40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (2024)

The top stops along the way from Siesta Key to Knoxville (with short detours) are Magic Kingdom Park, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Georgia Aquarium. Other popular stops include Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley, and LEGOLAND® Florida Resort.

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Manatee Viewing Center

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Nature preserve

Nature & Parks

Nature & Wildlife Areas

The Manatee Viewing Center features a 50-foot observation tower, trails, a boardwalk and butterfly gardens. This nature preserve is perfect for viewing manatees in their natural environment. The center also offers educational opportunities about manatees and their ecology.

This was a really cool (free!) place to visit on a Saturday. The close parking lot was full so we parked in the overflow which ended being great because there is a little center over there with energy games and activities. Bathrooms as well. Then we took a leisurely stroll to the center. There were several manatees in the water and a stingray petting area. Lots of boardwalks and it's kind of cool to see the power plant up close. Lots of activities for young kids scattered about as well as informational signs. Staff were friendly and we had a great visit!

Justine Vild — Google review

Shout out to the lady who said there was another boardwalk, or I would have completely missed my chance to see the manatees. Great place, very friendly staff. Observator, stingray center, food, manatees, trails. What could you not like about this place.

ZRinaldi — Google review

Lovely place. Great for the kids. Nice nature trails, boardwalks, and observation tower. Come in the winter to see the manatees but there is plenty of other wildlife to see year round. Staff were very friendly and helpful.

Theodore Reese — Google review

This place is amazing, and free!! Parking filled up fast, but they have an overflow parking lot. There were at least thirty manatees in the area when we came, and it’s still pretty warm right now. The observation tower was worth the walk, lots of schools of fish to see and watch them jump. The learning area is geared towards smaller children but was still interesting. Cute gift shop. We didn’t eat onsite, but they did have a place for food and the prices seemed very reasonable.

Lisa Meminger — Google review

During my visit to the Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach, FL, I was truly impressed by the exceptional level of maintenance and care evident throughout the facility. The staff's extensive knowledge of marine life, particularly their expertise on manatees, greatly enriched my visit. Furthermore, I was delighted to see the commitment to sustainable energy, with a notable emphasis on solar and wind power. The fact that the majority of the facility operates on solar energy is a commendable feat, reflecting a dedication to environmental responsibility.The day of my visit was particularly memorable as I had the opportunity to witness a remarkable number of manatees, as well as encountering some sharks and tarpon. This diverse marine life added an extra layer of fascination to the experience. Overall, the Manatee Viewing Center left a lasting impression on me, and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of Florida's marine ecosystems.

Jace Knockout — Google review

This place is huge. Lots of walking. Unfortunately we came the day a.big storm was coming in and a few days before the viewing area closes for the summer.The water was very muddy. Still got to see a couple sharks and tarpons. We could tell where the manatees were. Still we enjoyed the area. The butterfly area was very nice. We will comeback this winter

Scott Remy — Google review

Yesterday was the second time that I got to experience and enjoy the Manatee Viewing center. The first time in February I got to see tons of manatees because they were kind of wintering there. Yesterday in April 2020 we took the time to walk the many nature trails there and go to the 50 foot high look-out observation tower! It was beautiful and worth the walk. I would suggest though taking a trail map if there is one because there are multiple trails and things to see. Well worth the trip! Highly recommend seeing this. Especially in the winter months, but really anytime. The educational center was really nice and great for children also the butterfly garden and other exhibits there as well!

Rebecca Jackson — Google review

We went on a very warm day so we saw 3 manatee and many fish. Touch tank open but educational center closed. Arrive early due to parking

Joann Godin — Google review

The Manatee viewing center is a great place to visit. Many things are outstanding here and the fact in the day and age is it's free, yes I said free. Colder days are better to visit as your chances of seeing manatees increases greatly. We did see 7 when we went on a 80 degree day though. Find a park representative and ask them about the park all of them are more than happy to educate anyone willing to lessen. They also have a tank with several stingrays in them that anybody can touch. I would visit this place again when we are in Florida and I would recommend others to do so.

Michael Marcum — Google review

Well kept center that brings you closer to nature. Great walking areas and tons of wildlife. The touch pool for the rays was amazing. Wish the center was opened all the time instead of seasonally.

Brenda Broussard — Google review

This place was amazing. I'm so glad that they give back to the community like they do as it is free. There is a gift shop, two peirs to walk out onto. They had a petting area for sting rays. They had several beautifully landscaped gardens. These are all just extra perks as far as I'm concerned. The manatees were so very cool!!!

Kayla B — Google review

What an awesome experience for people of all ages, and at no cost!!! Everything is set up perfectly. The gift shop was amazing and prices were great! Employees/volunteers were phenomenal. We definitely will be back. Visit on a cooler day to increase your chances of seeing more manatees. Also, consider adopting a manatee to help save these gentle giants!!

Sunshine Mumford — Google review

This is a really nice facility and fits nicely into the surrounding environment. There is no guarantee that you will see any manatees, although we did see several, and they were impressive. There is plenty of parking and includes many for handicapped as well. For those with electric vehicles, there are charging stations available. There is no cost for parking or to enter the facility, which is fantastic.If you found this review helpful, please tap the thumbs up. Thanks!

pmw — Google review

A must visit in the area! Beautiful and one of a kind experience. Manatees and Sting Ray up close for photos and experiencing. Great bird watching and plant life viewing also. The staff were amazing and very knowledgeable about the animals and plants. The parking lot was crowded but easy to find. Handicap accessible throughout the center. We did not visit the gift shop due to the very long line to enter. Restrooms are available on site. Highly recommend for guests of all ages and interests!

ArtsyPhotos LLC Professional Photography — Google review

Love free adventures! Entry is free and plenty of parking is free. The manatee viewing is always a thrill. Touch tanks are fun as well. You can walk out to a tower or walk the decking along the water. Restrooms are clean. There is a small gift shop and a snack area. I would check their live cam to be sure the manatees are there before you head over. We've seen them in Jan, Feb and March. Excellent place for kids!

Dr. Carole Gadomski — Google review

We had an amazing experience at the Manatee Viewing Center! Be prepared to do a lot of walking as there are many beautiful walking trails. We pretty much walked the entire property (about 5 miles). There is a shuttle on site if needed. I recommend getting there at opening as the place tends to get crowded and the parking area closest to the entrance fills up fast (there is over flow parking in the back). Definitely put on your walking shoes as the roads are paved with seashells throughout the trails. Maybe even pack some snack if you have toddlers/infants and definitely stay hydrated! Sunscreen is a good idea too.This is a well maintained property with lots to offer. The viewing pier gets a bit crowded but luckily manatees gather on all sides so everyone has a chance to see them. There is also a fishing pier as you get further into the property. We also visited the Aquarium where they have rescued turtles. There is also an education building that offers lots of FREE brochures/booklets on wildlife and sea life as well as interactive things for the kiddos while in there!Staff at the gift shop was very helpful and friendly. Restrooms are kept clean and stocked. You have the option to donate and support via CHECK only. I wish this was something I knew ahead of time but I will definitely be ready on the next visit. And get this, the Manatee Viewing Center is FREE to the public!! Overall, I think this is a great place to check out and we will definitely be visiting again at the end of the year.

grlenamored — Google review

Went here on December 26, 2022. This is a Nature Preserve where manatees in Tampa Bay are attracted to the warm waters of industrial canals. There was a wait time for cars to park at the Manatee Viewing Center, but we got patient and decided to wait. It was a busy day, but was still enjoyable. This experience is free!All the boardwalks and gravel paths are clean and maintained, but bathroom cleanliness can be improved. All the staff were volunteers and were very friendly. During our experience, we saw hundreds of manatees! It was a delight to see these manatees huddle together in a man made habitat. There are various signs educating people about the behavior of manatees and clean energy on the walking trails to the Observation Tower and Overflow Parking. Overall, is definitely worth the wait. Is great to see an organization that sincerely cares about our local wildlife and not looking for our money!

Landon Bellamy — Google review

The Manatee Viewing Center was wonderful! I definitely didn't expect to see so many manatees but boy was I wrong. We saw black-tipped sharks, Atlantic Tarpon, Redfin Needlefish, and stingrays! What a wonderful and free experience available to the public! The gift shop has so many cute and affordable keepsakes or gifts to choose from. There is a stingray pool where you can watch and touch the rays as they swim by. So much fun! We can't wait to return!

Monica Mullins — Google review

Super nice place. They have a few trails to walk, a viewing tower, manatee viewing, a stingray pool, and a gift shop. The trails went to places that talked about solar energy and other sustainable energy sources. They had some interactive activities at the stops. They had a little pool with stingrays you could touch where the volunteers were really kind. The manatee viewing spot was perfect. There were so many! Overall great experience considering all the activities were free!

Samantha Brown — Google review

Great facility! It's free and free parking. There is a gift shop, you can also get food and drinks there. They have a touch tank with stingrays. We got to see so many manatees and sharks. If you park in the overflow lot the walk to the area is not bad it's pretty. They do have a golf cart shuttle. I will go here again.

Melissa Witt — Google review

Love this place. A nice bit of walking, since we had to park in the overflow parking lot. Thankfully they have a trolley service which we took after getting our steps in🤣. Plenty of manatee huddle up trying to keep warm. The souvenir shop is small, but we managed to get the perfect pin we were looking for. The turtle hospital was worth the trolley ride. Totally recommend going, it's very educational. It's totally free to get in.

Javier Ortega — Google review

So fun, clean, and it's FREE!!! This place is great! Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. First time touching a sting ray! The walkways are large, everything was clean (even the bathrooms). While the manatee weren't close, you can definitely see them there. It's amazing the entire facility is free. It needs to be on your bucket list!

Cindy sh63 — Google review

I absolutely love visiting here, its my 3rd time and I never tire of seeing these beautiful creatures. Parking was easy... and if there is not space in the main parking lot, there is remote parking with a shuttle, free. I always enjoy walking on the boardwalks and there is plenty of railing space to get a good view in. The signs are helpful to identify the birds and fish. The gift shop is very reasonable priced.

Sarah Taylor — Google review

I have to rate this place 5 stars not least because it’s totally free! It’s a fabulous way to see these gorgeous creatures and enjoy watching all their cute habits. Plus there are so many other exhibits and fun things for adults and kids to watch and take part in. The little cafe has good food and drink options at really reasonable prices. It was well worth the trip and we will most likely go again when we have friends and family in town. We went over the weekend and did not have to wait even though it was popular. We did not have to buy tickets in advance.

