The weather in Florida right now is absolutely beautiful! We spent the weekend out on the patio and walking around our neighborhood, but I’ve been telling Tyler I want to make the trip to one of the great parks in the area. We were kicking around some options, and one stood out as a must-visit: Myakka River State Park.
Myakka Canopy Walkway 
Myakka Canopy Walkway
Located in Sarasota County, Myakka River State Park is one of Florida’s oldest and largest parks, and it’s the perfect spot to get away into “old Florida.” Here you’ll find wetlands and prairies with tons of tree cover, to keep you from getting too much sunshine (though be sure to wear your sunblock). There’s something for everyone here, with plenty of trail options for bicyclists and hikers, as well as boating and fishing along the river.
It’s been a couple years since I made the drive down to visit, but my favorite of the many amenities and experiences at the park is by far the Myakka Canopy Walkway. It allows you to climb up (~100 stairs) and trek through the treetops to get a great view of the park and wildlife around you. The walkway is actually the first public treetop trail in North America. It’s also a great spot for a photo op, especially if you make the climb to the top of the taller tower. 😉
Myakka Canopy Walkway 
Myakka Canopy Walkway
On our way home from the park, we stopped for drinks at Motorworks Brewing – it’s about 40 minutes away, but I would definitely recommend doing this. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy the gorgeous weather and soak in more sunshine in their beer garden, which is Florida’s largest.
PS: if you’re looking for similar vibes to the Canopy Walkway in the Tampa Bay area, Weedon Island Preserve offers great boardwalks and trails. The observation tower has some amazing views of the bay, as well as both Tampa and St. Pete.
Weedon Island Preserve 
Weedon Island Preserve