39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (2024)

The top stops along the way from Stuart to Lakeland (with short detours) are Magic Kingdom Park, Universal Islands of Adventure, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley. Other popular stops include Universal Studios Florida, Walt Disney World® Resort, and The National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum.

1

Elliott Museum

Mentioned on

1 list

Local history museum

Museums

Art museum

Specialty Museums

The Elliott Museum is a contemporary museum showcasing art exhibits and interactive displays that document the cultural history of Florida. It features an exceptional car collection, as well as historic collections, making it a must-see for those interested in Florida's past. The museum also includes a gift shop on its second floor, where local artist works are available for purchase. With accessible facilities such as handicap access and elevators, visitors can fully enjoy this treasure coast gem at an affordable price with senior and child discounts available.

Great experience and even the younger kids remained engaged. Very nicely laid out and everything was maintained well. Would love to come again and spend more time checking out the rotating car display. Also, very veteran friendly with admission.

The F — Google review

I thought this was a really nice museum, and it really does showcase a lot of different aspects of local life and interests. There's a great car collection, gallery of baseball memorabilia, a surfing museum-within-a-museum, and a whole lot more. Being able to get a free shuttle ride to the House of Refuge was nice, too. One of the best moments was when Larry, a 93 year old volunteer sitting near the speedboat he built and eventually donated to the museum, shared a photo album of the boat's construction. Would definitely recommend this museum to others.

Kat — Google review

What an excellent museum! It was definitely bigger than I imagined. I drove 2 hours to come check this place out. It was worth the drive. So much history here. Great collection of automobiles. I loved everything about it. I highly recommend if you are in the area or looking for something to do.

Michael J — Google review

A lovely museum in Stuart, Florida.This is easy to get to as it is located on the south side of A1A where the road turns to the north and travels up the coast from the town of Stuart. It is a 2 story brick and glass structure. There is a small parking lot to the north and additional parking to the east of the building between it and the beach. The entrance is on the north side of the structure. You walk into a Foucalt pendulum on display. The counter where you can purchase tickets is to the right and the museum is to right and behind that. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Military are free and there are discounts for seniors. We got the combination ticket that allows you to see the museum and the nearby House of Refuge. The museum celebrates lots of celebrities and history that are unique to Stuart and the area to include Sterling Elliott. There are 2 stories of exhibits to include a very impressive historic car display, a baseball card display, Sterling Elliot exhibit and, when I visited, a King Tut exhibit. If you get the combination ticket, they will drive you to and from the House of Refuge. Overall, it was a very nice museum with a lot of fascinating local history and memorabilia.

Ward D — Google review

One of the best museums on the treasure coast. You can see many many very vintage cars that are very cool and even some of the first electric cars ever made. I would suggest anybody going here just for the history of Stuart sewell's point in the surrounding areas. Class act all the way.

John B — Google review

This is the oasis in Florida. What an amazing museum of cars and antiques. Cool stuff, great information, and lots of learning today on our journey to lunch on the beach, a good 1 to 2 hour distraction.Cars, boats, models, trains, and a couple of cool facts!

Joel Z — Google review

I hadn’t been here since the new building was constructed 10 years ago. The car collection is certainly a highlight, as is the system that allows you to select and bring down cars from the upper levels for a closer examination. However there are other impressive displays as well, including a wonderful selection of paintings by The Highwaymen.

Andrew H — Google review

I enjoyed the visit. The Egyptian exhibit was very nice.Also Wheels of change is espectacular. Holds Over Fifty beautiful vehicles.

La D — Google review

So glad we stopped in for a visit. The museum is absolutely worth a trip if you are in the area. Our family really enjoyed it.

Tommy B — Google review

Great museum with rich history of the Treasure Coast. Great selection of cars with a cool system to take a car off a multi-level rack to a display. Just pick the car and the device rings the car front and center and gives you a 360 view.Interesting display as this is a replica of a steam engine that was produced in my hometown in upstate New York.

Joe R — Google review

I stopped here on the way home because Steve, out at the refuge, suggested the combo ticket. Although I think the museum focuses, foremost, on motor vehicle technology, then history, I think I like the… Well, you can see from the pictures what I like the most. I had a great time here and I will be back. Especially because there are a couple of paintings that I want to buy from the gift shop

Mie C — Google review

Fun, interesting and awesome.Covers much more than just cars.

J O — Google review

The Elliot museum's car collection is primarily model A and T older cars, but there are several more modern cars to enjoy.The real amazing part of this collection is that nearly 50 cars are racked in an automated storage system. Each car requested for viewing is brought out of the three story racks and placed on a revolver turntable for viewing. A technological marvel worth the visit.The staff were pleasant and willing to show me many requests for specific cars.I enjoyed it immensely and recommend a visit if you are in the Stuart Florida area or passing nearby on travel.

Tim R — Google review

Awesome King Tut display but the rest of the museum is really something. A variety of historical items from the area and well worth the price of admission my fellow travelers.

Bucket 4 — Google review

First time here, always see it on the way home and since it’s my birthday today decided to check it out. The car collection is very nice, beautiful cars, the way they have them set up I can stay here for hours as I am a car enthusiast. The paintings are gorgeous and found out about THE HIGHWAYMEN and their art 🖼️ wonderful wonderful… I would love to come back with my son, perfect place if you want to see some very cool things.

D.A.C — Google review

This museum was a pleasant surprise. My family and I enjoyed it immensely. We were in town and looking for indoor activities and came across this gem. Staff is extremely friendly. The car collection is quite impressive. I loved the Everglades through pictures section.

Jeremiah R — Google review

Very cool museumEspecially if you like old cars.

Rebecca H — Google review

Great place to learn about local history. Wonderful collection of old cars, baseball history, and artifacts from the past.

Ana M — Google review

Well organized, air conditioned and friendly staff that are knowledgeable. Some exhibits are permanent while others rotate. The car exhibit was the best ever. With over 50 cars to choose from, it it automated and a system retrieves the care and brings it to you to view. Stunning!

Jim C — Google review

The Elliot museum is a very cool looking modern building near the beach. It has a rotating exhibit that feature local artists and photographers. It has some interesting historical information about people and places in Florida. There is a large collection of old cars, trucks, bikes, motorcycles, and an airplane. My favorite part was the old general store that is from the late 1800's.

Jaydude007 — Google review

4.7

(731)39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (1)

4.5

(614)39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (2)

825 NE Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL 34996, USA

(772) 225-1961

2

Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center

Mentioned on

1 list

Nature & Parks

Aquarium

Event venue

Garden

The Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center is a 57-acre research and educational site featuring a network of nature trails, a lagoon, and saltwater tanks. Visitors can explore the building's interactive games, learn about Florida's water and animals in the museum, and take advantage of restrooms on-site. The attraction offers a chance to feed stingrays and invertebrates while observing large saltwater turtles and fish up close. Admission prices are $8 for children and $16 for adults.

Such a great Place! Years ago they were tiny but just as great, now they have built and expanded so many beautiful and truly enriching experiences on the property. There is a beautiful gift shop when you walk in ( be prepared to want to shop, truly I wish I had for that in my budget it’s like a mermaid emporium) and then they have a stingray touch pool just outside that we’re you can sit and learn about them and also touch them- including toddlers which was very cool. My little 2 year old darling was so excited by them and would have jumped in if I let her ha! Next to that is an interactive young childrens area- both are outside. Then the newest attraction is a big “air conditioned” building with another interactive room with puzzles for older kids and then a nice small little museum type walk through that introduces you to our local marine ecosystems which was done really well. Again my toddler could not get enough and we spent a good hour walking through it several times over! Everyone is very nice and informative as well. Outside that is a huge estuary I guess you could say. A man made giant “ lagoon “ as it’s called there or big pond that has a huge walk around deck ( which also leads to some pretty cool wildlife trails) and in it you’ll find all sorts of big ocean life including turtles, stingrays, and even nurse sharks which was pretty cool to us!!!I explained all this so that hopefully someone reading this can see how worthwhile it is to go here! You and your kids will love it!

Kaleigh C — Google review

We had a great time at the Florida Oceanographic Center today during our stay on Hutchinson island. This is a beautiful indoor/ outdoor sanctuary. They offer different educational programs throughout the day every half hour including a fish feeding! Our favorite part was getting to pet the stingrays.It was extremely hot outside so I recommend bringing water bottles, wearing a hat, bringing sunscreen etc. thankfully there are lots of shaded areas and some air conditioned buildings as well so you can take breaks and cool down.My kids loved the indoor area that was like an aquarium inside with fish in tanks as well as kids activities and puzzles etc. If you ask a staff me ever there is a scavenger hunt kids can do and win a prize.It was cool to see the sea turtles up close!Lots of parking and nice bathrooms as well as water bottle refill stations. There is a cute gift shop at the entrance with affordable souvenirs.Highly recommend you take a trip here if you are in the area. Great for families.

Lauren B — Google review

Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Excellent place with lots of information. Kids loved it but we did too. Sting ray touch tank very cool. Very clean and very cool place. Highly recommend.

Jessica V — Google review

What a great find! Lovely visit. Walking path was buggy so take your spray. The stingray talk was informative. It was a very nice experience.

Martha P — Google review

Love this place. Brought my grandsons here and they enjoyed it. Lots to learn for all ages. When you first get in you get to pet the stingrays in the stingray tank and then you can watch them feed the fish in the big estuary. Highly recommend. Will be back

Kimberly L — Google review

Went here for a day trip with my family. The kids had a blast. They got to touch the stingrays and use the touch tank. It was so cool to see all the fish and learn about the environment and fish.

Peter M — Google review

Took my kids here last week and we all had a blast! The staff is extremely knowledgeable and kind. Will definitely be visiting again on our next trip!

Jennifer B — Google review

It was a very hot day but there are plenty of shaded areas. It was so special being able to pet the stingrays! My favorite animal! The workers are extremely knowledgeable and nice! Will definitely come back again!! The gift shop is great as well

Moran L — Google review

We discovered this place through Groupon, and I'm so glad we did. It's such a cool place. We absolutely enjoyed our time visiting with the friendly staff and learning more about sea creatures. I absolutely recommend visiting! We absolutely loved it and will be back in the future!

Tiff A — Google review

Nice little exhibit that is very educational about smaller aquatic life. I would say it would take about an hour to go through. Has cool fish tanks with a small octopus. I would say after going through this place would be best for kids.

Curry7 E — Google review

We love bringing the kids here. We brought my mother and grandfather here last week who are from PA and they loved it. If you follow the trails all the way out, you see the water and if you are lucky enough you may see some hammerhead's swim by like we did.

Tiffany B — Google review

Great time coming here with the Wife and Kids, Turtles were gorgeous and fish were stocked well. Bring your polarized glasses to see more down deep!!! Prepare for a wild sanctuary nature walk, bring waters!

Christian H — Google review

This is a great place to spend the day with your family. There are interactive and very informative displays throughout the grounds, with many "hands-on" exhibits for all ages. The staff is very knowledgeable and will teach you many things about the creatures you will encounter in each exibit. From the walking trails to the gift shop, we were extremely impressed with this park.Highly-rated for a visit!

Joseph W — Google review

Company function held here, love the interactive exhibits and the touch tanks. The lagoon is wonderful as well. Come visit and educate yourself on our wildlife and waters.

Tiffany M — Google review

Loved the history lesson the damming and canalization of Lake Okeechobee. Learned a lot about local sea life and their efforts to help sea grass and oyster repopulate in the area. The kids all admitted it was worth leaving the beach and was super fun! Must-see in Stuart!

Bobbi S — Google review

I have visited many times & will probably visit many more times. I bring my grandkids whenever 1 of them comes to visit & it's a hit every time!The touch exhibits are amazing. The lagoon is ALWAYS a favorite - there's so much to see. Plus, you're learning while having fun - how much better can it get?We typically spend 2 hours here.

Maura P — Google review

Absolutely amazing. Definitely stop in. Wonderful staff. Great experience and knowledge. Love that's a non profit so your money to pay is going straight to the beautiful facility.

Lacey S — Google review

The amount of knowledge you learn is unreal. We spent the whole day there just learning from the shows and then walking through the building. Really enjoyed the atmosphere and the nature walk.I do suggest bringing something to snack on and drink as they only have water.

Erin J — Google review

This has been something we wanted to do for a while and it was worth the wait. The grounds are well kept and there is a lot to see. Nice combination of indoor and outdoor things to see.

Buddy 5 — Google review

We went on a class field trip with PSE's first grade class.The whole team at Florida Oceanographic was PHENOMENAL!! Dr Jud made this trip possible for us after it had to be canceled last month. The staff had a plan to make sure every kid got to be a part of each area. We learned about the rays and the touch tank. Then moved to the turtle area and learned about turtles and saw the game fish. Next we went into the building and got to learn about different Florida habitats and how to protect them. While seeing some cool fish of course!I will be bringing all of my family here over the summer to do and see more! Thank you Dr Judd and team for making this a special trip for our kiddos

Alexandra R — Google review

4.7

(1654)39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (3)

4.5

(727)39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (4)

890 NE Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL 34996, USA

(772) 225-0505

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39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (5)

3

Riverwalk Cafe and Oyster Bar

Mentioned on

+11 other lists

$$$$expensive

Restaurant

Oyster bar restaurant

Seafood restaurant

Wine bar

Riverwalk Cafe and Oyster Bar is a relaxed dining spot with a strong emphasis on seafood. The menu features an extensive selection of oysters alongside other fish-based dishes, all served in a cozy ambiance that exudes charm and romance. The exposed brick interior sets the tone for an intimate dining experience, while the wine list enhances the overall feel of the place. While some dishes like calamari are well-prepared, others such as fish n chips require improvement.

We celebrated my father‘s 90th birthday here and it was truly Amazing. The oysters were outstanding. The service was impeccable.It has always been one of our favorites and will continue to be one of our favorite placesAll of us 11 Us we’re so satisfied!!!!

Cheri T — Google review

Classy and quant. Good wine selection. Food tasty, though lacking salt.

Samantha L — Google review

Good service and amazing food in a very inviting atmosphere. The menu is uncomplicated and the items are well prepared and well presented. Prices are moderate and portions are the right size.

Marcio C — Google review

Food is fresh and delicious… however the ahi tuna appetizer the pieces were sliced so thin they were falling apart. Ahi tuna should be nice big slices not paper thin… otherwise fantastic salads are fresh and we will order those again. Blackened salmon so good

JoAnn M — Google review

This was my first time at Riverwalk Cafe and Oyster Bar, and I can definitely say that my partner and I were blown away! I was looking for an intimate and romantic spot with great food, and they delivered!! The calamari Rhode Island style was to die for! The entire meal, from beginning to end, was delightful! Our waiter was quick and very personable. We will definitely be repeat customers. We plan on bringing our family and friends there when they come to visit us!

Maria M — Google review

tl;dr - Excellent food, you should go.We had dinner with a group. We started with raw oysters, calamari and a salad. The oysters were excellent and if you like oysters they should not be missed. They have an oyster menu.For our mains had catch of the day, Grouper and Sordfish, Fried Grouper Sandwich and Ahi. All the food was amazing, our favorite was the Swordfish, it was done perfectly. If it is an option I would try it.Everything was very good, cooked to perfection and excellent flavorsThe only area of improvement was our server let our bottle of white wine get warm.We finished things off with Flourless Cholate Cake and Key Lime Pie. The pie was ok, but the cake was amazing

Eric B — Google review

Absolutely amazing food. It's such a hidden location my husband didn't even know it existed. The food was fantastic, server was so friendly, knowledgeable, and quick. I will be coming back here! Best burger, by far, I have ever had. Fiocchi appetizer was so good! Ricotta and pear filling with brown butter sauce! I could have eaten that as an entree if it came with a vegetable side. We came back and got the burger again and the coconut crusted grouper over curry sauce. Delicious!

Amy H — Google review

One of the best meals I have ever had! We had the coconut crusted grouper, summer salad, and the spaghetti with the elk and bison meatballs. The high standards and commitment to quality of the chef and owner really shines through. Our server, Brian, was so awesome. He went above and beyond to ensure that we had an incredible dining experience. Will definitely come back here.

Paula P — Google review

Very quaint and elegant cafe but casual enough you can pop in for a drink at the bar. Would recommend a reservation and checking out their lunch vs dinner menu before you go. Leave the kids at home and go here for a date night

Danielle C — Google review

Great small place with interesting food and friendly staff.Would recommend to anyone.Wish they had more menu options but the ones they have are great.Love this place.

Shane D — Google review

I'm changing my review from five Stars to three due to of consistency of the food . The oysters are always good. I've been here about five or six times and depending on the night of the week it's either really good or really bad. My last meal was horrible I don't think I'll be going back.

Tami S — Google review

This is an informal restaurant, a block from the water. The fish was fresh and prepared perfectly, and the food was tastefully presented.This was a birthday dinner and I enjoyed it very much!

Pauline D — Google review

Visited on a whim and was pleasantly surprised Sunday, sitting at the bar. Service excellent and friendly, very chill atmosphere. Food, crabcakes, calamari, and oysters delicous. Wife enjoyed the pasta dish, the cheese and pear filled purse, with a light flavorful sauce. Dining space is adequate and quaint, kid friendly. We are going back two days later!

JJ L — Google review

always amazing! my all time favorite local restaurant. cozy atmosphere, friendly reliable service. food is fresh, creative and delicious

Tracy H — Google review

Our next food adventure take us to Riverwalk Cafe & Oyster Bar located in Downtown Stuartopening door in 2002 with a great selection of 120 quality wine and over 50 available by glass, Chef & Owner Steve Feder have a great talent and passion about the food that you can taste in every bite.Decoration is very according at this restaurant, with a quiet environment where you can enjoy your food and time with your family and freshest seafood every day Chef Feder make all costumers enjoy this delicious meal because him reflects his passion for cooking in his creations which delight the people who visit the place.The friendly staff will help you to find that ideal option to order and your dinner or lunch time in an incredibleexperience. Let them awaken your appetite!.

Vicente A — Google review

Wonderful experience! We had 3 different varieties of oysters, best ever! We had the grouper and the prime rib steak. Both were delicious. Then came the table service strawberry tiramisu. Lovely, special and delicious. The only thing off putting was the hostess with RBF. We felt unwelcomed by her.

Ericha T — Google review

My dear friend and I stopped in for lunch today and what a great decision that was! We both ordered the grilled Salmon, grilled watermelon, delicious cheese puffs and a tossed salad. It was truly outstanding!The quaint atmosphere and excellent staff made for a teriffic dining experience..

Diana C — Google review

Great atmosphere and nice menu but I ordered Oysters Rockefeller for my appetizer and the third one I ate was rotten. Tasted like sewage. Our waiter was arrogant so I didn't bother complaining. Didn't try my entree as my stomach was sour. Such a shame because I was looking forward to an amazing meal.

Marie W — Google review

Absolutely phenomenal food and service. We had the pleasure of having Frank as our waiter and he was amazing! Very accommodating and really cared about our overall experience while eating. We can't wait to go back and see Frank!

K. N — Google review

I have grown to love this place.My boyfriend took me here a year ago early in our relationship and we returned recently for our anniversary.The food and service is excellent at the tables if you're looking for something more formal. I love the duck.When I visit the bar for oysters, there is a friendly and knowledgeable bartender there to help me pick which ones to eat that day. I wish I knew her name because she deserves a shout-out! These are the tastiest oysters I can find in the area, they are flavorful.As for dessert, try the cheesecake! To die for !

Altair R — Google review

4.6

(680)39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (7)

4.5

(567)39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (8)

201 SW St Lucie Ave, Stuart, FL 34994, USA

(772) 221-1511

4

Heathcote Botanical Gardens

Mentioned on

19 lists

Botanical garden

Nature & Parks

Garden

Gift shop

Wedding venue

Heathcote Botanical Gardens is home to the largest public tropical bonsai display in the nation, as well as multiple garden rooms. This small yet beautiful park offers a range of delights, including seek-and-find animal games for children and great opportunities for pictures with Santa. Visitors can enjoy a wood maker who creates tops for kids, and even pet one of the resident cats named Hilgi. The gardens are laid out neatly, making it easy to navigate and appreciate their beauty.

A real treasure in Fort Pierce. Wonderful botanical journey with amazing plants to see. The bonsai collection was amazing. Being a South African, I was really pleased to see a few South African trees amongst the bonsai.

Desmond K — Google review

I went with my family to the Garden of Lights this year and absolutely loved it. Fun for the whole family. My nephew had a blast looking for the animals on our seek and find throughout the garden, Santa 🤶 🎅, lots of great picture 📸 spots; they even had a wood maker making each kid a top. I definitely recommend.

A S — Google review

Came here on a weekend for an event they with my family. The AD I read said there was going to way more vendors than there were but it was sill a cute free event to attend. The botanical garden was much smaller than I expected as well. Overall we had a nice time.

ELOCIN R — Google review

These are relatively small gardens that manage to fit in quite a lot of beauty. Everything is laid out nicely and it's pretty easy to find your way around. We also got to pet Hilgi, one of the resident cats.

K O — Google review

What a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon! So much care has gone into the design and layout of the different exhibits at this botanical garden. They have an impressive bonsai garden, and helpful staff happy to provide thoughtful insight about the special displays. Children (and the young at heart) will be enamored by the fairytale-like candy house, the mosaic bear chair, and the mosaic hopscotch. They are dog-friendly too!

Eve G — Google review

Beautiful grounds, wonderful volunteers, reasonable prices - nothing but love for this stunning oasis amidst our modern concrete desert. This is the type of Florida-ing I live for.

Trevor C — Google review

This was such a cute place … small, unique & quaint.. beautiful bonsai(a) garden neat ART throughout the gardens. I try enjoyed the PIONEER CABIN … truly a nice experience.. friendly customer service from SONIA! A definitely must see!!!

Haven — Google review

We were very happy to find this tucked away spot. We were greeted by Susan who was very friendly. The female cat led us through the whole gardens practically. Next time I'll start at the Japanese garden first. There bonsai collection is stunning.Veterans free. We got off the path and meet two botanist trying to save the world's citrus blight, naturally. We learned so much about lady bugs/beetles and the different kinds which are a lot. My favorite is the mold eating black and white lady bug. My only request would be to relabel the plants. Many are sun bleached white and blank.Download a leaf identifier app. Some cool plants here

Troy C — Google review

We went to a botanical garden in Miami earlier this week, and that one was much better. However, this one was indeed lovely. The bonsai exhibit and the reflection garden are worth the visit. We also particularly enjoyed the butterfly garden. For young children or those inclined to whimsy, the enchanted forest is delightful. My wife also loved playing on the xylophone, and of course she wants you to know this, gentle reader.

Elijah H — Google review

The Heathcote Botanical Gardens is a must see if you are in the area and enjoy touring gardens. It takes about an 1-2 hours to get through depending on your pace and has one of the most impressive bonsai exhibits Ive ever seen. My wife and I had a relaxing picnic lunch in the reflection garden. The staff was very friendly and they had a nice gift shop. A great way to spend an afternoon.

