, you get an amazing view from the top of the Atlantic Ocean, two inlets, the surrounding area, and you can even see Cape Canaveral on a clear day.This entire park is funded by donations only. I hope if you visit and love it as much as I do, you will donate if you are able. A little bit can go a long way.

Hank L — Google review

If you are in the area - the lighthouse is absolutely worth the trip. Pay the money and go to the top for a great view from this operational lighthouse. It's a couple hundred steps but can feel like more if you're in shape. If you have a problems with heights you'll find it to be great therapy. I'm a lighthouse fan and one of my life-long fantasies has been to live in a lighthouse. I've been here many times going back to the late 70's.

Jeffrey M — Google review

This was a cool museum and there is other stuff to do here if you don’t want to climb all the steps to the top of the light house. There is a lot of cool history on the ground level. It’s really simple to find this place from Daytona, you just drive south until you can’t no more. They stop allowing guest at 8pm but shutdown at 9pm which makes this a perfect spot to watch the sunset. There are a lot of steps to the top so if for some reason you are even REMOTELY hesitant about if you can make it, don’t do it. The only was down when at the top is down the stairs again and they are steep. When you are at the top they did a good job of making it where you would have to really try to fall so I personally felt comfortable with my 4-6 year old but I don’t know if I would want to go up to the top with someone younger.

Steve D — Google review

Very nice experience with a lot of history. The walk to the top was rough but the view was well worth it. Would definitely go back. Nice place to just sit and enjoy the quiet, peaceful silence.

Kerri B — Google review

The tour was awesome. The lady at the register was so sweet. We walked up the 205 steps and enjoyed the views. A lot of history. Totally worth it.

Sam M — Google review

We had an amazing time visiting the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse! We learned about the history and enjoyed the breathtaking views. It is a unique experience and beautiful place that shouldn't be missed.The Lighthouse:Climbing the lighthouse is a bit of a workout, but it's absolutely worth it. The panoramic views of the bay from the top are stunning. You can see for miles and really appreciate the beauty of the area. I would not recommend it if claustrophobic, or not in a good physical shape... it is a lot of steps and people, specially children, get tired.The Light Museum:The light museum has some interesting pieces that give you a glimpse into the history of the lighthouse and the lives of the keepers. It's educational and engaging, making it a great stop for both adults and kids.Overall Experience:We thoroughly enjoyed our visit. The combination of the climb, the views, and the museum made for a memorable day. Highly recommend for anyone looking to explore a bit of history and enjoy some fantastic scenery.

Aracelis S — Google review

While climbing the lighthouse is lovely and definitely the highlight, I don't know if I wanted to pay that price (for 2 people it is 13.90) and the tour is self guided. The history was very interesting to read and see, but maybe $5 would be better. They do provide you with a map and their are restrooms available.

Ranita I — Google review

I really enjoyed this visit. 203 steps very hard but the view was so worth it. We had 90° weather so it was challenging. $6.75 to go in, you can also visit the lighthouse quarters, is a museum and so interesting. Plenty of parking and very nice at the gift shop.

Patty L — Google review

$7 per person for the perfect cloudy day activity. The drive to the inlet alone was charming, just wait until you get to the lighthouse! You must enter through the gift shop and purchase a wristband before you reach the campus. Once you are in the campus, you are free to roam. The grounds have several houses turned museums, a building that displays the lighthouse lenses, a tiny nature preserve, a few other misc buildings as well as the lighthouse itself. I highly recommend visiting on a weekday when there may be less traffic. This will allow maximum enjoyment and time taking. You can climb all the way up the lighthouse which is the 3rd tallest active lighthouse in the U.S! There was a lot to learn about the history of the lighthouse and of the native Americans who once occupied the land. All of the staff/volunteers were super friendly. I’m so grateful that I was able to visit while I was in town. This place is a gem to be active and preserved generation after generation.

Madison M — Google review

One of the most memorable places that my family and I went to during our stay. The climb wasn't bad, the view was totally worth it. I bought a beautiful compass at the gift store. It was a great memory to share with my family!

Gavyn S — Google review

This place was a pretty cool spot to walk around and explore on site. The price is perfectly fitting for what there is to do. The walk up the Lighthouse was really cool as well. They are not joking around when they say you should be in somewhat good shape to climb to the top, cause it is a lot of stairs. The view at the top though is well worth the sore legs one may get from this trek to the top.

Matt L — Google review

The walk up is a bit intense and not handicap accessible, but it's beautiful at the top and well worth the hike. The views were lovely and the trek down was much easier. The other buildings on the property were filled with interesting artifacts. In particular, we loved the room with all the old lights. Worth a stop!

Cassie D — Google review

Small little historic outdoor museum and lighthouse.Lighthouse is almost 200 steps. Very cozy at the top!Easy parking. No water bottles. Leave at desk.

Kelly H — Google review

Fantastic lighthouse, grounds and museum! It's a climb to the top but well worth the view and it's the tallest lighthouse I've been to. So happy to add another stamp to my lighthouse passport book. We visited in October during the Fall Homeschooling day so it was busy, but there were a lot of employees and volunteers around. Gift shop is pretty big and has a lot to offer. Bathrooms and parking are on site. Visiting during the weekday, we had no problem finding parking in the back lot.

PNW N — Google review

Coming here was a bit of an accident. We were trying to save a red shouldered hawk with a broken wing. This little island was the only place that had a bird sanctuary that wasn't full. So my husband snagged up the bird, then came and got myself and our son for a day trip rescue mission. Coming over the bridge onto the island was so beautiful. Gorgeous blue beach as far as the eye can see, nestled behind a beautiful city. Coming here was like God rewarded us for being kind and saving the hawk. We enjoyed the afternoon at the lighthouse, learning all about it from the wonderful lady who works at the gift shop. We went to eat at the little beachside restaurant right around the corner from the lighthouse. It was such a cute place, and we met Joey the Egret, who enjoys eating his raw shrimp. You can order it for him off the menu and feed him yourself!! We had such a great time here and can't wait to come back and hopefully stay a few days. It's like a beautiful tourist town minus all the tourists. Lol BTW it had great prices because it's non profit. So go support our local lighthouse and enjoy a beautiful day at a not so busy beach!!

Jamie M — Google review

Amazing place to visit! I tried the lighthouse but wasn't about to climb it all the way as I stated feeling sick. I truly enjoyed all the buildings on site and learning about the refugees that come from Cuba. The gift shop was nice too.

Lana A — Google review

The historic lighthouse, standing 175ft tall, has guided ships with steadfast certainty till the present day. There are many well-preserved artifacts and buildings, whispering tales of rich maritime history. Ascending to the top rewards you with mesmerizing panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and sprawling landscapes. A perfect destination for a family outing or a day trip, the friendly staff add to the experience with their informative insights and warm hospitality. The museum ticket window closes at 5 pm, so plan your trip accordingly.

Karan S — Google review

Been here numerous times and the entire location is in amazing shape for a historic registered place.Ticket prices for access to the grounds, includes climbing the lighthouse, were very minimal.The view from the top is breathtaking, but you've got to climb 220-ish steps on a somewhat narrow staircase (4' wide spiral).The other buildings contained historic artifacts and information about nautical themes. Well displayed rooms set in their historic looks.The building containing the various types of lighthouse or signaling lamps was a plus, as they have a massive window wall that allows lots of light to come in and interact with the various shapes of glass lenses.There was enough parking when we were there, but might be an issue on a busy day.

Michael W — Google review

A beautiful well-preserved lighthouse. Standing 175ft tall (2nd highest in the country behind 179ft Cape Hatteras Light) with a 203 step climb to the top. Museum grounds include numerous Keeper dwellings and the largest collection of Fresnel Lenses.Originally built in 1835, but through issues of not receiving the oil for the light and then the 2nd Seminole Indian War, the light collapsed when keepers were afraid to go make repairs. The 2nd light was completed in 1887 and is what you see today.

17RGreene — Google review

203 steps to the top, 5-8 minute climb. One of the tallest lighthouses in the US. The view is beautiful and well worth the climb........ Even for someone like me who's scared of heights. 😁 I climbed at my own pace (my husband and son went ahead of me) and when I got to the top, my husband held my hand the whole time. ❤️

Linda D — Google review

If you are in the area, you don’t want to miss this attraction! We visited while on vacation, and so glad we did! The entry price is a great and affordable and allows you access to the lighthouse, but also to the other historic buildings on site which are mini museums. There is also a small nature trail which is beautiful and the turtles were quite a surprise. So much fascinating history to be learned, and the view from the top of the lighthouse is simply breathtaking! The restoration of the lighthouse makes it look like it is brand new but has been standing since 1887 if my memory is correct. The property is well kept and very clean. What an incredible experience we had!

Christy — Google review

Hands down the best preserved well kept and restored lighthouse we have ever been in. This lighthouse is 175 ft tall and has been fully restored. What Justice nice is the fact the grounds are well preserved with the lighthouse keeper and the two assistant homes in good condition. There are some great displays about the time. How they lived and just looking at the houses along with where they stored everything was very informative. You can go up to the top of this lighthouse but be ready for a good hard walk it will get your exercise for the day done.

Rick A — Google review

I visited back in January and had a nice time there! I arrived a little bit after opening and had bought my ticket the night before on their website.This is the first lighthouse I climbed! And it made me want to climb as many as I can.There is so much to learn about on the property. I love history, so I really enjoyed that.It was quite busy and there is no control on how many are going up the lighthouse, so it was a little loud and crowded.I wish I would have climb up the lighthouse a second time but it just became a little over stimulating for me. I hope to come back again in the future and arrive earlier in the day.

Lauren — Google review

If you are visiting the Daytona area make sure to add this beautiful well preserved lighthouse to your list of places to visit. From the friendly staff to the wonderful gift shop. This is a must see. The grounds are kept in beautiful clean condition. The lighthouse speaks for itself with towering majestic beauty itself.

Joshua K — Google review

Easily accessible from the Main Road, about 12 miles from downtown Daytona. It has plenty of free parking including for Handicap accessible Vehicles. The Museum and Grounds were immaculate and the Staff were Friendly and Knowledgeable.Restrooms are available and clean. There are also multiple drinking fountains.There is a fee of $7.00 per person to visit which was very fair.There is plenty to see besides the Lighthouse walk up, which we didn't find difficult as they have landings every so often if you need to rest.Finally the Gift shop is very nice and has plenty of items.If you like Lighthouses and History don't pass this up

P O — Google review

The lighthouse museum & gift shop were a great place to capture some history. The lighthouse is open & one can climb to the top to catch an amazing view. The adjacent veteran's memorial park was extra special; a wonderful tribute to the local veterans 💙. One can easily spend an entire day here. It is most enjoyable & a great place for a family outing.

Mary L — Google review

It was my first time getting to visit with my wife, and it was a cool experience. The staff was friendly. The walk up to the lighthouse wasn't too bad if you pace yourself. The view up top was super neat, and the breeze was wonderful. I would definitely do it again!

Matthew H — Google review

This was an impromptu family day trip visit on the way to the beach. It was an incredible time spent learning about this lighthouse and the history and work that went behind building it and up keeping it. We learned about the families and way of life throughout the years in this region, as well as, how this structure influenced our state’s growth. The view at the top was incredible but brace yourself for the hike up AND back down again.

Andrea P — Google review

What a great place to visit! The light station and the museum were so interesting and the building with the Fresnel lenses was AMAZING... absolutely spectacular.Also, the 'Hidden Treasure' restaurant, not too far from the lighthouse, was delicious with fantastic views of the inlet!

B. K — Google review

If you love American history, this place is a unique part of our history. The museum is comprised of 6 buildings where the Lighthouse keeper and his family lived and worked. Make sure if you are physically capable to go to the top of the Lighthouse. Awesome view!

Mike B — Google review

Great experience here! We learned so much about the history and working of the lighthouse from guides all over the place (on the top of the lighthouse and within each of the buildings. I am not sure if this was normal or if it was a special day, but it was fantastic (we went on a Saturday). Very responsibly priced in comparison to other lighthouses and it is the best!

Meaning B — Google review

The lighthouse is nice but all I saw was the souvenir store!Grounds are nice.Nearby there's access to water and that place is nice we saw a turtle in the water!

Aaron L — Google review

Great museum and be prepared to walk. I would recommend wearing good walking shoes. Every house has air conditioning and seats available inside. The stairs to the lighthouse are very steep and small, but the breeze and view up there is totally worth it! The gift shop is also nice and you can find affordable items. Overall, it was a good time and enjoyable experience!

Jennifer R — Google review

4.8

(10378)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (11)

4.5

(3527)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (12)

4931, 4928 S Peninsula Dr, Ponce Inlet, FL 32127, USA

(386) 761-1821

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40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (13)

3

New Smyrna Beach

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Beach

Nature & Parks

New Smyrna Beach is a charming town with an extensive shoreline that offers seasonal vehicle access and surfing. It is an ideal destination for tourists who want to spend their day at the beach, as they can park their cars near the beachfront by paying $20 daily or opting for a yearly pass. The sand is soft and clear, making it perfect for families with kids. Unlike the crowded Daytona, New Smyrna Beach provides a more enjoyable experience on the east coast.

New Smyrna Beaches.The most beautiful beach on this planet with breathtaking views.But beware of sharks and snakes while swimming inside the water or near the beach.

Dionne F — Google review

One of the more enjoyable beaches on the east coast, especially when you want to break away from the huge crowds at the nearby Daytona. Go early on a weekday to enjoy the sunrise the way i have here, in my photos.

Isaac L — Google review

Loved this beach, the sand, the water. Very clean and if you want the car by the beach you can pay 20,00 for the hole day.

Walter S — Google review

Great place to spend an entire day, you can park you car close to the beach front paying $20 perDay but they also have yearly pass. Sand is soft and clear water, it’s really nice for family with kids. We go over there every year.

Maximo C — Google review

Great beach on the Atlantic side of Florida. I liked the option of parking on the beach for $20. The beach was clean and the water also. The only issue was always a line for the bathroom.

Nick A — Google review

This place is so beautiful! I love how we can jus park on the sand while over looking the water. They have a food truck there with burger fries corn dogs, and they also have Beach umbrellas and chairs for rent amongst other things. My new favorite place to go to.

Selly M — Google review

Beautiful. Water is crystal clear. Waves are not as strong as cocoa beach which is great. There’s rentals, showers, bathrooms… perfect spot

Kelly A — Google review

This is one of my favorite beach. It was really beautiful. The beach was close to the water and had some shade.

Kwanini — Google review

This 'drive on ' beach is great! Plenty of good fishing too. The only thing missing are the shells! If you want shells, this isn't the place to go!

DJ S — Google review

Beautiful beach with white sand. Loved it.

Elaine M — Google review

Loved the beautiful beach. I’ve never seen so many sharks at one beach in my life. While we arrived there was a great white leaving the beach. We then came face to face with multiple smaller sharks while wading waist deep in the water. It was an exhilarating moment that I will never forget. We saw a total of 5 sharks that day.

Seth H — Google review

4.5

(140)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (18)

4.5

(776)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (19)

FL 32169, USA

4

Stetson Mansion

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Historical landmark

Sights & Landmarks

Architectural Buildings

John Stetson's luxurious estate, the Stetson Mansion, can be toured as part of a living history museum. Constructed in 1886 for the hat manufacturer John B. Stetson, the home once entertained some of Florida's most notable historical figures and can still be seen today through guided tours.

Beautiful mansion, both the outside area and inside. Crazy amount of beautiful Christmas decorations in every room. Probably coming back in the spring to see the inside without all the decorations and to see the 3rd floor (off limit during our tour as the owner was staying there). Not cheap, around $30 per ticket.

Kare B — Google review

We visited the Stetson Mansion today for the Christmas Spectacular Holiday Home Tour and it was fantastic! Highly recommend the guided tour with JoAnn to learn more about the decorations and a little history about the house. Her infectious personality and storytelling made our visit even more enjoyable.Each and every room, even the kitchen and bathrooms have a dedicated theme. The attention to detail and the creativity behind each room is truly amazing. I especially loved all the inspirational sayings sprinkled throughout the house. Definitely a must visit and our family will surely make this an annual holiday tradition.

Jennifer A — Google review

A must see! Beautiful house. They still had holiday deco up so I want to see it without all of the decorations to get the real feel of the house and architecture. It was tastefully done though.

Jennifer D — Google review

Lovely restored mansion with some nice Florida history. Go for the unique original architectural features. Plan on going for the spectacular Christmas decor.

Nilufer K — Google review

Visiting the Stetson is always a treat, but especially at Christmas to see JT's talent on display! Beautiful decor highlights the historic home & is a joy. We took the guided tour & were treated to a heartfelt story from JT in the dining room about what Christmas meant to him & his family. Our guide for the rest of the home was knowledgeable & entertaining. Photos aren't allowed inside, but trust me when I say you won't be disappointed!! It's a sight to experience 🎄

Joey R — Google review

We took the guided tour and I highly recommend it. Our guide was such a delight. She truly loved the place and gave us so much detail on the planning and history of both the house and the Stetson family. Plus her descriptive narrative was riddled with humor which kept us interested and made the tour more pleasurable. The 10 decorated rooms were amazing. Each room had a different theme from the others and from years past. We were delightfully impressed and I believe will make this tour an annual Christmas tradition.

Judith B — Google review

Fabulous Christmas decor and a surprise pop-in by JT the owner who does all the decorating. Try to go to the 7:00 p.m. guided tour as it is special. Each room has its own decor starting with angels and cardinals in the Grand Staircase in the entry, Department 56 layered on a tiered tree, Snobabies filling up a bedroom and the kitchen dedicated to military heroes, just to name a few of the rooms. Such a beautiful sight it is still racing through my mind two days later. A must tour in the central Florida area as it is also one of Florida's most historical homes and the first to have electricity installed by Thomas Edison himself.

Kathy V — Google review

An amazing beautiful home with the most wonderful Christmas decorations anyone could imagine. It’s said that it takes 3 months to decorate the home and the passion and love shows.The only downside is that there is no photography allowed inside the home.

Bryan C — Google review

My sister and I took our mother as a Christmas present. She absolutely loved it, she had to use her walker to get around. Everyone there was very friendly and helpful getting her though it because we had to take our time to get her through. We would recommend it anytime.

Lisa B — Google review

The Proprietor spent 3 months decorating this home in a Christmas theme. Each room was intricately decorated, and we participated in a delightful guided tour. The Proprietor himself even came to visit and gave us some heartwarming background stories about the mansion and some of the decorations. Southern Hospitality at its best--when I had to take a break from walking and standing, the other Proprietor brought me a picture book of the mansion rooms, and I was able to scan the QR code to get my very own audio tour while sitting comfortably on the beautiful front porch. :) Truly a stunning home!

Sally J — Google review

We did the Christmas Tour! Very much worth it! Beautifully decorated for Christmas! Kim was our awesome tour guide.

Matt B — Google review

Great tour at Christmas time for sure. Kim was a great host and gave us lots of good info. We would like to back outside the holidays to see more of the super cool house. Thank you for sharing your home, the rooms were decorated one better than the next!

Jamie R — Google review

Absolutely Amazing tour of this beautifully restored mansion, but to personally see the amount of Christmas creations strategically & thoughtfully placed in each room, nook & cranny was such a treat! It's a highly recommended must visit, & we plan on coming back again to experience the artistic joy w/ our visiting family. Great surprise!

Domingo C — Google review

It's expensive, but we really wanted to go to see the over-the-top Christmas decorations that this place is known for. We signed up online a couple weeks ago and paid then. Yesterday, the day before our visit, we received an email that revealed some things about our visit, set for today. It recommended using restrooms off property before arriving. The mansion's only restroom facility the public could use was a portable outdoor unit out in the parking lot. The other thing the email warned against was arriving more than 20 minutes early. It said parking was limited and the gates would only be opened at certain times. This was not an issue as we were early and parked easily and without hassle. We assembled briefly on the porch and started touring the inside of the mansion. Photos were prohibited inside (also stated in the email). We moved from room to room on the mansion's first and second floors as we listened to the tour's audio on our phones, which were browsed a lnk provided in that email. The audio program was the owner's own narration of the decorating job that he took the past 3 months doing himself. We thought the decorations were spectacular and captured both the Christmas spirit and the Stetson family history. Also there was a nice patriotic salute to servicemen near the end. It was all so well done and made us glad we visited the "mansion that hats built" today.

Joe G — Google review

We came to the mansion because it was on a haunted house list. When we arrived the house was locked but the gate was open. There was a sign outside that says scan for self-guided tour. We went to the door to see if it was unlocked and it was locked. We walked around the house a bit and found a staff member. Explain to her that we were interested in seeing the inside of the house because it was on a haunted tour list. She was not happy that it was on a haunted house list and did not seem very friendly with us. She didn't explain that the self-guided tour was the Christmas tour and was $35 per adult and $20 for children. We felt that was a bit high. We took some pictures on the outside and when we went to leave she had locked us inside the property by closing the gate up and locking it. The staff member came to the gate to unlock it for us because we were sitting in front of it and there were people outside trying to come in for the tour. I think this property could be ran better than how it is being run.Follow us for more great reviews ™

Shainey M — Google review

Absolutely Beautiful Christmas Displays! Amazing historic craftsmanship. And if you get the honor of meeting the owner/creator of this holiday spectacular he is very amicable and a delight to chat with.

Kimberly A — Google review

Wow!!!! Came here for the Christmas decorations and got so much more! The mansion by itself is unbelievable, the time and dedication it must take to maintain this beautiful historic home is beyond comprehension! The Christmas decorations what can I say WOW! Each room has a unique style and theme to it. Hard to pick a favorite room or design! We crossed paths with JT the owner and designer of the displays. He is a very talented artist and designer. He took the time to chat with us about his experience in making this come to life! This one of a kind place is very special from the architecture of the house to the Christmas display. I wanted to say thank you for sharing your home and your talents with the public! It was amazing!

Paul P — Google review

We visited the Stetson Mansion during their Christmas Spectular, and it was beautifully decorated. The combination of the Mansions history, its restoration, and the Christmas decorations was awe-inspiring. The word Spectacular only comes close to describing what was experienced. This is a must-see!!

Daniel W — Google review

I have taken both the Xmas guided tour and the Historical tour. The Xmas tour is fun for those who enjoy decor. It’s very thought out with a lot of fun items to find. There are always different themes each year. But the best tour in my opinion is the Historical tour which is sadly coming to an end in a couple of weeks.The Historical tour takes you through the by history of the Stetson family, interesting facts about the home, and a discussion about his work as a hatter. Our most recent tour guide, Jo Ann, did an amazing job taking us from room to room and answering every question that the group had. At the end of the tour we purchased both books to take home and continue learning about the history of such an amazing home.The only downside of the tour is that you cannot take photos inside, but being that this is a private residence, and is only funded by tours, it is understandably why they ask for privacy.

Koontz P — Google review

4.7

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5.0

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1031 Camphor Ln, DeLand, FL 32720, USA

(386) 873-0167

5

Blue Spring State Park

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State park

Nature & Parks

Park

The Blue Spring State Park is a cool-water spring on the St. Johns River that is popular for swimming and kayaking. It's located 45 minutes from Orlando and has a constant 72 degrees temperature making it the perfect summer spot. The park also offers campsites or cabins to rent, as well as hiking trails and bird watching opportunities.

Swimming in this spring was amazing experience where the nature is as is!! I wish we could spend more time there and we could possibly see manatees.Parking was easy, close to the spring.There is food available, rental tubes as well, and of course restrooms conveniently located.The boardwalk was amazing and along the river.

Sahana V — Google review

Cool water on a hot summer day! Nothing better! Mother Nature provides her own lazy river. Our family goes at least once a year. We love this place more than any beach. The wildlife is also incredible.

Dawn M — Google review

What a beautiful spot! We also got a break in the weather, the temperature was just right. But most of all...our guide Gina from Adventures in Florida was spectacular! She was the perfect combination of knowledgeable and friendly and funny! Pointed out so much wildlife including a ton of birds, some alligators and a bunch of manatees!

Tom N — Google review

Very nice state park close to Orlando, about 45 minutes drive to get there. In December we are not able to swim but the beautiful spring kept many manatees, it was great time to see so many of them! Kids love them.

Sherry Y — Google review

Gorgeous park! We had a great time tubing and walking around appreciating the scenery and wildlife. We were within 2 feet of a momma manatee and her calf that swam by and stopped to say "hi"! The restroom facilities and gift shop were both well maintained. We enjoyed our day here.

A ( — Google review

Plenty of things to do for everyone be it swimming, kayaking, hiking, boat trips. We went in mid November when we were unable to go into the water because of the migrating manatees but just to see them in their natural environment was well worth the tripAmazing place!

Alison W — Google review

I love coming here all year round. During the summer you can get in and enjoy the cool crystal clear water, and during the winter you can walk around and enjoy the wild life. There is so many manatees that visit each year, it's really amazing to see. There's also a boat tour that you can take but you have to get tickets in advance. There's a nice playground area for the kids, and there are also cabins for rent. And did I mention that the entrance fee per car is only like $6.

Jezabeth R — Google review

It was beautiful! We saw several manatees. The picture is of a mommy and 3 babies. There's a $6.00 per car fee to enter. There's trails and rentals. There is a campground, store and lovely walkways and viewing areas of the crystal clear springs. Beautiful park.

Connie N — Google review

I will be the first to admit, I’m not much of a nature girl. However, manatees are my favorite animals. They are so cute! Anyway, if you wanna go kayaking with manatees, this is an awesome place to do it! Pro tip:go early- not much shade and at the time if this post you are not allowed to swim due to renovation! The park staff were really nice and informative though.

Alexis N — Google review

Love it every second. My husband and I rented a kayak for 4h. We were able to spend 2h only as I was not expecting to see so many alligators 😅... the park is amazing and the manatee is so cute. We were able to see one only, but it was great. If you are looking for some time with nature and quietness here is your place to go. Arrive early, and don't forget to do the boat tour at St. John's river, it is breath taken. Will definitely come back for more adventures... be very careful with the gators of course 😅🙈 they can come quite close 😉

Eduarda P — Google review

Wonderful time with friends. Manatees, gators and bird oh my. Beautiful day, went on the boat ride. Best time in a long time. They knew what they were doing. The lady knew her animals and their stories as she picked them out and the gentleman knew his boat to get close to the animals as he could get. Great team. Then we went to the swimming hole and saw more manatees and they had a guide to make sure nothing harmed them. Swimming hole cold but, refreshing.

Jane W — Google review

It was awesome! Cold, but that was expected for a spring. The water was pretty and a nice clear sea green color from the algae and spring floor. There were so many fish! Including alligator gars. I got lucky and came when a group of rescued manatees were being monitored to see how they adapt to the habitat. I got to see them up close and it was such an experience! The camping was really fun too. For my first time it was really really nice and tranquil. It felt good to escape civilization for a few. Recommend this park to anyone. Reasonably priced too, imo.

Naomi B — Google review

An absolutely gorgeous river fed from an easily accessible spring. A wonderful opportunity to see much aquatic wildlife, from gar fish to manatees!The water is crystal clear in most spots, making snorkeling equipment a must. The lazy pace of the spring-fed river is perfect for tubing as well.There are full amenities at the park including a bathrooms, shelters, and a store.

Rakkety D — Google review

It is truly awe inspiring. The amount of wildlife, chiefly manatees but also gators, big ones at that, in close vicinity is really special. The water is so clear that you can easily spot all of the different fish species including gars. The park also offers picnic areas and if my memory serves me right restrooms and vending machines for water and sodas. The boardwalk throughout the park is also a perfect way to get around to the upper ponds and to do some bird watching while exploring the area. I will definitely return.

Thomas T — Google review

Camping review. Love the campsites here. Plenty of woodland coverage feels like all alone. Restrooms clean and hot water for a shower. Easy walk or bike ride to the spring. Lovely 73 degrees water, and two manatees swam by while we were swimming. Excellent bike/hiking trails and deer everywhere.

Steven — Google review

Had a fabulous time! Rented a canoe through Blue Springs Adventures doing the unguided option and it was worth every penny! Only spent the 6$ for park admission and it was around 34$ for a 4 hr 2 person canoe rental (they also offer kayak rentals). Lots of wild life; birds, turtles, manatees, snakes, and gators! Oh my! 10/10 do recommend and will do again! After we finished our canoe trip we went down to the springs to cool off which was the icing on the top of the cake!

Stephanie E — Google review

The park was kept clean, the water was great. We were able to swim with the mantees while we were there they swam near the head of the spring. You are not allowed to touch them though, and you have to stay 20 feet away. There’s somebody who stays on a kayak and kind of follows the manatees to make sure people are leaving them alone. And that’s a good thing. It was nice to see some wildlife in the water with us. you can scuba dive here so that was fun to see the scuba divers going down into the hole. The current is very strong coming out of the hole so for younger children it could be difficult. I was able to walk through the old house of the person who used to live there, that was pretty cool. And they have a nice park for the kids, kayaks you can rent, lockers and tubes for rent. Now there’s not a lot of picnic tables so if it’s a crowded day that could be tricky if you’re trying to catch a table… But it’s not bad it’s very pretty lots of open grass to lay a blanket out if you wanna go picnic style. There is a decent amount of bathrooms probably about 8 to 10 stalls. I would definitely recommend !!!

Khloe L — Google review

Blue Springs State Park is stunningly beautiful. The crystal clear water, the Manatees swimming, fish galore, turtles sun bathing on logs near the water, all amazing sites. Spanish moss hanging over the water is so pretty. Anyone visiting will not be disappointed. Gift shop, picnic areas, kayak rental.

Rene K — Google review

Amazing!! So many manatees! And great trails, lookouts, bathrooms, museum, giftshop, etc. we did wait a while in a car line to get into the park, but it was only $6 per car. Like $2 for pedestrians, and more for bigger vehicles. Didn’t need a lot of time, not a whole day experience. An hour or two to walk the trail and watch the manatees. There’s picnic benches, lawn, and a lunch bar I believe too!

Naomi E — Google review

It is a fantastic place to bring kids and family out for family activities like picnics while enjoying God's beautiful creation. It was ONLY $6 per car at the entrance. They have a gift shop and a Kayak for rent if you like to roll around the lake. Beautiful area! 🥰❤️

Joshua N — Google review

This place is always beautiful. It's definitely one of my favorite places. While swimming is currently off-limits, it's still a great place to visit for a great chance to see a lot of wildlife. We were lucky to catch some manatees during our most recent visit which isn't very common this time of year.

Alexis P — Google review

Exceptionally beautiful spring and spring run. The boardwalk is also an easily accessible path which you have the potential to see so much wildlife from. One of the best places to see manatees as well during the winter. The park staff do a great job with maintaining this park. There’s also a hiking path inside the park accessible from the lower parking lot called pine island trail… east but long and very little shade In Some parts. I love visiting this place and have done so many many times!

Tatiana R — Google review

My mom and I went here to check out this beautiful Spring. We hiked a little, walked the boardwalk along the spring area and did a 2 hour cruise on the St John's River. It was so peaceful and wasn't very crowded when we went. You can swim, tube, snorkel and dive the area. The water is so clear, but 72 degrees, its a little to cold for me. We saw a few manatee, but during winter time this place gets over 700 manatees coming in. Beautiful place and recommend. Great seeing undeveloped areas.

Brooke M — Google review

I've been to Blue springs quite often through the years yet it is only getting better with time. The rain kept the crowds down so the experience was even better. As you can see from the photos, the turbidity of the water was very good. Crystal clear in most places, so as to be able to see the plethora of wildlife. The source of the spring I found was the best place to enjoy swimming and the clearest water. As you travel downstream you begin to see a tremendous array of fish, birds, turtles, etc.Definitely was a wonderful day at Blue spring State Park 🏞️.

Gavin R — Google review

Awesome place to go kayaking and swimming. The kayak rental station hands out the last batch of boats at 3pm and you have to be back at 4pm the latest. The park closed at 7pm that day.Very clear water in the spring and we could spot some Manatees.

Robert W — Google review

This is such a picturesque spring.I had an amazing time swimming with the manatees (at a safe distance) and taking in nature’s best.Tip: When paying for parking online you have to go down the list and select the right location. :) (You might have to pay again at the gate if you select the wrong park.)

Nadia R — Google review

Went with my boyfriend to see the manatees and there were so many there! I know they look like rocks in the water but watching them swim around with their babies was so cool. A really good time, highly recommend.

Annie C — Google review

One of my favorite places in the world. The amount of joy I get from seeing manatees flock here every year is beyond comprehension. There are always such dedicated and passionate volunteers there fielding questions about the park, manatees, the nature there, and engaging with kids and visitors alike.I’ll miss not swimming here this year as they undergo construction to help the shore erosion, but, I’m so glad they’re maintaining this space for years to come.

Teketa S — Google review

Such a beautiful place! Water is so clear you can see all the fish and there was a huge variety of them. We were there towards the end of the manatee season but were able to see one manatee that had been rescued with a tracker on it. There was a volunteer there that was very helpful and informative and answered all of our questions about manatees. The walking trail is easy with several overlooks of the spring. Restrooms were very nice and clean. This place is a must see!

Andrew N — Google review

Very nice park to enjoy. You can also rent canoes and go on the river. Unfortunately, swimming was not allowed. There are grills everywhere and lots of places to sit. The path through the forest takes about 10 minutes on foot and you can see manatees. Everything was clean and tidy. There is still some construction going on at the moment.

Stephan K — Google review

Went right during prime time. So there was a line up to get in. The rangers kept the line moving quickly. We were lucky to find parking. The main walk is paved and boardwalk with overlooks. The day we went the manatee count was 482. There were a lot you could see from the walkway. Was an amazing sight to see them. The water was clear and kept getting clearer the closer you got to the spring.Highly recommend visiting!Restrooms, gift shop, and small snack stands on site along with kayak rentals.

Ashley G — Google review

Lot of construction, but still super cool. Ton’s of alligator gar, catfish and other miscellaneous fish. Water was super clear. We also saw a momma manatee and her baby, as well as others. Handicap accessible.

Bobby R — Google review

Went kayaking for a few hours. We really enjoyed it! The only thing was some of the boats, and jetskis didn't pay close attention.The swimming area is currently closed. I can't wait for it to reopen next year.

Trisha C — Google review

Beautiful state park with crystal-clear spring water. We visited this state park twice and both times in the month of December. Hundreds of manatees gather here in the spring from mid of November to March, and it's such an incredible sight.

Keertu A — Google review

7/24: NO swimming, NO diving, NO floating, or NO fishing.The park itself is well-developed with a long, beautiful boardwalk that goes along the spring run with crystal-clear water where you can see dozens of different types of fish.The only things you can do right now because of the restoration construction are launch your kayak, take a boat tour, walk the boardwalk, or visit the Thursby House or gift shop.$5 entrance fee.

Sarh M — Google review

A visit to Blue state Park will not dissapoint. They have regular boat trips, just check that they are running on the day you want. All done on-line. We went early May, so all the manatees had gone. Plenty of fish to see! We saw an American Bald Eagle. Lots of other birds too. Even saw some deer and the prize of the day was an Armadillo! Lovely board walk that offers plenty to see. This walk is wheelchair friendly too. There are restrooms there and a small shop for souvenirs and to buy cold drinks. If visiting for the day just make sure that yiu have enough water and food as it can get very hot!

Lynn P — Google review

Wanted to see manatees at the spring but all of them migrated away by now. Otherwise the park is nice. The water is very clear and there's quite a lot of fish in the spring. It's a peaceful and tranquil environment perfect for a family picnic. There's a gift shop and a small convenience store where you can buy snacks.

Ki P — Google review

This place is magical. It was so cool to see all the manatees hanging out staying warm. When I went, the count was at 146! Earlier in the week, they had the record for almost 1k!!! This park is beautiful and I wish I would've packed a picnic.

Karle L — Google review

Such a great place to visit to see some manatees. There were almost 300 there on the day we visited so the water activities cancelled but we weren’t planning on doing any anyway. I can imagine it’s very cool to do on a hot summer day. There are also some nice trails and plenty of bathrooms and food options.

Jennifer H — Google review

Josephine is a volunteer here and helped is find the Manatee. Manatee were so much fun to watch, so glad they made a showing despite being out of the normal season. Trails are good with canopy cover. No swimming was allowed while we were there.

Terri D — Google review

We stayed in one of the cabins and had a great time! The springs were closed for swimming but we were able to walk the boardwalk and play at the playground. The kids loved riding their bikes and we saw lots of animals and fish in the springs. The cabin had everything we needed to enjoy our week (although the bed was as hard as a rock!). We would definitely come back!

Natalie B — Google review

Blue springs State Park was beautiful. My fiance and I were incredibly happy with the camping site. Lots of shade level ground easy access to water electricity it was great. The only thing that we didn't care for was the fact that the Blue springs was closed this year all year and they don't tell you till you get to the little house to pay. Nothing on the website nothing on the gate as you're coming in. We stayed anyways it was still fun lots of critters squirrels deers possums raccoons. Well go again but maybe we'll wait till the springs are open.

Irene H — Google review

Very cool place to check out.. unfortunately we didn't see any manatee, but we did see lots of fish and cool birds. Nice little walk and playground for the kids. Will definitely come back.

Andrea D — Google review

There is always wildlife to look at. Especially since swimming has been closed down. We saw tons of Gar and other fish bigger than the length of my arm. The boardwalk is clean and well maintained and gives plenty of platforms to stop and see the springs and potential manatee activity. The house on the property is also worth a visit if you like learning about history and seeing some tools from antiquity. It's definitely worth multiple visits if you want to catch a glimpse of manatees

Doof S — Google review

This is an absolutely beautiful park! We went in the beginning of April and it happened to be firefly season. It was absolutely magical. I would recommend it to anybody! We'll be coming back next winter when the manatees are there. Can't wait!

Tara F — Google review

A lovely park with plenty of activities. If you time your visit right, you can see a lot of manatees and other wildlife. There's also setups for kayaking and diving so you can explore the area a little better (not available during manatee season)There's a historic house with some educational material available, but it's very focused on a colonial mindset, with little information available regarding the indigenous people who resided here originally.

James S — Google review

Marvelous geologic experience of a fresh water spring and boil, easy walk with concession stand and restrooms. Mostly shaded. Fair entry price. Great way to experience natural Florida without having to worry about being in the water with the alligators! We had no wait to enter the park and found convenient parking without a problem. Very nice.

Christopher F — Google review

Very nice park. Campground is well maintained and very clean bathhouses. Lots of hiking and boating. Currently under construction on banks of the springs, so no swimming until the project is completed. Nice gift shop and canteen. Sightseeing boats are available for a fee.

Thomas L — Google review

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6

Airboat Rides at MIDWAY

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Boat tour agency

Tours

Sightseeing tour agency

Tour operator

Boat Tours

This was a great tour around the river and wetlands. The captain pointed out lots of examples of the local wildlife including birds, gators and plants/trees. It was educational and a great ride.Headphones allow you to hear the captains explanations over the noise of the boat and wind.Holding a gator at the end was a great touch and connected us to the wild gators we saw on the tour.

Art S — Google review

This is a hidden gem. A relaxed, educational and fun time with a cool take off spot. The store has cool swag and a gator picture. It's Florida at it's best. Good people, good time and easy to book.

Daniel R — Google review

Great time for our family of six! Kids where 17-15-11-7 if your wondering about it. Weather was perfect; we went at 9:30am and we saw a lot of gators and other wild life! Our captain was great/fun and very informative. We were also able to get the pic at the end with the gator which is what my son was looking forward to ;). I had search through a bunch of tours and have never been to another. I would definitely do it again!

Joseph F — Google review

Amazing experience with an awesome airboat captain. Way better than any 60 second amusement park ride. We saw loads of wildlife and had loads of fun skipping across the water with the wind in our faces. And of course we got to hold a baby alligator at the end. Will definitely be back next time we're in the area!

Mark S — Google review

Had an airboat tour with Captain Sammy, and what a great experience! She was funny, safe, full of knowledge, and made sure we all had a great time. We saw over 40 gators big & small, tons of wildlife, and a great trip. After we got to hold a baby gator and see some of the other animals they have on site. Money well spent and worth the drive as this was an unforgettable experience. Awesome job Captain Sammy!!

Brad L — Google review

We had an amazing adventure with Midway. We had some friends in from out of town who wanted to see alligators. We saw so many gators, as well as beautiful birds and a magnificent landscape of marsh and cypress swamp. Our Captain Tony was so friendly and knowledgeable. We even were able to hold a small gator at the end of the tour. I will definitely use Midway again. Thanks!

Christine P — Google review

TLDR: This tour is well worth the money. You will not be disappointed!My friend and I went on the one hour airboat tour, and we could not have had a more enjoyable time. I have been lucky enough to travel the world and see many areas, but this was by far one of the prettiest places I have ever been. There's so much to look at - gators, manatees, birds, and even cows. The water is so pretty, the trees are cool looking, and the guides are super knowledgeable and passionate about what they're doing. Our guide would stop and get us as close as possible to the gators (without causing them any distress) so we could take pictures. He did this throughout the tour if he saw something really interesting, unique, etc.As an added bonus, the building where you check in has different types of snakes, a huge pig (who loves belly scratches), birds, and more, which you can see and, depending on the animal, touch. There is also an area with multiple baby gators, and at the end of the tour you get to hold one of them and take a picture.

Haley G — Google review

Believe the reviews! We had a trip planned to the Space Coast and decided to try an airboat ride before we headed back to the airport. I scoured local places and read the reviews and was sold on Midway. We had an amazing time - calm but fun, peaceful but exciting! Our captain, Justin, was a great guide, answered tons of questions, and made it a super chill experience. Come for the gators, stay for the pig, birds, cats… Highly recommend!

Fadra N — Google review

We had Captain Sami and she was AMAZING!!! My kiddos, although a tad chilly said later it was one of their favorite parts about our vacation. We saw cattle with their calf - gators - gorgeous views and tons of birds. Great experience and completely worth it, holding the baby alligator at the end was cool too.

Victoria D — Google review

This was definitely an experience! So many Gators and just when u think you've seen them all, there's more! Loved Coco the bird, such a fun and beautiful creature. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and really knew the animals. Would HIGHLY recommend!!

Kathy S — Google review

Absolutely loved this experience. We just moved to Florida and this was a great way to learn more about the state. We got to see so much wildlife, and got to be in nature. Our guide was amazing. She was funny and didn't kill us so I'd say that's a plus. Kind welcoming people with a sense of humor. 10/10 recommend 👌

Kaelyn H — Google review

We had THE BEST time at Midway! We spent 5 days in FL doing many excursions and everyone agreed that this was our favorite!! Our captain was fun, kind, and so knowledgeable! She even stopped to take pictures of our groups and answer questions. We saw a ton of gators, cows, and birds! We all loved holding the alligator at the end too! So much fun! Highly recommend!!

Danielle B — Google review

We absolutely loved this place. Our schedule changed and we ended up arriving 2 hours early, hoping to get out earlier. They made special accommodations for us and took such good care of us. My kids also loved all the animals while we waited for the ride and our tour guide was amazing. For sure one of the most memorable days of our trip. I’ll come back here every time we visit Orlando. Such a fun experience!

Josh R — Google review

Captain Sammi was the best! She had us out on the water for an hour and 15 minutes. The whole trip she was giving us fact after fact about everything we saw out on the water. We saw a lot of gators and birds, we had a bald eagle fly right over our heads it was incredible. At the end we got the chance to hold a 3 year old alligator it was an amazing experience and I highly recommend to anyone who loves nature.

West B — Google review

I’ve been many times in the past few years and it’s always amazing. The beauty, wildlife, gators and Captains are the best there is. Thanks Captain Tony and Sammie. We bring all our guests here. Online booking makes it easy.

Anne B — Google review

Very fun experience. You get to hold the bird and there’s animals like cats and a potbelly pig. The airboat ride is fun and the guide, Tony, was very entertaining and informative. Very relaxing at times and gets fun going up in speed. You get to hold a small alligator at the end!

Sean G — Google review

Orlando is not just parks. A must if you want a wild but safe experience!! 🐊 🚤☀️My kids enjoyed it too.Captain Chris made it an unforgettable experience.

Alejandra C — Google review

The airboat ride was a lot of fun. We were able to see several alligators, including some very big ones. We also saw a lot of different birds including eagles. Captain Sammy was funny, informative and made it an awesome experience. We were a family of 8 which also included teenagers and grandparents and we all really enjoyed it. We also all liked holding the alligator. This was an amazing experience and I would highly recommend it.

Andrew N — Google review

this place is AMAZING!! we are visting from CT and had a blast! captain justin was so informative and funny. we saw over 30 gators, lots of cows, birds and more! we were able to take pictures and learn so much about the animals! at the end you get to take a picture with a baby gator too, so cool!! 10/10 would go again and recommend:)

Maddi R — Google review

We came without a reservation but we were able to make it on the next boat with a group of 5. It was about 50$ per person, it may be cheaper to get tickets online ahead of time. Our guide was amazing and knew a lot about the area ! He was fun and we did the last tour of the evening. The views were beautiful and we would do a boat tour again for sure ! To our guide : thank you for the memories !!

Kortney D — Google review

Captain Tony was awesome. We all had a great time. We saw alligators, different birds and even cows. I highly recommend it. You can take your phone and get lots of great pictures. Edit: we just did it again and loved it. It was completely different than last time. We saw lots of gators this time and got to go faster!

Jennifer P — Google review

Wanna have fun with the Gators 🐊 , go to the Midway Airboat Rides! We’ve taken family/friends that visit us here In Palm Coast, Fl (about 10-12 trips so far) in the past 10 years. They are still talking about that experience to this day.Now, regarding this particular trip… WOW!! The best I’ve taken to date and I’ve been up and down the W/E side of Florida riding Airboat tours. Never seen so many gators 🐊 in one ride. Justin, the Captain, was Amazing and so very knowledgeable and informative and pretty much had an answer for all the questions thrown at him. Take the trip there, you won’t regret it.

Jesus P — Google review

It was nice and sunny dayOut boat tour started morningAnd we saw many alligators coming out in the sun and other native wildlife during the tour.It was nice experience

Dhiraj K — Google review

Very pleasant experience. Would recommend. The hour tour is just the right amount of time. We were able to see beautiful wildlife and extraordinary beauty in the cypress marsh. Our Captain was pleasant and informative. We left feeling very happy we took the tour.

Carolgilmo — Google review

We had a great time! Our guide, TONY was the best! Lots to see, gators, cows grazing in the water up to their necks, herons, hawks, eagles, pink birds, black birds! Cypress swamp was beautiful! We were down here for the race but this was truly at the top of the list for the weekend! This needs to be on your to do list.

Shamus H — Google review

It’s was the 2nd time of being here and it was brilliant. We received a welcome from the staff in the shop.The Captain was very knowledgeable and funny. We did see a lot of alligators along with plenty of other wildlife. I will be coming back again.

Dayln C — Google review

Fantastic experience. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining. It wasn't very warm so most of the animals were hiding but it was still a great ride. You can hold one of the parrots and an alligator too.

Jennifer S — Google review

Airboat Rides at Midway is a great way to see wildlife in the Florida waters. One hour gives you enough time to see gators, cows and birds. The airboat itself is smooth and a fun ride for you and your family. The guide, Captain Justin, was super friendly and knowledgeable. You are given headsets to hear the captain who explains the area and lets you know what to see. I highly recommend this tour to anyone who likes boat rides and wildlife.

Daniel C — Google review

We had so much fun here! The people were very nice and informative. They were great with our 7 year old. I definitely recommend this place!

Cassidy T — Google review

4.8

(2096)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (40)

5.0

(584)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (41)

28501 E Colonial Dr, Christmas, FL 32709, USA

(407) 568-6790

7

Wekiwa Springs State Park

40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (42)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (43)

40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (44)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (45)

Mentioned on

+34 other lists

State park

Nature & Parks

Park

Wekiwa Springs State Park is a natural attraction near Orlando, with crystal clear Wekiwa Springs and lush tropical hammocks. You can canoe or kayak the Wekiwa River here with equipment rental available from Central Florida Nature Adventures inside the park.

Nice beautiful state park in Apopka county. The main feature of the park is its spring water pool. Kayaking, canoeing and trails are other features of the park. There is $6 admission fee to the park. Kayaking and canoeing costs $40 for 2 hours and the area is separated from spring pool. The pool is big enough and has clear water. The view around is scenic. People can also picnic around the area near pool. There is restroom available. There is also a small restaurant. The wet to dry trail is beautiful. There is also a 2 mile trail to sand lake which is located at other end of the park. The place is good for all age groups, and the pool also has a section for small kids.

Nareshkumar A — Google review

Great place, clean, rangers are very helpful, kayaks and canoe rentals available or bring your own. Hiking, biking, and equestrian trails are available. Fishing, swimming, snorkeling, lots of wildlife. Campsites clean and well groomed with electric and water, but hard to get into. Come early or you maybe turned away because there is a limit on how many can come in at a time.

Doug — Google review

During summertime the park gets full and there's a car waiting line. There are canoes, stand-up padles, kayak, and bicycles for rent. Since it is a spring, the water is freezing cold, but since the summer is so hot, it's just perfect. We rented a canoe because it did fit 3, and we were lucky to spot 2 alligators, a few turtles, lots of fish, and birds. They have a good structure with bathrooms in two different areas, not so clean, but...There are also snacks and drinks available for sale.It's also nice to go for a walk on the boardwalk in a not so hot day.

Leticia S — Google review

Once you get in it is great. If it is a nice day, be prepared for a line to get in. Also, if the park lot is full, the park closes. I went on a Saturday in July around 5:00 PM and it was about 1000 feet line or 30 minutes to get in. Great place to swim!! Cool clear water. Deeper area and a shallow kids to swim. There are trails, a wooden bridge, kayak rentals, camping… Since it is a state park, prices are reasonable. I recommend if you like cool spring water!!

Chud327 — Google review

Excellent park!Well-maintained nature, then - almost well-maintained, and then comes wild nature. And it's wonderful!Several hours passed like minutes.Canoeing is something special! We did it for the first time and the impressions were the most memorable ... even the Titanic was remembered when they collided in a pair of logs.Lovely, friendly staff, moderate parking prices. Everything is wonderful, we celebrated my wife's birthday.Thanks guys!See you again.

Igor — Google review

This place was awesome and is a must to visit if your on vacation! This is the last thing we did on our vacation in Florida and in my opinion was the most relaxing and enjoyable. I took the boys on a canoe ride and the ladies went to swim in the natural spring. The canoeing was awesome! We saw gators sun bathing, turtles sunbathing, different types of birds foraging, gar fish swimming and other random creatures wandering the park. There was a friendly raccoon that greeted us in the canoe area. Bathrooms were well kept. There are snacks and basic necessities offered for sale in the shop where you also rent the canoes. You could spend hours canoeing, yet we didn’t spend that long. There is also a restaurant you can canoe to through the water ways. They don’t allow maps on the canoes due to potential littering, so have your phone charged if you get lost easy. The natural spring was also a really cool place to swim or sun bathe. Check this place out!

Precision C — Google review

It’s been a few years since I’ve been to Wekiwa Springs but it’s natural beauty is still intact. It was a $6 entrance fee for my car. The springs were beautiful and is a great place to swim, snorkel, and float. Their nature center includes some tiny habitats for their snakes, turtles, and gator “Dolly.” A liter pick up station was established and park goers can take a bucket and claw grabber to help maintain this beautiful park. There’s a hiking trail next to the spring and after driving around the property, we soon found the park was a lot larger than we first expected. We saw a tortoise, some deer, and a sign for bears being in the area. A great place to learn, relax, and to enjoy nature!

Maryroselol — Google review

Definitely worth a visit.Rent a canoe (1-3 people) and paddle up the river to see alligators, turtles, vultures, etc and more.Beautiful place.The water is at a constant 72 F - great for swimming all year round.Loads of picnic areas ( there is also a shop, no cafe/restaurant)

Ian P — Google review

Amazing spring with a nice crevasse you can crawl in. Just be careful not to bump your head when you come back up from the water! Kayaking through the river is very fun as well. I could go there every day if I lived closer. It's also a great price to get in so it's well worth checking out.

Zac — Google review

We couldn’t get into Kelly Park on Dec24th, but Wekiwa was nothing less than a great alternative. We made e squirrel friend too. Clear water with canoeing and kayaking. You can have a family picnic too. No rush, no crowd. One of the best Springs in Orlando. A great day spent.!! You would love it.!

Santu D — Google review

$6 admission to a beautiful swimming hole kind volunteers and staff and great kayaking. Food availability with a little convenience store. Park is clean and well maintained.

Ron K — Google review

Absolutely stunning! Coming all the way from Miami, this place feels like paradise on Earth. We spotted alligators, turtles, and the water is incredibly clear. Excellent experience overall. 100% recommended!

Mauricio C — Google review

Wekiwa Springs is a lovely place! It’s an absolutely perfect way to cool down on a hot Florida Summer day! The water is so refreshing and cold! You just have to jump in! The water leaves your hair so soft and silky and your skin looking younger! The park is so well kept! The park rangers are so nice too! The hiking is great with wildlife all over the place. This particular visit to the park, we had a surprise visitor and her little baby! Of course, the park rangers kept everyone out of the water, as the manatees are protected, but as soon as they left, everyone resumed their fun day at the springs!

Evy K — Google review

This place is one of the gems of Florida I'd say. But before I go deep, I must tell you to arrive early during the weekends, we arrived around 9:30 and there was a line of cars waiting to get in. We got in in approx. 20 minutes.You pay for the car and you're in. Prices are reasonable. Ample parking was available, so no issues with that.We headed towards the main area where the springs are. On the way we saw families doing BBQ, music playing and what not. It was pretty nice to see people enjoying and actually happy.Arriving at the springs area was kind of overwhelming due to large number of people, there's no limit to how many people can be in the park at the same time. Apart from that the place is stunning.The change rooms and restrooms are available not very far from the springs.Don't forget to bring a good sun screen cream (SPF 70, I'd say) as it can get very hot.The springs are crystal clear and very beautiful, the average depth is I guess 4-5' but don't take my word for it, practise caution while swimming. Water is moderately warm.There is a kayaking area as well for those who love kayaking.As the day advances, the number of people gets higher and higher, at one point of time, there were at least 500 people in the area surrounding the springs.Due to heavy crowds and no control over that, I'll reserve my one star. Else this is an amazing place to be with kids and adults alike.

Abhi S — Google review

Very pretty and clean natural spring, super close to the Orlando area. Kids & Adults love it! Only $6 per vehicle (up to 8 people) easy to park and well maintained bathroom area. Lots of animals around (we were able to see a deer, a couple of wild turkeys, an armadillo . Make sure to bring your mask, snorkel and cute lifesavers to enjoy the day.(Water is 72 °F all year long)

M.S80 — Google review

Just stayed at this park's campground just this past weekend and here's my review...The camp sites are spacious with plenty of shade from the tall trees, no full hookups, only water and electric, but our site was just a few steps away from the restrooms. The restrooms are dated, but they were fairly clean. We stayed at sites 42 and 43, there's about 60 campsites total. The park itself is beautiful; love the tall pine trees and other vegetation. The wildlife here is abundant. You are most likely to see plenty of turtles walking around, squirrels, wild turkeys, deers, and if you're lucky, a bobcat or two. The spring is pretty cool, there's a big open area like a big natural pool and the water pumps out of a deep opening (the spring) around the front of the "pool". The water is cold but refreshing if it's really hot out. The visibility is ok, but not great..there's a lot of algae. The pool itself is not deep..an average of about 4 ft. The river that connects to the spring continues behind the pathway that crosses over the spring and that is where you can pick up kayaks/canoes/paddle boards after renting them at the concession store located by the parking lot. In my opinion, the areas of improvement would be adding more activities, maybe more animal encounters, etc. The entrance to the park is also a BIG issue. If it's a weekend, you have to arrive before the park opens at 8AM, or you may be waiting outside for hours. This can be avoided if you are staying at the campground and drive to the spring parking lot before the park opens (the campground and spring are NOT in walking distance of each other). Overall, we had a nice experience, and I definitely recommend visiting this park at least once.