Mari-Ann Kucharek — Google review

A fun, unique, and free experience! It was cool to see the manatees, but also the variety of fish and birds, as well as the occasional shark! There was a neat educational area in the basem*nt with stingrays. We visited in the middle of March so there weren't as many manatees visible, but it was still a great experience.

Anne Gibbs — Google review

Best time to go is during colder weather months as Manatees hang out here due to the warm water. Mostly gone by March. But they do have an interactive ray tank and you can take a free tram to the turtle conservation center any time and both are wonderful.

Dawn Hope — Google review

4.7

(8770)40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (7)

4.5

(2978)40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (8)

6990 Dickman Rd, Apollo Beach, FL 33572, USA

(813) 228-4289

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The Dalí (Salvador Dalí Museum)

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$$$$affordable

Art museum

The Salvador Dali Museum is a renowned museum housing extensive surrealist art by the Spanish artist. It has a unique theatrical exterior and is a must-see for fans of Dalí's work.

This Museum is spectacular. The architecture is well-suited to display an artist like Salvador Dali. The design suggests ideas of things rather than actual things. Dali was Spanish, a Surrealist and a big believer in Freud's theories about dominance of dreams & subconscious.Dali was very popular in the 1950s through 70s. He was a master technician in his craft. His works are evocative and in-your-face simultaneously, full of wild, uncomfortable images. For me, it feels like he's trying too hard. I did, however, appreciate seeing his works in this magnificent collection.Picasso works were also on special display. His series on Bull Fighting is extraordinary-- gruesome subject but his culture, his passion. Photos of Picasso give you a look at his intensity.If you like either artist. GO!

Sher OBRIEN — Google review

I visited when there was no temp exhibit, so at this time it was a one-gallery museum, which felt more than a little underwhelming. An impressive collection of Dali's work, to be sure, but hard to call it a *museum* when there is only one room of artwork.Just feels like a lot more could be done with this space to make it feel more whole. For example, the gift shop is nearly larger than the gallery. And for gods sake would it kill you guys to have more than one shirt with some cotton content? Almost every shirt in the store was 100% polyester, which is worse for our oceans than single-user water bottles. I do realize it's the "Dali museum" and not the "surrealist museum", but I do think bringing in the work of other surrealists to inform what was going on in the genre at the time would give more context to his work.The architecture of the building is lovely and the skylights positioned to illuminate the Masterworks (Dali's largest paintings) is a great use of the space. Bring some headphones because the audio tour app is valuable to get a deeper understanding of some of the pieces. I wish they had a recording for every piece, especially given that the whole museum is just one room.Be warned that parking is $10 extra, separate from your admission fees.I am glad I went, there were some works I was thrilled to see in person, but now that I've been, probably won't be back.

Luke S — Google review

If you like Dali art, this place is amazing! Thursdays after 5 pm is half price, but I would recommend a membership. Parking is free for members! Plus, you could easily come back multiple times so it will pay for itself. Also take a few minutes at the drawing exhibit and draw like Dali!!

Mike Kappmeyer — Google review

I went here over on a weekend. Parking was $10. The place has a great selection of Dali’s work and there are also voluntary docents at certain hours of the day that will help answer your questions regarding Dali’s works! The whole trip took less than 2 hours and it’s great to be able to see Dali’s life, art style changes, and some of his most notable works in one go. If you can download the museum’s app, be sure to do so as well because they used quite a few technologies to complement the viewing experience of some artworks.

XRM — Google review

We went at 5 so we had to speed through the whole place ! Really great art work on display. Wasn’t familiar with Dali’s work but now I’m a fan. We didn’t do the Dali Experience since it was a $15 add on. We spent $30 a pop for me and my wife. Cool museum though and prime location near everything in DT St Pete walking distance from the pier !

Realtor Kris Sabio — Google review

The museum itself was wonderful and a beautiful experience. The paintings are amazing. The outside garden was also beautiful. We did the Dalí Alive 360 which is well worth it!! The food was a bit expensive 😞 and pay for parking 10$ but glad there was parking . There were quite a-lot of people and loud in the museum so kinda had to rush then go back to read the ones we missed. Over all it was a great experience. Also, every worker we had contact with was so friendly!!

L J — Google review

Really enjoyed this museum. The outside is just as beautiful as inside. This was our first time, so we were caught off-guard by a staff member at the front door asking to look in my purse. After that, we were allowed to enter where we paid for tickets. The person at the counter never asked if we had coupons. It would have been nice to know we could use what we had. With that being said, the museum was just gorgeous, and we loved it. If you're an art lover, you'll enjoy this museum.

Shera Campbell — Google review

This was my second visit; my first visit was before COVID and I feel things have changed a lot. When we went, there was a Picasso exhibit which was pretty cool since Dali was inspired by his work. Picasso was fascinating to see. Once we got over to the Dali side, I feel like a lot of the pieces that used to be shown have been pulled down and not replaced with new paintings. There were several things that I think should be addressed. First, the fact that you cannot bring large purses into the museum is bizarre to me. My friend brought her backpack and was let inside but then when we went to go upstairs the security dude said she couldn't take it upstairs. Just weird. Second, the theater movie wasn't working when we went in so we missed whatever that was supposed to be. We didn't stay to go around the grounds since it was pretty crowded and honestly we felt like we were being followed around. This sucks because I really enjoyed the art work by both Picasso and Dali. Third, I never received a custom painting that was done virtually even though I put in my phone number into the system - that was pretty disappointing when I got the text but only asked me to sign up for the newsletter :-/ Can't speak for the deli or gift shop since we just left as soon as we were done checking the artwork. Took us about 2 hrs to see it all.

Natalie A. — Google review

Amazing museum, definitely need to see it while in St. Pete! The permanent collection of Dali's work is immaculate with some readily recognizable pieces, and others that you really have to look closely at to see all of the amazing detail placed into his work. The building itself is gorgeous, and outside there are Dali references sprinkled around, even as you're walking up the front steps. The rotating exhibit on the third floor was cool to see, and they had another Dali piece stashed away in there! You also absolutely have to walk through the garden outside, lots of fun photo opportunities! Lastly, don't forget to attach your wristband to the wish tree! You can do it yourself, or you can leave it in a box up front for museum staff to put on the tree for you (but it's more fun and personal to do it yourself).

Bryn Berkowitz — Google review

One of the best small museums in the country. I often take family and friends when they visit and it’s always a highlight of their trip. Even those that aren’t necessarily “art lovers” enjoy the history of Salvadore Dali and especially the wonderful gift shop. Worth every penny! But plan ahead and make reservations as they do book up!

Jennifer Helton — Google review

Great collection. Pricey admission, but look out for discounts for locals and various FB events. I particularly enjoyed seeing his earlier work and insights into his evolution as an artist. I'd like to return with more time for the full audio/app tour. Plan for 4-6 hours.

Rebecca Shumway — Google review

This is a bucket list museum for art lovers and I’m thrilled to say I saw it! There is a playful essence to the museum that is lovable. The views and architecture are gorgeous and the galleries are quick to walk through. It was quite crowded though on a Saturday around lunch time in August, this is the reason I took one star off. Ideally I would’ve liked to have time to see each piece however it was so crowded I could only glance at pieces and had to wait for crowds to disperse so I could take longer looks and read labels. I had pre purchased tickets so my party did not have to wait in the line that wrapped outside of the building. The gift shop was great too. Again, I highly recommend going to this museum. It is truly one of a kind and iconic for St Pete.

Arifa Alli — Google review

I always wanted to visit this museum as it houses the 2nd largest collection of Dali works— the largest collection being being in Spain— so, once I knew I’d be in the area, I decided to go. Luckily, it was a Thursday, so it was half-price after 5p. I was staying in the hotel just a block or so away, so I walked. I did purchase my ticket online in advance, and there was a short wait to get in. There is a little cafe, and I ate my evening meal there— it was good food, and there is a bar and a number of tables both inside and outside. It’s by the water so it’s a nice view, and the architecture is beautiful. Dali art, like all art, is subjective, and it’s not really my style. I find most of it too abstract for my tastes, though he does have a few paintings that are beautiful. But, as I said, I always wanted to visit this museum so it was a must-see for me. I joined a free museum tour, and it was very informative. No regrets!

Karen Sconyers Grubbs — Google review

The Dali365 experience was neat to see but the museum and the additional exhibit they had on impressionists was a bit underwhelming. I love Dali's work. He was a brilliant painter for his era but I was expecting more on exhibition to see. The impressionist exhibit was fairly sparse as well. Even with stopping at every piece, reading the plaque and examining the work, I was done in probably 45 minutes.

Rebecca S — Google review

The Dali is an amazing collection of his works. We went the weekend before the Grand Prix so it added a slight difficulty in finishing the museum. You do have a 10$ parking fee if you park in the Dali parking lot. The museum has a very strict bag rule, if it looks anything like a backpack, of any size ( small sling pack ) even if they could clearly see it is being used as a purse. You are required to wear a mask while inside the building. ( covid ) even with all that just seeing Dali's pieces was well worth it. You are able to take pictures, ONLY FOR YOUR OWN PERSONAL USE.

wes borden — Google review

The Dali Museum is a real masterpiece of art in itself. Perfectly placed for lunch or dinner after your visit. The collection is outstanding. The layout takes you through Dali's life and work. The lighting is just right. The staff is very helpful. There's an app you can connect to that gives you the history of each painting. I will go again the next time I'm near.

Hank Stites — Google review

It is a wonderful place for both education and creativity. I enjoyed walking into the different galleries that were informative and visually beautiful. Make sure to check if the virtual experience is up and running. You won't want to miss it.

Tash B — Google review

My husband and I visited the museum for our anniversary and loved the whole experience. It was the perfect amount of art with the exhibition included. We started off with a sangria in the garden area, the video in the theater, then upstairs to look at the art. Parking was easy also! Overall, a great experience.

Casandra Bennett — Google review

Beautiful place to experience art. Highly recommended doing the 3D art show. It was definitely worth it. Gift shop and the staff were very nice.

Jasmine Roberson — Google review

I love this place. It is always organized when it comes to exhibits or special events. The staff do a great job with instruction, security, and answering your questions. The grounds are beautiful and a nice way to spend some time having a Cafe or snack after the exhibit. The gift shop is well stocked with books, shirts, magnets, post cards and other gifts. I will definitely visit again for future exhibits.

