Myakka River State Park: Florida's first wild and scenic river
Fifty-eight square miles of wetlands, prairie and pinelands east of Sarasota, along the state's first designated wild and scenic river.
As of October 2026, check hours, fees and closures before you go.
Why go
Fifty-eight square miles of wetlands, prairie and pinelands east of Sarasota, along the state's first designated wild and scenic river.
Itinerary
Day trip
- Morning
Enter on State Road 72 east of Sarasota and stop at the Birdwalk, which the park recommends for viewing birds and alligators.
- Midday
Lunch at the Myakka Outpost café inside the park, which also rents bikes and canoes.
- Afternoon
Paddle, fish or bike the park's trails and backroads.
Park, hours & fees
- Myakka River State Park (Florida State Parks)
13207 State Road 72, Sarasota. Open 8 a.m. to sunset, 365 days a year. $6 per vehicle. The North Gate opens only on weekends and state holidays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Drinking water is temporarily unavailable; bring your own (the ranger station offers free bottled water 8 a.m. to sunset).
Hours, fees and address as listed on the official page when we checked on October 28, 2026.
Food
The Myakka Outpost, inside the park, has a café, souvenirs and rentals, according to the park's page.
Local spots
We are still verifying local businesses for this guide and will add them once their ratings are confirmed.
Practical tips
- Bring drinking water; park tap water is temporarily unavailable.
- Alligators are common along the river; keep your distance.
- Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30.
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Plan ahead, check the official page the day you go, and enjoy the trip.
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