J C — Google review

HUGE CONTAC WITH THE NATURE!!Very nice place to spend time with family and friends!! GOOD TO RELAX DO Barbecues Camping 🏕 swimming 🏊‍♀️ kayaking 🛶 .... and more..... Security no alcohol allows. Follow the rules and schedule to have fun!!

Ivelisse L — Google review

One of the many natural springs in Florida. This is a great alternative to the theme parks in Orlando and another activity to check off the list when traveling to Orlando. This is just a short drive from all the major attractions. The clarity of the water is amazing. The temperature is cool year round but once you jump in, it feels good during the hot summer days. They have a canoe and kayak rental spot on site. This is very convenient for those of us that are coming out of state and don't have our own equipment. I had a blast swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking on this park. Be prepared to see a bunch of different wildlife. I was able to see some deer, many kids of fish, birds, and all types of insects. Definitely bring your go pros and snorkeling gear and catch a glimpse of what's below the water. It has a small shop to grab some snacks and rent the equipment . It has a food court but I can't say it was the best. I saw this place on Instagram and I was sold. If you love the outdoors don't pass this place up.

Hector E — Google review

We went camping here and it was a great experience - quiet, weather was beautiful (October), restrooms were clean, campsite was night. My only minor problem was that there weren’t paths to get to the restroom without cutting through campsites so the people near us kept walking right through the middle of our campsite to go to the restroom. Lesson learned - next time we will get a site on the edge and not in the middle. The walk to the spring was short. You can swim and kayak at the spring but we didn’t come for that. I have kayaked here in the past and it was great - nice calm river and beautiful wildlife. The spring is closed in like a pool to keep wildlife out (like alligators).

Sarah W — Google review

Swimming hole is quite beautiful, especially in the summer. The water is clear and so much fun to spend time in. It's not like creek water or anything and there are swimming rocks to sit on, etc. But sometimes it's too packed and there needs to be less crowds for you to really enjoy the spring in its entirety. You could always lay in the sun on the hill around the spring but be warned that the parking lot is a good amount of steps away from the spring. It can get tiring back and forth.The center also provides an area for kayaking. It is an awesome experience and you can choose to leave the kayaking path anytime.

Charleen F — Google review

Great experience! Parking is $ 6, lots of spots to ensure you can get to the springs. The washrooms/ change rooms are great and easy to access. The springs can be busy therefore plan to go ahead of the afternoon rush. Walking the trails is nice but it’s limited to one trail which is along the road ( some bush/ trees in between) but there are no maps, signs, or displays for distance to Sandy lake. It’s also not paved so beware if you have a stroller.

Victoria M — Google review

If you want to swim in the spring and have no ice and people around you it's possible but if you like to head out on a hike and have a very quiet and relaxed experience then you have the option, good we'll marked tracks. Kayaks for hire, loads of turtles.

Sara — Google review

Beautiful park. Lots of parking but I can see how they reach capacity very quickly on weekends. Has rentals for paddle boards and canoes. Has a small concession stand. Bring your own chairs or blanket if you want a place to sit.

Rachel K — Google review

Really beautiful state park for kayak, canoe or paddleboarding.There's an area for swimming as well.It can get busy in the weekend so go early, pack a picnic and enjoy the day.There is a little downhill walk down to the canoe/kayak launch area but it's not a difficult walk.Bathrooms are clean too!

Mandy W — Google review

I know most people come here for the springs, and they’re undoubtedly awesome. To me, though, the real highlight is the ability to hike through some of the most beautiful sandhill habitat in all of Central FL. The state parks staff should be commended for how well they maintain the park. The best parts of the trails that have recently been burned have gorgeous long leaf pine vistas where all you can see are pines towering over open fields of grass, and you can hear the wind whooshing through their needles. Hiking the trails of this park is better than therapy for your mental health.

Chelsea L — Google review

Love love love cool clear water for swimming!!! Convenient steps with railings to get in and out of water. Restrooms are at top of hill, though they do have ramps.

Daughterofthe K — Google review

The camp sites are nice and large with green space between each one. It was quiet, shady and wooded. The bathrooms were clean. Hot showers were clean and a welcome convenience. We had full hookups. The trails are extensive. I found it strange how people come there to get naked for photos. We were there for 3 days and encountered this twice. You might not want to bring small kids on the trails as these people make no effort to get off the heavily traveled trail.

Bonnie C — Google review

We camped and saw ton of wildlife. The spring swimming area was large. We brought our own canoe and kayak. We launched fo free. Only downside was the long walk to the water's edge from the parking lot with the canoe. We've been to many FL springs. We WILL be back to Wekiwa.

Angel E — Google review

I know this park for a long time. Every time that I go back there is a great pleasure. I really love the atmosphere and have a great time all the time. Yesterday we went there. I don't know if they cut workers to the park, not much ranges around or workers , we saw couple rules being broke or if the rules change. Propane tanks being used, hammocks and loud music.

Elza S — Google review

ATTENTION DOG OWNERS:You are not allowed to take dogs in a kayak (or any water vessel) even if you bring your own. I really wish the website or the person in the front collecting the money would have told me that when I asked about the launch site.They also have the launch point kinda far from the parking area. Thankfully I walked there to ask about it before unpacking the car and dragged my equipment to the launch site. Super disappointing that we can’t enjoy kayaking at the springs with our dogs.We ended up going on a hike instead. We arrived early but the Florida heat crept up fast with high humidity and half of the trail was exposed to the hot sun. Don’t want to discourage any trek lovers, but I don’t recommend to take your pets during the summer season. The trails don’t appear to pass by the springs either to enjoy a view from the distance. The wooden walkway trail in the shaded area also restricts dogs from entering. How much more restrictive can you get?! Outdoor activities should be enjoyed with our fur friends/family!Anyways, my rating is regarding the park not being dog friendly. This does not reflect on the swimming area that is popular for families to hang out in.

Zzz — Google review

Visited 12 June 2024. Entrance fee was $6. Plenty of parking spots midweek. Swimming in the springs was fun, a little cold but bearable. Some spots can be deep. We hired two kayaks for two hours for a total of $90. Well worth it to see alligators, big fish and even a couple of otters.

Simon C — Google review

Beautiful park. Parking is a short walk to the water. They get you on renting water boards- you rent for 2hrs but are most likely to stop at Wakiwa island and go over time. Still nice! Will likely see gators and birds.

Anastasia L — Google review

Lovely park and the springs are beautiful! It costs $6 to park for the day and it’s super family friendly. It’s fairly large and there’s lots of grassy area to sit/lay. I’d recommend this park! They do close it off once they reach a max amount of people, so get here early!

Maurielle C — Google review

Great place to come and enjoy some of the natural beauty of Florida. Good value for a family outing, just $6 per car. If you want to rent a kayak it is $35 for a single and $40 for a double. A triple is also $40 but it’s really for two adults and a child. A canoe which can seat 3 rents for $35 so that’s what we opted for and I’m glad we did. No good back support on the double kayaks. Yes, you are canoeing/kayaking in gator waters but it is a cool experience and when I went in January, I just saw one small one and tons of birds including heron, egret and anhinga up close. In April we saw two gators… although it’s the ones you don’t see 😉.Swimming area is large and bring your snorkeling gear. The water is 72 degrees year round which is actually warmer than you’d think.The boardwalk trail is a short easy walk thru some dense palm forest area. It’s very rainforesty and fun. We didn’t see much for wildlife when we were walking thru in April. There is a little nature center with some info. I’d say come during the week if you can. Weekends can be extremely busy and cars line up to get in. You’d need to arrive super early to get a spot because they fill up and close when full.

Roxanne M — Google review

It's great that it's so close to Orlando, but it's horrible that it's so close to Orlando because it fills up very quickly! They open at 8, we arrived at 9.15 on Thursday and had our choice of parking and picnic spots. Not the same on weekends though.The food concession has a good selection of food with decent pricing. ($5 for a burger) Plus they have beer. They also offer canoe rentals near the concession. All good! 👍

Laura L — Google review

Springtime is absolutely stunning in this park! The water is crystal clear, the trails stretch on forever, and we had the pleasure of spotting a variety of wildlife including deer, friendly raccoons, turtles, alligators 🐊, and numerous birds. The park itself is truly beautiful, with convenient amenities such as kayak rentals and a lovely gift shop. I highly recommend staying at the campground - you won't be disappointed!

Jenny B — Google review

Beautiful place yo spend a day with the family, lots to do. Swimming, canoeing, bird watching, Hiking and much more. Ample parking, $6 entrance. Good bathrooms, clean and organized. Store inside for snacks and stuff! From 8am to sunset 365 days open!Discover Florida!

Para G — Google review

Great place for snorkling, we saw fish and turtles. Make sure you check out the spring vent. Nice walking trail. It is a long way down from the parking lot and not a lot of space to spread out. We were there on a weekday in March and it was very busy so plan on arriving early. Bathrooms were dirty.

Andrew N — Google review

We rented kayaks. Two hours was the perfect length of time. I was expecting crowds based on what I have read online. We were there on a Tuesday in March and it was not overrun with people. It was actually a peaceful paddle. The spring had people swimming, but not so many that it took away from the experience. Worth the visit.

Prudence L — Google review

Love this place! It is so clean and organized. The accessibility for wheelchairs is also a major plus and we were grateful for the ramps as well as the chair lift into and out of the water. The park rangers are so kind here. Overall, this is a must visit in Florida!

Clarissa O — Google review

Camped for 2 nights, site 38. Spacious, private site with quick access to clean restrooms (shower head missing in women’s shower). Nice in ground fire pit. Walked multiple trails from campsite, with a bit of upkeep needed. Springs beautiful and not terribly crowded for Thanksgiving week. Brought our own kayak and launched from rental site, furthest lot from springs with a bit of a hike to the springs. Signs are present to head either towards Rock springs run or Wekiva Island. Easy kayaking with turtles seen (no gators). Be cautious in evening, drive to campground with many deer. Would come back again except for the difficult drive through Orlando.

Gretchen32937 — Google review

Beautiful, water is always 70°, Water is clear and it's so lush. Kayaking, canning, snacks 6 bucks for a car load. Get there early if you go Friday through Sunday.

VelvetShade E — Google review

Stunningly beautiful !! It's definitely much more peaceful and less crowded depending on time. We got there at 830am, and it started to FLOOD with people around 1030am. The water is CRYSTAL clear and only about 6 feet deep everywhere except for right above the spring. We saw people diving down into the spring (or at least trying to). There are several areas to park and walk down to get to the swimming hole, mostly shaded for most of the day. There are minimal tables and seating areas. Restrooms and a small Cafe are at the top of the staircase that is closest to the bridge.. The Cafe wasn't very pricy but they also don't give you very much food either. My pretzel was cold while the chicken fingers were burning hot. They also charged us twice for the pretzel but we got a refund.Some of the crowd looks like they are regulars and come very often and others are definitely from out of town, who don't stay long at the park.There was no visible wildlife in this area other than a trash panda stealing everyone's bags and finding all the food.... digging it into the ground and hiding it lol. The racoon was the laugh of today. Didn't see any fish in the swimming hole but it is a very pretty sight to snorkel.

Toni C — Google review

Wekiva Springs State Park is a fantastic destination for both camping and enjoying the natural beauty of Florida. The park offers a wonderful setting for a range of activities, and it brings back fond memories of my youth.The camping area is a perfect blend of seclusion and convenience. We camped with two cars and found the spot to be well-situated—enough privacy to feel immersed in nature, yet close enough to facilities for comfort. It’s a great place to relax and unwind, offering a true escape from the hustle and bustle.The springs themselves are a highlight, providing a refreshing retreat on a hot Florida day. While the park can get a bit crowded, it’s easy to understand why so many people flock here to enjoy the outdoors. The vibrant atmosphere adds to the fun, especially when kayaking and observing others enjoying the park.Overall, Wekiva Springs State Park is a gem that combines natural beauty with excellent amenities. Whether you’re camping, kayaking, or simply spending the day at the springs, it’s a place that offers both relaxation and recreation. Highly recommended for anyone looking to enjoy Florida’s great outdoors.

Ladybug N — Google review

4.6

(9749)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (48)

4.5

(827)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (49)

1800 Wekiwa Cir, Apopka, FL 32712, USA

(407) 553-4383

8

Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards

40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (50)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (51)

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Winery

Food & Drink

Wineries & Vineyards

Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards is a vast estate that offers guided tours of their facilities and wine tastings, as well as hosting regular music and food festivals. Although California dominates the wine industry in America, Florida is also home to an exceptional winery that produces its own label. Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards boasts reasonable prices for both individual bottles and cases of wine. The staff are accommodating, especially for those with strollers, since there is a second-floor tour available.

The video and the tour were exceptional. Was quite a surprise to be able to go through that before for the taste test. We sampled seven exquisite wines. Of course I loved the dry reds. The Cabernet was really good and so was the special reserve Cabernet. We ended up picking out a couple of bottles and some cheese to take back to the room with us. Place was wonderful, the staff were helpful and kind, and the wines are a real delight. Stop in, even if it means going out of your way. You will be glad you did. Be sure to check out my photos on google maps as well.

Tom J — Google review

This was such a lovely place. Very kid friendly too. Definitely bringing chairs and a few games (balls, bubbles, etc.) for the kids is a plus. Felt like being in a backyard with extended family around you. All the wines were delicious but I need to take this opportunity to give a shout out to Olga which greeted us at the door and made us feel very welcomed after mentioning it was our first time. She kept the same energy with every guest that came in. This place is VERY lucky to have such a great person with such amazing energy as the face of the winery. Will absolutely recommend this place to anyone and will be back with no doubt.

Monica S — Google review

A nice vineyard and winery. They offer free tour and free tasting. Their wines are good and have good prices. If you go during the weekend, there's live music and food vendors. Nice parking lot.

Gabriela V — Google review

If you want to spend a relax day in a beautiful picturesque hilltop! This is Theo la e to be. We enjoyed live music, free wine tasting and tour. They also have food on the weekends. Very well recommend.

Omar E — Google review

We had such a great time. It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon. We did the complementary tour then relaxed outside while listening to the live band. Make sure you bring your own chairs and a blanket to sit outside. The employees were very friendly. We had a hamburger, it was not the best, but it was alright. I really liked the environment. I recommend this place for a nice and chilled afternoon.

Eileen M — Google review

I really liked the free tasting/"tour" through the winery but I didn't really like any of the wine. I know it's a personal preference thing but the "wines" grown in Florida are way too sweet for me. And the wines they cultivate from California just don't hold up to California bottles around the same price. At all. I do think the FL wines are fairly priced though and I think the extra/reserve tastings were a very good price, as were the cheese trays (though I wish they were curated and not just out of a boar's head box).The store is the best part about the place though! So many unique gifts and food/wine stuff that I've never even seen! The concert venue outside was nice as well, though it's weird that if you buy a bottle in the winery you can't enjoy it on their lawn.

Corbin B — Google review

Great experience, we have a stroller and the staff is very helpful in accommodating us because there's a 2nd floor tour. Lovely place! Reasonable wine prices for both in bottle and case. I surely love all of it. Will definitely come back.

Jade S — Google review

Lakeridge Winery is just a great time! Awesome people enjoying a nice landscape and some delicious wines. Learned a lot of the craftsmanship in making these wines. You learn a sense of how massive the operation must be to keep up with the quantity of grapes. The tour was well done and made the group laugh a good deal! Definitely worth a try if you're nearby. Love the southern red and white wines personally.

Dillon F — Google review

Free tasting and tour! What more can you ask for? The tour experience itself was really fun. Our "tour guide" was very funny and energetic.Personally, the sweet wines made from the muscadine grapes tasted better than the dry ones. I saw many people taste testing pouring out the dry flights. They should just focus on the sweet ones where they grow the grades themselves instead.

J H — Google review

Visited this winery on my birthday and I have to say it was a 10/10 experience. They have offer a great tour which by the way is FREE , great staff that’s knowledgeable about the winery and any questions you may have. It’s such a beautiful property and must experience. Although I’m a sweet red wine person trying all the other wines they offer was also a great experience yes at the end they offer FREE wine tastings definitely worth it. Definitely will be back in June.

Leslie — Google review

Very busy, but we did go on a Saturday afternoon and it would be a wonderful way to spend your afternoon we chose just to check it out. The free wine tasting is neat, a no hassle mini tour. They gift shop has an extensive array of goodies and of course the wine you can buy by the bottle or by the case what ever you want. Tha staff were extremely helpful and welcoming. I hope to come back again and enjoy the outdoor venue, music, and the delicious smelling food booths. Bring your lawn chair and have a relaxing time.

Laura K — Google review

We dropped by to check it out. The personnel was welcoming. Nicely kept grounds. We bought wine and a sherry at fair prices. Sherry you was very good. We were pleasantly surprised to see florida “hills” 😊

Yenca — Google review

Lakeridge Winery has a great location in the hills of Central Florida. I’m not a fan of the Muscadine grape, so I felt the wines were quite biting and acidic. But if you like the Florida grape, try this out! The staff was informative and pleasant. They do allow dogs and have free wine tastings after the facility tour.

Megs — Google review

Just left from here. My husband and I had an amazing time. From the moment we walked through the doors, the staff were very friendly and welcoming. The woman that gave us the tour was the best, very funny and full of life. Very kind, even gave my son some corks to play with so he wouldn’t be bored during the wine tasting. This was our first wine tasting and I learned a lot about the swirl, sniff, and sip. If you have the time, please visit. The tour was great! Delicious wine

Jasmine ( — Google review

This is such a pleasant place to visit! The wine & entertainment are wonderful, but what I found to be a beautiful part is the kind spirit of the employees. One in particular is Miss Olga! A beautiful soul indeed!Thank you, Lakeridge, for a wonderful time! 🥰

C G — Google review

We absolutely loved it! The second we walked through the front doors we were treated like we were family! All the staff made us feel right at home! The staff was very knowledgeable and we learned so much from them while we were there. Everything was very clean and organized, the bathrooms were immaculate. The tour was free, and the wine was delicious! We can't wait to go back in the summer to see the vineyards in full bloom.

Melanie H — Google review

My wife and I loved this experience.Free tour and wine tasting. Great people. Delicious wines!

Eric D — Google review

Lakeridge winery is a fun place to go on the weekend. Nice music outside to enjoy your glass of wine. If you are like me who doesn't drink but wants some good food. They have it. It's very good and great service. You can sit outside under some oak trees a see the vineyards. If like you can see there wines and have a taste learn about them. Fun day.

Luis G — Google review

My husband and I enjoyed the complimentary tour and wine tasting here. Our guide was knowledgeable and fun. If we hadn't had a flight in two days, we definitely would have bought some wine or other goodies! Definitely a nice place to stop if you're in the area.

Kia F — Google review

My family and I really enjoyed this winery. It’s one of the best we have visited. The tour and tasting were complimentary which makes it even better. They do yours all day long so you can show up with out reservations. You will walk up stairs to a room to watch a video on the history of the winery. Then walk around and see where they make the wine at. If you want to see the vineyard in full bloom it’s best to go during the summer time. We can’t wait to return to check out their weekends at the winery! Very great place to visit with family from out of town that love wine!

Aundrea L — Google review

Amazing experience! We did the tour/tasting and our girls took us on a tasting journey. So much fun and so full of friendly energy. If I lived closer I would spend way too much time in the loft, hanging out and overlooking the vinyard working on my laptop all day... such good vibes here. Love almost all of the staff and almost all of the wines! Try the mulled and be ready for flavor explosion!

Kathie W — Google review

Fun afternoon!! We went on a Monday so there was probably more going on during the weekends but we walked right in and jumped into a free tour!! Tour guide was super sweet and gave some great tips on wine. We got a few things at the shop and roamed around a little. Cute spot!

Jessica V — Google review

Absolutely amazing visit !! Free parking and tour .Guided Tours and Tasting are offered 7 days a week starting at 10:00 am each day, with the last tour offered at 4:00 pm. Tours usually run every 30-40 minutes and begin with a 10 minute video presentation, which guides you through the entire wine making process and the history of Florida wine.

Geovanna U — Google review

Awesome place to have a great time, wine tasting and a picnic. They have a humongous area that you’re free to enjoy, bring your folding chairs or blanket and have a nice picnic with their charcuterie board and their food. I’ll definitely be coming back.

Lorendy M — Google review

4.7

(1631)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (54)

4.5

(867)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (55)

19239 US-27, Clermont, FL 34715, USA

(352) 394-8627

9

Universal Studios Florida

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Theme park

Water & Amusement Parks

Universal Studios Florida is a sprawling amusement park with movie-themed rides, attractions, and entertainment. It was opened in 1990 and is considered one of the best theme parks in the United States.

IF YOU DONT WANT TO READ THE WHOLE THING, JUST KNOW THE PARK IS FUN LOTS TO DO BUT LONG LINES.My experience was amazing. This park has tons of attractions. As always, I like being brutally honest. The park was really fun. I loved the Harry Potter attractions and the cartoon simulations. I was very satisfied!! The lines on the attractions are pretty long. Some are much shorter, so I recommend to VISIT this park for 2 to 3 or more days because there is a lot to do. Thank you, Universal Studios, for the fun experience 10 outta 10 would recommend.

Jeriel S — Google review

Pretty fun! I think it’s a great place to experience maybe once. If with small children, maybe more fun but it’s a once and done kind of thing for me personally. The park was very cool and fun to walk through! Attractions and rides were mostly visual ones, where you sit and it virtually takes you through a ride - so it’s not like a normal park with big, outlandish rides. Very family friendly and not bad for an amusement park overall. Would recommend especially if you have younger children!

Maurielle C — Google review

Had a great time despite the hot weather and roller coaster being down for 75 percent of the day. It's a little pricey in gift shops and food but thats too be expected.. If you have teens I'd go for island of adventure.. Still a great experience either way.

Mario L — Google review

Phenomenal experience with the different immersive rides you can take. Plenty of water fountains and lockers for the rides that require it. You should definitely bring a small bag that can fit and a bottle of water. There is a good amount of shade but a hat and sunscreen will make your life easier. You can get wands and cast spells to activate different water features which is pretty neat. Go early in the morning when it opens.

Joe W — Google review

First time to universal and it was a lot of fun. It's not just for kids. It's a lot of rides that are very interactive and entertaining, even for adults. They have a large variety of food which is great because you're going to want to be there all day. The food is a little pricey for what you get but it's decent quality. I would recommend checking it out and will definitely come back for another visit.

Andi N — Google review

Orlando Florida. Awesome. Loads to see and do. Great rides, great food, a lot of shops to do your shopping. Harry Potter biggest attraction at this location. Kid friendly. We went on Thursday - it was pretty busy but average waiting time for rides were 10 minutes. Great place to visit with your family.

Jeanette B — Google review

I loved Universal, I haven’t been there in the last 6 years because I thought my kids were to small for the rides but I can tell you that I was wrong because they really enjoyed the parks and they are 7 and 6. We as a family ditched Disney after this trip to Universal, we even bought annual passes. They came with a lot of benefits, like fast passes after 4 PM. Universal parks are less crowded than Disney’s plus I don’t like the path Disney has gone, especially for my kids. This visit was on Thanksgiving week but we return on Christmas week because we had an awesome trip and the kids wanted to return.

Alain J — Google review

The best time EVER! Going as adults is even more amazing than going as kids. Hubby and I had an absolute blast. Yes it is pricey but the details in the attractions can't be beat. The food was great and the water refill stations around the park was a huge plus. Highly recommend!

Hillary A — Google review

This place is peak culture! We took our girls to Disney last year and really no one had a great time. My fiancee and I were in Orlando on our own so figured we would check it out. She had already been a few years ago and thought I would like it. Can’t say my teen daughters would absolutely love it but we did! This place is so nicely done it’s crazy. Of course food and drinks are high but not insane. Tickets are a bit high but everything is these days so whatever. This place is more for thrill seekers than Disney, which is me! I think I rode most or all of the roller coasters and they were a blast. I didn’t really care for the simulation type stuff as it makes me nauseous but they definitely have some cool stuff. All in all I personally would rather spend a few days here than Disney, until I have grandkids one day or something.

Brandon P — Google review

What an amazing place! My kids enjoyed every single moment. The place is huge. You need you have at least 2 to 3 day to complete the tour. I liked the arrangement and how people are aligned to the same. Staff are really supportive and kind. Highly recommended. Will definitely come again !

Dong L — Google review

Always a great place to spend the day! Lots of food choices, definitely will cost a good amount of money to eat while there. If it's feasible, bring a bag/backpack with some basic supplies such as water and snacks. Small lockers are free and will definitely not fit a backpack, and the larger lockers that will accommodate backpacks you can rent for a short period of time for $2. The Rock It roller coaster is intense, absolutely love it!!

Shaun S — Google review

Okay, let’s admit it you are going to go here regardless of how many stars this is rated. But I need to be honest. There is the endless walk from the car to the actual park. Then you spend half your day waiting in lines. That is unless you buy the express pass on top of the already insanely priced ticket price.We enjoyed taking it slow. This does not mean we did not get annoyed at times.It is Florida. It is hot. Don’t forget your sunscreen. I can’t tell you how many people were hurting with sunburns. Also, it rains. When it does, some rides shut down. They shutdown even when you think they shouldn’t. Your opinion of rain does not matter. This can be frustrating when there is a 60 minute wait and you are 45 minutes into the wait!Some lockers are free, some are not. The ones for the water rides are NOT!Everything is expensive, but the water fill ups are free.BONUS!!!! You can find gluten and dairy free options in many of the restaurants. Just ask. It is best to get to the restaurant before the crowds so you can ask for their options.

Deborah S — Google review

Every time I visit Universal Studios in Orlando, I have an absolute blast! The level of attention given to every detail truly impresses me, and it's a delight for any fan to experience.The staff and characters at the park are incredibly friendly, adding to the overall magical atmosphere. The attractions themselves are absolutely fantastic!Universal Studios Orlando is a place that captures the imagination and leaves visitors with unforgettable memories. Definitely, the perfect place for all Harry Potter and Marvel fans!

Sergio J — Google review

2 adults in August from the UK.What can I say? It was expensive but worth it. We had 14 days at the park, so we didn't need to rush or buy express passes-there was simply no need.Many wait times aren't as long as they say.The rides were great, the food was good and the staff were excellent.

Kirsty H — Google review

I really enjoyed the street dancing at Universal with their cast members in beautiful costumes, hair and makeup. The minions attraction having a stand only section for an infant to still be inside and see it was an accommodating touch for youngsters! The “real-life” talking transformer was super cool. Lastly, the shopping was fun! My grandsons looked adorable in their matching minions shirts 😊

Meredith B — Google review

This is a great place to visit. Be sure to give enough time to get it all in. There is a lot of walking between islands of adventure and universal area. If you like roller coasters, don't miss Hagrids motor bike. You can get express passes for a single day and get them all in if you plan it out some. The food is not cheap but never is at theme parks. There are plenty of clean bathrooms and friendly staff to help you out with your questions. Character meet and greets. Lots of 3 d rides are amazing. Don't skip the shows they are great as well. The monster makeup show was super funny and would recommend you see. I was very happy overall and would do again. 10 out of 10 Park.

M B — Google review

Taking the kids to Universal (Island of Adventure) for their first time was definitely a wonderful experience. We all had a great time, enjoyed most of the shows, and literally spent the whole day at the park. At night, the show was beautiful to too. Everybody was waiting for the Harry Potter castle to light up, and when it finally happened, the crowd went crazy specially the kids, like they couldn't believe what they were seeing. I would definitely go again soon and also visit the other parks as well. But overall, Island of Adventure is my favorite Universal park.

Naty R — Google review

Came here to add more fun family time and excitement for a special 21st birthday celebration. We focused more exploring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter because we're huge fans. You can explore both worlds in a day, but it felt a but rushy because of the closing hours of the parks. Other then that you can expect a crowd no matter the season (*my family and I were there mid January). The places to eat or grab a treat at the park/parks is endless. Since we focused venturing the Harry Potter Worlds, the restaurants, treat shops, etc were all super tasty and delicious! We had the best time ever. I wish Universal would extend their park hours so visitors don't feel rushed to explore more. But... you bet we'll be definitely going back soon! The rides are thrilling and fun!*Tip: expect to pay $2 for bigger lockers. This is for big bags/backpacks on some rides. Using your ticket barcode you can get a small locker free. (Ex: Small lockers fit smaller items like small bags or mini backpacks)

Ericka S — Google review

Universal Studios Florida exceeded my expectations. The park is massive and I barely made it through the whole thing by the time they closed. The walk from the garage is equally as big, so prepare to do a lot of walking when you go. Like Disney World, there are many family friendly things to do here, however, some of the rides are a lot more intense. In some of the rides you rattle so much you almost get a concussion and have to walk off the headache before you get on the next one. I definitely recommend spending the money, if you can, on the fast pass. The first ride that I went on was without it and the wait was about 45 minutes, and then I got a fast pass and immediately got on it again, as well as the rest of the rides that day. Harry Potter world was amazing, I felt like I was in the movies. The Hagrid ride was my favorite, which the fast pass unfortunately did not work on, and the wait was around an hour. The smaller rides are okay, but I'm sure kids would love them. I can't wait to come back here again.

P R — Google review

I had a wonderful time at universal as it was my first experience an overall seamless and exciting time. Our main focus on this trip was the Hogwarts express and the entire Harry Potter experience. Great photo ops and Everyone was in full character. I thoroughly enjoyed reliving My childhood experiences with the books and movies. The Hogwarts express, although the lines are pretty long, it seemed to move along fairly quickly and orderly, the hogsmade experience was truly spectacular , especially visiting honey Dukes, and dervish bangs. The lines are pretty long for the three broomsticks and getting butter beer but well worth the wait. Everyone was polite and in full character. Of course there’s a lot of walking, but there are accommodations for those with wheelchairs and children strollers. Be sure to wear your good shoes. I like that the parking was so organized however, of course this is Orlando so the traffic was insane and it took about 30-45 minutes just to get into the park after getting off the highway. Overall, a great experience and definitely will return.

S H — Google review

I was absolutely blown away by the sheer amount of activities and attractions available at this place - it's almost like a small city in itself, offering everything you could possibly imagine to ensure a fantastic day out with your family. During my visit, we arrived at 10:30 am and didn't leave until 12:00 pm, making the most of all the experiences on offer.The variety of rides is truly impressive, although I will admit that in some cases, the wait times to access them were a bit lengthy. However, this minor inconvenience was far outweighed by the cleanliness and overall upkeep of the facilities. The attention to detail and dedication to providing a top-notch experience for visitors really shines through, making it an absolute must-visit destination for anyone looking for a fun-filled and unforgettable day out. I can confidently say that I am a super fan and will definitely be returning in the future!

Jorge N — Google review

What an amazing place! My kids enjoyed every single moment. The place is huge. You need you have at least 2 to 3 day to complete the tour. I liked the arrangement and how people are aligned to the same. Staff are really supportive and kind. We have visited the medical care there and it was support. Highly recommended. Will definitely come again 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

A7mad — Google review

We were here on a Thanksgiving weekend and it was fully packed, which we expected. There was a huge wait for Harry Potter and Minions rides. But, other than that, the lines moved fairly quicker. This was our first experience with 3D rides and we just loved it! The Vertical Roller Coaster is one hell of a ride. So as the Revenge of the Mummy. Transformers, Minions, The Jimmy Fallon show and Simpsons and the parades were all fun. It's a very happening place and covering everything in 1 day may be a bit tight. Plenty of Food options available. But they are priced high as one would expect in any amusement park. There's a plenty of walking to be done. So, be prepared for it. Overall, it's a great place which one should visit and experience at least once.

Saiprabhu B — Google review

We had the most awesome time! We will def be back next year, maybe even a 2 day ticket! Love the shade they have for when you need it and wait lines are somewhat short and are shaded or air conditioned. Parking was a breeze and not a far walk either. So many great attractions and shops. This place really was fun for our whole family

Shell K — Google review

Very nice and agreeable attraction park with a diversity of rides mostly based on special effects and movies, such as Transformers or Harry Potter. The parade and fireworks were very good during the Christmas 2021 holidays. Recommended to anyone looking for attractions during holidays.

Chris M — Google review

I love USO. It's so much fun. I took my 2 teens there and loved it. We did the mouse house when they were little. They loved that place too but wanted more thrill, and USO did not disappoint! We stayed on property, which made it even more enjoyable

D.Meier — Google review

First time back in many years. They took some notes from Disney and it is a much happier place now. Staff were all excellent across the board during our 3-day stay. I will advise that the fast passes are not fast. Or express. They just cut the line wait time in about half. It still means waiting 30-40 minutes for the more popular rides. If you really want to take all the rides, take one of their VIP tours. Well worth it.

James V — Google review

Had such a great time here more positive than negative points. The best time to visit would be week day non school holidays.Queue times for the rides were not too bad when we visited. It seems the place has been designed to keep everything cool, and fans and light water is sprayed in the air, making it much more comfortable than Disney.Negatives are there are not many places to sit down and relax it is go go go all the time which is fine being young and healthy. But some may want to take some breaks which could prove difficult.There are very minimal food outlets to grab something on the go, I imagine this is intentional to prevent littering, etc. Unless you fancy bakery goods or Starbucks, there's nothing else really unless you want to go for a sit-down meal, which in 30 plus degrees isn't great. Sometimes, you'd prefer a light snack.I was surprised that the city walk area where all the food outlets were very small and queue time was crazy.I thought America was all about fast food, but there was absolutely nothing fast or friendly about the service here, which was surprising, really.But non the less due to it being a quiet period, it was manageable. I dread to see what it's like in a high season.

Liss W — Google review

Excelent!!! It is very funny and great park specially when you go with you little one and take him the place you have been when you were a kid and see him get amazed the same way when you were a kid. We enjoyed even if we couldn't get in many rides because the park was pack and some rides had delays. We got our annual passes so we will be able to come back soon.

Melina - — Google review

Amazing place we had so much fun. Definitely bring a poncho, it rains pretty much everyday unless you want to buy a $20 poncho inside. I recommend spending a day to each park. You cannot do it all at one day. The one with rides and the water park is definitely our favorite. Buy the pass for the rides, all rides have long lines

I K — Google review

Firstly, how could you not like the park?! It’s exactly what you’re hyped up about before your first time going. The parking is very well labeled and easy to navigate. (Parking is $32) That alone makes it great. Plenty of water stations, mist areas to cool off, and accessible. The app showing wait times and park hours is very helpful. Take your kids so they can watch you be a kid as well!

Shaad M — Google review

Great experience! Very pleasant visit with Universal Orlando. Staff/character was kind, helpful and take pics with you! The height, speed and variety of rides were awesome. Thrilling experience as some points too. Love the the theme park & Rides! Waiting line was long so bought fast track tickets which helps to navigates quicker in a day but if you have two days then regular pass is good! Stay hydrated & Have thrill fun at Universal! Love it!

Popa L — Google review

Universal Studios was satisfactory. The scenery was amazing and really transports you to another place. Probably a cool place to take children. For thrill seekers however, there aren't too many rides worth the trip. The island of the adventure side is better for thrills. The main downfall is it's just so expensive; Parking, entrance fee, lockers, food, optional express pass, ect.

Cody M — Google review

A great theme park with rides for the entire family. The different themed areas are very nostalgic. The staff is friendly. Like most theme parks, food and souvenirs are expensive, but it's expected. If you have the pass that allows you to travel between the different parks, you get to travel on the Hogwarts Express which is super cool. Definitely a much bigger park than Hollywood with 3 different parks on the campus. Gringot's Bank was such a fun ride.

Wander T — Google review

We had a great time at the Universal Studios, one of the three parks. Didn’t check out the Islands of Adventure and Volcanoe Bay. Came on the first Tuesday of May, everything was walk on and wait time was very short. You can safe yourself some money by skip the Express Passes. We loved every ride and every show. It was a well staged park. We paid $328 for two adult one park and one day tickets. Parking was $32. Food was average $20 a person plus $20.22 freestyle cup with unlimited refill. It was an expensive trip, but fun!

Lin B — Google review

An amazing experience! My line wasn't that bad to get in, you go through quick. The staff at Universal is just so wonderful, cheery, and helpful. I completely loved my experience! My favorite is the Minions. It's a virtual ride that is loads of fun. Good for kids and adults. Harry Potter world is fantastically done. You can completely believe you are there, even down to the smell of it. Use your imagination and you are right in the movie. So much to see and do! Just walking through the park is a sight to see. It's beautiful, so well thought out and put together. I didn't quite imagine it looking so awesome! The Men in Black ride is kinda boring, at least for adults. Kids like it though, shooting at aliens. Simpsons is huge and phenomenal! The food is great at the park too. Very clean. I don't have a single complaint and I would absolutely return! Wear your walking shoes and experience everything!

CarefullyPlated — Google review

Universal studios is a great place. The have plenty of rides and yes the queues can get long but there is still plenty of stuff to do during the busy hours that require no wait. There is something for everyone and the staff are almost all great. I am a huge fan of this park. It is so organized, well kept and fun.

N O — Google review

Visiting Universal Studios in Florida for our honeymoon was so much fun! From the adrenaline rush of the rides to the magical atmosphere of the world of Harry Potter, every moment was filled with excitement and joy. Exploring the park with my wife made it even more special, creating memories that we'll always cherish and remember. It was the perfect way to kick off our new life together, surrounded by fun and feeling like a kid again. Highly recommend for couples looking for an unforgettable experience!

Carl J — Google review

Their website is thee most confusing thing I have ever paid my eyes on!! I bought what I thought to be entrance tickets for two parks with fast passes. The total was $1,300!! So, I thought surely that was what I needed for my husband, my two boys, and myself! NOPE! I got to the gate, only to be told that I had only purchased fast passes to skip the line on rides 😳 I paid $1,300 to skip the line?? I then proceeded to the ticket booth to be told that entrance tickets are $250/person for EACH PARK!!! I ended up paying the money for the 2 parks we intended on visiting because we planned our whole trip around visiting both, but man was I seriously disappointed 😞 The lesson I learned was to never, AND I MEAN NEVER, visit Universal Studios during spring break!! NEVER EVER!! The one positive thing was how amazing our hotel was!! We stayed at the Double Tree by Hilton at the entrance to Universal Studios!! Amazing hotel all around and the price was even better!! $155/night compared to $250-500 a night to stay at a Universal Studios resort/hotel!!

Tasha J — Google review

A lot less crowded compared to Disney, so the wait times are a lot shorter. This Park has more rides suitable for younger children (Check height restrictions), compared to the Islands of Adventure. Some rides require you to rent a locker to store your backpack, so I would suggest to bring a small one that fits in a small locker, which is free. The bigger one cost $3. It's best to buy the Park to Park tickets, so you can ride the Hogwarts Express Train between the Parks. You can video a friend walking through the wall to Platform 9 3/4

William L — Google review

My family and I spent multiple days here and was here almost open to close. We had a great time, lines weren't too long, the longest was 40 minutes. We had 3 attractions shut down temporarily but they were up and going in less than 10 minutes each time. Overall it was a great experience!

Bj M — Google review

Tons to do. Lots of rides and food. You can get lockers to hold your stuff. Some rides have long wait times so get there early for those.Having access to both parks is great. We have never been to the water park.

Jason M — Google review

We visited for spring break and had an absolute blast. The park is amazing, detailed, and clean. The crowds were not bad. I do recommend the express pass, even tho the cost is up there, not having to wait was more than worth it. We will definitely be back.

Matt T — Google review

The Non-Private VIP experience is worth the extra amount you pay. The ability to see parts of the park you would not otherwise see, you are fed two full meals (breakfast and lunch - these are quality meals presented in professional and friendly manner ) and there is reserved seating to watch the parade at the end of your tour, are just some of the reasons this tour is worth the money. You also get 10% off throughout Universal for the rest of the day, which is nice too, since you have been eyeball shopping through the day as you toured the park and rode the rides. Our Tour Guide Jen was fantastic! Friendly, joyful, knowledgeable, funny, energetic, and all around she just seemed to really love and appreciate her job. We were able to ride all the major rides with little to no wait time and when Jen discovered that one in our group could not do the rides and was looking for more of a Universal Hollywood experience Jen, Jen's supervisor, and a colleague of Jen's went the extra mile to accommodate the guest. Jen was intentional about understanding the likes and dislikes of our group and to see that each person had a special, individual moment during the day. Our last ride of the day was the ET ride (which as someone who was born in 76' I had a full appreciation for this ride and it was a great way to wind down an otherwise exhilarating day) and Jen had ET say bye to each of us by name! It was terrific and such a nice personal touch. After this experience, you aren't going to want to do this any other way than the VIP way. You can easily spend the same money on food and souvenir in a day, this way gets you on the rides, without waiting, with meals included, designated space for the parade, and 10% off throughout Universal...it's worth it.Date of experience: December 2023

Theresa S — Google review

In my opinion, Harry Potter world is the best part of Universal Studios. We bought the park to park pass for Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, which we loved taking the Hogwarts train to and from. The staff are so friendly. There is such a variety of food and themed items, all of which are enjoyable. We stayed in one of the Universal resorts, which was so beneficial to have access to the park early and to take the shuttle bus from our hotel to the park. I absolutely loved my experience and can’t wait to go back!

Megan T — Google review

So much to do! They have some of the best Hollywood based rides in Orlando. The staff that work here are super nice and very professional. Make sure to download the app! It gives access to the park map along with wait times and so much more. The rides that they have here are very interactive and realistic. Gotta try Jimmy Fallon's Race Through New York! This park is absolutely huge. If you plan on riding all the rides definitely come first thing in the morning, you may not even see everything in one day! The food is very good but a little pricey but that's as expected for being In a theme park In Orlando. (Not as bad as SeaWorld) You can bring in your own food and drinks! Definitely wear your walking shoes maybe bring the stroller or wagon if you plan on bringing kids along with some sunscreen for the Florida sun and get ready to have a blast at Universal Studios Orlando!

Joseph W — Google review

Universal studios Florida is amazing and experienced that you must check out. You come here to bring the movies alive as there's all kinds of different things that you can get into here.Multiple rides. Many are the screen style now but roller coasters are still offered.Stroll the streets and check out some of the wonderful shows such as the Hollywood horror makeup show, The Marilyn Monroe show, And definitely visit the animal show.All types of different things to get into places to eat places to visit that will take your imagination to a higher level.We absolutely enjoyed our visit and a very thankful to say I've gotten to go here.My family would love to come back. I would just hope we could find an even better deal regarding universal studios parks.Hit me up if you know some good deals, we'd love to come back.

Hot W — Google review

Amazing and really fun place! It was really BIG! There were so many corners around the area and so much to explore. I was literally struggling to move after an entire day at this park- and there was still stuff I have yet to explore! Lots of different places to visit and lots of fun, chaotic (in a good way) rides. I had especially a lot of fun on The Amazing Adventures of Spider Man! It felt so realistic, even though it was just a 3D experience. Honestly, it had more action than most of the roller coasters I rode in my lifetime! The food (inside numerous restaurants, cafes, etc), were also pretty good. They ain’t the best, but it gets the job well done.Honestly, to conclude, I guess I’ll suggest which parks to go and buy tickets for:Volcano Bay is great if you love water rides or not. That place is practically full of these rides! If you don’t like water rides, consider Island of Adventure or Universal Studios Florida.Island of Adventure has a lot of thrills (as in roller coasters) and kid friendly rides. In my opinion, this park is probably the best park for people seeking thrills or have young kids with them.Universal Studios Florida has a lot of 3D experiences. It has a good amount of thrills (roller coasters, droppers) too, and they’re usually a lot more intense than the ones in Island of Adventure. If you don’t like roller coasters and hate heights but also want to experience the adrenaline, Universal Studios Florida is the one for you. I think this park is best out of all 3 parks because they have consistent amounts of each type of ride.WARNING: It’s just a heads up, but the lines for these rides are very long. However, that’s probably really normal for a branded theme park anyways. Have fun if you decide to go here 😊!

Flora — Google review

Incredible place to visit with the family. Amazing selection of attractions for all ages.. if you’re a Thrill Ride fan Universal is Perfection. Any Harry Potter fan would be in their glory. A bit pricey but that’s to be expected. If possible, invest a bit extra to get the express pass.. it really helps with the lines, saves you quite a bit of time and really lets you hit the main attractions. Without the pass you’ll be 75 minutes plus for the main attractions.Enjoy 🤘🏻

Jack C — Google review

I know they say Disney is the most magical place on Earth, but I mean, come on, Harry Potter! I love Universal, and so did my 3 children varying in age from 10-18. To be able to walk through and see Hogwarts and actually ride the Hogwarts Express. Life doesn't get much better. We went on a Sunday, in the summer, and the lines for all rides took no longer than 30 min. It was fantastic.

Amber — Google review

I personally love Universal Orlando over any of the Disney theme parks, hands down. From the staff, to the food options, prices overall to the holiday perks…it is an amazing experience. We live in VA and are season pass holders because we love it that much. Best Halloween Nights by far compared to any park I’ve ever been to.Plenty of places to sit and rest your feet and shady spots to find. Indoor locations have great ac And they have rides of all thrill levels. I personally love Suess Land. 🤣

Michelle W — Google review

I love this place ❤️I can't even begin to describe how awesome Universal Studios is! 🌟 The moment you step foot in there, you're transported to a whole new world of excitement and adventure. The rides are mind-blowing, like seriously, your adrenaline will be pumping like crazy! And the attention to detail in the park is just insane. It's like you're walking through the sets of your favorite movies. Plus, the staff is super friendly and helpful. They really go above and beyond to make sure you have the best time ever. I totally recommend checking out the Harry Potter section too. It's like stepping into Hogwarts! Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

Joesph B — Google review

We had an excellent time here. The kids enjoyed it more than Disney. If you are able to afford it, I strongly suggest the VIP experience. We were able to get through both parks and all the rides with plenty of time to spare. Jerrari our guide was excellent and very knowledgeable. It was an amazing experience.

Jora N — Google review

I mean when I was a kid this was like the place you go to for the best rides at least I thought, each site had about one main ride and the lines are super long and if you get the fast pass it cost an arm. There is alot and at the same time not much. Maybe I have to go back but for sure not worth the vacation. I think the resort itself was better.

Omar E — Google review

10

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley

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Theme park

Water & Amusement Parks

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is an amusement park themed after the best-selling book series by J.K. Rowling. It is located in Universal Orlando Resort and features attractions based on the Harry Potter movies, including rides based on the iconic Gringotts Bank ride from Universal Studios Hollywood and Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts thrill ride at Universal Studios Florida.

I absolutely loved this area. It felt like we were in the movie. The attention to detail is wonderful. There are so many shops to visit. People that purchased wands from Olivander's were able to wave their wands in front of certain shop windows and cause something to move! The wands come with a map that shows which windows can be activated with it and how to make that happen. It was cool to watch! The butter beer is delicious, especially the frozen one. The rides are also fun.

Tabitha N — Google review

The experience was phenomenal!Came with the family and we all enjoyed it tremendously!The staff were very engaging with us and respectful.The food and drinks were pricey (understandably) but very good!Will definitely come back again except with a multi day pass!

Manny M — Google review

If you are a Harry Potter fan, this is a must-see! Must have park hopper pass to ride the Hogwarts Express. Purchase a wand and several places to cast spells. Great places to eat, frozen butterbeer, so much to see and do! Recommend a VIP tour for the park for your first day!

Angela T — Google review

We loved everything about this place including the food and butterbeer. We made sure to stop in every shop and check out all of the rides. This was for sure a large part of wanting to come to Universal for me, but even my husband and the kids were excited about it.So much of it looked like it was taken straight from the movie set, and Olivander's was a magical experience. Three of us got wands to use the interactive displays and it was such a cool place to visit. We are still talking about when we can go back, and our visit was four years ago.Thank you so much for making this Harry Potter fan so happy!

Kristen J — Google review

Growing up in HP, all I can say is that I love this place. All the shops and buildings just give you all the good feelings. This is my 3rd time around, and everything was still exciting.The staff are generally nice and helpful.The bathrooms' cleanliness is a hit and miss.The rides and eateries are fun and exciting.For Butterbeer, I suggest getting a frozen one from HogsHead and also a shot of Bailey's (if you're over 21).The downside is when you try to do magic around the park, and the sensors are really hard to work with. It's really difficult to make a spell work, and oftentimes, there is an out of order sign behind the spell shops. If they can only figure this out, then the experience will become truly magical.Highly recommend express passes to avoid hours of wait time. If you are staying at the hotels, your unlimited express pass is included.

V A — Google review

If you love the world of Harry Potter, you will love this. They recreated the world of Harry Potter done to the last detail. The land is so immersive and life like. From the feel to the buildings, to the food including butter beer and all the magic wands, the rides and the fire breathing dragon.

Joseph C — Google review

Looks of stuff to do, the rides were amazing with decently short wait times on weekdays. Lots of different food and drinks to try from. Butter beer is a must try. Lots of places to shop for Harry Potter themed stuff. They definitely got pretty much every detail on point. Would definitely recommend this place if you are a fan of Harry Potter or even just visiting universe studios. Will definitely be back.

J — Google review

Just wow!! They've done an excellent job reproducing the Set from Harry Potter! Lots to see , lots to do! Particularly enjoyed the Gringotts Bank attraction!!! We watched the live music in the courtyard before Diagon Alley.. they were great! A must visit part of Universal Studios!!

Lisa M — Google review

If you are a fan of Harry Potter then this is your place. It is pretty magical. I would spring for the fast passes but be warned they don't work for every attraction especially the sought after o es.

Marcus L — Google review

The moment you walk into this place you feel like you've stepped into another world. The atmosphere feels totally different because of the effort they put into making this place. Ever part of it feels magical and leaves you wanting to explore more and more of the place. The butter beer is great and tastes delicious. The various little shops in the area all have great souvenirs and other fun stuff to purchase.

Adam R — Google review

Wow. This was a really cool experience. For any Harry Potter fan, this is a must see if you’re at Universal. I really enjoyed all the little Harry Potter references and the attention to detail. It was crowded of course, but it was still an excellent time. The butter beer was better than expected. We also enjoyed Olvander’s wand shop. It was like a mini-show built into going into the wand shop. Totally fun and worthwhile without being a big wait.

Aaron G — Google review

The park is nice, but the lines all forever, you can spend all the day there and just get into 2 or 3 rides. Do not start the day with the Hadrid Ride, because you will find more line and the others rides has less. Not all the rides are good, so choose wisely. Starting in island of adventure and then taking the train to the universal park is a good start, the most newest and exiting ride are in island of adventure. Avoid vacation time and if you can go during winter, will find less people and a nicer weather.

Armando N — Google review

Bought online a 1-day, 2-parks pass to visit Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade specifically. We were sent on a “mission” to look for wands for our 3 boys knowing full well, “The wands pick the wizards,” not us! Must get there as early as possible because that’s the only way to take pictures without being crowded out.The two parts are surprisingly compact sharing a total of 5 rides. We took 4/5 with our express passes. It did not apply to Hagrid’s which was intense but the best. The ones which need 3D glasses are ok but bothersome.For HP fans and non-fans alike, the detailing is quite amazing and impressive. People watching is a bonus especially the legion of fans dressed up like wizards and waving their wands to “activate” their spells at the various Interactive wand spots. Rather amusing when you see them struggle.So much HP merchandise to buy and they are expensive. F&B is expensive too. But it is after all a bucket list destination so bring lots of money for a once in a lifetime experience (applies to foreign tourists only LoL!)

Eddie C — Google review

We got a 3 day pass Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. We got there early and wasn’t too crowded. If you want good pictures I’ll recommend to do the same. There is so much to see and do in the wizarding world. If you can visit in the morning and at night. It’s worth the view.

They J — Google review

This Wizarding world is next level they have a very well done area of Harry Potter here and it looks to real just like the movie this place is so spot on they have spots for the kids to stand and do spells and the employees play right along to show a great time.Take the train over to island of adventures to keep the world alive.A true magical place!!🪄🪄🧙🏼‍♂️

LAND R — Google review

Such a cool environment that really captures what Diagon Alley would truly feel like! Also if you haven't tried Butterbeer specifically hot Butterbeer then you're missing out on a life changing experience lol

Slgregg321 — Google review

Amazing and Magical!!The ride is fun!The street is full of magic!We did the ride around 9am so the hall was quite empty.

Pin L — Google review

Took my daughter for her birthday. So many sights to see here. Loved the castle with the forbidden journey ride, Gringotts bank and Hagrids Motorbikes! Food at Leaky Cauldron was great and butterbeer is a must have! Hogwarts Expess takes you between parks and is so fun and pleasant to ride!

Hunbun — Google review

Visiting any part of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort is a magical experience, for potterheads & muggles. Magic around every turn, this was my Momma Judi's first time visiting Diagon Alley, and we spent some time enjoying the busting streets full of excited wizards and witches. Casting spells, drinking butterbeer, waiting for the dragon that sits atop Gringotts bank to shoot hot flames out that really give off some heat in the Florida sun. We love skulking around Knocktun Alley, for both it's ambience as well as nice chilly temps. We ate lunch at Leaky Cauldron, caught Celestina Wombat’s performance, chatted with the magic mirror in Madame Malkin’s Robes, and dialed MAGIC (62442) from the phone (red phone booth) in front of Kings Cross Station for a spellbinding surprise.Marisa Balletti-Lavoie

Marisa B — Google review

My favorite part of the park is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The attention to detail here is absolutely stunning. Walking through Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley feels like stepping straight into the magical world of Harry Potter. From the cobblestone streets to the storefronts, every element is meticulously designed to capture the essence of the books and movies.The rides are equally impressive. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey takes you on an unforgettable adventure through Hogwarts, complete with encounters with magical creatures and a thrilling Quidditch match. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is another standout, combining a roller coaster with an immersive storyline that brings you face-to-face with fantastic beasts.The dining options add to the authenticity, with treats like Butterbeer and traditional British fare at The Three Broomsticks and The Leaky Cauldron. Shopping for wands at Ollivanders and browsing through Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes are experiences that truly bring the magic to life.The park’s atmosphere is electric, with something exciting around every corner. The staff is friendly and helpful, ensuring you have a fantastic experience from start to finish. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or looking for family-friendly fun, Universal Orlando has it all.Overall, Universal Orlando Florida is an absolute must-visit. It’s the perfect destination for an unforgettable day of fun, excitement, and magic. Highly recommended!

Luz G — Google review

Very well done little section of the park.Once you go through the entrance way, it will cut off most sight lines of the park. You kind of do get "immersed" (hate that word) in the Harry Potter world.Best time to go is in the morning before it gets crowded. You can get some better pictures this way and feel more like the movies/books. Another nice time is when it gets dark.Check out the Leaky Cauldron for some Butter Beer or Bangers and Mash. The stores are fun even if you aren't going to purchase anything.They make the stores/food stops feel like part of the world. It felt a lot less sterile and lifeless than most of the Disney parks giftshops. Instead of just going into a "gift shop", you were going into one of the "stores" and looking around became fun. Even more fun is that a lot of the things sold, are kind of unique and Harry Potter focused.They did it right.

Brian M — Google review

I hadn’t been to Universal Studios since I was a kid, and to come back with my husband, brother, and best friend made it that much more magical. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter experience brought me such an incredible experience. The rides were great, the little experiences such as the wands with the interactive stations, and being able to ride the Hogwarts Express was like having a dream come true. Hagrid’s motorbike adventure was by far my favorite and we cannot wait to come back and enjoy it all again!!

A L — Google review

Honestly, I am not typically the type of person who gets excited by amusement parks, but the Harry Potter experience at universal is unbelievable. Not only is it meticulous in its attention to detail, but it’s really accurate to the movie. There are ways to explore all kinds of moments, like the train to hogsmede, which actually takes you there, but down to butter beer, and a range of Easter egg activations you can use your sensor wand to play with. The rides are excellent. Also, as a London native, I appreciate that they don’t totally screw up the references to the UK. It was raining when we went, which added to the authenticity!

