Find Hotels Near Crescent Beach Siesta Key

Myakka River State Park, located in Siesta Key, Florida, is a sprawling and majestic area of lush subtropical vegetation, wetlands, and wildlife. It is home to a diverse collection of plants and animals and provides an amazing array of recreational activities to visitors. Myakka River State Park covers more than 37,000 acres and is one of the largest state parks in Florida. The park encompasses beautiful oak hammocks, pinelands, prairies, marshlands and mangrove swamps along the Myakka River and Upper Myakka Lake.

Within the park are several distinct ecosystems: pinelands with towering slash pines; hardwood forests with oaks, hickories and elms; native palmettos; sawgrass marshes; open prairies with scattered cabbage palms; freshwater marshes filled with aquatic plants such as maidencane; cypress domes draped in Spanish moss; mangrove-lined creeks teeming with aquatic life; deep-water estuaries that open into the gulf.

The landscape is also home to numerous wildlife species including bobcat, Florida panther, gray foxes, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, alligators and otters. More than 250 species of birds can be seen at Myakka River State Park including bald eagles nesting near the lake shores. With its abundance of wetlands Myakka has become an important refuge for migratory waterfowl in winter months.

Visitors to Myakka River State Park can explore the various habitats by taking kayaking or canoeing trips along the river or simply walking trails around its banks. A Canopy Walkway extends through a live oak forest high above the ground providing stunning views overlooking Upper Myakka Lake. Airboats and pontoon boats are available for rent allowing visitors to experience sightseeing cruises on the riverside marshes or fishing trips on Upper Myakka Lake for largemouth bass and bluegill among other species found in this rich aquatic landscape. For overnight stays there are camping facilities available including cabins which offer lodging options for those who wish to spend more time exploring this beautiful part of Florida’s nature coast.
Mykaka River State Park offers many outdoor activities for all ages such as nature programs aimed at educating visitors about their environment as well as guided hikes through its scenic trails each led by experienced naturalists who can share their knowledge about the flora & fauna that exist within this unique ecosystem. There’s also plenty to do within Upper Mykaka Lake where anglers can indulge in some great fishing opportunities while birdwatchers will be delighted by spotting some of its rarer species such as sandhill cranes or roseate spoonbills amongst many others during their explorations here throughout year round!