Michelle — Google review

This was my first time visiting The Dali Museum, and I was very happy with my visit! There is a dedicated parking lot available for visitors, and they charge a small fee for it. Once you are inside the museum, there is much to see on Salvador Dali and other artists before and during his time! Dali’s paintings and other art along with paintings from many well known artists are displayed in the museum. After you pass the gift shop, there is an entrance to the museum, which is on multiple floors. A staircase will lead you to the upper levels, and elevators are also there. On the upper floor, there are some beautiful views of waters surrounding St. Petersburg, and it is an excellent place for taking pictures! Also, the Dali Alive 360 degree experience is not to be missed because it showcases his life from humble beginnings to his visits to the United States. In the gift shop, there are two large screens where Dali gives you his advice, and where you can also get your pictures taken with Dali! In summary, I highly recommend visiting the Dali Museum to everyone on your next trip to Tampa, Florida!

Kaushal Pandya — Google review

Fantastic all around! Dali 360 was 100%worth the extra admission- my 7 yr old loved it! Emotional experience getting up close to many of the paintings especially being an art student who studied them extensively... Dali's soul and legacy in a museum- Viewer can most certainly feel his embodiment!

Cristin Foster — Google review

The Dali Museum is quite the experience and absolutely worth making a trip to the area. The parking is $10 for all day and can be limited but we found it no issue.No backpack type bags are allowed and only disposable water bottles are allowed (first floor only). Luckily they have free lockers just outside the museum to stow your stuff, especially if you like to carry your own water bottle like me and want to go upstairs to see Dali’s works. So bring a small purse/bag and disposable water bottles.I suggest you purchase the tickets ahead of time because it can get crowded/busy and you want to ensure your entry. It got packed by the time we headed upstairs.The outing will be pricey, especially if you add on the “360 experience”, some snacks, drinks at the cafe and of course…the souvenir shop.At first we weren’t going to do the “360 experience” but decided on it last minute since we already made the trip out there. I have to say it was worth it! We absolutely loved it and found it inspiring and moving. We’d do it again.Plan a trip to The Dali Museum and give yourself time to enjoy all it has to offer.The art pieces themselves are incredible and I could’ve easily spent all day here, there’s truly a lot to see, especially if you read about each piece.There’s a small theater that plays Dali’s life story on repeat, which we enjoyed. The building itself is gorgeous and something Dali would’ve loved!

Cecile Arce — Google review

I really enjoyed this. I liked Dali's work prior to going here, but had never actually seen any of it in person. I have a whole new appreciation for it now. Also, friendly staff, very clean restrooms, and easy parking. There's a shop area where you can purchase all kinds of items (clothing, books, prints, posters, jewelry...a broad range of items) that are all reasonably priced. My son did some activity with a 3D headset that he thoroughly enjoyed. Theres also a Dream Tapestry where you input a description of your dream and AI will generate an artistic interpretation of it that's pretty cool. I would definitely recommend this if you're an art lover, and even if not, try it...you may become one. I would definitely go back here again, enjoyable for the whole family.

Shelly Hofmann — Google review

We had a fantastic long half day at the Dali. It exceeded our high expectations! Very extensive collection and highly experienced, knowledgeable and enthusiastic docents and guides. On top of that an excellent restaurant. We look forward to another visit. We recommend planning to stay at least 3 hours.

Nancy Robinson — Google review

Such a great and interactive museum which kept adults and kids engaged. It has an activity that uses AI to make your image into a piece of art and interactive app that animates different parts of the paintings and tells you about each. The Cafe at the museum was stellar. My whole family enjoyed Spanish food on the patio. Lovely!

Michelle Afkhami — Google review

We were in town for several days for our 50th wedding anniversary. Our last visit was 30 years ago so there were new attractions we wanted to see along with those we had already experienced. The Dali Museum was among the latter. We don't remember much about the old museum except that it had many more master works. Not a big deal when you enter this amazing space and begin to understand and remember Dali’s talent.Teagen, at the front desk, accepted our $3 off coupons (up to 4 adults or seniors) for discounted gallery admission which I found in the Discover Downtown Map and Guide. We combined those with the senior admission price. The coupons are also available on the Discover Downtown mobile app. We visited on the last weekend of the "Dali and the Impressionists" exhibit. Dali was influenced by the impressionists but didn't feel their style would last long.There were several knowledgeable guides available to answer questions. We especially appreciated being able to take (non-flash) pictures. One guide overheard me lamenting that the 'melting clocks' masterwork was not in the museum. It is in another museum but he directed us to the Dali Alive 360, "an immersive experience bringing Dali's work to life like never before." There, on the outside of the dome, is a sample of the melting clocks which can also be seen at the Dali Alive 360 for an admission add-on.Restrooms are clean and plentiful. People rave about the cafe. We met a woman who had the gazpacho and pronounced it excellent. It does great business but we didn't want to spend our limited time waiting in line. If you do have the time, be sure to eat outside and enjoy the view. We visited the gift shop for souvenirs. Pricey, yes, but I found a cool shirt on sale.The museum has a strict policy about backpacks and liquids in the museum; an attendant checks all bags. We used the free lockers available at the entrance. Simply select a four-digit code from the keypad, take a picture of the code and locker number, scramble the code and walk away. Easy and secure.We walked to the museum from the Pier; our car was parked in the Sundial Garage. I saw that the free Downtown Looper had a pickup at the Dali which we boarded. The Looper only stops at the museum when it is open. We enjoyed a city tour while en route back to the garage. If you ride the free Looper, be certain to tip your driver who is committed to getting you safely to and from your destinations.

Marnette Severance — Google review

Parking was $10, (all day parking), however parking is limited. There was a graduation at the theater next door and a boat show, we got lucky and got one of the last spots. They were asking folks to park just two blocks away.There are docent tours every hour 12:30, 130… check before you go and do go, fascinating! So knowledgeable and polite.There is a Dalí Cafe, delicious (limited indoor seating but worth the wait). I don’t normally enjoy museum cafes but this one had very tasty food (we had the cheese plate, bread plate and carrot hummus, plus coffee and tea.The is a decent selection of Dali photos, paintings and information and you can go online to learn more. I would go back again since our friend is not much of a reader and is more of a quick browser. I would like to spend a bit more time and perhaps go on another docent tour.Go, enjoy and try the cafe, too!

Holly King — Google review

First time at this location, hadn't been since the 90's. I love Salvador Dali, my favorite artist for decades. We spent a little extra for the 360 experience, totally worth it. The coolest part was the AR app that made the paintings come to life. Staff were great, prices reasonable.

Vici Gidge — Google review

Do not dilly dally. Check out the Dali Museum. So many cool things and deep historical contexts in his paintings. Good food/coffee/ treats and artistic treasures to buy.

Patricia Gedra — Google review

Absolutely loved it. Be sure to take a guided tour. On my own, I never would have seen all of the details the guide pointed out. What an amazing talent Dali is. ENJOY.

George Dys — Google review

4.7

(16082)40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (13)

4.5

(8535)40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (14)

1 Dali Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA

(727) 823-3767

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40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (15)

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Bok Tower Gardens

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Mentioned on

22 lists

$$$$affordable

Garden

Bok Tower Gardens is a National Historic Landmark in Citrus County, Florida that features beautiful gardens, twice-daily carillon concerts, and the Mediterranean-style Pinewood Estates (circa 1930s). The gardens also hosts outdoor classical-music concerts.

What an absolutely beautiful hidden gem Bok Tower Gardens is!!! If my friend hadn't told me about it I wouldn't have stopped to check it out. What a vast array of beautiful landscape to walk and explore; 250 acres worth!! We barely scratched the surface and I look forward to going back to explore more! I love how all the plants are labeled so we know what we are admiring!! We so enjoyed the gardens and the tower, and next time will explore more of the nature trails. We also enjoyed the children's garden, Hammock Hollow, where my 5 year old could explore on terrain more fitting to her size!!We grabbed a bite to eat at the cafe; delicious sandwiches and ice cream!! Was a nice treat before exploring the gardens. Make sure to also take time to go inside their mini museum and learn the history behind Bok Tower and Gardens, as well as learn more about the making and insides of the tower itself.Bok Tower Gardens is a place you could spend your entire day exploring, as well as just relaxing on a blanket with a picnic relaxing!!

Rae — Google review

This place is beautiful. We spent half a day there walking around and looking around at all the beautiful plants and trees. It was amazing to walk around and check out the grounds and old buildings. The tower is amazing and we stayed for the carillon bells. I can't explain the beauty at this place, just spectacular. The food at the Cafe is delicious, great salads and sandwiches. I really enjoyed this place and recommend, so relaxing and a place to de-stress.

Brooke Murdock — Google review

Great family friendly location, awesome museum and tourist center with an 8 minute video explaining the history of Bok Tower. Cafe had awesome food, kids loved it. Awesome scenery. Great children's playground. We will definitely come out again, the kids loved it!

Neida Ortiz — Google review

Seriously beautiful and worth a visit at least once. The singing tower is stunning and very well maintained. Also enjoyed a good portion of the general gardens walk, lots to see! Make sure to take in the views around the tower itself, the elevation is a rarity in Florida and so nice to see.

Elizabeth Hadden — Google review

Definitely worth visiting these gardens over 200+ acres. Incredible variety of plants and exotic vegetables. Great play areas for kids. Incredible musical tower with bells, called Carillon, popular in Europe.

Paul Bhadha — Google review

This is definitely one of Florida’s hidden treasures. Unspoiled by man’s forward progress, this sanctuary features some extremely beautiful trees, plants, flowers, and foliage. And of course, the main centerpiece is the Bok Tower Bells. If you want to avoid crowds and screaming children, and screaming adults, this is definitely worth the visit. It’s about 45 minutes or so from the Walt Disney World resort. It’s definitely worth the drive.

Michael Crandell — Google review

Just back from a visit to Bok Tower Gardens and I've got to say, if you're someone who loves a bit of nature and history, this place is a must-visit. Nestled in Lake Wales, Florida, the gardens are a creation of Edward W. Bok, a Dutch immigrant who really gave back to his adopted country. This beautiful spot isn't just about the lush landscapes; it's also home to a stunning 205-foot tall Singing Tower. The sounds of the carillon bells ringing through the gardens are simply majestic.We went for Mother’s Day and it was the perfect setting. The tower, the music, the expansive views—all contribute to a peaceful, yet exhilarating experience. They even play a mix of top 100 hits, adding a modern twist to the historic backdrop.For anyone looking to spend a day surrounded by beauty and calm, I can't recommend Bok Tower Gardens enough. Bring a picnic, enjoy the koi fish in the reflection pool, and just let the beauty of the place wash over you. Whether you're a history buff or just someone looking to unwind outdoors, this place has something for everyone.