Troy B — Google review

Une réplique parfaite de l’univers d’Harry Potter.Nous avons passé 3 jours magiques sans nous lasser une seule fois.Les attractions sont top surtout l’attraction d’Hagrid ; tout est vraiment pensé Harry Potter, le travail du détail est incroyable, rien n’est oublié : des toits biscornus de Pré-au-Lard, aux gémissements de Mimi Geignarde dans les toilettes publiques à la bière au beurre, tout est pensé HP.Conseil non négligeable : pensez à reserver selon le calendrier d’affluence du parc car en période rouge, vous ne pourrez faire que 2/3 attractions max durant toute la journée, l’attente et la queue peuvent être très longues…(Translated by Google)A perfect replica of the Harry Potter universe.We spent 3 magical days without getting tired once.The attractions are great, especially the Hagrid attraction; everything is really Harry Potter thought, the detail work is incredible, nothing is forgotten: from the crooked roofs of Hogsmeade, to the moans of Mimi Whimper in the public toilets with butterbeer, everything is HP thought.Important advice: remember to book according to the park's busy schedule because during the red period, you will only be able to do 2/3 attractions maximum throughout the day, the wait and the queue can be very long...

Marine T — Google review

Great theme parks, fun for all. Super fun rides and shows. Both parks are busy but well organized so make it easier to move around.

Linda B — Google review

Out of this world this place! The magic is real. Amazing atmosphere and the butter beer is to die for! We will definitely be going back again & again

Steven J — Google review

I have to watch the series again after visiting. What a great experience! I really wanted a robe and wand, but at 55, I thought better of it. The Ollivander's experience was so good we waited in line twice.

Mike W — Google review

We went past it the first time because it was so hidden away! Very cool looking set with a fire breathing dragon and Gringotts ride which took us about an hour of wait time to get to however it was kind of underwhelming because it was too short. The ice cream shop was nice and very generous on portions.

Mi S — Google review

Gringotts, Forbidden Journey, butterbeer, all great as always. New, dusk until late, light show projected onto Hogwarts castle (plus fireworks) was brilliant.

Keith M — Google review

I've been waiting for this moment since I was a little kid! Fully immersive experience. I truly loved every moment of my time there. A dream come true!

Soheil B — Google review

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11

Universal Islands of Adventure

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Theme park

Water & Amusement Parks

Universal's Islands of Adventure is a theme park that features thrill rides, Harry Potter attractions, and other themed areas.

I've never had so much fun in my life! Two days full of adrenaline, happiness, wildness and joy! Island of Adventure has it all! I recommend a Park-to-Park ticket and take advantage of it during the week. This resort will enjoy both child and adult! Thank you for an exceptional experience!

Martin V — Google review

Took the family of teenagers. Lots of options of rides: thrill, virtual, water, etc. The favorite was velicicoaster which was awesome. Loved that they had water fountains while in line.Like any other amusement park the food was expensive, $35 for two personal pizzas and a single fill drink. The good was good with a good variety.The staff was very friendly and helpful.The app was also helpful with the map and wait times. We didn't buy the express pass and got onto all the rides in a relatively decent time frame 65 min bent the longest.Really my only gripe was some rides require you empty everything from your pockets and pass through metal detectors. I'm sure lawsuits are to blame, the gripe is the locker process isn't that great. Free inside of 30 min but the rides such as hulk take much longer than that to get on🤷🏻‍♂️.Overall a positive experience.

Holleysmoke — Google review

Very, very, very expensive! But we had the most fun here versus Disney World. The expensive part was just the admission and getting the express lane option with the park hopper pack which I'm glad I got. If you're spending a week here and get one of their deals where you pay for 2 days and get 3 days free for a total of 5 days, then sure you probably don't need the express lane, but you're going to spend majority of your time standing in lines, especially for the popular rides/attractions...We were able to go on just about every ride and even went on some twice. The express lane pass really benefits you if you only have 1 - 2 days to spend here. I was almost about to get the 5 days, but then I thought how that's going to be 5 days of mostly standing in line. Most lines were 50 mins or longer.. There was some that was really short, but that's because the rides was really bad, looking at you Fast & Furious...That fast and furious ride needs to be taken out or updated. All the bad guys in it are now good guys and it was ridiculous. It wasn't even over the top fun like the movies, it was bad.... definitely the worst and weakest ride...Didn't really experience the food, we mostly were on a mission to ride as much as we could because we really didn't get that at Disney...This theme park definitely had more and better rides than Disney, but if you have going kids then I can see why Disney might be more appealing and it is cheaper, but their lightning pass is a scam, it's not unlimited like universals express pass...I was wanting more of the "tour rides" that we've seen in countless movies, like Jaws coming out of the water. I guess I'm just old and those have been retired or not at this location? But I was looking more for those type of rides and there wasn't any. The Kong ride was the closest, but it was the Peter Jackson King Kong. It wasn't the new Legendary Kong that's part of Godzilla vs Kong movies, which the advertisements kind of made it seem like it was, but it was still fun...I do feel for the people though that wait an hour or more for a quick 3 min ride, if that. They do seem like they should be longer, especially the video 3d rides...But overall it was the most fun at a theme park and a great end to a week long vacation in Florida... Well, little over a week...

Jake M — Google review

I loved everything about islands of adventure. Didn't have long to wait for most rides. Where ever we had food it was very good and the prices were ok. It seemed to have a much better vibe and seemed more fun than any of the Disney parks we visited. We popped in and out of the park with ease during the 5 times we visited over the space of 8 days. It's also great that it within a short walk of universal studios and city walk too. I would definitely go back when I can.

Paul E — Google review

Fantastic park, only complaint is the crazy queues even on a weekday in early Nov. This is the best Universal Park for thrill seekers. Good variety of rides and fantastic details and special effects. Park is super clean and staff is very friendly. Obsessed with the Velocicoaster!!!! Express pass expensive but worth it, or try riding the singles lines everywhere. Be prepared to walk a lot!

Allison G — Google review

The park is really cool, it's huge and has a lot of extreme attractions, I think the Hulk roller coaster and the velocicoaster are super cool. The park is for those who really like fast things. The food is delicious and the experience of being there is unique. If you have the chance, take advantage of it!

Vini C — Google review

Outstanding park experience from entrance to exit. The staff as you move through the entrance to food and parks was fantastic. Signs to get around were very helpful and clear to follow. The restaurant selection outside and inside the park are amazing. You can find a nice restaurant and also many regular fast food options. The cleanliness of the park and the staff maintaining was top notch. The people working as spider man etc.. extremely friendly and enthusiastic with people. An outstanding family day for is.

David J — Google review

Rides and all scenery are fantastic. Waiting areas mainly are sheltered from the sun and air conditioned which is fantastic. Most of the ride waiting areas are well themed and keep your interest.Only disappointment was the food, took 55 mins to come from ordering and then order was wrong. Restaurant was busy but only 3 staff serving all the tables.

Peter M — Google review

Perfect park to beat the summer heat, with Fast Pass and plenty of air-conditioned indoor attractions along with water rides to keep you and the wee ones cool.Pros: Several libations locations to keep you comfy and happy, too.Plenty of rides for all ages and heights along with fun themes.Cons: the fast pass is like a bad joke, in that you spend thousands on them and they are just an easily lost piece of paper. Not to worry, they'll sell you a barely adequate lanyards for $20 per to hold them(one of ours broke). If you are gonna charge crazy prices then at least provide better than the bare minimum of quality and service. Fun fact, staff tell you to take a picture of your paper passes because they do get damaged or break off cheap lanyards often.The restaurants are extremely meh, with unkempt and unstocked restrooms. Brought that up to several staff members early in the morning, and by closing, they hadn't been refilled. They do have some vegan options but largely the same highly processed stuff throughout the park. Better food at higher seems like a smart business, especially considering the prices of food and drinks is already outside the realm of reasonable. Let's swing for the fences Universal.Overall it was a good experience but not worth close to the prices paid. For a family of 4 after a full day with no soda, we spent almost 3k. Feels a bit much for what we got but kids did have fun, so there's that.

Action P — Google review

It's a very fun tour accessibility is great for you to get to the place it's very easy accesses are well facilitated ample parking and very easy to park. The problem is the price is $27, but it's still for the whole day, it's not for an hour inside the fun is complete because there are many attractions and toys that cater for all ages, you'll have fun alone with friends and your girlfriend or with the family, this tour is really worth it, even if you take it for just one day, it's still worth the queues inside. They look great but they still ride well and it's worth the wait. I recommend in all senses.

Jairo J — Google review

Love this place! Fast pass done right. Real rides and roller-coasters. My kids loved this park best out of Universal Studios and Disney Magic Kingdom. Disney needs to redo their fast pass. As it is right now I would say not worth the money. Universal fast pass is definitely worth the money. Would we go back? Yes we would.

Lorin D — Google review

It had been over a decade since my last visit, and nearly everything was different! I was happy to see the Cat in the Hat ride still there, and so well maintained! Everything, honestly, was in excellent condition, and I loved the entire Harry Potter area! It was SO well done and had so many hidden surprises. It did not disappoint!

Priscilla M — Google review

Lots to do and see. While the rides are awesome, my friend doesn't like rides, but there was so much to do and we didn't need to stand in any lines. It's a great time either way, riding the rides or enjoying everything else the park has to offer. It was like we entered the movies and it was a fun time taking a break from reality.

Christine A — Google review

There is so much to do here! I can't even begin to start with one ride or section of the island that was better than another. We definitely felt this island was a bit more interactive for a family and more fun involved than at Universal Studios or Volcano Bay. Highly recommended to visit but be prepared to wait in long lines for rides. We purchased express tickets on top of the park pass and it was definitely worth it! Because of having an express pass each, we were able to experience more rides and more fun than waiting in line for hours and only be able to ride a few rides. We will be coming back!

Tiffany — Google review

This was our first time to this park. It was Thanksgiving week, so it was busy as I expected. I have 2 kids, 14 and 12, this park was fun for them. We enjoyed going through Dr. Seuss area and we even did some rides.We loved the Spider-Man ride. The water rides were fun, the big round tube in Popeyes area, we were entirely soaked from head to toe, so you will definitely get wet. Even with the plastic coverings it does not protect your feet, shoes, and butt from getting wet. We were fine getting wet, but I definitely got wetter than I thought.My kids favorite ride of all was the Harry Potter Motorbikes. Harry Potter area is the most packed of people compared to rest of park. At night the castle had a lightshow for Christmas, very cool, but people everywhere!!!The Grinch show was very cool even for my kids who were thinking it wasn't going to be.There were definitely a bunch of places to eat and drink everywhere. We had a great week, we hope to return again someday.

Tracy M — Google review

Universal island of adventure is so adventurous. If you like crazy coasters along with many other ride this is the best place.We love the King Kong ride, spider man meets to blue reptiles Harry Potter water ride.And meeting to avenger and comic characters adds more fun.Place is the dream to visit we all love it thanks universal.

Amrit S — Google review

I love this place. Yes, it is usually packed with people. Yes, all the best stuff has a long wait time, but there is so much to look at and do. Like the Universal park, they pay such amazing attention to detail to completely immerse you in each world. Plan to wait in lines. Food is theme park prices, but good. Running into characters throughout the day is a fun perk!

Ashley R — Google review

Visited here last week with the family had a great time! Just prepare yourself for the heat 🥵. We used cooling towels and brought water. You're also allowed snacks. Would definitely recommend for thrill seekers and Harry Potter fans as well as Marvel fans.

Jonathan P — Google review

Best trip ever!! We had a blast. The lines were long but moved very quickly. The staff members were nice and appeared to really love their jobs. The Spider man ride is a must!! We spent 3 days there and still didn't get to do everything. Yes it was costly but my children enjoyed every minute of it

Qui M — Google review

Great experience! I actually found that i liked it better than Universal Studios. Islands of adventure have more extreme rides and adult rides which i found way more fun. Also, i really recommend to buy the express pass, it might cost twice to three time the ticket. BUT I was able to do all the rides I wanted and all the most popular ones (i did like 7-8 rides) from 10:00AM to 3:30PM. That would be impossible without the express pass..

Gev E — Google review

We had a FANTASTIC time! We stayed the week and had the park Hopper passes. Even as adults we felt like kids again and had sooo much fun! Everything is so well themed at Universal! The amount of detail put into every attraction is just amazing!!- there was always something you didn't see previously. At the eateries, the food was good but you can't get that kind of ambiance anywhere else!

Amy ( — Google review

I couldn’t imagine being any happier. This place is so magical. The crowds were insane at points but it seems the deepening into the park you go the less people are around. Also, the velocicoaster is so insanely fun. Secret tip, go tell them what you’re celebrating and they will give you a button to wear and ask for some fast passes to celebrate and they will more than likely oblige.

Kyle P — Google review

Bought 2 days pass for two parks and got 3 days for free. Cost was $300. Visited Aug 2023. Weather was 110F. So planned evening visits and that really made a difference as wait times were shorter and we were able to enjoy all the rides and shows. Highly recommended specially for families and kids

Osman G — Google review

I typically don't review these type of things however I wanted to point out that this was by far the best Park we have ever been too! Clean as can be, everything was organized and ran perfectly. Fans in all the lines to keep you cool and once inside the building the A/C was a much needed add on to our waits. We went on a Friday during the day (Arrived at 9am). Parking was a breeze and only ($30) and from there it was smooth walking and entry into the park. We chose Islands of Adventure since we had been to Studios multiple times before. We honestly didn't wait on average for longer than 30 minutes per ride. Again I can't state how clean and nicely ran this park was. I would choose Universal over Disney parks 10/10 times! Keep up the great work and we'll see you again soon!

Chris A — Google review

We went here one night on our trip to Universal Studios in Florida and had a blast. This place was a lot of fun for me and my boyfriend. I really love the theme and architecture of the entire place and there's so much to do. I wasn't even bothered with having to walk a lot during the trip as it was so nice being in the park. It was absolutely beautiful and the rides were so much fun. We had a lot of fun here, at the regular park, and at City Walk, which are all conveniently connected. Getting in with our tickets was a much easier process than I thought it would be, even without having fast passes. I would highly recommend this park for anyone planning on going to Universal Studios in Florida.

Colton B — Google review

Super park! Both me and my child really liked it. Cool rides, especially the motorcycle ride. However, the queues are crazy. We came specifically out of season, on Monday. And still there were huge queues. We had unlimited fast passes, I highly recommend buying them. Otherwise we would have been waiting for an hour. The bad thing is that the fast pass does not apply to the coolest attraction and you have to wait up to 2 hours! Oh, are you crazy? Make an electronic queue! As in all normal places. Why do you think that being forced to stand in line for 2 hours is normal?? Ugliness.

Lina — Google review

Wow, customer service is #1 at Universal Studios Orlando. Every interaction with staff, from shop workers to food service to ride attendants was beyond positive. Everyone made you feel so important and special. The park is so well maintained and beautiful. Rides are amazing, you can ask the staff for a breakdown if nervous. You can leave the line at anytime. The stores all had unique items to purchase based on the rides. The experience is highly enjoyable.

Lisa K — Google review

The Harry Potter parts are EPIC!!! So much fun. I'm not even a huge fan of the books or movies (but I DO like them). The Butterbeer was EXCELLENT!!! The atmosphere is amazing.The entire park is great. We went to Universal Studios Orlando, Islands of Adventure, & Volcano Bay. They are ALL FANTASTIC. I enjoyed Universal even more than Disney World!!! ♡♡♡If you plan on going more than a couple days, I recommend buying the Annual Pass (OR booking in one of their hotels - LOTS of perks!!!).

Momma B — Google review

This is my favorite theme park!My favorite rides in the park are Velocicoaster and Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike. They are full of adrenaline and fun. They are both very fast. They are also the ones with the longest queue wait times.The lands are very immerse. Harry Potter land is awesome.You can find good food but have to look for it very good.

Steven Z — Google review

Very kid friendly. I think I’m a bit too old for it now -since the adult rides were very hard to get on… but my nephew had a blast here. He got his share of rides and great food delights. I wouldn’t change the experience for the world.Getting the front of the line pass for ride you just must go on… very recommended.

Maurice ( — Google review

Amazing rides and very well maintained washrooms. The wait times on some rides can get very long, but that is also bypassed most of the time by getting an express pass. Worth visiting, especially in the off-seasons as the crowds are more manageable then.

Siddhi B — Google review

Theme park, as you would expect from an organization of this caliber, the attractions and organization are top-notch. Unfortunately, so are the prices, with an entry fee of nearly $500 for 3 people (day ticket), I wonder how accessible this park is for an average family of 5? Also, keep in mind that a water attraction is truly a water attraction, at the end of the ride, you'll be completely wet! Top attraction was King Kong (IMO), most beautiful setting Harry Potter), best roller coaster "Hulk".Why only 4 stars? Prices inside the park, 50 dollars for 3 hamburgers? Come on…

Steve G — Google review

For the most part, it is what you would expect for a theme park. It did become more crowded because of the time of day and holiday. Wait times for Harry Potter were about 1.5 to 2 hours. All other attractions we about 5 to 40 minute wait. We did purchase the express pass, To us, it was well worth it (cut the ride wait times and enabled us to see and do more).

Bev P — Google review

Great place. I wish I had more time to enjoy the park but unfortunately came when during spring break. The park was very packed, and the wait time on rides was 60 minutes minimum. Was only able to go on 4 rides.

Frankie C — Google review

We had a great time here. Lots to do for a mix of all ages. I loved the toon section and it was great meeting Booty Boo, Popeye and Olive too. A shout out to one of the ladies who worked on one of the merchandise stalls too. Judith Heard you are a truly wonderful human being. You made the visit extra special with the kindness you showed my daughter.

Steve H — Google review

Visited with my daughter and we had a blast. Road rollercoasters laughed, screamed, and enjoyed the day. Great experience for kids of all ages. Wear comfy shoes you will get your steps in.

Dennis A — Google review

It was a great experience, although food and drinks were expensive they were placed well throughout the park. I'd highly recommend getting the refillable cup, it made life so much easier lol. Staff were amazing, super friendly and our average wait time for the rides and attractions we went to was 30 minutes.

Bj M — Google review

We got tickets in advance to help with wait time and had a full day of fun. I highly suggest a day of rest if going multiple days. There’s so much to see and do we did two days in a row. The kids had a blast and they’re 8 and 13.

Jessica S — Google review

This park was absolutely awesome. The rides were amazing and very interactive. We were able to get on everything we wanted to get on and the creativity in this park is as good as Disney. The food was great and me and my daughter enjoyed the shows as well. I will say that Harry Potter is quite busy, but amazing. The food options were great! You were able to find anything from fried food all the way to fruit cups here, and this is not common at theme parks. The staff overall was great and accommodating. I highly recommend this theme park to anyone visiting the Orlando area, I have not seen much like it and you will absolutely love these rides. If your a hardcore comic nerd-this is the place to be, absolutely awesome.

Timothy J — Google review

Great rides, let down by the not as friendly as they can be staff. The thrill rides are certainly a plenty here and are great fun. They insist on putting cell phones in free lockers before getting on big rides which given how fast and thrilling these rides are is no surprise. The lockers are small so you won’t fit a regular back pack in, they provide paid for lockers for those. Usual theme park pricing so do not expect a cheap day out.

Aaron P — Google review

Absolutely one of the best theme parks in the US I had so much fun here, if roller coasters 🎢 are your then, then you should absolutely go for islands of adventure. Get ready to do a lot of walking though. I would also recommend you get the four day pass, because it’s almost impossible to see everything universal has to offer in just a day. If you can afford it, get the express pass because it makes your wait time so much shorter. Have fun 🤩

Ednaei — Google review

If you are a Harry Potter fan this is an absolute most on your bucket list! The park has incredible thrilling attractions. Compared to universal studios, islands of adventure is a bigger park and has more rollercoasters. Both parks offer different experiences depending on what you’re looking for. I’ve gone to this park at least four times and every time is so exciting and fun. Hopefully next year I will be able to go to the brand new Super Nintendo world which is under construction right now. If you’re in Orlando definitively do not miss visiting this park!

Nathalia V — Google review

Park is clean, fun, easy to navigate, great places to eat (recommend the fruit for hydration and the greek salad with hummus)!My one suggestion....the park needs more shaded areas and/or misting arches for guests. Take a hat, a personal fan, cooling towel, extra sunblock, and a great pair of walking shoes, and don't forget to drink a lot of water.

Angela T — Google review

Universal Islands of Adventure is an absolute thrill-seeker's paradise! From the pulse-pounding rides like the Incredible Hulk Coaster to the immersive worlds of Harry Potter, every corner is filled with excitement and wonder. The attention to detail is phenomenal, making you feel like you've stepped into your favorite stories. The staff are friendly and helpful, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience. Whether you're a hardcore theme park enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out with the family, Islands of Adventure delivers an unforgettable adventure every time. Highly recommend!

Abani O — Google review

100% prefer this to the actual Universal studios Park. Less walking between rides, more rides are tall/heavy friendly, and more cool stops between rides. Although Universal has all the famous movie stuff and has to be seen once, but as far as Island of Adventure, I would definitely come back again and again.

Tomasz S — Google review

One of my favourite parks in Orlando.The one downside compared to Disney parks is the costumer service quality and the reason for only 4 stars. Some employees are not passionate and not willing to help. One example was at the ticket booth where we asked for help with the one and two day park tickets and the price difference if buying online. We ended up spending 45 minutes on our own figuring it out.The new rides take 75 minutes wait or more so be prepared to wait or to spend more money with fast passes.

Julio V — Google review

No wait to enter when I went later in the day. Fairly low crowds and wait time. The wizarding world was the most crowded area. Recommended buying tickets ahead of time as they are cheaper than gate prices but no reservation is needed.

J O — Google review

My first experience at this place was more than I had ever expected. Each themed section is nicely set up that it literally feels like you are transported to that world. The rides are even better when you step foot into the buildings. Even before the rides you are immersed into the character's world while waiting to enjoy the ride. Do visit with friends and family at least once. The one time is worth it!

Somchay1851 — Google review

Honestly one of the best parks I've been to. This place is Awesome! We went during spring break and the crowds were not bad. From Hogwarts to Jurassic Park to Dr Seuss this place has it all. Hagrids motorcycle ride is a must do and I can say Velocicoaster is breathtaking, rode it 3 times. We didn't want to leave.

Matt T — Google review

Such a unique park!! So many rides you can't find anywhere else. So many cool signs and foods, truly an experince just to visit. My favorite land is marvel super hero island I love the Incredible hulk coaster!!

Tanner S — Google review

4.7

(96636)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (86)

4.5

(52398)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (87)

6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, USA

(407) 363-8000

12

SeaWorld Orlando

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Theme park

Nature & Parks

SeaWorld Orlando is a theme park where visitors can see marine life including dolphins, penguins, and killer whales. There are also exhibits with smaller animals like turtles and sea lions. There are educational aspects to the park too which is great for children. The resort-style pool complex at the Renaissance Orlando Resort features an interactive water playground that's one of the most entertaining in Orlando.

This was the best park of all 3 we visited those time. plenty to do. All included meals. I was worried how people talk about how poorly the animals are treated. But I seen wonderfully healthy animals thriving. Our 5 kids 6 to 19 loved it. Great deal and we are definitely going to go back next visit. Christmas decorations and rides for big kids made it a perfect day.

Heather M — Google review

The shows here are very good. Dolphins, Killer Whales, & Sea Lion shows were very informative & action packed shows. Definitely recommend getting to the shows at least 30 minutes before start time to get a decent seat.Lines for everything is crazy. 1-2 hour lines for food, popular roller coasters, & of course entering the parking lot. As others suggested, definitely eat a big breakfast to power through the first few hours at this park as outside food is strictly prohibited besides bottled water. Otherwise, if you get here early try to order food upon entering before the lines get crazy in the early afternoon.One of my favorite exhibits was the penguin experience. Tip, try going towards the park closing as the regular line was only 15 minutes to get in, not bad.Good luck, and enjoy.

Alex L — Google review

One of the best and affordable theme parks in Orlando. New rides added. Killer whales show is still the best overall now with a total educational program that your kids will love it. Totally worth the visit. 4 stars because food is below average for the price and you cant bring anything with you. Not healthy or decent choices. Everything else, from staff to service is great. Enjoy your visit. Take it from a local guy that lives two blocks away from it.

Nelson R — Google review

Great experience! Definitely get a dining plan but share it because it is a ton of food! We also got a souvenir drink cup that we shared and refilled for free that helped with cost. The Quick Queue passes are a game changer and my kids were able to ride all the rides in one day. The animal shows are educational, entertaining, and funny. The animal viewings are fantastic. I really enjoyed seeing their Rescue animals and knowing they make a difference in the welfare of so many animals in the wild.

Corri S — Google review

Great place for the whole family. Buy the all day food voucher as expensive to eat inside park if not. We went mid week and Ques were very short. Good wheel chair or mobility scooter access to all areas of the park. Staff were excellent and very friendly. Your ticket also allows this park to keep working on Marine conservation!

Paul M — Google review

Fun place to visit. Kids enjoyed the rides and shows with dolphins and whale's.Lot to see and do,one day is not enough for sure to see it all. We came at great time, before Christmas when everything is decorated and there is snow with Xmas trees,just beautiful. Recommend! 🥰

Nataša M — Google review

Park was busy which was to be expected. To ensure you get the most out of your day (shows, entertainment, roller coasters etc) I would highly recommend purchasing the fast pass to ensure you don’t waste your time and energy waiting in 2 hour lines. I was hesitant because of the amount but I never had to wait in lines, I was able to experience all the shows, ride for an unlimited time, eat and still have fun without wasting time. You go for the experience and the fast pass will ensure you have a fun time.

Sarah V — Google review

We visited Sea World on a beautiful 70 degree Florida day in February! We went during the week, and it was not crowded at all. The parking experience was fine and very quick. There was a minimal wait to get into the park. We did purchase a year pass for the same price as a one day admission! We loved the seal/ sea lion show ( You will get wet if you sit up close). My favorite was the shark exhibit and the Shark Experience Restaurant, where you can dine while watching sharks swim around you! I thought the park employees were helpful in directing us around. Yes it's pricey here, but I think this is the best theme park in Florida!

Robert — Google review

Went with my adult kids, 84yr old mother-in-law, daughter-n-law, and three grand kids ages 2 months to seven years. Not much to do for two infants and seven year old was not tall enough for many of the rides she was interested in, but she enjoyed herself. The shows were helpful like the Orca and dolphin shows. Really enjoyed those. The food at the BBQ restaurant was less than desirable and not worth the cost. About $36 per meal. We had the brisket and the ribs. Ribs weren't bad with added BBQ sauce but the brisket was not flavorful and tough. Plenty to do. Need more than a day. Lines were lengthy on Aug 8, 2024 after much rain during the week and rain for about an hour on that day. One ride, Journey to Atlantis was 1hr 25 min wait initially, after my kids waited that time, there were technical issues, the ride shut down and never reopened before the park closed at 8pm. Overall, we'd go again.

Toni P — Google review

Penguin exhibit was the coolest part for us. It was about an hour wait to get into the exhibit. Lines for food is just atrocious as well as the popular coasters. Eat big before you head into the park and give yourself some time before hanger sets in. Cool shows and great animal exhibits. Sea lions were cool and you can go and buy food to feed them. Good times, just wish the lines weren't so bad

Fung S — Google review

This place was amazing! Could very well be my favorite amusement park. The variety of things to do makes it a perfect spot for the roller coaster riding thrill seeker, as well as the laid back admirers of sea animals. This place is essentially a zoo for sea faring animals and it does a great job at letting you interact with these beautiful creatures. Feeding the seals and sea lions was one of my favorite activities. There are enough eateries to satisfy the pickiest eater, and if you're really making a full day of it, the all day eating pass is a nice option. With so many photogenic attractions, this is a great place to create some lifelong memories with the family!

Jonathan C — Google review

I loved the shows and the food. I recommend buying the food inclusive package. My first experience ever at Sea World and loved the animals. Each show, I oohheed and awed at all the work behind the scenes that went into each performance. The love the trainers have for the animals is expressly seen and awesome. The time they had to put in for a show, wow. The energy was contagious.

Marcie H — Google review

4 of us went ( all adults ) . We bought the food package, which we very much recommend. We weren't worried about going on the rides, but did she all the shows. It's not like it used to be a few decades ago , The shows were short, and all ended with a speech to appeal to the animal activists. Overall had a great time. Highly recommended specially for kids. Make sure you see the penguin house !

Rick N — Google review

Been here plenty of times. Came this time for the Craft Beer & Food Festival. All the stations were open, even after a storm that lasted about an hour. Park was crowded even after the rain & 100 degrees weather. All the food from the stands were good. Roller coaster rides were all about a 50 minute wait. Penguin encounter is closed & fenced off. Overall a good Aquarium park.

Christopher — Google review

My dad took me here in the late 80s and again a few days ago. Great experience to see everything & how amazing the park has grown. Definitely bring your family and friends here. We also got tickets to see the Halloween Theme After Hours and It Was Fun.

BENNY — Google review

Pleasantly surprised. Shows were fun. Roller Coasters are way better than Disney World. Tickets are affordable, park merchandise not so much, all day meal plan are worth it. 4 stars because the kraken was not available. Just had a fun time overall.

Michael S — Google review

Sea world was a lot of fun! I highly recommend getting the fast pass. We rode everything and the longest wait was like 15 minutes. The dolphin experience was pretty cool too. Food isn’t great, but what do you expect lol. A fun day indeed!

Jacob K — Google review

The staff were all very friendly and approachable when we had questions or help needed for anything. The shows were good, entertaining, and educational. All the rides were fun and safe, and since we had quick passes, our wait time was minimal to get on. I also enjoyed how almost every ride had easy purchase access for pictures taken, and they were quickly available, so you weren't waiting and wasting valuable time for them. Another positive is how they were able to crop the photos to get only your group of people in it, you also have an option for digital and a print out of the picture to frame in one they sell or no frame at all. Years ago, they didn't offer that. The food and drinks were on point. SeaWorld is the place to go with your family for fun without a doubt for sure. From feeding the wildlife, watching the shows to riding the roller coasters, there's fun for everyone of all ages!

Nichole F — Google review

Great park! They are a cashless park now & that goes for the $30+ parking too.The shows were great, the penguin area in Antarctica is really freezing cold lol.The rides are all fun with wait times varying from 15-45min.There is a Sesame Street area for kids that is so cute along with a splash pad, story time area, & kiddie rides for them.

D'Leta S — Google review

Wonderful place for the entire family. Lots of things to see and do. The penguin 🐧 exhibit was wonderful!!! I could have stayed all day to hang out with beautiful animals. Plus it was nice and cool in there. The tower was amazing. You get a 360 view of it all and more of a must-do (even though it costs $5.00) lots of walking.

Sarah R — Google review

My family and I had a great time. If you have a little one the best spot is sesame street. My daughter had a blast on the kiddie rides and couldn't stay still in line to take photos with Elmo and friends. My wife had her fun on the roller coasters while I enjoyed the animal shows and all the animal exhibits. Definitely a great way to spend the day.

Rogelio A — Google review

Great family park! We went for a family trip ranging in ages 3 to 72.The animals are fascinating for all ages. In addition to viewing, there are several shows that give you a chance to learn more about them while being entertained.For the younger children, you can spend time in Sesame Street Land. With tamer rides, a splash pad and playground, as well as a parade, it's the perfect place for the little ones.The roller coasters are crazy, probably some of the best in the area!For a very affordable theme park experience, go to their website and check out the hotel packages. You can't beat the prices!

AJ M — Google review

We brought our son here on Thursday, and he had a blast! He got to see all kinds of animals from flamingos, dolphins, sharks, alligators, walrus, seals, sea lions, otters, sea turtles, beluga whales, etc. I honestly was not expecting the park to be as big as it is, nor did I know it was also a theme park. I honestly thought it was like an aquarium. I did not expect there to be rides. The rides were themed around some sea animals, which I thought was creative! There are 4 different parking areas, if I remember correctly: RV, general, preferred, and VIP parking areas. I recommend families to bring their kids here for an amazing experience!

Montana D — Google review

That place had no summer heat tolerance. They don’t have drinking water fountains , no tents or covers, no tents, limited AC places, lines over 90 minutes.No sprays or refreshing areas.Totally disaster to go there in summer.Not enough staff. Ride that could pass 40 people in one hour took ages to make.Also nothing to do there for small kids.Only shows.This park has to make major changes to respect guests and make more refreshing areas.And now you can’t buy separate fast pass for each ride- must buy 130$ per person on top of tickets quick queue even if you came for few hours.I’m gonna skip this place for a while and not renew my membership as my daughter and i almost got overheated with THERMO hit.We had headaches both.Could do only 2 shows and one ride.Dolphins show and killer whale was the only refreshing fun.

Ilona ( — Google review

Great family experience. Sea World started out its operating day with the national anthem. They offer an amazing military/ veteran discount. The park was clean. The lines were not long. Rides were great, and the whole family learned a lot. Highly recommend for families.

PJ W — Google review

The underwater exhibits are the best, and you should definitely check out all of the live animal shows if you can. While the animal exhibits are great, the park feels poorly configured and oftentimes you're walking a good while before you can see the next most interesting thing. Because of that, the park can sometimes feel very sparse in certain sections of the park. If it's raining, try to go to one of the underwater exhibits, we got stuck outside when it poured with nowhere to go. The staff seems to disappear when it rains as well.

Joe W — Google review

First time to SeaWorld! I had a great time. I love how much water there is, and the new pipeline coaster is super fun. We watched a dolphin and killer whale show, and they were both as amusing as they were educational. You're able to ride every coaster that was open, except for one. But we will certainly be back!

Eric R — Google review

If you are considering going to Sea World, just go! It’s wonderful. We had such a nice day even though it did sprinkle. The shows are wonderful. We went to all of them. We were able to buy discounted tickets ahead of time and also got the all day dining on sale. Much cheaper than going to a Disney theme park. The Christmas show was fantastic. The mime was funny at the sea lion show. It was a day well spent and the park was decorated for Christmas. We were there the day before Thanksgiving.

Mary B — Google review

Rides: I enjoyed the rides, especially the manta. the lines were moving pretty quicklyShows: still enjoyable, especially the dolphins show, Otter and seal encounter. We were hoping to catch the Blue Horizon show, but we're told that they do not have that anymore.Other animals encounters like shark, sting rays ... etc. It's not as great compared to the last time we were there (9 years ago). The touch tanks were pretty bad. There was no attendant there to interact with the kids. All the tanks are very dull and murky, not great condition for photos.Overall, I would give it a 3 because it didn't give us the excitement that it used to. The atmosphere was kind of stale. The staff whom we encountered with were very monochromatic, with no personality, lack of passion.

Teresa — Google review

We purchased season tickets to all 4 parks as a local Florida resident with a large family we found it to be the best deal.Our first visit to SeaWorld was great and the family had a great time. I recommend knocking out your rides you want to do right away in the morning and doing the shows and exhibits after as the ride wait times got significantly longer as the day went on.We went during the Seven Seas food festival and it was fun to try different foods the kids really enjoyed it and the food was better than I expected.Over all the experience was great and we will be back again. The reason for the 4 stars and not 5 is that we found we had several issues with staff helpfulness throughout the day.It started with parking there was a hold up in our line for over 15 minutes and then when we got to the booth they for got to give us our preferred parking pass so that caused more issues when we went to park.Later in the park when trying to use some of our membership rewards and redeem the free animal feeding we had the same issue. We were told we had to have a paper ticket not a digital ticket but had to ask the staff several times where to get it from but he brushed us off the first few times.Lastly we once again tried to redeem some season pass perks with free food tastings but the app was not working properly and our options was to take a 30 minutes walk to guest service or figure it out on our own. We ended up have to redeem it directly from the website on our phones native browser as the app on multiple phones would not let us complete the checkout but it still took 20 minutes or so to figure out.

Jess P — Google review

Orlando's first attraction is still going strong. The animal shows are pretty much what I remember from decades ago, but now they have a bunch of really good roller coasters. A little pricey, but loads of fun. Pro tip: Get the app in advance and use it to purchase tickets in advance. The lines at the ticket booth were unreasonably long.

Lewis W — Google review

I have been trying to give my kids a new experience each year. This year we picked Sea World. I got tickets with all day dining in advance so skipped the ticket lines and only waited to have them scanned to enter the park. Right before going I also downloaded the Sea World app. Let me just say this made our visit even better. I could look to see the various show times and we were able to see both the dolphins and Orcas shows. We visited the sea lions, stingrays, penguin cove, and dolphin nursery. In between we rode Atlantis, the Cracken, Infinity Falls and some of the kids rides in Sesame Street. We ate at a couple of places and stopped in a third for fruit and to cool off. The app allowed us to see wait times and guided us to our next adventure with the in app directions. The shows were great and my family had an amazing time. This was their favorite vacation yet.

Aimee F — Google review

I am torn about the fact that there are animals in an amusement park but it works. Unfortunately I didn't get to see the gorillas or Chimpanzee presentations. I think it was too hor even for the animals. The rides were incredible way better than I expected. I would say I would come back and that's a pretty good review or someone who doesn't really go to a music box or theme parks.

Dee D — Google review

Here's the real deal... SeaWorld is great. The food quality is decent and expected for a theme park. However, the price is a bit out there for what is offered.General parking today is $37!There are no half-day (after 4pm) tickets.The best values are adding the Quick Queue, animal feedings, and the all-day meals.

Alex G — Google review

Came for vacation and it was out first time. We bought our tickets online which sped up the process to enter the park. The orca show was absolutely wonderful. Very interesting to learn about the orcas and crazy how they have been trained. The kids world was perfect. Lines were long! But that is expected. I'd definitely get the fast passes next time although they are not for the kiddie rides. Lots to do and see. Loved all the exhibits. My kids enjoyed themselves. Fun park!

Courtney — Google review

There's a lot to see and do at Sea World. The park is nicely laid out, clean, and easy to navigate. It's big, so plan your trip accordingly. The staff we interacted with were pleasant and helpful. While we enjoyed the rides and educational exhibits, the shows were the highlight for us.

Cheryl M — Google review

My family and I really loved our visit to Sea World! The Orca show was absolutely spectacular—we watched it twice! The dolphin show was also amazing, with the cast doing an excellent job of keeping everyone entertained. The roller coasters were intense and fun, perfect for any coaster enthusiast.However, I have to dock one star due to an issue with line hopping. It was quite frustrating to see one or two family members go to the front of the line and then have the rest of their group cut in to join them. I hope Sea World can address this problem to improve the experience for all guests.

Clinton — Google review

We had a good time. Unfortunately, we had two different age groups. The teens and the 6 year olds. So we probably wouldn't do it again without their mom to help get both age group to where they can go on more rides. We are young grandparents. I personally felt we waisted more time walking or standing in line than the girls were getting to ride on the rides. The big bummer was that the Infinity Falls broke down twice on us while in line. We never got to ride it but wasted a ridiculous amount of time standing in a line that seemed to have never gone anywhere for us.One ride we all got to ride on together was the Penguin. My 6 year olds loved it. (Must be at least 42")The dance party before the fireworks was a blast. The girls all had a great time dancing. The firework show was great!! Who doesn't love a firework show.For corporate If you actually read this?? I felt sorry for 1 particular lady trying to do her job. They want you to stay in 1 large section for fireworks and after. So that means they have 3-4 sections with stairs. They want everyone to exit the same stairs when you can safely exit all the other stairs and the sidewalk going in the same direction. That poor employee was trying hard to stop people and get them redirected that SW wants them to go. A lot of people pretty much gave her the middle finger and ignored her. Trust me, she tried hard, and we felt bad for her. It didn't seem very safe with everyone all at once trying to rush up the darn stairs going the same way. Maybe a safety officer should sit back and witness the craziness that goes on when the park closes and rethink their protocols.1 more thing. When someone stands in line for a ride for an hour or more and it closes. They should cut the line off immediately and issue those people who did not take part in your fast pass to have a chance to get back in line once it reopens. Standing in line 2 x for 1 ride and never getting to ride it is ridiculous!!!!

Terri W — Google review

Always a favorite spot to visit. It's great for the whole family & our kids love it! Shows are lots of fun! Plan to spend all day to get all of the experience in because there's a ton to see. We do suggest getting the Dining Pass... It turns out to be worth it for the meals & in between drinks & snacks.

Brad W — Google review

Although we didn't go on any rides and only wanted to see the animals. I would recommend buying tickets in advance. The rides had about a 60+minute wait on everything. It was hard to maneuver with kids running wildly with no care and no one watching them. If you are old enough try one of their cocktails, they were good and they have a lot of liquor in them so it was worth the price.

Justin S — Google review

Dolphins show and Orca show were amazing .. there are some extreme roller coasters rides at this park , if you love the thrill then it will be awesome. Unfortunately for us it was super hot day and there were little shaded space to take rest ……

Neha S — Google review

The only reason I gave it 4 stars is because of the prices of food. Overall, it was great. The tides were awesome. The shows were awesome. Loved seeing all of the animals from the ocean. It was very interesting and educational. The rain did end our trip early, but SeaWorld compensated us for another day. They didn't have to, but we were very thankful that they did since we drove all the way from Kentucky.

Kasie M — Google review

Loved it! But wasn't prepared for the water ride that drenched you, needed fast drying clothes & shoes! Did not want to pay $6 for a dryer:( Animals appeared happy in their environments and great shows!

Kandy H — Google review

This was our first visit back here in about 20 years and wow! I am very impressed with the growth of this park. So many improvements and additions…We enjoyed the Dolphin show, the Sea Lion show and all the beautiful aquariums. The Shark area was fantastic!! Manatees and turtles… alligators and flamingos all things Florida and so many coasters!Gift shops with nice merchandise and plenty of food options.Easy parking. No wait to get in on a Saturday at 9:15 amThis was enjoyable for all of us- from 9 months to 56 years old. We all loved it.I highly recommend a visit here!

Lynn R — Google review

An experience for the whole family. We came with a baby girl and even she enjoyed it.I recommend arriving early to get everything done and not miss the shows.There is a huge variety of animals and shows with huge aquariums and interesting animalsDon't miss the the seals (and tom the mime), orcas and dolphins.*We came in the middle of the week and didn't buy the express ticket and there was really no point, there weren't such big queues

Nadav M — Google review

This was a very good trip. The rides didn't have an extremely long wait time, maybe because it was a Tuesday. The staff were willing to answer any questions I had. The Sesame Street section was great for our 2 year old. Great experience.

Odayne T — Google review

This was my first time back since I was a kid, family and I went with my 1 1/2 year old. We all loved the orca and dolphin encounters, great views of the sea life throughout. There were several rides our son could enjoy with us as an accompanying adult (32inches tall). For a larger theme park food was reasonably priced (still high, but not excessive like other parks we've seen).

Brittany H — Google review

If you are just going for the roller coasters don't bother. They are good but not worth the wait and price. The workers are incredibly slow and inefficient at loading cars and getting them out in a timely manner. If you are traveling with big groups - be prepared to do coaster math - trying to figure out if the whole group will get on the coaster at the same time.It is a family park. However there aren't many bigger rides offered for kids. My son is between 48" and 54" and he was still limited to a few rides plus the kiddie rides in Sesame Street.Of course go to the shows they offer. Get there early. We attempted to go to the orca show once and it was already at capacity almost 10 minutes before it was supposed to begin.The food is pretty decent but pricey. If you plan on spending the whole day, then definitely consider doing the all day dining. We got two for our family of four and got meals every 2 hours that we shared.All in all it was a good day but not somewhere I would look into going back anytime soon.

Corinne B — Google review

Very fun, educational and interesting. Lots of animals and shows, fun roller coaster rides, a kids area and food. It is only card for all payments but they do have machines that give you instant prepaid cards on site. Easy to navigate as it’s really a big circle. Im sad that the Antarctica exhibit was closed but I’m excited that they’re building a new roller coaster and area.

JC O — Google review

Be careful on extra sunny days !!!I recently visited Sea world with a group of 10 and we had all dine in pass it was so worth it I definitely recommend to come early buy the tickets in advance and if you get it from a third party remember to redeem it before you walk in. Lines get very crowded and lots of wait. Bring a towel or two if you come with kids definitely rent a stroller. Or even better bring yours. There is lots of walking around. Discuss with your party members what and when you would like to see the shows. If you are interested on see the whales 🐳 if you want to get soak wet please seat at the lower level seats ( there is a definitely you will get wet) please don’t say I have not warned you.For the pass all you can eat there is a place where anual members have a lounge where is a stand with AC and the have an amazing skirt steak you should try! Also there is the only place where you can find seltzer water. I look everywhere and yet I couldn’t find any other place. There is pizza hot dogs however there is a stand close to the whale show that has good food and has salads fresh fruit. There are stands that you need to ask that you want milk instead of soda. There is a stand near the observation tower that had chicken strips and was open right after the park closed. They have milk and fresh fruit.I had fun at Sesame Street’s place and we took pictures there is a small place where you can play with water with the kids it’s open and there is parades often during the day.This trip was a great deal from the airline fares the car rental the house rental to no extra for food.If you are considering going to the rides bring extra comfortable shoes the lines are about one hour long wait or buy the express pass.Bring an extra battery pack to charge your phone and I put apple tags to my kids in case we get lost 😞( it works like a charm) especially because mine are runners and they are special needs.

Mariol E — Google review

A great park for the wonderful experiences and awesome staff(ambassadors). The roller coasters are very enjoyable and there is one for all ages. The food selection is good and all the prices are reasonable. Always look for their ticket deals and food packages.

Quatez B — Google review

Amazing place, went for the fourth of july. There is so much to do and see. There are a bunch of different spots to get all types of food. The orcas were beautiful and a must-see. The event shows were great and worth it. The fireworks and pyrotechnics show was amazing. Great for all ages, the sesame street they have is great and has a lot of thing the young kids can do.

Chris R — Google review

Definitely a great place to go with the family. Everyone gets to enjoy. I recommend always buying tickets in advance. And pay attention to the all day dinning deal that is amazing if you are planning ti stay there for long hours and eat. Is it think 59$ worth every penny food is very good a you have a lot of options.

Javier J — Google review

We had a fantastic time. Kids were fairly young, but there were tons of things they could do. They even got to ride a few coasters, which they were excited about. With adult rides, they have a good parent swap, so you can both get a chance to ride while the other watches the kids. Naturally, there are lots of shows you should definitely watch. There are lots of exhibits to see all the cool fish, turtles, and sharks. It's not the cheapest place, but none of these parks are, but the experience is worth it.

Anthony C — Google review

Enjoyed the day here with a good friend. We ate some nice food and got to enjoy the sea lions show. My friend’s daughter works here, so we got to see her doing what she does. Guy Harvey was here for a Meet & Greet, so we got to see him. Sheena Easton & Tiffany were performing later but we were anxious to beat the traffic on I-4, so we didn’t stay for that. The park was pretty clean, parking is not as organized as we would have liked but we enjoyed the time we were there and opted to leave to escape some of Florida’s heat and head home. Ironically, we are Florida residents.

Lisa M — Google review

I was skeptical about visiting here as online reviews trashed this place compared to Universal.I'll say this. It was worth my money! If you like relaxed experiences and thrilling shows which you can sit and enjoy. This is the perfect place.I had visited with my parents (around 60 yrs age) and we didn't want to do much rides and wanted to sit and enjoy for the most. This worked out perfectly for us.

Ritwik V — Google review

Great park for family and friends. There are alot of fun rides and nice shows. One thing to keep in mind if you buy a dining pass is they do close all the good restaurants early and force you to eat nasty pizza, chicken fingers, or burgers. Itwasa waste of money for me and my family because we only ate one good meal.

Kienna J — Google review

I went on my birthday May 31st. We bought tickets on the app on my phone and got to the park when they opened. Everything seemed to cost a lot of money starting with parking and the cups for unlimited drinks. We had a great time though. It was actually better than what I was expecting I was worried about the heat and walking but it wasn't bad. I also ate at Sharks underwater grill that was a great time. It made the day even more special. We actually plan on coming back again we liked it that much.

Teri T — Google review

4.4

(102374)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (95)

4.5

(34035)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (96)

7007 Sea World Dr, Orlando, FL 32821, USA

(407) 545-5550

13

Magic Kingdom Park

40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (97)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (98)

40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (99)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (100)

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Theme park

Water & Amusement Parks

Disney Parks & Activities

The Magic Kingdom is a renowned theme park within WDW, consisting of six themed lands that include rides, parades and costumed characters. It's known for its iconic Cinderella Castle, as well as popular attractions like Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean. The park offers nightly fireworks displays that illuminate the castle and Main Street USA. Geared toward young children and their families, the Magic Kingdom provides an immersive Disney experience with a focus on storytelling and mythology.

An absolute must visit for adults and kids big enough to walk on their own.We started on Epcot and moved to Magic Kingdom (two grown adults) we spent over 10 hours in a single day between the two and didn’t even get to see half of magic kingdom (we did no rides just sight seeing and food stops)If you have kids start at magic Kingdom and plan no less then one full day, several if you have the time. As two adults in Epcot eating/drinks as we got hungry or thirsty and without any concern for cost we spent about $300 above the cost of parking and entry tickets. (Adult beverages and two “meals”).A final note, if you go absolutely plan to stay for the firework show. Video and photo do no justice to the visual or audio quality of the display. LED lights in the trees are synced to the projector lights and are synced to the street lights, synced to the projectors on the castle, synced to the choreographed fireworks. All of that on top of an absolutely mind blowing audio set up that resonates from what I imagine is hundreds or thousands of speakers throughout the park. To top it all off you may even see Tinker Belly fly from the castle off into the distance. (Best use of a zip line and LED outfit I have ever seen)Plan ahead so budget isn’t a concern and just plan to enjoy yourself. Bring sunscreen and stay hydrated. (A hat or umbrella to block to sun would go a long way to increase your sunshine stamina).

Daniel R — Google review

We had a great time here with the kids. This was our first visit to a Disney park since we were kids ourselves so there was a lot that we didn’t know.First off, the parades and shows throughout the day are incredibly well orchestrated and the kids loved it. There’s always something to see which is nice.We didn’t go for the photo pass which turned out to be a good choice because all the photos they took of us sucked. We did however buy the genie+ pass that allowed us to book rides ahead of time. If you’re going for only a single day definitely get this to optimize your time.The rides are a little more dated feeling than at Animal Kingdom but the kids didn’t notice.This is the most important thing to know heading in…EVERYTHING COSTS A FORTUNE.Here’s what you should consider bringing with you or buying elsewhere and the Disney prices for each.Portable fans ($30ea)Poncho ($10ea)Water ($3.50ea)Minnie ears ($30ea)Lunch ($15-30ea)Lots and lots of snacks.Have fun :)

Mike G — Google review

They say this is the happiest place on earth... and I fully agree with them!! I have never been happier in my life! All the cast members were super friendly and helpful when I needed them! The characters were all great, sweet and so amazing! All the food here is divine and not to badly priced for a theme park. The rides and attractions are fun and you don't always wait to long, but if it is a long line then they have covered walkways and fans! You can ask almost any guest service or food place for free water if you can't find one of their water fountains. The stores are beautiful and well stocked with a lot of merchandise! I am already planning my next trip! It is well worth it!!

Kyojuro R — Google review

Great park in particular for families. You can ride almost everything with kids older than 5. Only Tron might be something for older kids. But it is also a hell of a ride, highly recommended. Stay of possible until the end, the fireworks are really impressive.

Michael W — Google review

Out of all the parks, this is the one where the cast members and rides feel the most magical. I really enjoy how the parks are back to their old vibe and the cast members truly add to the experience, unlike when they were staffing the park with only college program due to the pandemic. I also noticed that this park is the only one that balances the ratio between lightning lane and Standby Lane when feeding a queue to an attraction. This makes the wait time to be more accurate, if not faster than what's displayed. We attended the Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and it was worth every penny. Had tons of fun.

Carlos A — Google review

One of the classic parks! Disney parks always deliver.Tron was an amazing ride. Highly recommend it. Really cool structure and recreation of the Tron aesthetic, the weird position you’re in makes for a different and interesting roller coaster experience, and the parts where you go outside was cool.The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train was good too. Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain are always fun. The Space Mountain here is one person per row unlike the one in Tokyo Disneyland which is 2 ppl per row.We also went for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party where you could be at the park until midnight, get free cookies and hot chocolates at a bunch of places, see a bunch of shows and parades, and interact with cast wandering around. The projection mapping on Cinderella’s Castle was fun and spectacular. Christmas vibes were super cute. Space Mountain had Christmas lighting on l and it was cool to see the inside for the first time.

Yuri Y — Google review

i had so much fun! this is my third time here, and every time it never ceases to amaze me. spacious, and lots of fun rides for everyone. lines got sort of long (especially weird for a weekday), so we got the genie + passes, which let us ride many rides and even the bigger ones we rode multiple times. you have to join a line queue for the tron ride- it’s so cool!

Ryelie C — Google review

Incredible place to take the kids. There is a lot to see in this park from rides to attractions. Many options to meet the characters which was a lot of fun. The Magic Kingdom's Starbucks took 45 minutes to get our order; that was a bummer. Magic Kingdom had the most amazing fireworks I have ever seen; they were amazing. Great place to visit with the family just remember to have patience while walking the park.

Sarah C — Google review

Magic isn't only for your children. Adults can live the fairytale too!I proposed to my wife here! We took the back stage tour, we have been on every ride, but we keep finding new things to do and ways to experience the magic!The food isn't healthy, but it is feel good food.A fun way to spend time with friends or family. A great way to make some core memories!Also, the call them fireworks for a reason... 🔥

Sam M — Google review

This is truly a magical place for kids and adults. We spent a day here and had a great time. If you stay at any Disney resort, you can enter the park 30 minutes earlier than the general admission. Download the Disney app to help plan your day at the park.

Kenneth H — Google review

Disney Magic Kingdom is an iconic slice of Americana, offering a magical experience with its themed areas, diverse rides, and various cuisines. Most attractions are geared toward younger kids, with notable exceptions like Space Mountain and TRON for thrill-seekers. The Line Genie service is a huge time-saver, allowing you to experience far more attractions than you would without it. Some rides, like TRON, are not possible to access without it.The park offers three different experiences based on the time of day. Mornings are rushed and ordered, with visitors hurrying to do as much as possible. Afternoons are hot and humid but more subdued. My favorite time is the evening when the lights come up, and everything slows down, creating a more relaxed atmosphere.For the best view of the fireworks, head to the side of the castle where the Walt and Mickey statue is located, near the main entrance. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to secure a good spot. The area will be quite crowded during and after the show, but it is worth it for the spectacular display.Classic attractions like "It's a Small World" and the Haunted Mansion are still running and dripping with nostalgia. There are plenty of places to get food and snacks throughout the park. I highly recommend trying the Dole Whip if you like pineapple. Note that several sit-down restaurants require reservations that must be booked well in advance.Overall, Disney Magic Kingdom lives up to its name and the hype. Plan ahead, use the Line Genie, and enjoy the enchanting experience.

Kevin H — Google review

We visited the park first during the "After hours" on Monday and then again during regular time on Friday. We could sit in many rides without queue in After hours.So I would suggest if possible, book after hours. You are only going to miss a few rides. We could ride Tron also.During regular hours, there were a lot of people. But the crowd management was excellent. The average waiting time was around 15 minutes. Download the My Disney experience app. It is very useful.Also during regular days, you have to book slot for "Tron" through the app.The fireworks was amazing.Overall a lifetime experience for all.

Vaibhavkumar R — Google review

Great experience to have with family and friends. Best place to take if you have kids but I went with adults and we had a lot of fun. Prepare for long lines and a lot of walking but the parades were amazing, and the castle was magnificent. 9pm showcased the fireworks and that was pretty cool. Definitely recommend!