Ray W — Google review

Was visiting the area for the weekend and made a stop at this place to look at their bonsai garden. It was definitely worth it. Beautiful well maintained gardens with lots of different plants. Their koi fish pond is so beautiful and such a relaxing spot.

Johanna P — Google review

Heathcote Botanical Gardens, what a hidden little gem this is! I came to see the bonsai trees which were completely gorgeous, jaw-dropping, and mind boggling, with their tiny little irrigation systems, but there was so much more on this property that dazzled my senses! The butterfly garden, where I had the honor in seeing several of the rare Atala butterfly, the meditation pond which was very cool and relaxing, and the children's garden, which immediately took me back to that precious spot in childhood where all things are magical. The fairies' homes were storybook perfect, so well made, and, of course, completely believable :-) I had a hard time leaving. The designers of these gardens did a spectacular job on this place. It is worth seeing!

MJBinNP — Google review

We went yesterday with two 16-year-olds and a 10 year old. Everyone enjoyed this amazing garden with its friendly cats and various gardens.

Christy W — Google review

Went to Heathcote botanical Gardens on a field trip. The staff very knowledgeable on gardening. The flowers are pretty. A nice place to walk around the beautiful garden. If you looking for something to do stop by and enjoy the flowers, The Koi fish, and they have a wide range of bonsai trees.

Carrie R — Google review

Enjoyed my visit and especially the large Bonsai collection that they have . It’s not very large gardens and you would need no more than an hour to get a good leisurely walk around the whole place. The Japanese area needs some TLC but everything else was well taken care of .

Scouser1965 — Google review

Heathcote botanical gardens located in Ft Pierce FL has the largest public collection of tropical bonsai in the United States. If you are interested in bonsai you must visit, there were some from the 1970’s and 80’s.The garden is small and laid out nicely with cleared paths and includes sections such as a children’s garden, herb garden and Japanese garden. Not a lot was in bloom when I was there.I visited on a beautiful weekday afternoon in December and was able to see the entire garden in less than an hour. The garden was set up for their Garden of Lights exhibit ($10 adults, $3 under 12).

Vicki — Google review

The Christmas lights are absolutely beautiful! Didn't have high hopes but left extremely happy. It was organized and the staff were fantastic and helpful in capturing photos. Affordable and definitely will return next year!

AB — Google review

It’s very charming. My toddler had a great time, just her and I. Kids playhouse, butterfly garden and what seemed to be an almost endless walking path of bonsai trees we had a really sweet time. Going back when anyone comes to visit, it’s a great few hours out before heading to lunch. Also loads of amazing local art with plenty spots for a mini photog… + Always nice to support my local community

R B — Google review

This is a smaller botanical gardens. We spent about 90 minutes. The bonsai garden is world class and is the main event. Children's garden also very nice. The main garden is not large but it's a nice way to spend a few hours. Some is shaded, but of course most of it is sunny. They're working on improving their labeling so you'll know what the plants are called.

Rudolf H — Google review

The family and I enjoyed walking through the gardens. The bonsai area was really neat.

Jamie K — Google review

Beautiful display of Christmas lights. Admission is $10 and can be purchased in advanced. Cash or credit card is accepted. Staff is friendly but not too tech savvy. Lots of lights , food trucks and lots of other vendors. Parking is on the side of the gardens. Will definitely return next year to see the lights again.

Thomas D — Google review

We went to the light show, which was very pretty. The workers were trying their best to make the best of it when it decided to unexpectedly start pouring. Our kids found it hilarious to get to play in the rain. Everyone was very kind, even soaking wet. The lights were beautiful, though they were working very diligently, they were having some problems keeping them all on with the rain. I would recommend it, but check the weather. Lol

Cherish B — Google review

4.6

(927)39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (9)

4.5

(181)39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (10)

210 Savannah Rd, Fort Pierce, FL 34982, USA

(772) 464-4672

5

The National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum

Mentioned on

27 lists

National museum

Museums

Local history museum

Military Museums

The National Navy SEAL Museum is a compact but impressive establishment with displays showcasing the history and equipment used by the Navy SEALs. Visitors can explore exhibits of armory, weaponry, and historical artifacts while also experiencing a realistic feeling of being a paratrooper inside a helicopter. The museum has an excellent section on Medal of Honor recipients, which highlights their bravery in full detail. Additionally, visitors can learn about the various operations that were conducted by Navy Seals outside declared wars such as Panama and Haiti.

This place is cool! The outdoors are totally free and perfect for kids (of all ages). There is a fee to tour the museum inside. The ships are amazing and really give you a sense of the hardships of battle. After your done here, you can go directly to the beach in the same parking lot, or the playground next door. BTW parking is ample and also free 😃

Family R — Google review

Really awesome place. Fun for all ages. Great displays and very informative. Big outdoor space with lots of things to check out. Some displays you can get into and they have a fun outdoor agility course too. Highly recommend.

Patrick H — Google review

I brought my two year old and my 8 year old here. I was able to use a wagon and navigate thru pretty okay. It has lots of gear, weapons, machinery-pretty much everything navy seals use and have used. They show you the changes in equipment over the decades. They have an outdoor obstacle course that the navy seals use. My son had fun. They also had some boats, and other vehicles that you can actually get inside of. There is a small memorial garden honoring fallen seals throughout the different wars. I feel like it’s a bit pricey for what they have and to be honest to allow people to experience history. Adults are $15, children are $7 and toddlers and infants are free.There are a couple of picnic tables you can sit at and snack on. It does say no backpacks or big bags but because I had my son I guess they let me through with them-they didn’t question me.

Galila A — Google review

The Navy SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce is an awe-inspiring tribute to the incredible members of the U.S. Navy SEALs. A place where history, bravery, and sacrifice come together in a powerful and humbling way.From the artifacts to the immersive exhibits, it gives visitors a unique glimpse into the rigorous training, extraordinary missions, and unyielding courage that define the SEALs. It's a must-visit for anyone wanting to truly understand the dedication and sacrifice that goes into becoming one of the most elite fighting forces in the world.The museum is not just a collection of artifacts; it's an experience that honors the spirit of every SEAL who has served, both past and present. A visit here will leave you with a deep respect for their unwavering commitment to freedom and security.Highly recommended!

J. C — Google review

What a tribute to those who have kept us safe and freedom alive! Weapons, vehicles, and moving stories of heroic sacrifice fill every corner. Modern static and interactive displays. Videos are so well done. Full size Blackhawk Helicopter inside. History spans from early beginnings as training ground right in Fort Pierce for WWII UDT Frogmen to today's SEAL (Sea/Air/Land) Teams. Outside is an amazing collection of boats and displays. Gift shop is well stocked with many mementos for your visit. We took 2 hours and scratched the service. Tickets are so reasonably priced. Don't miss WII beginnings: Normandy Invasion clearing mines and beach fortifications while being shot at and all with "swim trunks and a knife".

Chad S — Google review

This is a must see if you are in the area and I’d say it is even if you have to drive a while. All the items on display here are authentic and not replica which was really cool. Lots of great things to see on display and things to learn. The staff here is great and knowledgeable as well. I learned a lot about the history of the SEALS which was really interesting. I had no idea that they started right in Ft. Pierce. This place is an awesome place to visit. Do yourself a favor and check it out.

Jon H — Google review

Incredible museum. Very fascinating history of the Naval Special Warfare UDT-SEAL teams. Staff was friendly and very professional. I sincerely appreciate the cleanliness and attention to detail that was displayed here. The history was very interesting to read about. Great place to visit in south Florida.

Ross M — Google review

Leave it to UDT (oh yeah, Seals) to have a museum this awesome. We've visited three times and each time learn something new or discover a display that somehow missed our attention on the previous visit.Make sure to visit on a sunny day as the outside displays (mostly SDVs and watercraft) are worth the walk.The gift store? Just have your credit card at the ready, that's all I have to say about that.

The E — Google review

A very insightful and educational experience. I enjoyed the exhibits,the staff and Historical information. I learnt a lot and felt extremely greatful for those that have sacrificed their lives and fought for this great nation and the world.

Chiana H — Google review

Very impressed with this museum! The size can be deceiving from the outside. Every inch of this building is packed full of awesome artifacts and information.It’s also very clean and well kept. Also very easy to navigate.I highly recommend! Took us around 1 hour and 15 minutes to slowly walk and watch the videos.

Cruiser P — Google review

The National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum in Florida is truly an epic experience for anyone interested in the history of the Navy SEALs and the incredible sacrifices they've made for our country. From the moment you step onto the grounds of the museum, you can feel the weight of the history and the importance of the mission these brave men have undertaken.The museum is filled with an amazing collection of artifacts, exhibits, and interactive displays that bring to life the heroic stories of the Navy SEALs. From the early days of the Underwater Demolition Teams to the modern-day operations, every aspect of their remarkable journey is captured in vivid detail.The highlight of the museum is undoubtedly the actual gear, weapons, and equipment used by the SEALs, including the famous MK V Special Operations Craft and the SEAL Delivery Vehicle. Walking through these displays, you can't help but be in awe of the skill, bravery, and dedication of these warriors.The museum also offers a number of hands-on experiences, like the chance to climb aboard a real Navy SEAL Mini-Sub and to test your skills on the SEAL Obstacle Course. These activities give you a small glimpse into the intense training and preparation that these elite soldiers undergo in order to carry out their missions.One of the most moving parts of the museum is the tribute to the fallen heroes of the SEAL teams. The memorial wall and the displays honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice serve as a powerful reminder of the tremendous courage and sacrifice of these brave men.The staff at the museum are incredibly knowledgeable, passionate, and dedicated to sharing the incredible history and legacy of the Navy SEALs. Their enthusiasm and willingness to engage with visitors make the experience even more enriching.Visiting the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum is not just a visit to a museum; it's an opportunity to gain a deep understanding and appreciation for the men who have served and continue to serve in the Naval Special Warfare community. This museum provides a truly epic and humbling experience that will leave you with a profound sense of respect and admiration for the Navy SEALs and their unwavering commitment to our their nation.

Gary M — Google review

What a gem! A fantastic family friendly museum! Th kids learned so much and truly enjoyed the hands-on, engaging activities inside the museum and the ropes course outside! HIGHLY recommended!!

Mor Z — Google review

A must see for every freedom loving American citizen! Humbling, inspiring and truly amazing! And a fitting tribute to the warriors who have served!

Sam C — Google review

An incredible museum, and tribute to our Navy Seals. I highly recommend visiting.

Paul L — Google review

Very interesting visit. We learned a lot about Fort Pierce History.

La D — Google review

So much better than expected! My wife spent a lot more time reading the displays next to the exhibits, and was more interested than she thought she would have been going in. The story telling is great, displays include everything from vehicles, boats, helicopters and gear. Great gift shop with reasonable things appropriate for friends and family. Discounts for families, seniors and vets. Go!

Kevin K — Google review

Very worth a visit! Great exhibition about the Seals and the forerunners of the UTD.

Stefan 0 — Google review

What a great place to visit!! I am so thankful for these men who have given everything for our freedom!!! My wife's uncle was on Seal Team 2 and found his name on the wall. The staff was so helpful in finding his graduation photo!

Norman H — Google review

Went to the annual Veterans Day celebration, and the museum staff put on another outstanding show. The fly-in and demonstrations were excellent

Jay T — Google review

If you're in the area, this is definitely worth visiting. The history surrounding the museum is very interesting. The exhibits are all excellent and informative as are the friendly staff. It's a beautiful museum and beautiful grounds. The admission is also reasonable.

Craig H — Google review

The National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum is an absolute treasure trove for anyone fascinated by the remarkable feats of the Navy's elite forces. From the gripping exhibits detailing the daring missions of the UDTs and SEALs to the awe-inspiring collection of artifacts showcasing their bravery and innovation, every corner of this museum immerses you in the extraordinary world of naval special operations. Whether you're a history buff, a military enthusiast, or simply seeking inspiration, this museum offers an unforgettable experience that leaves you with a profound appreciation for the sacrifices and achievements of these extraordinary warriors.

Carlos P — Google review

Wife and I were just passing through meandering our way back from Miami and by chance found this place. I will say I was taken aback at the history and the exhibit was amazingly put together and the staff was soooo knowledgeable about every aspect of the navy seal community I didn't want to leave I wanted to stay and learn everything I possibly could but had to get home plus they were closing but I highly recommend seeing this if you wanna know exactly how tough and how great out navy seals are 10 stars isn't enough for this place.

Rusty M — Google review

4.8

(2225)39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (11)

5.0

(1368)39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (12)

3300 N Hwy A1A, Fort Pierce, FL 34949, USA

(772) 595-5845

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6

First Data Field

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Permanently closed

Bus stop

Sights & Landmarks

Arenas & Stadiums

Spring training facility for the NY Mets. Older facility. Could use some more hand rails on the stairs. Park on grass $10. Lots of friendly and helpful volunteers. Local police help with traffic control.Bath rooms are small. Tiki bar. Berm behind fence on 1st base side, with sun deck behind. There is an adjacent practise field.Main field has no dugouts. Nathans hot dogs but no Nathans mustard.The announcer got the name of the visiting team wrong (!). Too many commercials, too loud, on the announcement system.

Pat S — Google review

Left after 2nd inning....life long Mets fan, very disappointed. Was always a dream to visit here, big let down. Just moved to the area so this was on the top of the bucket list. Most annoying was Q-tip old timers in section 205 refusing to let people sit in the seats they purchased. Its reserved seating, not first come first served. What are you supposed to do with a bunch of geriatrics on their last legs though? Heard the argument over seating for the 4th time and just took the family and went home before things got ugly. No usher presence didn't help matters. Plus half the stadium was closed off for renovations compounding issues. Food options were decent, that was about the highlight. Wish this night ended differently, will probably be going to Rays, or Tortugas games moving forward.

Crystal F — Google review

Great stadium but they need to be more prepared for an abundance of fans they ran out of Nathan’s fries on the second game of spring training. But all and all great too bring the family

Matthew W — Google review

2.3

(3)39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (24)

4.5

(526)39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (25)

Port St. Lucie, FL 34986, USA

7

McKee Botanical Garden

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Mentioned on

2 lists

Botanical garden

Nature & Parks

Gardens

The McKee Botanical Gardens is an 18-acre plot of land on the National Register of Historic Places that boasts a lush and serene tropical jungle garden filled with exotic and native plants and trees. Visitors can enjoy a range of amenities, including a library, cafe, gift shop, and children's center with a splash pad. The gardens offer plenty of photo opportunities featuring different orchids and fun dinosaur exhibits.

This place is beautiful and a great way to spend several hours. The grounds are immaculately maintained and the overall atmosphere is serene (except maybe for the Kid's space). The café is worth a visit on its own and definitely I'm glad that the community managed to save this sliver of Florida history.

Chris K — Google review

This garden is the most beautiful we have ever seen so far. Absolutely amazing and wonderfully kept clean and maintained. Loved everything in this garden..especially the children's garden our seven year old daughter loved so much as there is a rope bridge, splash pad and a pirate ship to explore. Bathrooms are really clean and the cafe has a variety of delicious options for lunch, and a nice gift shop by the entrance..we would love to go back again.

Jacks — Google review

A very well maintained and quite exotic garden. Lots of water ways and butterflies all around. We saw plenty of fish and a couple of small turtles on our visit. There were some nice artful touches as well as several tastefully constructed shaded areas and a large central building with an historic overview video presentation. There is an on site resteraunt (we didn't use) that looked very nice and had inside and shaded outside seating. The staff were lovely and our visit was well worth the entrance fee due to the professional way the gardens are managed.

Ian L — Google review

The Best Botanical Garden in South Florida! Amazing gardens, very well kept! For families with small kids, there’s a splash zone for the kiddos to cool down! Lots of spots to take great photos! Highly recommended, great value and one to add to your bucket list!

Juan C — Google review

What an amazing place! So many beautiful trees, unique flowering plants, sculptures, mosaic art pieces, and other visual surprises. There's also a children's garden with things to climb on and a water feature to splash around in, plus a lovely shop and cafe. Don't know why there aren't any other positive reviews here; this place is a gem and well worth the visit.

Sharon R — Google review

Absolutely stunning - truly a mystical magical & lovely place .. did not want to leave it was like a fairytale lost in the woods type of vibe.. the landscaping/gardens - Lilly pads, bamboo trees - bridges - waterfalls - exotic plants historical cabin all was definitely picture perfect natural scenery backgrounds.. had to get the membership (worth it) because I will be back for sure - plus the bonus of entry to 25 other Botanical Gardens in the State of Florida… A hidden Gem .. family friendly kid zone pretty cute - nice outing for sure!!! Loved it!

Haven — Google review

This is one of the most beautiful botanical gardens I’ve ever been to. Highly recommend becoming a member as it includes memberships to other botanical gardens throughout Florida. This place requires multiple visits with winding pathways through shaded tree covered areas and open sunny spots with beautiful water features. It’s amazing. There’s also an awesome children’s garden that allows kids to have fun and play in a safe area. Parents will be relieved to know there’s only one way in and one way out of the garden so they can watch their children safely. Here’s some photos of the beautiful flowers and vegetation you may see! Don’t forget to look up, there’s tons of bird life. We saw a hawk with her nest way up high. So cool!

Amanda S — Google review

Beautiful tropical gardens! I really enjoyed the information of the history of the site. The garden staff was friendly and I had a great chat with a Gardener over waterlilies. There is a great children's garden with a giant pirate ship and a splash pad.

Chrystina E — Google review

Stunningly beautiful McKee Botanical Garden is a special place. Very interesting history of how it opened in the 30s, closed in the 70s, and reopened after a massive grassroots effort to rescue it from condo development and restore it to its former glory. There is ample free parking, children's programs, gift shop, and café. This garden is non-profit and staffed by both paid personnel and many dedicated volunteers. Price for admission is $15. It has reciprocal agreements with many other botantical gardens. It is a piece of Old Florida history and is not to be missed. Highly recommended.

M — Google review

McKee Botanical Garden is a real gem! It has all sorts of beautiful plants and peaceful spots to relax along their well maintained landscape. It's a great spot to let the little ones run around and learn more about nature. They have one of the best Children's Garden in all of Florida. They've got fun stuff like whimsical sculptures, a splash fountain, a butterfly garden, and even a giant pirate ship!

Daniel R — Google review

This botanical garden is amazing! I loved all of the flowers. It was easy to navigate and the children’s area looked like fun.

Holly N — Google review

This place was stunning! Absolutely beautiful landscape, small walking paths and beautiful artwork really gave a good feeling to this place. You can't go wrong checking this place out!!!! We spent a few hours here just looking at everything. Very relaxing

John C — Google review

this place is absolutely beautiful. If you’re looking for somewhere quiet and serene, this is the place to go. There are so many beautiful spots and lots of benches throughout the park. I would recommend using some bug spray because the mosquitoes were out and about. The check-in staff are really nice. The café is also available and has good options. The bathrooms are pretty clean.

Kristy — Google review

Beautiful peaceful place to walk through! Plants, waterfalls, trees, ponds, stone bridge and nice trails carved throughout.The artists that made bamboo statues of birds were very interesting!There is a restaurant, gift shop and public restrooms.Plenty of parking and reasonable entry fee.There are planned events posted for kids on a sign.A lot of people contributed a lot of time and effort to preserve this area making it a beautiful place to enjoy!

Brenda P — Google review

My husband and I have been to McKee Bontanical Garden on three successive visits to Vero Beach. It is so beautiful and meticulously maintained. The staff is friendly. The grounds are extraordinarily beautiful. The sculptures (which change from time to time) add a lot to experience. And the price of admission ($15) is incredibly low, considering the quality of the experience.

Christine B — Google review

We had a wonderful walk around the gardens. They are quite beautiful and you are mostly in the shade. They have a wonderful area for children. We ate lunch at the café and it was absolutely delicious. Staff were all very friendly

Barbara O — Google review

Been twice and will be back again. I find it therapeutic just to wander through the beautiful trails.Lots of labels so you can identify the plants. Highlights for me were the gorgeous water lilies on the pond and the kaleidoscope area. The visuals were stunning. Trails are easy to follow, mostly in shade. Check out the Hall of Giants for some history. You can do most everything in 2 hrs. Separate event: The annual car show (Feb) was crowded- come early next year or plan to park offsite and take a shuttle.

Alicia A — Google review

Beautiful garden. Makes me feel like I'm in Hawaii. Probably the nicest one on Florida's East Coast. I could spend hours here. The only downside is the mosquitos. Depending on the season and weather it can be very bad. This last time we only lasted 10 mins inside the garden due to the amount of bites we were getting. We ended up buying the family annual pass so we plan on going back when the mosquitos calm down. We are also looking forward to the Christmas events!

ChiVegas2011 — Google review

This is a lovely botanical garden. Its main focus is native plants to Florida. It’s very very buggy so make sure to bring bug spray. They do have some if you forget to bring your own.

Ayla R — Google review

Lovely shaded paths through lush trees, plants and flowering plants. I loved following the streams, crossing the bridges, enjoying the flowering pond lilies and numerous orchids. The children's area was a great surprise.

Jayne T — Google review

4.7

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4.5

(1105)39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (31)

350 US-1, Vero Beach, FL 32962, USA

(772) 794-0601

8

Vero Beach Museum of Art

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Art museum

Museums

Non-profit organization

The Vero Beach Museum of Art is a contemporary regional museum that showcases American and international visual art collections. Its sleek, white building located in Riverside Park offers changing fine-art exhibitions and regular outdoor jazz concerts. The museum features a small but carefully chosen selection of works from famous artists such as Monet, Matisse, Picasso Rembrandt, Hockney, Warhol, Cassat, Rockwell and more.

Impressive museum for a "small town". Staff was amazing and displays of art pieces from local artists was really neat. To see a Picasso or Matisse not far from an up and coming local talent shows you how amazing the Vero community is. Would highly recommend. Don't forget to see the outside sculptures in the back.

Greg B — Google review

We went for the music billboards event. It was very cool. The tour guide was very informed, and the rest of the staff were kind and accommodating. The grounds outside are clean and well-kept. Definitely a fun experience.

Tim C — Google review

Great little museum but professionally taken care of with amazing exhibits. Always check on what's upcoming on their website featuring art, photography, paintings, sculpture and video. They also have an art school for kids along with workshops.

MannyG33309 — Google review

My family and I visited and had a good time. It’s clean, well organized , and there are plenty of staff members around to answer questions. They offer docent tours as well. I really liked the different wings of art shown especially the billboard exhibit. The sculpture garden was beautiful and had several benches to sit and admire. It’s worth your while if you’re in the area. Kids zone for the little ones legos and art creation stations.