Paulina Fadrowska — Google review

Absolutely loved it! So much so that I purchased a membership, which grants you either free admission or 50% off admission to about 50 gardens or history centers throughout FL. A regular annual membership is $60 but it’s only $30 for students.Bok Tower Gardens is well-kept, with a wonderful variety of greenery and plenty of places to sit & enjoy. There were a lot of people picnicking and napping. Definitely worth the trip. Bring some snacks and a blanket and you can easily spend a few relaxing hours here.

Sieda — Google review

Definitely worth the visit. The entire grounds is kept so nice. Everywhere you look there are hidden areas to sit. We enjoyed walking up to the tower and getting to listen to the bells, it’s an experience unlike any in our area.We were specifically blow away by how nice the childrens area is. It’s very thought out, and the creativity that was put into it should be celebrated. Overall we had the most amazing day here.Can’t wait to come back and explore some more.

Ctine Doza — Google review

Being there is better than these few photos. While we were there it was almost on going bell's ringing in a musical way. So beautiful and peaceful. Another of history and surprised of who created this place and the people who were involve had an effect even in D.C. .

Glenn Williams — Google review

This was a really lovely experience and I would love to come back. I feel like they offered everything I would have ever expected or hoped for as far as gardens or estates go, and they did it well. Between the gardens themselves, the introductory video, the museum, the cafe, the tower itself and the gift shop, everything was top notch.

Tracey Campana — Google review

So glad we got the chance to explore the Bok Tower Gardens. This place is massive and so beautiful. Be prepared to walk-around and really take in the beautiful flowers and serene landscape. I even got a chance to grab some of the plants from the gift shop. Reasonably priced and happy to have something to remember the time spent there. This is a great place for a stroll, picnic and some good exercise.

Nay F — Google review

Beautiful garden. Trails were paved and mulched, well kept. Bathrooms were cleaned. I enjoyed the walk through the garden. Looking at the map, I thought it was a lot bigger but after walking, it fell just right. Not too short, but also not too long. Perfect for younger kids. As you drive in, you pay at the front gate, then drive to the parking lot.

Luke Chang — Google review

This day across the board was perfect! Weather impeccable for our day out at the Bok Tower gardens!The cafe had very friendly staff .Food was very fresh when ordered!The staff in the information center were thrilled to help us learn about the garden as well! Beyond pleased to have spent a peaceful day here ❤️

Angel Locicero — Google review

We had a great time walking around these gardens on a quiet Saturday morning. I particularly enjoyed the endangered plants garden and outdoor kitchen. Walking around here for a few hours brought us peace. It was nice to escape from the busy city and take some time to enjoy nature. Hopefully we will be back again one day soon.

Fairooz Haque — Google review

We love the many incredible Botanical and Natural Gardens that Florida offers for visits, at the “top” of our list is Bok Singing Tower. On this particular visit we had a goal to hike their trail system along with the Garden. We ended up doing over 5 miles including a variation of terrain. It is no easy feat to hike a grade of significance in Florida.The bonus was the large number of Azaleas in bloom. The music from the carillon echoed in the hills as we traversed the sand and clay terrain. The gardens transported us to far away places with strange sounding names. Then we inadvertently crashed a wedding where the theme from Jurassic Park brought in the Groom and Bride’s entourage. And you know… in that setting it worked.

Neal — Google review

Visited 4/16/2024 and had a great time. All the staff we met were friendly and helpful. The grounds are immaculate. We brought a picnic lunch and enjoyed time by Bok tower as the carillon played. There are lots of small secluded areas to enjoy time together in a peaceful outdoor area. The tour of El Retiro is worth it and brings you back to a time long past. We did stop in the cafe, where they have a selection of beers, food, and ice cream among other things. All were excellent. I'll be back!

Walter Piper — Google review

The landscape is so diverse and well maintained. There were so many portions of the gardens to explore. The tower was really neat, the bells have a beautiful sound. The Old Florida is very interesting and fun to explore. We would highly recommend a visit, plus it's out in the country. This is an opportunity to get away from all the crazy traffic of a more densely populated area

Angie Huff — Google review

Loved everything about my visit today from the super friendly helpful staff, to the well thought out and maintained gardens. The short movie with the historical information was helpful. Bathrooms located throughout the grounds. Ate at the Cafe on site which was convenient and good to refuel. Saw fish, turtles, snakes, all different kind of birds. Spent 4.5 hours there and still did not see everything. Definitely will be back!

Kimberly D. — Google review

My family and I went here for the first time yesterday and we loved it! There was plenty to keep them entertained and lots of space to run out some energy! The grounds are beautiful, especially around the tower. We will definitely bring a blanket and have a picnic out there next time. We ate at the cafe and it was delicious.Definitely would recommend bringing the whole family here!

christy lane — Google review

What a wonderful experience! While visiting friends in Cocoa, FL, we planned a day trip and drove to Bok Tower Gardens (something they'd talked about doing for a long time and just hadn't been). The grounds, gardens, the home on the property- El Retiro- were all beautiful! And the main attraction- THE SINGING TOWER!!! oh my goodness!!!! It was stunning. It looked like we were in another country or maybe we'd walked through time??, into Middle Earth (Lord of the Rings). I hope to visit again, soon! It was just a perfect day!

Jennfer Holder — Google review

Lots of beautiful areas to walk around even with small children. Lots of shade and there are many outdoor children activities behind the eating and gift shop area. It's much cooler in the summer and before 11am is perfect in the winter.

Monique Burrow — Google review

Undeniably beautiful. This garden is enchanting, well laid out and stunningly kept. I would love to be able to climb the tower. The water features and children’s area is also well thought out. This place is almost 100 years old and was a gift to all Americans from Mr. Bok. This place is a true treasure and gift. A must see place

Jared M — Google review

This is now my favorite place in Florida. BEAUTIFUL. Well taken care of, tons of different plants and flowers, so many different trails. You can easily spend a couple of hours just exploring around this beautiful place, but at the same time, everything is close so it’s not an exerting walk by any means. Ironically, although the tower and music are gorgeous, it was everything around it I would go back for. Loooved it.

Elianne Ferrer — Google review

Wow! Gorgeous! Beautiful! Are words to describe this beautiful part of Heaven on earth! This park is beautifully laid out to enhance the natural beauty of its flora and landscape.

Barbara Deckard — Google review

Amazing gardens to wander around. Peaceful and relaxing. Make sure you get there for 1:00 pm to hear the recital. You will need 2 to 3 hours to see everything properly. The kids garden is a lot of fun for adults as well. Reasonably priced cafe with friendly staff.

Raymond Wheeler — Google review

Beautiful gardens and paths. The bell tower was gorgeous. Loved the history lessons in the visitor center. There are lots of interesting plants to see, and everything was well labeled to learn as you go. Educational and fun!

Andrew Wagner — Google review

Wife and I were at a wedding in the adjacent neighborhood. Decided to give it a try. Looks very cool from a distance. Very quiet and serene. Neat plants and ponds. We were there in the early morning. A few other folks. We took a walk around. The background story is neat. I really enjoyed our time there. Not many places like it anywhere else.

John Myers — Google review

We recently purchased a duo membership and it's already paid for itself. It's such a peaceful and beautiful place. Plan for a couple of hours of walking the properties. It's stunning and there's so much to see! Cute cafe and shop and you can buy plants to bring home!!

Jalain O — Google review

Beautiful and peaceful gardens with many rare native Florida plants and excellent walking paths for all levels! Carillon bells played from the tower are so relaxing! Video screen area with bench seating to watch the artist playing. Highest point in FL and amazing views of countryside! Short historic movie at visitors center! Annual pass includes many other gardens across the country. On site restaurant is delicious and reasonably priced! Amazing gift shop with gardening gifts and environmental options.

Johnna Neugent — Google review

This place is AMAZING. I'd give it 10 stars if I could. Such beautiful grounds with vistas from the top of the "mountain" 😂The cafe has excellent food with beer and wine. Gorgeous gift shop and the tower is WOW! Concerts at 1 and 3pm. We took our dog and it's very dog friendly. Because we went last minute, we didn't bring a picnic lunch, so if you go, definitely pack a blanket and lunch and eat up by the tower on the beautiful lawns under the massive oak trees. Serene and peaceful retreat. 💚Admission is $20Dogs $10 - totally worth it!

Andrea Collyott — Google review

Well planned area. The area to park in had trees lining it so obviously for Florida your vehicle wasn't hot. The people were friendly. The different plants were awesome. We even saw a snake gardener snake it was all good. All the plans were really nice and like I said the setup but everything even when you were walking lots of shade there was a good Breeze we've really enjoyed our time there

C Chiavetta — Google review

Magnificent!! I was here many years before all the gardens were added. Such a huge variety of flowers and plants, vibrant colors, the winding paths with groups of plantings artfully designed - with many to attract bees and butterflies, plenty of places to sit after much walking, exceptionally clean... And then there's the tower itself. Beyond words...exceptionally well maintained, looks new.And add to all this a perfect sunny cool day with a nice breeze -- we were in 7th heaven. We will definitely be back.

Vivian Bernasek — Google review

This is one of the best botanic gardens on the whole east coast of the USA.Great walking paths, well labeled plants, duper staff, interesting varied environments.Add to that a great kids area and a carrollon that plays every half hour and you have an all day to multiple day stop.I highly recommend seeing this site.Good for the whole family, even rover.

Stephen G — Google review

Bok Tower is an expansive garden where the centerpiece is a giant bell tower. You can enjoy a well-manicured garden while listening to the captivating sounds of the bells. Admission is $20 per person which is a bit expensive. There is a cafe and gift store on campus, along with a theater and visitor center which displays some history of the Tower.I saw several groups of people having picnics and enjoying the warm March day.

Kevin Michalski — Google review

4.8

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4.5

(2449)40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (21)

1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853, USA

(863) 676-1408

4

Chihuly Collection

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Art gallery

Museums

Art Museums

The Dale Chihuly Collection is a prestigious glass art gallery located in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida. The collection includes some of the most iconic glass pieces in history, such as the Ruby Red Icicle Chandelier and Macchia. There are also glass-blowing demonstrations available on site, so visitors can learn more about this fascinating art form.

