As one of Florida’s oldest and largest parks. the Myakka River, Florida’s first state-designated wild and scenic river, flows through a vast expanse of unspoiled wetlands, prairies, hammocks, and pinelands that makeup Myakka River State Park. Boating, fishing, canoeing and kayaking are popular activities on the water while hikers and bicyclists explore miles of trails and backroads.

This beautiful little island is part of an extensive chain of barrier islands extending along the Gulf Coast of Florida. Between Knight Island and Little Gasparilla Island, Don Pedro is accessible only by private boat. Visitors might see endangered animals such as West Indian manatees, gopher tortoises, bald eagles, and American oystercatchers. With a mile of white sand beach, popular activities include sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, and shelling. Boat and surf fishing are also favorite pastimes.

$2 Fee per person

Stump Pass Beach is a mile of beach where seashells and shark teeth wash up, and anglers fish the surf for prize catches. Visitors can enjoy an excellent view of the Gulf of Mexico, as well as a stretch of undeveloped Florida coastline. This secluded beach is great for year-round swimming and sunbathing; shelling is best during the winter months. While at the park, visitors might see West Indian manatees, gopher tortoises, snowy egrets, least terns, and magnificent frigatebirds.

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$3 Fee per vehicle

Oyster Creek Environmental Park offers a creek for canoeing, kayaking, or paddleboarding, and accessible trails and an ADA-accessible kayak launch. Leashed dogs are welcome. Fishing is permitted, and there are picnic tables along the trail and restrooms at Cedar Point Environmental Center, which is across Placida Road from the park.