R R — Google review

We visited the Vero Beach Museum of Art and took a guided tour of the exhibit Rolling Sculptures. It was an excellent experience. Our Docent, Deborah Flynn, was charming, patient, knowledgeable and enjoyed taking us walking around the cars, motorcycles and mascots. It was a very interesting well curated exhibit that took us all back to a time in history full of creativity and contrasts.

Marcela — Google review

Great place to take your older kids (especially those that are artistic). It’s wonderful indoor activity. The outdoor sculpture garden is equally impressive. My kids loved it and loved reading about each piece of art. We homeschool through the summer so this was a perfect place for our field trip…mostly indoors and air-cooled.Be sure to ask a curator for the backstory of the art you view. So many of them have amazing backstories! It will make your experience that much more fun and engrossing, for you and your kids.

Christine S — Google review

Lovely place! The M. C. Escher exhibit is a lot of fun and I suggest you all go and see it while it’s up. The museum guides are very friendly and come up to you to talk about the artists and tell you a bit about their life. Beautiful and well maintained place!

Mellanie D — Google review

Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area we visited on a rainy Sunday and loved taking our times through each gallery. They have some great pieces on display.

Evan O — Google review

A very nice art museum nestled in Vero Beach.The Vero Beach Museum of Art is a cultural gem nestled in Florida’s Treasure Coast. The history of the Vero Beach Museum of Art is as fascinating as the art it houses. Founded by the Alliance for the Arts in 1978, it opened its doors to the public in 1986. Over the years, the museum has expanded and evolved, earning accreditation from the American Association of Museums. Today, it stands as a testament to the community’s love for art and culture. It is just south of the Barber Bridge and next to Johnston Catts Park. It offers a wonderful, enriching, and accessible art experience. Parking at the museum is easy, with ample free parking available right in front of the building, including handicapped spaces. This makes it convenient for visitors to access the museum without any hassle. The museum is committed to accessibility for all visitors. There’s a barrier-free ramp at the main entrance, and manual wheelchairs are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. The museum showcases a diverse collection of artwork, with pieces from renowned artists such as Dale Kennington, Hunt Slonem, and Edward Henry Potthast. The rotating exhibitions ensure there’s always something new to discover. There was an exhibit about Rock and Roll Billboards when I visited. It was fascinating and neat to see. There are outdoor areas both in front and to the side of the building that feature sculptures from various artist. The area and exhibits were clean and well-kept. The staff was very friendly and the art was fascinating. I plan to visit again when I get the chance and I would recommend this to any visitors to the area.

Ward D — Google review

What a great museum. Today we saw the MC Escher exhibit and we loved it! Very clean and quiet. We will be back.

CaitlinsTurn — Google review

Watched the 4th of july fireworks 🎆 was amazing... 2024 kids had a blast

Paloma S — Google review

Start your self tour as you park your vehicle. Take in the lay of the space as you walk toward the exceptionally placed building. Enjoy the sharp cut edges of the landscape and the perfectly curved walkways. Notice all of the angles and layout of the grounds leading to the inside. Now switch gears and be prepared to be impressed in a different way! So very much to take in! Please read the information associated with each piece. For deeper appreciation take a guided tour of the visiting artists display. Enjoy the presentation through the words of the orator. This museum was a total treat. Had my creative, artistic side standing at attention! The architecture inside the building of course adds to the overall experience. Take your time and take it ALL in. What a treasure on the Treasure Coast!

LORI S — Google review

I can believe a small town like Vero Beach has such a terrific art museum. The exhibits change regularly, the space is beautiful, and the docents are friendly and knowledgeable. The outdoor sculpture garden is beautiful! The price of admission is really reasonable.

Christine B — Google review

The night projector installations a brilliant idea. Something really nice to do after hours and enjoy the creativity of others and experience with alike of the community. Such a fun and creative idea definitely should consider this monthly as an event to attend to and rotating the art and themes it as it goes. Thank you for doing this!

Paulina F — Google review

First time visiting here. I went over the weekend .Although it was nice and had an interesting Egyptian display with lots of interesting information. The museum was a bit small than others I have been to. Luckily there was a free art show outside the museum going so we went there afterwards which was nice. Nice spot to waste an hour for 2. This museum is located inside a beautiful park.

Michael J — Google review

We came to the MOA to see Rolling Sculpture. We had not been here previously. There is plenty of parking and we took some time walking the grounds prior to going inside. The Museum is small, with only a few exhibition halls, but it is beautiful. We spent about two hours here and really enjoyed the visit.

Andrew B — Google review

One of the best museums I’ve ever visited! I’ll be honest I didn’t expect much from this museum because I was visiting Fort Pierce (somewhere I’ve never heard of) with a friend and we were looking for something fun to do. I didn’t expect such amazing and emotionally moving works of art. This has taught me not to judge a book by its cover (or not to judge a place just because you’ve never heard of it!). I’ve added my photos of my two favorite pieces. If I ever visit Vero Beach again this is the first place I’ll be visiting. Thank you for displaying such wonderful artwork!

Aliyah H — Google review

Loved the kids zone it has alot of cool features , one where they get to bring,their drawings to life! And then interact with it on the wall. Pretty amazinh

The B — Google review

Ok, not a art critic but this place is very cool. Spent a day here with the wife. Very elegant and classy. Staff was super nice and knowledgeable from my point of view. Check out there schedule, worth going too. Will go back

Jeffery S — Google review

Beautiful museum with helpful employees. I am grateful for their hint to visit the schools' expositions too. It brought me back to my childhood with a smile on my face! There are real talents out there.

Wal — Google review

4.7

(817)39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (32)

4.5

(474)39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (33)

3001 Riverside Park Dr, Vero Beach, FL 32963, USA

(772) 231-0707

9

Vero Beach Outlets

Mentioned on

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Outlet mall

Shopping

Factory Outlets

Vero Beach Outlets is a vast open-air shopping center that offers various shops selling discounted apparel, home goods, and accessories. While some stores have departed since the last visit, the remaining ones are well-maintained and employ friendly staff. Visitors can spend a few hours walking around the outlet complex as it houses numerous big-name brands such as Polo, Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Kors, Adidas, and many more.

Very excited that Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Furniture Outlet has reopened in Vero Beach!

Hiep P — Google review

Outlet malls offer a unique shopping experience - their uniform design ensures easy navigation, but can also lead to a sense of deja vu and uncertainty about location. However, I enjoy shopping at these malls because I can always find my desired shoes in my size at a reasonable price, regardless of the city I'm in. I highly recommend outlet malls for a great shopping experience.

Marcus M — Google review

Restoration Hardware Outlet has locked it up a notch with their designer Dawn. She brought order out of chaos. I have been going there from time to time for over seven years now and I walked in recently and everything was amazingly on display. A lot of great items I left with more than I ever expected. I am so thankful for the work you have done Dawn you’re amazing!

D D — Google review

Traffic here would be great if all the snow birds weren't bad at navigating the lanes. The Outlets are great though, so we all suffer through it. Snow birds go home please. FL doesn't want you here. I'm talking to you, NJ, CT, NH, NY

Aazgaroth — Google review

The outlets are well-appointed and impeccably clean, making for a pleasant shopping experience. Despite this, a significant portion of the retail spaces remain unoccupied, giving parts of the complex a somewhat deserted feel. During my visit, I shopped at several stores, including Coach, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, and Michael Kors, as well as a few shoe stores for my boyfriend’s birthday gifts. The staff in each store were exceptionally helpful. However, I noticed a lack of EV charging stations, which would be a valuable addition. Adding a few charging points, even with a nominal fee, would greatly benefit EV drivers looking to top off while shopping or dining.The variety of stores available is impressive, and the discounts offered at these outlets are quite attractive. It’s easy to find good deals on high-quality items, which makes the shopping experience even more enjoyable. The layout of the outlets is convenient, with ample parking and easy access to the stores. The food court and available dining options are decent, offering a range of choices to suit different tastes.One thing that could improve the overall experience is more entertainment options or events to draw in more visitors and create a livelier atmosphere. This would help offset the impact of the unoccupied retail spaces and make the area feel more vibrant. Additionally, better signage and maps would be helpful for first-time visitors to navigate the outlet more efficiently.Overall, the outlets have a lot of potential and provide a good shopping experience, but with a few enhancements like EV charging stations and more entertainment options, it could become an even more attractive destination for shoppers.

John C — Google review

It has a limited number of stores. It has shoe outlets, several name brands of Clothing and a Carters children store. It has plenty of parking and appears to be a very clean and safe area. I don't consider it to be a mall you go to for roaming various stores, but absolutely a mall for a store you target. Check out the web site to see if a store product or brand is located there. Especially if you are near the Vero Beach area. It's easy in and out access to I-95.

Sadler J — Google review

Visit Vero beach outlets mall is a pleasure. Spending two to three hours walking around all the stores is fun and a way to get rid of week work stress. There are plenty of high quality cloth and shoes stores to visit, all of them well decorated and organize to make you feel confortable and welcomed.Besides once you feel tired of walking and hungry there is a great restaurant just one block away, Crackel Barrel with excellent delicious meal to enjoy.

AD4C H — Google review

I remember this area having so much more.. While much of the plaza was empty & for lease, there wasn't a single restaurant of any kind. I highly recommend eating before coming here to shop!

M ( — Google review

Best outlets ever. Unfortunately, it doesn't have many shoppers and some stores don't last, but the ones that are open have great prices. It doesn't have the selection of Orlando, but has a more personal and cordial service. Give it a try.

R G — Google review

You can't expect to get a great deal at ANY store lately. Just enjoy the fact that you are free to walk and browse. I enjoyed the company of family, and we did purchase a few items here and there. One big upset-NO INDOOR FOOD PLACE! STRANGE.

Lainnie D — Google review

A lot of stores have left since my last visit but I’m still very happy with what’s left. The stores are clean, the employees are friendly. You can make a nice few hours and walk the entire outlet complex. Skechers, Polo, Tommy Hilfiger,Coach, Michael Kors, Williams and Sonoma, Carters, adidas, Hanes, Sunglass Hut, Gap, Crocs. Plenty of parking and they have a courtesy shuttle that operates during the day for elderly, disabled, or just lazy :). I really hope more stores come back. It’s a great location right off i95.

Thomas D — Google review

I love slot car racing at Slot Car Raceway and Hobby Shop. Friendly owners and great racetracks!

D'Andre S — Google review

Good outlet mall with a variety of shops to choose from. There are a few hotels here as well as two restaurants. The Cracker Barrel and the steak and shake are the only two available. There are outparcels to build on in the future. Most of the outlet shops are clothing related though there are a couple of nice shops that sell furnishings. Close to 95 and excellent ingress/egress onto SR 60.

Chris C — Google review

What happened here? At least 3/4 of the mall is vacated....a classic case of blight. The only reason I am giving this one star is because of the few holdouts who are still there....good people who are trying their best in a VERY BAD situation.To think that Vero Beach Outlets was once considered a destination for locals and tourists alike. So sad!

Howard B — Google review

Nice place. It’s worth to visit this outlet. there are many famous stores. Adidas, Calvin Klein, Michael Cros, Coach and others. If you wanna a good discount, I highly recommend this place.

Jonas J — Google review

A pretty decent place to shop...there are still some good deals to be had there. We went there in search of a specific thing and were able to find it. Give it a shot if you're around.

Thomas T — Google review

There is hidden table Tennis (ping pong)club located at the east side of of the outlet shops. I enjoy playing and having fun every time I’m home, friendly Staff, helpful, pleasant environment, prices are reasonable, no pressure, so if you are in vero beach, Fl stop by and say hi, much love and safe travels !

Khalid W — Google review

It’s ok ..still developing. I did enjoy visiting Michael Kors store and the coach store actually purchase a cute little Michael Kors bag. Hopefully when I return again, they will have more stores open.

Sonji W — Google review

Sadly to see such a well maintained mall have so many shops empty! A couple of high end stores like coach, Tommy Hilfiger and Polo Ralph Lauren remain open but not much else to get excited about! It’s a pleasant walk around on a call day, quite a large lot! Staff friendly, plenty of parking

Claire B — Google review

It’s a nice outlet good stores open m mall not like back north. After shopping don’t forget to stop at the Steak n Shake the best milkshakes in town no doubt.

Joseph ( — Google review

4.2

(3711)39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (34)

4.0

(204)39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (35)

1824 94th Dr, Vero Beach, FL 32966, USA

(772) 770-6097

10

McLarty Treasure Museum

Mentioned on

1 list

Museum

Specialty Museums

The McLarty Treasure Museum is a hidden gem located at the site of a Spanish fleet shipwreck in the 1700s. The museum showcases salvaged items such as coins, sword hilts, rings, and dinnerware found on the beaches. It boasts a lookout point with a pirate flag and ship wheel overlooking the beach, adding to its charm. Despite its historic location and impressive collection of treasures, admission costs only $2 per person.

This is a very cool place to learn about the exploration and treasure of Spain!The staff there were super friendly and were excellent tour guides and told me everything about the artifacts in the exhibits. The outside portion was awesome as well! Definitely coming back in the summer!

Chloe A — Google review

**An Amazing Journey Through History!**We had such a fantastic experience here! There’s so much to see and learn, with endless artifacts to explore at every turn. While we didn’t catch the 45-minute video this time, it’s definitely on our list for our next visit—because we will be back!A great bonus for families: there’s a fun activity for kids, and completing it earns them a special “gold or silver coin”—our 9-year-old absolutely loved it! Most of the display cases come with interactive speaker boxes that give fascinating insights about the exhibits, making everything feel even more alive.The volunteers truly know their stuff and were incredibly friendly, helping bring the displays to life with their knowledge. Since it’s volunteer-run, I’d recommend calling ahead to confirm their hours.And don’t miss the outdoor boardwalk! It’s not only beautiful but also lined with informative panels, and there’s even a “pirate ship” lookout that adds an extra touch of adventure.Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a fun family outing, this place is a hidden gem! And for only $2 entry per person the price can’t be beat!

Nicole H — Google review

Great little hidden jewel. Only $2.00 admission charge. Very informative staff and a nice video (at 45 minutes a bit long but very informative). The displays of recovered artifacts are well layed out. There is a board walk area to view the reef area where the ships went down.

Ken H — Google review

I’ve been wanting to stop here for a few years and glad I finally did! The gentleman at the door was super friendly and it only costs $1 to enter! Check out the 45 minute video and the artifacts. Don’t forget to get your picture outside on the Pirate ship !

Savannah D — Google review

A great way to spend a couple hours, a good movie for background on the treasure coast. $2 to get in. Worth the trip. Also Mel Fishers museum isn’t too far but is much more expensive but lots of treasures to see.

John G — Google review

Wonderful Florida State Park museum on the Treasure Coast. Staffed by super friendly and informative volunteers and professional park rangers, this museum is a must stop for learning about the fascinating history about the area. Two dollar (cash please!) admission fee. Don't miss the outside beach overlook! Highly recommended! Although a small museum, I suggest at least an hour to ninety minutes to see everything.

M — Google review

This was an incredible museum. We were the only ones there so Corey gave us a very detailed tour. He even took us outback to point out where a few of the shipwrecks were. He also showed us a book that had pictures of people who had found treasure. I can't tell you how cool this experience was for the family. We headed out with the metal detector shortly after!

ST O — Google review

This is a very nice, albeit small, state run museum about the history of the treasure coast and the Spanish treasure fleet shipwrecked here. Admission is $2. Please bring fives and ones. They do take credit/debit, too. There’s multiple displays and dioramas, many with sound, about the history of the area, the people who lived here, and, of course, the treasures lost here. A 45 minute film runs continuously and although fairly dated it’s still interesting. They also have a boardwalk leading to an observation deck overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It’s accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. There’s a small gift shop with books, “coins,” maps, postcards, jewelry, and ironwood at very reasonable prices. Great way to spend an hour or two learning about the area.

Kat — Google review

The team there is very knowledgeable on the history of trade around North and South America. Very nice environment and good history

Mohamad H — Google review

Very interesting history and had a lot of fun. Wonder if anyone will find more of the lost treasures from the Spaniards and thier lost voyage. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a place to explore.

Parker B — Google review

What a great place to visit and learn about the treasures. Corey had lots of interesting information to tell. Thanks for a wonderful visit. The video was very good, needs a bit of an update in the time frame to be more recent as well.

Tamara A — Google review

Perhaps the BEST Treasure Museum in all of Florida. A fantastic array of artifacts, treasures, history and the staff provide great info and stories. You may catch a dose of "treasure fever" after leaving this place. Walk outside and take a pic at the wheel and think about what it was in those times. I highly recommend this off-hidden museum that's truly one of kind!

MannyG33309 — Google review

We stopped by this museum and it was a highlight of our trip. I never knew about the shipwrecks and never knew this was why the area is called the “treasure coast”. The staff was incredibly friendly and genuinely excited to share their knowledge and relics. The artifacts and history boards were so interesting and the video played on repeat highly informative. It’s a fun stop and might get you excited to go hunt for nearby treasure.

Tonya B — Google review

This museum is tiny but it’s charming and it only cost us $2 to get into. I went back a week later to take my mom to go see it. The volunteer Sam is very knowledgeable and did a great job sharing all of his knowledge with us and even showed us a few things he has personally found. I would highly recommend giving this place a visit if your in the area

Ayla R — Google review

Admission is only $2 a person. It is a small and quaint museum, but very interesting with information from the ship wrecks in the early 1700s and the search that still continues to find those treasures today. It is well worth spending an hour or two, and you just might leave with a desire to go treasure hunting yourself 😁

T C — Google review

Always great to visit and share stories about the 1715 Fleet with park employees and fellow 1715 Fleet members that u may run into. Nice displays of artifacts and colonial currency, weapons of the period. Amazing story of shipwreck survival, treasure, and the treasure hunters who found it. Definitely a great place to visit if you are into history shipwrecks pirates and treasure!

Dan S — Google review

The museum is such a great place to learn about this chapter of history. The volunteers are very helpful. The movie could use some updating but was very interesting. The setting is amazing, very clean and well kept. Great field trip.

Del M — Google review

Such a lovely museum! The staff is incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and accommodating. The museum's collection is well kept and organized, so it's easy to follow the history and inspect various artifacts up close. The video presentation offers great insight about the 1715 fleet, so don't miss it! Overall, very pleasant and makes for a great little outing. Highly recommend to all!

Sarah N — Google review

Excellent place to visit! Lots of information and treasure finds on the 11 ships lost in 1715. They provide a 45 minute video on the history of the shipwrecks and you can tour the building at your own pace. Very knowledgeable guides and super nice. Observation deck that overlooks the beach/ocean. Wheelchair accessible and seating provided throughout.

Joni S — Google review

Great little museum with a hidden gem of an observation deck. The ranger there is extremely friendly and knowledgeable.

Aaron B — Google review

4.6

(657)39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (36)

4.5

(473)39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (37)

13180 North A1A, Vero Beach, FL 32963, USA

(772) 589-2147

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11

Sebastian Inlet State Park

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Mentioned on

8 lists

State park

Outdoor Activities

Beaches

Sebastian Inlet State Park is a great place to go for outdoor activities like surfing and fishing. There are also areas for swimming and wading, making it a relaxing environment perfect for all types of visitors.

Excellent place to spend the day out camp near the water. I haven't ever seen so many sea turtles in one spot in my life. Boat ramp to launch a boat, intercoastal wade fishing is phenomenal. Kayak fishing is amazing, along with pier and jetty fishing. A beautiful lagoon to swim in for the kids and family. Perfect for a day trip.

Who T — Google review

Gorgeous views! Nice place to see lots of ocean wild life. 2 sting rays, sea turtle, fish, barracuda hunting, manatees, and pelicans. Lots of people fishing, no where to sit for people who need a break. Restroom kind of far from beach pretty far from calm shallow swimming side. There is a restaurant here also.Beach area had a steep sand cliff to get to water. Definitely worth the visit.

Veronica S — Google review

Spent a day here with my young children. By far the cleanest beach I’ve been on in Florida. The Atlantic beaches had large waves and cold water, but the north river inlet was zero waves and warmer, shallow water. The bathrooms were clean and all staff were friendly. Saw dolphins, turtles and countless birds.

Lee K — Google review

We loved our weekend camping trip to Sebastian Inlet State Park! The scenic waterfront campsites offered breathtaking views, which made it an unforgettable experience. The shallow tidal pool was perfect for kids to swim, snorkel, and discover marine life.This park is a haven for families, providing a safe and fun environment for children. The tidal pool is ideal for little ones to play, while the beach offers ample space for building sandcastles. A playground area ensures hours of entertainment.During our visit, we spotted dolphins, sea turtles, and other wildlife, making it a truly memorable experience. The friendly and knowledgeable park rangers were always happy to assist.Before you go, remember to book campsites in advance, pack sunscreen, insect repellent, and a camera to capture the stunning scenery. Take advantage of recreational activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and picnic areas.Overall, Sebastian Inlet State Park is a must-visit destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Amalia H — Google review

Fun busy park in the quite sleeper town on Sebastian. Keep this place a secret. Wonderful swimming area for family and small children. (North side of the inlet), great places to swim for adults on the southside and and intercoastal beachfront. The jetty / pier is always full of friendly fishermen and women. Great views of the ocean without high rises and empty condos. They offer camping (tent and trailer sites), a boat launch, and onsite cafe's. The bath houses are clean and tidy.

Tim D — Google review

Hot spot for good fishing. The restrooms are kept very clean. There's boat ramps, camping available and overall a good place to spend the day.

Yayi C — Google review

Impressed with this State park, we enjoyed our RV stay, great fishing area, the Junior Ranger system they offer for kids is amazing. Close to retail business. We saw Manatí and Dolphins. Bathrooms need improvement but they were clean.

Carly A — Google review

Beautiful place and the park Rangers are so helpful. It's not super deep and the kids can play without the worry of getting washed out by the waves on the other side which is where you can find the Ocean. You can easily access the bathrooms and snack shack by the ocean. It's just across the parking lot. We have seen dolphins and manatees and sea hares so far!!! Beautiful place.

Erica B — Google review

We have been going to Sebastian Inlet for years. It is truly one of our favourite places. The beach is beautiful and the waves are spectacular if you enjoy surfing or just having fun in the water. The inlet is perfect for families with small children and for everyone else! The water is calm and full of ocean life. Our children had so much fun splashing in the shallow water when they were young. Do not be surprised if you see manatees, dolphins, and jelly fish in the water. The pier offers beautiful views. I highly recommend that you visit this incredible park! You will not be disappointed.

Melissa M — Google review

Beautiful state park here. We had a party of 6 in one suv running us $8.00 for entrance. That price covers up to 8 per vehicle. The parking lot here is in a little rough condition. Depending on events going on it may or may not be easy to find a place to park. The views here are wonderful and worth it. There's food here and large clean bathrooms. Showers just off the beach are a large help. It worth going out and spending some time here. Family friendly

Cory B — Google review

Great place to visit and spend some time. Walked the peer and watched the folks fishing. Looking into the inlet I saw a couple of large dark shadows, turned out to be a couple of Rays gliding up the inlet. Plenty of people using the small bay but I can imagine it gets busy at the weekend. Nice little cafe serving hot and cold snacks and drinks. Well worth the parking fee.