Dale Chihuly is a legend. Some artists are just elite in their own rights. Chihuly is one of these when it comes to glass art, holy cow. I absolutely love seeing Chihuly art in museums, so there being a whole collection of just his art in St. Pete is fated destiny (double duty, I know).It’s pretty much as awesome as you’d imagine, though it’s definitely a smaller exhibit which is the only disappointing part. You’d really have to drag out the better part of an hour to make it a long visit. But the pieces that are included here are still well worth seeing, and the admission is cheaper than a lot of the museums nearby. Plus, you don’t usually have to reserve a time slot really ahead of time.There’s also another fun addition to admission to the collection: you can go across the street to the Morean Arts Center and watch a free glass glowing demo!! Tom, who was working the collection when we went told us all about it and was so awesome. Watching glass blowers craft their work right in front of your eyes is such a neat and unusual experience.The Chihuly exhibit is a magical, colorful walk of brilliance. It makes for such a fun mini afternoon!

R Lin — Google review

You’ll be glad you went. The glass pieces take over the space with beauty! It’s a manageable little venue with restrooms and gift shop. Best feature might just be the opportunity to watch a live glass blowing demo (50 min) in a nearby glass studio. Great place to purchase artist made glass pieces with zero pressure.

Deborah Brooks — Google review

I'm not a huge museum fan, but this place is a great addition for a fun and interesting day in St. Pete's. The museum itself is pretty small and the average person could browse through it in an hour or less. Add another hour for the glass making demo and gift shopping! The glass work is amazing and gorgeous, the glass making demonstration is interesting, and of course, the gift shop has a lot of beautiful goodies. We took the time to sit through the short video about Chihuly and that helped make the experience feel more interesting and personal. Two hour street parking was convenient in front of the museum when we went mid-week, but I'm not sure how much availability would be there on weekends. The surrounding neighborhood is perfect for a stroll, dining, shopping, or a drink in one of the sidewalk eateries.

Shirley Alarie — Google review

The collection is not huge but, what's there is really cool. We got thru the gallery well-within an hour. Stuff you don't always see at your typical art gallery. What makes this a ☆☆☆☆☆ is the glass-blowing demonstration which runs at the top of each hour - it's a really interesting and fun. Again, something different and worth the ticket. Don't miss it. And, there is a "tip-bucket" - make sure to help out these artisans - I'm not talking just a buck or two. Throw a $20 in the bucket (I did)!!!

Charles Meenehan — Google review

Loved all the color and designs. Really enjoyed the glass blowing demonstration. The pieces here are amazing. I only wish there were more! Price is a little steep, but if you love Chihuly you will be happy.

Lora Klacik — Google review

This is a really beautiful exhibit. I enjoyed a quiet hour wandering through Chihuly's works. There is a neat video at the end featuring Chihuly speaking about his process and artistic vision.

Rachel King — Google review

This is my third visit. Beautiful large glass sculptures. Entrance fee includes a glass blowing exhibit.Museum will require an hour and the film about Chihuly and the glass blowing about another hour. Worth the time.Highly recommend.

Mike Zito — Google review

Super mesmerizing!! The teens enjoyed it as much if not more than I did. Such precision and attention to details..omg!! I hoped to see a demonstration, but no one was available on the weekend..it was still beautiful! The store was a bit pricey,but had a great selection of items..

JUSNATURAL. — Google review

We arrived a little over an hour before closing and were greeted by a friendly and helpful man at the front. We were assured that we could see the collection and watch glassblowing in the time we had. He was not wrong. He even walked around letting everyone know it was time to head over to watch the glassblowing so no one missed it.We took in some of the pieces with some fun photo ops before heading over to catch the last glass blowing demonstration. The demonstration was great to watch and took about 20 minutes. It was a couple minute walk across the street. It gives you a real life demonstration of the work that goes into creating the pieces. My teens had a greater appreciation for the collection after seeing this.We returned to finish seeing the Chihuly collection and watched to video there. The video really puts the work into perspective. We even had a few minutes to walk the gift shop before closing.Great experience, enjoyed by teens. Fun family activity that does not need a full day to do.

Tracy Foster — Google review

A very nice collection of Chihuly's work. In some ways I expected more, but the works that were there were great. A guide was eager to tell the story behind the works, and there was a nice glass blowing demonstration across the street. A gift shop had works from other gifted local glass blowers for sale.

billschomer — Google review

This pkace was quite small but still beautiful. I had my 2 kids plus a friend and her nephew ages from 9 to 15 and they enjoyed it as well. Art is such a beautiful thing!! We absolutely love everything about museum's. They had a gift shop at the entrance and some displays were very interesting!!

Kai Phumynavong — Google review

It's a gorgeous location. It had cost me 20$ per person to go in.The price is reduced if you are a senior or a student, though.Im not sure if you get a discount for being a veteranIt has amazing sculptures and a good few paintings from the main artist but no others.It must be said that the venue is very small, and you'll be in and out in less than 60 minutes, and if you're not big into photography, you'll be out in 30 minutes.But it must be said that the sculptures are spectacular

Lerone Yogev — Google review

Interesting but small. It does not take long to walk through the museum but it allows for some great photo ops. A ticket includes a free entry to the glass making demonstration across the street making the whole price worth it (with possible discounts as well)

Cherubic Cherry — Google review

I wouldn't call it a "good deal" but I guess for the area, and being a Chihuly enthusiast, it was worth it. We went through the display in less than half an hour, then went to the glass blowing demonstration afterwards. The demonstration was extremely informative. They do have several displays, and an excellent gift shop.

Amy Workman — Google review

Lovely place to visit. The works were beautiful and we were able to take our time and admire everything. And the ticket purchase included an art gallery, clay gallery and a glass blowing demo. We visited 4 places for the price of 1 ticket. What a great way to spend a day!

rose p — Google review

There's not a lot of glass sculptures and it took me and my family about 10 minutes to finish. They look pretty good though, and the amount of work it takes to make some of these in incredible. A bit expensive but if you like art it's a good place to go 👍👍👍.

ALE TANG — Google review

It is a small museum but has beautiful glass work. It's easy to get to and there's public parking available. Starting at noon there is a glass blowing exhibition every hour Monday to Friday. I love art and this fits the bill.

Jim Reveruzzi — Google review

Unbelievable!! Stunning pieces beautifully displayed. There's a self-guided audio tour provided as part of the $20 USD admission. Also includes a 30 min glass blowing demonstration which was amazing. A video profile of the artist, provides significant insights into how he creates the pieces. There's a shop to purchase stunning pieces. Definitely worth the price of admission!!

J May — Google review

Very good collection of Chihuly works. Nice presentation of pieces and a decent variety. Worthy visit when in the area.

c “cfl” lane — Google review

Charming ChihulyBucket list. We were in St. Petersburg for four days to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. I have been fascinated with Dale Chihuly for some time and since we will not get to Seattle to see his premier work, I was excited to learn about the first installation of his work in a building designed for that purpose. Chihuly is a pioneer in the studio glass movement and leads in the development of complex structures and environmental art.While the display is smaller, the pieces are nonetheless impressive. Several chandeliers grace the ceiling of the building and range in size from 3-30 feet in length and are made up to 1,000 elements of glass including one of the most famous, "Iconic Ruby Red Icicle." One walkway features many pieces in the ceiling making you want to lie down and gaze up at the beauty. Glass-related gifts, books and other items are available in the gift shop.We did not find any discounts or coupons for entry and paid $18 each for the senior rate. However, admission covers entry to the Morean Arts Center directly across the street for glass blowing demonstrations on the hour. This is a must to see how a hot, sweaty, tricky trade that requires intense concentration and timing results in beautiful glass art. Viewers sit on bleachers in a covered area at the back of the center. The glass blower and his fellow colleague have been blowing glass for 10 years. One of the glass blowers lived in Venice for a few years and studied in Murano.The furnace temperatures range from 1,000 to 2,000 degrees F. Many steps are required to create one of the scalloped pieces similar to those we saw in the collection. It takes 24 hours for the final pieces to cool in the coolers in the demo area. One of the trickiest parts is separating the glass from the rod which the pair did with finesse and success. We watched as the piece was widened and color added to the rim.Friends have mentioned seeing his work in Milwaukee and Madison, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Columbus, OH, Nashville and at the Biltmore in Asheville, NC.

Marnette Severance — Google review

Stopped at this exhibit on our way out of Petersburg and I am so glad we did. Chihuly’s works are possibly the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen! I only wish we had stayed for the glassblowing demonstration

ava gonzalez — Google review

The Chihuly Collection is located in the Morean Arts Center, which houses a permanent collection of Chihuly artwork. It features 18 large-scale installations, including the "Florida Rose Crystal Tower." The collection is relatively small and can usually be covered in no more than an hour. It is also a smaller version of the Chihuly Garden and Glass in Seattle, Washington. So, if you have already visited the one in Seattle, I would not recommend visiting this one; you would not find anything new.

Vlad Bezden — Google review

What a great experience. Bring your ear bubs as there is an audio guide with your admission. Fantastic exhibits. Be sure to see the glass blowing demo included with your admission and located a block away. Plenty of 2 hour parking on street. Hard to find longer parking. Nice area to walk, shop and have a bite to eat.

Debra Labruna — Google review

This is not a museum... It is a gallery! ( A small one at that). And I think it's crazy for a gallery to charge admission. They try to justify the price because there is a 20 min "movie" to watch about Chihuly and there is a glass blowing demonstration. So.... if I opted out of those things, could I walk through the gallery for free? (Which only takes about 5 or so minutes). I doubt they would allow that.Also, the pricing of items in the glass blowing gift shop is ridiculous. Hundreds of dollars for crooked, messed up pieces?

Diane B — Google review

It's hard to come up with fresh new things to say about chihuly glass collection.Innovative, avant-garde, pushing the limits, imaginative cutting edge.Never mind my ramblings.Just go to the museum and experience this fabulous art for yourself.This will be the $18 dollars you have spent in many a year.

Stephen G — Google review

4.7

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4.5

(2409)40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (27)

720 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA

(727) 896-4527

5

LEGOLAND® Florida Resort

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Theme park

Water & Amusem*nt Parks

Water Parks

At LEGOLAND Florida Resort, you can enjoy a day of fun without any stress. The park is filled with colorful LEGO bricks and features attractions geared towards children aged two to twelve years old. Rides and attractions include the attached water park which offers a refreshing break from the heat. LEGOLAND Florida Resort also includes an 150-acre theme park, 5-acre water park, on-site accommodations themed with LEGO bricks, and a world famous botanical garden.