Andy M — Google review

Visited as 3 adults for the opening Mickey's not no scary Halloween party. Having travelled from the UK and not doing the Disney parks this year it wasn't to be missed for a first time experience. Last visit was 7 years ago and it didn't disappoint.Arrived at 4pm, you don't have to make a reservation for special events and rode Haunted mansion, Splash mountain, Big thunder mountain and pirate's of the Caribbean with little to no queue. The event start at 7pm and managed to ride space mountain in the dark and the tea cups with a spooky theme.The check up points for candy were everywhere and you collected tokens to exchange for allergies.Enjoyed the magic of walking down Main Street and soaking the atmosphere all in. Whilst most of the shops were shut to prepare for the event still managed to get some goodies.As for a day in the it's perfect for little ones, adults or those with any additional needs. Plenty to do for all.The event queue for merchandise was hectic so I recommend waiting until later on in the evening if you wish to purchase anything.Don't forget to collect your free print on the way out and if it rains the parade or show may be delayed (which is what we experienced) but wait for it! It's worth it 😊 characters are about in costumes but be prepared to wait for over an hour for some. Elvis stitch, Winnie the Pooh and friends were especially popular. Jack and Sally are in the main theatre and they tend to be the busiest due to the event.

Cara H — Google review

Despite a downpour that push the fireworks until 22:00 the “Happily Ever After” show was amazing. The day was enjoyable with the family despite the 95 deg F temperatures. The highlight would have to be TRON. The night ride in the front seat was outstanding! It was a unique coaster experience on the light cycle.

Jason B — Google review

"Most magical place on earth," still remains true. The entire day was hot & the lines were long at times, but we had a blast at this theme park! We were a bit lucky with the weather because it rained; however, it was still humid it's Florida. Still, there are plenty of air conditioned places for a cool off, water, & other needed supplies. In our opinion, you will not need a lightening lane pass. Those lines were long too & even though some rides said 45/75 minutes on the myDisney app, we never waited longer than 45 minutes. The entire kingdom is clean, staff are always in character, variety of options to shop & eat, & an overall great family experience. Stay for the fireworks show. Place yourselves close to the monorail to see them - thank me later :)

Dr. L — Google review

Magic Kingdom is a realm of pure magic and wonder, where dreams come to life and the heart is forever young. Stepping into this enchanting kingdom is like entering a storybook brought to life.The iconic Cinderella Castle stands tall, radiating a sense of awe and anticipation that sets the stage for an unforgettable experience. The attention to detail in every corner of the park is nothing short of extraordinary, creating a world that feels both familiar and utterly fantastical.The attractions are a symphony of thrills and imagination, catering to guests of all ages. From the nostalgic charm of classics like "it's a small world" to the heart-pounding excitement of Space Mountain, every ride promises an adventure that lingers in your memory.The parades and fireworks displays are a spectacle of artistry and emotion, leaving guests with a sense of wonder and awe. The dedication and talent of the performers are evident in every dance step and soaring note.The staff at Magic Kingdom are the true heart and soul of the park. Their boundless energy, friendliness, and genuine passion for creating magical moments elevate the experience to a level beyond compare. They're the real-life fairy godmothers and wizards, ensuring that every guest feels like royalty.Magic Kingdom is not just a theme park; it's a place where joy knows no bounds, and every corner is infused with the spirit of dreams. Whether you're reliving cherished memories or creating new ones, a day at Magic Kingdom is a day well spent. I can't recommend it highly enough, and I'm already counting down the days until my next visit to this land of enchantment!

Joe T — Google review

It is a huge, very beautiful park with a giant castle as its main attraction. There are some roller coasters and many ways to be entertained. The food is very good and the fireworks show at night is the best thing in the world and a unique experience. You You need to visit it someday, period, because just as the name says, it brings a unique experience for you and all the visitors there. You can also take a photo with several characters that you love.

Vini C — Google review

Magic Kingdom was amazing for where my kiddos are at the rides, and attractions were great. I've heard it is a bit less enjoyable for the older kids as the majority of the park is geared for a younger audience other than Tomorrow Land. Which I can see, however, it is still such a great place to visit and see the location. We loved every minute.

David B — Google review

It's always a magical place. A most see with the family. The experience is amazing. ThePrice is starting to become a factor. 200 a day per person to wait on long lines and hopefully enjoy 3 rides during your day is definitely something that needs to be addressed. Also, charging for geni and only being able to choose one t8me slot at a time instead of being free and choosing 3 at a time definitely does not help.

Frankie C — Google review

The absolute best park in all of Disney! So many iconic rides and things to see. Recently came here for the Christmas party for the first time and it was amazing! The park really lights up and you get the real Christmas feel. Love when it snows it’s unlike anything you’ve seen and a must see!

Christopher C — Google review

We loved it! It definitely brought out the kitten all of us!It's been roughly 20 years since I've been, but it was wonderful to go and show the experience, experienced it as a child and then again as an adult. It was good to see you that some of the stable rides were still standing. It was hard to get on trying no matter what we did. Mountain was awesome! Magic Mountain never disappoints. I would definitely have to take the baby on the teacups and small worlds for good measure. The lines were ridiculous so the genie plus service definitely helped them in some situations but not on all the rides.It's a dry park though, so be forewarned, it's not like the other parks in that regard.King was pretty easy. Just remember where you parked. You can save that in app or on your phone and remember how to get to your tram section.

Moochie M — Google review

Truly one of the best theme parks in the world. A must do for anyone who has the chance to do so!From classic Rides from your favourite Disney movies to new attractions and new takes on old classics. Get your fill of all your Favourite treats like PopCorn, Mickey ice Cream bars and Dole Whips! Meet your favourite Disney characters like Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy. And of course the all too magical fire works at the end of the Day.Ensure you download the Disney world app. It allows you to buy tickets and make reservations. It also gives you a full map of the park and See wait times for rides and see where your favourite Disney characters are in the Park. Through the app you can purchase Disney genie + or the new lighting lane program that allows to you skip the standby lines in most rides.To make the most of your visit, Do your research before going. Watch YouTube videos on “how to Disney World”And remember Disney World is in Orlando Florida. Disney Land is in California. People still make mistakes when purchasing tickets or making reservations.

David R — Google review

The Magic Kingdom Park was a great way to start our vacation. There were so many attractions that appealed to both kids and adults alike. The park catered to all people. It was wheelchair accessible and provided scooters to those who needed assistance getting around. The parade was fun and the amenities were plenty. The park was clean and neat and left me feeling satisfied at the end of the day.

Michael M — Google review

This was our first time taking out toddlers to Disney. I love the fact that we were able to bring in our own snacks and drinks in our travel cooler. It wasn't that crowded and the Disney Genie Plus Lightning Lanes help cut down our wait for some ridesnot the popular ones though. I would definitely suggest getting familiar with the app prior to your trip. Make sure to also bring an extra charging pack for your cell phone because you will be using it all day for the app. We only had to order lunch once since we came prepared with our own snacks. The rides we were able to get on with our toddlers were pretty good and they enjoyed them. We loved the shows and parades throughout the day. I am glad we did not get the photo pass and would not suggest getting one. Almost every picture they took of us was awful. You will be better off taking your own photos. Our best photos were taken when we offered other families to take photos of them and then they take one of us. My toddlers had a great time and all in all we enjoyed our time here and will definitely be coming back.

Chelle D — Google review

Simply W O WI was here with my wife and our little daughter, having been here once before as a couple a few years ago.An absolute experience for which a single day is hardly enough. There is so much to see here. Starting with rides to different parades, countless restaurants, shows, etc.Simply breathtaking.However, the truth is that the park is not only incredibly large but also incredibly expensive! The Preferred Parking alone costs $50. So we have spent for the one day including tickets & food a total of more than $ 500 - our little daughter had to pay no entrance fee.However, the glow in the children's eyes was absolutely worth it!To see as much as possible, I can only recommend to activate the Genie+ service in advance. It makes planning your day a lot easier.The absolute highlight of the day was definitely the Meet&Greet with Mickey&Mini.

Johannes — Google review

This is the classic Disney park. From the moment you enter and walk down Main Street there is a different feel than any other park. There are endless great snack and food options all over the park and cast members that are present to make your day magical. The mix of old classic rides with newer technology rides like tron is great. The shows are outstanding and the evening show happily ever after is one of the best there is.

Jj P — Google review

Magic Kingdom truly is the most magical place on earth. From the attention to detail throughout the park, right down to the cast members - it’s a wonderful experience.There are lots of food/drink options throughout the park. Some restaurants will take reservations - save yourself a wait and make one in advance if there’s a particular time/place you’d like to dine.Crowds are generally large, however manageable. If you’re not big on waiting in line, I would recommend the Lightning Lane pass (Genie+) and you’ll be able to pack in more and not waste your day in queue.Disney is expensive and that’s a fact. You can bring snacks and empty bottles in and refill with water inside the park to help cut costs. Merchandise prices can vary. Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking.Overall, wonderful experience for the first time or the fifth time.

Christina M — Google review

Taking the kids to Magic Kingdom for their first time was definitely a wonderful experience. He all had a great time, enjoyed most of the shows, and literally spent the whole day at the park. At night, it was beautiful to see the castle light up. Everybody was waiting for it to light up, and when it finally happened, the crowd went crazy specially the kids, like they couldn't believe what they were seeing. I would definitely go again soon and also visit the other parks as well. But overall, Animal Kingdom is my favorite Disney park!!!

Naty R — Google review

The magic kingdom park is really magical. The whole park transforms into a virtual reality where you are in Sindbad at one point and in princess world at other. There is something for everyone ; The various thrill level rides, fireworks, parade, meet and greet, the ferry/train ride to enter the park, food, decor!The wait times during holidays are high and may be there is a way to better manage the lines. The app offers interactive games to engage while waiting your turn, but some other interactive acts in the waiting room would be ideal. The park was open until mid-night during the Christmas break so in all we managed to avail much more than we anticipated.Much better than the Animal kingdom. If contemplating where to go first then this is it.The genie plus pass for fast lanes is definitely worth it and pretty reasonable at $30 per person.The park requires physical ID unless the tickets are added to the wallet. Plan accordingly. Ample restaurants and souvenir shops for each attraction.Recommend Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion amongst others.P.S. They do not have the laser show like Disneyland at LA.

Ruchita A — Google review

My daughter and I went for a weekend getaway. We had a blast. All the cast members were very helpful. The weather was beautiful. We are exhausted from having too much fun. We rode every single ride. We had a truly magical time. See ya again real soon, Disney.

Gessica E — Google review

Magical indeed! The park did not disappoint. Although, I do wish we could have enjoyed more rides. But the lines got so long it was impossible for us to wait for hours with two little ones who have very little patience. We spent literally all day there and enjoyed as much as we could.

Eve N — Google review

Magical place for firework!20 + years ago we came to Magic kingdom with toddlers and babies. Now we come back with grown kids and it’s totally different experience.Lots of fun, but it is way too crowded.Some rides were still the same (it’s the small world and few other rides). We enjoyed 7 dwarfs, space mountain and big Thunder mountain rides.The parade was fun to watch and brought us all the memories we had with family.Even after the firework, the park was still crowded so we went on few more rides and left the park after 10 pm. Definitely a magical park that’s worth going to, even with crowds.

Amy K — Google review

No matter how busy the parks were, no matter how hot the temperature was, this park was extremely well-maintained and especially clean! My family and I hadn't been to Disney since 2015, and we had the best time! The entire park smelled nice, everything was run efficiently and cleanly. Since we only had one day, we went to Disney World Magic Kingdom, and Epcot. We chose a few rides to go to, and we loved it! Next time we go, it should be for a few days so we could enjoy it more!

Jessica B — Google review

Fantastic day. Tron was incredible. Do not miss this ride. It blew my mind. Book in the virtual queue as soon as it is open. We also bought a multi pass and used the lightning lanes. So worth the money. We used the Disney app to book rides and organise our day. We were there for 12 hours and still didn't get to see and do everything. Arrive when the park opens. Saved so much time with the lightning pass. The usual type of food for a theme park. We ate in a restaurant there and bought snacks and drinks. I recommend that you take extra snacks because it is a long day and can become expensive. There are water fountains everywhere. We took empty plastic cups to fill up and avoid carrying water bottles. Worked well.

Charlotte W — Google review

Going to Disney “magic kingdom” it healed my inner child- however the crowds were horrible, staff were very rude, and food was nasty and overpriced. But for a person like me - I did love the experience- watching the parades and seeing the show at 8:30 was great 😊- everything else pretty mediocre- I still however plan to go to other Disney parks- no need to visit this one for a second time.

Lashondp — Google review

Truly the most Magical place on Earth. My four year old was in shock from the moment she saw the castle. We loved every single second of our trip. Will definitely be back. Buy tickets in advance

Tai S — Google review

The Magic Kingdom is definitely the Happiest place on Earth. No matter which one you visit, here or in another country, the park staff are nice and helpful. The prices are a little high for stuff but you can find things that are priced reasonably. If you are having a birthday some food vendors will give you special birthday gifts, things from a birthday cupcake to stickers. They are perfect for the child in you. The food options are great, whether you are a meat eater or vegetarian or vegan, they have excellent options for everyone. Some lines do fill up fast some ride the least popular rides first then go to the more popular ones later in the day. Shaded areas are available around the parks and are a welcome spot to sit or stand while you're waiting for someone to get off a ride. No matter how old or how young you will find adventures around every bend.

Dana P — Google review

I have been going to the Magic Kingdom since I was a kid, first time was 1977.It’s always been a magical place to get away from the real world.Even though the last ten years or so Disney has changed and their reputation has dropped quite a bit, I still love this park.The rides, restaurants, and just the feeling of walking down Main Street USA and seeing the castle even today makes me smile.Always great to get away!

Scott J — Google review

I recently visited Disney's Magic Kingdom with my family, and it was an absolutely enchanting experience. From the moment you walk through the gates, you are immersed in a world of wonder and joy. The attention to detail in the park's design is incredible, making you feel like you've stepped into a fairytale.The attractions are top-notch, catering to both young and old. Whether you're soaring through the skies on Space Mountain, taking a whimsical ride on It's a Small World, or experiencing the classic charm of the Haunted Mansion, there's something for everyone. The parades and shows are spectacular, with vibrant costumes, catchy music, and your favorite Disney characters coming to life.The food options are diverse and delicious, ranging from quick snacks to sit-down meals. I highly recommend trying some of the iconic treats like Dole Whip or Mickey-shaped pretzels. The staff is always friendly and helpful, ensuring you have a magical day.One of the highlights is the nightly fireworks display, which is nothing short of breathtaking. Watching the sky light up over Cinderella's Castle is a moment that will stay with you long after you leave the park.Overall, Disney's Magic Kingdom offers an unforgettable experience filled with joy, excitement, and a touch of magic. Whether you're visiting with family, friends, or even on your own, it's a place where dreams come true and memories are made. I can't wait to visit again!

Q H — Google review

Not my favorite park but it's still a fun place that I like visiting just because of the rides, food and the castle!Pro tip: Stay hydrated and cool during the very hot days. The FL heat sucks. Make sure to take some mini fans to keep yourself cool since there will be times that you have to wait in line for a very long time. Also, try not to bring a lot of things to carry (if possible). Just bring the essentials if you can. This park can get packed and it should be a good idea to feel comfortable during these times.

Maritoni O — Google review

Incredible... love to come to disney every single time. Don't expect thrill rides, expect quality and a fabulous family experience. The food, the fireworks and iconic views of the castle... its all amazing. The cast members are amazingly kind and helpful. Build memories and come to the parks. It's not cheap is the downfall.... bring your own water bottle for drinks to fill, bring your own poncho for the Florida rain. Recommend to stay on property, many locations and budgets to select from.

Anita E — Google review

We had a blast, we went to eat at the Crystal Palace and saw Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, and Tigger. The price for Park Hopper was reasonable. We stayed and watched the fireworks and it was awesome to watch. We rode on just about every roller coaster that they had, and the wait times to get onto the rides were reasonable. We also went to Disney Hollywood Studios and we had a blast there as well. Even the wait times for the rides there were reasonable. I would highly recommend Disney World to anyone who comes to visit for a vacation to go there.

Tina R — Google review

The park is beautiful and fun. There are a lot of rides and character encounters.I recommend going in early to have the most amount of time to enjoy the attractions.It is stressful to plan to go to this park because you need to have everything planned by the minute to get your money worth. The price is high and they charge for parking as well.

Steven Z — Google review

A truly magical place for the young and old. This is our second visit after many years and it's still fun. More rides, parades and character meets than shows at this park. It can get hot when waiting in the queue, so keep water handy. Use the App to see the current waiting times, ordering food and paying for goods. The Lightning Pass was costly, so I did not our purchase it. The fireworks are worth staying around for.

William L — Google review

The park is exceptionally beautiful, offering an awe-inspiring experience for visitors. It is truly an incredible destination to explore. Despite its vast size, it stands as the most frequented park within Disney, resulting in bustling crowds and lively activity. However, the park's expansive array of activities and attractions effectively accommodate this influx of visitors. While there may be slightly longer queues in some certain areas and at certain times, they do little to detract from the overall enjoyment of the experience.The park's attractions are remarkably entertaining, catering to a wide range of interests and preferences. While it may be particularly appealing to children, adults are also sure to find plenty of excitement and enjoyment throughout. The nightly show is a highlight not to be missed, featuring captivating performances and stunning visual effects. It's worth the wait to witness its splendor.Like other Disney destinations, the park maintains its facilities to the highest standards, ensuring that restrooms are consistently clean and readily available throughout. Additionally, there is a plethora of dining options to satisfy any craving, along with a variety of beverage choices to complement the experience.With its unparalleled beauty, diverse attractions, top-notch amenities, and vibrant atmosphere, the park promises an unforgettable adventure for visitors of all ages, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking magical memories at Disney.

Leonardo N — Google review

Our visit to Magic Kingdom in Orlando was absolutely magical! From the moment we entered the park, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and wonder. The attractions were incredible, with something for everyone to enjoy, from thrilling rides to enchanting shows. The staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful, making the experience even more special. The parades and fireworks were breathtaking and truly captured the essence of Disney magic. Every detail, from the cleanliness of the park to the quality of the food, was top-notch. Magic Kingdom is a must-visit for families and Disney fans alike!

EL_CABE — Google review

We had a magical experience from the enter to exit doors. Superb atmosphere, vibes, attractions; shows and rides, characters, entertainment, facilities, services, and restaurants.The entire family will enjoy every single moment.At the end of the magical journey, it is the fireworks and lovely nighttime spectaculars - at 9:20 PM, the astounding fireworks, extravaganza featuring lights, lasers and amazing special effects would conclude your memorable day.

Raed A — Google review

Like other Disneyland park, it is filled with fun and joy for kids and adults. They have strollers and wheelchair rental for those who need it.Majority of cast members are amazing. Of course there will be some who could do better.They have special nights and such, so ensure to check on the app for special hours. Genie + is a must in my opinion. It is a bit pricier, but hey… it really helped in saving time!Food options are most American and quality is meh, but oh well. It’s a grab and go type of thing. Some of their sit down restaurants are great - Cinderella Royal’s Table, Be our Guest etc.

Ming — Google review

Had an excellent time. The lightning pass is huge, and use it wisely. They have water everywhere for the hot days yo buy and drink. Everyone there is helpful and kind to you. The last time I was there was nearly 40 years ago. Things changed a bit lol. If you can watch the fire works at night. Amazing they can pull that off every night.

JJ C — Google review

Amazing! Keeps getting better every year. We went last July and was just incredible. The fireworks at the end of the night are a must see! This park really does make you feel like a big kid. Booked up again for 2025 and cannot wait to see my partners reaction to the castle!! 10/10

Daniel E — Google review

Park was breathtaking. Very surreal. I found a few cons with this park. I found a lot of the employees rude towards people which I don’t know why. Secondly it’s a long walk in between things to do so you can’t do everything in the park in one day as it’s extremely busy. Other than that the park is incredible. Disney does a great job with the whole surreal experience. Would be a 5 star for me but some of the workers shouldn’t be working there especially in a kid environment

Robert F — Google review

Perfect weather and ride times were well managed by the teenagers who used the app to find optimal choices based on wait times.The Tron virtual queue needs to be tightened up. Once it was our turn, we still waited 70 minutes to board. Great ride, though

Bob M — Google review

Magic Kingdom is, well, magical. Lots of characters to meet, lots of rides. The fireworks show is amazing, don't miss it if you only have 1 day at the park! The cast members, all the ones I've met have been extremely kind and helpful.Genie+ is more useful here than any other park due to the sheer number of rides available. We love coming back again and again!

Danielle O — Google review

Our visit to Disney's Magic Kingdom in Florida was absolutely fantastic. After carefully reading reviews, we decided to purchase a 4-day pass and allocate one day to each park, and it turned out to be an excellent choice. Being prepared for a day at Disney means being ready to walk several miles, so comfortable shoes are essential. It's also wise to bring your own water and snacks, as the prices inside the park can be quite steep. Magic Kingdom is predominantly geared towards young kids, making it perfect for families with little ones. The Lightning Lane pass was a great help in managing our time and avoiding long queues, although not all attractions were covered. The highlight of our day was undoubtedly the captivating parade and the mesmerizing fireworks show, which were truly magical and well worth the wait. Additionally, we thoroughly enjoyed the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train ride, Tiana's Bayou Adventure, and meeting numerous beloved characters. It was an enchanting and unforgettable family experience, which was the primary purpose of our trip.

Adele O — Google review

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Walt Disney World® Resort

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Amusement park

Water & Amusement Parks

Walt Disney World® Resort is a renowned destination that includes expansive resorts, dining options, shops, and four theme parks featuring various rides and shows. The Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World stands out as Central Florida's sole AAA five-diamond resort, offering top-notch amenities from one of the world's leading luxury hotel brands.

Disney is always a beautiful destination but I have some recommendations. My first recommendation is, if you don’t like waiting in long lines buy the lightning pass. Also if you’re a thrill seeker there may be a couple rides for you but they’re mostly shows. Wear comfortable shoes and loose clothing because it will be hot and it’s a big park so there will be a lot of walking involved. Stay hydrated, bring a backpack so you don’t have to carry anything by hand. Lastly but most importantly have fun. All in all it is an experience so enjoy it.

Zelekah N — Google review

I have visited several times Disney World before the pandemic and really enjoyed it. Very Beautiful and lot of activities for Kids and Adults as well. Our recent visit was a little disappointment . We went there last spring break and the park was very busy. It took a long time to get into any rides or activities unless you pay more for the fast lane. Also 2 week’s before the spring break all the parks except EPCOT were fully booked. We’re lucky we’re still able to Book EPCOT because on the start of spring break all the parks were fully booked. Also you need to get a park reservation in advance in addition to your pass tickets to enter the park. And it cost $25 to park your car inside the park. I advise that you install the My Disney application to help you navigate the park. The application gives you update in real time how Long the wait for each rides in the park as well as schedule times of each activities in the park. You can also use the application to buy tickets and park reservation .The fireworks at EPCOT was amazing. Overall still a good place to visit probably better if you go there on off season..

Manny A — Google review

It is a lot of walking and not for the weak. Take your water bottles to refill to save on spending.Overall we had a GREAT time. There are Lightning Lanes available to get on rides faster that cost $20 (like a fast pass). First day was Hollywood Studios then last half of the day Animal Kingdom. Day 2 we went to Magic Kingdom and it's so spread out we did not make it to Epcot. I recommend the Magic Bands because you can basically use it like a pay app on your wrist. We lived it up and used the Magic Bands and charged everything to the room. We liked the Monorail system and took the Ferry Boat back to parking.

Pardeep K — Google review

Oh my gosh this place is nuts. So many fun things to do. The rides, the food, the merchandise. Everything here is so fun and just a great experience. The first recommendation i have is the Magic Kingdom Park, this place is literally magical just like the name says. The next stop is Disneys Animal Kingdom Theme park. And also check out the Epcot Presentation because that is some really cool stuff they’re gonna be doing with the Epcot center

Jordan J — Google review

Disney does a great job at keeping the guest happy. It is the happiest place on earth. The rides are fun, and the shows are great. If you can make it, I'd recommend going at least once. It's my favorite amusement park that I ride the majority of the rides. Bring good shoes and rain gear. It rains a lot in Florida.

Donna M — Google review

Disney World is the pinnacle of family entertainment. There's something for everyone. Every detail is carefully selected. Live music is phenomenal. Food choices galore. We ate lunch in Morocco Pavillion--Outstanding!Buyer beware! Disney is spectacular but exceptionally expensive.

Traveling O — Google review

We got to visit WDW, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure for a recent family Vacation. While our single-day Disney Park visit itself was pricey, incredibly packed, and loosely planned, the park itself was fun. Was fortunate to ride Space Mountain but sadly the fast passes did not quality for most rides we wanted to go on, plus having been sold out for a week beyond even our date of visit.Food was very expensive, but tasty. The Magic Kingdom Parade was really awesome to see as well as the evening castle stage show. Other family members also enjoyed the rides they went on.If you really want to see and do everything at even just the Magic Kingdom, be sure to spend extra for Fast Passes far in advance; otherwise be prepared to wait a bit in line as expected. Even then, with how busy it was, multiple days might be considered to ride everything.The Genie App, while useful, does also have a hamburger menu to show the full list of shops, restaurants, etc., while using it. Also, keep in mind nearly every boutique focuses on take-out ordering so you'll want to make sure you get orders in at least 45 minutes in advance if not more if you're planning meal times - there are to-order lines of course, but you might wait awhile as both on-premises and to-go orders are being processed. It worked well enough - just not the most ideal method for handling crowds in the tens of thousands or more.Overall, still a fun time. Still magical. Not quite the same as being there when young but still had a good time.

Doug F — Google review

The most magical place in the world. Have the best time here, staff were very friendly. The rides were really fun but you do have to wait quite a bit for them which is understandable. Meeting the Disney characters was a wonderful experience. The whole atmosphere is very nice but be prepared to walk a lot. Overall it’s a great place, 10/10 would recommend

Gabrielle P — Google review

We stayed at the Coronado Springs Resort. Father’s Day and our 9 year anniversary and we celebrated in style. It is a lot of walking and not for the weak. Take your water bottles to refill to save on spending. Overall we had a GREAT time. There are Lightning Lanes available to get on rides faster that cost $20 (like a fast pass). First day was Hollywood Studios then last half of the day Animal Kingdom. Day 2 we went to Magic Kingdom and it’s so spread out we did not make it to Epcot. I recommend the Magic Bands because you can basically use it like a pay app on your wrist. We lived it up and used the Magic Bands and charged everything to the room. We liked the Monorail system and took the Ferry Boat back to parking.

Rachael C — Google review

Beautiful resorts. We stayed at the Dolphin for a few days and then transferred to Animal Kingdom Lodge for the rest of our stay. Loved them both. We also spent time visiting the other resorts. Each were unique and offered something different. There are several free modes of transportation as well. Boat, monorail, skyliner, and buses that can take you to each of them.

Christine A — Google review

Absolutely thrilled to share my enchanting experience at Disney’s Magic Kingdom! From the moment I stepped into the magical realm, I was whisked away into a world of pure delight. The attention to detail in every corner of the park is truly astounding; it's as if fairy tales came to life! The heartwarming character encounters left me feeling like a kid again, and the exhilarating rides were a true adrenaline rush. But what truly set this trip apart was the impeccable service – from cheerful cast members to the meticulously clean and organized attractions. Every moment was like stepping into a dream. Disney managed to capture the essence of joy and wonder and transformed it into an unforgettable reality. This trip was nothing short of a spellbinding journey, and I'm already counting down the days until I can experience the magic all over again!

Lynn M — Google review

THE HALCYON IS THE GREATEST DISNEY EXPERIENCE OF ALL. I was a guest on the Halcyon. Hands down the single greatest Disney experience we have ever had. Worlds above any other. We wanted to book another Halcyon cruise immediately but found out they were closing. A huge loss. So many of our friends had not heard of the Halcyon and would have liked to go after hearing of our experience and seeing our photos. The cast was excellent. Every member of the crew was cheerful, attentive and helpful. The rooms were spectacular. The food wonderful.

Kaijugal K — Google review

We absolutely loved it here for our first time the staff and characters were all nice and friendly my son got to meet Cinderella and the actress was so patient with him and extremely kind knowing he had autism….I’m still gonna 5 stars my only complaints was every including food and drinks are crazy expensive my hubby bought to regular size soft drinks andIt cost him near $10 for just 2 sodas….. my other complaint would be the guest services didn’t give me the correct information

Ashley S — Google review

Amazing! The pictures do not do justice to how much detail and effort goes into these parks! Always clean, staff is easy to find for questions and transportation between parks is super easy! Had a blast at 4 of the Disney parks!

Tommy B — Google review

Disney World is a favorite vacation spot, it is such an incredible experience! You absolutely get what you put into it. There are crowds so remember to pack your patience and to dress comfortably, and definitely consider buying the Lightning Lane passes, it can help streamline the day a bit.

Mary W — Google review

Absolutely enjoyed every second spent here. Who said Disney’s not for adults, I could tell you, it sure is. Awesome spots for food with various choices and a lot of places to choose from to shop. From was one of my favorite rides.

Omer S — Google review

Wow. Just wait. We absolutely loved our visits to Magic Kingdom. It truly is the most magical place on Earth. The staff are very friendly. It's kept very clean. Prices are typical of the type of theme park. The selection of rides is very good. I'd recommend the Barnstormer. It's very good for those that meet the height restrictions. We cannot wait to come back again.

Steve H — Google review

I recommend going prepared to walk and remember to drink plenty of water. Everything is very magical and beautiful. The food is not tasty and total fast food!!so don't think you're going to eat well.The parade at night is worth staying to see the end of the fireworks but I advise you to leave 10 minutes before it ends because the queues to get out of the island get huge.

Nara M — Google review

Walt Disney World Resort is comprised of multiple theme parks, each with separate entry costs. I truly believe that everyone - from all around the world - should visit each park at least once to experience the magic that has been created there. Multi-day and multi-park tickets offer incredible savings for multiple visits, so definitely plan your trip.

Joshua ( — Google review

It is one of the best places in the world! Am so in love with the multiple parks and the ease of hotel access between the parks with shuttles. Great packages and heaps of fun. Have always loved being a pass holder, and the water parks are an added bonus.

Brielle J — Google review

The rides and atmosphere is fabulous. Food at quick service is too repetitive. Very few gluten free choices in quick serve. Chefs are great trying to help. Dislike seeing Starbucks and other chains within the park. Please consider Colonial period correct clothing. Dresses were wrinkled and ill fitted. Disney should represent the USA in a more dignified manner. Landscaping is very nice, too.

Ames — Google review

Our family has loved Disney World through the years. As the kids have grown up we have found new ways to enjoy the parks. On our last trip we stayed at the newly renovated Grand Floridian. Excellent vibe. Nice to have options to getting into the parks: boat, monorail, bus, and walking. Well worth the extra expense of staying at a nearby Disney property.

Sunset S — Google review

Went in 2021.It's definitely worth it for kids.Make sure to go when the ☁️ is nice. It started to rain halfway during the day, and kind of slowed everything down. But, the views of all of the structures are fantastic.Purchase tickets ahead of time.Rides are mostly for kids.Make sure to take the ferry ⛴️ to arrive at the theme park.It's free and a better experience.

Juned A — Google review

Disney, magical encounters with beloved Disney characters and special seasonal events. (Please note that character encounters and seasonal events are subject to change or cancellation.) And starting in April 2023, this will be where Walt Disney World's latest attraction takes place.Knowing the behind-the-scenes and close-up experience of the other part of the reality of this place, we can be aware of things that go beyond our natural perceptions and understanding. It's really magical! Disney's reception is AMAZING.I can experience one of the most incredible and memorable experiences in my life.Knowing behind the scenes and experiencing up close to the other part of the reality of this place, we can be aware of things that go beyond our natural perception and understanding. It's really magical! Disney's reception is AMAZING.

Еаликино А — Google review

It's always fun going expect to pay an arm and a leg, though. 1 star since you have to pay for parking ( 175 a ticket per person, parking should be free) Bring a bottle to fill with water, don't fill from the fill stations go to a store that serves beverages and ask for water, the water from the fill station taste like swamp water. If you have small kids under 40 inches tall go to magic kingdom they have the most rides they can go on for their height.

Korbin — Google review

Always amazing!!! I can do 50 reviews on this place! Here's a quick one... If you're an adult and you think it's only for kids you are wrong! Come out and enjoy the Adult Disney World!! 🙃😁 Pub Crawl the through the Magic Kingdom Resorts! 🍻

Babarazzi P — Google review

It is pricey, but after experiencing it we have zero regrets! Disney World is simply exceptional, and there’s honestly nothing else like it. There is literally endless fun to be had! The food, the rides, the shows, the decor, the cast members, everything is amazing :) Even their lost and found program. I filled out their online form, and they found my stuff within 30min. This place is Magical

Christian P — Google review

Amazing. We did Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood studios.The rides range from "omg I can't believe this is real" to "this is kind of boring."That was our reaction. Some rides blow you away with how much detail or how realistic the simulation feels...and others are a ride with TV screens. Luckily, the underwhelming rides typically have shorter wait times so you don't feel screwed.My personal favorite ride:(S tier ride is Guardians of the Galaxy. We did this twice in our 5 day pass)Animal Kingdom(Avatar was amazing, make sure to do safari)Hollywood studios(shows were great and rides are awesome)Magic Kingdom(most rides here are really aimed towards kids. Tron was fun for adults and kids alike.)Epcot(cool trip around the world with some awesome rides).A great experience for all at the end of the day. Disney is very efficient with managing the mass amount of people, but that being said, wait times are intense! If you are traveling to visit, you have to get Genie+ and learn how to use it properly!Almost every line, especially ones with long wait times have air con.Photographers are in all parks ready to snap pictures of you and your family!

Pacs — Google review

Walt Disney World is perhaps the best theme park around. We visited during September of 2023, although I feel like I need to share my experience even now.For starters, there's 4 theme parks (not including the water parks), and many things to do. Our favorite park was Magic Kingdom, with Hollywood Studios as a close second. There's plenty of things to do, whether you're an adult or a child.The last time we went before our trip last year was 2015, so it was our first time seeing Toy Story Land, the new EPCOT and Magic Kingdom rides, as well as Pandora. The highlight of the trip by far was Cosmic Rewind in EPCOT: this is a must do. We stayed at the Grand Floridian, which I would not recommend at the price point, especially due to ongoing construction. There's plenty of more affordable hotels that have a bus directly to all 4 theme parks. The one thing we found nice about the Grand Floridian was the walkable path to Magic Kingdom. It's about a 10 - 15 minute walk depending on how fast you go, and leads directly to Magic Kingdom. I don't recommend walking during the afternoon as it gets pretty hot (unless you go during December - March), but it's definitely nice early in the morning or late at night. Since our trip, they've limited how strict park hopping and reservations are, but be aware this still exists, and can be annoying if you want to park hop earlier.If you've made it this far, I want to talk about the cons now. For starters, we have noticed a quality decline in the parks since our last visit. This was anywhere from rides being broken down more frequently, to actual quality issues on rides such as Pirates and Small World. For the amount you're paying, it's clear Disney is not upping their investment in keeping the parks as clean as they used to be. I mean, the Aladdin Carpet ride in Adventureland was making literal squeaking noises as it went up and down. While these may be small issues to many, if you're paying tens of thousands of dollars to go here, you expect the same level of quality for as much as you're paying. Last example I'll give (there were many more) was EPCOT. It seems to be fine now, but during our trip, there were construction walls everywhere due to them redoing the center area of the park. It was very hard to walk around the park due to practically every path being limited by some sort of construction wall, which made crowd levels in these already small paths really bad.Overall, I would give our trip a 4/5, with 1 star taken off due to our hotel experience, and an obvious degrade in quality over the years. Still, this is one of, if not the best theme park you can visit.

David — Google review

Walt Disney World Resort is like stepping into a magical world! It's filled with enchanting attractions, beloved characters, and unforgettable experiences. The attention to detail is incredible, and there's something for everyone, from thrilling rides to charming shows. It's a place where dreams really do come true! 🏰✨

Noorul ( — Google review

This is the kind of hotel that raises the bar for other hotels. It's thoughtfully appointed, it doesn't have all the extra frills but it doesn't NEED it. You have a clean and spacious room (love the sitting areas) a comfortable bed, plenty of pillows and bedding. Clean smelling and very new looking. Felt welcoming. Was quiet. Their breakfasts were fantastic, complete with a little play area for the littles. But the most important part was the service, everyone was so kind and polite. I felt appreciated. They surprised me with a little something for my birthday.I would recommend this hotel to anyone staying in the theme park area.

Angie N — Google review

In one word, Expensive! That said it was lovely, our room was nice. Grounds were nice. Park was great. Nice transportation from area to area. Amazing staff. Food was good in upper tier restaurants, not so much in lower tiers.

Marianne N — Google review

You go back to being a child. You see all your favorite movies and characters. It made me emotional to experience this!! Amazing attention, amazing atmosphere, the food is amazing and just in general a wonderful experience. Be mindful of the weather!!

Kate G — Google review

First time here and a time was had. I was solo and not to do what I wanted (well maybe not all cuz of the wait times 😅) but I had fun. Will definitely be back and plan better. Also need better shoes for all the walking

Kelly N — Google review

We have the annual pass for Disney parks and it is truly a beautiful experience every time we go with our kids.On weekends, we take advantage of the waterparks, especially on the warmer days. You have to stay and see the fireworks in the evening. It’s definitely something magical 😊

Diana M — Google review

Put simply, the greatest place on Earth. Disney go to extraordinary lengths to make your visit as perfect as possible, there are so many little things they do that contribute to it all. The staff are incredibly friendly and so nice to everyone, it makes it a wonderful place to visit.

Jonny 5 — Google review

My wife and I recently visited Walt Disney World, and it was an absolutely magical experience. Each park offered its own unique charm, from the enchanting Magic Kingdom to the adventurous Animal Kingdom. The cast members were incredibly friendly and went above and beyond to make our stay perfect. The dining options were fantastic, with a variety of delicious meals and unique themed restaurants. We especially enjoyed the character dining experiences. The attention to detail in the parks was remarkable, and the nightly fireworks and parades were breathtaking. Overall, our visit to Walt Disney World was a five-star experience filled with unforgettable moments. We can't wait to return and create even more memories in the happiest place on earth.

Fazzix L — Google review

It's getting back to what it should be before they got greedy. Love going to all the parks. We we skipped AK this time due to weather but with annual passes we can go a different time. EPCOT'S festivals are amazing & you go near the end of one you can catch both with the flowers.

Deborah D — Google review

I hadn't been in 11 years, and it was just as fun as back then. Great experience. Staff is amazing! I actually went around the world twice! It was the Flower & Garden Festival while I was there, and if you haven't seen it, it's an absolute must!

Renee V — Google review

Visited Epcot center with family on June 17th. It is a very memorable experience to visit and see the various cultures depicted in one park with plenty of amazing opportunities to capture memories. Never a dull moment.For those who may need wheelchair there are both motorized and regular options. Motorized one costs $85. They will refund $20 once you return it with the key and the receipt.There some criticisms that are reserved for the Disney World App and the inbuilt options to purchase the Lightning lane, Virtual Queue and Genie plus were not at all intuitive.I can imagine even tech savvy folks struggling to make sense and asking questions such as “if that’s what I selected then why is this not happening??” Or “what is the reason for preventing me from entering this virtual line or booking a lightning lane for this show if I have already paid for it?”Also, many of the restaurants are super overpriced as if it’s also a once in a lifetime experience or expense so people will fork out bushels of cash for it!! Insanely expensive!! What makes them think that Millionaires will come to Epcot center to have their lunch?!?!?!There are some select locations I identified where normal people who are NOT filthy rich can have normal healthy food!Go to the location where they have Soarin and there they have multiple food options including some for vegetarians.

Manoj M — Google review

15

Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park

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Disney's Animal Kingdom is a vast wildlife sanctuary, divided into six sections where visitors can experience animal encounters, thrill rides, safaris and shows. It aims to combine the elements of a theme park with those of a zoo and African safari. The attraction also incorporates Disney characters and storytelling for an immersive experience. Among the highlights not to be missed are Finding Nemo The Musical, Kilimanjaro Safaris and Expedition Everest.

This is one of our favorite Disney parks, especially when the weather starts to get cooler. We concentrated on the Asia and Africa portions of the park today. These are very well themed and make you feel like you are in another exotic part of the world. There are many interesting things to see and do there. Their crowning glory is the Tree Of Life that greets you when you first enter the main part of the park. It has many intricate wood carvings that make it up and it houses the It's Tough to be a Bug attraction. There is one of the best restaurants in Florida located here too. The Yak and Yeti restaurant. The best thing I like is all the different vegetation, waterfalls and wildlife that you can see here. There are several nature trails you can walk, a safari and even a train ride. These also are live shows, rides and plenty of places to buy souvenirs, food and drink. You will certainly be kept entertained and well fed if you go here.

John H — Google review

Pandora was mind blowing, a floating mountain over your head! Wow. Really impressive, well done Disney. Tree of life is always amazing, wish the food was better. Also pretty crowded and we went on a weekday in May. Didn’t have a chance to get on any rides, and we were at the park at 8 o’clock. We’re not willing to wait an hour for a ride, but apparently lots of people are. We had perfect weather, so didn’t feel the need for AC. Several of the animal habitats were being cleaned, so we didn’t see tigers or antelope. Overall a really nice day

Mary K — Google review

Great place to experience all types of animals, ants, culture, and great rides! The Yeti is one of my favorite roller coasters, the view before the drop is amazing! Pandora is a BEAUTIFUL area, the rides are very fun and definitely raises all senses. The area in within itself is exquisite, especially at night. The safari is the most interesting aspect, to have the ability to see such animals up close is so cool and we all are so fortunate to have the opportunity to experience this. Animal Kingdom is overall a great place to bring kids and photo ops!

Jackie F — Google review

Absolutely great experience. If you can wait a bit, Avatar ride is by far the best experience I've ever had. The expedition to Himalaya is fun too as well as the Safari. The park is smaller than Magic Kingdom but definitely recommended.

Michael W — Google review

If you are planning a big Disney vacation this is a good kingdom to start with as a warm up. I highly recommend the fast pass and lighting lanes if you don't want to wait in long lines. This park isn't as crowded so it was a good way to learn how to schedule rides and plan out your day. Pandora was really beautiful and my son made himself into an action figure! Lion King show was really amazing. I get motion sickness really easy and I could handle all the rides fairly easy. It did rain almost every day so bring a pair of flip flops and a poncho. We put our sneakers away when it would rain so they wouldn't get wet. If you like nature and animals this is a great park to visit. Lots of food choices. We brought water bottles and protein bars to cut on some food costs.

Maria V — Google review

Went on a Sunday in September.Easily, my most favourite park! Got there for 8am solo with genie plus activated. Got my shaking Jamaican and walked on and off every ride. It was great. The music, the atmosphere, the food, the authenticity of the countries. The jungle juice is super underrated! The safari ride was amazing, as we got to see a elephant taking a bath (apparently, rare). If the park was open later and had the light show, I could have stayed the whole time just staring at the architecture. The cast members are very nice and helpful to get where you need to go.I wasn't a huge fan of the corn on the cobb. I've had better.

Jan M — Google review

I recently revisited Disney's Animal Kingdom Park after a few years, and it was just as magical as I remembered, if not more. The park has made some new additions that are absolutely fantastic. The Avatar ride, in particular, is a standout – it's so impressive! The rides throughout the park are great fun and there's something for everyone, no matter your age. One of the best parts of the park is the variety and quality of food available at the restaurants; they really add to the experience. And of course, seeing the animals roam freely is a joy. This park truly offers a bit of everything for everyone, making it a perfect destination for families or anyone looking for a fun day out.

Arelys Q — Google review

Our first visit here and it was amazing! The tree of Life is a gorgeous sight to see and the wild birds flying around the area brought the place to life among all the people. Wish the park was open later as we could have stayed much later than the 5pm close time as there is lots to see especially if you or the kids enjoy nature/animal watching.The scenery in each section of the park is a spectacle and the Avatar themed Pandora land was what I couldn’t wait to explore. It’s unreal being there and Flight of Passage had to be my personal favorite ride of all 4 parks.This park stands apart from the rest connected you feel to the plants and animals throughout and although there are less rides overall, it’s well worth the trip because of what they offer.Bonus: huge Starbucks with quick service to give you a cool boost to battle the summer heat!Disney world is definitely a magical place and this park carries on that theme just as strong as the others!!

Randy D — Google review

It was lush and gorgeous everywhere we went! Even the places where we waited in lines were interesting and well-kept. We loved the bug show inside the big tree, the jungle safari, and the Pandora river ride.

Leah T — Google review

We had an amazing time! We love this park. My only complaint is the crowd levels. It's always packed, so be prepared. I'm very excited to see the updates coming to this park. The rides are all amazing. I really enjoy the safari too. Just all around was another fantastic day. Also, I love seeing the pin boards back out and all around.

Mel W — Google review

Really fun park to visit. Nice mix of seeing animals and going on rides. The safari drive is a must and we got to see the zebras and giraffes running around.Everest is a great roller coaster with a fun surprise halfway through that I wasn't expecting. Tree of life is always amazing to see.Pandora is so well done and just an amazing place to walk around and just look at.

Richie 1 — Google review

Great time! Highly recommend if you have little one’s. There is plenty to see and do that everyone has fun. A few playground areas are scattered around the park too so you can sit and watch your kids play or join them in the fun! We did a few rides, but mainly enjoyed the ambiance and the animals. Again it was perfect with our little guy!

Caleb W — Google review

Perfect weather! We went to all the islands, the Pandora ride left me completely speechless, really was a lot of fun. Got drenched in Asia, the ride was nice but it seemed like I took a shower! Safari was great, got to see many of the animals (pics included). Did not sit down for one minute.Is n exciting place

Astric C — Google review

An amazing weekday experience at the Animal Kingdom. The lush landscape and beautiful wildlife makes it all worth it. Entertaining shows and highlights like rides and attractions are the cream on top. It was my first experience and surely one to remember. I think you need a few days to get the full experience but it was certainly something incredibly memorable for the kids and adults.

Tasha C — Google review

Animal kingdom to me is the best park by far. I love the animals and all the different things you can see and try their. Perfect for taking photos too in various places! I highly recommend the festival of the lion king show! Took scout with me my lion character.

Braze W — Google review

Really awesome place to visit for the family. Must see area in the park is the avatar area! Lots of good places to shop and eat. Rainforest cafe was great. Definitely go on the Safari to check out all the different animals in the park. Park ride lines were not to bad unless you are waiting for avatar. Overall great experience and would recommend checking this park out.

J — Google review

Each Disney park has a unique look and experience but animal kingdom is one of the most unique looking and feeling places out of the 4 parks. Plus they have the Avatar attraction! Kids loved the park! It’s especially nice during the time they have Christmas decorations up as well.

Justin B — Google review

Amazing! This is the best park of the four if you like more chill stuff. There are rides for all ages and it is extremely fun! I recommend the feathered friends in flight show!

Parker — Google review

Had a great family visit. We especially enjoyed the safari. Everything is expensive, but if you know that coming in its saves some frustration. A lot of walking covering a lot more area than anticipated. Nice playground for small kids provides a good break.

Bob M — Google review

Had a great time there. The lines were insane long next time we will get genie+ and get lightning lane passes. I feel it's worth the money. We spent more than 2 hours in line for avatar flight of passage.The ride was amazing tho. Me and my gf loved it. It's a technical marvel. Was awesomeSecret for this ride is to get in the middle. Know you really don't have a choice but if you can figure it out... sit in the middle. There's a little bit of visual distortion on the outside seats.We go lucky seated in the middle

Random S — Google review

Amazing experience however roller coaster was down.But park was clean, was easy to wander, nice rides and experiences. The safari was amazing to see. Variety of food choices.Some Longish waits for rides but I think that’s normal.

Jen.juhlke — Google review

We bought a 3 day-3 park pass that could be used anytime within a 7 day period. That was the best deal you could get to visit 3 parks. Otherwise, you should get a park hopper pass. The Genie+ service allows you to get lightning lane. We rode every ride we wanted and saw The Lion King show. Absolutely loved Pandora kingdom with Avatar virtual 3D ride. The best!

Tami S — Google review

Disney's Animal Kingdom in Florida is our favorite park because it truly caters to visitors of all ages. One of the highlights of our visit was the incredible safari experience. Our knowledgeable guide provided fascinating insights about the animals, and we were able to see them up close in their natural habitats. While the park requires a fair amount of walking, wearing comfortable shoes is essential. We decided to try the Genie Plus pass (Now Lightning Pass), which, despite the additional cost, proved to be a game-changer. It saved us valuable time and allowed us to enjoy more rides and attractions. Taking the advice of other reviews, we came prepared with packed lunches, water bottles, and backpacks, which made our day even more convenient. Overall, we had an unforgettable time at Disney's Animal Kingdom and highly recommend it.

Adele O — Google review

Animal Kingdom is hands down the best of all the Disney Parks. It's stunningly beautiful. The lines move fast and are amazing! The food is so good. So many awesome animals and photo opportunities! Also a ton of places to sit in the shade! We had a wonderful day, and since we gate dropped we did a ton of stuff and even managed a lightning lane for Flight of Passage!

Brandy N — Google review

So not the best park for rides if you don't like avatar or animals but if you do this is awesome. We love Avatar and this park has been a long time bucket list. Flight of passage, and river journey are both great rides and have lived up to expectations. Recommend getting genie+, there are not a lot of rides here but it's worth getting just to do those 2. Ride times for them never got below 1 hour the whole day we were there. Pay to ride Passage and book lightning lane for journey. Also Recommend going to Nomad Lounge at 11 when they open to put your name in for a table later in the day. We got in line at 11:20 and got a table at 2. When we came back at 2 they were booked for the whole day. There drinks and small plates are so outside of normal park eats and they are a real treat. The best ice cream sandwich was in Dino land USA, at Dino bites. It's a great dessert and really helps cool you off.

Nerdy F — Google review

Some of our best Disney magic photos or in this park. It was our first time visiting the park and it was worth it. I would say that if you're planning a Disney trip, you can do this one in particular and under a day. It was not my favorite park, but they've done a wonderful job putting it together. If you're into the hole Safari thing and avatar, this is the place for you.

Shan L — Google review

The experience with in the park was awesome and educational in areas. There are boats that go around the river in this park with characters and bands. The rides were fun and I highly recommend the Pandora area for the flight ride.

April M — Google review

It was my first time going here since I was very young and don't remember, so it felt like my first time going here. I had high expectations considering it was Disney, and I think it still exceeded expectations.Some of the views are amazing between Pandora and Mount Everest, and the Yeti ride is up there as one of the best rides at Disney.

Tony P — Google review

Beautiful place but I think it has very few attractions inside, one day will be more than enough to do everything and get time to rest.We went with our little girls and they got in love with animals and shows ❤️Service as usual was good and helpful.We enjoyed it a lot

Josias M — Google review

Very clean park with a great safari and very nice shows but not my favorite Disney park. We were there at rope drop first thing in the morning and the Aviator ride Flight of Passage was already at a 50 minute wait time by the time we ran to it (I was unable to grab the lightning lane tickets). Not as many rides but their animal exhibits were nice. The Lion King show and both bird shows were awesome. I will say because it's a smaller park it only takes a half day so it's easier to park hop.

Sarah C — Google review

Love Animal kingdom! Been there multiple times and every time we had so much fun. At safari ride, you see different animals.I love going to Gorilla Fall. Baby gorillas have grown up quite a bit since last year, and teenage boys were moved to different locations.Best part of the park is Avatar ride! Regardless of long line, it’s worth waiting.Lion King show is a MUST!This is the first time we saw the show and were blown away! The costumes, quality of show was comparable to the Broadway show in smaller scale.My daughter went to the river raft ride and got soaked but had so much fun. When you get tired, you can sit on by the water in Asia, have ice coffee and pastries from Joffrey.Whether you want to see animals and stroll around the park or want to get on fun rides, Animal Kingdom has everything you can imagine and much more.

Amy K — Google review

Loved this park and its tropical feel. Easy to get around and some fabulous shows and rides. I liked the restaurants here and the fact that you could buy fruit. The water fountains are plentiful. Top tip - take plastic cups to avoid carrying heavy water bottles. We booked a multi pass for the lightning lanes and a single pass for avatar. We booked a time for avatar to avoid missing it. It was incredible. Unfortunately we forgot about the Na'vi river ride and we missed that. There was an hour queue for that one.This is a full day park. We got there at 8am and did most things by 5 pm without resting but still missed a couple of rides.

Charlotte W — Google review

We went to animal kingdom on springs break with my son 5 years old and my teen age daughter. Both had a lot of fun. I recommend to go early morning and start with the avatar theme park. Don’t miss the safari ride. Do it ether on the early morning or the end of the day for the waiting time. Download the app it will help you a lot with the waiting time and with guid your trip.

Daliah B — Google review

The park boasts breathtaking beauty and offers an extensive array of attractions and amenities. Its aesthetic charm is truly remarkable, evoking the enchanting ambiance of movies seen on both TV and the big screen. The attractions are meticulously designed to provide boundless entertainment, catering to individuals of all ages (it's virtually impossible for anyone not to relish this park experience!). Furthermore, the park's infrastructure is tailored to ensure visitors enjoy optimal convenience: the restrooms are impeccably maintained and conveniently located, a diverse selection of food and beverages is readily available throughout the premises, and lockers are provided for storing belongings securely before embarking on any rides. Additionally, the park staff are exceedingly attentive and helpful, further enhancing the overall guest experience. Whether you're seeking thrills, relaxation, or simply a day of family fun, this park undoubtedly exceeds expectations, leaving a lasting impression on all who visit.

Leonardo N — Google review

So much fun. I went with my wife and apparently I haven't been on a ton of rides here. We rode dinosaur, safari, it's tough to be a bug, and more in the 4 or so hours we were there. Everyone was friendly and we had a great time.

Mike F — Google review

This park is incredible! This was a new park experience for me as an adult. Been to Disney World many times prior but this experience was incredible. Pandora Experience is amazing! A full sensory experience that I will never forget! The safari and all the other rides and food possibilities are stellar. Definitely a return park!

Timothy A — Google review

It’s my second favorite park other than magic kingdom. It felt absolutely amazing inside it. All the nature sound and atmosphere, the animals and the attractions. Disney totally killed it for this one. Looking forward to come back again next year!

X Z — Google review

Phenomenal experience. Escape from Everest, Kilimanjaro Safari, Na'vi River Cruise, Flight of Avatar are all top notch attractions. The Pandora section is breathtaking, especially after dark. One year we'll spend more than just a day here to experience everything this place has to offer. So many themed shops and eateries and they're all so well done. And in typical Disney style, everything is just perfect, from the attractions, stores, eateries, to the garbage cans and the bathrooms.

Deen B — Google review

My family and I enjoyed our visit to Animal Kingdom park. Our favorite was the jeep ride through park to see the beautiful animals. The Zebra was my favorite. The cast members throughout the park from entrance to exit were very helpful and nice. I give them hands up dealing with customers and the heat! I thing I’d like to see in all the parks is more seating. Can’t wait - 2026 for my next visit. I definitely recommend the fast pass for all parks.

Chantay C — Google review

Wonderful day! Kids were picked to meet and spend the morning with Pocahontas! What a treat! Disney employees are just the sweetest people. They are so kind and caring; especially with the kids.We also saw tons of animals that day and went on all of the rides.Couldn’t imagine a better visit to Animal Kingdom! Thank you!!!