Vincent W — Google review

We finally got to visit Sebastian Inlet, and it was very pretty. There was lots of activity. There were people fishing off the pier. There was a group of children having a surfboard lesson and so many families just enjoying the beach and the water.**The only negative...SAND FLEAS. Be sure you put something on to deter them as there were plenty of them.

Bridget C — Google review

Love this park, the staff are amazing. The location, fishing, birds, wild life. The water is beautiful. 10 stars!

Gwen C — Google review

Wonderful place! Took all the kids & got to see dolphins while we were swimming. Found crabs in all the rocks. Was able to take a cooler and hang out in the water all day. You can walk all the way to the river waist high. Great for kids!

Arial S — Google review

Great park next to the beach! Me and my husband were supporting spend the day and we stayed the night too. There is another small beach in the inlet that is also beautiful and calm. Saw dolphins jumping in the water! Will probably go back soon.

Daniela P — Google review

What a great place to visit. My family packed a lunch and made use of the picnic area on the south side of the inlet. We noticed that this side has some nice campsites. We didn't camp here, but we will consider it on my next visit.Don't forget to drive over to the north side of the inlet. The boardwalk goes out a distance and you'll see fishermen casting their lines. You can walk around the park, enjoy the beach area or even stop at the restaurant.

Tom R — Google review

Very busy but extremely cool State Park. There's so much to do it's crazy. Launch a boat, hike, surf, fish, swim in tide pool, camp, have dinner. The rangers are very nice, wildlife viewing is off the charts. If you hang out by the fish cleaning stations a while you'll see the Pelican's do what they do best - wait around to take fish and scraps. The squirrels seem to have be accustomed to people feeding them however - I had two of them beg me for my chips (an inch away from my foot)

Maureen K — Google review

Would absolutely recommend for camping. We reserved a spot for primitive tent camping. The area was very spacious (it’s made for RVs) and there is electricity and running water for every space. The main bathrooms were clean, had skylights, showers, had overhead fans, and very spacious (even enough for handicap). I saw they even had an area to wash dishes and washer for clothes. Pretty incredible. Would recommend something to cool your tent as it does stay warm at night, but it is breezy. The worst part was the no-see-ums so bring bug spray. The camping area is near the inlet and there is a little beach close. For the actual beach, it’s closer to the entrance of the park. Lots of people fishing and bird watching (ospreys, etc). This trip was May 2024.

Cocoshan — Google review

They have a small cove that's great for kids! Its like a sandbar... Many people brought canopies, chairs and floats. It's close to bathrooms (they have changing rooms) and eating. You can also bring coolers. They have a bait shop, an entrance to the beach and fishing off the jetty. Varied and quite enjoyable

Elena B — Google review

The park is beautiful! I gave 4 stars only because we came on Memorial day weekend which Im hearing is the busiest to come. My issue is that the park had so many day visitors that they were in the registered camping area using showers, parking in campsites, side of the road, and using campsites picnic tables. They were everywhere! It wasn't until the afternoon that I think the park was able to get extra staff to regulate the chaos. Not to mention the south end of the park lost power for 5 hours.

Jennifer C — Google review

4.7

(8034)39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (49)

4.5

(839)39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (50)

9700 S Hwy A1A, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951, USA

(321) 984-4852

12

Mel Fisher's Treasures

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Mentioned on

5 lists

Museum

Specialty Museums

Mel Fisher's Treasures is a small museum in Sebastian, Florida, founded by the renowned treasure hunter Mel Fisher. The museum showcases an impressive collection of gold objects and artifacts recovered from various shipwrecks off the east coast of Florida. Visitors can marvel at detailed jewelry, rare coins used in global trade, and even an astrolabe from the 1600s that remains in pristine condition.

A really wonderful look at one of the greatest shipwreck treasure adventures of all time!Inexpensive (less than $10 each) for about an hour to see it all. Highly recommended.

Rocky W — Google review

One of the coolest places I've ever visited! The video was interesting, but the huge real gold treasures blew me away. We even rented detectors and went to the beach to treasure hunt haha. Bought coins and treasures at the gift shop too. They even have a real gold bar you can hold through a wall. I loved that! So cool! Heres a few photos..

Mark W — Google review

Excellent museum with more displays, information then we expected. Touching the gold bar and the value of the real bar was exciting.

Harry G — Google review

A nice very small museum with beautiful pieces. The staff is very nice. I wish they can find the right support to improve the building ,marketing and social media.

La D — Google review

Super interesting museum dedicated to the life of explorer, treasure hunter and diver Mel Fisher. Visit the Sebastian Chamber of Commerce beforehand and get $5 off admission.

Jaime P — Google review

We went for a homeschool field trip and the kids were amazed! There is so much to learn and explore. Our coast is rich and not just because of the treasure lol but the history it holds! Don’t hesitate to go! Such a fun outing!

Ashley M — Google review

When you come visit the Sebastian River Area, located along the Treasure Coast, make sure you visit Mel Fisher's Treasure Museum and Gift Shop.Still owned and operated by the family of Mel Fisher, the museum boasts a spectacular collection of artifacts. You can watch a movie that shows treasure being uncovered, see photos capturing moments of recoveries, and finish your visit in the gift shop where you can purchase a piece of history.If you come to the SRACC Welcome Center first, we can give you a brochure that contains a coupon!Don't miss out on experiencing a piece of history at Mel Fisher's Treasure Museum & Gift Shop!

Cheryl T — Google review

Very cute place. The are making updates with some under water exhibit while we were there. So much treasure and cute details. Very entertaining to walk thru. Even thou it is small they make it look big with lots of little offsets and interactive things. The treasure is awesome! Would love to buy some .. but so expensive.. the lifting the gold bar was my favorite.. one of the reasons I went . So cool!.. wish I could touch a silver bar too .. the gift shop is cute too wish it was bigger.. the hallways were a little tight and hard to get thru even with just 6 people.. and a lot of people including myself take a minute to read things or look at things. Love the decor and the pirates! Wish there was more photo ops! I felt awkward trying to get a photo with the pirate with so many people in the tight place . But it was super neat. Love doing something different and learning a little about their family is cool! What a nice tradition to hold.. treasure hunters .. thank you for the experience.

Patricia ( — Google review

Amazing story of sunken treasure. A treasure trove of artifacts. Well displayed and you can purchase coins from 400 year old Spanish galleons.

Peter W — Google review

Great little museum. Makes you want to pick up treasure diving! Florida's coastal museums are rich with history and gold!

Nicole C — Google review

Absolutely loved this place! So many cool things to explore and learn about and the staff is incredibly friendly too! Plus the locals discount is a great way to get people in the area to visit. Can't wait to come back!

Michelle — Google review

Really nice, second visit, first time in Key West, but full of history and artifacts. Must see if in the area.

Betsy — Google review

Very interesting and well set up depicting the story of the treasures found.

Linda G — Google review

Great place to visit if you’re interested in seeing real sunken treasures recovered from 1600’s and 1700’s… You can even pick up a gold bar to feel the weight…Amazing!

Bronx M — Google review

Driving by and it looked interesting. What a fastening museum. Great introductory video of the treasure hunters. The displays are beautiful. Great affordable price.

Jeannette J — Google review

Went on a weekday with my wife very relaxed and enjoyable tour learned a lot and would recommend as a must see to anyone visiting the Treasure Coast area of Sebastian Inlet. Gift shop was great. Admission was very reasonable. We purchased our tickets on line in advance but there wasn’t a crowd or wait. Truly a must see museum, we will be back

Phil W — Google review

Nice little museum that shows some of Mel Fisher’s treasure finds along with his history, as well as that of the shipwrecks and centuries past. It’s relatively small but they do pack a decent amount of artifacts and displays inside, along with a movie and gift shop. I would say adults would appreciate this more than younger children unless they are really into history, treasure hunting, etc. We visited in a Saturday afternoon and didn’t have to wait.

EJB 3 — Google review

Very cool to see how they found treasures off southern coast of Florida. They even sale real pirate coins. It's a short stop ,we'll worth it.

Richard B — Google review

Very interesting history along with treasure displays. Highly recommend a visit

Jayne T — Google review

Cool little museum that isn’t too expensive. Has a neat historical video and some artifacts to see afterwards- nice place to visit to get some more history about the area.

Casey M — Google review

Amazing collection of some of the best artifacts found by Mel fisher and sons. Plenty to read and look at. Well displayed and informative presentations, books, pamphlets, and real pieces of 8 to buy! Very friendly folks, we were the last in for the day, so I got to touch the gold bar!.

Roger S — Google review

Great museum of many artifacts from the local 1715 fleet and the Atocha shipwrecks! You can even hold a gold bar from the wreck! They also have some of the treasure for sale too.

Chuck ( — Google review

Small, but packed with goodies! Very informative. Not too expensive to go in the museum. Neat artifacts for sale in the gift shop. Would go again. And will definitely be going to the one in key west too.

Timothy P — Google review

There are two Mel Fisher museums, one in Sebastian and one in Key West. Both are excellent but I enjoyed the Sebastian location more. If you are interested in the 1622 Fleet, Atocha, or 1715 Fleet, you’ll feel right at home while visiting this museum. It is necessary to actually see and feel these artifacts to fully understand their impact and the story. The gift shop is great too. Lots of smaller artifacts, books, and coins for sale.

Alex F — Google review

4.6

(827)39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (55)

4.5

(330)39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (56)

1322 US-1, Sebastian, FL 32958, USA

(772) 589-9875

13

Turkey Creek Sanctuary

Mentioned on

5 lists

Nature preserve

Animal shelter

Park

Turkey Creek Sanctuary is a 130-acre nature preserve located in Brevard County. It features a boardwalk and jogging trails, as well as a nature center that houses exhibits and a gift shop. Visitors can observe various types of wildlife including turtles, alligators, birds and manatees in their natural habitat. The trails are well labeled with maps and interactive tour guide stops to enhance the experience.

This park is so beautiful, peaceful, and full of life! It’s so close to the city and very accessible to people of any ability. There are plenty of places to stop and sit down for a breather and there’s also an exercise trail. Seeing manatees, turtles and other wildlife is awesome. The nature is so full and green. We love coming here any time of day. The staff at the nature center are also very friendly and the gift shop has some cute items.

Tee J — Google review

I grew up in the creek an woods. Was a teen when the sanctuary boardwalk was first built . Use to take my kids down there an it had been years since I had been myself. Today I decided to get my steps in there an I am so glad I did. It was a overcast day around 80 degrees out with some lite rain an for me that made it even more perfect. I have an eye for little details so I took some awesome ground level zoomed photos that I will later use for painting references. I will definitely be making this a regular Sunday walk at least while the weather is cooler out.

Paul W — Google review

I needed a day in nature, and Turkey Creek Sanctuary did the trick! Okay, so I didn't spend the whole day (there aren't enough trails to go all day, well, I guess if you walked REALLY SLOW), but it was beautiful and quaint and peaceful. I think the heat kept most of the wildlife at bay (no alligators, though I definitely heeded the sign), but the insects and birds sang while the water gently flowed. Not a day trip, but a serene, peaceful couple of hours away... do it. You'll be glad you did!

Deidre B — Google review

Had a great family hike with my husband and 2 boys (ages 5 and 8). Loved the boardwalk with two young kids for sure. Got to see the creek from there with turtles and fish, also lots of lizards and a woodpecker! It was a beautiful area, and I appreciated the signs that pointed out various plants along the way.

Sarah R — Google review

It was a lovely experience! It is a great place to take pictures of the scenery or just enjoy nature. There are many places to stop and take a seat. The boardwalk features planks of wood that are lovingly decorated for loved ones or are inspirational for the average person. The wildlife is calm and the turtles are really great to look at. I will certainly be going back someday!

Car — Google review

Very shaded for the most part, and the boardwalk is in perfect condition. Also, there are quite a few parking spots under trees to keep your car cool.We saw four manatees, including a fairly young one. Lots of turtles and fish, including gar.

Raymond M — Google review

It was a wonderful place to get some naturing in. The boardwalk is wonderful. I saw mostly turtles and nothing really else. I was there about 2 hours midday 11a-1p. The Spanish moss on all the trees is magical. There are restrooms in the main building and porta-potties at the parking lot.Lots of shade over the trails and boardwalk. I’m just impressed with the boardwalk really.Very easy walk for all, no stairs, no big hills (on the boardwalk). I didn’t much go off it tho, as I was in flip flops. But definitely accessible.

Adrienne S — Google review

Beautiful park. Nice, quiet, and calm. Great views. The park is well taken care of. No fee to enter. Will definitely visit this park again in the future.

Tiff — Google review

Beautiful walk, the wildlife is absolutely wonderful. I had a small one in a stroller and we mostly followed the boardwalk around to the canopy and tree house and overlook. Was easy little nature walk with a stroller if you stick to the paths like I did. Lots of trash cans to throw away water bottles, lots of benches to stop and rest if need be. Will visit again

Danielle S — Google review

We love to come to the library then take a walk on the Boardwalk trails. Enjoy seeing alligators, manatees, turtles, fish, and all sorts of birds. Am able to bring my stroller for the baby which makes it family friendly.

Bryn S — Google review

Visit Turkey Creek at least weekly with my 3-year-old granddaughter. We use the visits to combine fun and our science and conservation lessons. The nature center is cool, too. Some hands-on activities, a scavenger hunt paper for you to use on your walk, and some really cool animal skeletal items. Sell jewelery, books, canvas bags, and COLD soda and water.

Trish S — Google review

So nice walking in this sanctuary especially in the cold weather. The wooden bridge or path walk makes it so easy to go around. The scenery is so nice and the place is so relaxing. We've seen a lot of turtles, too bad it got flooded and the river current was strong so we didn't see any alligators around.

Maybelle N — Google review

They recently updated a lot of the wood boards along the trails, plus freshly painted! They are still doing some work along the Canoe/ Hammock Deck when I went but you can still access the kayak launch and the nature trails. Never a bad time to go!

Lauren M — Google review

Amazing trail. We stuck to the boardwalk as I have a young one in a stroller. Easy to manage, distance I didn't find too far, lots of trash cans to dispose of water bottles, and benches to rest if you need a break. Absolutely beautiful sites to see. We saw so many beautiful trees and animals. The staff in the nature center were so friendly and nice. We def be back to visit again shortly.

Lilith S — Google review

The bad. The creek bed is very shallow. Tons of trees have fallen into the creek and we got stuck on several of them. It is not a kayaking adventure for people that don't want to scratch up their kayak. The launch is crazy long away from the parking.The good. The nature and shade see thru waters turtles.and gators. It is very beautiful. A ridiculous amount of turtles!Very weird thou once your out there if youve never been because the creek has cut off points and some don't look like you can pass thru them.There is no actual map or signage other than beware of gators and snakes. Huge fish are there. You follow along the walking trail a points on the creek.I don't think we would go again just because of how awful it is to get to the launch and the huge trees that are fallen all over the place that scratch huge gouges into your kayak.The gator we saw was gigantic! 🐊Turtles are amazing. Swimming ones. Sunbathing ones. They swim right up to you so it looks like someone might be feeding them as they looked like they wanted somethingMake sure you steer clear of the big trees they also have big branches that cut thru too.. we got stuck a few times.No place to stop not really sure how far you can go. But it's not that long thru the sanctuary part via kayak we were only there about an hour and a half thruout the sanctuary part.On the GPS it looks like you can keep going afterwards to the left it right of that into neighborhoods etc.

Patricia ( — Google review

Nice place to go for a walk. I was only there for a short while but I saw a decent amount of wildlife. A manatee and her calf, couple birds, lizards, fish, a crab, and some insects. I'll definitely have to go out there again when I have more time. My cousin said she loved going there when she lived in Melbourne, misses the sanctuary too.

Christopher D — Google review

A most wonderful place to visit with family and friends. We stayed on the boardwalk which was very well maintained and perfectly flat for walking all the way around. I would highly recommend this place for a leisurely stroll through some very natural surroundings with a delightful creek that appears unspoilt and beautifully protected.

John M — Google review

Excellent place to spend time in contact with nature, disconnect, and relax. Lots of walking trails and photo opportunities. Highly recommended and a must visit in Brevard County. City has put a lot of effort to keep this reserve in pristine condition and accessible to the public.

Victor V — Google review

Beautiful little walking trail that has very well maintained grounds. Lots of clear paths, shade trees and a long and spacious board walk with several lookout spots with benches. When we entered there was a butterfly garden with lots of pollinators and a gopher tortoise munching some grass in the shade (lots of gopher tortoise here) we saw 3. Good amount of wildlife, wish there was a little more but I was happy coming here for a quick hike and some fresh air out of the house for a bit.

Brandi M — Google review

I had a lovely visit to this sanctuary on their Turkey Creek Day event. There are literally miles of walkways and trails in this place, so a great little getaway if you just need a place to separate from the hustle and bustle for a while. Lots of hammocks and Florida brush and some of the scenery around the water areas are beautiful. While this is said to be a popular birding trail, it was pretty quiet the morning I went and there is wildlife around, but you really have to be patient and really look for it. For this reason, there are several other parks in Palm Bay that I prefer as I am an avid wildlife photographer, but there are alot of great nature photo ops here that you just can't find anywhere else.

Kim M — Google review

3/18/24 Walked the boardwalk trails this morning and had a wonderful time. This walk was a no bikes (and the entire place is no pets) so it was peaceful to just be able to walk and take it all in. Along the walkway there were notes with names of plants and trees along with a QR code to scan and learn about them. Although I did not run into any snakes or Gators today, we did see a lot of lizards and turtles around and in the river. Beautiful scenery and a lot of information about surrounding foliage and animals that live here. Will definitely be back!4/02/24 Update: I have since been back 4-5 times and it get lovelier every time. On my most recent visit I saw some manatees feeding.

Julia R — Google review

Beautiful place to take a nice walk with the whole family. Plenty of shade and resting areas. This is a must if you are in the area. The boardwalk is well maintained and safe. There is plenty of parking and this place is right next to a public library (waking distance).

J C — Google review

4.8

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4.5

(299)39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (58)

1518 Port Malabar Blvd NE, Palm Bay, FL 32905, USA

(321) 676-6690

14

Howard E. Futch Memorial Park at Paradise Beach

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Park

Outdoor Activities

Howard E. Futch Memorial Park, located at Paradise Beach, is a well-maintained recreational area that offers easy access to the beach and amenities suitable for families and friends. The park features seasonal lifeguards, volleyball courts, picnic pavilions with grills, playgrounds and restrooms. It also has ramps for disabled accessibility. There is a food stand across from the restrooms and ample parking space available even on busy days.

Great place to go swimming and surfing. The parking lot always seems to have enough spots even on busy days, and there's a rental place for chairs and umbrellas.

Andrew S — Google review

A lovely place for the whole family. Lifeguard on duty within the Beach area. There's a food truck near the restrooms in case you are hungry. Restrooms are generally clean. There's a nice little fenced-in playground for the kids to play at with several, & swings. Outside shower faucets to rinse off after you're done swimming or surfing at the beach

Katie S — Google review

Nice beach with lifeguards, a food truck, nice bathrooms and shower outside, plenty of parking and miles of sand!

Larry — Google review

Great place to visit the beach with family and friends. Bathroom, outdoor shower, playground, volleyball courts, picnic tables, pavilions, lifeguards, food, free parking.

Cuervo M — Google review

Great beach park, free parking lifeguards. Watched some surfers for entertainment. Can get crowded but easy to avoid walking either direction.

BobShots T — Google review

Beach is always beautiful. Lots of parking. But it can still get packed. There’s also a play ground for the kids. And bathrooms and showers

Crystal H — Google review

Paradise beach is my favorite south Brevard county beach. I like to go early to miss the crowds. If you don’t mind crowds, the beach is big enough for everyone! Parks and Rec keeps up pretty well with maintenance, I have not seen much trash there lately. The sea grape woods have also been cleaned out and trimmed up which is awesome! (No camps) my youngest loves the new playground!

Andrea F — Google review

Free parking and a fantastic little food truck with access to the beach.

Renee W — Google review

This playground is awesome for the kids. Also the beach is really nice.

Katy S — Google review

The parking is free itself, which is nice, but there's a lot of transient. Looking people around only was in Melbourne. So went there didn't stay very long, though.Won't be going back

Edward O — Google review

Great shaded playground near the beach. Can be difficult to park. Toddler equipment continuous with bigger equipment so hard to keep a rowdy toddler off the big kid side of things.

Renee B — Google review

The weekends are a ghetto madness on this beach. That's expected due to free parking. Young men driving up and down with their rowdy cars staring, looking for trouble and blasting music. Weekdays are better. I only go to surf.

Javy — Google review

Great beach access from this park. Plenty of parking during weekdays. Looks like some beach access boardwalks are being improved and under construction. Clean restroom. Nice and in working order outdoor shower to rinse off. Shower has convenient option to rinse off just legs, which some other beachside parks in the area are lacking. Looks like the volleyball courts are also being well cared for.

Adam K — Google review

Beautiful beach in Melbourne. Volleyball court, bathrooms, showers, playground, lifeguards. Good place to find shells.

Heather Y — Google review

This playground has been updated to be fully covered with new equipment! I love this park, it’s only getting better.

JoAmber D — Google review

Nice park.Early morning everything is dew covered until the sun burns it off.We brought a towel to wipe off the slides.

Jim C — Google review

Easy access to the beach. They have ramps for easy access which is great if you're handicapped.Restrooms available. Food stand located across from restrooms.Lifeguard on duty. Nice place to surf fish.Also decent waves for surfing 🌊Nice beach. Well kept.

Hot D — Google review

This is a favorite spot of ours when we visit family on the East Coast. Plenty of parking. Restrooms and showers for rinsing off the sand. Food trucks. The playground is large, shaded and kept clean and in good repair. The accompanying beach is beautiful and has never been too crowded. This is a great spot to enjoy the Atlantic and let the children run off energy. And, it's down the street from our favorite lunch spot: Long Doggers!

Magnus T — Google review

Great place to observe a rocket launch from NASA or Cape Canaveral near Melbourne Beach and Indiatlantic. Plenty of parking, restrooms and a permanent steak and cheese & hot dog food truck stationed here.

William A — Google review

Nice beach.Middle of the day, middle of the week; it's surprisingly busy, but still not very. There was a food truck in front playing music, but I didn't try it though.