Hadn’t been here in 10 years since our son was little. They have made some improvements but this place is still as amazing as it was back then. The food, drinks and rides were great. We were actually there a total of 5 hours and rode 14 rides!! We do Disney regularly and 3 rides is the norm there. We got annual passes so we will definitely be back. This place is so cool. Clean bathrooms and everyone was super friendly.

E Recker — Google review

Great park about 1 hour away from Disney ( out west). This is a great park for small children, not so much for teenagers. You can bring your refillable water bottles as they ah e refill stations for ice, water and soft drinks even if you don’t buy their cups. You should buy their cups to refill fountain drinks though. I went Labor Day weekend, the lines weren’t long at all. The most I’ve waited in line for a ride was approximately 15 minutes. Bring a change of clothes or towels for the rides that involve water. The food isn’t that great. Tickets are approx $100pp. I found a great deal online. Pay for 1 adult and kid goes In free plus paid for parking $22. I paid $268 for 4 tickets. Google search “ kid free with adult ticket” ( Honest Kids)

Winnie J — Google review

The service has been immaculate. They have a lot of staff members and all have been very kind and helpful. The free buffet breakfast has lots of options to every age and diet. Is it the best buffet? No, but it’s good for what it is. The themed rooms are a big hit with the kids. And every day they get a new small Lego kit they get to put together and keep. The castle hotel has a playground you can hop over to and utilize during the day. The Lego building play areas have been really fun for the kids. It’s been an all around great fun experience. The downside; all guests 48in and shorter, no matter the age are required to wear a life jacket in the pool area. Even if they know how to swim. I don’t think much older than that would have much fun.

Cat Wig — Google review

Excellent theme park for kids, specially for toddlers. Many attractions for all ages and with a best in class decoration. You really feel like you’re inside a Lego toy.Food is not that special, but enough for spending the day.

George Homsi — Google review

The best theme park we have been to! The hotel rooms were well decorated. The buffet skillets for breakfast and dinner were amazing. Great place for all ages but in order to ride all the rides you have you be 48” tall. We loved all the Lego made characters throughout the park. Each area is decorated to its own theme. My kids rode their first roller coasters here and are hooked to ride more!!! Very clean, friendly staff, reasonably priced food and gifts. We can’t wait to come back and stay longer! No I’d also suggest the pontoon ride on the lake. The Captain is very knowledgeable and easy going and super kid friendly.

Meag McElvain — Google review

If your child is into Legos this is a MUST! Pay the extra $ and stay at the resort as well. You can't beat the convenience of having your hotel room steps away from the theme park.The rides were great for my almost 5 year old. He loved all of them and especially loved the building stations they had throughout the park. I think his favorite thing to do was build the cars and race them with other kids at the Imagination building.Every staff we encountered was so nice and helpful.The park was clean and kid friendly.We had dinner and free breakfast at the resort and it was surprisingly very good! Service was great. Room was great!

Rose Limb — Google review

As a “Lego Nerd”, wife’s words, I was excited to take my ten year old son. We had so much fun going to all the exhibits and rides. We went in the middle of the week and there was little to no wait for most rides. It is definitely geared more towards younger kids, or adult kids 😆, than teenagers. I do like the fact you can bring your own water bottle and fill it all over the park. We have been twice so far and plan on going back a lot more.

Michael Cornwell — Google review

Legoland Florida was SUPER FUN! We went on almost all the rides in one day, the wait times are pretty short. They also have a water park. Regular parking was $20 and preferred parking was $50. My favorite part was Mini land USA. Legoland is an awesome, extravagant, amazing place to go on the weekends or weekdays. I would recommend bringing tons of water too. And coming on a weekday.

Micah Dibiasio — Google review

Legoland was better than I expected. There were plenty of rides and activities for my young kids to do. We spent an entire day there and didn't get bored. There were refill stations for drinks at the park. I wish there were places for mist or outside fans as it got really hot, but we took breaks as needed.My kids enjoyed every area of the park that we went to. We tried the pizza and pasta for lunch, and I do not recommend it. It is pricey for food that doesn't taste good. I really enjoyed the 4D movie. It was very interesting and short enough to keep my kids' attention also long enough to cool off.I dreaded going to legoland, but I am glad I went. Highly recommend.

Cee — Google review

Great place for families with young kids. The park is small and easy to get around in a few hours. Food choices vary and are a little pricey for what they offer, but they do allow small coolers in. Young adults and teens will enjoy the park, but only a few rides are available to them

Paul Biramontes — Google review

This was our very first Legoland Trip and we drove about 13 hours for it with a 9 & 7 year old and it was well worth it. We stayed at the hotel and went to the parks. The hotel was incredible. It was so much fun, it had so much to do and was really cool to look at. The rooms were a little smaller than I thought however they were perfect. My husband and I had a blast along with our girls. They had a dance & pajama party every single night and a party elevator although the music wasn’t working on the elevator but my girls still sang and danced in it and enjoyed themselves. The park had plenty to do. We had 3 days at the park and we got to see and do pretty much everything. You could stay a entire week or more and not run out of things to do but for the Legoland part of our trip those 3 days were perfect and they got to do everything they wanted. My husband and I also love legos so it was really neat to see everything built in Lego. My camera roll is more full from our Legoland stay then our beach portion of our trip. I definitely recommend visiting Legoland instead of Disney. It was a really cool experience!

Victoria Newbern — Google review

We visited the place a week after new year. We only purchase 1 park ticket which is the Legoland itself. The weather was cold. There were less visitors. Most of the food carts were close. few rides. children will definitely enjoy the park. In terms of souvenir items there were not much to choose from. I was looking for architectural lego design but there was none.

Joy P.A. — Google review

So much fun there! We conquered the whole park in 3 hours - two adults with no kids. Some of the rides have about a 40 minute wait. Spots to go indoors and get out of the sun throughout the park. Very clean and organized. Only wish they had more "healthy" food options in the park. A ton of great photo op spots and most of the employees will take your photo with characters that appear.

Lorraine Toth (Pinupmakeover) — Google review

We got our annual pass back in December 2021, it is well worth it. Been here already 3 times and my little one loves it. We have $299 pass , we love it, no need to pay for parking ( we park in preferred parking) , we are allowed to bring 3 guess per pass in the year. We have use some already. I must confess it is a great park, lines for rides at the most 20 minutes and not all the time.

Nancy Castellon — Google review

Legoland is a great park for the kiddos ages 3-10. Especially if they love building with Legos. The coasters and rides are all appropriately themed and exciting for that age bracket. I have 3 boys and they LOVED IT! As an adult I enjoyed the large Lego builds. I would recommend this trip to anyone who comes to Florida with young kids. The wait time for all the ride were very reasonable, 5-25min per ride.

Brandon Woodard — Google review

We really enjoyed the craft at the Legoland theme park. I was just amazing. We really enjoyed miniland and we actually started there must of our visit. The best part for us was to see our hometown in the mini city. "Miami Beach". But, all the Lego craft is just amazing. It a must see to believe scenery. 👀😯👀😯👀😯👀

JARKESHA KINGDOM CHOSEN (KC) — Google review

This was my families favorite vacation! I wish we would have come here sooner. We stayed in the Legoland Hotel (pirate theme) and my kids loved it! The room was cleaned daily, housekeeping was great! The free breakfast at Bricks was awesome, we did it everyday. We also ate at Shipwreck in the Pirate Hotel, it was good but very expensive. Both restaurants are family style. We went to the pool and had it all to ourselves for an hour, best time to go is around 11. It was very clean.The park was a blast, so much to do and so many places to cool off. The wait times were not insane like Disney. It was definitely less crowded during the weekday vs weekend. My kids road everything they wanted to multiple times. My only regret is not coming here sooner!

Kali Higgins — Google review

This park is specially designed for children under 12, but it's fun for all ages. The wait time was short at an average of 5 to 10 minutes per ride, with the exception of the cypress boat ride that had a 25 minute wait, I suggest going on that one right when the park opens before the line gets long. Buy the tickets online directly from Legoland for a secure purchase and to receive the best discounts. The kids love all the interactive attractions and rides, Legoland got the formula right, it really gets the kiddos involved like no other park!

Fred Hintenberger — Google review

WOW !!! What a great place to take your family. We made the trip on 10/29/23 and it was worth the 90 minute drive. Our daughter had a blast and their Team is absolutely Awesome. Halloween was in full swing and passing out candy from 2pm to 7pm, and not skimping on it. We had so much fun that we have decided to purchase season passes on their program. And the food was delicious and very reasonable!!!!

Shawn OConnell — Google review

Pros: when the park isn't busy, it's a pleasure to be there. We went on an "off season" day and it was perfect. No lines, kids were able to ride almost all of the rides other than the rides that were undergoing "annual maintenance". Overall a really great trip and the kids had a blast.

Ricki Mindick — Google review

I went with my kids today, and in my opinion, it is not worth the price for the amusem*nt park. Regular fair rides are way better than this park, and it's over hyped. The only advantage is that 4 year old kids are allowed in all adventure rides along with an adult, which is not feasible at Universal and disney.

S Bansal — Google review

First visitors. Familiar with all Orlando parks and we live here, so went with family and a 2 year old. Rides are per typical of a county fair and over very quickly. Grounds dirty. Rides that were supposed to be open until 4pm (the pirate boat ride is the picture with my watch) were closed early.But the ABSOLUTE WORST THING THERE WAS THE FOOD. The all you can eat pizza and pasta buffet was something straight from your nightmares. SUPER EXPENSIVE and all food bars empty all the time. They were adding ONE pizza at a time, while 15 people waited. When you did manage to launch yourself , Hunger-Games-style, to fresh food, it was absolutely awful. No co*kes in any soda machine at all. And did I mention trash everywhere?Finally, rides for a tot are SO minimal. Even super safe rides (like floating boats) they can't ride.The only redeeming things about this place (still not worth the price point though) were the Cypress Gardens area, and the mini Lego land.Been here, done it, and if you have an option - recommend that you pay a little extra and go elsewhere.

heather featherstone — Google review

So let me start by saying this place is nice for the kids and they loved it BUT the prices are just outrageous for what you are getting. Yes they get a little scavenger hunt in the fully themed rooms and they get a free small Lego pack and a juice but does that really justify the prices? I don’t think so. Otherwise it’s just a regular hotel. They do have the little play area in the lobby but the lobby is small. Perfect for the kids but the prices are ridiculous. Our kids did enjoy every minute and I’m not regretful but they should consider lower pricing so more families can enjoy the experience. That being said they do have a full bar downstairs where you can watch your kids play and have a drink and food. The breakfast was a family style all you can eat which was included in the price but still not super spectacular for what we paid. The breakfast was good though. The aesthetic and the decor is perfect and the kids thought the elevators were so much fun. Bathrooms are a little scrunched but the room overall was nice and it accommodated our 3 kids perfectly.