Pam K — Google review

IMHO...Best family fun through out Disney. All the wildlife and plants give it a warm, comfortable feel.The bug show is only 10 minutes, but recommend doing this when when you want comedy and excitement.The Lion King is also a must as it blends acrobats with a good story, and fun, familiar music.Recommend purchasing a separate lightning pass for Avatar...to say it is a 4D simulator does not do it justice. The separate pass does not interfere with the regular lightning pass.

Tom E — Google review

My personal favorite park. As an animal and nature lover it doesn't disappoint! My personal favorite is an event they do called birds of flight they do in the center view of the big tree. A whole bunch of parrots fill the sky and come down around everyone and they're gorgeous birds. It's also home to my favorite coaster in all the Disney parks, Everest. Avatars area is incredibly detailed. Plus, it's practically like visiting the zoo!

Joshua S — Google review

Best disney park! We spent two full days here on our honeymoon and we could've spent more just walking around and taking in the scenery. It rained one of the days and it just made the park so much more beautiful looking with rain. Especially in Pandora! Also, Flight of Passage is by far the absolute best ride in all of the parks!

Darcy H — Google review

We literally love this park! The safari was nearly an hour long which was absolutely incredible. We took so many photos! The worldly vendors and shops looked so authentic we felt like we were on a grand trip around some of the most exotic parts of the world.Sadly we didn't get to do any rides because our time was cut short. I intend.to go back to all the parks next year so I pray I can plan better and get it all in. The safari again as well!!!

Cijaye D — Google review

This park was so much fun! We took my stepson, baby girl, and my parents. The safari ride was amazing! The kids loved seeing all the animals up close and personal. It was my first time as well, and it was a great experience. We went to the Avatar area, and my daughter loved it. She was only 9 months old and was allowed to ride in the Avatar River ride. The food was great, even though it was expensive, it was worth every penny. Lastly, we ate at Rainforest Cafe and it was thoroughly enjoyable!

Ashley E — Google review

Animal Kingdom was one of the three parks my family and I visited during our Disney Trip, and despite my very much looking forward to visiting, I was really disappointed.If you don't get Genie+ ahead of time and don't get the park super early, go ahead and expect 45 minute plus waits for almost every major attraction. We did get to do the safari and a few other minor rides, which was fine, but it simply felt like there was nothing but an absolute mass of people any which way you turned, even on a weekday. We still very much enjoyed ourselves, and I always enjoyed the food and snacks in this park.Just beware that all the shaded spots will constantly be unavailable just due to the sheer amount of people in the park. Next time we come, I might just skip Animal Kingdom this time around.

Robert M — Google review

Do you like animals? Do you like rides? Do you like Disney (optional)? Then Animal Kingdom is the perfect place for you! This place has animals everywhere that you wouldn't see at home and multiple ways to see them. Safari, jungle trek, gorilla path, you name it. Personally I recommend checking out the gorillas they always keep me and my family entertained for the longest (we spent an hour just watching them live life). Along with real live plants and animals, you can experience fictional or extinct animal species as well. The Land of Pandora is amazingly detailed and the rides definitely do not disappoint. I'm just sad they got rid of the floating avatar in the tube while on the line for Flight of Passage, that thing was so cool. Food is also terrific but sadly nothing to see at night as the park closes early (the animals gotta sleep it makes sense). Oh and also, watch out for Expedition Everest, that ride keeps breaking all the time so ride it while you can because you never know when it'll go down for the day.

Om T — Google review

First time ever at this park and it was fantastic to see all that it had to offer. The safari was very pleasant and we were very fortunate that nearly all the animals were out and fully displaying themselves. Everest was thrilling and the journey to the ride itself was beautiful. Pandora just is an experience unto itself. Truly breathtaking and the rides are just hard to put into words. A lot of water and shade is highly recommended on those 90+ degree, 11+ UV index days. The park can take a lot out of you.

Tony G — Google review

This had some of the best visuals of the park. Disney has done a really great job here. Between Avatar, It's tough to be a Bug, Expedition Everest and River Journey you will have a busy and fun day.

Art B — Google review

First time visitor to Disney Animal Kingdom. It was fantastic. The "Tree of Life" is spectacular. We went on the private tour (14 people) of Behind the Scenes Elephant area. Cora, the baby elephant was there. Elephants roamed freely in a very large, open area.Our Guide was enthusiastic and well-informed. Learned a great deal about Elephants, the Disney live animal philosophy and the profile of a Disney Guide. Guides seem to love their job. They're tenured employees with years of experience.

Traveling O — Google review

Wonderful. It seems to be inside different worlds, real and fantastic ones.They have recreated the world of Pandora down to the last detail: from the plants to the sounds, to the floating mountains and even the details of the ground. The thematic areas are well represented and I recommend the safari! A place to visit at least once in a lifetime, where you can really feel the connection with nature.

Marcella S — Google review

Went with our daughter and family. Everyone loved it especially the Everest ride! That was too dark and fast for me! Not keen on roller coasters but younger members of the family loved it. The Safari ride was one of my favourites, but get there early. We all loved It's tough to be a bug! Don't miss this.

Peter B — Google review

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40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (121)

40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (122)

40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (123)

I will never travel to Clearwater without this app againAvailable on the App Store

16

Wild Florida Airboats & Gator Park

40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (125)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (126)

40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (127)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (128)

Mentioned on

3 lists

Tours

Nature preserve

This attraction features an airboat tour and alligator-handling show in a protected swamp. The park also has a tropical bird aviary and petting zoo.

My family had a wonderful time at Wild Florida. The boat tour was relaxing and very enjoyable. Bobby was an awesome tour guide. My kids had the best time feeding the gators, big and small, and we all enjoyed seeing the various animals up close. Better than the typical zoo experience by far. The staff was extremely helpful and friendly. I highly recommend this as a stop while in the Orlando area. I also recommend going earlier in the day if you're on a later boat tour because there is much more to do and see than I expected. The food was amazing as well!We did the safari tour after our boat tour. The kids enjoyed every second of seeing the animals so closely. Our car was even attacked by an angry ostrich (or maybe emu). We found it funny but the poor bird wasn't so amused. The park is run very well and the kids even got a map to track what animals they saw. Cannot recommend this enough.

Megan C — Google review

We absolutely LOVE this place! We did the boat tour on Saturday at 9:00 am so we arrived around 8:20, plenty of parking spaces (by 10:00-11:00 am was completely packed) and we checked in and waited until our boat arrived. Beautiful views, boat is pretty noisy, but tolerable, we saw a couple of baby alligators, which was awesome, and a lot of birds. The captain of the boat was knowledgeable and nice. I think his name was Bobby. After the boat tour we were allowed to go to the park and see the different exhibits and animals.We fed alligators, we even hold a baby one (with permission and supervision obviously). We pet baby goats, and a tiny pig , they were adorable! . All the staff are super friendly and nice!! For sure we’ll be back soon . 100% recommended!

Frecklebean — Google review

This place is amazing! Came for our 5 year anniversary and the drive through was stunning, we seen so many beautiful animals that look very well cared for and happy. We seen some little deer jumping and running and some water Buffalo going for a dip in the water even got to see some zebras come right up next to our car and an ostrich that wanted a taste of our car lol plus so many other beautiful animals, we seen animal in the map that they give you at the gate.Wonderful experience and we will definitely be back.

Ash P — Google review

What an awesome day we had at Wild Florida. Even being native Floridians we learned a few things. We were fortunate enough to have lunch with “Crusher” the resident 13 ft alligator. What an amazing experience. The staff and trainers are very knowledgeable and courteous which made our experience that much better. I highly recommend visiting the park to anyone. We will definitely be back.

K — Google review

Such a fun and friendly place! The parks are immaculate. Animals very healthy and happy. The staff is as friendly as family, too. Lots to see and learn. Wish we had spent more time there.

Claudette C — Google review

Wild Florida is a great place. It was a lot of fun. It is not a full day unless you want to spend a lot of money. We did just an animal interaction & just walked around. If you want to do the air boat ride & drive through safari you can spend a full day. But even if you want to do even one of those things, I definitely recommend it. The staff is super friendly & zoo keepers speak very highly of the place. The food is well priced, good quality, & the corn bread is fantastic. We bought more on the way out. Definitely worth the trip & we will be making another this year.

Robert C — Google review

We did the safari and some of the Gator Park only because it was 100°. Safari was beautiful! Feeding the giraffe was great! Gator Park is nice, looking forward to going back when it's not so bad of weather.

Ashley — Google review

Fantastic evening airboat ride. Saw a few alligators and Eagles plus lots more that we wasn't expecting. So peaceful and amazing to see when we stopped in various areas. The tour guide was great and pointed out loads to us with some amazing facts. The Gator Park was very good staff all friendly and helpful. Well worth a visit.

Karl D — Google review

They lock the gates 10 minutes after closing make sure to get to car with enough time to get out. Also there is no lighting on the paths & once the sun is down it was hard to see to get out of the park. More don't touch a snake if you see one instead of an exit signs. Lots of gators. We had a nice time. The trails were mostly dirt. Like most animal parks you need to watch out for wet walkways.

Crystal S — Google review

Absolutely loved our visit to Wild Florida. We got a Groupon for 4 people and it came with feed for 4 people. We got to hold the baby alligator. The staff were so helpful and Informational. My 3 year old niece loved the playground. Could have spent a whole day!

Brittany L — Google review

Just finished this adventure and I must say it was well worth the money spent. A first class operation all the way.Air boat captain (Kevin) did an outstanding job of showing us bald Eagles , alligators an other marsh wildlife.The wildlife park drive through was an extremely pleasant surprise. A large variety of high plains wildlife and at a very close up look. One of the best we have been to.

Gary W — Google review

We couldn't have been happier with the sloth encounter that my daughter went to. She is still smiling days later. The woman running the encounter was great. She was friendly knowledgeable and made the whole experience enjoyable for everyone involved. If love animals and want to get up close this is a great place to visit.All of the animals encounters are booked separate from just an admission to the park. I highly recommend booking encounters in advance.Unfortunately we did not have time to explore the rest of the park, since we had other plans we had to get to, but we did get to see some of the other animals on our way to and back from the sloths.It's not the place to go for a whole day, but that doesn't mean it's not worth the trip. I would definitely return next time we are in the area, to check out their other attractions.

Greg N — Google review

Great time. Went when it was summertime, but was still doable. Would recommend early in the day, or cooler time of year. Did the Safari, and really enjoyed it. Plan on 60-70 minutes for the Safari. This includes admission to the Gator Park. Overall, would plan on around 4 hours to see everything. Did not do the airboats.

Andrew M — Google review

The safari drive was so fun. There are 2 options, going a long 2.5 mile route or a shorter option if you just want to get to the zoo. We saw many animals who were very close to the car. The zoo was much larger than I thought and we spent about 5 hours here. There’s a petting zoo with goats and pigs which was cool. We were lucky enough to catch some shows as well. I will definitely be back

Briana H — Google review

Wild florida is a great day out for all of the family.We started our day with a trip on the air boats where we saw alligators and bold eagles in the wild.We then walked around the zoo section and saw loads of incredible animals, saw a couple of shows, and got to hold an alligator.We then went around the drive through safari and finished the day by feeding a giraffe.A great day out, I would highly recommend it.

Danny I — Google review

Great family experience. Loved the freedom of taking our time through the drive through safari, many animals came right up to the car for some cool pictures. The gator park was eventful as well, so many animals to check out. Few shows to check out as well, we missed it.

Lynette J — Google review

We had the best time! I definitely recommend paying extra for an animal encounter(s). I did online ahead of time for my son. He fed and petted a porcupine and lemur and petted a sloth. Truly an amazing experience. The animal keepers were very professional and answered a lot of our questions. We also made sure to tip them. There is an alligator feeding but we choose to skip that one. And of course we went into the aviary section and fed the birds. We stopped at the Chomp House Grille and had a cheese steak sub and chicken tenders. It was pretty good! Although this park is small it has a lot of animals. Our favorites was Pepper the Fennac Fox.

S S — Google review

Wild Florida is a gator park and much much more. It is about 30 miles south east of our Blue Heron 1806 rental condo.Wild Florida also has a 'drive through Safari', Airboat tours and wildlife park featuring gators and an assortment of animals from around the world. The park has a great swamp walk, petting zoo and bird house in which you can feed the resident animals and birds. You can even arrange an alligator feeding experience and walk through a swamp. All their attractions are very reasonably priced and they even have Florida residents rates. We highly recommend Wild Florida. It is well worth the drive! Don't forget to get a picture holding Fluffy the gator!

Blue F — Google review

Different type of animals in safari..Gator park also has variety of animals. Most of them were resting during afternoon time. So I recommend either morning or evening time.Air boat also seemed fun, we couldn't do it due to time constraint.

Sanket G — Google review

We Absolutely loved it! A nice fun trip to see some animals we've never seen before. The pricing is great and very affordable. Every staff member we met was extremely helpful and nice and answered all our questions. Also they have snacks and drinks which BONUS they are not expensive and crazy prices like most places weve gone in florida. They have multiple shows going on we had the most fun at the gator feeding show. They have a petting zoo with goats and pigs. We did not get to do the air boat ride but I'm sure it is excellent. I highly recommend checking this place out for some family fun time!

Tony G — Google review

We had so much fun. Our driver was informative and hilarious! There is a zoo you can walk through as well. We saw a few actors out on the water and other wildlife as well. Highly recommend to anyone.

Melissa W — Google review

Took my 12 year old daughter on a whim for something to do on spring break. I’m SO glad we did! She loved seeing all the animals so close, and feeding the giraffe, Walter! We even got to see a Watusi delivery a brand new baby calf, watched momma clean her baby, and the whole herd, including a bison and 2 camels come to see the new baby! It was such a joy to be a part of! The park was great to see and then seeing new life come to be and all the animals so excited to see the baby made it even better! Thank you for letting us in to be a part of that!

Amanda T — Google review

Great experience on the water. The temperature was a little on the chilly side, so be sure to dress accordingly. Our boat captain was great and really knowledgeable about the lake and the different animals and birds we saw. The boat was comfortable, but definitely wear ear plugs if you sit near the back.

Chris M — Google review

This place is great and well worth the money! They also have food and delicious ice cream on site. A gift shop with something for everyone. And the experiences themselves! Outstanding. You're going to need several hours here if not half a day

April F — Google review

Went on the airboat ride..it was good. Park was full of gators and other animals to see. Went to the drive through animal park as well...very nice with a large variety of animals. Overall was a great time for the family.

Kyle D — Google review

Been here with my family multiple times and we have fun EVERY time! This last time we saw so many babies (Summer) Did the Safari, Gator Park and Airboat ride. Would definitely recommend a visit if you can withstand the Florida heat & humidity

Be J — Google review

I'd go just for the delicious ice cream! We had a great time during our visit. It was remarkable how close we were to alligators and other wildlife. The sloth encounter was a delight. Staff were welcoming, knowledgeable and friendly.

Jen M — Google review

Absolutely awesome day and extremely interesting. Great value for money. Feeding the gators was a true sight to remember 😊 staff are very friendly and attentive.

Lisa M — Google review

We had an Excellent experience at the Wild Florida “Gator Park” / Zoo. Everyone who works there is Extremely nice and truly go Above & Beyond to make your visit a Memorable! They have a wide variety of animal species who you can clearly tell are truly LOVED by the staff and receive Top Quality care! From an Albino Alligator (2 actually) and a varying array of reptiles and birds to Monkeys & a Kangaroo! They offer a ‘Petting Zoo’ area with the Sweetest Wire Haired Pigs (not positive what they’re called) named; Juniper & Birch who actually come Running to you when you call out their names!! The Capybara family had the Most Adorable little babies in their little ‘Capy House’ as well!!All around we had a Wonderful experience and I would especially like to thank Carmen for catering to our food allergies and ensuring we had The Most Delicious lunch and Elric (sorry if I misspelled it!) for being so kind and helpful while helping us with our order!

Sara D — Google review

Loads of fun for kids and adults. Went during the summer months, it's definitely better to go when it's cooler, you'll see more active animals and be more comfortable too. The fan boat tours are a must (but tickets in advance because they book up), and make sure to feed the giraffes!

Stephen — Google review

This was a spur of the moment trip and it was an excellent day. The Safari and the gator park were just what we needed. The Safari took about 90 minutes. Spent another hour at the Gator Park. They have Florida resident discounts which is always nice.

Jeanne S — Google review

We had such a good experience. We pet and fed the porcupines. Fed the alligators. Went on an airboat ride. And finally drove through the safari. There were so many baby animals! I was driving and didn't get the chance to take a lot of pictures. A recommend buying your tickets in advance for any of the animal encounters.

Dianna — Google review

This place is Florida's best kept secret. This was an amazing experience and was a great way to get away from the crowds at Orlando parks. We paid around $170 for five people abd we had an absolute blast. They offer so much for such a low price. The safari comes with a walk through Zoo and optional animal encounters for additional costs. This will be a Florida to do staple for my family and I moving forward.

Lucas B — Google review

Absolutely brilliant day out. We booked a 1 hour tour and had captain farmer as our guide. He was such a knowledgeable guide and clearly enjoyed taking tourists out around his local area. Enjoyed the wildlife park after our tour. Highly recommend. And would definitely return

Matthew H — Google review

4.7

(6195)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (129)

5.0

(2276)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (130)

3301 Lake Cypress Rd, Kenansville, FL 34739, USA

(407) 957-3135

17

Giraffe Ranch

Mentioned on

2 lists

Ranch

Sights & Landmarks

Nature preserve

Wildlife refuge

Zoo

Located in rural Dade City, Giraffe Ranch is a picturesque drive-through attraction with close encounters with giraffes, camels and rhinos. The ranch also offers exclusive tours that can only be booked by reservation, as well as ample opportunities for wildlife viewing from the comfort of your car.

Here are just a few shots of all the amazing animals you will see and learn about at the Giraffe Ranch. Lex and Elena are so great and Lex was who took us on our tour. His genuine love for his ranch and all his animals shows loud and clear. He is a wealth of information so take notes! Very worldly man to say the least. We learned so much and asked many questions that Lex was happy to answer. It was so fun and so educational. Worth every cent and then some. I will go again and take the camel tour next! We did this for my moms 81st bday and learned that he had a lady over 100 do the camel back tour!! My mom says she will do it for her 85th lol!! I've lived her my whole life and just learned about this place on my favorite morning radio show. I'm sorry I did not know earlier. I'd of love to have taken my father who had a huge love for the animals. Needless to say im grateful I got to experience this with mom. I rate this life experience like the best of diamonds. Colorless triple excellent!!! ❤😘

Carlamarie B — Google review

My first visit at the Giraffe Ranch this weekend. Ranch has a lot of animals! Guided Tour included with general admission was great. My reason for 1 star is in regards to the $300 private giraffe experience, falsely advertised on website!! Website states you “join professional giraffe keepers in their daily giraffe care activities. Customized experience lasts a minimum of 30 minutes.” My “experience” was a 20 minute private giraffe feeding. No tour of the giraffe barns, no daily giraffe care activities demonstrated, and I was only given 20 minutes in the enclosure on the safari bus. The tour guides brought me just enough into the enclosure to feed the giraffes and closed the gate right behind the safari bus. General admission is not included in the price of the experience, so my entry with the experience was $420 for a total of two hours on the ranch. Not to mention I missed the beginning of the general admission tour because I was feeding the giraffes. Don’t recommend adding this experience to your general admission, they take you to feed the giraffes during the guided tour anyways. $300 is absolutely outrageous, totally not justified for the experience I received. I didn’t even get the 30 minutes promised in the experience listing. Disappointed!! Would’ve loved to actually see the daily giraffe care activities.

Heather P — Google review

Such a beautiful experience 1000000/10.Kai the giraffe was super friendly. He loved all the attention and lemur and otter feedings. (So worth it!) The feedings had to be my favorite parts. The otters were super vocal, making sure they got their piece of fish😂 The lemurs were so gentle. They food he was getting 🤣. We had a tour and paid extra for the came right up to me and my husband for some grapes.I can’t wait to come back to the monkey and cheetah feedings

Ebby V — Google review

This was absolutely an amazing experience! They take pristine care of this facility and really care about these animals. It was a drive-thru tour with the guide over the radio. We have taken other tours like this and the quality of the tour and information from the guide (who has worked all over the world and is an adjunct professor) is 2nd to none. We also did the lemur feeding afterwards ($35) and it was SO COOL. They have other package options (Segway tour/camel tour/driven) and other feeding options to explore as well. There is another location in Lakeland that is 5x the size and we will go and review that soon too! VERY MUCH WORTH THE COST!!!

Pivolopez — Google review

This was a great outing. The Safari wagon takes you up close and personal to giraffes and camels. Got some great photographs feeding the giraffes. Their pet camel is a big puppy dog who wants to be petted on the nose. Highly recommend the vehicle tour. $119 per person.

Glenn N — Google review

Absolutely hands down the best experience ever. Words can describe how amazing this place was and the owners where so nice . I had my grandmother with me who has mobility issues and they really helped with her and engaged with her and made for a very special day .

Mike T — Google review

We were skeptical because we had seen some negative reviews on this place. It's a beautiful drive to get there. Gate was locked up when we arrived which is understandable, but there was no instruction or guidance as to what to do if you already had a reservation. You do need a reservation to do this. We sat at the gate for about 15 minutes. Employee came out and let us in, greeted us and assisted in finding the radio station to listen to the guided tour. We did the guided tour from the comfort of our rental car. Property is a fairly decent size. Plenty of animals to see, even up close. Got to see plenty of animals roaming around. All animals looked like they were well taken care of. Guide was very knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor. We also participated in the lemur feeding. We had plenty of time to feed and interact with them. Was overall a great experience!

Chris E — Google review

Very nice place to see and feed giraffes. This is a private home ranch. You will be up close the animals. The owner took on the the tour and she was very knowledgeable and down to earth. This is a MUST DO if in the Tampa / Orlando area.

Mark M — Google review

The tour was an awesome little adventure for our local family and visiting out of towners. Reservation was easy to do online. When I needed to add one more person, I just called and was taken care of promptly-easy peasy.The tour was engaging and informative. My teen nephews had lots of questions that Elena answered and her enthusiasm about the various animals, their care and history, and related topics was appreciated and made an awesome impression on the boys! Elena was also very considerate to ensure my brother who has mobility challenges, and my 80 y/o aunt were able to see and participate and that they were comfortable. Definitely recommend this and I’ll be bringing more visitors through!

Alison S — Google review

Awesome experience! Very fun tour with many different wild animals. It was great to see them well taken care of and roaming free. We also fed lemurs and otters, it was great. We will definitely come back.

Katy S — Google review

Excellent adventure! We did the camel tour. The guides were knowledgeable and you got to see the animals way closer than you would at a zoo. They were also very open about where each animal came from and their conservation efforts.

Jessica F — Google review

A++++ experience! The gentleman, owner, did our tour and we learned so much not only about the animals but about the history of Florida (and elsewhere). We had a fabulous time and would highly recommend this place!

Christina — Google review

Don’t be concerned like we were when they didn’t open the gates right up until your tour time. It does look a little sketchy driving in but it is very much worth it. We enjoyed the otter feeding though it was quick, it was worth it because they were our favorite animals. You can tell the owners take pride in what they do and they have a wealth of knowledge on all the animals. The ride along safari was great because you were chauffeured around the land to be so many animals. We got close encounters and great pictures of all of them! It is pricey but worth the day trip out!

Sarah K — Google review

This Was BY FAR The Most Amazing Experience My Daughter & I Have Ever Done. I'll Be 39 & This Is Leading The Top Of My Lifetime Experiences. For Sure One Of My Top 5 Favorite, Fun, Cherished & Loved Memories. BOTH OF THE STAFF MEMBERS / ANIMAL CARETAKERS WERE AMAZING, KIND, INFORMATIVE, NICE, & VERY PATIENT WITH MY DAUGHTER WHO'S 5, & LOVES TO BE ALL OVER THE PLACE & ALL A MILLION QUESTIONS.TOP RECOMMENDATION OF ANYTHING, ANYWHERE, ANY INTERACTION, & ANY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE.PLUS IT'S A GREAT, MUCH NEEDED, PLACE FOR MANY ANIMALS THAT WERE PREVIOUSLY NOT IN THE BEST CONDITIONS, CARE, MISTREATED, OR UNWANTED.

HEATHER F — Google review

“Expectation versus reality” is the best way to sum up our day at giraffe ranch. My boyfriend and I took our two 7 year old daughters to visit. Our reservation was at 4pm and cost me $340. We entered and the tour started immediately almost without warning. Driving so far to come we needed a restroom. Drove around the property following a gentleman on a Segway whom was explaining the property and animals we encountered. I felt his humor and over all approach was just not as professional or child friendly as I would have hoped for. He was very knowledgeable and passionate about the animals. The grounds were well kept as were the animals. We got no where near any animals on the tour and a lot felt lack luster and was over sold online in the gallery and descriptions. Once our tour ended he immediately led two vehicles out of the property because they had not bought other experiences. I do hope no one needed the restroom!! I purchased the lemurs in addition and had to request a restroom first. On my way I Found out they had a gift shop and many other animal enclosures we had not seen! We were being rushed the entire visit it felt like. The lemur activity was enjoyable and I’d say worth the extra fee. The children enjoyed that part and the animals were very clean and gentle. Upon the end we were taken to the gate to exit immediately. Perhaps at an earlier reservation we may have had a more impressionable enjoyable experience. Overall we had moments of enjoyment and learned a lot about animal mating! Personally feel it did not entirely meet expectations for the cost.

Kelly K — Google review

I came to visit family and I was looking for something to do. I found the pamphlet at the hotel. They sold me when I saw they had a sloth. I was so excited to get there and I was not disappointed!!! I absolutely loved every minute! The owner and staff were absolutely amazing, very friendly, and knowledgeable. They answered every question. I got to feed the sloth Sid. HAPPY TEARS!! Check off my bucket list! ❤️ We also got to feed the giraffes! All the animals are beautiful, very well taken care of. The premises are very clean! This is a MUST GO TO ATTRACTION! Worth every cent!! Thank you, guys, for having us. You truly made my birthday unforgettable!!!

Vanessa S — Google review

Hidden gem! This safari ride was awesome. Mel, our guide, was very knowledgeable, interesting and fun. Animals were absolutely beautiful and the property was amazing. Definitely a must see adventure in Central Florida.

Diane A — Google review

What an amazing way to celebrate our eight year anniversary! The owner was very hospitable and knowledgeable as we rode some amazing and friendly camels through the vast expanse of his property. Every employee was super friendly, and I highly recommend the lemur feeding as well! You can tell these animals are well cared for. The gift shop was also a treat. Very well maintained ranch with awesome staff and a great owner! We will be recommending this place to everyone we know. Thanks again!

Falling F — Google review

We did the Camel Safari Tour for our 17th anniversary and had the most amazing day. Truly an anniversary we won’t EVER forget. We felt welcome from the moment they greeted us at the gate. Easy parking, a bathroom and LOTS of amazing creatures.

Mitchell O — Google review

This place is fantastic!!! First discovered this place during covid. They offered- and still do- a safari style tour of their fifty acre property that's chock full of all kinds of amazing animals!! Giraffe-babies included!! They have a rhino, several big cats, lots of small primates, so many ostriches, and many more!They also offer add on experiences like hand-feeding ring-tailed lemur, a two toed sloth🦥, and two different types of otter!! 🦦🦦

Suzi W — Google review

We visited the ranch for our scheduled tour at 10am. We were welcomed by one of their new tour guides! We enjoyed this so much and learned a lot about the animals that live on the ranch and about the amazing people who own it. We will definitely be back!

Angela S — Google review

What an amazing adventure! Our guide Chris was excellent. He knew so much about all the animals. They do lots of breeding & trading with other preserves. We saw so many babies! We got to feed the giraffes. So much to see & learn. What a great place!

Dawn L — Google review

Great experience! The guide was great! He was knowledgeable, and friendly. Also, LOVED feeding the otters!!! Would definitely go again!!

Christina R — Google review

We had a great time and learned a lot about animals in general at the Giraffe Ranch. There were plenty of exotic animals to interact with, and the staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and informative. We were especially surprised at how comfortable it was riding the asian camels, and how friendly they were.

Jacob U — Google review

Just go, you will have a GREAT time. Never been on a Segway but after 10 minutes never thought about it again, just enjoyed the freedom to follow the guide (who was excellent), and have a intimate experience with the animals vs riding in the people mover. A must do!

John E — Google review

Awesome experience!!! We did the drive thru safari in our own car guided by a Segway. The guy was very knowledgeable and made sure we got to see as much as possible. Definitely going to do this again ( maybe on a camel :))

Bekah K — Google review

If u haven't been here, it's a box you may wish to check and go see. This place may not be that big,but, wow, it's interesting and shows how much someone who cares about animals can do a wonderful job taking care of them. I know the money to get in is ouch to the pocket book but is worth every cent u spend. This will be a place to see. Feeding a giraffe, yep, so loved that.

Debra M — Google review

Omg, I cannot say enough about this experience, from start to finish we felt welcomed and Mel was amazing very knowledgeable, friendly and a great guide. This was the best tour I have ever been on. We have been on many safari tours through theme parks and zoos. The animals are so well cared for, and the whole place is so inviting. Many different animals many came right up to the bus. Giraffes are my favorite animals and I was so excited to go here. Boy you guys didn’t let me down, we had amazing encounters with the giraffes and the baby was so precious, but Kai who is a recent addition to the grounds was a dream come true! He is so engaging and gentle what an amazing dream come true. I have pet a giraffe before and feed them but Kai was in a different level! We feed him petted him, hugged him and I got a whole left side bath from his rough purple tongue. He posed with us and he was so funny I can’t say enough about this experience. I will totally be going back, I tell everyone about it and I can not express enough thanks to the Ranch for how well you care for and love your animals. ❤️

Marion S — Google review

What a WONDERFUL Florida gem. The safary tours are amazing. You get to watch the animals live in a natural environment. This place does not have a zoo type vibe. The husband and wife couple keep you entertained by educating you on everything you see without having to exploit the animals. Definitely worth the money!

Leslie P — Google review

4.6

(461)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (131)

5.0

(528)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (132)

38650 Mickler Rd, Dade City, FL 33523, USA

(813) 482-3400

18

Bok Tower Gardens

40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (133)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (134)

40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (135)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (136)

Mentioned on

+31 other lists

$$$$affordable

Garden

Bok Tower Gardens is a National Historic Landmark in Citrus County, Florida that features beautiful gardens, twice-daily carillon concerts, and the Mediterranean-style Pinewood Estates (circa 1930s). The gardens also hosts outdoor classical-music concerts.

What an absolutely beautiful hidden gem Bok Tower Gardens is!!! If my friend hadn't told me about it I wouldn't have stopped to check it out. What a vast array of beautiful landscape to walk and explore; 250 acres worth!! We barely scratched the surface and I look forward to going back to explore more! I love how all the plants are labeled so we know what we are admiring!! We so enjoyed the gardens and the tower, and next time will explore more of the nature trails. We also enjoyed the children's garden, Hammock Hollow, where my 5 year old could explore on terrain more fitting to her size!!We grabbed a bite to eat at the cafe; delicious sandwiches and ice cream!! Was a nice treat before exploring the gardens. Make sure to also take time to go inside their mini museum and learn the history behind Bok Tower and Gardens, as well as learn more about the making and insides of the tower itself.Bok Tower Gardens is a place you could spend your entire day exploring, as well as just relaxing on a blanket with a picnic relaxing!!

Rae — Google review

This place is beautiful. We spent half a day there walking around and looking around at all the beautiful plants and trees. It was amazing to walk around and check out the grounds and old buildings. The tower is amazing and we stayed for the carillon bells. I can't explain the beauty at this place, just spectacular. The food at the Cafe is delicious, great salads and sandwiches. I really enjoyed this place and recommend, so relaxing and a place to de-stress.

Brooke M — Google review

Great family friendly location, awesome museum and tourist center with an 8 minute video explaining the history of Bok Tower. Cafe had awesome food, kids loved it. Awesome scenery. Great children's playground. We will definitely come out again, the kids loved it!

Neida O — Google review

Seriously beautiful and worth a visit at least once. The singing tower is stunning and very well maintained. Also enjoyed a good portion of the general gardens walk, lots to see! Make sure to take in the views around the tower itself, the elevation is a rarity in Florida and so nice to see.

Elizabeth H — Google review

Definitely worth visiting these gardens over 200+ acres. Incredible variety of plants and exotic vegetables. Great play areas for kids. Incredible musical tower with bells, called Carillon, popular in Europe.

Paul B — Google review

This is definitely one of Florida’s hidden treasures. Unspoiled by man’s forward progress, this sanctuary features some extremely beautiful trees, plants, flowers, and foliage. And of course, the main centerpiece is the Bok Tower Bells. If you want to avoid crowds and screaming children, and screaming adults, this is definitely worth the visit. It’s about 45 minutes or so from the Walt Disney World resort. It’s definitely worth the drive.

Michael C — Google review

I was able to check Bok Tower Gardens from my Florida bucket list. It was a remarkable visit to the gardens. From the moment you drive up to the towers, you are captivated by the beautiful scenery. The gardens feel like something in a fairy tale made real. The welcome center is this huge modern/museum space. I like how they maximized the space without looking cluttered. My kids had a blast looking for shark teeth in the front gardens. I’ve really love how the gardens were kid friendly and had a separate area for them to discover. We discovered so many fun zones for the kids to explore. Finally, we journeyed deeper into the gardens to more beautiful plush greenery with a huge pond that had Lilly pads. My daughter said the tower looked like Rapunzel’s tower. We didn’t get to admire the towers for long because the rain poured down. I will definitely visit again to explore more of the gardens.

Shelly O — Google review

Absolutely loved it! So much so that I purchased a membership, which grants you either free admission or 50% off admission to about 50 gardens or history centers throughout FL. A regular annual membership is $60 but it’s only $30 for students.Bok Tower Gardens is well-kept, with a wonderful variety of greenery and plenty of places to sit & enjoy. There were a lot of people picnicking and napping. Definitely worth the trip. Bring some snacks and a blanket and you can easily spend a few relaxing hours here.

Sieda — Google review

Definitely worth the visit. The entire grounds is kept so nice. Everywhere you look there are hidden areas to sit. We enjoyed walking up to the tower and getting to listen to the bells, it’s an experience unlike any in our area.We were specifically blow away by how nice the childrens area is. It’s very thought out, and the creativity that was put into it should be celebrated. Overall we had the most amazing day here.Can’t wait to come back and explore some more.

Ctine D — Google review

Being there is better than these few photos. While we were there it was almost on going bell's ringing in a musical way. So beautiful and peaceful. Another of history and surprised of who created this place and the people who were involve had an effect even in D.C. .

Glenn W — Google review

This was a really lovely experience and I would love to come back. I feel like they offered everything I would have ever expected or hoped for as far as gardens or estates go, and they did it well. Between the gardens themselves, the introductory video, the museum, the cafe, the tower itself and the gift shop, everything was top notch.

Tracey C — Google review

So glad we got the chance to explore the Bok Tower Gardens. This place is massive and so beautiful. Be prepared to walk-around and really take in the beautiful flowers and serene landscape. I even got a chance to grab some of the plants from the gift shop. Reasonably priced and happy to have something to remember the time spent there. This is a great place for a stroll, picnic and some good exercise.

Nay F — Google review

Beautiful garden. Trails were paved and mulched, well kept. Bathrooms were cleaned. I enjoyed the walk through the garden. Looking at the map, I thought it was a lot bigger but after walking, it fell just right. Not too short, but also not too long. Perfect for younger kids. As you drive in, you pay at the front gate, then drive to the parking lot.

Luke C — Google review

This day across the board was perfect! Weather impeccable for our day out at the Bok Tower gardens!The cafe had very friendly staff .Food was very fresh when ordered!The staff in the information center were thrilled to help us learn about the garden as well! Beyond pleased to have spent a peaceful day here ❤️

Angel L — Google review

We had a great time walking around these gardens on a quiet Saturday morning. I particularly enjoyed the endangered plants garden and outdoor kitchen. Walking around here for a few hours brought us peace. It was nice to escape from the busy city and take some time to enjoy nature. Hopefully we will be back again one day soon.

Fairooz H — Google review

We love the many incredible Botanical and Natural Gardens that Florida offers for visits, at the “top” of our list is Bok Singing Tower. On this particular visit we had a goal to hike their trail system along with the Garden. We ended up doing over 5 miles including a variation of terrain. It is no easy feat to hike a grade of significance in Florida.The bonus was the large number of Azaleas in bloom. The music from the carillon echoed in the hills as we traversed the sand and clay terrain. The gardens transported us to far away places with strange sounding names. Then we inadvertently crashed a wedding where the theme from Jurassic Park brought in the Groom and Bride’s entourage. And you know… in that setting it worked.

Neal — Google review

My family visited on one of the Wawa Fun Days. On the last Thursday and Friday of the month you can register for free tickets online. I highly recommend visiting, it’s fun for all ages! There is such a variety of gardens and plants and even wildlife.I recommend going first thing in the morning during the summer. Be aware that gardens open at 8am, however, the visitors center, cafe and shop (with mobility cart rentals) do not open until 9am. Which is fine as there is a lot close by while you wait an hour. There is some walking however it’s not as extensive as some other gardens may be, many of the gardens are close together.Pictures of the tower don’t do it justice. It’s a beautifully made building with 60 bells 🔔 inside. It sounds gorgeous when it chimes every half hour. They also have someone who plays a show on them during the afternoon.The visitors center is clean and has beautiful, informative exhibits as well as a theatre that plays a 15 minute clip with some history of the grounds. Enjoy!

K C — Google review

The landscape is so diverse and well maintained. There were so many portions of the gardens to explore. The tower was really neat, the bells have a beautiful sound. The Old Florida is very interesting and fun to explore. We would highly recommend a visit, plus it's out in the country. This is an opportunity to get away from all the crazy traffic of a more densely populated area

Angie H — Google review

Loved everything about my visit today from the super friendly helpful staff, to the well thought out and maintained gardens. The short movie with the historical information was helpful. Bathrooms located throughout the grounds. Ate at the Cafe on site which was convenient and good to refuel. Saw fish, turtles, snakes, all different kind of birds. Spent 4.5 hours there and still did not see everything. Definitely will be back!

Kimberly D — Google review

My family and I went here for the first time yesterday and we loved it! There was plenty to keep them entertained and lots of space to run out some energy! The grounds are beautiful, especially around the tower. We will definitely bring a blanket and have a picnic out there next time. We ate at the cafe and it was delicious.Definitely would recommend bringing the whole family here!

Christy L — Google review

What a wonderful experience! While visiting friends in Cocoa, FL, we planned a day trip and drove to Bok Tower Gardens (something they'd talked about doing for a long time and just hadn't been). The grounds, gardens, the home on the property- El Retiro- were all beautiful! And the main attraction- THE SINGING TOWER!!! oh my goodness!!!! It was stunning. It looked like we were in another country or maybe we'd walked through time??, into Middle Earth (Lord of the Rings). I hope to visit again, soon! It was just a perfect day!

Jennfer H — Google review

Lots of beautiful areas to walk around even with small children. Lots of shade and there are many outdoor children activities behind the eating and gift shop area. It's much cooler in the summer and before 11am is perfect in the winter.

Monique B — Google review

Undeniably beautiful. This garden is enchanting, well laid out and stunningly kept. I would love to be able to climb the tower. The water features and children’s area is also well thought out. This place is almost 100 years old and was a gift to all Americans from Mr. Bok. This place is a true treasure and gift. A must see place

Jared M — Google review

This is now my favorite place in Florida. BEAUTIFUL. Well taken care of, tons of different plants and flowers, so many different trails. You can easily spend a couple of hours just exploring around this beautiful place, but at the same time, everything is close so it’s not an exerting walk by any means. Ironically, although the tower and music are gorgeous, it was everything around it I would go back for. Loooved it.

Elianne F — Google review

Wow! Gorgeous! Beautiful! Are words to describe this beautiful part of Heaven on earth! This park is beautifully laid out to enhance the natural beauty of its flora and landscape.

Barbara D — Google review

Absolutely magical experience. If you love plants and nature, do not hesitate to visit Bok Tower Gardens. The landscaping is beautiful, the tower is stunning and the wind whispering through the oak trees around the tower are glorious. The vegetable gardens and kids area are really nice as Well. Plan to stay at least 2 hours or the entire day with a picnic lunch if you can. Pick up lovely plants or items at the nice gift shop on your way home.

Josie L — Google review

Beautiful gardens and paths. The bell tower was gorgeous. Loved the history lessons in the visitor center. There are lots of interesting plants to see, and everything was well labeled to learn as you go. Educational and fun!

Andrew W — Google review

Wife and I were at a wedding in the adjacent neighborhood. Decided to give it a try. Looks very cool from a distance. Very quiet and serene. Neat plants and ponds. We were there in the early morning. A few other folks. We took a walk around. The background story is neat. I really enjoyed our time there. Not many places like it anywhere else.

John M — Google review

Wonderful place ❤️Historical architecture of buildings, beautiful rich park. Cozy museum - with detailed information screens. There is also a playground for children and a cafe. A great place to spend a day with the family in a charming location.

Tatiana G — Google review

Absolutely loved it... so beautiful and peaceful.The waterlily pond was breathtaking! The walking paths were clean and easy. I truly enjoyed the 5 hours I spend with nature at this beautiful garden!

Rosa C — Google review

We recently purchased a duo membership and it's already paid for itself. It's such a peaceful and beautiful place. Plan for a couple of hours of walking the properties. It's stunning and there's so much to see! Cute cafe and shop and you can buy plants to bring home!!

Jalain O — Google review

Beautiful and peaceful gardens with many rare native Florida plants and excellent walking paths for all levels! Carillon bells played from the tower are so relaxing! Video screen area with bench seating to watch the artist playing. Highest point in FL and amazing views of countryside! Short historic movie at visitors center! Annual pass includes many other gardens across the country. On site restaurant is delicious and reasonably priced! Amazing gift shop with gardening gifts and environmental options.

Johnna N — Google review

Just back from a visit to Bok Tower Gardens and I've got to say, if you're someone who loves a bit of nature and history, this place is a must-visit. Nestled in Lake Wales, Florida, the gardens are a creation of Edward W. Bok, a Dutch immigrant who really gave back to his adopted country. This beautiful spot isn't just about the lush landscapes; it's also home to a stunning 205-foot tall Singing Tower. The sounds of the carillon bells ringing through the gardens are simply majestic.We went for Mother’s Day and it was the perfect setting. The tower, the music, the expansive views—all contribute to a peaceful, yet exhilarating experience. They even play a mix of top 100 hits, adding a modern twist to the historic backdrop.For anyone looking to spend a day surrounded by beauty and calm, I can't recommend Bok Tower Gardens enough. Bring a picnic, enjoy the koi fish in the reflection pool, and just let the beauty of the place wash over you. Whether you're a history buff or just someone looking to unwind outdoors, this place has something for everyone.

Paulina F — Google review

A beautiful place, we went on a hot summer day, but it was worth it. One thing you have to do is take a tour of the house, a piece of history that has so many beautiful details is a dream.And then keep strolling to the tower, where you can stay there and enjoy the afternoon, have a picnic or just relax. But the Tower is a masterpiece you will enjoy those beautiful melodies. And to finished our day we have a delicious lunch at their cafe 😋. And we stop at the shop for a little memory. It was a perfect day. Oh we did the WaWa day and play the scavenger hunt lol and we also have fun at the kids area,

Luz R — Google review

This place is AMAZING. I'd give it 10 stars if I could. Such beautiful grounds with vistas from the top of the "mountain" 😂The cafe has excellent food with beer and wine. Gorgeous gift shop and the tower is WOW! Concerts at 1 and 3pm. We took our dog and it's very dog friendly. Because we went last minute, we didn't bring a picnic lunch, so if you go, definitely pack a blanket and lunch and eat up by the tower on the beautiful lawns under the massive oak trees. Serene and peaceful retreat. 💚Admission is $20Dogs $10 - totally worth it!

Andrea C — Google review

Well planned area. The area to park in had trees lining it so obviously for Florida your vehicle wasn't hot. The people were friendly. The different plants were awesome. We even saw a snake gardener snake it was all good. All the plans were really nice and like I said the setup but everything even when you were walking lots of shade there was a good Breeze we've really enjoyed our time there

C C — Google review

Strolling in a garden with a singing tower is wonderful and unique. My younger kid wondered how the music was played: by the wind or by machines. He felt creepy, making up all sorts of theories until we saw the carillonneur on the screen outside the tower. The tower looks so gorgeous and it is the reason I wanted to visit the garden. We wish we could see more variety of flowers next time. In general, very memory experience. Pick a spring cool day to go there. I heard it could be very hot there in the summer. We would go back there more times if the garden is closer either Tampa or Orlando. Staff there are very friendly. Thank you! I also feel grateful that back in 1929s, people had the vision of this place and made it a reality.

Xiaoli M — Google review

This is one of the best botanic gardens on the whole east coast of the USA.Great walking paths, well labeled plants, duper staff, interesting varied environments.Add to that a great kids area and a carrollon that plays every half hour and you have an all day to multiple day stop.I highly recommend seeing this site.Good for the whole family, even rover.

Stephen G — Google review

Visited 4/16/2024 and had a great time. All the staff we met were friendly and helpful. The grounds are immaculate. We brought a picnic lunch and enjoyed time by Bok tower as the carillon played. There are lots of small secluded areas to enjoy time together in a peaceful outdoor area. The tour of El Retiro is worth it and brings you back to a time long past. We did stop in the cafe, where they have a selection of beers, food, and ice cream among other things. All were excellent. I'll be back!

Walter P — Google review

Bok Tower is a beautiful place to visit. On a trip to Orlando, we ventured out here to slow down a little and walk through their gardens. The tower is gorgeous, with koi ponds on either side. There’s a little cafe to grab a beverage before starting on your walk. There’s also a visitor center to learn more about the grounds. I saw a ton of lizards and even a snake. One tip - the tower tolls at the top of the hour and then plays the bells.

Cassie G — Google review

Absolutely beautiful park, so much to see and do. We went to take group pictures, and it did not disappoint.The park Is a little in the middle of nowhere, but will be worth the drive (about 1 hour from Orlando).

Rick W — Google review

Amazing gardens to wander around. Peaceful and relaxing. Make sure you get there for 1:00 pm to hear the recital. You will need 2 to 3 hours to see everything properly. The kids garden is a lot of fun for adults as well. Reasonably priced cafe with friendly staff.

Raymond W — Google review

Bok Tower is an expansive garden where the centerpiece is a giant bell tower. You can enjoy a well-manicured garden while listening to the captivating sounds of the bells. Admission is $20 per person which is a bit expensive. There is a cafe and gift store on campus, along with a theater and visitor center which displays some history of the Tower.I saw several groups of people having picnics and enjoying the warm March day.

Kevin M — Google review

Lovely day at Bok Tower Gardens. Beautiful gardens, lots of paths to follow through lush, tropical greenery. Numerous flowering plants. Mixture of paved trails and those covered with mulch.Had a chicken blueberry salad at the cafe on the premises. A Carillon concert at 1pm was amazing. Such a peaceful spot!

Jeanne R — Google review

Magnificent!! I was here many years before all the gardens were added. Such a huge variety of flowers and plants, vibrant colors, the winding paths with groups of plantings artfully designed - with many to attract bees and butterflies, plenty of places to sit after much walking, exceptionally clean... And then there's the tower itself. Beyond words...exceptionally well maintained, looks new.And add to all this a perfect sunny cool day with a nice breeze -- we were in 7th heaven. We will definitely be back.

Vivian B — Google review

4.8

(10191)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (138)

4.5

(2472)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (139)

1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853, USA

(863) 676-1408

19

LEGOLAND® Florida Resort

40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (140)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (141)

40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (142)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (143)

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Theme park

Water & Amusement Parks

Water Parks

At LEGOLAND Florida Resort, you can enjoy a day of fun without any stress. The park is filled with colorful LEGO bricks and features attractions geared towards children aged two to twelve years old. Rides and attractions include the attached water park which offers a refreshing break from the heat. LEGOLAND Florida Resort also includes an 150-acre theme park, 5-acre water park, on-site accommodations themed with LEGO bricks, and a world famous botanical garden.

Hadn’t been here in 10 years since our son was little. They have made some improvements but this place is still as amazing as it was back then. The food, drinks and rides were great. We were actually there a total of 5 hours and rode 14 rides!! We do Disney regularly and 3 rides is the norm there. We got annual passes so we will definitely be back. This place is so cool. Clean bathrooms and everyone was super friendly.

E R — Google review

Great park about 1 hour away from Disney ( out west). This is a great park for small children, not so much for teenagers. You can bring your refillable water bottles as they ah e refill stations for ice, water and soft drinks even if you don’t buy their cups. You should buy their cups to refill fountain drinks though. I went Labor Day weekend, the lines weren’t long at all. The most I’ve waited in line for a ride was approximately 15 minutes. Bring a change of clothes or towels for the rides that involve water. The food isn’t that great. Tickets are approx $100pp. I found a great deal online. Pay for 1 adult and kid goes In free plus paid for parking $22. I paid $268 for 4 tickets. Google search “ kid free with adult ticket” ( Honest Kids)

Winnie J — Google review

The service has been immaculate. They have a lot of staff members and all have been very kind and helpful. The free buffet breakfast has lots of options to every age and diet. Is it the best buffet? No, but it’s good for what it is. The themed rooms are a big hit with the kids. And every day they get a new small Lego kit they get to put together and keep. The castle hotel has a playground you can hop over to and utilize during the day. The Lego building play areas have been really fun for the kids. It’s been an all around great fun experience. The downside; all guests 48in and shorter, no matter the age are required to wear a life jacket in the pool area. Even if they know how to swim. I don’t think much older than that would have much fun.

Cat W — Google review

Excellent theme park for kids, specially for toddlers. Many attractions for all ages and with a best in class decoration. You really feel like you’re inside a Lego toy.Food is not that special, but enough for spending the day.

George H — Google review

Incredible experience. Went on the first day of school so it was very empty. No wait lines for the rides. We stood at the Legoland hotel with the logo movie theme. Breakfast was included and access to the parks and water park as well. Kids loved the fact that you can trade Lego mini figures with park personnel if they have mini figures to trade. The chefs came out and spoke with me directly in regards to my dairy allergy. They took great care serving me to ensure there was no cross contamination. Overall it was a great experience.

Rafael F — Google review

If your child is into Legos this is a MUST! Pay the extra $ and stay at the resort as well. You can't beat the convenience of having your hotel room steps away from the theme park.The rides were great for my almost 5 year old. He loved all of them and especially loved the building stations they had throughout the park. I think his favorite thing to do was build the cars and race them with other kids at the Imagination building.Every staff we encountered was so nice and helpful.The park was clean and kid friendly.We had dinner and free breakfast at the resort and it was surprisingly very good! Service was great. Room was great!

Rose L — Google review

As a “Lego Nerd”, wife’s words, I was excited to take my ten year old son. We had so much fun going to all the exhibits and rides. We went in the middle of the week and there was little to no wait for most rides. It is definitely geared more towards younger kids, or adult kids 😆, than teenagers. I do like the fact you can bring your own water bottle and fill it all over the park. We have been twice so far and plan on going back a lot more.

Michael C — Google review

Legoland Florida was SUPER FUN! We went on almost all the rides in one day, the wait times are pretty short. They also have a water park. Regular parking was $20 and preferred parking was $50. My favorite part was Mini land USA. Legoland is an awesome, extravagant, amazing place to go on the weekends or weekdays. I would recommend bringing tons of water too. And coming on a weekday.

Micah D — Google review

Legoland was better than I expected. There were plenty of rides and activities for my young kids to do. We spent an entire day there and didn't get bored. There were refill stations for drinks at the park. I wish there were places for mist or outside fans as it got really hot, but we took breaks as needed.My kids enjoyed every area of the park that we went to. We tried the pizza and pasta for lunch, and I do not recommend it. It is pricey for food that doesn't taste good. I really enjoyed the 4D movie. It was very interesting and short enough to keep my kids' attention also long enough to cool off.I dreaded going to legoland, but I am glad I went. Highly recommend.

Cee — Google review

Great place for families with young kids. The park is small and easy to get around in a few hours. Food choices vary and are a little pricey for what they offer, but they do allow small coolers in. Young adults and teens will enjoy the park, but only a few rides are available to them

Paul B — Google review

This was our very first Legoland Trip and we drove about 13 hours for it with a 9 & 7 year old and it was well worth it. We stayed at the hotel and went to the parks. The hotel was incredible. It was so much fun, it had so much to do and was really cool to look at. The rooms were a little smaller than I thought however they were perfect. My husband and I had a blast along with our girls. They had a dance & pajama party every single night and a party elevator although the music wasn’t working on the elevator but my girls still sang and danced in it and enjoyed themselves. The park had plenty to do. We had 3 days at the park and we got to see and do pretty much everything. You could stay a entire week or more and not run out of things to do but for the Legoland part of our trip those 3 days were perfect and they got to do everything they wanted. My husband and I also love legos so it was really neat to see everything built in Lego. My camera roll is more full from our Legoland stay then our beach portion of our trip. I definitely recommend visiting Legoland instead of Disney. It was a really cool experience!

Victoria N — Google review

We visited the place a week after new year. We only purchase 1 park ticket which is the Legoland itself. The weather was cold. There were less visitors. Most of the food carts were close. few rides. children will definitely enjoy the park. In terms of souvenir items there were not much to choose from. I was looking for architectural lego design but there was none.

Joy P — Google review

So much fun there! We conquered the whole park in 3 hours - two adults with no kids. Some of the rides have about a 40 minute wait. Spots to go indoors and get out of the sun throughout the park. Very clean and organized. Only wish they had more "healthy" food options in the park. A ton of great photo op spots and most of the employees will take your photo with characters that appear.

Lorraine ( — Google review

They DO NOT Except Cash.Nice park but very overpriced to get in, $35 just to park on top of park admission over $100 for an adult and $29 kid admission.They nickel and dime you for everything it's incredibly hard to take a family on vacation and still have money left over to feed these kids. Our first experience and probably the last.

Tarra F — Google review

We went during the hurricane in 2023. Was a totally amazing idea. The park the day prior to the hurricane was empty. We ran through each ride like we rented the place. The hotel was clean and beyond child friendly. While the storm was happening the kids played downstairs in the Lego pit and they had cute shows and interactive stage games for entertainment. The morning buffet was included and so good. They offered Lego build classes and they gave us free Lego build sets. So fun.

Dani B — Google review

We got our annual pass back in December 2021, it is well worth it. Been here already 3 times and my little one loves it. We have $299 pass , we love it, no need to pay for parking ( we park in preferred parking) , we are allowed to bring 3 guess per pass in the year. We have use some already. I must confess it is a great park, lines for rides at the most 20 minutes and not all the time.

Nancy C — Google review

Legoland is a great park for the kiddos ages 3-10. Especially if they love building with Legos. The coasters and rides are all appropriately themed and exciting for that age bracket. I have 3 boys and they LOVED IT! As an adult I enjoyed the large Lego builds. I would recommend this trip to anyone who comes to Florida with young kids. The wait time for all the ride were very reasonable, 5-25min per ride.

Brandon W — Google review

We really enjoyed the craft at the Legoland theme park. I was just amazing. We really enjoyed miniland and we actually started there must of our visit. The best part for us was to see our hometown in the mini city. "Miami Beach". But, all the Lego craft is just amazing. It a must see to believe scenery. 👀😯👀😯👀😯👀

JARKESHA ( — Google review

This was my families favorite vacation! I wish we would have come here sooner. We stayed in the Legoland Hotel (pirate theme) and my kids loved it! The room was cleaned daily, housekeeping was great! The free breakfast at Bricks was awesome, we did it everyday. We also ate at Shipwreck in the Pirate Hotel, it was good but very expensive. Both restaurants are family style. We went to the pool and had it all to ourselves for an hour, best time to go is around 11. It was very clean.The park was a blast, so much to do and so many places to cool off. The wait times were not insane like Disney. It was definitely less crowded during the weekday vs weekend. My kids road everything they wanted to multiple times. My only regret is not coming here sooner!