Miguel Q — Google review

4.7

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4.5

(253)39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (64)

2301 A1A Jimmy Buffett Mem Hwy, Melbourne, FL 32903, USA

(321) 255-4400

15

Andretti Thrill Park

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Amusement center

Water & Amusement Parks

The expansive entertainment facility known as Andretti Thrill Park in Melbourne provides an array of activities for families seeking excitement. Visitors can enjoy five distinct go-kart tracks, a miniature golf course, paddle boats, train rides, laser tag, a playground area, and various other kid-friendly rides. In addition to these attractions, the park boasts Space Coast's largest arcade with over 7,000 square feet of space featuring some of the most thrilling video games available today.

The 17 year old didn't want to go but she had the most fun. All of my 4 kids enjoyed it. I had fun too. It wasn't crowded. The staff was nice all around. We plan to go again!

Marlena S — Google review

Went to Andretti last Wednesday. Staff were kind, and instructive. The rides were amazing! Not much variety, in or out, but still great. Things were pretty expensive though. But, on an unrelated note. the go-karts will always be my favorite!

Rori — Google review

Park was clean. Some rides were down. (3 or 4 rides down) would have like to see them up and running. Lines was not too bad. We had an issue but was quickly fix by GM. And we appreciate that so giving 5 stars and we'll return.

Jackie S — Google review

We used a Groupon and enjoyed ourselves.The go-carts were fun. My daughter loved the 360 ride and the rock climbing.The baseball bats were bent, and they were uncomfortable to use. The pitches were inconsistent.The girl in the laser tag was very nice. She was fun to talk with. All the team members were nice and seemed to like their job.

Lynda S — Google review

My boys love Andrettis! This is the second birthday in a row they've wanted to spend here!

Marie G — Google review

We got tickets through GroupOn which is the way to go and you do have to pay a sales tax upon arrival which is no big deal. The laser tag room is a little small compared to others but still fun. Overall a good place to have some fun for 2 hours.

Matthew A — Google review

Andretti Thrill Park has games go karts Rollercoaster and the DROP! 🎢 Go karts are always ready so you don't have to start you engines. The staff is very unique and very helpful. Strap up you seat belts it's can be a bumpy ride 🏎💨

Dru C — Google review

Don’t buy tickets In advance because the weather is unpredictable. I come from Orlando and all week I planned this and the forecast stated that it wasn’t even going to rain around here. Even the front desk lady, who was very nice stated they weren’t even expecting rain. I know that I can’t control Mother Nature but my family and I only got on one ride after waiting 20 minutes so they “dry up” the attractions but then 10 minutes later it the rain came back. I was really looking forward for the go carts but couldn’t. We ended up playing in the arcade, but it’s like I paid over $100 just to play the acrade which only had $40 on the cards, surprisingly went by super fast. One of the games weren’t working and the same front desk lady was kind enough to give us credit for that. But I sure do wish they could give a rain check especially for a non busy day. I did payed through Groupon, but I honestly felt like my trip wasn’t worth the money and I can’t even imagine how others feel when they had to pay full price. I’m so disappointed.

Jeannaisa D — Google review

When's the last time you were at a fun park and EVERY worker was friendly and seemed to enjoy helping you? (Rhetorical question, BTW)Exactly! Great fun and great people, especially when interacting with the little ones.Come for the go karts, the up to date arcade (lots of vintage arcade games as well) and other amusements.I keep coming back because the people make it a great time.

Keith M — Google review

We had the most amazing time! We took a group of about 50 people with special needs this weekend (several with physical limitations). Jeff (the manager) and his team were so great with our group. A lot of our guys move a little slower than the usual Andretti customer but the staff treated our guys so well. They were compassionate, kind, gracious, helpful, and most importantly they were so very patient! We even had a mini medical incident on one of the go cart tracks and they helped out and handled it like pros.So a big, BIG thank you to everyone at Andretti! We could have been a big obstacle for regular business, but they handled everything so amazingly! A good time was had by all, not just our group!Definitely will come again!

Daniel S — Google review

I used to very much enjoy this place, but over the last three years things have changed. I wish the employees would be a little more enthusiastic… their lack of enthusiasm (and pep in the step) is the reason the waits are long when there’s just a bit of traffic. They are paying minimal attention during the actual races, and have observed multiple accidents that could have been avoided with correction. This place doesn’t get busy enough to justify waiting more then 20 minutes on any line. The addition of the electric karts seems to have made the process slower. The “junior” track used to be all access. Making it “junior” just takes away from the experience of the majority. The girls at the arcade counter were awesome, but after that the experience was lack luster.

Eric G — Google review

This park seriously needs some upgrades. The rides are old, and the prices are too high for games that often don't work properly. If your kid is 6 or under, don't bother with the all-day passes because they'll need an adult with them on most rides. There are some great employees like Kyle and Savanna, who try to help, but even with them, it's hard to justify spending $85 on unlimited bands and another $60 on arcade games.

Veonice G — Google review

Underwhelming, 84$ for two people to walk around for 2 hours. Although we stayed for one hour. Everything was really darkMinimal staff. Nice staffGas go carts to slow. Electric go carts barley worked. Here's an idea take 84$ and donate it to the soup kitchen downtown you will feel a whole lot better and less robbed of your hard earned money.

Daryl B — Google review

Aging building. Four couples total on a wedding anniversary. Such a poor idea. It was thinking about raining so they closed everything outside. We were still willing to pay 200.00 for the eight adults for unlimited Lazer tag but that room had no A/C. We dumped 100.00 in video games, ate some unappetizing food on site for "dinner", and had to pay an additional 48 for the virtual reality game that only worked at 3 of the four stations. The "party" broke up early. It only ever rained for about 10 minutes that night. Never get another 20-year anniversary. Past its prime but fine for a few arcade games.

Jodi J — Google review

This place was fun. It's definitely a little dated but, if you get the Groupon all day pass you can't go wrong. It's a fun day

Chris — Google review

Seems like an okay establishment if they let would let you know you needed closed toe shoes before you arrived. We drove 30 minutes to visit this location to be informed we needed closed toe shoes to ride any rides.This isn't normal in our experience and ruined our trip to this location. So we won't be back nor would I recommend this place as no warning was given online.

Taylor J — Google review

Andretti thrill park is only 20 mins from our house and we went here with our 5 year old today to spend some time and we really liked everything..we had tickets bought online during black friday deals which was $25 per person for all day play..had fun with all the rides, miniature golf, and other activities in the park..kept neat and clean, less crowd, everything is well maintained except the bumper boat ride as the boats shut off during the play..lots of arcade games inside the building but for additional charge not included in theme park tickets. Overall, had a great day at this park.

Jacks — Google review

Really not happy with this place. My wife and I decided to take my 3 year old son and see how he would like it. We paid for a adult pass and pass for my son. We walked in and my 3 year old decided he didn't want to be there. So I asked for a refund. Spoke with the manager and said they will not refund my money. Even though we didn't use the facility whatsoever.You would think that a business that is in business for kids and family would have some understanding of what it's like having a 3 year old boy.So basically I spent 68.00 for nothing. Do to this policy and lack of understanding I will not be returning and I live literally down the street. My son is only 3 and I'm sure we would ve planned a party and some other things in the Future. Yes you gave us some free passes but I will not be returning and will take my business elsewhere!!

Zach H — Google review

The go-karts were really fun but kinda slow and the inside was full of fun arcade machines, closes at ten, the tickets were based on time, ex: 1 hour= $29 (taxes excluded) and etc. I tried the water bumper karts and they were extremely fun. Over all I give it a 5 and I recommend bringing the whole family!

Hydro P — Google review

What a fun place to let loose a d have fun! The girls that work in the arcade are super nice!

Leasa B — Google review

4.0

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3.5

(320)39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (70)

3960 S Babcock St, Melbourne, FL 32901, USA

(321) 956-6706

I'll never travel to Lakeland without this trip planner again

Learn more

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

16

Airboat Rides at MIDWAY

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Boat tour agency

Tours

Sightseeing tour agency

Tour operator

Boat Tours

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

If you’re looking for a fun and educational experience, I highly recommend Airboat Rides at Midway! From the moment I walked in, I felt incredibly welcomed. The staff was friendly, and the gentleman who greeted us gave a great introduction to the property, sharing details about the various animals they care for, including the birds—some of which were friendly enough to pet!A huge shoutout to my tour guide, Sami (forgive me if I misspelled it), who was absolutely amazing. She was incredibly knowledgeable about the land, the wildlife, and the area’s history. She knew exactly where to go for the best chance of spotting alligators, and we were lucky enough to see plenty of them, along with many other animals along the way.To top it all off, at the end of the tour, I even got to hold an alligator, at no additional charge! It was an unforgettable experience and well worth the visit. I’ll definitely be back!

Nathan D — 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

All I’ve wanted to do since we got to Florida is see a wild gator, Last minute Sunday we decided we wanted to see if we could go on a ride. We were told yes at 2 pm. This was the coolest thing i have ever done . Our tour guide was amazing and so knowledgeable , we had an absolute blast . Smiled the whole time ! They tell you COCO is friendly but that girl is an hoot! She doesn’t want you to put her down once you pick her up! The orange and white cat greeted us at the car for some love when we pulled in! Everything about this place was great! We can’t wait to bring our daughter back !

Sammantha B — 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

Easily the most fun nature activity you can do in the Orlando area. We were there in October, and we saw over 25 gators, three bald eagles, turtles, and countless birds. Our tour guide Jon was friendly and very funny, and we got to hold a baby alligator at the end. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a true Florida nature experience.

Leah 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

Absolute worth every dollar. If you want to both learn about the unique ecosystem and experience it up close this is a great trip. We took the one hour trip, which was fast and fun! The captain knew his stuff and made it fun for everyone. The boats are cool too! Pro tip: If you take the one hour trip, you can easily spend the rest of your day at Cocoa beach, only 30 mins away and look at all the photos you took at Midway 🫡 PS. WE MISS YOU COCO 🦜❤️

Michael 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

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

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

Took our family on a 1 hour airboat tour. It was fabulous! Captain John was extremely knowledgeable about the wildlife and waterways. My children loved seeing the birds and gators up close. This place was fun and safe- we will definitely keep it in mind for whenever we have visitors in town!

Lindsay C — Google review

On Vacation From Md and all my wife wanted to do was see some gators and Midway did not disappoint at! Ken was our guide and the absolute man! Tons of knowledge and experience! The gators are cool but Cocoa is the Real star!

Earl S — 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

This was an awesome experience! We were 13 of us, and we all got to ride on the same airboat. We saw a ton of alligators and birds. The airboat operator was super knowledgeable and friendly. You should definitely check it out...

Karen K — Google review

I have done a handful of Airboat rides throughout Florida but I keep coming back to this one for the best rides. This was my second time with Captain Tony and he made the tour funny while educational at the same time. I will definitely be back for another ride in the future!

B G — 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

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

Went for a morning tour at 9:30. Great decision, can highly recommend! The sun was not out in force yet, and all the alligators were out and about hunting before the heat hits later in the day. Comfortable ride on a well-equipped boat and a friendly and knowledgeable captain, overall a great experience.

Olexandr S — Google review

4.8

(2129)39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (82)

5.0

(584)39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (83)

28501 E Colonial Dr, Christmas, FL 32709, USA

(407) 568-6790

17

Jungle Adventures, A Real Florida Animal Park

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Zoos & Aquariums

Animal park

Zoo

Jungle Adventures, A Real Florida Animal Park is a roadside zoo set in a park-like environment. While their Jungle Swamp Cruise is currently closed due to the pandemic, visitors can still enjoy animal encounters and educational experiences. The park offers gator feedings, river cruises, and various shows and activities for guests to enjoy. Visitors can learn about the animals from knowledgeable staff members and even get the chance to hold a gator and snake for free.

This is the place you want to visit. Old school Florida cool at it's absolute finest. It's not polished and slick, it's perfect, exactly what we were looking for. Super friendly people, and very knowledgeable. Birds, gators, snakes, and monkeys, even a beautiful cat. They clearly love all the animals and treat them well. They answered all our questions and we learned plenty. You'll be glad you stopped in. If you're looking for Serge A. Storms, this is the kind of place you might find him visiting.

John N — Google review

This place was so fun and we had it all to ourselves, we went the last week of August. We were able to buy a bag of food and in the bag was food separated for other animals. We could feed the baby alligators, the goats, monkey, etc. We went on a Swamp boat ride which was really fun, saw huge alligator swim up to the boat. We were able to hold a snake, a small alligator, and a tarantula. They take your picture while holding the alligator and they turn it into a magnet that you can purchase before leaving. The guy there that was showing us around (I think he said his name was Brian) was great, you can tell he loved the animals. He went to the feeding area for the alligators and we were able to watch him feed them, they would jump out of the water and it was wild to see. They have A LOT of alligators! I would definitely recommend visiting!

Melissa G — Google review

Finally got a chance to go here and it was amazing. It's not a big park but you can spend a good 3-4 hours and not be bored. The staff was very nice and the tour guide, Trish, was great. Loved the swamp cruise - I forgot I was in Orlando for a few minutes. Hundreds of gators in the swamp, also you can see some other animals like tortoises, python, turtles, Bobcat, parrots etc in the park. If you want to escape the theme park craziness and see real Florida in Orlando, this is a good place.

S P — Google review

This place needs some updates and maybe some more animals BUT the front desk was so kind and Reptile Ryan was literally amazing. There were two people in wheel chairs in our tour group and he helped their family members push them over the rougher terrain. He has cheesy jokes which we enjoyed. I loved the simplicity of the tour, but his knowledge of the animals and the history of Florida was impressive. Even more impressive was watching him interact with the alligators. He knew them all by name and fed them in the open, close to the fence where we could really see the gators. We just needed to burn some time before our flight back home from vacation, I’m so happy we found this place to spend a few hours!

S. H — Google review

What an absolutely gorgeous place! They have been around for 60 years now and have an astonishing amount of gators. The boat ride through part of the lake area where they live was very serene with the large trees, and mossy green top layer surrounding these massive predators. The boat is run on a super quiet electric motor which is super cool in my opinion. The staff there is very knowledgeable about the animals as well as the establishment so asking questions is a must for the full experience! I learned some and had a great time.

Sydnie C — Google review

This place is an absolute GEM! 100+ gators, a show where you can hold different animals, a boat ride and gator feedings! There are "unofficially" 3 shows a day, I believe they are around 10, 12 and 3pm we came late and the gentlemen took his time and let my daughter hold a tarantula, a snake and pet a skunk!! They also have a "big kitty" cougar/puma! So much fun, wish we had more time but they close at gates at 530pm.

Jennifer N — Google review

If you’re looking for gators, this is the spot! Expect to spend about 2 hours here. They have lots of gators and other wildlife as well. There’s also a scheduled tour that’s included in the price. Best part of the tour is when they feed the gators (you can just show up for that if you ask about the timing). That’s worth watching. Check Groupon if you’re looking for discounted tickets or call to see if they can match the price.I took my friend who was visiting from Toronto and this was exactly was he was picturing in his mind to see. Great experience overall!!!

Nathan S — Google review

It's best place to explore for all the age groups. They have a wildlife show, the instructor Alexandra shared information about native floridians, alligator feeding and a boat ride and Alexandra shared interesting facts about the animals, she made the whole experience better. It's a lot of fun and a lot to explore. They have bunch of crocodiles, a wolf, Florida panther and bunch of birds.

Avdhoot M — Google review

I recently spent a delightful 3-4 hours on a guided boat tour, and it turned out to be a fantastic experience, especially with a Groupon deal. While the place doesn't have many animals overall, it more than makes up for it with an abundance of alligators.The tour guide was incredibly friendly and talkative, providing interesting insights and keeping us engaged throughout. The boat tour itself was a unique experience, moving at a leisurely pace over a green river bed, which created a serene and picturesque setting. Spotting the few alligators amidst this lush environment was truly thrilling.A highlight of the visit was the chance to pet a snake and a baby alligator. This hands-on interaction was both educational and fun, adding a special touch to the adventure.Overall, it's a great way to spend a few hours, especially if you can snag a deal on Groupon. Whether you're a nature lover or just looking for something different to do, this tour is well worth it.

Sanket G — Google review

We went here on a random whim one day at it was BEYOND all expectations. Myself, my two friends and my toddler (2yo) went here and we all had a blast. We got hands on experience with some animals as well as up close and personal with gators in the swamp. We got to see them feed meat to the gators as well as a boat ride through the swamp. They offer military discounts up to 50% off or BOGO. My ticket plus a toy was only $20. Please please go here! It is so worth it.

MK — Google review

This location provided a fantastic opportunity to interact with alligators in a close-up and have a hands-on experience. L was an incredible host and created an exciting experience. It was an informative and enjoyable trip.

Melissa V — Google review

Every friend and family member that comes to visit the area- we take here! Reptile Ryan is a RIOT and very knowledgeable about all the animals in the park. The boat ride & time it takes you to get through everything definitely makes it worth the admission price. There’s more than just alligators (but there’s also SO many gators)! Love how it’s less of a zoo vibe and more of a habitat that the animals enjoy/naturally live in. Plus they support educators, first responders and military by offering them free admission! This place is awesome, even for locals. Highly recommended 🐊

Kahlia S — Google review

Awesome experience for the family. Very kid friendly. So glad we ventured here for the day. The educational wildlife encounter was so entertaining and informative and personable. Affordable too.

Ali — Google review

Had an incredible experience! Would highly recommend! We got to hold and pet lots of different animals including a baby gator! We also saw the gators get fed and jump out of the water! And got to go on a boat ride to get a closer look!The staff was really knowledgeable especially Alex! She gave all of the talks we saw about the animals and fed the gators herself too!Will come again next time I’m in the area! Great for groups of friends and would recommend getting feed bags to give to somemof the animals on the property!

Sid H — Google review

What an experience this place is. The gentleman that was our guide was EXCELLENT! Not only did he have a vast knowledge of the animals they care for, he also was happy to share his knowledge of the area.The alligators were really cool to see. The boat ride was a lot of fun. Both kids and adults had a great time.THANK YOU!

Eric — Google review

My family and I enjoyed the tour. Our guide was the best and he made sure to make us feel welcome. I would highly recommend this to anyone that is looking for a tour of aligators. They have a nice gift shop full of souvenirs as well as food to feed the animals if you would like.

Michael B — Google review

Jungle Adventures is such a fun and amazing place to see what true Florida looks like with 300+ gators. They offer an animal show, boat ride, gator feeding, and native American village talk which is so informative and fun! Along with all of the gators they have various animals, many of which are rescues. I 100% recommend Jungle Adventures. This is one of my favorite places to go and I am always bringing new friends and family here spending at least 2-3 hours in the park. 🐊

Isabelle H — Google review

My boyfriend and I had a great time. This was a wonderful look into real Florida. We love to support these side road educational attractions. There were so many of them back in the 50's and 60's. A must visit!Our young lady guide was fabulous. The price was extremely reasonable.If your looking for fancy, glitzy and plastic this probably won't be your kind of place. If you are seeking a raw natural Florida environment then you will love this place. The weather in November is just spectacular.I highly recommend the retractable silver gator claw backscratcher from the gift shop.

Doreen Y — Google review

We love Jungle Adventure! The people who work here are authentic & knowledgeable. They're friendly & willing to answer any questions you might throw at them. Although they don't consider themselves a "rescue", they give a happy home to many animals that might have perished otherwise. Their only support comes from visitors & tips ... I encourage everyone to visit & share in helping this place maintain so they can give these animals the love & safety they deserve 🫶🏼

Jazmyn Y — Google review

We had a great time, got there at 9:30 so it’s not so hot. The staff are great and we learn so much. We got to feed some cool animals and the boat ride was nice. Not a lot of bugs, surprisingly. It was great value for everything we did. Your money goes to a great organization that really care for the animals. Shop local

Karine — Google review

4.3

(1494)39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (88)

4.0

(405)39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (89)

26205 E Colonial Dr, Christmas, FL 32709, USA

(407) 568-2885

18

Exotic Animal Experience

39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (90)39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (91)

39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (92)39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (93)

Mentioned on

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Animals

Outdoor Activities

Exotic Animal Experience (EAE) is a privately owned zoo where visitors can have intimate encounters with various animals such as lemurs, kangaroos, wallabies, sloths, and deer. The facility is licensed by the USDA and Florida Fish & Wildlife. Guests can enjoy close interactions with a variety of animals during group experiences led by knowledgeable guides who provide plenty of individual time with the animals.

Me and my boyfriend did the ultimate experience here and it was worth every penny! It’s a very relaxed and fun environment where you get to hold and hang out with all the animals. All the animals are very sweet and social, you can tell they get a lot of love and are so well taken care of. Leslie and the others that work there are very nice and made this such a wonderful experience. I have already told all my friends that if they are ever in Orlando they have to go!

Jamie D — Google review

What an awesome experience!!!! You will not regret it! The staff here is wonderful and the animals are amazing! Our group had so much fun meeting all of the cool animals and the experience began as soon as we arrived. Definitely a must do when visiting Orlando! Also loved that even with the group option it was still an intimate setting.

J D — Google review

Wow what a once in a lifetime opportunity. Would recommend anyone who loves animals to visit. The animals were healthy and friendly. The staff was knowledgeable. The facility was very clean and we were welcomed into all the living areas of the animals. We held lemurs, sloths, spider monkey, bush baby and more. Incredible and unforgettable. Would visit again.

Tammy A — Google review

The staff was very polite and knowledgeable about all of the animals. Everything was very clean and presented professionally. The animals seemed very happy and loved interacting with people. It was really a one of a kind experience.

Ali-Jah C — Google review

Absolutely amazing place! The staff are incredible, very knowledgeable and truly love the animals. This is an experience of a life time and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to go! The owner genuinely loves her animals and it is evident in everything from their habitats to how the animals clearly love her and the staff. I highly recommend going you will not regret it!!!

Jennifer B — Google review

Giving 1 star due to unprofessional customer service and inaccurate details on website. It states “No Appointments Booked Over 30 Days in Advance.” I tried booking on April 20th for a May 19th (Thursday) appointment and was told there were no more spots available. Wish i knew to book months in advance. I’m very disappointed I can’t go during my stay in Orlando , I was looking forward to the experience.

Kyra — Google review

We brought our son to the Exotic Animal Experience for his birthday on May 1st.. We had such an amazing experience. The staff is absolutely wonderful. They are friendly and very knowledgeable of the animals. For me, what I loved the most was seeing how much the animals love the owner and staff. You can tell the animals are so happy and so well taken care of. I’ve been to other animal experiences and have felt rushed. It was the exact opposite here. They really make sure each person gets adequate time with each animal. The property is very well maintained and very clean. I really like that the owner only books small groups at a time. It gives you room to spread out on the property and feel like you’re alone with the animals.We had an issue paying and had to stay behind about 20 minutes after the experience ended. The staff was so understanding and so willing to help us get the issue resolved.Thank you so much for allowing us to come visit and spend the day with your fur babies! It was such a special experience that we will never forget!