V Rose — Google review

This place is a ton of fun, especially for younger kids, but even the bigger ones can get in on the excitement. The Lego creations are simply incredible and truly captivating. The rides and attractions offer a good time, and there are indoor rooms for Lego building, complete with air conditioning and seating for a much-needed break from the sun and walking. While things inside can be a bit pricey, it's par for the course with most theme parks. Overall, we had an absolute blast!

Erika Sosa Romero — Google review

Excellent for 6-9 year olds! 48" can pretty much ride everything. 44" can ride with another kid who is 48"+.Not a lot for toddlers under 34-36" but we went for the older kids. My 2 year old could do 3 rides. This was our 2nd trip and we just discovered the red schoolhouse building with the childcare center inside. It was great for an air conditioned break. Small indoor playground, kid's restroom, several lactation rooms, fridge & sink, many changing stations. Our toddler was able to nap in a lactation room with the lights off while my husband took the older kids through the park.

Cazbar Saelao — Google review

BLESSED to be a Polk County resident for annual family passes for our 11 year old son. He will soon "out-grow" much of the rides, since going at age 2½. The Water Park is the BEST for local FUN during Florida heat. The atmosphere and remaining Cypress Gardens, Ski Show, and Holiday Events are FUN for All, and returning visits. A 20 minute drive to Family FUN for Children is a Luxury; since, other families have to get on a plane, pay for a hotel, and book well in advance. And; Mom got a Discount, and Preferred Parking. NO Lines to get thru to Parking. I only went to get my PASS and purchase a "Gift Card" for The BIG Shop or LEGO Factory Store. They do not offer "Gift Cards". I did not go further into the Park for visit. Other Guests have more thorough REVIEWS and Beautiful Photos. ENJOY🤗

Donna J Pyne (FRANK's MOMmy2012) — Google review

I went with my wife and an adult friend (no kids) and was shocked at how fun Legoland actually is. There is a LOT to do, including some really fun rides and excellent theming. There's also a HUGE section of Lego cityscapes with realistic 5-6 ft tall buildings depicting the Vegas Strip, Florida cities, San Francisco, DC, and more. I spent about an hour just looking at all of that... Almost like a Lego museum. There are also fun Lego building options like the new Ferrari build-and-race where you build your own Lego car from scratch and literally race it like a soapbox derby.For the coasters... The wild mouse (Great Lego Race) was maybe the best wild mouse model I've been on. Dragon is extremely well-themed with tons of Lego animatronics and a decent family coaster at the end. Coastersaurus is bad. Rough and forceless with TINY cars very difficult for adults to fit in.Non-Coasters... Ninjago was disappointing. It was the first ride (I think) with the AR hand-motion shooting but the sensors were not calibrated well and there were no physical sets at all. Just screens, screens, and more screens without an interesting story. So if the only point is shooting for points it would be much more fun if it was properly upkept. The queue was very cool though. (In general I LOVE the idea of putting places to build Legos IN the queues so kids can handle longer wait times.)Lost Kingdom Adventure was good in concept but again, not calibrated well. I like that when you shoot targets it activates effects. I feel like this one would be better without the guns at all. Just let us go through the "not-Indiana Jones" story with all of the effects happening for everyone.The LEGO Movie Masters of Flight was a cute concept for a ride and is basically a better version of Disney 's Soarin' ride (but not close to as good as Avatar: Flight of Passage). I liked that the ride had a story as well as most and scent effects.Pirate River Quest was disappointing. The wait times were outrageous for not that many people in line (a general problem at this park) especially because they were only running 3 boats on a 20-minute ride. And they only hold up to 8 guests each. So ~70 passengers per hour. And for most of the ride I wished I wasn't on it. It's mostly just a pirate telling you to count gems then giving you the answer before you even pass by all of the gems. And most of the figures are not made of Lego and are stagnant. Not nearly enough animatronics for a "pirate battle." The parrot talking got really old really quick too. I did like the last part sailing on the open water but I'd rather just walk through the Gardens next time. Because I chose to do the ride I didn't have time to walk through Cypress Gardens which is included with admission.Mia's Riding Adventure was the only true thrill ride in the park, being a big disco-style spinner ride. I thoroughly enjoyed it.Coast Guard academy was basically go-karts but in boats. Super fun but the wait was ridiculously long because they weren't using over half of the boats.NFPA Rescue academy was a super-fun competion to put the fire out the fastest. A slight workout!Most of the rest of the rides are kiddy flat rides. I think you need a lot of kiddy rides in Legoland BUT too many of them are just the same flat track with different ride vehicles and scenery. Would be nice to have a really solid kids' dark ride along the lines of Ratatouille at EPCOT or Small World at Disneyland/MK.The park was clean enough though the bathrooms weren't great. The rides and experiences were a lot of fun. The only negative is that the operations on the rides are TERRIBLE and it's mostly not the employees' fault. It's because the ride's capacities are akin to fair rides but the park is built to attract thousands per day, causing lines with literally 20 people to take 20+ minutes. Most theme parks have ride capacities around 600+ per hour per ride and this one is about 15% of that.Also know that AAA Gives good discounts if you're a member.

corbin byers — Google review

Compared to Disney Theme Parks, Legoland is a bit far to the city. But it has its unique themes since visitors can see lego characters, animals, and famous landscapes everywhere. It is amazing to see the mini city around the US to the world. They are all beautiful. There are many rides at Legoland and waiting time is so much better than at Disney World. Kids seem so excited there as they can see, touch, and take pictures with their Lego characters. Kids and adults can join the rides and most of rides there are mild and experience for kids.

Trang Le — Google review

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ZooTampa at Lowry Park

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Zoo

Zoos & Aquariums

Located in Tampa, ZooTampa features exhibits like the Asian Gardens, Safari Africa and the Primate World. Educational programs are also offered, including opportunities to feed a giraffe and learn about other animals. There is also a water play area for kids.

Such a fun place, my kids love it every-time we go. You buy a ticket once and it’s good for as many times back in the year that you want to come. It’s the perfect size park for kids to be able to do everything and see everything there without being too much. A nice fun day trip. There’s also two splash pads for when it gets hot, which is perfect ! Easy to navigate and the staff is always helpful when you need assistance. They have several rides. Some for little kids and some for bigger, as well as face painting & jungle gyms for the kids to play on as well. My family loves it.

Kira D — Google review

It was a hot summer day, so we took the kids to the zoo! Everything went well, but one observation was that some of the animals were not out, and the kids did not get to see them and experience them. The water activities kept the kids cool and refreshed as we walked around, and the rides were easily accessible (no major lines or wait times). We got the yearly pass for less than the day pass, so we will be going more often for sure!

Yara Gutierrez — Google review

Loved this zoo!! Well kept/ maintained/ organized! Such a large assortment of animals. Bought the one day ticket that is good for free entry for the rest of the year, so I will be back! Highly recommend. Skip the restaurant, though, high prices, not the best food, and they overcharged us for 3 drinks/ sodas when we only ordered 2. Didn't realize until we got home, and they were $6 each.Great gift shop!

Janette Badia — Google review

It was a well maintained place. We came when most kids went back to school so it was pretty empty so we could see everything pretty fast. I highly recommend coming to visit. It has a nice water fountain for anyone to cool off so I recommend wearing a swimsuit or fast drying clothing. Overall my experience was awesome. One thing I kind of was sad was most of the animals couldn’t be seen. Maybe they were hiding from the heat or something else. The Zoo was nice, and clean. Would totally recommend!!

David The Apple Tech Guy — Google review

This place was a lot of fun. They have a lot of neat exhibits in there are very interesting animals there. I also really like the Safari ride. It's not as big as a Busch gardens, but it's still very nice suit to visit. It is also very family friendly for young kids.

Scott — Google review

Great zoo! Fun for the kiddos! They have a big Mary go round with authentic animals to ride, a solid playground and even a splash park 👍. We always enjoy taking a family day trip here. The yearly passes are super easy and absolutely worth it if you have kids and plan to go more than a few times per year. This last trip was Halloween nights. All the characters were on point, very fun and family friendly. We had a great time!

Elliott laplant — Google review

We love this zoo. My daughter started watching their show on Disney and became obsessed with the African "Panda" dog, aka African painted dog. We did a road trip just to visit the dogs. Now, we have been back multiple times. The park has a perfect combination of animals and extra fun kid activities. The Manatee exhibit is my personal favorite. There are so many cool ways to see them up close and realize how much personality those manatees have. Seeing a Florida Panther up close was also neat. The carousel, safari ride, face painting, and log flume ride all break up the day to add an extra layer of fun. My daughter got one of their junior zookeeper vests and wears it constantly. Overall, we had a really good experience at this zoo and have already come back and plan to go more. My only negative is that the lunch options are not very healthy. We ended up doing pizza the first visit, and it was very greasy. That is where I could see room for improvement.

Laura Garcia, Realtor — Google review

Was a fun day trip. We have been talking about going for awhile, and now we are talking about heading back. The Zoo is clean, enjoyable, well laid out and the amenities are perfect. Fans and misters for hot days, lots of beverage and food options, and of course fun gift shops.The staff were friendly, knowledgeable and seemed to actually enjoy their time there. Great family trip or just two adults like us looking for something fun to do.

Chris Jagodzinski — Google review

We had a blast at this place. My boys were mesmerized by the the range of animals. Mommy, Daddy, and Auntie enjoyed the numerous beverages carts around the zoo. I give this place 5 stars but many of the animals were inside due to the chilly weather. Not the Zoo's fault but we didn't see the whole park. It's still deserves 5 stars based off what we saw.