Kali H — Google review

This park is specially designed for children under 12, but it's fun for all ages. The wait time was short at an average of 5 to 10 minutes per ride, with the exception of the cypress boat ride that had a 25 minute wait, I suggest going on that one right when the park opens before the line gets long. Buy the tickets online directly from Legoland for a secure purchase and to receive the best discounts. The kids love all the interactive attractions and rides, Legoland got the formula right, it really gets the kiddos involved like no other park!

Fred H — Google review

WOW !!! What a great place to take your family. We made the trip on 10/29/23 and it was worth the 90 minute drive. Our daughter had a blast and their Team is absolutely Awesome. Halloween was in full swing and passing out candy from 2pm to 7pm, and not skimping on it. We had so much fun that we have decided to purchase season passes on their program. And the food was delicious and very reasonable!!!!

Shawn O — Google review

Pros: when the park isn't busy, it's a pleasure to be there. We went on an "off season" day and it was perfect. No lines, kids were able to ride almost all of the rides other than the rides that were undergoing "annual maintenance". Overall a really great trip and the kids had a blast.

Ricki M — Google review

This place is a ton of fun, especially for younger kids, but even the bigger ones can get in on the excitement. The Lego creations are simply incredible and truly captivating. The rides and attractions offer a good time, and there are indoor rooms for Lego building, complete with air conditioning and seating for a much-needed break from the sun and walking. While things inside can be a bit pricey, it's par for the course with most theme parks. Overall, we had an absolute blast!

Erika R — Google review

Visited with my family for the first time and it was awesome. We stayed at the resort on-site. They have tons of activities for the kids including free master builder classes every night where you get to build and take home a Lego. They leave the kids Lego sets every day in their beds. There are nightly dance parties and story times. The included breakfast is unlimited and incredible. The dinner, especially at the pirate hotel, while not included is also fantastic. There is so much to do there that you'd never get at another hotel. If you can afford it it's definitely worth it.The park is also excellent. As you'd expect, it's everything Lego. Amazing hand built Legos and creations everywhere. Lego characters walk around and they have many meet and greets. There are tons of good and unique rides. They also do a great job of having plenty of shade and indoor activities to help beat the Florida heat. Another great thing they offer (That they really don't have to) is a "rainy day promise." If it rains enough to close enough stuff for long enough they offer you another day for free, which you can use for up to a year. One of our days activated this "rainy day promise" even though we still felt like we got enough out of our visit, but we were able to enjoy a third day to do all our favorite things again.Out of both the resort and park, the one thing that stood out to me as an adult is how great the staff is with kids. They are so kind and interactive. They almost all carry Lego mini figures and will trade them with your kids. They have a huge wall in the front that the kids can swap with too. You can tell they put a lot of effort into the hiring and training of their staff.Overall, we had a fantastic time at the Legoland resort and I'd recommend it all day to anyone thinking about it or on the fence!

Garret G — Google review

The best theme park we have been to! The hotel rooms were well decorated. The buffet skillets for breakfast and dinner were amazing. Great place for all ages but in order to ride all the rides you have you be 48” tall. We loved all the Lego made characters throughout the park. Each area is decorated to its own theme. My kids rode their first roller coasters here and are hooked to ride more!!! Very clean, friendly staff, reasonably priced food and gifts. We can’t wait to come back and stay longer! No I’d also suggest the pontoon ride on the lake. The Captain is very knowledgeable and easy going and super kid friendly.

Meag M — Google review

Legoland Florida resort and the pirate hotel was a hit with a 5 and 3 yr old brothers. The hotel room was entertaining and I appreciate the tv set in their own little section. The hotel staff were nice and the hotel itself is clean. The water park is small and the theme park wasn’t all that exciting for us adults. The kids well they don’t understand how slow the rides were or that a lot of the attractions close earlier then the time they are supposed to close. We were able to do the theme park in 4 hours cause a lot of attractions closed for the day. We did the water park from 1230-4pm cause also 3 of the 6 attractions were closed by 4pm. Not sure why. We didn’t ask. The hotel has two pools, both are nice. The slide was shut down. In our hotel room the bathroom doesn’t have a fan, which is odd.None the less I would only visit Legoland again with smaller kids. Kids older than 7-8 yrs old, it might be less exciting for them. Just my two cents. But it was a super fun experience.

Ana R — Google review

I was pleasantly surprised that Legoland was awesome! I've been to several amusement parks and most of them are dirty and overpriced. The park was very clean, the food was pretty good at a decent price, and the lines weren't long at all (and we were there on a Saturday with 85 degree weather). We also had no trouble finding somewhere to sit at the Waterpark.

Regina W — Google review

I went to Legoland a few days ago with my niece it was about 100°. I was so exhausted but other than that I was impressed by everything there my ticket was $119. Her ticket was $29 but to get that special for her I had to go online, she’s 10 years old. I really like the apple fries now the café I went to the first one when I walked into the park and older lady was working behind the counter with serving drinks and stuff. She didn’t know how to make an iced chai, there was a lot of powdery stuff at the top. I think all they’re missing is a good coffee place there.

Nijael M — Google review

It was our first time at Legoland, and the kids enjoyed every minute. Unfortunately, there was an issue with the power and a lot of the better rides closed early, and we didn't get the chance to enjoy everything. The park was not too crowded, and we still made the best of it.

Jose P — Google review

Overall, I had a great experience! This was my first visit and I was truly impressed by the park compared to the other big name parks. The staff were very welcoming, attentive, caring and showed great hospitality ALL DAY upon entry, throughout the park and upon leaving. No long waiting times for the rides and the park wasn’t crowded, however, I’d recommend doing more than 1-day to get more things done. Food + sweet treats were delicious and tasty. The park was clean including bathrooms, dining outlets and shops. Families, children and adults were all having fun which made the entire park experience fun and exciting! Water park great as well. I would definitely recommend this park + water park to everyone and I’d visit more often. Thank you Legoland Florida!

Mario G — Google review

So let me start by saying this place is nice for the kids and they loved it BUT the prices are just outrageous for what you are getting. Yes they get a little scavenger hunt in the fully themed rooms and they get a free small Lego pack and a juice but does that really justify the prices? I don’t think so. Otherwise it’s just a regular hotel. They do have the little play area in the lobby but the lobby is small. Perfect for the kids but the prices are ridiculous. Our kids did enjoy every minute and I’m not regretful but they should consider lower pricing so more families can enjoy the experience. That being said they do have a full bar downstairs where you can watch your kids play and have a drink and food. The breakfast was a family style all you can eat which was included in the price but still not super spectacular for what we paid. The breakfast was good though. The aesthetic and the decor is perfect and the kids thought the elevators were so much fun. Bathrooms are a little scrunched but the room overall was nice and it accommodated our 3 kids perfectly.

V R — Google review

Mein Sohn hatte seinen Spaß. Darauf kommt es schon an. Aber ich fand den Eintritt, gemessen an dem, was man geboten bekommt, definitiv viel zu hoch. Abgesehen noch von den Preisen für's Parken, was ich zusätzlich für fragwürdig empfinde.(Translated by Google)My son had fun. That's what matters. But I found the entrance fee definitely too high for what you get. Apart from the prices for parking, which I also find questionable.

R. F — Google review

I took eight awesome children to Legoland and we in return have an awesome experience! The best time spent was definitely at the waterpark! They were all able to roam freely and safely while having the best time ever! The excitement in all of their voices that day and every day since then has been just so wonderful to hear them reminiscing already! Great job Legoland!

Ty'keia K — Google review

Excellent for 6-9 year olds! 48" can pretty much ride everything. 44" can ride with another kid who is 48"+.Not a lot for toddlers under 34-36" but we went for the older kids. My 2 year old could do 3 rides. This was our 2nd trip and we just discovered the red schoolhouse building with the childcare center inside. It was great for an air conditioned break. Small indoor playground, kid's restroom, several lactation rooms, fridge & sink, many changing stations. Our toddler was able to nap in a lactation room with the lights off while my husband took the older kids through the park.

Cazbar S — Google review

I went with my kids today, and in my opinion, it is not worth the price for the amusement park. Regular fair rides are way better than this park, and it's over hyped. The only advantage is that 4 year old kids are allowed in all adventure rides along with an adult, which is not feasible at Universal and disney.

S B — Google review

Took the boys in 2023. Loved the Lego theme throughout the hotel and employees.Nice pool area with plenty of chairs for parents.*Breakfast was good and filling (go early to avoid the crowds who clearly tend to sleep in).*Register for a Masters Class at the hotel ahead of time!*Make dinner reservations!

Becky C — Google review

Great experience for the kids. There were tons of rides throughout the park for all ages. The park and themes flowed very well. It would have been nice to see more upkeep, there was a lot of wear and tear in attractions and surprisingly the park seemed understaffed. The waterpark lifeguards were very sharp and you could tell they were very safety first.

Justin B — Google review

First visitors. Familiar with all Orlando parks and we live here, so went with family and a 2 year old. Rides are per typical of a county fair and over very quickly. Grounds dirty. Rides that were supposed to be open until 4pm (the pirate boat ride is the picture with my watch) were closed early.But the ABSOLUTE WORST THING THERE WAS THE FOOD. The all you can eat pizza and pasta buffet was something straight from your nightmares. SUPER EXPENSIVE and all food bars empty all the time. They were adding ONE pizza at a time, while 15 people waited. When you did manage to launch yourself , Hunger-Games-style, to fresh food, it was absolutely awful. No cokes in any soda machine at all. And did I mention trash everywhere?Finally, rides for a tot are SO minimal. Even super safe rides (like floating boats) they can't ride.The only redeeming things about this place (still not worth the price point though) were the Cypress Gardens area, and the mini Lego land.Been here, done it, and if you have an option - recommend that you pay a little extra and go elsewhere.

Heather F — Google review

I enjoyed the park with my grandson. Lots of rides parents can get on with their kids. I guess this is why it’s one price for adults and kids. Park is beautiful. I also enjoyed the work they did with the Lego.

Merline R — Google review

The best of the best of the amusement parks is Legoland.We enjoyed to the maximum .The staff is super friendly and niceThe hotel is 1AThe rides are perfect for all ages you will find ridesA lot of places to build legosI really recommend this place

Rosalba W — Google review

I went with my wife and an adult friend (no kids) and was shocked at how fun Legoland actually is. There is a LOT to do, including some really fun rides and excellent theming. There's also a HUGE section of Lego cityscapes with realistic 5-6 ft tall buildings depicting the Vegas Strip, Florida cities, San Francisco, DC, and more. I spent about an hour just looking at all of that... Almost like a Lego museum. There are also fun Lego building options like the new Ferrari build-and-race where you build your own Lego car from scratch and literally race it like a soapbox derby.For the coasters... The wild mouse (Great Lego Race) was maybe the best wild mouse model I've been on. Dragon is extremely well-themed with tons of Lego animatronics and a decent family coaster at the end. Coastersaurus is bad. Rough and forceless with TINY cars very difficult for adults to fit in.Non-Coasters... Ninjago was disappointing. It was the first ride (I think) with the AR hand-motion shooting but the sensors were not calibrated well and there were no physical sets at all. Just screens, screens, and more screens without an interesting story. So if the only point is shooting for points it would be much more fun if it was properly upkept. The queue was very cool though. (In general I LOVE the idea of putting places to build Legos IN the queues so kids can handle longer wait times.)Lost Kingdom Adventure was good in concept but again, not calibrated well. I like that when you shoot targets it activates effects. I feel like this one would be better without the guns at all. Just let us go through the "not-Indiana Jones" story with all of the effects happening for everyone.The LEGO Movie Masters of Flight was a cute concept for a ride and is basically a better version of Disney 's Soarin' ride (but not close to as good as Avatar: Flight of Passage). I liked that the ride had a story as well as most and scent effects.Pirate River Quest was disappointing. The wait times were outrageous for not that many people in line (a general problem at this park) especially because they were only running 3 boats on a 20-minute ride. And they only hold up to 8 guests each. So ~70 passengers per hour. And for most of the ride I wished I wasn't on it. It's mostly just a pirate telling you to count gems then giving you the answer before you even pass by all of the gems. And most of the figures are not made of Lego and are stagnant. Not nearly enough animatronics for a "pirate battle." The parrot talking got really old really quick too. I did like the last part sailing on the open water but I'd rather just walk through the Gardens next time. Because I chose to do the ride I didn't have time to walk through Cypress Gardens which is included with admission.Mia's Riding Adventure was the only true thrill ride in the park, being a big disco-style spinner ride. I thoroughly enjoyed it.Coast Guard academy was basically go-karts but in boats. Super fun but the wait was ridiculously long because they weren't using over half of the boats.NFPA Rescue academy was a super-fun competion to put the fire out the fastest. A slight workout!Most of the rest of the rides are kiddy flat rides. I think you need a lot of kiddy rides in Legoland BUT too many of them are just the same flat track with different ride vehicles and scenery. Would be nice to have a really solid kids' dark ride along the lines of Ratatouille at EPCOT or Small World at Disneyland/MK.The park was clean enough though the bathrooms weren't great. The rides and experiences were a lot of fun. The only negative is that the operations on the rides are TERRIBLE and it's mostly not the employees' fault. It's because the ride's capacities are akin to fair rides but the park is built to attract thousands per day, causing lines with literally 20 people to take 20+ minutes. Most theme parks have ride capacities around 600+ per hour per ride and this one is about 15% of that.Also know that AAA Gives good discounts if you're a member.

Corbin B — Google review

Compared to Disney Theme Parks, Legoland is a bit far to the city. But it has its unique themes since visitors can see lego characters, animals, and famous landscapes everywhere. It is amazing to see the mini city around the US to the world. They are all beautiful. There are many rides at Legoland and waiting time is so much better than at Disney World. Kids seem so excited there as they can see, touch, and take pictures with their Lego characters. Kids and adults can join the rides and most of rides there are mild and experience for kids.

Trang L — Google review

BLESSED to be a Polk County resident for annual family passes for our 11 year old son. He will soon "out-grow" much of the rides, since going at age 2½. The Water Park is the BEST for local FUN during Florida heat. The atmosphere and remaining Cypress Gardens, Ski Show, and Holiday Events are FUN for All, and returning visits. A 20 minute drive to Family FUN for Children is a Luxury; since, other families have to get on a plane, pay for a hotel, and book well in advance. And; Mom got a Discount, and Preferred Parking. NO Lines to get thru to Parking. I only went to get my PASS and purchase a "Gift Card" for The BIG Shop or LEGO Factory Store. They do not offer "Gift Cards". I did not go further into the Park for visit. Other Guests have more thorough REVIEWS and Beautiful Photos. ENJOY🤗

Donna M — Google review

I visited the parks while vacationing in FL with my toddler. I opted for tickets that included all 3 parks. It is pricey so you might want to wait for their specials which include the 3 parks at a reduced price for children with a full price adult ticket. Otherwise, it is so much fun! There is so much to do! Even the Peppa Pig attraction was enjoyable. I highly recommend it. The place seems endless, especially if you do all 3 parks! Also, a big plus is that the park has several easy to spot bathrooms and changing rooms, which were all super clean.

Bernadette G — Google review

This place is a ton of fun, especially for younger kids, but even the bigger ones can get in on the excitement. The Lego creations are simply incredible and truly captivating. The StAugustine exhibit was awesome. The rides and attractions offer a good time, and there are indoor rooms for the Lego building, complete with air conditioning and seating for a much-needed break from the sun and walking. There are indoor playgrounds for the kids. While things inside can be a bit pricey, it's par for the course with most theme parks. Overall, we had an absolute blast!

Chris B — Google review

4.4

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4.0

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1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven, FL 33884, USA

(888) 690-5346

20

Hollis Garden

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Botanical garden

Nature & Parks

Hollis Garden is a botanical garden located in Orlando, Florida. The garden features a variety of plants and ornamental fountains.

Very beautiful and peaceful. We went on a Sunday afternoon, the weather was great, lots of families all around, but it was not crowded. Beautiful setting right on the lake. Lots of grassy areas for relaxation. It is connected to Barnett Family Playground and Splash Pad, but the playful sounds from the park did not deter from the beauty of the gardens.

Dawn C — Google review

Quite frankly one of my fave places in Lakeland. An always wonderful hit of nature and calm in the middle of the city.The caretakers/gardeners are also super friendly and have no issues with answering questions about the garden, plants, or anything else you may want to know (within their purview of course). And if you ask they’re more than willing to give cuttings if possible (not always allowed for some). Anyway the whole place is beautiful. It’s well laid out, well structured, and a delightful place to visit.

Nordia — Google review

Always a good time here. Peaceful, clean and a very beautiful environment. Absolutely love this place. It’s also one of my favorite spots in Lakeland.

Tonni N — Google review

We stopped on our way back to our friends house after a tasty lunch.This park is stunning. Plenty of spots to take photos. I wish we had a park like this back home.Palm trees, benches, waterfalls, a small pond/lake with Lilly pads, and of course bugs.If I lived here I'd be here taking photos all the time!

The R — Google review

Simply beautiful. Quiet peaceful setting just off Lake Mirror in downtown Lakeland. A perfect place to unwind or take pictures. The plants and flowers are majestic and give off a calming vibe as you walk around. Not huge… but we’ll worth the visit. This place has so many photo opportunities and so much to take in … well worth the trip.

Paul L — Google review

A very nice, small, formal garden next to a lake and open lawn areas. A splash park for children is next door and the most amazing roses I have seen surrounding the "Magnolia Building "which is directly next to Hollis Gardens. I go often just to see the roses.There is a small cafe at the magnolia bldg. and there are many downtown eateries close by. Great garden for a short stroll. There is no fee to enter.Public bathrooms are next to the splash park and not well marked, so look for the two-story building beyond the play area / water park.The kids love the water features and fun looking playground equipment. The nice lawn going down to the lake where the town holds some events gives a good open feel.The garden has a variety of plants including many Tropicals and some vegetables. Each little area has its own theme, surrounded by boxwood hedging. A fountain runs down toward the lake from a large half circle pergola / pavilion. This area is highest point and the garden and gives you an overlook at the areas you can explore working your way down to the lake. There are several artworks in the gardens and on occasion we have gone into the Magnolia Bldg. for little art shows, etc.Drive or walk south to Morton Lake to see a great many waterfowl. Swans, black and white, etc.

Rich D — Google review

Very nice public garden on the southern end of Lake Mirror. Free to walk around, with a great variety of plants and flowers. Would be a good location for a portrait shoot. The Garden Bistro was next door was awesome for Sunday Brunch.

Andrew M — Google review

I recently visited a garden that offered a delightful experience. The vibrant murals featuring butterflies, with flowers such as milkweed depicted in the artwork, added a burst of color and artistry to the surroundings. The garden is free to the public, which makes it an accessible spot for everyone to enjoy. There are some shaded areas, providing relief from the sun, making the visit comfortable even on warmer days.In addition to the murals, I came across various plants and aquatic life. The garden had lush green grass and a koi pond with beautiful fish, enhancing the tranquil environment. I also found an interesting snail shell during my visit, adding to the overall charm of exploring nature.The entire garden can be explored in about thirty minutes, which is perfect for a quick yet refreshing escape. For convenience, there is a public bathroom available at the bistro on the property, ensuring that visitors have necessary amenities close at hand.Overall, it was a wonderful visit, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a brief, enjoyable outdoor activity.

Lorena B — Google review

Very nice well maintained garden. We loved seeing the multiple fountains, and enjoyed watching the birds give themself a little bath. My oldest son liked the art sculptures that were there. Also enjoyed the little pond with the koi. I think they would benefit from a bigger area to swim. My favorite part was the gardenia trees, they smelled so good when you walked by them. Would definitely recommend a stroll through the garden.

Kristin W — Google review

Title: A Botanical Paradise in Lakeland!Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars)Review:Hollis Garden in Lakeland, FL is an absolute gem that will leave you enchanted with its natural beauty and tranquil ambiance. As a nature lover, I was thrilled to visit this exquisite botanical garden, and it exceeded all my expectations.From the moment I stepped foot into Hollis Garden, I was captivated by its meticulously designed landscape. The garden is a symphony of colors, featuring a stunning array of vibrant flowers, lush greenery, and beautifully manicured lawns. Every corner seems to have been carefully crafted to offer a feast for the eyes.One of the highlights of my visit was strolling along the winding pathways that lead to hidden treasures within the garden. Every turn revealed a new breathtaking vista, whether it was the cascading waterfalls, the charming bridges, or the serene ponds adorned with water lilies. It felt like stepping into a fairytale land where nature and art seamlessly merge.The attention to detail in maintaining the garden is commendable. The staff takes great pride in their work, and it shows. The flowerbeds are immaculate, the sculptures are well-preserved, and the entire garden is kept clean and tidy. It's evident that the team behind Hollis Garden puts in a tremendous amount of effort to create an unforgettable experience for visitors.Apart from its visual appeal, Hollis Garden offers a sense of tranquility and serenity that is hard to find in today's busy world. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat to unwind or a picturesque spot for a picnic with your loved ones, this garden has it all. I found myself completely immersed in the calming atmosphere, feeling a true connection with nature.

KJ H — Google review

Went here and a lovely walk with some great views and plants. Followed this by walking round lake mirror and seeing the sculptures. Total about 1.5 miles but easy walking. Parking available for free

R W — Google review

A small botanical garden with a grand view of the lake in the front. It’s seems like a popular place for people to take photos of weddings and other events in their lives. Best place also for TikTok. Parking is small but additional road side parking

Fowzer T — Google review

In February 2024 I married my beautiful wife here, and the gardens were perfect, the Maintenace staff were extremely friendly, explained everything to us, and gave us no issues. The whole day was great, and I would highly recommend Hollis Gardens for anyone else looking for a wedding venue in Lakeland.

Jeffrey D — Google review

This is a beautiful sculptured garden that borders a lake with interesting spots for multiple age groups. While there, there was a wedding rehearsal, to take advantage of the beautiful settings. The gardens offer ideas on how to group various plants.

James B — Google review

The food is excellent and the wait time was good. The food prices weren't bad and were decent compared to most places.If you like vegan or veteran options, this is the place for you, with meat lovers also getting some love as well.This place has beautiful scenery and nice staff. The outside area lets you view the downtown lake, and you will be surrounded by excellent infrastructure for ventures and gardens. The flowers and plants are beautiful, and the area is well taken care of.The only problem is that the outdoor area is limited and a tad small, so if you are planning to take a group there, reserve a table. The standard setting carters to a couple seats, with a few 4-person tables and only 2 tables on the outside patio. There are plenty of seats inside.I would recommend this place for a hangout for brunch or a morning date.

Ray T — Google review

Beautiful gardens with some unique plants. This one caught my attention enough to share. Lots of free parking I am sure you will enjoy it.

Frank G — Google review

It's rained when I visited the park but it was still beautiful and a very relaxing place to explore. They also have a free little library there.

Lana A — Google review

My first time at Hollis Garden with my family. It's beautiful, lots of room for walking & taking pictures. Small park & water pads for the kids. My daughter & I enjoyed the ducks, Music & Fish in the Garden. Very relaxing. Would love to return.

Diana O — Google review

Hollis Garden is beautiful and wonderful place to take pictures. It's right at Lake Mirror awesome place to walk around. There's a few really nice places to eat at. Love it there lots of duck's

Shelly C — Google review

Very beautiful, beautiful little garden. Well worth the walk through! It's right next to the main lake, downtown, and all the shops! Well kept, lots of flowers, fountains and places to sit and relax

Josiah K — Google review

Such a beautiful area to walk around and enjoy nature and the butterflies.

Judith D — Google review

Absolutely beautiful scenery, immaculate amount of seashells for a park. So much wild life and places to see in one walk.

Dale H — Google review

This is such a beautiful garden. They have so many areas to sit and relax and look out on the lake or sit and appreciate nature. This is a small garden so not much walking but they really maximize their space and take care of all the plants beautifully they have many plants that attract beautiful butterflies and bees as well. Outside food and drink are not permitted.

Raina C — Google review

Absolutely beautiful. I'm an avid gardener a d love coming here for ideas and inspiration. It's often overrun with photographers, but easy to navigate around.

Seth G — Google review

What a delight and it's free. Pristine garden and awesome sculpture and fountain. Plus take a walk around the lake.

Joe L — Google review

Beautiful manicured park. A nice area to hang out and enjoy the beauty

Petra C — Google review

Hollis Garden is a small but lovely garden area close to the shore of Lake Mirror. The water features and sculptures add to the appeal of the space.

Carol J — Google review

This is a review of the Hollis garden in Lakeland Florida.I believe this to be a city maintained park garden that is surrounded by office buildings and restaurants etc.They have a fireworks display at 4th of July late at night from the center of the lake.Is a long walk around but absolutely stunningly beautiful as the lake is filled with various fish, turtles and there are birds, ducks and swans everywhere.We were here on vacationing visiting family but I would have to say if I lived in the area I would be here constantly it's free to just walk around there are playsets for children, we encountered several friendly people who were walking the perimeter for exercise along with others who are just out for a stroll in their lunch break from offices I assume based on the way they were dressed everyone was in good spirits it was not crowded and fairly neat and clean.

Veteran V — Google review

4.8

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4.5

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702 E Orange St, Lakeland, FL 33801, USA

(863) 834-2280

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21

Dinosaur World

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Theme park

Museums

Dinosaur World is an open-air museum situated in Plant City, Florida that boasts over 150 life-sized dinosaur models nestled amongst indigenous flora. The park is located between Tampa and Orlando and has an entry fee of $20 for adults and $15 for children under thirteen. With a Fossil Dig and Boneyard exhibit, Dinosaur World caters to visitors of all ages who are interested in exploring the prehistoric era.

WOW!! What an experience, the dinosaurs are amazing, the landscape is outstanding as well.The facilities are clean, the playgrounds are great! It was unfortunate that the fossil dig was closed. But the gem excavation was open which is a bonus! Make sure you get your tickets with excavation.There no food here but many clean picnic table, makes for a great family experience.

Roy M — Google review

Amazing setup and beautiful landscape!! We visited this place with our three children (9, 6 and 3 year old). And everyone loved every bit of it. Mind you it was 92F degrees outside when we went there to visit. However, due to the excellent landscape (lots of thick and tall trees and bushes) we could barely see the sun while it was pleasantly mild temperature all throughout the park. There are plenty of dinosaur and ice age animal exhibitions to see and take pictures of. They have gem finding and fossil finding mini section where children can have extra fun activities for additional fee. General admission prices we found to be adequate for the amount of fun we received during our visit. Don’t forget to ask for their military discount if you’re a veteran or active duty member. And even your spouse or significant other with a proper dependent ID can get a small discount, which I found it to be really nice (every bit helps 😊). All in all it was an amazing experience! Highly recommend visiting this place. Be sure to bring lots of fluids and a stroller or a cart if you got small children. You’re going to be walking a lot. 😁

SOBI's H — Google review

Went today for my son's birthday. He absolutely loved it. It is definitely a cute place. There were these ducks that followed us for a second patiently waiting for fish food. It was a great time with the family. Highly recommend

Stephanie S — Google review

If you're in the area, it's a must-see. It's definitely a family orrinted activity. Dress accordingly, most of the exhibits are located outside. The gift shop is very neat. The staff is very helpful. The ticket is very affordable.

Rolando S — Google review

So much fun! We were there on a rather hot day, but there are places to stay cool (buildings, shady areas), plus places to buy bottled water. Lots of cool dinosaurs to see, worth the admission price. The carnivore walk may be intense for little ones, but will be a delight for slightly older kids. Lots of great photo ops and educational without being boring. While the Lake George Expedition Dino park still holds the number one spot for me, this is definitely a five star outing. You could easily spend 2+ hours exploring.

Jennifer M — Google review

Military get in free!I’ve driven by this place for years and thought it would be a bunch of chipped-paint-cheap-small plastic dinosaurs around a lake.My three and one year old LOVED it. Perfect place to take children under 5. It’s divided up into two chunks—there is a playground as soon as you walk in (yes!!) followed by a walking trail of dinosaur species in the back. Dinosaurs are clearly well cared for (no chipped paint!) and they feature ones that I’ve never heard of…so that was kinda fun to learn new things.There is an option to “upgrade” your ticket and do a rock discovery activity in the middle of the park. We purchased that but it was SO busy with people and the kids wanted to hit the trail right away so I do regret doing that upgrade because we never did it. If you have kids over 5, it would be worth it to do that extra activity.Could you make a day out of this? Absolutely. It’s also a mile away from Keel & Curley winery which often has strawberries and u-pick options. I am surprisingly pleased and excited to go back.

Rachel H — Google review

Loved visiting this hidden gem! If you have a Dino obsessed little one, I’d definitely recommend taking them here. They have what seems like hundreds of different Dino sculptures with descriptions of each dinosaur. Some I’ve never even heard of! I was pleasantly surprised with how many different activities there is to do here. Seems like there is something to do or look at no matter where you looked, which we all enjoyed so much. Especially some of the more “hidden” dinosaurs. I love that there are multiple playgrounds for multiple age groups. Was really excited to see that they were adding a splash pad, but unfortunately it was not in working order when we visited. Overall, it’s a great little place to explore for a few hours with your littles! **Please call ahead if you plan on using military discount because their online and in person discount is very different**

Ctine D — Google review

Dinosaur World is a really amazing place. My kid loves it a lot. you can spend around 2 hours there. escavation pass doesn't mean much for adults. it would be better if you could provide some more interactive activities with dinos for kids.

Chamika S — Google review

Took my five yr old grandson, who is very knowledgeable about dinosaurs. We had a blast. Worth every penny. We only spent a few hours, but could easily have made it 5 hours.

Debbie K — Google review

It is best to think of this place as a nature park with dinosaur statues and a few activities for the kids. It is a good place to go when the weather is nice and you just want a relaxing few hours. You can bring a picnic basket, walk around the trails, read the placards about various dinosaurs, and enjoy your lunch. It has some activities for young children such as a kids train ride, playground, and mini golf.

Lee — Google review

We went a few years ago on a field trip and it was alright, my kids were 4 & 5 then. They had a good time. We just went again (they’re 8 & 9 now) and we had a blast! You can tell they’ve been revamping. They have new things to do, added dino skeletons to the museum (super cool btw) and now a splash pad which was perfect for this Florida heat. Lots of cool dinosaurs EVERYWHERE. Definitely bring bug spray, a couple cold waters and a lunch to enjoy at the picnic tables.

Darleen O — Google review

This out in the open dinosaur world of a gem was absolutely fantastic. Really a great place to take the kids they do need more drink and food options while there but all in all a really great facility. My daughter had a great time in the playgrounds and really enjoyed walking the yard looking at the full size dinosaurs this was a great family treat.

Oran A — Google review

This park is very nice and simple. My 3 year old had fun here. We did the fossil digging and gem panning. The playground is nice too. Just make sure to bring snacks and drinks especially during summer time as it tends to get really hot. But there are shaded areas where you can rest and have picnics. Interesting place for dinosaur lovers out there!

Maricris B — Google review

We have always wanted to stop at dinosaur world and finally had the chance. It was a really neat experience for everyone. I had doubts that the older kids wouldn’t like it but even the adults enjoyed everything. It wasn’t too crowded and it was nice being outdoors. The only complaint was they didn’t have any options for food or even snacks.

Melissa W — Google review

This is a big playground. Like any playground at any park. Its picnic style they do not sell food. A bit expensive for what it is. THE STAFF is really nice. I love the souvenir store. Its more for babies than big kids. Definitely not for teenagers

Wendy B — Google review

Took my son for his 3rd birthday (should have went a day early for a free ticket).Dinosaurs are cool to look at but a lot costs extra. I wish everything would be included in the price, since it's already pretty pricey.My son had a good time but was disappointed we didn't have a train ticket (we thought we purchased one at the front)Did enjoy it was dog friendly, so our pups got to join for the day.Pretty much a one and done deal, no desire to go back again.Bring your own water and bring plenty, NO water bottle filing stations at the restrooms.Was cool they had it decorated for Halloween.

Jessica D — Google review

Our 2 year old son and 4.5 year old daughter absolutely loved this place! Despite the rain and heat, they had a lot of fun seeing all of the different dinosaurs, walking through the indoor areas with museum displays and a few animatronics. There was a little play area and a few add-on attractions as well. We got through it pretty quickly since our kiddos weren’t as interested in us reading about each of the dinosaurs, but it was still worth the money.

Brittany R — Google review

Our visit to Dinosaur World in Tampa left us with mixed feelings. While the concept of seeing life-sized dinosaurs was exciting, the experience fell short of expectations.Firstly, the park boasted a variety of cool dinosaurs to observe, but disappointingly, some were missing or under maintenance during our visit, which detracted from the overall experience.Another downside was the relentless onslaught of mosquitoes throughout our time there, making it quite uncomfortable to explore the exhibits without constant distraction.Moreover, the lack of food and water for sale was a major drawback. It seemed like a missed opportunity for the park to enhance visitor satisfaction and generate additional revenue. Adding these amenities could potentially attract more visitors and encourage longer stays.On a positive note, the gift shop was a highlight. It offered a variety of dinosaur-themed souvenirs and memorabilia, which was enjoyable to browse through.One commendable aspect of Dinosaur World is their pet-friendly policy, allowing us to bring our furry companion along, which added a nice touch to our visit.In conclusion, while Dinosaur World has its charms, such as the impressive gift shop and pet-friendly environment, improvements in amenities like food and water availability, as well as better maintenance of exhibits, would greatly enhance the overall visitor experience.

Christina S — Google review

The past is a mysterious and exotic place. Dinosaur world took me to this place and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Me and my best buddy spent 2 hours journeying the park and observing these representations of beautiful beasts. All the reviews say it is for small kids but in reality it is for anyone who appreciates prehistoric animals. Would definitely recommend!

Aaron L — Google review

Definitely fun and must go if your little one is a fan of dinosaurs! We had a blast.BUT the activities (fossil dig, excavation) are HOT. There’s no fans, no air flow, no breeze and it’s probably 30+ degrees hotter than outside. There’s no water available on the trail and the vending machines are cash only.Be sure to bring fans, tons of water, and snacks otherwise you will not have a good time.

Karlie L — Google review

Very nice!! Mom, daughter and 4 grandchildren aged 9 years to 10 1/2 months!! Rode the train, played in the fossil dig, fun on the good sized playground, took a cooler with drinks, sandwiches, chips, snacks... you can take a stroller or wagon for kiddos, lots of entertainment for everyone, mini golf...... great gift shop nicely priced... a very good bargain! The store says 2 hours but we could easily stayed for 4 hours!

Deborah K — Google review

Really cute park to take the young dino enthusiasts. We were there for about 5 hours. Spent time with 2 Paleontologists, learned some interesting facts we didn't know. Prospected for gems (crystals and stones), dug for some little fossils (mostly little teeth and mini bone fragments). The dinosaurs throughout the park are very well done and maintained. They look fantastic in photos. There are real fossils in the museum and the Exhibition Cave. Plus real Dino skeletons in the Doom Exhibit. Fun Dino toys for purchase in the gift shop. Bring your own cooler and snacks. Lots of picnic areas to take a break and eat your food. The playground was a great spot for my 6 year old to finish using up his energy for the ride home.

Amy B — Google review

Surprisingly well laid out and clean. Great for families with smaller kids. Nice paths.... short and simple train ride.... reasonably price compared to others these days. Most of all, my children loved it. They have a dinosaur themed playground that the kids enjoyed thoroughly. How is this place not better known?

Snarffel M — Google review

Highly recommend if you enjoy walks outside and/or dinosaurs! We paid for the full experience, which includes a train ride, fossil dig, and gem sifting, along with admission to the park. The earlier you arrive the better. We went right when the doors opened and by the time we left, it was packed!This place is amazing. All kinds of shade and vegetation. Tons of dinosaurs spread all around. Cool eating scenes. A few animatronic dinosaurs at the beginning. Can feed tiny fish for $1. They have a huge gift shop full of rocks and fossils and all kinds of dinosaur related things. I wish it was closer as I would keep coming back, even if to just enjoy a nice walk!

C K — Google review

Great place to visit and take family. Love the winding paths that you can travel down at your own pace. Beautiful setting. They do not have a place to eat and while the large gift shop carries water, you are welcome to bring your own cooler and the local pizza place delivers here. They are more then happy to invite you to eat in the lovely picnic area with whatever food you bring in. Very helpful and nice staff. Easy to get to right off of I-4 and plenty of parking.

Mrs D — Google review

We had a great time at Dinosaur World! So many dinosaurs to see and a cute little train. They have a small splash pad area, two different playgrounds, and a little place to dig (extra $), and two little walk through museums. Its nice and shaded throughout the park but can get extremely hot and humid in the summer and a little buggy. I wish they had fans near the picnic tables at least for the kids to cool down and eat a snack.

Britney W — Google review

Very cool place! Well maintained, clean. Kids loved it! Bugs were a little annoying but expected. Have a nice splash pad, good sized playground, 2 actually. Highly recommend if your kids are into dinosaurs!

Lance E — Google review

This is the coolest place to visit with kids. Easy to spend a good 2-4 hours here taking in all the sights and Activities. The outdoor boardwalk of dinos is really cool, and there are two large playground areas for younger and older kids- including shade structures! Don’t skip the museums- both have really neat exhibits. You can easily check out the place without the extra paid activities (mining, train, fossil dig), but also worth it as the kids loved it! We came expecting to spend 1.5-2 hours, and ended up leaving after 3 hours- but could have stayed longer. Plenty of picnic areas throughout to bring a packed lunch. Only negative is summer time is HOT and lots of bugs, but that’s Florida! Pest control strategies might be a good investment to lessen the bugs just a bit! Would love to go again during winter when it’s cooler out!

Teresa H — Google review

This place is amazing! They are always adding new things to see and experience. My kids grew up in this park and always want to visit when we are in central Florida. Pay the extra for the dig and gem strike. The gift shop is pretty amazing too so expect to buy something there. They also have some cool vending machines. Their park equipment is on point. If you have kids under 12 take them here! As of 2024 spring you are allowed to leave and comeback same day with wrist band.

Magdalynn B — Google review

Thank you for being dog friendly! Gibson felt so welcome from start to finish. We love the shade and reading through all the education signs.We also couldn't help but notice how clean the dinosaurs were. This park is clearly loved by the on-site team and it shows!

Kim L — Google review

Fun and cool looking place, whole family had fun! Definitely another great option to bigger theme parks, as it's cheaper and less crowded. (I prefer this.) Beautiful plants as well, it really felt like we were in a jungle.

Lasha B — Google review

Have taken two of our grandsons to Dino World.Kids loved it. Train ride, fossil dig, and museums were well-liked. Small crowd on a Monday (30 cars). Bring a lunch. Kids should be into dinosaurs, and will learn a lot during your stay.

Keith R — Google review

We enjoyed the Cave City KY location and saw the Florida one was close to our Spring Break trip so we HAD to go! We had a blast! Everyone was nice, it was very clean, and we just had a blast. We enjoyed the quarter smasher and the automated cotton candy machine. We all need to support places like this. So, if you're in the area, check out this super fun place!

Jake K — Google review

4.5

(6213)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (163)

4.0

(707)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (164)

5145 Harvey Tew Rd, Plant City, FL 33565, USA

(813) 717-9865

22

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (165)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (166)

40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (167)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (168)

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Theme park

Water & Amusement Parks

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is an African themed amusement park with thrilling rides, live entertainment and family-friendly activities. It is one of the top attractions in Tampa for guests all year round.

A really nice park to visit for a day. Some of the rides are a little rough, but all in all a lot of fun.The Sesame Street kids area was wonderfully themed and had some great things for my son to do.Security took a little while to get through but I think that is my biggest complaint. The food and beverages around the park were delicious.

Corey A — Google review

Our visit was on Groundhog Day, lucky us, six more weeks of cooler weather. Great day to stroll this amazing theme park. Animals appeared to be more active today than in the heat of summer.Wonderful wildlife (caged or fenced in) viewing areas throughout the park. Many thrill rides and children areas. A very nice train ride where you can see many different animals. Train has wheelchair access on board. A variety of dining options; somewhat pricey. Lunch for two, Chicken Tenders / Fries / two drinks can set you back over $30. There is 10% off food, 20% off merchandise with annual pass. Check web site as prices and offers may change.Many of the attraction and shows were closed due to maintenance or health concerns. Just the same, a very enjoyable day out with family.Park is clean and staff are polite and pleasant.Recommended checking website for prices, events, and times before showing up in the parking lot.

El K — Google review

Overall wasn’t the best experience, some rides are really fun, train ride was good as well, however most animals on the train ride can’t be seen. Lines are fast moving and organized. Layout is cute. Some misters around the park to cool off was much needed, more would have been perfect. Customer service is basically non existent in the restaurant and cafe we went in. Would we go again not sure 🤔

Rima A — Google review

We arrived shortly before 9am and there were cars already waiting in line. The park opens at 10am, however, they opened the lines for parking at 930am. You can either walk to the gates or take the tram. If you have purchased tickets online, you can go directly to the self-ticketing kiosk, and scan your printout and you will receive your tickets. The park is nice, loved being able to see the animals. It was cold, so going on the roller coasters was interesting 🥶 the best ride for me was Cobra's Curse. Loved going backwards and spinning in the coater cart 💯 but it was a short ride! The longest waiting ride, is Cheetah Hunt. You will want to ride this one as soon as you get in! Definitely lots to see and do. I suggest more spots for purchasing coffee, tea and hot chocolate. Too cold for ice cold beer! LOL!

C R — Google review

Great rides staff is rude and acts like they hate their job . Don't get me started on the waste of money on the highest season passes we paid for . No preferred parking we are always told and there is always plenty of spots open , extremely rude parking people at the pay booths saying they have security and I'm not allowed to even look to see if they have any spots open when that was a lie . Aside from that the park is dirty and they choose to do yearly maintenance on rides when it gets warm outside and not in off season . Now keep in mind aside from that they have a lot of nice rides and it's beautiful and peaceful there at night time so don't not go cause of a few issues . If you like coasters then it's a great place

Chris D — Google review

Great place for kids. We loved Elmo's show, the kids area, the zoo. You need a few hours to see the whole park. They do have food areas, a very nice restaurant, many rides for kids 5-7 years old. Also many places where you can be inside to cool off. Very nice experience. My 5 years old son had a blast. He loved the hippo, giraffes and cheetah. Mamma Kangaroo had a baby and my kid was very happy to see that.

Simona C — Google review

Visited on an extremely hot day! This may have benefited us as wait time for rides and attractions were very short. Purchased the food pass, we thought this worked best for us, as we planned on a long day at the park. We ended up being there for 7 hours. So it was a perfect pick for us. The food is good, don't expect fine dining but our family of 4 enjoyed it the options provided to us!Our kids loved the Sesame Street area, thats where they could have most of their fun! Splash pad, kids roller coasters, and animal exhibits were great! With it being so hot out, some of the animals were interested in getting their pictures taken.

Zachary L — Google review

We went to Busch Gardens for a day when it got a bit chilly for beach fun. It was Monday, December, 3rd, the last day of Christmas break and it wasn’t very crowded. Quick queue passes and all day dining made our day really easy and stress free. These triple the cost of your ticket but are well worth it, if don’t want to spend all the time in lines and have several teenagers in the family who eat a lot like we do. All day dining includes an entrée, a side or desert and a fountain drink in any of 5 main restaurants every hour. It doesn’t include any snacks or other food vendors. Mind: you still have to wait in lines to get food in restaurants, so we didn’t even go to a BBQ place that smelled so good, the line was probably more than an hour long there and we didn’t want to waste time. We also went on Serengeti safari tour and loved it: got to feed the giraffes and see all the animals up close. The rides are awesome, me and our youngest kid 9y.o. did some family friendly rides, which were too much for me anyways (I just can’t do any roller coasters). My husband with older kids had a blast on all the crazy rides. Everyone loved our day in Busch Gardens, we’ll definitely be back.

Eva V — Google review

Went on a Tuesday mid July. Park was fairly busy but literally everything was shut down. It rained for a bit but other than that it was just cloudy but they kept the rides and games closed anyways. I was there for 4 hours and got to ride 1 ride and play 1 game, the rest of the time was us walking around the park trying to find something to do. The animal exhibits were cool though, animals were very active. Don’t get the all day dining. It only works for certain restaurants and their food is sub par at best since it seems it’s not very organized in terms of making it and getting it out. I got chicken tenders and fries and it made me almost puke (I hate saying this because I know it’s an amusement park, but this was just bad). The one ride I rode was fun though, it was the new iron coaster and was a lot of fun. Line went by at a decent pace and the ride itself was fun. Staff were friendly and helpful whenever we needed it. Honestly, just save your money and go to universal or somewhere else. $300 to waste that I can’t get a refund on!

Bre C — Google review

A great place for families with children. We spent three days there - that's all you need to see and do all the attractions. great option to travel by train around the complex - safari wonderful! Sesame Street and attractions around it - very well thought out, for children of all ages and more. We had a great time here! We'll be back someday :)

Emilia R — Google review

The fun card pass works best because we had rain for several days and you may not always qualify for a rain pass refund. We can also use this particular pass for the rest of the year, in case we decide to go back. The all day meal pass works best for large groups. Several restaurants provide a good portion size, so kids could probably share a meal together from one pass. The train ride is perfect for getting to different areas of the park, while getting photos of the wildlife. Make sure to check out the shows, they had an ice skating show that was a quality event, plus it is cool inside, if you need a break from the heat. The vehicle parking is across the street from the park. They have a tunnel that allows you to access the preferred parking area, which gets you really close to the entrance (it's a $15 premium over regular parking). If you download the app, the map feature will actually help guide you through the park. The location function must be active on the phone. The app will also store all your passes if you buy online, so you will not need to keep up with tickets. If it is raining, some of the walking paths can be slick. We saw one kid running and tried stopping quickly and ended up on their behind.

Richard N — Google review

I've been here a bunch of times over the years, ever since I was a kid, back with the original owners of the theme park. I most recently visited in Feb 2023. It was fun. It wasn't as fun compared to ten or twenty years ago. I feel like the park has lost some of its luster. Not run down per se, but just not as much upkeep as I remember compared to previous visits. But, the roller coasters were a lot of fun. And if that's why you're coming to Busch Gardens, and it probably is, then it's a decent place to visit.

David P — Google review

Fantastic, you get to experience the best of both worlds a zoo and a theme park. My son and I could not explore much because it was raining, and the park had to close for weather safety. We Will go back. The rides are cool and exciting. Many restaurants, and the ambiance is exciting. The scenery is different than other theme parks. That is what makes it unique.

Buffet D — Google review

I recently visited Busch Gardens in Tampa, and it was an incredible experience! The park is a perfect blend of thrilling rides and amazing animal encounters. The roller coasters like SheiKra and Cheetah Hunt were a blast, and the animal exhibits were both educational and entertaining.The staff were friendly and helpful, and the park was clean and well-maintained. The food options were diverse, and I particularly enjoyed the dining experience at Serengeti Overlook Restaurant. The landscaping and scenery throughout the park are stunning, making it a great place to enjoy a day outdoors.Whether you're a thrill-seeker or looking for a fun family day out, Busch Gardens has something for everyone. I can't wait to return for more adventures and excitement. Highly recommended!

Jennifer R — Google review

Amazing park in Tampa. Lot ofRides and fun activities inside along with animals. Loved this place. Enjoyed till last moment. DON’T miss any rides. Has good amount of rides for toddlers as well.. Sure I am gonna visit this place again..

Sam K — Google review

This place is a hidden gem. Not too crowded. Get here early and the lines for rides are not bad at all. The later you stay, the longer the lines get for the rides.The staff are helpful and friendly. The animals are worth the trip. So many to see. Gorgeous representation of their species. The park is clean. They do an outstanding job of keeping it presentable.Cost of food here is like you would expect at an amusement park. Quality of food is subpar at the locations we did try.Overall, my visit was amazing. It was well worth the visit. One FULL day is all that's needed to do everything you need to do here. Two FULL days will allow you to get your complete fill of the amusement park.

Jonathan W — Google review

Great park with a mix of big coasters and smaller rides. A fair number of rides and restaurants were closed. We were definitely there on a slow day, barely a wait for anything except lunch. The Sesame area is really fun for the little kids. The tree house was a favorite.

Suzanne A — Google review

Fantastic day out with the family.Easily accessible parking (albeit a little expensive) with a short connecting land train to the park. We had purchased tickets via an agent and they were really easy to collect from the self service machines.The food options were great. We took advantage of the all day dining option and despite reading some pretty damning reviews, I felt it offered excellent value for money - we each had five drinks throughout the day and two meals which were great portions and very tasty. The food at Zambia Smokehouse in particular was really nice.The rides are brilliant and there are a great selection for all ages. We visited on a weekday and in general the lines for all rides were short and I think the longest wait was around 30 minutes.The animal element of the park is great and our kids loved seeing Flamingos, Giraffes, a Rhino, Gators and Elephants as well as loads more. The staff all really seem to genuinely care about the animals too and it was lovely to see them caring for them throughout the day. The environments in which they are kept seem to be as close to natural as they can be and none of the animals at any point looked like they were sad to be 'on show'.In summary, a great day. A completely different experience to the other theme parks in Florida and well with a visit if you haven't been before.

David H — Google review

Just AMAZING.I payed for the safari tour, Sloth tour and Penguin tour and it was amazing ❤️ such a wonderful experience! I honestly love the fact that they explain to you so many things about how to help the conservation, how to save the wildlife and how their bodies work and such. I learned so much and I was just amazed by the greatness of every single animal I saw. ❤️The park is great, clean and had wonderful workers.

Luisa S — Google review

Had a blast here. Went on a Thursday and lines were fairly short was able to ride most the rides multiple times and even getting front seats. I would suggest the food and drink day pass and share it. You can get food and a drink every 90 minutes. We really enjoyed the safari ride and feeding the Giraffes. It was an awesome experience. I also enjoyed the amount of animals to see mixed in to the amusement park and rides. The Iron Gwazi was awesome and would absolutely suggest the front seat for the 91 degree drop.

Bradford L — Google review

Amazing day at Busch Gardens (June 10 2024). Quiet day, most we waited for any ride was 30 minutes, most wait times were under 15 minutes. Iron Gwazi is insane, and all the coaster there are amazing fun. A great day out for everyone. Combines the best of a zoo and a theme park.

Simon C — Google review

This place was great. There is plenty to do for kids and adults. The kids rode the rides, and we looked at the animals. The kids loved it. It is a big park and it does have plenty of places to eat. We bought the dining pass, and it was worth it. General parking was fine with the trams running.

Chad M — Google review

I love this park. The coaster section is great. The shows are pretty good for amusement parks. The animal tours are outstanding. We love to take people to the safari to feed the giraffes.The cost of admission is a great value with the fun card. Pay once and go the whole year. The memberships have great perks, free tickets , free money to eat in the park, discount tickets etc

Matthew K — Google review

This is my first time at this location. I was very surprised to find that not only does the park have rides and attractions but it also has a grief focus on wild animals. There is an Animal Care Center that you can enter and at times there will be a veterinarian taking care of an animal. There are exam rooms that have clear glass in front of them so that you can observe what the doctor does with the animals. The park seems to be well-designed for families. I would recommend this place if you want thrill rides animals and family fun!

Michael S — Google review

I love Busch gardens. I used to go to the one in Virginia. I felt it was much better in the terms of maintenance. May be the Tampa bay park isn’t that well maintained probably due to they just opening to public after Covid. I had gone to this park in the late summer of last year.This location also has a small zoo. The roller coasters are pretty good, the park has something for everyone. They also have shows.Would definitely come back here.

Sindu — Google review

Been a Florida resident my whole life and Busch Gardens never disappoints. It is a fantastic park! The animals, the rides, the attractions... they even have up close animal encounters which are amazing. I would definitely recommend everyone go spend the day. As the rides are exciting, the park itself is relaxing and caters to everyone... whether you are a ride enthusiast, park lover, admirer of animals... everyone will have a great day.

Ashley H — Google review

We always have a great time at Busch Gardens! Lots of exciting roller coasters, beautiful animals with amazing conservation efforts, and fun shows. We liked the new Summer shows. Open late for Summer Nights. Closed a few times for Summer thunder storms, but that's to be expected in the Florida Summer. They do a great job keeping everyone safe. Wonderful staff! Very accommodating for my child with autism. Oasis Pizza was yummy! Our favorite is always the pretzels at Twisted Tail though. That's a must try! The price of the drink refills have gone up again, but the cups are still a good deal, especially when you want to stay hydrated in this heat. You'll wish you got a refillable cup. Love having a pass and we will definitely be back!

Jennielle P — Google review

First time at Busch Gardens, and it was great overall. My wife and I went on Friday, and it was surprisingly quit empty for a Friday, so it meant super quick lines. We never had to wait much for any of the rides. The ride "Kumba" was closed along with one of the water rides, which was a bummer. Also, some of the animal attraction places were empty with no signs, so that was a waste of time. Parking was $30 for the day ($45 for preferred parking), but you can take the mini tram that drives you to the front entrance of the park. The rides were definitely fun. Food options are okay over there, and the markups on beverages/water are insane (we paid close to $6 for a water bottle there...). The park felt like it was missing more rides as we got done pretty quick with no lines, and it also felt like workers were just waiting around. All in all, I'd definitely recommend paying a visit if you are in town as the rides are fun and thrilling.

Mohammed A — Google review

This place is awesome!! It has a lot of roller coasters for adults and young people and there is a special area for kids that is pretty big! You can find food, beverages, souvenirs and more! You can also enjoy the different attractions and shows, you can spend the whole day here without being bored. I really recommend it. I had a really great time here.

Becca L — Google review

We had a lot of fun here. I grew up going to Six Flags in Georgia and the rides and everything here were so much better. My favorite was the cheetah coaster. I love how everything in the park is themed and decorated and all the foliage everywhere helped keep it cooler along with all the fans. They had some Halloween decorations up as well, that was cool to see. We already want to come back again.

Jennifer S — Google review

Had an amazing time. Best theme park. Roller coasters are awesome. Safari experience is a one of a kind. Food is amazing and the atmosphere is full of fun! Glad I'm a newly season ticket holder!

Erik N — Google review

Love this place and the events they throw throughout the year. Definitely the type of amusement park where you get the best of both worlds: thrilling rollercoasters and viewing animals!Definitely being a local, it’s worth it to get an annual pass for the perks and discounts. My friends and I love coming for the special events each month and seeing new shows and performances that come in or eat during their food-festival events. We are big fans of the regular foods available all-year, too, where this park definitely is above other theme parks in the state for food quality and cost.The animals look well cared for. The staff in the animal’s spaces can answer a lot of questions about them. You can also see that they have buildings dedicated to animal rehabilitation (like surgeries) and conservation efforts.Of course this is Florida and the weather can be nasty at times, they will close down rides due to weather issues in the area. This is when my friends and I would catch a show or go walk by the animal areas if it’s lightly drizzling. All the rides are outdoors, so it’s likely when the weather reports say it’s raining that all of the rides are down for that time.Parking is $30, if you are a silver or gold annual pass member, it’s free.

Ana — Google review

Busch Gardens Tampa is an amazing place! This place doesn't really have as many roller coasters as other major parks do. but I think that all of the other rides makeup for that. The coaster collection is very strong and has some of the best in the world. The flat rides in the park are also very good. The quality of the park is in very good shape after over 50 years of operation. The one complaint that I have is how there are too little kid rides and family oriented attractions. The food here in my opinion is like any other theme park food. Overall, this place is worth visiting for anyone.

Jonathan C — Google review

I love Bush Gardens! They have a wide variety of coasters plus lots of other rides for all ages and thrill seeking levels. The shows I have seen are fantastic, especially Turn it Up Remix (ice skating show). They have many animals there, including the Serengeti Savannah which you can do a safari or take the train through. There is so much to do and it is a beautiful park!It can get crowded with long lines, so you might want to pay for the quick queue.