Emily V — Google review

We went to the zoo yesterday! It was my 3 teen girls and I. We did the group experience first...it was amazing! We got to interact with animals you typically wouldn’t get to interact with. Zebra, camel, lemurs, sloth, kangaroo and more! Leslie, Garret and Jodie were very knowledgeable about all the animals and gladly answered all questions. The animals were very active and well kept! They have a huge area that they live in, play in and it’s very clean. You can tell how much Leslie loves her animals. Her dogs were awesome too! My daughter did the simply sloth experience after the group experience for a graduation gift. She was in heaven! She got to hold, snuggle and feed the sloth. They also offered a great deal on photos. It was nice to be able to interact with the animals the whole time and not have to worry about taking pictures. As an animal lover it was great to go to a zoo and actually see happy well taken care of animals:)Thanks again for an amazing experience!

Christine S — Google review

I was looking for something different and hands on for my daughter's birthday/5th grade graduation. Well, this was it! You can tell the animals are very well cared for and several have a very special bond with Leslie. All the tour guides were super friendly and very knowledgeable. Leslie is wonderful and you can tell how much she loves what she does. We will definitely be looking to do this again. From Baby Girl, the most welcoming camel you have ever met, to the fun and rambunctious lemurs, you will truly enjoy your time spent here!

Desiree D — Google review

What a experience!!!!!! So happy we didn’t listen to some of these reviews! The animals are so sweet and loving they really love their owner and care takers which was really awesome to see. The animals really are well taken care of. I noticed some complaints on the owner saying she can be a bit mean. That wasn’t the case with our group she was very informative what people have to remember is these are her babies she going to protect them as much as she can if you simply listen you will have a awesome time like we did! At the end she brought out a new addition to the family that was just born. I would highly recommend this tour well worth every penny! Thanks again for such a awesome experience! You have a great staff!

Lisa — Google review

I took my wife here to celebrate her birthday and it was fantastic! We did the basic group visit. We were grouped up with about 10 or so other people. Courtney guided us through the different animals and gave us lots of information about all of them. Even though we were in a larger group, they made sure that everyone got plenty of individual time with the different animals. I never felt rushed. First, we got to pet a zebra and a sloth. Then we got to actually go into the lemur's pen and interact with them! My favorite part was getting to play with the kangaroos and bottle feed some of them. They're so gentle and friendly! The entire experience was incredible! You can tell that Leslie really cares about every single one of her animals and takes great care of them. I cannot recommend this place enough!

Joe C — Google review

How this place has anything but 5 stars, just proves why animals are better than people most of the time. 😂There is nothing I can say sufficiently in the characters allowed in this review. This is not a Zoo, it’s an experience. Leslie loves what she does, and it shows immediately. The staff are passionate, and happy. The animals are comfortable, and relaxed.There is no pressure or exploitation of any of these animals. Leslie is authentic, and loving to her pets. (She is quite possibly on saint level, with how great with people, after taking care of these animals so well all the time.) So any review talking negatively about her, was likely missing the entire point of this experience. The Animals.What you see here is epic, and special. What you experience here is unique, and inexplicable. Call, and book. You will not regret it, I promise you. My wife and I had an incredible time, and can’t stop commenting on the obvious care, and passion this place contains. They have something special here. For the experience you receive, you will leave feeling truly good inside, knowing that the animals are happy, loved, and you are helping them to continue being cared for.The energy from the animals, and the people, remind you that there is in fact so much good in this world. The opportunity to experience these beautiful, exotic animals, without feeling as though they are prisoners in cages. These are NOT zoo animals, they are Leslie’s pets. What a difference!!! Thank you again Leslie, for letting people into your “home”.

G C — Google review

4.6

(72)39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (94)

5.0

(414)39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (95)

(407) 383-6766

19

Harry P Leu Gardens

39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (96)39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (97)

39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (98)39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (99)

Mentioned on

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$$$$cheap

Botanical garden

The Harry P Leu Gardens is an exquisite botanical paradise just minutes away from downtown Orlando. Filled with vibrant flora, the garden is a popular tourist spot for those interested in gardening or nature.

Beautiful gardens!! Lots of walking. The walkways are plentiful, wide and paved beautifully for those who need accessibility. Doors are automatic, plenty of ramps and the attractions (it’s Halloween in a few days) are accessible.If you love plants, camellias, roses, small lizards, birds, fresh air, this os the place for you.There is a welcome center with bathrooms (there are also bathrooms outside, they are well marked on the map), and plenty of parking. We missed the museum tour, but spent several hours in the botanical garden.

Tatiana H — Google review

The gardens were really interesting. Usually we see tropical plants in a greenhouse, but here they are growing outside. We were quite impressed with how quickly the gardens opened after hurricane Milton. Clearly the staff and crew care. We hope to come back when more things are blooming but what was there was really nice!

Bryan S — Google review

We loved it. It's huge and organized into different gardens (map is helpful). Tours of the house are only between 10am and noon, but there's lots to see without that. All of the paths are paved,wood, etc, which is nice for maneuverability (and you don't have to worry about your shoes). They have events here, so we'll probably be back 😊

Kat B — Google review

We wanted to go somewhere interesting and relaxing on one of our off days and found this place in Orlando.. it was really worth visiting this garden on a beautiful sunny day as there is a lot of shade with trees and plants..our 7 year old daughter had fun finding the fairy houses all around this garden..she led the way and we also participated in the activity. Beautiful and lovely landscaping, very well maintained from the entrance throughout the property. Museum was closed for renovation but the garden was really awesome to walk around and take photos..we all loved it! We took their membership pass so that we can go to all other gardens in their participating list for a year. I would recommend their membership plan to anyone who likes going to gardens.

Jacks — Google review

Worth every penny. 50 acres and meticulously maintained with hundreds of flower varieties ranging from tropical to desert and everything in-between.Spend a couple of hours walking and taking pictures, and during the holidays they have a gnome hunt, where they hide 50 gnome around the gardens, and it turned out to be more fun finding them than we thought it would be. We only found about a dozen, but it was fun.Eat before you come and bring your own water. No Cafe or food here (yet).

Louis C — Google review

We have a reciprocal pass so we can enter Leu Gardens for free 🆓 plus they have free parking (some in the shade, thank goodness on a hot day like today).In the summer go early, enjoy the calm/quiet/cooler gardens. Right now they have a map to spot Fairy doors, which was fun.So many plants, flowers, docent tour, walk along the lake, plenty of benches in the shade and sun (for winter days), such a lovely way to get your steps in.

Holly K — Google review

Get there early this place is packed. Traffic getting inside was a 35 minute wait. Thankfully had valet but still had to wait in the standard line. Wanted to get some merch and food but because the strict time to enter we skipped it. Had a time of 8:45pm got there at 8 and got inside at 8:42pm.The decorations were cool but really for kids not the 13 and up. Had some bush people hiding and a few other actors with minumum scare factor.Overall the frightful nights is great for families we took our little one. Honestly tho this is a one and done. Would rather go to lowry park aka zoo tampa for zoo boo.The lower rating was really just how they handle the event and over sell it. Not to mention the parking. Pay $36 after taxes and fees for valet and you're still stuck in the general parking line. Like I said 35 minutes to drive into the park, that's ridiculous.

Vibes T — Google review

I was there for an event with the City of Orlando. The event was great and vendors. Walking around the grounds was okay wish there were more things in bloom. It was very shady so even though the temps were in the upper 90’s not real bad. I would suggest water stations to get a drink.

Nancy P — Google review

The air is pristine here and time passes differently. This hidden sanctuary is the optimal spot to find solace from the worries and anguish of every day life. There are a total of 12 gardens to visit, each specializing in a particular group of plants or theme. My personal favorites are the Rose Garden, Herb Garden, White Garden and Butterfly Garden. If you want a peaceful and intimate hideaway to enjoy with your loved ones, this is the place to go. The grand variety in plants is sure to make plant and non-plant enthusiasts alike marvel at the flourishing biodiversity. Leu Gardens also offers seasonal events like festivals and scavenger hunts, perfect for the family. Moreover, the fountains and platform at the Rose Garden are scenic areas for wedding venues and photo shoots. Not to mention, the staff are friendly, knowledgeable and warm. Admission nowadays is $15 per adult (18 and up), $10 for kids and an admirable speciality discount for veterans. If you’re looking for a regular spot to visit, walk, meditate and enjoy, Leu Gardens is the place to be.

Ibrahim I — Google review

My fiancé and I came here to take engagement photos. Leu Gardens was one of our recommendations from our photographer and we are so glad we chose to take pictures here! The scenery is stunning! We will be going back soon!

Clarice B — Google review

No regrets for visiting this botanical garden. There is a great selection of plants, flowers bushes, tropical trees, and ferns. Definitely a great ideea for those who want to see something else in Orlando other than parks.

Laura — Google review

I visited the Advent Health Dazzling Lights experience, and it was fantastic! The light displays were gorgeous, fun, and inspiring. There are different areas to explore and experience. I also really loved the spiked hot cocoa🤪 This was a super fun girls night out. I took 75 photos!!!

Deanna — Google review

We really enjoyed our visit. Such a calm and peaceful place to be. Watching all those botanical plants reminds me of back home in Southeast Asia, where the plants just grow wild in the forest. They also have a wedding venue available. My friend likes this place so much that she's even thinking about having a wedding over here.

Jen J — Google review

What a beautiful garden! We love visiting! It’s so peaceful and always looks beautiful- fresh, seasonal plantings and frequent exhibitions make it feel like a new garden each visit.Highly recommend!

Michelle B — Google review

Beautifully maintained botanical garden. Very friendly volunteers. We really enjoyed the home tour and history of the past owners. Seeing two Barred Owls was a nice bonus!

Marvin S — Google review

Nice Garden to check out if you're in the area. It's by a nice lake with a great view. They have many different gardens to see like Rose garden, white garden butterfly garden and a secret garden, etc. People also have weddings here as well and it looks really nice.

LC C — Google review

Great place to visit and take photos. We spent a good bit of the day here. Priced right as well.

Danny B — Google review

We may have missed prime blooming time, but it was a wonderfully relaxing afternoon. Temps were a perfect 65 degrees and low humidity, so I can't argue with that. My husband and I shared a couple of bottles of champagne on a bench with a beautiful view. We had a nice afternoon.

Debbie K — Google review

This is such a beautiful oasis! If you are considering it and love nature, don’t think twice. So happy to discover this gem! Magical!

Ilena V — Google review

Haunting Nights was such a great experience. The staff there were amazing! From the first person we encountered in the parking lot, to the very last saying their good byes. We went on October 5th and my girlfriend proposed to me there!! It was so great and all the staff were very attentive to us. Thank you to everyone who worked that night, you guys are rockstars! <3

Amy C — Google review

4.7

(4833)39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (103)

4.5

(1448)39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (104)

1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando, FL 32803, USA

(407) 246-2620

20

Kia Center

39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (105)39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (106)

39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (107)39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (108)

Mentioned on

6 lists

$$$$expensive

Arena

The Orlando Magic's home arena, Amway Center, is a popular tourist destination with many food vendors. The arena has hosted numerous sports and music events, including the NBAs Orlando Magic. It can seat over 16,000 people and is a favorite venue for concerts.

went to a basketball game. the view is pretty good even from the top levels! Well i was 219 first row and it was pretty good. be aware of the bag/purse size allowance, I was over just for a bit and they sent me back to store in a locker that cost fifteen bucks

Margo T — Google review

Came here this past Saturday for the GOAT (Gold Over America Tour) with my wife and daughters. It was a great experience for all. Everything so was seamless I was very surprised by it. We got into parking in less than 3 mins and there were many parking attendants directing traffic. Getting into the arena was quick and efficient. Seating was great compared to many other stadiums and arenas I’ve been too. We were all able to see the event without having to stand up, got to sit and enjoy the whole time. Bathrooms were very clean. Concessions weren’t overpriced. Leaving the event was seamless again. Parking attendants directed traffic and we were out within 5 mins. Overall great experience and once in a lifetime show for our daughters.

Adnan B — Google review

Great modern stadium. Easy getting in and out of, the facilities are clean with lots of food and drink stations. Good view from pronounce every seat. Only downside was the game was pretty dull. Magic ran away with it, so wasn’t exactly competitive.

Carlos U — Google review

Came to the Kia Center for Friday Night Smackdown in August! It was our first time coming here so we weren’t sure what to expect or what we would experience, etc.. Getting here was a breeze surprisingly! They do a phenomenal job directing traffic into/out and around the facility. Security was terrific, fast and efficient! Staff were very considerate and extremely helpful! We’ll definitely get tickets to another event here!

Victoria — Google review

Great day parking was easy. Had a fun time watching the Solar Bears win against South Carolina. Kids had a great time. Highly recommend going on the school day game they do every year

Eddy S — Google review

Kia Center aka Amway home of the Orlando Magic my favorite basketball team! I have been going to the Kia for years. I was an Orlando Magic Season Ticket Holder for about 5 years before COVID hit. This place is unbelievably amazing each seat was perfect to view the court as I have been to hundreds of games and sat and many different sections. I also have been to many events here from Missy Elliott, Kevin Hart, Rod Wave, Dave Chappelle, Khalid.. ext always had a great time. I will say the only downfall is the parking but what event in Orlando has perfect parking. Anyways get your ticket to whatever event happens and sit back and enjoy the show!! Orlando Magic, Orlando Magic!!

Symone G — Google review

Nice wide arena, a little difficult to navigate at first, but here are plenty of openings. There were a lot of different shops and food vendors, and a reasonable number of bathrooms, but they're kind of small. I enjoyed the concert a ton. Traffic is always a nightmare on the way out, so be wary of that.

Ivan S — Google review

This venue is beautiful with an amazing staff. Everyone is super friendly and helpful. The food is way overpriced for what you get. This year they raised the prices again and lowered the quantity and quality of the food. It's a shame. The arena overall is very dirty and is much need of a deep pressure cleaning of all of the stairs, aisles and seating areas. The ketchup on the wall of the stairs to section 108-109 has been there for weeks. I feel like I need to douse myself in sanitizer every time I go to a Solar Bears game or a concert. Clean the building and restore it to what it should be, a great venue, and I will give it 5 stars. The staff, however, does deserve 5+++ stars.

Gerry H — Google review

Loved it! I really enjoyed seeing the Magic's last regular season game against the Bucks. They started out a little slow but eventually found their rhythm.

Torrance H — Google review

The photos shown are from the legend A club box at an Orlando magic game. The club services were as good as it gets at any sporting event anywhere. The view from these seats was amazing as we could see the action at both ends of the floor without any obstructions. The parking deck was incredibly easy to get into and even easier to get out of and be on your way. The signage inside the arena is a bit challenging if you’re not familiar with arenas and stadiums elsewhere. It is a worthwhile experience. I’m looking forward to going again.

Steve C — Google review

Saw twenty one pilots! Venue was fantastic. The staff was very helpful and offered to help find our seats. Very clean!!

Sarah K — Google review

Really nice center and pretty clean. Found it easy to get around and the concession staff friendly and helpful. Good set up for concert. Saw Jelly Roll and it was great.

William D — Google review

Great venue for NBA basketball! Impressive, easy to access and great very loud crowd! What an experience! Plenty of parking around the venue and places to eat. Hamburger Mary’s was good! Drinks in venue a bit on the pricey side, we made the mistake of going into the fans shop on arrival, once in you can’t go back outside to enjoy the atmosphere, so plan visit accordingly. Impressed with our visit!

Claire B — Google review

Amazing venue. Cigarettes after Sex was the best concert I’ve ever seen, and so glad Kia Center was so organized and welcoming.

Christopher L — Google review

My 2nd NBA arena that I’ve been to and this one looks clean from the outside. I think they need a gigantic Jumbotron outside for the basketball 🏀 fans during playoffs. Let’s go Orlando Magic!- from a 🦖fan

Keandell P — Google review

I was in Orlando for vacation and was able to catch a Magic game before the regular season ended. I was surprised to find out upon arrival you cannot enter the arena if you have a fanny pack for men or a purse for women. We ended up renting one of those portable lockers outside the arena in order to enter the game.

Kenneth H — Google review

Watched Orlando Magic play the Portland Trailblazers at the Kia Center. The Security are quite strict about the small pouch size and eventually let us through. Awesome atmosphere and the Staff were helpful when I asked them for information. Food outlets and Merchandise stores scattered around the arena. Cashless payments, Card only

William L — Google review

Went here for a Magic game (specifically Los Angeles Clippers @ Orlando Magic) not long ago. Went with my two friends on a trip. We enjoyed the game from the suites and nosebleeds, and we all had a great time. The pricing is stadium pricing, and the parking is a fairer price than other sporting attractions. My real issue is security. I was collecting footage on a camcorder for a personal project and was told I could not bring it in. I showed them the rules to which they still would not let me in. I complied and went to put the camera in our car, to which security followed me halfway there for absolutely NO reason. That alone has docked the Magic 2 stars. Besides that terrible experience with the staff, the game, attractions, and the atmosphere were all very enjoyable.

Zaak — Google review

To be honest I was surprised and impressed by just how seamless everything was for the Gunna concert. From the parking to entry to finding our seats. Staff was efficient, safe and kind. I’ll definitely be back to watch some Magic games.

Kadeem F — Google review

Friendly staff! Solar bears hockey is so fun! NBA Basketball and concerts are the main attractions. In downtown. Parking is a pain. Not far from Orlando’s bar district, a stones throw from Camping World Stadium & inter&co stadium. 30 minutes from Disney World, 30 minutes from UCF

Timothy C — Google review

4.6

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4.5

(2468)39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (110)

400 W Church St, Orlando, FL 32801, USA

(407) 440-7900

I'll never travel to Lakeland without this trip planner again

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21

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.

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

We visited here about a year ago, it wasn't overly crowded for a Thursday. We bought our tickets in advance, I recommend having your tickets already purchased to skip the ticket line. We loved all the rollercoasters, The Manta was our favorite. Also we really enjoyed the dolphin shows, a really fun experience. The food and beverages are ridiculously expensive however, about 11 bucks for a bottle of water.

Mitch A — 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

I have to say, that I had a great time here. The crowds are a bit overwhelming, however the experience my family and I had here was great. I will definitely be back. The shows for the dolphins and Orca were spectacular. The food within the park is a little hard on the stomach. We tried many different restaurants here and they all seem to have that old reheated greasy food taste. I didn't ride any of the rides, but my children had fun on the rides. I would definitely say that you really need to spend 2 days here to make sure that you get to see and enjoy everything.

Paul B — 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

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

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

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

Really good theme park a lot of coaster that I love doing, a pretty cool and chill park no rush have a lot of time to do a lot of things. The wait time is totally fine the longest for me that I have to do was 50min and water rides too are awesome

Chaimaa J — 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 animal shows like the whale and dolphin experiences are amazing!! We got to experience the Sea World mime as well! We had a great day! We went on a weekday in September. There was a good amount of crowds but there were really not a lot of wait times for rides or food.We spent the entire day - 9am to 9pm - and got to see the whole thing!One downfall is that Sea Wold is quite pricey for food and drink but if you can plan for that, it's a great day.

Amanda F — 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

Only had time to see the dolphin show. There are 3 other shows, which we will definitely check out next time. Surprisingly there were a few rides...roller coasters. Enjoyed feeding the sting rays.

Tyson C — Google review

We did the VIP Private tour for Howl-o-scream. We had Victoria as our guide and she was amazing. Super friendly and a joy to spend our evening with. We got to go to any house or open ride and go right in, got drinks and a souvenir cup, a meal, and got front row seating for the Monster Stomp show, which was great. Would definitely do it again!

Rob C — 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

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

SeaWorld Orlando was a fantastic experience! We visited in the early days of fall, and the weather was perfect when we arrived right as the park opened. Getting there early had its pros and cons—some stalls were still opening, so not everything was immediately available. However, the upside was being able to enjoy all the roller coasters and attractions with zero wait time, which was a huge bonus! I highly recommend checking out SeaWorld—it’s yet another great attraction that Orlando has to offer.

Ryan S — 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

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

We came to visit on Monday 10/14 and we had a pretty good time. We enjoyed the rides we got on. Enjoyed all the shows. We had 12:30 reservations to dine with the orcas and it was a great experience from beginning to end. The gentlemen at the front verifying our names was very pleasant and greeted us with a smile. Melissa took care of us at our table and her service was top notch. The food was delicious, better than I had expectations for. I wish the staff throughout the park had the same personalities. Every single one we encountered whether at a gift shop or at the lines were miserable and rude. We decided to see the sea lions show and showed Aimee our reserved seating passes and happily showed us where we could sit. We were in our seats for 10 minutes and 5 minutes into the show a male associate approached us and asked for our tickets again and told us we couldn’t sit where we were. Confused and annoyed during a great show, we went to guest services when we left for the day and told there was no “tier” for reserved seating and shouldn’t have been asked to move. This was mostly likely and one and done visit for us. We’d recommend the orca show if someone was visiting but wouldn’t recommend the park itself.

Paula C — Google review

4.4

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4.5

(34035)39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (126)

7007 Sea World Dr, Orlando, FL 32821, USA

(407) 545-5550

22

Disney Springs

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Shopping mall

Shopping

Disney Springs is a shopping and entertainment district that has been added to central Florida in the past two years. It has a mix of food, stores, and entertainment throughout, from the AMC Dine-In movie theater to the Strolling Piano.

This is our first time back since Covid. There was still a security checkpoint, but no temperature taking. The place was nice and clean. It wasn’t overcrowded. We noticed a few things that were added since last time we were there there was a lot more Disney themed items such as the people walking around selling balloons and Disney themed desserts. There is also a cart that was rolling around, presumably led by robots with a lady playing a piano and singing, it gave you the impression of really being at a Disney park.

Jessica W — Google review

I recently visited Disney Springs on October 5th and had a wonderful time. Accessing the shops and restaurants was a breeze, with no lines at security and plenty of friendly, accommodating staff. The variety of options available was impressive, from dining to shopping and entertainment.The only downside was the travel time from the resort, with the boat and bus ride taking around 20 minutes. However, the experience was well worth it, and I definitely recommend a visit. The array of choices and the overall atmosphere make it a fantastic destination.

Forest L — Google review

Disney Springs is a must-visit in Orlando, offering something for everyone. Foodies will love the variety of restaurants, from casual to upscale. Shopaholics can explore Disney stores or popular brands.The beautiful setting, with waterfront promenades and nighttime lights, creates a lively atmosphere with street performers and special events. It's a great way to relax after a theme park day or enjoy a night out.While Disney Springs can get crowded and some restaurants are pricey, it's a fantastic option for entertainment, dining, and shopping with a touch of Disney magic.

Omar N — Google review

I recently visited Disney Springs, and it was a delightful experience. The shopping center is beautifully designed, featuring a variety of stores, eateries, and live music that adds a lively atmosphere. The ambiance is vibrant and visually stunning, making it a great place to shop, dine, and enjoy some entertainment. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and would definitely recommend it to others looking for a fun and picturesque outing.

