Myakka River State Park is in Sarasota County on Florida’s Gulf Coast, with its main entrance at 13208 State Road 72 (Clark Road), Sarasota, FL 34241.
The location of the Myakka Park entrance is about 9 miles east of I-75 (Exit 205) and roughly 18 miles southeast of downtown Sarasota.
The park straddles parts of Sarasota and eastern Manatee counties.
Quick directions (bullet points you can follow)
From I-75: Take Exit 205 (Clark Rd/SR-72) and drive about 9 miles east to the park entrance on the left.
From downtown Sarasota: Head east on Clark Road (SR-72) to the entrance; the park sits about 18–19 miles from the city center.
From Tampa/St. Pete: Take I-275 S → I-75 S to Exit 205, then SR-72 east ~9 miles to the entrance.
From Fort Myers/Naples: Take I-75 N to Exit 205, then SR-72 east ~9 miles.
From Orlando:I-4 W → I-75 S to Exit 205, then SR-72 east ~9 miles.
Helpful note: The North Gate (SR-780/Fruitville Road) is typically open only on weekends and state holidays; most visitors use the SR-72 (Clark Road) entrance year-round.
If you are ready for a great road trip in Florida, how about a 58-square-mile state park with a river, a lake, camping, hiking, bicycling, picnicking, bird watching, fishing, kayaking and airboat rides. Now, that is a Florida road trip!
In fact, at Myakka River State Park, you have the opportunity to see unique birds, wildlife and fauna all in one location. Stunning views are everywhere.
We could tell you all about it, but we choose to tell a photographic story in a blog format.
Many of the roads within the Myakka State Park are canopy covered. This offers a shaded bicycle ride for visitors.
This Snowy Egret is looking for a meal in part of the vast prairie waters of the park.
This Wild Coffee plant is just one of the many species of fauna found within the park. The wide range of environments from forests to prairies offer many opportunities to view different types of plant life.
The forest floor can be viewed from the tower and walkways. This different perspective can get interesting when wildlife goes about their business below.
This young Blue Heron walking the water’s edge for a snack. As one of the oldest state parks in Florida, the habitat is mature. This means wildlife and birds have been making Myakka home for many decades.
The bird walkway built out into the prairie near the lake offers photographers stunning views of their prey. For a Florida road trip, it is rare you can interact with so many creatures in one location.
Tricolored herons aren’t easily found in normal coastal waters. This one was ready to fly.
If this were ground hog day, this Snowy Egret was casting quite a shadow.
We love the towers at Myakka State Park. One of the reasons this Florida road trip is special.
If you are on a Florida road trip, there must be an alligator somewhere! Myakka River State Park has a river running through it and a lake. Perfect home for alligators.
Florida has Alligators in every county in the state. They may be the most sought-after photographic target in the state. The beauty of Myakka is that everything is natural. These aren’t photos of penned-up wildlife. It’s just you and the habitat.
We leave you with a photo we did not take. This is the Roseate Spoonbill, one of the cherished photographs. This closeup is difficult to get. The Roseate was more common 25 years ago, but more difficult to find in Florida today.
Florida’s Myakka River State Park, Sarasota County, is one of the state’s oldest and largest parks, offering a variety of outdoor activities and natural beauty.
If you’re planning to visit Myakka River State Park, there are plenty of things to do both within the park and in the surrounding area. Here are some highlights:
Within Myakka River State Park:
Wildlife Viewing:
Myakka River State Park is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including alligators, deer, turkeys, and a variety of bird species. The park offers excellent opportunities for wildlife photography and bird watching.
Hiking and Biking:
The park features numerous trails that wind through prairies, hammocks, and wetlands. Popular trails include the Myakka Hiking Trail and the Birdwalk, which offers a boardwalk into the wetlands.
Boating and Kayaking:
The Myakka River and two lakes within the park are perfect for canoeing and kayaking. You can rent boats or bring your own to explore the waterways and observe wildlife from the water.
Airboat tours of Myakka River is one of the top things to do at Myakka River State Park.Airboat Tours:
Myakka River State Park is one of the few places in Florida where you can take a scenic airboat tour. These tours provide a unique perspective of the park’s ecosystems and allow for close encounters with wildlife.
Canopy Walkway and Tower:
The park features a canopy walkway suspended 25 feet above the ground, offering a bird’s-eye view of the forest. Climb the observation tower for panoramic views of the park.
Fishing:
The lakes and river in the park are popular spots for fishing. You can catch bass, bream, and catfish in the park’s waters.
Map to Myakka River State Park
FAQs Myakka River State Park
What is the address for Myakka River State Park?
13208 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241
What city is Myakka River State Park near?
The nearest city is Sarasota, Florida.
How do I get to Myakka River State Park from I-75?
Take I-75 to Exit 205 (Clark Road/SR-72) and drive about 9 miles east to the park entrance.
What are the park hours?
The park is open daily from 8 a.m. until sunset (365 days a year).
How much is the entrance fee to Myakka River State Park?
$6 per vehicle (2–8 people), $4 for a single-occupant vehicle, and $2 per person for pedestrians or cyclists; group rates vary slightly, but these are for 2025.
Does Myakka River State Park have a canopy walkway?
Yes. The park features the Myakka Canopy Walkway; check the park’s page for current status and access details.
Are dogs allowed at Myakka River State Park?
Yes. Domestic pets are permitted in designated areas when leashed (max 6 feet) and under control, per Florida State Parks’ pet policy.
What is the closest major airport to Myakka River State Park?
Sarasota–Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is the closest major airport to the park.
What are the GPS coordinates for Myakka River State Park?
Yes — alligators live throughout the Orlando area. Learn where to spot them safely, what to do if you encounter one, and the best places to see alligators near Orlando.
Florida dominates America’s top wildlife beaches — 10 of the
20 best are here. See which beaches have the most species and which is best for reptiles, birds
& marine life.
Florida isn’t just theme parks and family trips—it’s beaches with a pulse, neighborhoods with art and music until late, and water adventures you can’t get
Last Updated April 18, 2026 Clearwater Beach delivers powder-soft sand, calm Gulf water, a walkable marina-to-pier strip, and nightly sunset vibes. As Tampa Bay locals,
Our Number One Fact About The Everglades — “The Florida Everglades is one of the most extraordinary ecosystems on Earth! An immense subtropical wetland famous