Will G — Google review

This place offers the best of both worlds, a zoo and a theme park. We started off with a train ride which brought us on a safari like tour across the plains. Being a parent with two young kids, we were definitely pleased to see the large playground with rides suited kids below the age of six. We ended the day with the ice skating show at the theatre which showcases exceptional ice skating talent. Definitely a day well spent.

Henry L — Google review

There is something for everyone aged. There is so much to see and do. The tickets with eat all day are great value. You get to eat every 90 minutes if you want. This includes a main meal, desert, and a drink. There's a wide range of animals and wide choice of rides and amusements.

Chris T — Google review

This is one of my favorite parks. This park has something for everyone. They have adrenaline roller-coasters, they have a zoo, they have shows, and kids areas.We got there early and were able to leave no wait in the first couple of rides.SheiKra, with the 90-degree drop is my favorite ride in the park. They also have Cheetah Hunt with a high speed which I love too.We went on the train around the park. The kagoroo encounter was very nice.Overall, everyone will find something to have fun.

Steven Z — Google review

Definitely had a blast here! We were fortunate to catch it on a less busy day, so ride times moved decently! Park was kept clean which was nice to see. Be prepared to spend $$$ on food, drinks and souvenirs. (But, thats no surprise at a theme park!) I'd most certainly enjoy another trip back! The coasters are pretty next level! And, as a side note... the app is pretty unreliable for ride times/ride closures, so better to just head to the ride of choice and check it out!

H L — Google review

Great number of animals to see on the train tour. Roller coasters are awesome, but be careful if you are 6 foot or taller. You won't be able to fit on a few of them. Had a great time.

Edward W — Google review

The Food and Wine Festival had great options! We purchased the stamp card and it was perfect. They do have a few vegan and vegetarian options at a few of the stands. The rides had short lines today, but we also purchased the fast pass. We waited maybe 2 minutes for one of the rides. All the rollercoasters were awesome! We had a great experience today and will be back in the future. Also, they actually had a decent amount of stuff for kids to do.

Chris — Google review

It is a great location but needs complete renovation on some parts of the park. The entrance looks old, and the paving needs to be painted or renovated. Some buildings also look old. BBQ is a best place to get a lunch. Very tasty brisket, salads.

Yuriy K — Google review

Busch Gardens was the most amazing attraction park I’ve ever been to. I love that the gardens have roller coasters and the zoo filled with something for everyone. You can ride the roller coasters, take a train ride to see the animals, taste some delicious food and have lots of fun.Be prepared for the waiting lines. Getting here early in the morning is the best, you’ll likely skip long lines.

Irina — Google review

Had a great time!! The Safari was SO amazing!! We got to see many different endangered animals and the giraffes came up to our open truck and they gave us big lettuce leaves to feed them! We got amazing pics and memories!The roller coasters are next level! Great fireworks display at the end of the night!

Kyra M — Google review

My first time and it was fantastic.Was in the park from about 11-9 and saw pretty much everything it has to offer and could even enjoy the Goo Goo Dolls doing a show while we walked around that side of the park. Wonderful views from the restaurant/bar overlooking their safari.Ashley and Taylor were wonderful as our Safari guides and I can't think of a place you can get closer to the giraffes.Multiple shuttles to & from the parking lot, easy access and a nice friendly layout.Highly recommend it and can't wait to return.

Joshua T — Google review

My first time going and we had a blast! Plenty to do, we were there for 8 hours. There are animals, kids park and shows, great restaurants. I recommend you buy the all you can eat bracelet for $50. You can eat and drink all day every 90 minutes. There's a BBQ smoke house that's amazing. I had an amazing time!! Can't wait to go again 😍

Ginger C — Google review

Fun amusement park with lots of animals.Lots of fun for children (sesame street themed kids area with rope course. And lots of rides for older kids and adults.If you are going with a child you are allowed to bring outside food and drinks which is amazing.Highly recommend getting the fun pass or annual pass (with parking).

Laura D — Google review

My trip to BGT was phenomenal other than the food. The rides and cleanliness were easily 5-star worthy. Sadly 3 rides were out of service and the customer service we received and the quality of the food was sub-par for Busch Gardens. The only food that was actually decent was at the smoke house.

Tyler R — Google review

I had an amazing time at Busch Gardens! The park is packed with exciting attractions, but Sheikra stole the show for me—it’s hands down the best ride there. The thrill of the 90-degree drop is unbeatable, and I couldn’t get enough of it. The rest of the park is a blast too, with a great mix of roller coasters, animal exhibits, and beautiful landscapes. Even just walking around and taking in the atmosphere was fun. Busch Gardens really knows how to deliver a fantastic day out, and I’m already looking forward to going back!

Luis G — Google review

We had so much fun. I visited 25 years ago as a kid, it was very nostalgic to ride the roller coasters I enjoyed then all these years later. The new additions were great, we will definitely be coming back.

Scott C — Google review

My family had annual passes so we go to Busch Gardens often. It is worth looking at the website and planning if it will be your first time. The park is very big and you will not have time to do everything in one single visit, but by planning you are able to make the most of your time there.The train is one of the best rides there if you want to see the animals, and it is better to do it in the morning.The sesame street area is very cute for children, my nephew enjoys it a lot and we get to do a lot of rides with him there.The food and drinks are great, but there are some not great options. So research and consider what you like before buying anything. I would recommend Dragon Fire Grill where there is a lot of choices to maybe please the entire family.The shows are amazing, especially the ice skating shows. Definitely worth the time and you do get to sit in the AC for a while which is great for the hot summer months.This is one of our favorite parks in FL, and will definitely continue to visit!

Cristina T — Google review

Absolutely awesome! There is something for everyone. There’s a great Sesame Street play area for kids, there are cheers and elephants and other animals. Also flamingoes. There are insanely wild rides and great shows. They have such fabulous shops not crazy prices for gifts and souvenirs. The workers are so friendly and helpful and there are plenty of bathrooms and lockers. The best place ever!!!!

Naomi S — Google review

Good combination between a zoo and amusement park. To enjoy the most of the park, get to it as early as possible. Getting to park takes some time but it’s well organized. My recommendation here is to enjoy the rollercoasters and outside attractions in the morning since in the afternoon it’s most likely to rain and those attractions get canceled. A lot of shows to enjoy. The all-day-dining option is a good deal, we paid $30 per person, and could eat a meal every 90 minutes. The chicken at the Dragon Fire Grill & Pub was awful. If you can, avoid it.

Paola ( — Google review

This place is so fun. The cheetah ride is a blast and so fast! My daughter loved the river ride.The food was really good and I loved that all the animals had nice enclosure and they were very clean and wide open. We will definitely go back. Perfect place for people of all ages. Lots of fun things to do for very small children as well. I appreciate all the shade they provide as Florida heat can be miserable at times.

Jessica V — Google review

Definitely not how I remember it. I went years ago with family and we had the best time. This time around, we purchased 2-day tickets and after the first day we did not want to return. I realize it’s an amusement park and everything is expensive, but charging $5 per person to ride the SkyRide after getting overpriced tickets seems a little ridiculous. There were also numerous rides closed down which was disappointing, and we found the park catered to the safari/wildlife scene more than rollercoaster attractions. The rides we did go on were great, but again, we had to purchase lockers every single time we got on a ride. Overall, it was a disappointing experience and we will most-likely not be returning.

Cam — Google review

The rides were great. The place has a combination of zoo and roller coasters rides. Must try Iron Gwazi. You should take it as the first ride when you enter the park . The only complaint is that they had the people with the water mister to spray water to cool down the temperature, but only saw them when the park opens and no one since then till the end of day.

Nha P — Google review

My wife and I attended the Food and Wine Festival on Saturday May 11th. We had a great date day, it's is Veterans appreciation month at Busch gardens so active and Veterans military and up 3 family members get FREE TICKETS FOR ADMISSION FOR THIS EVENT THAT'S A SAVINGS OF $280.00.We still had to pay separate for the Food and Wine Festival but it was still great 👍 👌 🙃 🙂 😅 value for your money 💰 🤑 💸. Caution be careful purchasing the VIP Parking Access it's on a first come ,first serve basis , you are not guaranteed a VIP parking. Other the event for the Food and Wine sampling Festival was good and Busch Gardens is beautiful a must visit.

Jimmy N — Google review

Great roller-coasters and good food. No shows during the week, so plan on walking around seeing animals, which is nice until it gets hot they tend to hide in the shade. Definitely get the meal package, worth it! Waits are not bad during the week.

D. — Google review

Busch Gardens in Tampa is always a go to for me. Hell Tampa Bay in my opinion is the best, and the most relaxing city in Florida. The west coast seems more laid back, and off the beaten path. I prefer this over the slam packed tourist drivers in Orlando.Busch Gardens is all you need in an amusement park, and to go with it is a beautiful Safari tour. The guide was super friendly. This park is not overbearing, and you will have plenty of attractions to appeal your own appetite.I would recommend this to anyone who is in the Tampa area. Thanks Busch Gardens till next time.

Kevin ( — Google review

Be prepared for outrageous amusement park prices. Bottled water was $5 and soda $7.5. The parking was outrageous as well and waiting for the tram in the heat just adds to the annoyance of the high pricing. They definitely need to add some more rides to get the wait lines down unless you want to pay crazy money for quick pass. In addition, need more covered waiting areas for rides as the heat drains you fast. Glad they had buy one get one tickets otherwise would've been really big ripoff.

Brian G — Google review

4.5

(87809)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (171)

4.0

(18538)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (172)

10165 McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612, USA

(813) 884-4386

23

ZooTampa at Lowry Park

40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (173)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (174)

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Zoo

Zoos & Aquariums

Located in Tampa, ZooTampa features exhibits like the Asian Gardens, Safari Africa and the Primate World. Educational programs are also offered, including opportunities to feed a giraffe and learn about other animals. There is also a water play area for kids.

Such a fun place, my kids love it every-time we go. You buy a ticket once and it’s good for as many times back in the year that you want to come. It’s the perfect size park for kids to be able to do everything and see everything there without being too much. A nice fun day trip. There’s also two splash pads for when it gets hot, which is perfect ! Easy to navigate and the staff is always helpful when you need assistance. They have several rides. Some for little kids and some for bigger, as well as face painting & jungle gyms for the kids to play on as well. My family loves it.

Kira D — Google review

It was a hot summer day, so we took the kids to the zoo! Everything went well, but one observation was that some of the animals were not out, and the kids did not get to see them and experience them. The water activities kept the kids cool and refreshed as we walked around, and the rides were easily accessible (no major lines or wait times). We got the yearly pass for less than the day pass, so we will be going more often for sure!

Yara G — Google review

Loved this zoo!! Well kept/ maintained/ organized! Such a large assortment of animals. Bought the one day ticket that is good for free entry for the rest of the year, so I will be back! Highly recommend. Skip the restaurant, though, high prices, not the best food, and they overcharged us for 3 drinks/ sodas when we only ordered 2. Didn't realize until we got home, and they were $6 each.Great gift shop!

Janette B — Google review

It was a well maintained place. We came when most kids went back to school so it was pretty empty so we could see everything pretty fast. I highly recommend coming to visit. It has a nice water fountain for anyone to cool off so I recommend wearing a swimsuit or fast drying clothing. Overall my experience was awesome. One thing I kind of was sad was most of the animals couldn’t be seen. Maybe they were hiding from the heat or something else. The Zoo was nice, and clean. Would totally recommend!!

David G — Google review

This place was a lot of fun. They have a lot of neat exhibits in there are very interesting animals there. I also really like the Safari ride. It's not as big as a Busch gardens, but it's still very nice suit to visit. It is also very family friendly for young kids.

Scott — Google review

Great zoo! Fun for the kiddos! They have a big Mary go round with authentic animals to ride, a solid playground and even a splash park 👍. We always enjoy taking a family day trip here. The yearly passes are super easy and absolutely worth it if you have kids and plan to go more than a few times per year. This last trip was Halloween nights. All the characters were on point, very fun and family friendly. We had a great time!

Elliott L — Google review

We love this zoo. My daughter started watching their show on Disney and became obsessed with the African "Panda" dog, aka African painted dog. We did a road trip just to visit the dogs. Now, we have been back multiple times. The park has a perfect combination of animals and extra fun kid activities. The Manatee exhibit is my personal favorite. There are so many cool ways to see them up close and realize how much personality those manatees have. Seeing a Florida Panther up close was also neat. The carousel, safari ride, face painting, and log flume ride all break up the day to add an extra layer of fun. My daughter got one of their junior zookeeper vests and wears it constantly. Overall, we had a really good experience at this zoo and have already come back and plan to go more. My only negative is that the lunch options are not very healthy. We ended up doing pizza the first visit, and it was very greasy. That is where I could see room for improvement.

Laura R — Google review

Engaging zoo with clever placement of spray pads to keep you cool. Was hoping for more animals in a zoo of this size, and a better flow of traffic.Appreciated all the different flora and fauna. Everyone was so helpful and friendly. Strongly recommend the reusable beverage cups! We really enjoyed our trip

Laura W — Google review

We had a blast at this place. My boys were mesmerized by the the range of animals. Mommy, Daddy, and Auntie enjoyed the numerous beverages carts around the zoo. I give this place 5 stars but many of the animals were inside due to the chilly weather. Not the Zoo's fault but we didn't see the whole park. It's still deserves 5 stars based off what we saw.

Mike P — Google review

Absolutely loved it here. Great experience and was well worth the money. You can spend many hours here. We spent about 3 hours here. Tons of different animals here and you can tell the zookeepers love their jobs and the animals. They have many backstage experiences as well for an additional cost. Tons of different shows to go see as well in the different regions of the world. Tons of food and beverage spots around the park so if you are in need of something they have it. Parking is free and overall we had a great time here!

Nick G — Google review

The entrance fee was quite pricey - right around $45. The grounds were nicely maintained, and the staff were extremely helpful and pleasant. Had wonderful service from Ryan at the gift shop where we picked up our electric carts for the day. They were also prepared to store our walkers for us in a secure area and were very quick to retrieve them when we arrived back. Food prices were more reasonable than I anticipated, I suggest purchasing their refillable beverage cups when you get there - you can skip the lines and refill the cup as often as you like with soda or icees.

Lisa B — Google review

We got a membership a few months ago and have been four times. It is small enough to see everything, but big enough to have some very cool animals. I love the talks they give about being good stewards of our incredible animals and their efforts towards conservation. When we lived here 25 years ago, my little ones loved going, and now taking them as adults is just as much fun.

Melinda G — Google review

Visited a few times in different years, and it's always a great experience. The animals are well cared for, and their conservation is very extensive and impressionable. My son loves seeing the animals, the staff are always on hand for questions and the food on site is really good 👍 will be going here again for years to come no doubt.

Victoria D — Google review

Super expensive, but all of the attractions are included with the price of admission (carousel, safari tour, ect). We went on a Tuesday in October so most kids were in school, and it was much more enjoyable since it wasn't packed! The zoo was much larger than expected! We were there for about 4 hours and still missed the Africa section. Also, the food and beer selection across the park was fantastic!

Stefanie W — Google review

The personnel were very nice and ready to assist if needed. They do offer strollers, wheelchairs and scooters for rent. The animals there appear healthy and it was clean. They have a lot of food, snack and drink booths throughout the park. There's a carousel, but adults aren't permitted to ride the animals on it. There's a small flume ride and a 30 minute "safari" in a comfortable vehicle. Unfortunately, a lot of animals were unavailable due to either construction or ??? No hyenas, no gorillas, no chimps, no camels, no tigers, no lions. The habitats appear small, but they're clean. Things are expensive. All animal encounters are only available for separate payments. I'm bummed that there wasn't more to do. I will say that for the price of two tickets, we now get to come and go until the end of 2024, yes 2024, for no extra cost, so that's nice and hopefully they'll improve. Also, word has it that they're talkin about destroying the clam shell that's been there forever to make way for more parking...I really hope they don't.

Monarch S — Google review

Such a nice zoo with so many interesting animals! My boys just loved the zoo and all it had to offer. The whole family really enjoyed the Macaw exhibition as soon as we entered the main entrance. The fly overs were amazing to watch! The manatee viewing areas were amazing and were the highlight of our trip to the zoo!!! Tampa City Pass made for an easy entry into the park with no wait lines at all! Highly recommend for a fun family day out.

Sarah B — Google review

We had so much fun at this zoo. Checking in I didn't buy tickets ahead of time and I am thankful I didn't. The assistant was friendly and helped me understand that it was cheaper to get a zoo membership than it was to pay for 2 adults and a 4 year old. Now I have a membership that gets me into select zoos and aquariums all over the US at a discount price, plus a discount when buying stuff inside the zoos and aquariums like the gift shop and pictures. We took other reviewers recommendations and went straight to the safari ride so we wouldn't wait in long lines. Definitely a good idea we had to wait two rotations, the vehicle seats quite a lot of people. I always visit zoos when on vacation, so I didn't do much research about this one. I was pleasantly surprised that there is a water ride, which is included in your ticket to get into the zoo. We where racing a storm on our visit. There is a large splash pad area that my 4 year old didn't get to play in. If there is a storm in the area FL shuts down water rides and splash areas. All the animals look well cared for and have nice enclosures with plenty of enrichment. I kept commenting how thought out the zoo was, there is plenty of shade built over the paths and trees for shady areas. We where there early in the morning and most animals where visable, your always going to have some hiding. Which is good that they have the choice to hide from the heat and hustle and bustle of human chaos. I definitely recommend taking this adventure, it took us about 3 hours and its a beautiful zoo. More time could of been spent if the storm wasn't approaching.

Jess L — Google review

This Zoo has some of the best natural habitats for their animals that we've seen. The staff is also great. The safari is worth the wait as well. We spent most of the day here and still didn't make all of the exhibits. The manatees are great to see up close. The water ride was such a blast for the kids that they went twice! We can't wait to come back again soon.

R S — Google review

Great zoo experienceUserCreate a 25-line review, talking about the excellent experience at the Tampa Zoo, variety of animals, attractions, quality, affordable price, environment, family program, great experience, parking, security and recommend it to everyone.ChatGPTTampa Zoo Review: A Great Experience for the Whole FamilyI recently had the pleasure of visiting the Tampa Zoo and was blown away by my experience. This zoo offers an incredible variety of animals and attractions that captivate people of all ages.Upon entry, I was greeted by friendly and helpful staff who gave me information about the different areas of the zoo. The variety of animals present is impressive - from the majestic African elephants to the adorable meerkats, there is something for everyone.One of the things that most impressed me was the quality of the facilities. The animal enclosures are spacious and well maintained, providing a natural environment for the animals to live. In addition, the zoo offers regular lectures and demonstrations, where you can learn more about the animals' habits and behaviors.A positive point that I must highlight is the affordable price of the ticket. Compared to other zoos, the amount charged is very reasonable, especially considering the quality of the experience offered. The zoo also offers discount options for families and groups, which makes visiting even more affordable.The zoo environment is very pleasant. There are shaded areas to rest and many food options, from quick snacks to full meals. The well-signposted trails and lush vegetation make the ride even more enjoyable, providing a sense of immersion in nature.Another highlight is the program for families. The zoo offers interactive activities, such as feeding animals and encounters with caretakers, which make a visit even more memorable for children. There is also a children's play area with games and toys to keep the little ones entertained.The parking issue was also resolved. There is ample space available, with many vacancies, which makes it very easy for visitors. In addition, security is taken seriously, with staff and surveillance cameras ensuring a safe environment for everyone.In summary, my visit to the Tampa Zoo was an excellent experience. The variety of animals, the interactive attractions, the quality of the facilities, the affordable price, the pleasant environment, the program for families, parking and security were aspects that impressed me positively. I recommend this zoo to anyone looking for an educational and fun experience for the whole family.

Jairo J — Google review

I visited ZooTampa at Lowry Park back in 2021. The place is very big, so I suggest you give yourself some time to explore. I really enjoyed their selection of birds. The monkey exhibit is really cute. You can watch them swing around on ropes and climb towers. If you like hands on experiences- there is an area where the birds are very friendly and sometimes they come so close that they touch you, for myself it was a very pleasant experience. I definitely recommend this Zoo.

Katelyn G — Google review

This zoo is so good we originally went for the day but decided to get a yearly membership. Definitely worth joining, plus 50% of other zoos and aquariums that take part in it. Animals are in habitats that resemble their natural habitat. What an awesome experience to say the least. Go online and plan out your day by feeding the giraffes, or doing one of the other activities with an animal. A kid area with rides, and games for them to play for an additional cost. Also don't forget to ride the safari truck that explains about the different African animals in that area of the zoo. I highly recommend stopping by and checking out what it has to offer.

Jeffrey S — Google review

Went for creatures of the night. Great experience for our 3 yr old great granddaughter. Not to scary. Actors were very considerate to the little ones and did not scare or chase them, but they did the older kids.

Sandra H — Google review

My son had such an amazing time here. He was able to see his favorite animals and more. We had a really good time. The pictures they take of the family are a really fun memory to have.

Xiomara L — Google review

Beautiful, well-kept zoo with happy, healthy animals. You could easily come back every day in a week and see something different. When I visited in January their special exhibit was animatronic dinosaurs. I am a Dino freak so this made me very happy! That was just an added bonus, but a good one.I'm also a birder so seeing all the lorikeets, flamingos, pelicans and more up close was a real treat.

Ellen B — Google review

I quite liked this zoo. It was very busy but the crowds seemed to flow nicely. Parking was free but took a while to find a spot. More food options inside the park would be nice, even snack carts here and there could work out. Most of the animals seemed happy and well looked after. The tiger seemed quite stressed out, pacing back and forth in a habitat far too small for it so thay was kind of sad. The special limited dinosaur exhibit was neat, had a small wait to get in as to keep people sort of spaced out once inside.

Etch250 — Google review

Really really fun and educational. It's been a long time since I've been to "the zoo" and I'm so happy I went to ZooTampa at Lowry Park recently. This place is a full-blown theme park with an incredible amount of animals, activities and education if you're looking for it. We saw some amazing things and I am very content with our day long trip. That said, I got us annual passes and can't wait to go back!

Josh H — Google review

Me and my family had a blast here. Loved being able to see all the different types of animals. The prehistoric predators exhibit was amazing too. Great price for everything that’s included. Only thing that I didn’t like was the adults who were drunk and being loud and saying stuff that shouldn’t be said in front of children.

Dianna W — Google review

Had a great day at the zoo with my wife and 22 month old. There were lots of cool animals to see. It's a nice zoo as well. Very well kept up with. The splash pad was a big hit with my son as well. Great way to cool off in the Florida heat. I recommend going.

Thomas J — Google review

We had a great day at the zoo today! They've added so many new things since the last time I went. The new water ride is really fun. Aunt a great reprieve from the heat. This Zoo just keeps getting better. The kids think it's great and so do we.

Courtney F — Google review

A fantastic zoo. Went without researching (on purpose). I Wasn't expecting a water ride or all the water fountain places to get wet and cool off. Recommend wearing a bathing suit and bringing towels to enjoy it all. Also, most of the feedings were already booked up by an hour of being at the park after opening, so I also recommend booking any animal interactions (feedings, etc) prior to visiting! Overall, a great zoo and we will plan accordingly next time, to enjoy all they have to offer.

Richard B — Google review

You know it’s a great zoo when all the animals were thriving and active throughout our entire time at the zoo. It was quite empty when we went, but it was perfect, not too crowded great visibility on all the animals. Got to see a Macaw training session too!Highly recommend! The ticket was also quite affordable, we bought it at the gate and they had a deal for returning to the zoo throughout 2024.

LeDan P — Google review

Very impressed. Great layout. All the animals were active. Love the new addition of Australia.This zoo has it all. Animals, shows, and rides! Rides are geared mainly for the littles, but we had a blast watching them have so much fun. It's definitely a must do when visiting Tampa. There are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat and bars scattered across the zoo.

S G — Google review

My kids and I had a great time visiting here. We enjoyed seeing the different animals that we haven’t seen before and learning about the manatee rescue.Whoever decided to put rides and water features in the zoo is a genius!! I felt like there was a lot of shade as we were going through and the fans helped cool us down as well.I docked a star bc there seemed to be a lot closed…rides, restaurants, stores, etc. It also smelled really bad by the orangutans…not sure if there was something going on or if that is normal.

Megan L — Google review

Really enjoyed this Park, the animals looked well cared for with nice areas built to enclose them more naturally for many. The elephants were easily viewed on a little free safari included with admission. The rides were a nice plus especially the water ride. Splash pads and misters really helped with the heat, we lasted all day with a 7 yr old in late June around 87 out. Wendy’s Frosty stand was refreshing. Water was a bit pricey but other than that all perfect experiences, including interaction with staff.

Karen W — Google review

A very nice zoo with lots of species. Areas are well-marked and the exhibits are laid out so that you do no wandering and searching like I've done at other zoos. Only 4 stars because a number of enclosures are needing work. (No water in hippo, enclosure, water features in other enclosures no running.) Feb 20 and there were lots of elementary school children swarming from enclosure to enclosure but otherwise, it was surprisingly uncrowded. A few food spots were closed making me suspect this is the slow season. I thought the food was reasonably-priced. Entry fee was on par with other zoos.Is it better than that other Tampa place that has roller coasters and animals? I depends on what you want. I am not big on thrill rides and love animals so I would choose Zoo Tampa. The other place is more of a walk along the back of the park safari path and is cool too. If I had to choose one I would choose Zoo Tampa. If my family had to choose one it would go with the thrill ride park.

Scott L — Google review

This is a nice zoo. I’ve never seen koalas up close like that before. There are a few rides that are free. A carousel and a small kid friendly roller coaster. It’s manageable to see the zoo in 2.5-3.5 hours depending on the age of kids you have. The Asia area and Africa area have nice details that make it feel authentic. Staff were very nice.

Kelly T — Google review

So many animals to see! Definitely so worth it but do pick a good day, it can get hot. They do have water mist stations throughout the zoo where you can cool down though. Desserts and food there as well, ofc just be ready to pay a little more than you would outside. Reg drink or bottle of water is what $4-5. Inside you’ll pay double that. Otherwise everything else is amazing. We even got our pictures printed out and shared to us.

Carmen G — Google review

We had a blast here. Being able to walk into a place where you can join the birds was an experience. Please do not pass up the chance to see the flying macaw birds. The animals were all out!If you can make it before April, they have a great dinosaur exhibit.Brace yourself, it is expensive. The food, however, was very good. The portions were generous.The cost for a family of 4 was just shy of $200 for tickets, so for a bit more, we went ahead and grabbed season tickets.

Adela U — Google review

We had a really nice day at the zoo today. They have a lot of nice exhibits, experiences and even rides! The tickets were approximately $49 per adult, which seemed reasonable. It took us a little over 4 hours to get through everything and that included waiting 30 minutes for the safari ride. I recommend getting there when they open because parking is limited.

Will G — Google review

My daughter had a blast there. We went on a field trip. The workers done seem the nicest. But it didn't stop us from having fun. My daughter got her face painted. The lady that painted her face was pretty friendly. And she did a wonderful job. There's even a little splash pad for the kids.

Kimberly D — Google review

Such a great zoo! My 1st time coming, we will definitely be back with our 1 yr old son.I attached a couple pictures of the line we waited in. How long it went so fast...we were probably only in line for about 5 minutes.🙂 There were approximately 40 people ahead of us when we 1st got in line.(*In The Giftshop*) Motorized-buggies available to rent $40, regular wheelchair $14All the workers were great and the bathrooms were THE CLEANEST I'VE EVER SEEN, clearly That is a High Priority at this zoo! I Love That!!

SchoolToEmbassyProject P — Google review

This is a lovely zoo!We were able to leave our luggage at the front desk. The safari ride, for no extra cost, was a fun experience. Everyone who works here was super friendly and helpful. They had a good variety of animals. The zoo is quite shaded with misting stations, too. They also have dietary restriction friendly options. While the price is high, they're running a promotion so you can get in as many times as you'd like through 2024 for the price of one ticket.

Dana H — Google review

Absolutely gorgeous zoo. Most of the animal exhibits are very large and well created for the animals. Great layout. Lots of unique animals with great descriptions at the exhibit. I would highly recommend. The only issue we faced was finding parking. We arrived late on a Thursday morning and it took more than 20 minutes to find a parking space

Scott J — Google review

Was a fun day trip. We have been talking about going for awhile, and now we are talking about heading back. The Zoo is clean, enjoyable, well laid out and the amenities are perfect. Fans and misters for hot days, lots of beverage and food options, and of course fun gift shops.The staff were friendly, knowledgeable and seemed to actually enjoy their time there. Great family trip or just two adults like us looking for something fun to do.

Chris J — Google review

The safari adventure is a must do part of the zoo, I recommend going straight to it when you get into the park to avoid a long line, you get to see some animals you can't see from anywhere else in the zoo, and different angles and occasionally closer views of the African animals. During the summer I would definitely get there early to beat the heat but there are plenty of fans, misters, and even a water ride to help cool you off. Overall really great experience with plenty of animals and if you have kids there's lots of activities and rides for them to enjoy besides just the animals

Nathan F — Google review

4.6

(24827)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (178)

4.5

(4113)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (179)

1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33604, USA

(813) 935-8552

24

Ybor City

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Sights & Landmarks

Historic Sites

Ybor City, located northeast of downtown Tampa, is a lively and historic Cuban district known for its boutiques, vintage shops and Latin American eateries. The area was founded in the 1880s by cigar manufacturers and drew many immigrants from Cuba, Spain, Germany and Italy. The Ybor City State Museum showcases exhibits on the cigar industry and immigrant communities while the GaYBOR district attracts a diverse crowd to its bars and clubs.

4.0

(3106)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (186)

Tampa, FL, USA

25

Manatee Viewing Center

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Nature preserve

Nature & Parks

Nature & Wildlife Areas

The Manatee Viewing Center features a 50-foot observation tower, trails, a boardwalk and butterfly gardens. This nature preserve is perfect for viewing manatees in their natural environment. The center also offers educational opportunities about manatees and their ecology.

This was a really cool (free!) place to visit on a Saturday. The close parking lot was full so we parked in the overflow which ended being great because there is a little center over there with energy games and activities. Bathrooms as well. Then we took a leisurely stroll to the center. There were several manatees in the water and a stingray petting area. Lots of boardwalks and it's kind of cool to see the power plant up close. Lots of activities for young kids scattered about as well as informational signs. Staff were friendly and we had a great visit!

Justine V — Google review

Shout out to the lady who said there was another boardwalk, or I would have completely missed my chance to see the manatees. Great place, very friendly staff. Observator, stingray center, food, manatees, trails. What could you not like about this place.

ZRinaldi — Google review

Lovely place. Great for the kids. Nice nature trails, boardwalks, and observation tower. Come in the winter to see the manatees but there is plenty of other wildlife to see year round. Staff were very friendly and helpful.

Theodore R — Google review

This place is amazing, and free!! Parking filled up fast, but they have an overflow parking lot. There were at least thirty manatees in the area when we came, and it’s still pretty warm right now. The observation tower was worth the walk, lots of schools of fish to see and watch them jump. The learning area is geared towards smaller children but was still interesting. Cute gift shop. We didn’t eat onsite, but they did have a place for food and the prices seemed very reasonable.

Lisa M — Google review

During my visit to the Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach, FL, I was truly impressed by the exceptional level of maintenance and care evident throughout the facility. The staff's extensive knowledge of marine life, particularly their expertise on manatees, greatly enriched my visit. Furthermore, I was delighted to see the commitment to sustainable energy, with a notable emphasis on solar and wind power. The fact that the majority of the facility operates on solar energy is a commendable feat, reflecting a dedication to environmental responsibility.The day of my visit was particularly memorable as I had the opportunity to witness a remarkable number of manatees, as well as encountering some sharks and tarpon. This diverse marine life added an extra layer of fascination to the experience. Overall, the Manatee Viewing Center left a lasting impression on me, and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of Florida's marine ecosystems.

Jace K — Google review

This place is huge. Lots of walking. Unfortunately we came the day a.big storm was coming in and a few days before the viewing area closes for the summer.The water was very muddy. Still got to see a couple sharks and tarpons. We could tell where the manatees were. Still we enjoyed the area. The butterfly area was very nice. We will comeback this winter

Scott R — Google review

Yesterday was the second time that I got to experience and enjoy the Manatee Viewing center. The first time in February I got to see tons of manatees because they were kind of wintering there. Yesterday in April 2020 we took the time to walk the many nature trails there and go to the 50 foot high look-out observation tower! It was beautiful and worth the walk. I would suggest though taking a trail map if there is one because there are multiple trails and things to see. Well worth the trip! Highly recommend seeing this. Especially in the winter months, but really anytime. The educational center was really nice and great for children also the butterfly garden and other exhibits there as well!

Rebecca J — Google review

We went on a very warm day so we saw 3 manatee and many fish. Touch tank open but educational center closed. Arrive early due to parking

Joann G — Google review

The Manatee viewing center is a great place to visit. Many things are outstanding here and the fact in the day and age is it's free, yes I said free. Colder days are better to visit as your chances of seeing manatees increases greatly. We did see 7 when we went on a 80 degree day though. Find a park representative and ask them about the park all of them are more than happy to educate anyone willing to lessen. They also have a tank with several stingrays in them that anybody can touch. I would visit this place again when we are in Florida and I would recommend others to do so.

Michael M — Google review

Well kept center that brings you closer to nature. Great walking areas and tons of wildlife. The touch pool for the rays was amazing. Wish the center was opened all the time instead of seasonally.

Brenda B — Google review

This place was amazing. I'm so glad that they give back to the community like they do as it is free. There is a gift shop, two peirs to walk out onto. They had a petting area for sting rays. They had several beautifully landscaped gardens. These are all just extra perks as far as I'm concerned. The manatees were so very cool!!!

Kayla B — Google review

What an awesome experience for people of all ages, and at no cost!!! Everything is set up perfectly. The gift shop was amazing and prices were great! Employees/volunteers were phenomenal. We definitely will be back. Visit on a cooler day to increase your chances of seeing more manatees. Also, consider adopting a manatee to help save these gentle giants!!

Sunshine M — Google review

A fun, unique, and free experience! It was cool to see the manatees, but also the variety of fish and birds, as well as the occasional shark! There was a neat educational area in the basement with stingrays. We visited in the middle of March so there weren't as many manatees visible, but it was still a great experience.

Anne G — Google review

A must visit in the area! Beautiful and one of a kind experience. Manatees and Sting Ray up close for photos and experiencing. Great bird watching and plant life viewing also. The staff were amazing and very knowledgeable about the animals and plants. The parking lot was crowded but easy to find. Handicap accessible throughout the center. We did not visit the gift shop due to the very long line to enter. Restrooms are available on site. Highly recommend for guests of all ages and interests!

ArtsyPhotos P — Google review

Love free adventures! Entry is free and plenty of parking is free. The manatee viewing is always a thrill. Touch tanks are fun as well. You can walk out to a tower or walk the decking along the water. Restrooms are clean. There is a small gift shop and a snack area. I would check their live cam to be sure the manatees are there before you head over. We've seen them in Jan, Feb and March. Excellent place for kids!

Dr. G — Google review

We had an amazing experience at the Manatee Viewing Center! Be prepared to do a lot of walking as there are many beautiful walking trails. We pretty much walked the entire property (about 5 miles). There is a shuttle on site if needed. I recommend getting there at opening as the place tends to get crowded and the parking area closest to the entrance fills up fast (there is over flow parking in the back). Definitely put on your walking shoes as the roads are paved with seashells throughout the trails. Maybe even pack some snack if you have toddlers/infants and definitely stay hydrated! Sunscreen is a good idea too.This is a well maintained property with lots to offer. The viewing pier gets a bit crowded but luckily manatees gather on all sides so everyone has a chance to see them. There is also a fishing pier as you get further into the property. We also visited the Aquarium where they have rescued turtles. There is also an education building that offers lots of FREE brochures/booklets on wildlife and sea life as well as interactive things for the kiddos while in there!Staff at the gift shop was very helpful and friendly. Restrooms are kept clean and stocked. You have the option to donate and support via CHECK only. I wish this was something I knew ahead of time but I will definitely be ready on the next visit. And get this, the Manatee Viewing Center is FREE to the public!! Overall, I think this is a great place to check out and we will definitely be visiting again at the end of the year.

Grlenamored — Google review

Went here on December 26, 2022. This is a Nature Preserve where manatees in Tampa Bay are attracted to the warm waters of industrial canals. There was a wait time for cars to park at the Manatee Viewing Center, but we got patient and decided to wait. It was a busy day, but was still enjoyable. This experience is free!All the boardwalks and gravel paths are clean and maintained, but bathroom cleanliness can be improved. All the staff were volunteers and were very friendly. During our experience, we saw hundreds of manatees! It was a delight to see these manatees huddle together in a man made habitat. There are various signs educating people about the behavior of manatees and clean energy on the walking trails to the Observation Tower and Overflow Parking. Overall, is definitely worth the wait. Is great to see an organization that sincerely cares about our local wildlife and not looking for our money!

Landon B — Google review

The Manatee Viewing Center was wonderful! I definitely didn't expect to see so many manatees but boy was I wrong. We saw black-tipped sharks, Atlantic Tarpon, Redfin Needlefish, and stingrays! What a wonderful and free experience available to the public! The gift shop has so many cute and affordable keepsakes or gifts to choose from. There is a stingray pool where you can watch and touch the rays as they swim by. So much fun! We can't wait to return!

Monica M — Google review

Super nice place. They have a few trails to walk, a viewing tower, manatee viewing, a stingray pool, and a gift shop. The trails went to places that talked about solar energy and other sustainable energy sources. They had some interactive activities at the stops. They had a little pool with stingrays you could touch where the volunteers were really kind. The manatee viewing spot was perfect. There were so many! Overall great experience considering all the activities were free!

Samantha B — Google review

Love this place. A nice bit of walking, since we had to park in the overflow parking lot. Thankfully they have a trolley service which we took after getting our steps in🤣. Plenty of manatee huddle up trying to keep warm. The souvenir shop is small, but we managed to get the perfect pin we were looking for. The turtle hospital was worth the trolley ride. Totally recommend going, it's very educational. It's totally free to get in.

Javier O — Google review

So fun, clean, and it's FREE!!! This place is great! Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. First time touching a sting ray! The walkways are large, everything was clean (even the bathrooms). While the manatee weren't close, you can definitely see them there. It's amazing the entire facility is free. It needs to be on your bucket list!

Cindy S — Google review

I absolutely love visiting here, its my 3rd time and I never tire of seeing these beautiful creatures. Parking was easy... and if there is not space in the main parking lot, there is remote parking with a shuttle, free. I always enjoy walking on the boardwalks and there is plenty of railing space to get a good view in. The signs are helpful to identify the birds and fish. The gift shop is very reasonable priced.

Sarah T — Google review

I have to rate this place 5 stars not least because it’s totally free! It’s a fabulous way to see these gorgeous creatures and enjoy watching all their cute habits. Plus there are so many other exhibits and fun things for adults and kids to watch and take part in. The little cafe has good food and drink options at really reasonable prices. It was well worth the trip and we will most likely go again when we have friends and family in town. We went over the weekend and did not have to wait even though it was popular. We did not have to buy tickets in advance.

Mari-Ann K — Google review

The best free experience! Very clean, no crowds, educational, love watching manatees enjoying the warmer waters! Fun and playful stingrays! Beautiful boardwalk. Definitely will be returning to learn about the birds, gardens, and check out the gift shop.Wheelchair accessible. They have Wheelchairs as well. Very friendly staff. We felt very welcome.

Mermaids C — Google review

This is a really nice facility and fits nicely into the surrounding environment. There is no guarantee that you will see any manatees, although we did see several, and they were impressive. There is plenty of parking and includes many for handicapped as well. For those with electric vehicles, there are charging stations available. There is no cost for parking or to enter the facility, which is fantastic.If you found this review helpful, please tap the thumbs up. Thanks!

Pmw — Google review

Best time to go is during colder weather months as Manatees hang out here due to the warm water. Mostly gone by March. But they do have an interactive ray tank and you can take a free tram to the turtle conservation center any time and both are wonderful.

Dawn H — Google review

Great facility! It's free and free parking. There is a gift shop, you can also get food and drinks there. They have a touch tank with stingrays. We got to see so many manatees and sharks. If you park in the overflow lot the walk to the area is not bad it's pretty. They do have a golf cart shuttle. I will go here again.

Melissa W — Google review

Great place to see lots of manatees! There are viewing platforms above the water, so visitors can look down into the water to see the adorable manatees. They gather near the power plant to take advantage of the warmer water in the winter months. There are hundreds of them swimming about! There is a cute gift shop ( an employee told me some of the proceeds go to support manatees) , snack bar, restrooms & an area to see & interact with stingrays.

Kim — Google review

Einen Stopp wert!Es hat genügend Parkplätze und ab dem Eingang bekommt man viele Informationen zu den Manatees und anderen Tieren, die hier leben. Es ist gut ausgebaut. Man kann auf diversen Stegen hinaus ins Wasser laufen und von oben das Wasser beobachten. Wir haben mehrere Haie, grosse Fische und ein Manatee gesehen. Sehr toll gemacht.Der Eintritt ist kostenlos. Wir waren hier für ca. 1 Stunde.(Translated by Google)Worth a stop!There is enough parking space and from the entrance you can get a lot of information about the manatees and other animals that live here. It is well developed. You can walk out into the water on various footbridges and watch the water from above. We saw several sharks, large fish and a manatee. Very well done.Entry is free. We were here for about 1 hour.

Tatjana C — Google review

4.7

(8771)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (193)

4.5

(2993)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (194)

6990 Dickman Rd, Apollo Beach, FL 33572, USA

(813) 228-4289

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26

The Dalí Museum

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$$$$affordable

Art museum

The Salvador Dali Museum is a renowned museum housing extensive surrealist art by the Spanish artist. It has a unique theatrical exterior and is a must-see for fans of Dalí's work.

This Museum is spectacular. The architecture is well-suited to display an artist like Salvador Dali. The design suggests ideas of things rather than actual things. Dali was Spanish, a Surrealist and a big believer in Freud's theories about dominance of dreams & subconscious.Dali was very popular in the 1950s through 70s. He was a master technician in his craft. His works are evocative and in-your-face simultaneously, full of wild, uncomfortable images. For me, it feels like he's trying too hard. I did, however, appreciate seeing his works in this magnificent collection.Picasso works were also on special display. His series on Bull Fighting is extraordinary-- gruesome subject but his culture, his passion. Photos of Picasso give you a look at his intensity.If you like either artist. GO!

Sher O — Google review

I visited when there was no temp exhibit, so at this time it was a one-gallery museum, which felt more than a little underwhelming. An impressive collection of Dali's work, to be sure, but hard to call it a *museum* when there is only one room of artwork.Just feels like a lot more could be done with this space to make it feel more whole. For example, the gift shop is nearly larger than the gallery. And for gods sake would it kill you guys to have more than one shirt with some cotton content? Almost every shirt in the store was 100% polyester, which is worse for our oceans than single-user water bottles. I do realize it's the "Dali museum" and not the "surrealist museum", but I do think bringing in the work of other surrealists to inform what was going on in the genre at the time would give more context to his work.The architecture of the building is lovely and the skylights positioned to illuminate the Masterworks (Dali's largest paintings) is a great use of the space. Bring some headphones because the audio tour app is valuable to get a deeper understanding of some of the pieces. I wish they had a recording for every piece, especially given that the whole museum is just one room.Be warned that parking is $10 extra, separate from your admission fees.I am glad I went, there were some works I was thrilled to see in person, but now that I've been, probably won't be back.

Luke S — Google review

If you like Dali art, this place is amazing! Thursdays after 5 pm is half price, but I would recommend a membership. Parking is free for members! Plus, you could easily come back multiple times so it will pay for itself. Also take a few minutes at the drawing exhibit and draw like Dali!!

Mike K — Google review

I went here over on a weekend. Parking was $10. The place has a great selection of Dali’s work and there are also voluntary docents at certain hours of the day that will help answer your questions regarding Dali’s works! The whole trip took less than 2 hours and it’s great to be able to see Dali’s life, art style changes, and some of his most notable works in one go. If you can download the museum’s app, be sure to do so as well because they used quite a few technologies to complement the viewing experience of some artworks.

XRM — Google review

We went at 5 so we had to speed through the whole place ! Really great art work on display. Wasn’t familiar with Dali’s work but now I’m a fan. We didn’t do the Dali Experience since it was a $15 add on. We spent $30 a pop for me and my wife. Cool museum though and prime location near everything in DT St Pete walking distance from the pier !

Realtor S — Google review

The museum itself was wonderful and a beautiful experience. The paintings are amazing. The outside garden was also beautiful. We did the Dalí Alive 360 which is well worth it!! The food was a bit expensive 😞 and pay for parking 10$ but glad there was parking . There were quite a-lot of people and loud in the museum so kinda had to rush then go back to read the ones we missed. Over all it was a great experience. Also, every worker we had contact with was so friendly!!

L J — Google review

We had a great experience at the exhibits. We happened to go on Thursday evening which is a opportunity for a reduced entrance cost and we reserved the tickets online. By the way make sure to have a credit or debit card for everything they don't accept cash.If you are a Dali fan or not, maybe even just like art you would enjoy this museum.The tour we joined with Janice was really good. She knew the owner and friend of Salvador Dali and had lots of personal information to share.Her tour was very well done. So good in fact and we wished we could have asked her if we could tip her.There is lots of pieces to see in a one of a kind site. Great views and a artistic building itself.They have very modern features where it is possible to interact with the exhibit. My favorite was the AI exhibit where you can describe a dream and with your phone create a piece of art that you can had to take with you. This was amazing.There is a Cafe and a 3D exhibit on the grounds that looked interesting but we would like to go back for that.The gift shop has lots of offerings at many price levels.

Tony C — Google review

This was my second visit; my first visit was before COVID and I feel things have changed a lot. When we went, there was a Picasso exhibit which was pretty cool since Dali was inspired by his work. Picasso was fascinating to see. Once we got over to the Dali side, I feel like a lot of the pieces that used to be shown have been pulled down and not replaced with new paintings. There were several things that I think should be addressed. First, the fact that you cannot bring large purses into the museum is bizarre to me. My friend brought her backpack and was let inside but then when we went to go upstairs the security dude said she couldn't take it upstairs. Just weird. Second, the theater movie wasn't working when we went in so we missed whatever that was supposed to be. We didn't stay to go around the grounds since it was pretty crowded and honestly we felt like we were being followed around. This sucks because I really enjoyed the art work by both Picasso and Dali. Third, I never received a custom painting that was done virtually even though I put in my phone number into the system - that was pretty disappointing when I got the text but only asked me to sign up for the newsletter :-/ Can't speak for the deli or gift shop since we just left as soon as we were done checking the artwork. Took us about 2 hrs to see it all.

Natalie A — Google review

Amazing museum, definitely need to see it while in St. Pete! The permanent collection of Dali's work is immaculate with some readily recognizable pieces, and others that you really have to look closely at to see all of the amazing detail placed into his work. The building itself is gorgeous, and outside there are Dali references sprinkled around, even as you're walking up the front steps. The rotating exhibit on the third floor was cool to see, and they had another Dali piece stashed away in there! You also absolutely have to walk through the garden outside, lots of fun photo opportunities! Lastly, don't forget to attach your wristband to the wish tree! You can do it yourself, or you can leave it in a box up front for museum staff to put on the tree for you (but it's more fun and personal to do it yourself).

Bryn B — Google review

One of the best small museums in the country. I often take family and friends when they visit and it’s always a highlight of their trip. Even those that aren’t necessarily “art lovers” enjoy the history of Salvadore Dali and especially the wonderful gift shop. Worth every penny! But plan ahead and make reservations as they do book up!

Jennifer H — Google review

Great collection. Pricey admission, but look out for discounts for locals and various FB events. I particularly enjoyed seeing his earlier work and insights into his evolution as an artist. I'd like to return with more time for the full audio/app tour. Plan for 4-6 hours.

Rebecca S — Google review

This is a bucket list museum for art lovers and I’m thrilled to say I saw it! There is a playful essence to the museum that is lovable. The views and architecture are gorgeous and the galleries are quick to walk through. It was quite crowded though on a Saturday around lunch time in August, this is the reason I took one star off. Ideally I would’ve liked to have time to see each piece however it was so crowded I could only glance at pieces and had to wait for crowds to disperse so I could take longer looks and read labels. I had pre purchased tickets so my party did not have to wait in the line that wrapped outside of the building. The gift shop was great too. Again, I highly recommend going to this museum. It is truly one of a kind and iconic for St Pete.

Arifa A — Google review

I always wanted to visit this museum as it houses the 2nd largest collection of Dali works— the largest collection being being in Spain— so, once I knew I’d be in the area, I decided to go. Luckily, it was a Thursday, so it was half-price after 5p. I was staying in the hotel just a block or so away, so I walked. I did purchase my ticket online in advance, and there was a short wait to get in. There is a little cafe, and I ate my evening meal there— it was good food, and there is a bar and a number of tables both inside and outside. It’s by the water so it’s a nice view, and the architecture is beautiful. Dali art, like all art, is subjective, and it’s not really my style. I find most of it too abstract for my tastes, though he does have a few paintings that are beautiful. But, as I said, I always wanted to visit this museum so it was a must-see for me. I joined a free museum tour, and it was very informative. No regrets!

Karen G — Google review

Extraordinary experience. Was fully immersed in the works of art, the museum has an excellent combination of physical and digital art, with virtual reality and AR headset experiences. Would recommend the Dali Alive 360 experience! It’s inside the sphere outside the museum and is totally worth the 30-ish minutes of showtime. Is one of my favorite museums ever. A must-go!

Catalina D — Google review

The Dali is an amazing collection of his works. We went the weekend before the Grand Prix so it added a slight difficulty in finishing the museum. You do have a 10$ parking fee if you park in the Dali parking lot. The museum has a very strict bag rule, if it looks anything like a backpack, of any size ( small sling pack ) even if they could clearly see it is being used as a purse. You are required to wear a mask while inside the building. ( covid ) even with all that just seeing Dali's pieces was well worth it. You are able to take pictures, ONLY FOR YOUR OWN PERSONAL USE.

Wes B — Google review

The Dali Museum is a real masterpiece of art in itself. Perfectly placed for lunch or dinner after your visit. The collection is outstanding. The layout takes you through Dali's life and work. The lighting is just right. The staff is very helpful. There's an app you can connect to that gives you the history of each painting. I will go again the next time I'm near.

Hank S — Google review

It is a wonderful place for both education and creativity. I enjoyed walking into the different galleries that were informative and visually beautiful. Make sure to check if the virtual experience is up and running. You won't want to miss it.

Tash B — Google review

My husband and I visited the museum for our anniversary and loved the whole experience. It was the perfect amount of art with the exhibition included. We started off with a sangria in the garden area, the video in the theater, then upstairs to look at the art. Parking was easy also! Overall, a great experience.

Casandra B — Google review

Beautiful place to experience art. Highly recommended doing the 3D art show. It was definitely worth it. Gift shop and the staff were very nice.

Jasmine R — Google review

I love this place. It is always organized when it comes to exhibits or special events. The staff do a great job with instruction, security, and answering your questions. The grounds are beautiful and a nice way to spend some time having a Cafe or snack after the exhibit. The gift shop is well stocked with books, shirts, magnets, post cards and other gifts. I will definitely visit again for future exhibits.

Michelle — Google review

This was my first time visiting The Dali Museum, and I was very happy with my visit! There is a dedicated parking lot available for visitors, and they charge a small fee for it. Once you are inside the museum, there is much to see on Salvador Dali and other artists before and during his time! Dali’s paintings and other art along with paintings from many well known artists are displayed in the museum. After you pass the gift shop, there is an entrance to the museum, which is on multiple floors. A staircase will lead you to the upper levels, and elevators are also there. On the upper floor, there are some beautiful views of waters surrounding St. Petersburg, and it is an excellent place for taking pictures! Also, the Dali Alive 360 degree experience is not to be missed because it showcases his life from humble beginnings to his visits to the United States. In the gift shop, there are two large screens where Dali gives you his advice, and where you can also get your pictures taken with Dali! In summary, I highly recommend visiting the Dali Museum to everyone on your next trip to Tampa, Florida!

Kaushal P — Google review

Fantastic all around! Dali 360 was 100%worth the extra admission- my 7 yr old loved it! Emotional experience getting up close to many of the paintings especially being an art student who studied them extensively... Dali's soul and legacy in a museum- Viewer can most certainly feel his embodiment!

Cristin F — Google review

Really enjoyed this museum. The outside is just as beautiful as inside. This was our first time, so we were caught off-guard by a staff member at the front door asking to look in my purse. After that, we were allowed to enter where we paid for tickets. The person at the counter never asked if we had coupons. It would have been nice to know we could use what we had. With that being said, the museum was just gorgeous, and we loved it. If you're an art lover, you'll enjoy this museum.

Shera C — Google review

*World Traveler ReviewAmazing architecture, easy to find, interactive and informative w/ gift shop!Definitely recommend the guided tour… They shared unique information about the artist and the individual works that I didn’t know before. Be aware that guided tours only leave on a periodic basis. Call ahead to learn more.They also have audio tours available. QR codes are provided near the individual works of art to provide additional information as you tour the museum. Super smart!The grounds near the building are immaculately, clean, and easy to walk. The views are amazing and allow several photo opportunities!Plenty of parking and easy to access via wheelchair. Definitely recommend!

Randy N — Google review

Amazing. We have committed as a family to every vacation to add culture. A museum, art gallery, historical site, anything o open our minds and hearts. We loved this as Dali fans already and the surrealist approach to life. He is amazing! What an amazing collection and St Pete’s is so lucky to have this!!

Tara M — Google review

I really enjoyed this. I liked Dali's work prior to going here, but had never actually seen any of it in person. I have a whole new appreciation for it now. Also, friendly staff, very clean restrooms, and easy parking. There's a shop area where you can purchase all kinds of items (clothing, books, prints, posters, jewelry...a broad range of items) that are all reasonably priced. My son did some activity with a 3D headset that he thoroughly enjoyed. Theres also a Dream Tapestry where you input a description of your dream and AI will generate an artistic interpretation of it that's pretty cool. I would definitely recommend this if you're an art lover, and even if not, try it...you may become one. I would definitely go back here again, enjoyable for the whole family.

Shelly H — Google review

We had a fantastic long half day at the Dali. It exceeded our high expectations! Very extensive collection and highly experienced, knowledgeable and enthusiastic docents and guides. On top of that an excellent restaurant. We look forward to another visit. We recommend planning to stay at least 3 hours.

Nancy R — Google review

Pleasant museum. It's not all entirely about Salvador Dali, some of it is about the Surrealist Movement. About 30 at pieces that are very interesting. We couldn't find everything we wanted at the gift shop so it was suggested to us that we shop online for souvenirs.

Kevin M — Google review

Visited the exhibit Nature Reimagined at the Dali. It was a nice exhibit and a different contrast with Dalis most famous pieces. The garden is nice to walk through but if you want to see the dome , make sure to pay the additional $15.00 fee on addition to the standard ticket. The museum itself is not large and will take about an hour to get through but still worth it if you want to see his original pieces.

Natalie P — Google review

My first visit to the Dali Museum was incredible—it truly did not disappoint! The museum itself is a masterpiece, both inside and out. The exhibits are fascinating, and the architecture is stunning. The café added to the experience with its fun drinks and tasty treats. However, the highlight for me was the beautiful gardens in the lovely St. Pete setting. The combination of art, nature, and scenery was truly impressive.