Alecia K — Google review

It's a nice walk around the shops and lake. Good shopping and delicious food.We visited it 2 days one night and one in the morning. Great variety of Disney shops. Would visit again. Recommended 100% especially if you have kids.

Dimitris P — Google review

Best shopping, restaurants, and entertainment in that we’ve been to! If you can make it during the holidays, that’s an added bonus because of the numerous themed holiday trees and lights throughout the property. Live music is everywhere and the shopping is almost endless. Don’t forget to visit Chicken Guy as that place quickly became our family favorite (those sauces!!). With numerous parking garages and tons of public transportation constantly coming and going, it’s seemingly always busy but still reasonable to enjoy yourself even with young kids. An absolute visit for an evening if visiting the parks!

Randy D — Google review

Amazing place with lots of food options and stores. Come here if you want to feel like in a Disney theme park but without admission fee and with free parking. The nightly drone show is quite amazing.

Mauricio R — Google review

I like it here. It's a nice walk around the shops and lake. Good shopping. Good photo ops. Good food. This time, we came specifically to visit the LEGO Store... their cast members are extra helpful and friendly. We made our own mini figures, got the sets we wanted, and took some photos. July 2024

Marvilla M — Google review

Disney Springs is a vibrant and exciting destination that perfectly captures the magic of Disney while offering a unique shopping and dining experience.The shopping scene is equally fantastic. From unique boutiques to well-known brands, there’s something for everyone. I particularly enjoyed browsing the (World of Disney) store, which has a wide array of Disney merchandise.The atmosphere at Disney Springs is lively, with live music and beautiful waterfront views. It’s a great place to relax and soak in the Disney magic without the hustle and bustle of the parks.One highlight of my visit was the incredible drone light show at night. It was a mesmerizing display that perfectly capped off the evening. If you’re visiting, make sure you don’t miss it!Overall, Disney Springs is a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy great food, shopping, and entertainment. I can’t wait to go back!

Hsuwais — Google review

Very nice well maintained shopping area. Good amount of stores to choose from. Plenty of places to park which is free after 6:00 pm. We used their green lot which was easy to find and was free. Some garages are free all day, some charge until 6pm. The green garage was close to the stores just a quick trip down the stairs. What's nice about the garage is there are lights above each spot that let's you know if there are any open spots without having to drive down each row. If it's green there's an open spot.We saw lots of good restaurants and surprisingly fairly priced. Got a nice pair of shorts there cheaper than I could have found at home.The atmosphere was very nice with a good mix of all kinds of people.Would recommend

Ryan G — Google review

It's a must to visit this place. Many good stores and restaurants.If you want to buy the latest Disney souvenirs this is the ace because you'll find a large store inside.Clean and tidy. Places to sit and rests to get ready to walk again.They have free parking lots and you have several options.Take a look at the lake with sun lightand take some pictures. Wait till the night and you'll see a great drone show over the lake.We will go back soon.

Ever V — Google review

So I use my RV to go around the country and I love to eat out and explore new places. We stopped by to watch the drone show and it was super cool, A little short. But super worth it. Food here is great and is a must see when you are traveling. Can't wait to go back!

RvReviewer — Google review

Our family recently had the most amazing visit to Disney Springs in Orlando. This has become a must-do activity for us every time we are in town, and it never fails to disappoint.One of the highlights of our visit is always the live music that fills the air as we walk around and explore all that Disney Springs has to offer. The talented musicians and performers add such a vibrant and lively atmosphere to the experience, making it truly unforgettable.We love taking our time to walk around and soak in the sights and sounds of this bustling entertainment district. From the charming shops to the delicious restaurants, there is always something new to discover and enjoy.Our family's love for Disney Springs grows with each visit, and we always leave feeling refreshed, happy, and grateful for the memories we've made. It has truly become a special tradition for us, and we look forward to many more magical moments spent at this enchanting destination. If you're ever in Orlando, be sure to make a stop at Disney Springs - you won't regret it!

Abel A — Google review

Great place to wandering around, lots of shopping, food, ice cream, you name it. We went there 2 evening in a row during our short trip. The live concert on Friday evening was great ! This place got many things to offer and for all ages !

Issareeya C — Google review

Disney Springs is an absolute blast! Imagine a vibrant wonderland where every corner offers a new adventure. From the moment you step in, you're greeted by an eclectic mix of live music, tantalizing aromas from world-class eateries, and the infectious energy of happy visitors.The dining options are out of this world! You can indulge in everything from gourmet meals to the most decadent desserts. The Boathouse serves up the freshest seafood, while Gideon’s Bakehouse tempts you with cookies the size of your face!The shopping is equally spectacular. Whether you're hunting for unique Disney merch or high-end fashion, there's something for everyone. Don't miss out on the LEGO Store – it's like stepping into a giant toy box!But the real magic happens in the experiences. Take a ride on the iconic hot air balloon for breathtaking views, or enjoy a serene boat ride around the lake. The nightly entertainment, from street performers to live bands, ensures the fun never stops.Disney Springs is more than just a destination; it's a place where memories are made. Whether you're there with family, friends, or on a solo adventure, it’s impossible not to get swept up in the excitement and enchantment of this fantastic Disney hub.

Curry R — Google review

Cool to walk around. Cool for the kids. We have been here a few times. If you go there with "it's for the kids and their experience" mindset....you may not notice them in your wallet at every turn. All I'm going to say is if you can make peace with spending 15 dollars on a balloon with mickey and minnie on it.....then this is the place for you. IMHO everything Disney and related to it. Waste of money.

Lucas S — Google review

Beyond feeling like it's just another outdoor mall, the place has quite a bit of cool things to explore. There were plenty of shops I've never heard of, so those were cool to check out. Lego Store was super cool to explore. The food and drinks there were great! One place that you must checkout at least once is Gideon's Bakehouse! Saw a line out the door, in the rain... I thought, if they're willing to wait in line in the rain for it, I gotta check it out! Yeah, I understand why they were out there! Got myself a couple of cookies and took my time enjoying them.. very sinful indeed. Lol

Xavier T — Google review

I only had a short period of time to enjoy but I sat and had an affordable lunch for 5 people and shopped for a few gifts. My only gripe would be more of a variety of gifts spread out through Disney Springs. It was very hot and there was nothing to shield the heat so walking a long distance wasn’t realistic with young children and an elderly person not used to that type of heat. Very clean and beautiful at every corner you glance toward.

Miyesha O — Google review

Disney springs comes to life of a night. It has a buzzing, vibrant atmosphere and is filled with people mooching in the shops, drinking in the bars and eating in the restaurants. There are musicians playing in the streets. We went for the drone show which was cancelled because of earlier bad weather. Didn't matter, we had fun anyway.

Charlotte W — Google review

We walked up and down and enjoyed exploring this tourist area. There are a lot of shops and restaurants to choose from. If you want to go to a popular restaurant you need to make a reservation in advance. There are food trucks that offer some really tasty food. We got a Poke bowl and some empanadas at two different places and ate outside at a little eating area. There was live music at House of Blues and a stage in the street with live music. There is a hot air balloon you can go up in (weather permitting). Honestly too many places to mention.

Thomas S — Google review

This retail and restaurant center has plenty of food and shopping for all tastes. Some of my favorite spots are Polite Pig, the Edison, and of course Chef Art Smith's Homecomin'. There is also plenty to do including going up in the tethered hot air balloon. Gives a great view of the entire Disney resort. The new drone show for Summer 2024 -- Disney Dreams That Soar -- is spectacular. Three parking garages and a huge surface lot means plenty of free parking except at the very busiest of times.

David E — Google review

Love this place because it's free to park and walk in. If you don't have the extra $ to dish out to visit a theme park, or you only have a few hours of time, this place is perfect. Great for walking around, having some good food, shopping and unique experiences. They recently added a new drone show at night time too!

Megann H — Google review

The drone show was spectacular! A huge selection of clothing and toy stores including a large Lego store. The Coca-Cola store boasts an around the world experience with 20 different flavoured soft and fizzy drinks from countries all over the world. Great fun to try! Rainforest Cafe is entertaining for the whole family and Planet Hollywood is fun but busy.

Glynis S — Google review

Disney Springs was really nice, it's my first time visiting I can say I love it. It's a great plat to chill, two rids for kids, lots of different shops. Bars places to eat. At night there was a performance at the stage..

Daney K — Google review

4.7

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4.5

(13908)39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (135)

1486 Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, USA

(407) 939-5277

23

Universal Islands of Adventure

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$$$$expensive

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.

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

Great park with a wide variety of rides for everyone. The lines were not bad at all today. Most of the rides were under 20 minutes, however, there were 3 rides we waited 35 minutes up to 1 hour. All of the employees were friendly and helpful. The food we had was very good. We all purchased some fun merch and had a great day!

Will G — 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

Rides are great. Whole park is clean. Staff and ride operators are very helpful. Music in marvel area can be loud and annoying at times, but not always. Places to hide from the sun are convenient, and splash features in the old school comic area fun and refreshing. Food is affordable and actually good quality, especially compared to six flags, who will double charge you, or more for the same type of food with a lower quality and size.

Amy W — 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

Amazing! Velocicoaster, motorbikes, King Kong and water rides are a must! Keep in mind that at 2 (of 3) water rides you'll be soaking wet! Motorbikes was a next level experience, but expect 1-2 hour queue (totally worth it). Enjoyed every second!

Luka V — 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

This was my first time visiting, and it was a delightful experience. It is undoubtedly an enjoyable location to visit. It can become quite crowded, so please keep that in mind. If you are traveling from a distant location, I recommend purchasing express passes or arriving early to ensure you have the opportunity to experience everything.

Johana L — Google review

Fantastic park with amazing staff! Really enjoyed taking my dad to see Harry Potter. The heat became too much for him, and we needed to call for a medic. The staff who helped him were amazing! Thank you so much because I was able to get him there and was able to share with him something he really wanted to see at 80!

Sarah C — 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

Visited in June 2024 from 7-10:30pm during the closed event.Great place & awesome experience! 3,5h is not enough to discover everything you might be interested in even without crowds & lines.Harry Potter World is 🤍

Julia A — Google review

We are Annual Park Pass Holders and love coming to visit many times during the year. We live about 2 hours away so it's nice that we don't have to over do it and can just relax knowing we can come back another time. We like to take advantage of staying at one of the Universal resorts that includes the Express Pass to help avoid long lines. People pay a lot of money for these so to receive 5 per room, that makes the value of staying on site so much greater!

1USAVET — 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

LS Group Tours visited the park on Saturday June 8th and we had a blast! The lines really were not as bad as we anticipated, compared to nearly all other amusement parks we've been to. The rides were definitely thrilling! It had been nearly 8 years since some of us had last been at the park so it was nice to see some updates, new rides and some improvements from the last visit. Thanks for an amazing time!

LS T — Google review

Absolutely a must do with your family. Absolutely a great experience would recommend especially if you have young teenagers. Set up is absolutely phenomenal. kids had a wonderful time. Great family experience.

Cindy L — 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

This is a nice park, even though this park has been marked as a kid park I can tell that you’ll definitely enjoy the attractions from this park. I recommend you to come on weekdays because you’ll have less people and the line will be faster. Service here is great and food is fantastic. I recommend you to go to the Harry Potter’s world because once you go through the doors that separate island of adeventures and hogsmade you’ll definitely feel that you are a wizard in this word.

Sebastian L — Google review

What an unforgettable experience. Everything was so amazing at the islands of adventure. Just be ready to fork over an arm and a leg for the food and drinks. That's just a part of places like this, though. Please don't forget to get a multiple day pass, the express lines will save hours of your trip and really take your time to embrace all the details they put into this place. I wish they hired more actors to interact with, it was surreal seeing places like this come to life. Make sure to get here early so you can take in every part of the park, you'll have pictures and memories that will last a lifetime 🦖 Can't wait to come back!

Toby C — Google review

Thrills chills and fun! The best ride ever exists in this park, Hagrids coaster alone makes this top theme park in the world. Velosicoaster second and in this park as well! The theming, the food, the music, all of it is so over the top good.The park is clean, team members kind and fun, and just amazing.Already planning our next trip.

Chelsea S — 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

4.7

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4.5

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6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, USA

(407) 363-8000

24

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.

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

Universal is awesome enough said. There is so much to do here and everything is done really well with the guest in mind. Very clean park for how busy it was and also everything was very streamlined so waiting was never really to insane. Mainly went to the Harry Potter world part of the park and the surrounding areas and it was a blast. I had originally decided to not do rides but I tried one and honestly it was an experience I didn't expect and got me to do a bunch more, all the rides my wife and I did were amazing.

Scott T — 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 had the best day! You definitely should do more than one day each park. We did both in one day, and it wasn't enough time. There are rides for all ages. We loved minions, trolls coaster, Harry Potter, spiderman, Kong, and Transformers to name a few. Park is very clean. So many character meet & greets.We will definitely be going back!!

Sandra P — Google review

Employees were fantastic, they work hard to deliver a fun time. We went during the Halloween horror nights and the haunted houses were amazing.Only complaints I have are design based or the result of people. Would be great if they helped with seating as there wasnt seating as folks camped at tables.I will add that I love how they handle the haunted houses especially with keeping flashing lights and doodads off. Major plus. Fast passes for the houses was easy to handle and was well regulated

Rayne G — 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

Went during spring! Weather was cool! Make sure you get attraction tickets in advance and layer clothes! It is Florida! Bathrooms are well kept! Lines were pretty long but enjoy it much! Like any other theme park food is pricey but nothing we don't already know!

ARIASA S — Google review

Very nice park but a bit confusing. Navigating your way is tough, entryways to rides aren’t identifiable from a distance.So themed that you’re left searching false store fronts for actual stores. Quaint restaurants and shops are mistaken for fake restaurants and shops. Entire streets are facades which look like… actual streets yet no attractions to enjoy. Most of the rides are 3D/4D if you are looking for that. City Walk is very cool but again not well laid out. Islands of Adventure has far more thrill rides, coasters, water rides and activities but is not as themed. Islands of Adventure is very much like countless amusement parks I’ve visited but with amazing rides and attractions. We wish we had spent the bulk of our time there instead of wondering around Universal looking at a hard to follow digital map.The Harry Potter areas in both parks are very cool to see but Islands of Adventure has more actual rides.This is all my opinion from one 10 hour visit. I’ll come back some day and do Islands of Adventure for the day and spend a little time in Universal then eat at a City Walk restaurant.Save the park hopper money and do Universal Studios for themed shops, 3D/4D rides or Islands of Adventure for Thrill Rides, water rides etc.

Chris W — 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

This was my first time at Universal Islands of Adventures and let me tell you I was beyond impressed. I was blown away at how much detail the park has in relation to the movies. The park itself is beautiful and well maintained. Jurassic park was top tier. The rides are exceptional and I can understand now what all the hype is. VelociCoaster is the best attraction in my opinion but Harry Potter's section is amazing as well. This park is definitely a must visit if you are thrill seeking.

Diana R — Google review

The place is great, is an experience. There are not a lot of rides, but there are interactive places. Did I like it, YES. Would I go back? No. It is an amazing place it’s not a place that I would go back to. At least no for a while. I u like rides and to do activities, Adventure Island is x10 better.

Nicole 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

Definitely one of our favorite parks in the area! Perfect for teen groups, young and older adults. We have sent many groups to this park over the years so this year, we decided to visit in person as a refresher. During our trip, we also visited Magic Kingdom one day and just by comparison......we definitely loved the experience more at Universal. Yes, it was super hot in June and there were a lot of people, just like at Disney, but it didn't seem as crowded. Lots of shade and spacing between rides was good. Also keep in mind, we visited on a Saturday and still had a great time. In our opinion, definitely still one of the best parks in the US!The only negative when we visited in early June.....there was no nighttime show.

LS T — Google review

Here on a glorious day in October and just before Halloween. Park was not too crowded and the weather was perfect. Super easy to get in and out of the park, the rides were amazing and for amusement park food, it was pretty good! So much to see and experience in one day with all of the parks and their attractions.

Courtney F — 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

Universal was an absolute blast! Was my first time going but went with people who have gone many a time. Waits are quite long at some rides like rock n roller coaster & tower of terror so recommend getting there early and/or getting a lightning pass if you don’t like waiting. At times, lines were over an hour and a half at peak times but of course the lightning pass allows you to skip this if you’re willing to pay.Highly recommended for anyone wanting some high speed roller coasters like rock n roller coaster & slinky ride. Shows are super fun and places have full bars with mixed drinks.

Derek D — Google review

This was a great park 25 years ago and today it is much bigger and better. We were extremely impressed with the Harry Potter attraction. I said wow many times because of the amazing detail, shops, and interaction available for the kids with the interactive magical wands. The parade was awesome. There were plenty of food choices with easy ordering options through their app.

Jim B — 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

We really enjoyed our park visit. We went 6/30/24 and paid 200 per person for (1 day 2 park tickets) We arrived on a shuttle for free from a partner hotel. My kids are 7&2. There was plenty for my 2yr old to ride and he got in for free. They have a child swap that allows for one adult to wait at the line while the other adult rides and this was very convenient. Food is pricey but same as than any other park/stadium price but you’re allowed to bring a soft cooler with drinks and snacks. I see a lot of folks complain about the ride wait times, but we didn’t experience that as an issue. It was busy and I recommend going more than 1 day as there was so much to see with two parks! We were able to ride a lot and really immerse ourselves in our favorite themes. Jurassic Park and Dr.Suess landing are truly amazing for kids. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a good attitude and plan your day according to your time allows!

Magan K — Google review

I always love visiting Universal and this year we visited during Halloween Horror Night. It was a great experience and I love the attention to detail with the Halloween theme. There’s 10 haunted houses but we only got to 4 houses since the lines were so long. I highly recommend getting an express pass if you want a full experience. I do wish they spaced out the groups for the haunted house. Otherwise I truly enjoyed it!

Alyana G — 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

I love this place. Most of the rides are excellent and it's an expensive but fun way to spend time with family. However keep in mind this place isn't good for small children or full figures people as a lot of rides have size restrictions. You also get fast passes for free from certain Universal Studios resorts with a stay.

Amy D — Google review

During October Universal Studios in Florida hosts Halloween Nights of Horror. If you are a fan of Halloween, this is a trek you need to make. It is without a doubt an excellent time. There is no way for me to capture it in photos. We have gone every year since 1992. This year there were 10 houses. We have been taking the RIP tours where you have a guide to take you through. Our guide this year was Parker and we have a couple of photos of him. Just a great time.

Alan B — Google review

25

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.

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

We came for my boyfriends birthday who is really into Harry Potter but I was pretty impressed with this part of the park. The cold and frozen butterbeer were delicious (I bought 3 in 4 days 😬😅). The rides were pretty awesome and the train was a fun way to get from park to park without walking, be sure to purchase that upgrade. Hagrids Motorbike is popular for a reason, it's a great ride. Be sure to check the Universal app for wait times and delays because it was down several times during our 4 day trip but we were able to ride it 3 times without waiting longer than an hour. First thing in the morning it's the busiest unless you have early access. I saw a lot of kids enjoying the interactive wands with the cute effects they created by waving them.

Jennifer J — 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

Love this little town!! All other pictures are on the Gringotts escape ride and the little Harry Potter shop reviews I left prior to this one. For sure should check out all of them when you are visiting.

Tony A — 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

I had a great time and this area of Universal is very immersive. It was quite crowded but because of the more enclosed area it was actually several degrees cooler in Diagon ally. The frozen butterbeer was excellent and I really enjoyed each of the HP rides.

Angelica B — Google review

This place was so much fun! I'm not really into Harry Potter, but it felt so real. I love the butterbeer and wish I had some at home. I did the show with the wand, and it was cute to watch it happen.

Diana O — 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

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 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

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

If you've wanted to be transported into a book your whole life like I have, there's no better place than Diagon Alley. The scope, detail and fun is unmatched.

Meg W — 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

This was my first trip to Universal, other than Halloween Horror Nights, since 2009, and I was super excited to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It did not disappoint!!! I had my first butterbeer -- I liked it so much I had 2 -- rode all of the rides, went in all the shops, did the wand experience, and rode the train between both parks. Hagrid's Motorbike Adventure is the best ride in the park!!! I was celebrating my 53rd birthday and I'm a huge Harry Potter fan! I had a great time.

Terri S — 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

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

This post is actually about Nightmare Fuel: Nocturnal Circus for Halloween horror nights. You're are not supposed to record anything so all I'm posting is a 5 second clip. Anyways I love shows. It's been a really love time since I've been to a good 1. This show is better then most Vegas shows I've paid over $100 for. Just everything about it. The flames. The fireworks. The dancing. The magic... Just everything was great. I've been to horror nights in Cali and Orlando at least 10 times and never knew about this show. It's free with the horror nights ticket. But if this was a thing of its own I would happily pay $60+ for it cuz it's only 30 minutes. Pay more if it was longer. Also the soundtrack. If they sold the soundtrack after the show for $20 I would have bought it. Good show. I always went to horror nights for the haunted houses. Never again. I'll be going there for the shows. And if I have time maybe I'll do some haunted houses. Keep up the good work. So much fun

Antonio — 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

Been going since it opened so I am astounded I've not rated it already. Universal has done a great job of emersion into the wizarding world. Even though we have some challenges with JK's thoughts on social rights, we separate the art and continue to love the rich story line of Harry Potter.

Aaron P — Google review

Really admire the time and attention it took to get every detail right. Mind is blown. I'm a little claustrophobic. So, at times it felt confining with the height of the buildings and narrow streets here and there. Shops are also a little small, with as much merch as can be fit into them. Having said that, didn't have too much problem steering a wagon around.

Amy W — Google review

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26

Epcot

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Theme park

Epcot is a Disney theme park that was created with Walt Disney's vision of an Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow in mind. The park has two distinct sections, Future World and World Showcase, which showcase interactive exhibits sponsored by corporations and the cultures of 11 different countries respectively. Compared to other parks, Epcot has a more laid-back atmosphere and is known for its excellent food and shopping options.

Loved this park and the rides. Loved the food as well. As you walk around the lake, each country has its own pavilion, offering food and drink from that country. There's even a British pub, so we had to go in there. I would deffinately recommend staying for the firework display, they were amazing.

Nigel A — Google review

Enjoyed my time at Epcot!! Check out the Disney photo pass when you first enter & have some amazing photos taken. Saw a great show performance as soon as I entered the park. Lots of great stuff to do with the family!

Dj D — Google review

What a fantastic experience. The food, the employees, the rides, the education. It was all a great adventure.To top off a wonderful experience, the fire works show at the end of the day was one of the best I’ve experienced.

David — Google review

Amazing park! It’s like a science centre + aquarium + mini world travel type of park. They have lots of food options with great quality. The varieties of food is much better than the other 3 parks.There’s less rides in this park per Se, but most rides are very informative.I enjoy the butterflies garden!

Ming — Google review

Must visit park of Disney worldAwesome landscaping of gardenAll characters of Disney available to meet at different times different locations, easily we can get timings by visiting Disney app.Fire work and traveling in ferry is beautiful experience..This park is for all age group people..

Chetna R — Google review

I had a wonderful time at Epcot, though my visit was cut short due to Hurricane Milton. Despite the early closure and many food stalls being shut, the ones we did get to try were fantastic. The rides were absolutely out of this world, making me eager to return for a full day of fun. The staff were incredibly friendly and accommodating, especially with fewer guests around. Definitely looking forward to going back.

Forest L — Google review

🌎Food, Festivities, & Fun🌎Epcot is one of my favorite parks. I'm a big foodie and I love attending the seasonal food events year-round. Lots of unique cultural eats, shows, and attractions to enjoy, along with appearances from Disney characters (most of which are paired with their country of origin). From immersive ride experiences to delicious food, Epcot is well-worth the experience. I highly recommend going during the Food & Wine, Festival of the Arts, or Flower & Garden showcases.

Casey C — Google review

Really nice park but feels the most dated of the 4 Disney parks you can visit. Guardians of the galaxy is a fantastic ride and would 100% recommend. The moana water experience was really well done and we all had great fun controlling the water.

Richie 1 — Google review

My personal favorite of the Disney parks. It's home to guardians cosmic rewind and that ride is just *chefs kiss* perfection.I really like how it's more of a laid back park that you casually stroll around the world exploring each countries stores and little niche Easter eggs. There's something for everyone in the family. Drinks for the adults and frozen for the kids. Park is really pretty at night with the ball lit up as well as moanas little walk through

Joshua S — Google review

I have liked this park. Even when your pregnant at last months it is possible to take a scooter and drive all the park territory. Enjoy for each location. Good to see all around the world countries and their cousins, architectures in one place.

Luv S — Google review

Really hot in the summer, but this is a park that adults can enjoy as well as children. Drinking and eating around the world is always a blast! Make sure to bring lots of water to stay hydrated and go on lots of rides (indoors and air conditioned). Fireworks at night was a nice touch.

Gautam K — Google review

It was AMAZING! Can’t wait to go again! The drinks are reasonable price and more than likely taste great. Had a drink from China, didn’t taste all that great. The wait time for rides and character meets were 10-15 min long ! Most attractions are just walk through of exploration so heads up. Not a lot of rides. Get close for the firework show because it is a light show more than anything ! Cool thing i learn was everyone who worked in a certain country are really from there on a representative visa! Cool right ?

Taesia M — Google review

Epcot is by far my favorite park! The Food and Wine Festival is amazing, there's so many options, most less than $10. There's something for everyone! The recent updates are great, the Moana interactive water feature is so fun for kids! There's a ton to do for kids and it's also perfect for an adults only night out.

Kati W — Google review

Epcot caught me off guard and I enjoyed it way more than I thought I would. It’s unique and very laid out between the two sections. It was Food and Wine Fest season so that was a nice welcomed element. There are just enough rides and of course Guardians is a game changer. A perfect way to spend a beautiful Sunday.

Jeff M — Google review

We went to the flower and garden festival and it was so fun. Lots of good food and the atmosphere was amazing. Super fun but lots of walking obviously. It definitely was busy but that’s just the nature of Disney. I would say you should strongly consider getting the Genie+ passes because it really does save you a lot of time and is worth it if you figure out how to work the system. Overall, really fun trip and would do it again a million times.

Ava E — Google review

The restaurant we went to in the Italian area was awesome. We enjoyed seeing the parts of the world. Epcot offered some rides that were similar to Disney Magical Kingdom. One was in Mexico and reminded me of The Small World ride, except it had Donald Duck with friends. We also had fabulous pastries in Norway. My daughter had to try some Japanese dishe and also purchased a beautiful kimono. It's a great family experience for all ages.

Joleen — Google review

Food from around the world. Drinks from around the world. The best place I believe to have a relaxed day at any of the Disney parks. Not as many rides as the other parks. But more picture opportunities if you want around the world pictures. Disney characters are present at certain countries. But the best pictures I take are with the replicas of architecture and lands of other countries squeezed into this park.

Yves P — Google review

1st visit, and it was an epic adventure as well as an epicurean delight. Their annual Food and Wine festival was taking place and what a delight to "eat & drink" my way around the world! Also several fantastic rides.

J. C — Google review

My favorite Disney Park! I love traveling around the world and tasting all the food and sipping different drinks. I've enjoyed the flower festival and the food and wine festival. Can't wait to go back again and again. Guardians of the Galaxy and Ratatouille are my favorite rides.

Misi — Google review

Early entry through the hotel was nice. Use the virtual pass. I’ve been once years ago when the kids were little and they barely remembered, seeing them enjoying Epcot as adults was amazing. Sample foods and drinks from the countries and enjoy meeting a world of people visiting. Oh, and the beautiful architecture and flowers are gorgeous.

Terry B — Google review

Epcot is often the most underappreciated of the Disney parks, but it has many things to keep your family entertained. From the new Journey of Water to the classic tour around the world.Then, when Food and Wine is happening, the world side becomes even more fun.While you will have more crowds and more inebriated people to deal with, it's worth the enjoyment of trying foods and drinks from around the world in one location.

Josh S — Google review

My favourite park to visit! The food and wine festival was a lot of fun. So many delicious treats to try! Was pretty busy but the park is very spread out so it didn’t feel super crowded.

Laura B — Google review

Fantastic experience! The Guardian of the Galaxy ride is a must. Pro tip! Booking your virtual lane and buying the Lighting Lane will allow you to ride this ride twice in one visit. Definitely recommend it! ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 🎢 😍

Simon H — Google review

I could see the appeal of going here if you are unable to travel globally. All employees in a 'country' have to be from the country they are representing to work there, which gives a fun 'authentic' experience. However, there's very little to genuinely look at and don't be surprised that there's only a small handful of rides

Samantha J — Google review

This was our first time. We found the park to be clean and organized. The staff was very friendly. The investment into the fast passes was worth the money as it allowed us to ride every attraction including guardians of the galaxy (we had to purchase a separate pass for that one).As far as the food around the world, we sampled quite a bit. It was generally very good and worth the money.

Philippe B — Google review

27

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 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

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

Most beautiful experience ever!!! Everyone deserves to be here at least once!!! Loved the experience. Staff members were very friendly nice and welcoming! All the rides were only like about 20-30 minutes wait. Food was amazing.

Lucia Z — 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

We’ve been to Disney a few times and this last time was very special and Disney did not disappoint. Everyone we came in contact with was professional and helpful. Breakfast at the Royal table is a must for anyone taking small children, I know it’s pricey but it is beyond magical. Mickeys not so spooky Halloween was fantastic, I was a little skeptical due to how $$$$ it is but I would do it again in a heartbeat. The parade during the Halloween event was phenomenal and the fireworks were the best I’ve ever seen. Our 5 years old face was priceless the entire time we were there❤️

Kelli S — 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

Early entry (resort stay) great day going around trying food and drinks. Been a long time since I've been here. Tron was definitely a great ride. My favorite part of the park hands down.

Xavier T — Google review

I recently visited Disneyland, and it truly exceeded all my expectations! The attention to detail, from the immersive rides to the stunning parades, made it feel like I had stepped into a real-life fairy tale. The staff was incredibly friendly, going above and beyond to make sure every guest felt special. Whether you’re young or young at heart, there’s something for everyone, and the magic is palpable throughout the entire park. It’s a place where dreams come true, and I can’t wait to return for another enchanting experience. Highly recommend!

A — 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

Overall, I don't think this place is worth the money. If you don't buy a fast pass to bypass main lines, you'll be stuck for hours waiting in lines. Or you'll walk miles in between rides or places. Food is expensive, not that good, and lack of public water access to drink is sad. Feels so much like a money grab. And in the day of artificial intelligence, they need more interactive things for people. Tron and guardians of galaxy rides were a highlight.

Shawn S — 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

It has so many rides and adventures! I visited in 2018,and I'm just now reviewing it.The Tower of Terror looked so scary,I didn't go on it. The iconic teacup ride was awesome and lucky I didn't get to dizzy.The Cinderella castle looked grand and was a great icon of the Disney franchise.Sure tickets are were like $250 per person in 2018, But it was a great day!I would totally recommend going to Disney world which is not far from Orlando! Great experience!

Krish T — 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

Went with my adult(?) Sons. We all had a blast. StarWars the best!Tron was the longest wait for them, while I shopped.The one coaster I rode, Guardians of the Galaxy Ride was a blast, but Don't think I want to do it again. Great for the under 60 group lol.

Ellen R — Google review

It's still a very magical place but it's showing its age. A lot of the rides have missing paint, chips and broken bits. The staff are pretty helpful, the bathrooms were almost all very clean.

Don ( — 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

😁 Magical? Yes! Affordable? Sure.So our trip was during the pandemic. Many of the attractions were open. Some weren't. We had to schedule an event in advance but still had to wait an hour or more even with the appointment. The ones that were open got closed because it rained every day. Still Awesomeness!! We had parades and Disney characters to meet. Bunches of walking so if you have a handicap plan ahead as there are rental devices available IF you planed for it. We got to fly into space in a Star Wars ship. We got shot down and managed to land safely😁. We met aliens too!Seriously if you've never been there you owe it to yourself to JUST GO!!We have pictures and I'll share them here when I can

Terry B — Google review

28

Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park

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$$$$expensive

Theme park

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.

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

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

This place was pretty cool. Great for kids and family. Bring lots of water because you will walk a lot. Sunscreen and snacks, too. Or you'll pay quite a bit inside. Definitely go on the jumanji jungle cruise. All the animals we saw were a highlight.

Shawn S — Google review

I had an absolute blast at Animal Kingdom! Loved every part of it, from the incredible animals to the thrilling safari. Pandora was truly magical, and the rides were a ton of fun. The staff were super friendly, and the park itself was stunning. The only downside was that the park closed at 6 PM, which meant we missed seeing Pandora at night. Definitely recommend visiting, but aim for a day when the park stays open later to experience all it has to offer.

Forest L — Google review

Disney’s Animal Kingdom offers an amazing blend of theme park excitement and nature’s beauty. The immersive detail in each area is incredible, and the variety of animals and habitats is a highlight. We loved the Pandora rides: Flight of Passage is breathtaking! The Kilimanjaro Safari made us feel like we were on a real African adventure. Some lines were longer than expected, especially midday, so the lightning lanes are recommended. Overall, it’s a unique Disney experience, blending conservation with adventure.

Philipp R — 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

Interesting mixture of theme park and zoo-like environment. Very open though so there is a real need to be prepared for both heat and rain as shade/cover is sparse.As with everything Disney, queues are long but done so well that they are part of the experience. Rides are incredible.I found the animal carers engaging, knowledgeable and welcoming of interest from everyone.We ate at the Yak and Yeti restaurant and the food was incredible (Cantonese Pork Belly Bowl and Korean Chicken and Ribs). Possibly the best meal we have had so far in any of the Disney resorts.Will be venturing back to pick up on the few experiences we did not manage to fit in.

Dean O — Google review

Animal Kingdom is a nice alternative to the other Disney parks. Despite closing early you can still see everything in a day. It’s beautifully landscaped and the attention to detail is spectacular, giving you the real feel of being far away in a foreign land. The Avatar ride is a must! Ride it first.

Jeff M — 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

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

We spent six hours exploring the Animal Kingdom without our children. We really wished they were there but we think that this is the best place to come if you are an adult and aren't into riding rides. We did the Pandora 3-D ride which was epic. We also did a safari and it was really exciting to see all the wild animals in a much more open and free atmosphere. The park was laid out nicely and if it was peak season we would definitely have splurged for the lightning passes but I believe you have to reserve those in advance. Weather was beautiful and overall was a great experience although it isn't cheap. Our tickets were approximately $150 each. Stay hydrated!

Thomas S — 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

My experience was made special by the photo pass people one in particular and that was Trevor who definitely brought that Disney magic to me and my wife he’s funny and out going we ended up having a private photo session and then basically bumped intoHim multiple times around the park for more photos I really hope your reading this Trevor if it wasn’t for you we wouldn’t have had such an amazing time I wish you the best.Animal kingdom is a great park my favourite ride has to be forbidden mountain expedition Everest I was so excited for this one the tree of life is incredible for people visiting sometimes you gotta find the magic but sometimes the magic finds you the park is great for the family and adults

Official A — Google review

Disney seems to try and be a place about helping the future and saving the planet. So animal kingdom is about preservation and improving farming and food production. They have fish farms and various fruits and vegetables that sustain the park with fresh food, but they also look for ways to make food production efficient and more natural. My favourite ride, was a ride I never knew or expected on arrival, which was a safari ride around the various animals they have around the park, like zebras, giraffes and elephants. No barriers other than the car doors, so an amazing experience. You can go several times and still not see the same animals twice, every trip is unique. There about 8 rides here, but plenty of shows and nature walks. The gorilla's and hippo were a great see, as well as plenty of birds and fish. I did get motion sickness on the pandora ride, but great fun. Friendly staff and the driver of the bus was really nice and informative. I would visit again.

Andrew T — 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

Super fun park! Great shows, food, rides, and shopping! Lion King show was fabulous! Try the safari rides! Growing up next-door to a zoo I can definitely say this did not feel like a zoo and felt very open and refreshing! Highly recommended A+

Lisa M — Google review

Disney's Animal Kingdom is an absolute marvel, seamlessly blending the thrill of a theme park with the wonder of a wildlife sanctuary. The moment you step in, you're transported into lush landscapes, immersive habitats, and a celebration of animals and nature.One of the absolute highlights was the Kilimanjaro Safaris. This incredible ride takes you on a guided journey through the African savanna, where you get up close to a variety of animals—giraffes, elephants, lions, and so much more. The safari truly felt authentic; we saw animals freely roaming in environments that resembled their natural habitats. The guides were knowledgeable and added so much to the experience, sharing insights into animal behaviors and conservation efforts.The dedication to detail in the safari and throughout the park is unmatched. Animal Kingdom is an experience where you feel connected to nature while enjoying the magic that only Disney can bring. Highly recommended for families, animal lovers, or anyone looking for an extraordinary day out!

Mark M — 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

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

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

We had a good time at Animal Kingdom. The safari ride was cool, and the Pandora experience was awesome! My kiddos and husband loved the Yeti ride as well. I felt like the food options were pretty reasonably priced as well, which is so nice. My only disappointment was that I expected more of an animal experience. There are animals and of course the safari but I really thought it would be pretty emersive and it's really not. Overall it was a fun day and we checked it off the bucket list!

Amanda F — Google review

What an amazing park.It’s essentially a zoo but WAY cooler.The avatar area is very well created and the rides are a blast.You must take the safari tour, as it is the best way to see a lot of animals.We were lucky enough to visit during a time where the baby gorillas were active and playing. They are so goofy and fun to watch.Food was good, rides were fun. Only wish it didn’t close so early.

Pandorox — Google review

29

Magic Kingdom Park

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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.

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

It's Disney World what isn't there to like. It's going to be busy and that but, that should be expected. With how busy it was it was really clean. And we went for the "Not so scary Halloween event" on Halloween and it was awesome most of the rides still open and attractions with the added benefit of being able to trick or treat around the park. Everything was very organized and most lines were really short but most likely because it was an event night and not a normal day.

Scott T — 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

I’m a big fan of Disney, and while Magic Kingdom is a great place to visit, the long lines really impacted our experience. We waited over an hour for many attractions, which made it hard to enjoy the park fully. It’s a magical place with so much to offer, but it’s definitely something we’d prefer to come back to once we have kids. For now, the long waits were a bit too much for us. If you’re a fan of Disney, it’s worth visiting at least once, but be prepared for the crowds and lines.

Thidarhut S — 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

If you can only visit one park at Disney, make sure to visit the Magic Kingdom. Brought back childhood memories and even as a group of 4 30+ year old adults we had a blast ! Wait time for Tron was brutal though, as we waited 1 hour 54 minutes for it ( Lightning Lane was sold out ).Highly recommend staying for the fireworks show at night.We did the following attractions ( wait times added too )1. 7 dwarfs coaster . 35 minutes2. Speedway . 17 minutes3. Tron: 114 minutes4. Space mountain . 24 minutes5. Big thunder . 20 minutes6. Haunted mansion . 42 minutes7. Disney concert 15 minutes8. Monsters inc 13 minutes9. Fireworks 30 minutesTake note that the monster Inc is a comedy type show and you may get picked on ( in a friendly way ) so just know that before you go.

Haris Q — 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

We went to Magic kingdom & had a fabulous time! We were able to be there for Mickeys not so scary Halloween! The kids got to trick or treat! It was such a fun experience!! The wait times were low!! We ended up leaving a little before midnight. It was the best time, no wait for the ferry.

Nicole D — 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

Magic Kingdom @ Walt Disney world in Orlando,Florida. What a magical day! Even brings the kid sparks out of the adults. I believe the adults had just as much or event MORE fun than kids! And for kids it's the most magical experience in person! It's something different. To meet your childhood or modern day all time favorite Disney characters is unspoken words literally! And Disney Characters are complimentary with greeted hugs, conversations, compliments, small stories, and even pictures! How could you EVER forget such experiences. Most definitely an unforgettable experience!. I would definitely purchase tickets before hand and be prepared to walk entirely. Food was great, gifts shops were crazy expensive but expected and worth every happiness my child had.

Sada N — 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

My first visit and I felt like a kid 😃 My husband and I celebrated our anniversary and it was perfect from beginning to end. It wasn’t that crowded and employee was such a big help throughout the park. The parade was amazing. 🤩 Took pictures with some of the princesses. This anniversary was amazing at Magic Kingdom!!!

Marsha G — Google review

An amazing experience in every detail!!Remember, Florida is hot and humid, so a nice portable fan and water bottle should be a good friend! For our group of kids it has been the best one by far! And the staff were superb!!

Julian M — 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

What a magical experience ! I enjoyed strolling around the park and also the rides. Everything is very well organized. Plus lots of dining options.One of the best shows was Mickey's Philhar magic. I was amazed by the 3D experience here. A must watch !

Neha K — 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

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

Went on a Sunday during down season and again for Mickey's not so scary on a Tuesday.If you are choosing between one, I'd say do the Halloween party, if your kids can handle some not terribly scary Halloween fun. The parade is great, the amount of candy given out is insane. all the big rides have shorter wait times, and most everything is open.lightening lanes are worth buying as lines can get ling

Ryan B — Google review

Always busy, but never an impediment to have fun. For the shows, go early to get a good spot, especially for the Happily Ever After, an 1 hour and a half is required to get a good spot. And as well, if you’re going twice to the park, you can take advantage as most of the lines are shorter at this time. After the night show, most of the people are leaving, so if you wait, stores are less busy. Keep in my that most of the time is sunny, sunglasses, a cap, or even an umbrella are helpful.

Maria C — Google review

30

Katie's Landing at Wekiva River

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Bodies of Water

Katie's Landing at Wekiva River is a tranquil and convenient spot for launching kayaks, with the ability to park your vehicle right by the water. The area offers picnic tables, a grill for cooking, and clean bathrooms. Despite being surprised by the number of visitors on a Sunday, the experience was enjoyable with minimal mosquito interference. There is a small fee per vehicle and per person to access the site, but it's considered well worth it due to the cleanliness and overall experience.

Love this canoe kayak launch! Hiking trails, restrooms, picnic tables, BBQ grills, dog friendly. The paddle is partially shaded with plenty of flora and fauna. Plenty of parking.

Tish — Google review

This place is a real gem. So quite and calm. We launch our kayaks from here. You can pull your truck right up to the water to unload and then park the truck after. They have Picnic tables and a grill for cooking. We went left (upstream) We only seen one alligator. It’s Sunday and our first time out here. I was kinda surprised how people were showing up with kayaks and paddle boards when we were leaving. Bathrooms are cleaner than I expected and mosquitos didn’t carry me away hahaha. Plenty of parking. Want to check out the bond trail across the street in the future. Great place. Will most definitely be back. There is a fee to be there. It’s $3 per vehicle $2 per person. There’s a little black box with blue envelopes to leave your fee. Well worth the price. Also great to see it clean!

Neu C — Google review

This park is very well maintained I used it to launch a kayak to go Downstream and end up at High Banks Road and the Swamp House Grill. The current road construction makes the entrance to the Wekiva Road a little hard to figure out but just follow your GPS. Lots of Wildlife the trip was well worth it and took about 5 hours and included a 15-minute stop to eat a sandwich. I had cell service most of the way. As others have mentioned you can drive down to the launch area to unload.

Amalia M — Google review

Wild and scenic describes it well! Kayaking this section of the Wekiva River shows a different and as equally beautiful perspective of this river -floating over its sandy bottom renders a great view of the underwater life, fish, turtles, gators swimming under kayak. As the river goes downstream(northbound in this stretch) it becomes narrower , vegetation more dense and w that the Alligator encounters more frequent too. Some seemed determined to road block our way past them. :)

G. — Google review

Great kayak launch. Going north on the river here is very pretty water with few weeds. Remember there is a $3 per vehicle pay box so have cash. Also there are picnic tables. Arrive early to avoid the occasional weekend jet skis. They are a terror

Tom S — Google review

Great park! It has a boat ramp and quite a few grill areas on one side. The other side has a vast hiking area with trails! Plenty of photo ops and nice shaded trails for the most part. It is not a very popular hiking trail, so you may have the park to yourself! Bring your water bottle and enjoy! Highly recommend!

Dessie H — Google review

The water was beautiful. We put about four kayaks in the water we went upstream just said be easier right on the way back so many beautiful wildlife. Within set up payment expire boat ramp which is really nice. Will definitely be back here again.

A B — Google review

My kayak tour left from here. The park was clean and so were the restrooms. The river access was easy to maneuver around in.

Kristin C — Google review

Super cool quiet spot to launch. Water is clear as it can be. Saw probably 6 or 8 alligators within about a mile of the river. 3 of which were big guys I'd guess at 10 foot or bigger..... All kinds of birds, turtles and fish. Gonna go all the way to the st John's next time. Should be a cool paddle.

Kyle C — Google review

Wonderful location to put in a SUP, kayak, or canoe and enjoy the lower Wekiva river. Minimal motor boat traffic and stunning wildlife and scenery.

Ron E — Google review

Gorgeous spot for any kind of boating. Nice picnic areas with bbq grills & picnic tables. Nice bathrooms available too. There was a cash box for payment $3.00 a car :)

Stacy A — Google review

4.6

(258)39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (196)

4.5

(38)39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (197)

262 Wekiva Park Dr, Sanford, FL 32771, USA

(407) 884-2009

39 Best Stops Between Stuart and Lakeland (2024)
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