Marline D — Google review

Such a great and interactive museum which kept adults and kids engaged. It has an activity that uses AI to make your image into a piece of art and interactive app that animates different parts of the paintings and tells you about each. The Cafe at the museum was stellar. My whole family enjoyed Spanish food on the patio. Lovely!

Michelle A — Google review

We were in town for several days for our 50th wedding anniversary. Our last visit was 30 years ago so there were new attractions we wanted to see along with those we had already experienced. The Dali Museum was among the latter. We don't remember much about the old museum except that it had many more master works. Not a big deal when you enter this amazing space and begin to understand and remember Dali’s talent.Teagen, at the front desk, accepted our $3 off coupons (up to 4 adults or seniors) for discounted gallery admission which I found in the Discover Downtown Map and Guide. We combined those with the senior admission price. The coupons are also available on the Discover Downtown mobile app. We visited on the last weekend of the "Dali and the Impressionists" exhibit. Dali was influenced by the impressionists but didn't feel their style would last long.There were several knowledgeable guides available to answer questions. We especially appreciated being able to take (non-flash) pictures. One guide overheard me lamenting that the 'melting clocks' masterwork was not in the museum. It is in another museum but he directed us to the Dali Alive 360, "an immersive experience bringing Dali's work to life like never before." There, on the outside of the dome, is a sample of the melting clocks which can also be seen at the Dali Alive 360 for an admission add-on.Restrooms are clean and plentiful. People rave about the cafe. We met a woman who had the gazpacho and pronounced it excellent. It does great business but we didn't want to spend our limited time waiting in line. If you do have the time, be sure to eat outside and enjoy the view. We visited the gift shop for souvenirs. Pricey, yes, but I found a cool shirt on sale.The museum has a strict policy about backpacks and liquids in the museum; an attendant checks all bags. We used the free lockers available at the entrance. Simply select a four-digit code from the keypad, take a picture of the code and locker number, scramble the code and walk away. Easy and secure.We walked to the museum from the Pier; our car was parked in the Sundial Garage. I saw that the free Downtown Looper had a pickup at the Dali which we boarded. The Looper only stops at the museum when it is open. We enjoyed a city tour while en route back to the garage. If you ride the free Looper, be certain to tip your driver who is committed to getting you safely to and from your destinations.

Marnette S — Google review

It was such an amazing experience visiting this museum. We did both the full 360 and the general admission exhibits, and they’re well worth the price. We went during the floral special exhibition, and I really enjoyed the florals there in signature Dali style. I would also heavily recommend the poached pear dessert - it was super unique and well priced! Overall I would recommend!

Essence W — Google review

I am biased because I love Dali's work. Being among it was enough, but getting to see some of his larger scale paintings was amazing. Getting to see sibling pieces to the ones I have seen in the Tate Modern and the Reina Sofia was great. The special exhibit was something I had not engaged with before. And they do have a banging gift shop.

Trisha W — Google review

The Dali365 experience was neat to see but the museum and the additional exhibit they had on impressionists was a bit underwhelming. I love Dali's work. He was a brilliant painter for his era but I was expecting more on exhibition to see. The impressionist exhibit was fairly sparse as well. Even with stopping at every piece, reading the plaque and examining the work, I was done in probably 45 minutes.

Rebecca S — Google review

Parking was $10, (all day parking), however parking is limited. There was a graduation at the theater next door and a boat show, we got lucky and got one of the last spots. They were asking folks to park just two blocks away.There are docent tours every hour 12:30, 130… check before you go and do go, fascinating! So knowledgeable and polite.There is a Dalí Cafe, delicious (limited indoor seating but worth the wait). I don’t normally enjoy museum cafes but this one had very tasty food (we had the cheese plate, bread plate and carrot hummus, plus coffee and tea.The is a decent selection of Dali photos, paintings and information and you can go online to learn more. I would go back again since our friend is not much of a reader and is more of a quick browser. I would like to spend a bit more time and perhaps go on another docent tour.Go, enjoy and try the cafe, too!

Holly K — Google review

Well worth price of admission. The building is amazing work of art. Dali was an eccentric person and a very different artist with an amazing mind. Not the type of art you may put on your walls, however I can appreciate his genius as an artist and his flamboyant personality. I visited a number of years ago and remembered some things, but enjoyed talking in more of Dali. Especially liked the 360 movie, very well done.

Rick S — Google review

First time at this location, hadn't been since the 90's. I love Salvador Dali, my favorite artist for decades. We spent a little extra for the 360 experience, totally worth it. The coolest part was the AR app that made the paintings come to life. Staff were great, prices reasonable.

Vici G — Google review

Spent 4.5 hours totally absorbed with Salvador Dali's life and surreal art. The museum is beautifully arranged with great attention to detail andarchitecture, in line with the artist's style.

Barbara V — Google review

I hadn't planned on visiting the Dali museum, but I'm really glad I did. His drawings are fascinating, with a lot of details. Definitely worth checking out! The museum itself is quite stunning as well. The commute wasn't the most convenient, but they do have a cute shuttle from the parking lot to the museum.

Li R — Google review

Yaakov is so entertaining at the Cafe Gala (has a big, fancy, & affordable menu). This museum is beautiful. The technology is so advanced. Definitely pay $15 for the 36 minute Dome show

Hunter-Marie A — Google review

The Dali is such a wonderful museum. The permanent collection is always worth visiting and they have amazing special collections several times a year. Membership is the way to go if you're local, the Dual and Family memberships are very affordable. If visiting St Pete, the Dali is a must-see!

Rachel K — Google review

Do not dilly dally. Check out the Dali Museum. So many cool things and deep historical contexts in his paintings. Good food/coffee/ treats and artistic treasures to buy.

Patricia G — Google review

Absolutely loved it. Be sure to take a guided tour. On my own, I never would have seen all of the details the guide pointed out. What an amazing talent Dali is. ENJOY.

George D — Google review

Great museum that features Salvador Dalí’s art. The price to get in is very affordable and there is a large collection of art to see. I went during the week so it wasn’t busy and I had plenty of space to see the art without having to fight any crowds. However, this museum is not for everyone. If you’re not interested surrealist art, then this museum is not for you. I also would not say this museum is child friendly. To a child this would probably be pretty boring, and a lot of the art includes shock value (nudity).

Jenna B — Google review

The Dali Museum is quite the experience and absolutely worth making a trip to the area. The parking is $10 for all day and can be limited but we found it no issue.No backpack type bags are allowed and only disposable water bottles are allowed (first floor only). Luckily they have free lockers just outside the museum to stow your stuff, especially if you like to carry your own water bottle like me and want to go upstairs to see Dali’s works. So bring a small purse/bag and disposable water bottles.I suggest you purchase the tickets ahead of time because it can get crowded/busy and you want to ensure your entry. It got packed by the time we headed upstairs.The outing will be pricey, especially if you add on the “360 experience”, some snacks, drinks at the cafe and of course…the souvenir shop.At first we weren’t going to do the “360 experience” but decided on it last minute since we already made the trip out there. I have to say it was worth it! We absolutely loved it and found it inspiring and moving. We’d do it again.Plan a trip to The Dali Museum and give yourself time to enjoy all it has to offer.The art pieces themselves are incredible and I could’ve easily spent all day here, there’s truly a lot to see, especially if you read about each piece.There’s a small theater that plays Dali’s life story on repeat, which we enjoyed. The building itself is gorgeous and something Dali would’ve loved!

Cecile A — Google review

I'v been to the Dali museum a handful of times because he's one of my favorite artists.For the entrance cost, this is a very very small museum. With the first floor being the cafe, the second floor being offices, that just leaves the third floor for art and exploration, and the outdoor 'garden' for a photo op with his infamous curled mustache.Nonetheless, this is a beautiful building, but you can easily knock out this museum in about an hour.

Rae R — Google review

4.7

(16598)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (206)

4.5

(8546)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (207)

1 Dali Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA

(727) 823-3767

27

Chihuly Collection

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Art gallery

Museums

Art Museums

The Dale Chihuly Collection is a prestigious glass art gallery located in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida. The collection includes some of the most iconic glass pieces in history, such as the Ruby Red Icicle Chandelier and Macchia. There are also glass-blowing demonstrations available on site, so visitors can learn more about this fascinating art form.

Dale Chihuly is a legend. Some artists are just elite in their own rights. Chihuly is one of these when it comes to glass art, holy cow. I absolutely love seeing Chihuly art in museums, so there being a whole collection of just his art in St. Pete is fated destiny (double duty, I know).It’s pretty much as awesome as you’d imagine, though it’s definitely a smaller exhibit which is the only disappointing part. You’d really have to drag out the better part of an hour to make it a long visit. But the pieces that are included here are still well worth seeing, and the admission is cheaper than a lot of the museums nearby. Plus, you don’t usually have to reserve a time slot really ahead of time.There’s also another fun addition to admission to the collection: you can go across the street to the Morean Arts Center and watch a free glass glowing demo!! Tom, who was working the collection when we went told us all about it and was so awesome. Watching glass blowers craft their work right in front of your eyes is such a neat and unusual experience.The Chihuly exhibit is a magical, colorful walk of brilliance. It makes for such a fun mini afternoon!

R L — Google review

You’ll be glad you went. The glass pieces take over the space with beauty! It’s a manageable little venue with restrooms and gift shop. Best feature might just be the opportunity to watch a live glass blowing demo (50 min) in a nearby glass studio. Great place to purchase artist made glass pieces with zero pressure.

Deborah B — Google review

This was a great experience! The art exhibits were stunning. And I loved the movie room, where you get to learn about the artist himself and his story, as well as seeing all of the installations that he's done around the world.This was definitely worth the price of admission and I would even consider going back on occasion.

Michael E — Google review

The collection is not huge but, what's there is really cool. We got thru the gallery well-within an hour. Stuff you don't always see at your typical art gallery. What makes this a ☆☆☆☆☆ is the glass-blowing demonstration which runs at the top of each hour - it's a really interesting and fun. Again, something different and worth the ticket. Don't miss it. And, there is a "tip-bucket" - make sure to help out these artisans - I'm not talking just a buck or two. Throw a $20 in the bucket (I did)!!!

Charles M — Google review

Loved all the color and designs. Really enjoyed the glass blowing demonstration. The pieces here are amazing. I only wish there were more! Price is a little steep, but if you love Chihuly you will be happy.

Lora K — Google review

This is a really beautiful exhibit. I enjoyed a quiet hour wandering through Chihuly's works. There is a neat video at the end featuring Chihuly speaking about his process and artistic vision.

Rachel K — Google review

This is my third visit. Beautiful large glass sculptures. Entrance fee includes a glass blowing exhibit.Museum will require an hour and the film about Chihuly and the glass blowing about another hour. Worth the time.Highly recommend.

Mike Z — Google review

Super mesmerizing!! The teens enjoyed it as much if not more than I did. Such precision and attention to details..omg!! I hoped to see a demonstration, but no one was available on the weekend..it was still beautiful! The store was a bit pricey,but had a great selection of items..

JUSNATURAL. — Google review

The pieces were set up beautifully and with the perfect lighting for each specific item. At the end of the collection is a small display showcasing other artists' pieces and then the store.Included with the collection was a live demonstration through a glass studio across the street, I do not know if that was a special event or a usual occurrence.I'm a huge Chihuly fan, and I am excited to be able to check this impressive collection off my bucket list!

Selena N — Google review

A very nice collection of Chihuly's work. In some ways I expected more, but the works that were there were great. A guide was eager to tell the story behind the works, and there was a nice glass blowing demonstration across the street. A gift shop had works from other gifted local glass blowers for sale.

Billschomer — Google review

This pkace was quite small but still beautiful. I had my 2 kids plus a friend and her nephew ages from 9 to 15 and they enjoyed it as well. Art is such a beautiful thing!! We absolutely love everything about museum's. They had a gift shop at the entrance and some displays were very interesting!!

Kai P — Google review

It's a gorgeous location. It had cost me 20$ per person to go in.The price is reduced if you are a senior or a student, though.Im not sure if you get a discount for being a veteranIt has amazing sculptures and a good few paintings from the main artist but no others.It must be said that the venue is very small, and you'll be in and out in less than 60 minutes, and if you're not big into photography, you'll be out in 30 minutes.But it must be said that the sculptures are spectacular

Lerone Y — Google review

Interesting but small. It does not take long to walk through the museum but it allows for some great photo ops. A ticket includes a free entry to the glass making demonstration across the street making the whole price worth it (with possible discounts as well)

Cherubic C — Google review

I wouldn't call it a "good deal" but I guess for the area, and being a Chihuly enthusiast, it was worth it. We went through the display in less than half an hour, then went to the glass blowing demonstration afterwards. The demonstration was extremely informative. They do have several displays, and an excellent gift shop.

Amy W — Google review

Lovely place to visit. The works were beautiful and we were able to take our time and admire everything. And the ticket purchase included an art gallery, clay gallery and a glass blowing demo. We visited 4 places for the price of 1 ticket. What a great way to spend a day!

Rose P — Google review

There's not a lot of glass sculptures and it took me and my family about 10 minutes to finish. They look pretty good though, and the amount of work it takes to make some of these in incredible. A bit expensive but if you like art it's a good place to go 👍👍👍.

ALE T — Google review

The Chihuly Collection in Saint Petersburg, Florida, is a fantastic indoor activity, especially on those scorching hot days! The art pieces are absolutely stunning, and I even ended up buying a beautiful vase. The staff is friendly and welcoming. My only wish is that the exhibit were a bit larger to enjoy even more of the incredible artwork. Highly recommend visiting!

Elizabeth W — Google review

If you are an admirer of Glass Art, especially works done by Dale Chihuly this is a must visit exhibit.Paid Parking is available on the street and also in lots.Plenty of Beautiful works are on display and a gift shop is also on premise.Besides the Collection Building there is a Glass Works building across the street.*Check for days and times*

P O — Google review

Very good collection of Chihuly works. Nice presentation of pieces and a decent variety. Worthy visit when in the area.

C L — Google review

We arrived a little over an hour before closing and were greeted by a friendly and helpful man at the front. We were assured that we could see the collection and watch glassblowing in the time we had. He was not wrong. He even walked around letting everyone know it was time to head over to watch the glassblowing so no one missed it.We took in some of the pieces with some fun photo ops before heading over to catch the last glass blowing demonstration. The demonstration was great to watch and took about 20 minutes. It was a couple minute walk across the street. It gives you a real life demonstration of the work that goes into creating the pieces. My teens had a greater appreciation for the collection after seeing this.We returned to finish seeing the Chihuly collection and watched to video there. The video really puts the work into perspective. We even had a few minutes to walk the gift shop before closing.Great experience, enjoyed by teens. Fun family activity that does not need a full day to do.

Tracy F — Google review

I'm not a huge museum fan, but this place is a great addition for a fun and interesting day in St. Pete's. The museum itself is pretty small and the average person could browse through it in an hour or less. Add another hour for the glass making demo and gift shopping! The glass work is amazing and gorgeous, the glass making demonstration is interesting, and of course, the gift shop has a lot of beautiful goodies. We took the time to sit through the short video about Chihuly and that helped make the experience feel more interesting and personal. Two hour street parking was convenient in front of the museum when we went mid-week, but I'm not sure how much availability would be there on weekends. The surrounding neighborhood is perfect for a stroll, dining, shopping, or a drink in one of the sidewalk eateries.

Shirley A — Google review

Beautiful glass collection in Downtown St. Petersburg. Chihuly is brilliant artist. 💯% recommend this location wherever you're in the area. 20 minutes to walk around the exhibit. Enjoy!

Ronald R — Google review

Stopped at this exhibit on our way out of Petersburg and I am so glad we did. Chihuly’s works are possibly the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen! I only wish we had stayed for the glassblowing demonstration

Ava G — Google review

The Chihuly Collection is located in the Morean Arts Center, which houses a permanent collection of Chihuly artwork. It features 18 large-scale installations, including the "Florida Rose Crystal Tower." The collection is relatively small and can usually be covered in no more than an hour. It is also a smaller version of the Chihuly Garden and Glass in Seattle, Washington. So, if you have already visited the one in Seattle, I would not recommend visiting this one; you would not find anything new.

Vlad B — Google review

It is a small museum but has beautiful glass work. It's easy to get to and there's public parking available. Starting at noon there is a glass blowing exhibition every hour Monday to Friday. I love art and this fits the bill.

Jim R — Google review

The museum is not the biggest Chihuly collection I've seen but it is a beautiful and varied collection. I enjoyed watching the movie as much as anything. The chandeliers, as always, are amazing. The best part hands down is watching the demonstration. Two artists demonstrate how they create an amazing piece of art. One narrates and explains what's going on, then she assists with the main artist. Just so you know, It's warm in there, despite the largest ceiling fan I've ever seen. haha. But what an incredible opportunity to watch amazing artists! Love it!

Tia P — Google review

What a great experience. Bring your ear bubs as there is an audio guide with your admission. Fantastic exhibits. Be sure to see the glass blowing demo included with your admission and located a block away. Plenty of 2 hour parking on street. Hard to find longer parking. Nice area to walk, shop and have a bite to eat.

Debra L — Google review

Unbelievable!! Stunning pieces beautifully displayed. There's a self-guided audio tour provided as part of the $20 USD admission. Also includes a 30 min glass blowing demonstration which was amazing. A video profile of the artist, provides significant insights into how he creates the pieces. There's a shop to purchase stunning pieces. Definitely worth the price of admission!!

J M — Google review

The Chihuly Collection is a great spot to check out in St Petersburg and the work is awe-inspiringly beautiful. You can take your time walking through the gallery and are free to move at your own pace and take as many photos as you’d like photos. Definitely a must-see, especially if you’re a fan of glass art.

Niesa L — Google review

It's hard to come up with fresh new things to say about chihuly glass collection.Innovative, avant-garde, pushing the limits, imaginative cutting edge.Never mind my ramblings.Just go to the museum and experience this fabulous art for yourself.This will be the $18 dollars you have spent in many a year.

Stephen G — Google review

This is not a museum... It is a gallery! ( A small one at that). And I think it's crazy for a gallery to charge admission. They try to justify the price because there is a 20 min "movie" to watch about Chihuly and there is a glass blowing demonstration. So.... if I opted out of those things, could I walk through the gallery for free? (Which only takes about 5 or so minutes). I doubt they would allow that.Also, the pricing of items in the glass blowing gift shop is ridiculous. Hundreds of dollars for crooked, messed up pieces?

Diane B — Google review

Charming ChihulyBucket list. We were in St. Petersburg for four days to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. I have been fascinated with Dale Chihuly for some time and since we will not get to Seattle to see his premier work, I was excited to learn about the first installation of his work in a building designed for that purpose. Chihuly is a pioneer in the studio glass movement and leads in the development of complex structures and environmental art.While the display is smaller, the pieces are nonetheless impressive. Several chandeliers grace the ceiling of the building and range in size from 3-30 feet in length and are made up to 1,000 elements of glass including one of the most famous, "Iconic Ruby Red Icicle." One walkway features many pieces in the ceiling making you want to lie down and gaze up at the beauty. Glass-related gifts, books and other items are available in the gift shop.We did not find any discounts or coupons for entry and paid $18 each for the senior rate. However, admission covers entry to the Morean Arts Center directly across the street for glass blowing demonstrations on the hour. This is a must to see how a hot, sweaty, tricky trade that requires intense concentration and timing results in beautiful glass art. Viewers sit on bleachers in a covered area at the back of the center. The glass blower and his fellow colleague have been blowing glass for 10 years. One of the glass blowers lived in Venice for a few years and studied in Murano.The furnace temperatures range from 1,000 to 2,000 degrees F. Many steps are required to create one of the scalloped pieces similar to those we saw in the collection. It takes 24 hours for the final pieces to cool in the coolers in the demo area. One of the trickiest parts is separating the glass from the rod which the pair did with finesse and success. We watched as the piece was widened and color added to the rim.Friends have mentioned seeing his work in Milwaukee and Madison, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Columbus, OH, Nashville and at the Biltmore in Asheville, NC.

Marnette S — Google review

It's not just a collection of glass. It's an entire experience! You must visit Chihuly Collection in person to experience the magic of these glass masterpieces. Come with curiosity. Leave with a memorable positive experience!

Michelle G — Google review

4.7

(2430)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (213)

4.5

(2416)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (214)

720 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA

(727) 896-4527

28

Tropicana Field

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Stadium

Sights & Landmarks

Arenas & Stadiums

Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays, is a major stadium located in St. Petersburg - Clearwater that features the Rays Touch Tank & baseball museum. The area is artistic and it has many nice beaches.

the changes which have been made to this stadium are aesthetically pleasing and practical. a year ago the structure was showing it's age as a sports destination. they have revamped EVERYTHING . the atrium , concourses, stairs, vendors. everything is cleaner, lighter, more welcoming. there is a large security presence. the fan hosts are approachable & helpful. can i borrow your thumbs? i want to give it many thumbs up but i have only two!

Aunt B — Google review

Fantastic 3 day event of games at park. Phillies n Braves. Only issue I laughed at was...read how cheap beer and hot dogs were at this park. Wednesday's game true 5.00 for hot dogs. Nachos for 2 to 4 people fed, 27.00, Thursday increased by 1.00. Braves Saturday 7 plus hot dogs, 32.00 Nachos. Not including tax. But it was good. Souvenir cups worth it.

Duane M — Google review

I had a really fun time watching the rays play here and win!The parking in the stadium was a bit expensive, 20$. The staff guided and directed the cars to any free parking spaces that were available to speed up the process, so I can see why they requested 20$ to park.The wait wasn’t too long to get into the building, although the store did have somewhat of a lineup to enter.The seats were clean and the staff were really helpful, guiding us to our seats. There were many different restaurants to choose from to eat, but as expected the food was a little overpriced.It can get a bit confusing making your way to your seat if you’re a tourist, so I wish it would’ve been a bit more clear that we should park near the gate where our seats are located to avoid having to walk around the whole stadium to get to them.The shop had some pretty cool items and clothing for Rays fans!The atmosphere in the stadium was very fun, always hyped up after every at-bat.It was a bit of a mess when exiting the stadium, as everyone was leaving at the same time and was in a hurry to get out. Probably my least favourite part of the experience.Tickets must be bought in advance though, through the MLB app.Overall, we had a really enjoyable time, definitely would recommend to come watch a game here!

D B — Google review

Great stadium! The stadium had excellent food options and their team store had a great layout. The rays petting area was a cool feature. You can view the rays tank from above with a nice view to the field. Atmosphere was great and it was well air conditioned. Parking was easy and no wait to get in through the doors was a plus.

GOOD · — Google review

I was impressed by the beautifully maintained dome stadium. The air conditioning was working well, so I was able to watch the baseball game at my leisure. If you are sensitive to the cold, I recommend bringing long sleeves.

COSMOPOLITAN — Google review

We had a great experience at the Rays Club. All you can eat, all you can drink alcohol and hundreds if soda flavors. We had options from pork roast, pizza, or grilled Cuban sandwiches! The desserts were even better, strawberry shortcake, pudding, cake, and cookies. And amazing seats! I highly recommend the Rays Club.

Waldo J — Google review

I have got to say I was quite surprised when I got into the stadium. It honestly isn’t as bad as everyone makes it out to be. Yes it needs updating and the rays do need a new stadium, but this stadium does it job. Lots of good food options and there is a good atmosphere, especially when Yankees are in town. The parking situation however is horrible and will take you forever to park and forever to leave. Make sure you get to the game early or else you will be stuck and traffic and miss some of the game. Plan ahead!

Nick G — Google review

Such a beautiful stadium, ADA compliant, clean, and well kept. A lot of food options at reasonable prices, lines went smoothly, and i love the little cafes. Security is very prominent, making us feel safe, and the staff is friendly and so very helpful. The area it's located in isn't really appealing, but I really like the Tropicana Field.

Katbrat — Google review

Great fun out of the sun. Watch the Rays play baseball in an air conditioned stadium. Beat the heat and have some yummy food. My favorite is the Poke Bowl. Another big hit is the pretzel dog. Get the cheap $10 ticket and stroll around the park or sit on the Budweiser Porch. Go Rays!!

Robert M — Google review

We attended an event here recently called "Enchanted Christmas" it was a beautiful display of Christmas lights and also a maze and ice skating rink inside Tropicana Field where the Tampa Bay Rays play! The entire interior of the stadium was converted into a giant Winter Wonderland. There were several elves singing carols and also assisting through the maze which at the end you could win several prizes and kids could send letters to Santa! It was truly an amazing night as there were millions of lights and displays around with a 200 ft Christmas Tree in the center of the maze, there were holiday drinks and various foods served also, magnificent for kids and adults of all ages!

Quentin L — Google review

I’m a baseball fanatic and I’m going to every stadium. This journey was a little disappointing but had some good points. The game itself was exciting but the stadium is old and showing its signs of needing to be replaced. It’s very outdated, instead of walking around a stadium I felt like I was in a hallway of a school or something. The vending area had the best feature and worst feature both, best feature is you get your souvenir cup and fill it yourself, refills and everything, that is super great. The worst feature is the ordering process. No humans just little kiosk pads, you get the ticket out of it after you order with your number but then you wait in another line to hand your ticket in to a person then wait even longer for your stuff. It’s horrible, people waiting on food block the kiosk pad so people can’t order and it’s simply a mess, if I returned I would eat before and get nothing except walk around stuff because of the lines. Keep in mind there is not many fans at the games so I couldn’t imagine a sold out game or large crowd the place would be a mess. Anyway still great experience and the stingray tank in centerfield is a must, hopefully 2028 brings a new stadium.

James M — Google review

We had the absolute best time at Tropicana Field!! It was a Rays vs Toronto Blue Jays game and the Rays delivered a 3-0 win!!!!! Super fun, non-stop and of course Kid friendly!! We even got 1st on line to run the bases!!! Here is proof!!

Morris F — Google review

Awesome reprieve from the heat in August! Waiting outside for the gates to open was a little rough, but once inside, it feels good. The park is well lit, the sounds of the game echo throughout. The players were accessible and willing to sign autographs for the kids. Would recommend.

Dan H — Google review

What a game!!! Rays Win in Overtime, the energy was amazing! I really like this field. Indoors so weather is not even an issue, good food & beer choices. High prices but that's not surprising. Lots of spots to chill, play games & hang out not in your seats. We'll be back soon, Go Rays!!! 🥰⚾️

Liz D — Google review

Pretty cool stadium! The field itself is very nice! However, the dome on the inside isn't very aesthetically pleasing. I think it needs to be updated. That being said, it is wonderful being inside and cool from the hot Florida sun. There are so many options for food, drinks, and snacks (be prepared to pay ridiculous prices). They have actual rays in the stadium, which is extremely cool! Overall, not a bad experience!

Lucas — Google review

Older ball park and it’s showing its age. Great place to grab a game, but make sure you get seats above row K for the lower bowel, otherwise you may have restricted views.

Chris G — Google review

I am on a quest to visit all MLB ballparks and this place, although pretty empty and not a lot of attendees, it's a great park. This was a great little ballpark with lots of things to see and explore. They have a great rotunda when you walk in and nice team store. They even have a sting ray touch tank in the outfield. Some of the food selections are not the best compared to other parks.......⚾️

Glenn D — Google review

Sure it’s not the nicest stadium in MLB, but this place isn’t near as bad as many would lead you to believe. Food choices were solid. The stadium vibe was fun. Local fans were great. We had a blast and will be back for more!

Matthew M — Google review

Been to all of them and this one is def on the bottom of the list. But not in every aspect. There are many unique things about the park that i wish they keep around if they get a new field. It’s smaller and defiantly makes you feel like you are right near the field. The ray area in center field was def one of those cool unique things. Foods had a local flair. There were some parts of the ballpark that definitely didn’t make sense like the arcade section. As far as sitting watching the game, you def get a great experience and the majority of the time, you get to see good baseball.

Willie R — Google review

Since I was a little kid growing up in Cleveland, there has always been something special about entering a baseball stadium for a game. While on vacation in St Pete a few years ago we went to two Rays games vs the Yankees.That special feeling was still there but I can't say I liked the stadium. First issue was the fixed roof that kept out the beautiful Florida sunshine and wasn't tall enough that allowed some balls to hit into the scaffolding. Next was the lack of bullpens. Seeing the pitchers warm up in foul territory with the catchers backs to the batters was kinda odd. And then during a night game there was a complete power outage that shut down play for about 30 minutes. We left at that point. Finally, the traffic in and out of Tropicana Field is horrendous.Now, having said all that, next time we're down there, we'll still go to another game. Because it's still major league baseball, and I'm still a little kid that enjoys the magic...

Kurt W — Google review

We’ve been to the field a few times for games. It’s always clean and well organized. The team throws out at least 200+ baseballs to the kids in the stand every single game. The a/c is kicking and the lights in the dome are fun to watch. 10/10 will be going to more games.

Dani B — Google review

Had a blast at our first game. Signs for the seating could be more visible, i had to ask for help several times. the seats could have cup holders. Lady at the front scanning ticket was grouchy like she hated her life. For my first time there she gave no direction whatsoever. The security part was easy and fast.

Lan L — Google review

This past weekend my son and I went to the "Trop" to see the Rays/Yankees games on Saturday and Sunday (Yes we are Yankees fans first but support the Rays when not playing the Yankees). I have some history of visiting Tropicana Field beginning in 2020 when I worked in St Pete less than a 1/2 mile from the Stadium and would walk over for games. After moving to the Orlando area I have attended several games over the past two decades.My experience this past weekend is consistent with all my previous experiences as a fan. (I have never played there so I cannot speak to the areas such as locker room/training facilities, catching pop-ups, or previous turf selections). I think the Stadium is very fan friendly - easy to navigate, lots of food options, good viewing from most areas, entertainment, activity areas for kids, plenty of rest rooms, and extremely well maintained and clean!We parked in lot 6 and purchased parking in advance (I strongly recommend that). Most importantly we arrived at least 2 hours early so traffic was not an issue and getting into stadium early gave time to walk around, watch warm-ups, and get something to eat.Most importantly staffing is plentiful, professional and helpful. They all get an A+ in my book!

Gary M — Google review

The field is really nice. They just replaced the turf. The stadium is awesome too. It's a shame they want to replace it because it is very well cared for. Staff is friendly but word of advice, do not bring any backpack or bags at all to the security point.I misunderstood the bag rule because I thought it meant they could not be over a certain size so I brought a very small backpack for my kids things. This was not ok. I guess a reusable grocery sack is OK though.The stadium had a lot of restaurants and bars, but be prepared to spend $8 on a 20oz smart water and $15-18 for a beer. Very expensive.Overall we enjoyed the game and our seats were great behind the first base dugout.

Brett L — Google review

For the age, this stadium is in great shape. Sad to hear they're replacing it soon. Only thing I noticed it needed were cup holders in the stands.Plenty of food/drink options during baseball games.Plenty of bathrooms.Sound system great.Easy in and out of parking lot to highways.Wish the event staff would keep folks from stopping in the walkways to chat to other fans, but that's because our seats were front row of walkways and we couldn't see multiple times due to friendly chatter.

Cat J — Google review

Went for Enchant. Parking was very well organized, easy in and out. Food and drink vendors were extremely overpriced, eat before or after you go, to save some money. Very crowded, but that was expected. The lights were next level! Spectacular! Absolutely breath taking.

Ashley R — Google review

I always enjoy going to Tropicana Field. Great game(even though the rays lost) and the for was good. I will say the prices of food is just out of control. Hot dog is 18 bucks..... Impossible to understand... We were in section 130 row M. Not bad but I prefer to be closer to first base.

Michael H — Google review

I love seeing the games here. It's an incredible value that everybody should take advantage of before it's gone. The stadium is very comfortable and easy to access. Happy to see the town has grown up all around it full of bars and condos and young folks everywhere really has been such a wonderful amenity for St Petersburg. The Baldwin group club level suites are definitely worth considering all you can eat food and beer. There was an after concert (jimmy eat world) after the Rays game it was just so much fun. I will be very sad when it's gone.

B S — Google review

As a (former) professional sports analyst I have been to nearly every stadium in @MLB . First time at @tropicanafield tonight and this place is AMAZING. The staff are 5 star - Kevin - shout out to you, you’re the best!! Thanks for the hospitality. @RaysBaseball

Traveling M — Google review

My first time there! Amazing! The staff are so helpful and friendly! They are also everywhere. So you don't have to walk forever to find someone to ask a question. Seats are comfortable. Lots of washrooms everywhere. It was a fun game of baseball. The Tampa Bay Ray's vs. Texas Rangers. Rangers won 9-4.

Binder V — Google review

Great fun experience! Let’s go Rays! The food and drinks are expensive inside the stadium and finding parking can be difficult depending on the day. Highly recommend getting tickets ahead of time and never take a screen shoot. It’s very to download it on your cellphone or add to your wallet!

Yenisey D — Google review

Pretty cool field. It's nice everything is indoor, but I love the open atmosphere of other ballparks. The food selection is not the greatest, and we struck out on the quality of the food. The seats were decent and an overall wonderful experience.

Jeremy C — Google review

I came for a Rays game. I had a blast. I think this is a super unique stadium. I thought it was really cool we got to touch a sting ray / see them swimming from our seats and there are SO many places to eat / drink at with such diverse options! The gyro was so good!

Vincent — Google review

Very nice stadium with lots of space for activities. Came here for the Enchant Christmas event and loved it. The whole family had fun. Ice skating was the best

Evick B — Google review

I'm grateful we have a weather proof air-conditioned baseball ⚾ facility here in st.petersburg to represent the Tampa Bay Ray's. The place is pretty easy to navigate and the food not too bad . I would say it is rather nice having our nautical theme, with Rays to show for. I'm sure we also have some of the best prices for the MLB.

Lonnie T — Google review

Not sure why this place is hated on so badly. Great place for a ball game. Perfect temperature inside and everything you could want or need. $32 for parking is wildly insane - especially when 2 tickets are $34, so maybe park elsewhere. I most definitely will next time but will be back soon. Go Rays.

Robert N — Google review

Very unique stadium. Our granddaughter made the Jumbo-Tron playing the sting ray game. We had a very good time. It was nice not having to sit in the sun. Food was good but extremely pricey, especially the “Beer Bat”, which only holds 24 fluid ounces of beer for $31. Wow…

George T — Google review

I was at Tropicana the day it opened, the first concert, the first Lightning game, the first pitch of the St. Pete. Devil Rays game; took our children out of school to enjoy the historical day. I've been here countless times over so many years....decades. It definitely does need a re-do after all these memorable years; I'm glad our city approved keeping it here. I don't know how people afford going. Proposed affordable housing around a new stadium is great. Will there be food or drink vouchers? It can actually cost less to see the game than a can of beer....at $13.50 for one; which is astronomical, a stand-only section ticket is $10.00l!! How will this balance out? 🤔 I can't imagine how this will be an affordable option for young families. Go Rays ⚾

Vinnie 1 — Google review

4.4

(12702)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (219)

4.0

(2406)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (220)

1 Tropicana Dr., St. Petersburg, FL 33705, USA

(727) 825-3137

29

Ellenton Premium Outlets

40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (221)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (222)

40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (223)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (224)

Mentioned on

9 lists

Outlet mall

Shopping

Factory Outlets

When in Clearwater, consider a day trip to Ellenton Premium Outlets for a fantastic shopping experience. The variety of stores and brands offers something for everyone, and the layout is easy to navigate. The friendly staff and great deals on quality products make it a perfect destination for savvy shoppers. The well-maintained facilities add to the positive atmosphere, making it an enjoyable shopping destination. While parking can be challenging on weekends, the overall flow of people in and out is smooth.

Was in the area visiting so didn’t expect much from this mall, but was pleasantly surprised. This is a quality outlet! Made it to aerie, Nike, Ralph Lauren, and crocs with some good deals. Regret not stopping by Jcrew. Definitely worth a visit.

Ciji G — Google review

A very nice place to visit for some good deals for just about anything you can think of. The food court is well below average but there are many stand alone restaurants nearby. Grounds all well kept and parking is better than most outlets in florida.

Arvin S — Google review

We shopped here while on vacation. I didn't initially like layout of the outlet mall but it was not as bad as I thought. The food court could use a upgrade but we were able to find a few good sales.

Deron S — Google review

Many options for shopping. Huge parking lot. Not big discounts right now on all brands. Food court is not good, better to avoid. Worth to visit if you are looking to buy premium brands.

Uarora — Google review

We go here to black Friday shop every year. This year will be our last. The "deals" at these outlets aren't deals at all. And the whole place is dirty. All garbage cans overflowing, bathrooms were disgusting. They don't make an attempt anymore to clean anything. Sad.

Krystan H — Google review

This is more of a WARNING than a review. The boba tea stand GREEN TEA SPOT at the ellenton outlets 🚫🧋🚫 sells disgusting tea!!! The pictures that are on display do not reflect what they give you. They show a lot of fruit in the drinks but what I got tasted like dirty water with low quality boba, and Nora single piece of fruit in it!!! 🤮 😠 😡The Asian woman told me with a big smile on her face that "people don't like the fruit"They don't have a Website and not even show on Google maps! So there's no way to leave a review for them. I forgot to take a pic of my drink sorry 😔 but you can test them for yourself.

Roxi — Google review

Excellent! You can find the major stores with good prices and variety.

Kenya — Google review

Nice outlet mall to walk around and find good deals

David L — Google review

We expended a lot of time here. We arrived when they opened, and we left around 3 pm.In some brands, you can find good deals like Gap, Columbia, and Sweet Victorian.The best prices were in Wrangler and Lee; I bought three pairs of jeans for $7.99 each.

Antonela R — Google review

Very pleasant place to shop. Clean. Lots of options. I didn’t get a chance to visit the food court as it was close to closing time, but the men’s bathroom was very clean. I would go again.

Mike A — Google review

My fellow Canadians!! Please take note in this sincere review! I have been shopping here for over 10 years! Of late; the prices are the same if not HIGHER than any regular shopping experience in Florida! Especially in the Tommy Hilfiger and Polo Store. (Keeping in mind the 35%+ exchange rate). Have fun, but be mindful and careful of this so called “outlet mall”.

Ken G — Google review

This outlet mall has a lot of different options for shopping. The stores are well maintained. Every store I visited I had a good experience with the staff members in each location. They have restrooms in a few locations and are well maintained. There is a food court, but it has limited restaurants. The prices and deals in the stores are worth the drive. Parking can be difficult on the weekends, but it does flow well with people in and out.

Chris M — Google review

Went down there with my wife. She shopped around a little bit. We were in and out of there and no time. She had a great time. Found everything she needed in a couple of the stores. Prices are good. Usually the place is pretty crowded though. You can spend an hour in the Bose store sitting in there sample room. Very tourist oriented.

Stanley S — Google review

Tons of good deals and a store for EVERYONE! I can’t leave without going into aerie and pacsun. Cute clothes and definitely affordable. also auntie Ann’s and Starbucks are musts 😊

Sophie G — Google review

Love this place!!! To start it has great stores, the prices and deals are great, the design of the place is beautiful, open and modern, plenty of space to seat and rest, food court, huge parking all around the stores. It’s definitely worth the driving!!!

Erika R — Google review

Been going for years, seems less is more for higher cost. Manatee statues are gone. Bathroom smelt like raw sewage the day we were there.

Sam B — Google review

Énorme complexe de magasins outlets. Grand choix de marques, offres très intéressantes. Le parking est bien surveillé.(Translated by Google)Huge complex of outlet stores. Large selection of brands, very interesting offers. The parking lot is well monitored.

Tatida G — Google review

They had some good stores, but overall, I felt the selection was definitely catered to an older audience. However, if you like the stores they have listed, I'm sure you'll enjoy the large selection they do have. There is plenty of parking, but if it is a lot of walking around, weaving through the stores.

Allison H — Google review

Decent factory outlets. Traffic is just a bit of a pain right now with all the construction going on at the I-75 interchange and on/off ramps. This is all going on as of 2/17/2024 and has been going on for a while. Still may be at least a year before completion so just something to note in your trip there.

Al U — Google review

I recently visited the outlet mall in Englewood, Florida, and it exceeded my expectations! The variety of stores and brands offered a fantastic shopping experience. The layout was easy to navigate, and the staff was friendly and helpful. I found great deals on quality products, making it a perfect destination for savvy shoppers. The cleanliness and well-maintained facilities added to the overall positive atmosphere. I'll definitely be returning for more enjoyable shopping trips!

Dylan S — Google review

Had a great time wished we had more time to spend here. Great sales! Aerie the entire store was less than $20! Nike was having great sales. Converse had 40% off anything marked down.

Billie Y — Google review

I only live six miles away from the mall.Nice shopping area also has a atHome store a TJmaxx & Bealls. All in the same parking lot so it's very convenient. Along with the chipotle's gas station and starbucks! Right off Interstate 75. Friendly Area. Quite a few restaurants! Hotel. Woodys on Manatee River has good food, music!

StreetJeans P — Google review

Nice spacious shopping mall with great deals on clothing items. It’s spread across multiple directions and has shaded walkways . There are restrooms in each wing of mall.Only thing we noticed is the food court not many food options and the shops sometimes close early. There are eating places within 0.5 miles. We enjoyed the Hershey icecream 🍦 shop it has a lot variety of ice cream .

Vikas K — Google review

Disclaimer: I visited the outlets 2 days after a hurricane.The outlets felt lifeless. No one was really there and half the stores were closed. The few stores I walked into had very poor customer service and showed no interest of being there.I'd be hard pressed to justify another visit to these outlets.

George K — Google review

Not worth a visit. Dated, lack of stores and selection. One and done. Total waste of time. Better off going to UTC or Tampa Premium Outlets. Ellenton needs to take the “premium” out of its name. This is not premium in no way shape or form.

Lin G — Google review

On 3/29 ordered the new lavender-matcha drink. The cashier rang me up for the wrong drink. The wrong drink was made after 10 minutes of ignoring my order while 5 other customers were getting their order after me. The drink was incorrect, they had to fix it and the young man that was making my drink was super slow, there was no customer service experience. He definitely didn’t want to be there. It took 18 minutes to get my drink. The worse service I’ve ever gotten at Starbucks…. The manager needs to do better on training her employees.

Scarlett R — Google review

Ein schönes Outlet mit vielen bekannten Marken. Adidas, Puma, Nike, Asics, oder Sketchers. Um nur einmal ein paar Sport Marken zu nennen.Viele Parkplätze sind vorhanden.Es gibt einen Food Court, bei dem würde ich allerdings einen Stern abziehen.Es ist eher eine große ungemütliche Halle.Keine bekannten Restaurants drinnen sondern kleine Unternehmen. Diese öffnen alle etwas zeitlich versetzt. Wir waren kurz vor 12 Uhr dort, da waren 2-3 noch geschlossen. Diese öffneten während wir gegessen haben.Ansonsten ist das Outlet sehr schön angelegt. An jedem Gang sind wenn Wegweiser zu den Geschäften in diesem Gang. Auf Google Maps ist ein Lageplan einsehbar, ist gibt diesen auch auf Papier vor Ort.Waren jetzt schon öfters hier und sind immer fündig geworden.(Translated by Google)A nice outlet with many well-known brands. Adidas, Puma, Nike, Asics, or Sketchers. Just to name a few sports brands.Lots of parking spaces are available.There is a food court, but I would deduct a star from that.It's more of a big, uncomfortable hall.No well-known restaurants inside but small businesses. These all open at a slightly different time. We were there shortly before 12 p.m. and 2-3 were still closed. These opened while we were eating.Otherwise the outlet is very nicely laid out. On each aisle there are signs pointing to the shops in that aisle. A map can be viewed on Google Maps and is also available on paper on site.Have been here several times and have always found something.

Frank W — Google review

So many stores to see!I bet they will have more than what you were looking for

D P — Google review

4.4

(10139)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (225)

4.0

(895)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (226)

5461 Factory Shops Blvd, Ellenton, FL 34222, USA

(941) 723-1150

30

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature

Mentioned on

+43 other lists

Museum

Children's party service

Event venue

Planetarium

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature is a top tourist attraction in Fort Lauderdale that houses numerous artifacts, archaeological findings and exhibits from all over Florida. The museum is especially interesting for those interested in Floridas Gulf Coast.

the manatee exhibit is the best, so many different viewing points and the animals looked very cared for. there’s only a certain number of planetarium shows per day but we were able to see two. The last show was my favorite. They give you a good talk before you start your adventure and explain everything so well. very clean and well made. the outside part with the fountain is GORGEOUS.

Isabella H — Google review

Go visit. There are many things to do and see here. The Planetarium currently has a great show about the planets, asteroids, meteors, and the history of Earth - Fire Fall. This is presented in a domed theatre so you are 'immersed' in the presentation.-There are multiple things for the little ones - Duplo blocks to create anything you want and many Lego block tables where you can sit and create. There are some interesting Lego real world building / structure creations with written /video explanations about them to spur creativity.-There is also an entire fake tree inside the building (pic) a tree house and play/discovery area.-People of all ages will appreciate the museum with Florida history - from the Indigenous peoples through the turn of the century and many full and partial fossils. There are many artifacts including clocks, lights, furniture, lanterns, and even a Ford vehicle.-There is a Manatee aquarium with three manatees (pic) you can see above or below the water line. Go and enjoy yourself and stop in the store if you need memorabilia or something to keep the kids thinking / expanding on what they have seen.There is even an entire Mastodon skeleton (pic) - amazing.

C L — Google review

A fantastic and inspiring museum. I cannot recommend highly enough. The exhibits are beautifully presented with plenty of information and I learnt a great deal about Florida’s history. The manatees are a real joy to see and their home here is really impressive. The staff are very friendly and helpful, the museum is well maintained and clean. My favorite museum I’ve visited and for sure I’ll come back.

Mark C — Google review

So I’m wondering around downtown and stumble upon the MOSH. What a cool place. They have done a super job of presenting a wide range of items and still remain true to Fl History and the local area. The staff were very friendly and pleasant and even though I was an hour before closing they welcomed me in. I’m most impressed with the richness of the wood grain presentations and the attention to detail. There’s an out door 🦕 dinosaur animated display and a planetarium 🪐 Definitely check it out when your near Bradenton

Examiner 0 — Google review

We loved the bishop museum! We started off watching the planet and astro show, followed by the dino exhibit outside. My kids were ecstatic about the dino exhibit. Such a cool experience. They also like the indoor backyard and watching the manatees. There is so many coop things and so much you can learn. Recommend ! We will be back.

Nicole M — Google review

Excellent customer service. Tickets are reasonable with senior, college, and child discounts. They have manatees and they have so many historic artifacts and fossils. Very, Very amazing and interesting pieces that has been found in the area and other parts of the world. They don’t allow drinks or food but they held our drink in the front nicely. Would recommend to any one of any age group.

B — Google review

We visited the Dinoventure. They had multiple life size dinos that moved and roared. They did a good job with this exhibit. We also saw the manatees. They have two viewing areas, one that you can view through glass and another that is upstairs so you can look down into their tank. You can pay to visit the Dinoventure exhibit without visiting the rest of the museum. We did both and enjoyed all they had to offer. The Planetarium was my favorite part of the museum.

Judy M — Google review

Plan your day accordingly so you can catch all 3 shows in the planetarium. Students and seniors get discounts. The shows were great, seating was comfortable and spacious. I am recommend sitting closer to top. Plenty of exhibits to keep you busy in between and the manatees are a must see!! Enjoy

Ray — Google review

I was in awe of this museum. The planetarium was amazing. Definitely bring your kids here. They may even just want to watch the manatees.

Linda H — Google review

The planetarium is something to see. Each of the shows are magnificent and very educational. At present they have two young Manatee calves that are a pleasure to watch. Overall, the museum is a great place to visit to explore the depths of Florida history. Loads of great exhibits.

Mary T — Google review

Educational Opportunities for local history and of course the Manatees!!! They have rescued manatees that are temporarily staying with them until they can be rereleased! There is a planetarium with show’s playing about every hour (get there 10 minutes prior because the theater fills up quickly) and an early learning garden for children! Calm and friendly atmosphere with helpful staff! Loved my visit! Parking was free and easy!

Mya M — Google review

Visiting from out of town. Great place for toddlers & adults! The planetarium was awesome too! Wonderful location - by River Walk. Shops, restaurants, and playgrounds all in walking distance.

Brittany W — Google review

A wonderful museum! Not massive but still plenty to see loved the manatees! My favorite part was the planetarium the show passport to the universe was narrated by Tom Hanks which I thought was neat. The children's play area is a nice with a pit to use brushes and uncover fake bones and lots of interactive things.

Kaitlin H — Google review

We have attended several Laser Light shows and it is always a great experience!Love the little bar which serves beer, seltzers, and wine options. Thank you for allowing drinks in the theater.Love the little photo prop area to take pictures.Check-in is fast and easy.Every seat is great because the venue is small enough.And, last but not least… the ‘host’ of each show… SPENCER… is a hoot and very nice!Love the variety of bands you spotlight.A couple recommendations…It would be fantastic if there was a quick food option available especially when there is less than hour in between shows. Not really enough time to go anywhere and sometimes you’re not able to eat prior to the first show.Marketing!! You have to market these shows better! Most people haven’t even heard of it and it is just such a cool experience that every show should be sold out!

Jill — Google review

A great place to take our kids (under 5). Great play areas, discover zones, planetarium, a manatee and more. Staff was super friendly and very helpful. A great time.

Andrew P — Google review

If you're looking for an enriching, nostalgic, and incredibly unique experience in Bradenton, Florida, look no further than The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature. As a 90's kid, stepping into this museum felt like a delightful blast from the past. The slightly retro vibe added a layer of nostalgia that made the visit even more enjoyable for my wife and me.One of the most captivating attractions at The Bishop is the manatee rehabilitation habitat. Watching these gentle giants gliding gracefully through the water was truly mesmerizing. The museum's commitment to conservation and education is evident in the care and attention given to these amazing creatures. It's not just a display; it's an immersive learning experience that left us with a greater appreciation for manatees and the efforts to protect them.The planetarium is another highlight of The Bishop Museum. While some of the content might feel a bit dated, it adds to the charm and provides a classic planetarium experience. The shows are well-presented, and the visuals are captivating, offering a fascinating journey through the cosmos. It's a great reminder of the wonder of space exploration and the advancements in our understanding of the universe.The museum's exhibits are diverse and engaging, covering a wide range of topics from natural history to modern science. We spent hours exploring the various displays, each more interesting than the last. The interactive elements, although reminiscent of the 90's, are still informative and fun, making the museum a fantastic destination for visitors of all ages.One of the pleasant surprises during our visit was the gift shop. Unlike many museum gift shops that can be quite pricey, the items at The Bishop's gift shop were very reasonably priced. We found some lovely souvenirs and educational materials that didn't break the bank. It's a great place to pick up a keepsake or a unique gift for someone special.The staff at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature truly deserve a mention. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warmth and enthusiasm. The staff members are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to answer questions and provide insights into the exhibits. Their passion for the museum and its mission is palpable, enhancing the overall experience for visitors.For those who are members of museums with reciprocal benefits, The Bishop offers an added perk: free entrance. This makes it an even more attractive destination, as you can enjoy all the museum has to offer without worrying about the cost of admission. It's a great incentive to support and visit other museums as well.In addition to the permanent exhibits, The Bishop often hosts special events and temporary exhibits, ensuring there's always something new to see and do. This dynamic aspect of the museum keeps it fresh and interesting, no matter how many times you visit.The museum's location is also a plus. Situated in the heart of Bradenton, it's easily accessible and provides a wonderful opportunity to explore the surrounding area. Whether you're a local or a visitor, The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature is a must-visit destination that offers a perfect blend of education, entertainment, and nostalgia.In summary, our visit to The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature was an absolute delight. The nostalgic 90's feel, the captivating manatee habitat, the charming planetarium, the diverse exhibits, the reasonably priced gift shop, and the friendly staff all contributed to a memorable experience. If you're in the Bradenton area, make sure to add this museum to your itinerary. It's a place where you can learn, reminisce, and be inspired, all while having a fantastic time.

Alan R — Google review

A good day for museum wandering. Liked the exhibits. Don't rush through, it's not large!

Samuel T — Google review

Massive lines to try to see a show at the planetarium. Manatees are not currently there and we bought tickets in advance unfortunately. Apparently the entire aquarium is closed when the manatees are gone, so don't expect to go and see any other fish or underwater exhibits. The cost of the museum is $25 which is a higher price than the Louvre , but lower your expectations. Most exhibits do not list whether items are authentic or replicas so you are left to assume for yourself. The amount of content probably warrants about a $5 admission relative to other museums of the world.

David B — Google review

What a wonderful experience for young and old. It's Handicap friendly as well.I haven't been here since my kids were little. I now took my grandchildren in. What a long way they have come from the 80's!!If you haven't been in here in years, it's definitely on the get to now LIST!! You will not be disappointed. The staff are wonderful and very kind. We had such a great time. Unfortunately, there was a storm coming in, and we weren't able to see the second show my grandson and granddaughter and I wanted to see at the Planetarium. That was the only disappointing part. Other than that, it is so informative. I love the care they take of the Manatees, wonderful creatures they are. Thank you, Bishop Musem, for a wonderful afternoon.

Deborah S — Google review

Pretty decent museum. I liked how the planetarium was free after admission. They have a first responder discount! We went and saw a nice movie about satellites in the planetarium. The first floor has some dinosaurs 🦖 🦕 sharks and other things. It has a nature play area for kids. The bathrooms were clean. Then we went outside to the manatee area. Took some pictures and saw some amazing pvc pipes. Once we were done we went to the Hispanic house. It was very nice. Then upstairs we went. I got out and saw some nice things. They had old shells and stones. Old medicines. Stem for girls. I think that it's good for all ages. Elevator works well. Free parking garage close to here and police station.

Sunkissed F — Google review

I have been coming to The Bishop Museum since I was a kid. It's a great place for family fun and learning. The manatees being rehibliated and the planetarium are my favorite parts.

Dana H — Google review

This was a great place to go. They had some impressive displays and also some really fun Interactive displays. Probably not the best for really small children but we were there with our 12 year old granddaughter and she really enjoyed reading about the different epoch's in the earth's development. We really enjoyed watching the Manatees and learning about them. We loved the planetarium and had we had more time we would have done several more shows at the planetarium if possible. I don't know if the ticket price was really worth it. We really enjoyed the museum but it did seem a bit high.

Karen B — Google review

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature is filled with things to do - there is a Manatee Habitat, Planetarium, Mosaic Backyard Universe, Exhibitions on the first and second floor, and much more! The Bishop participates in several discount programs so I highly recommend visiting their site to find out how you can save during your visit.Upon arrival we were greeted and given a map and schedule of events. Our visit was about 2 hours long. You are allowed to leave and re-enter during your visit (which I thought was pretty cool). We will definitely return some time in the near future.

Grlenamored — Google review

Me and my 2yo niece had an amazing time at the museum. Our favorite was the 2 manatees.

Roberta C — Google review

The kids loved seeing the manatees. Unfortunately, these beautiful animals decided to have lots of intercourse, which brought a ton of questions I wasn't ready for. But it's all good. It's part of life.We also enjoyed the video on space

Zainab R — Google review

Great museum for all ages. There is currently an exhibit featuring Snoopy and Charley Brown and NASA.There are exhibits on the Native American people and fossil finds in this area. The Tallant pottery collection features Weedon Island Native Americans.There are lots of South Florida antiques and artifacts from the 19th and 20th centuries.There are several manatees that have been rescued in a separate museum building.I saw 2 of the 3 daily planetarium shows. Before leaving the museum, I bought tickets for an upcoming laser light show in the planetarium later this month. Lots of shows available through August featuring Pink Floyd, Rolling Stones,Led Zeppelin, Metallica, etc. Tickers are $15.Museum entry is free the first weekend of the month with a Bank of America credit or debit card.Highly recommend this museum and planetarium.

Mike Z — Google review

4.6

(2161)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (228)

4.5

(880)40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (229)

201 10th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205, USA

(941) 746-4131

40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Clearwater (2024)

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