Mike Paolini — Google review

Absolutely loved it here. Great experience and was well worth the money. You can spend many hours here. We spent about 3 hours here. Tons of different animals here and you can tell the zookeepers love their jobs and the animals. They have many backstage experiences as well for an additional cost. Tons of different shows to go see as well in the different regions of the world. Tons of food and beverage spots around the park so if you are in need of something they have it. Parking is free and overall we had a great time here!

Nick G — Google review

The entrance fee was quite pricey - right around $45. The grounds were nicely maintained, and the staff were extremely helpful and pleasant. Had wonderful service from Ryan at the gift shop where we picked up our electric carts for the day. They were also prepared to store our walkers for us in a secure area and were very quick to retrieve them when we arrived back. Food prices were more reasonable than I anticipated, I suggest purchasing their refillable beverage cups when you get there - you can skip the lines and refill the cup as often as you like with soda or icees.

Lisa Brown — Google review

We got a membership a few months ago and have been four times. It is small enough to see everything, but big enough to have some very cool animals. I love the talks they give about being good stewards of our incredible animals and their efforts towards conservation. When we lived here 25 years ago, my little ones loved going, and now taking them as adults is just as much fun.

Melinda Geskey — Google review

Visited a few times in different years, and it's always a great experience. The animals are well cared for, and their conservation is very extensive and impressionable. My son loves seeing the animals, the staff are always on hand for questions and the food on site is really good 👍 will be going here again for years to come no doubt.

Victoria D'Agostino — Google review

Super expensive, but all of the attractions are included with the price of admission (carousel, safari tour, ect). We went on a Tuesday in October so most kids were in school, and it was much more enjoyable since it wasn't packed! The zoo was much larger than expected! We were there for about 4 hours and still missed the Africa section. Also, the food and beer selection across the park was fantastic!

Stefanie White — Google review

The personnel were very nice and ready to assist if needed. They do offer strollers, wheelchairs and scooters for rent. The animals there appear healthy and it was clean. They have a lot of food, snack and drink booths throughout the park. There's a carousel, but adults aren't permitted to ride the animals on it. There's a small flume ride and a 30 minute "safari" in a comfortable vehicle. Unfortunately, a lot of animals were unavailable due to either construction or ??? No hyenas, no gorillas, no chimps, no camels, no tigers, no lions. The habitats appear small, but they're clean. Things are expensive. All animal encounters are only available for separate payments. I'm bummed that there wasn't more to do. I will say that for the price of two tickets, we now get to come and go until the end of 2024, yes 2024, for no extra cost, so that's nice and hopefully they'll improve. Also, word has it that they're talkin about destroying the clam shell that's been there forever to make way for more parking...I really hope they don't.

Monarch Serenity — Google review

Such a nice zoo with so many interesting animals! My boys just loved the zoo and all it had to offer. The whole family really enjoyed the Macaw exhibition as soon as we entered the main entrance. The fly overs were amazing to watch! The manatee viewing areas were amazing and were the highlight of our trip to the zoo!!! Tampa City Pass made for an easy entry into the park with no wait lines at all! Highly recommend for a fun family day out.

Sarah Buck — Google review

Very impressed. Great layout. All the animals were active. Love the new addition of Australia.This zoo has it all. Animals, shows, and rides! Rides are geared mainly for the littles, but we had a blast watching them have so much fun. It's definitely a must do when visiting Tampa. There are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat and bars scattered across the zoo.

S G — Google review

We had a really nice day at the zoo today. They have a lot of nice exhibits, experiences and even rides! The tickets were approximately $49 per adult, which seemed reasonable. It took us a little over 4 hours to get through everything and that included waiting 30 minutes for the safari ride. I recommend getting there when they open because parking is limited.

Will Gausman — Google review

Absolutely gorgeous zoo. Most of the animal exhibits are very large and well created for the animals. Great layout. Lots of unique animals with great descriptions at the exhibit. I would highly recommend. The only issue we faced was finding parking. We arrived late on a Thursday morning and it took more than 20 minutes to find a parking space

Scott Johnson — Google review

This Zoo has some of the best natural habitats for their animals that we've seen. The staff is also great. The safari is worth the wait as well. We spent most of the day here and still didn't make all of the exhibits. The manatees are great to see up close. The water ride was such a blast for the kids that they went twice! We can't wait to come back again soon.

R S — Google review

Great zoo experienceUserCreate a 25-line review, talking about the excellent experience at the Tampa Zoo, variety of animals, attractions, quality, affordable price, environment, family program, great experience, parking, security and recommend it to everyone.ChatGPTTampa Zoo Review: A Great Experience for the Whole FamilyI recently had the pleasure of visiting the Tampa Zoo and was blown away by my experience. This zoo offers an incredible variety of animals and attractions that captivate people of all ages.Upon entry, I was greeted by friendly and helpful staff who gave me information about the different areas of the zoo. The variety of animals present is impressive - from the majestic African elephants to the adorable meerkats, there is something for everyone.One of the things that most impressed me was the quality of the facilities. The animal enclosures are spacious and well maintained, providing a natural environment for the animals to live. In addition, the zoo offers regular lectures and demonstrations, where you can learn more about the animals' habits and behaviors.A positive point that I must highlight is the affordable price of the ticket. Compared to other zoos, the amount charged is very reasonable, especially considering the quality of the experience offered. The zoo also offers discount options for families and groups, which makes visiting even more affordable.The zoo environment is very pleasant. There are shaded areas to rest and many food options, from quick snacks to full meals. The well-signposted trails and lush vegetation make the ride even more enjoyable, providing a sense of immersion in nature.Another highlight is the program for families. The zoo offers interactive activities, such as feeding animals and encounters with caretakers, which make a visit even more memorable for children. There is also a children's play area with games and toys to keep the little ones entertained.The parking issue was also resolved. There is ample space available, with many vacancies, which makes it very easy for visitors. In addition, security is taken seriously, with staff and surveillance cameras ensuring a safe environment for everyone.In summary, my visit to the Tampa Zoo was an excellent experience. The variety of animals, the interactive attractions, the quality of the facilities, the affordable price, the pleasant environment, the program for families, parking and security were aspects that impressed me positively. I recommend this zoo to anyone looking for an educational and fun experience for the whole family.

Jairo Da JCD — Google review

I visited ZooTampa at Lowry Park back in 2021. The place is very big, so I suggest you give yourself some time to explore. I really enjoyed their selection of birds. The monkey exhibit is really cute. You can watch them swing around on ropes and climb towers. If you like hands on experiences- there is an area where the birds are very friendly and sometimes they come so close that they touch you, for myself it was a very pleasant experience. I definitely recommend this Zoo.

Katelyn Gelormino — Google review

This zoo is so good we originally went for the day but decided to get a yearly membership. Definitely worth joining, plus 50% of other zoos and aquariums that take part in it. Animals are in habitats that resemble their natural habitat. What an awesome experience to say the least. Go online and plan out your day by feeding the giraffes, or doing one of the other activities with an animal. A kid area with rides, and games for them to play for an additional cost. Also don't forget to ride the safari truck that explains about the different African animals in that area of the zoo. I highly recommend stopping by and checking out what it has to offer.

Jeffrey Pennell Sr. — Google review

Went for creatures of the night. Great experience for our 3 yr old great granddaughter. Not to scary. Actors were very considerate to the little ones and did not scare or chase them, but they did the older kids.

Sandra Hutchings — Google review

My son had such an amazing time here. He was able to see his favorite animals and more. We had a really good time. The pictures they take of the family are a really fun memory to have.

Xiomara Lopez — Google review

Beautiful, well-kept zoo with happy, healthy animals. You could easily come back every day in a week and see something different. When I visited in January their special exhibit was animatronic dinosaurs. I am a Dino freak so this made me very happy! That was just an added bonus, but a good one.I'm also a birder so seeing all the lorikeets, flamingos, pelicans and more up close was a real treat.

Ellen Boucher — Google review

I quite liked this zoo. It was very busy but the crowds seemed to flow nicely. Parking was free but took a while to find a spot. More food options inside the park would be nice, even snack carts here and there could work out. Most of the animals seemed happy and well looked after. The tiger seemed quite stressed out, pacing back and forth in a habitat far too small for it so thay was kind of sad. The special limited dinosaur exhibit was neat, had a small wait to get in as to keep people sort of spaced out once inside.

etch250 — Google review

Really really fun and educational. It's been a long time since I've been to "the zoo" and I'm so happy I went to ZooTampa at Lowry Park recently. This place is a full-blown theme park with an incredible amount of animals, activities and education if you're looking for it. We saw some amazing things and I am very content with our day long trip. That said, I got us annual passes and can't wait to go back!

Josh Hummel — Google review

Me and my family had a blast here. Loved being able to see all the different types of animals. The prehistoric predators exhibit was amazing too. Great price for everything that’s included. Only thing that I didn’t like was the adults who were drunk and being loud and saying stuff that shouldn’t be said in front of children.

Dianna Welker — Google review

A very nice zoo with lots of species. Areas are well-marked and the exhibits are laid out so that you do no wandering and searching like I've done at other zoos. Only 4 stars because a number of enclosures are needing work. (No water in hippo, enclosure, water features in other enclosures no running.) Feb 20 and there were lots of elementary school children swarming from enclosure to enclosure but otherwise, it was surprisingly uncrowded. A few food spots were closed making me suspect this is the slow season. I thought the food was reasonably-priced. Entry fee was on par with other zoos.Is it better than that other Tampa place that has roller coasters and animals? I depends on what you want. I am not big on thrill rides and love animals so I would choose Zoo Tampa. The other place is more of a walk along the back of the park safari path and is cool too. If I had to choose one I would choose Zoo Tampa. If my family had to choose one it would go with the thrill ride park.

Scott Linscott — Google review

You know it’s a great zoo when all the animals were thriving and active throughout our entire time at the zoo. It was quite empty when we went, but it was perfect, not too crowded great visibility on all the animals. Got to see a Macaw training session too!Highly recommend! The ticket was also quite affordable, we bought it at the gate and they had a deal for returning to the zoo throughout 2024.

LeDan Pham — Google review

This is a lovely zoo!We were able to leave our luggage at the front desk. The safari ride, for no extra cost, was a fun experience. Everyone who works here was super friendly and helpful. They had a good variety of animals. The zoo is quite shaded with misting stations, too. They also have dietary restriction friendly options. While the price is high, they're running a promotion so you can get in as many times as you'd like through 2024 for the price of one ticket.

dana h — Google review

We had a blast here. Being able to walk into a place where you can join the birds was an experience. Please do not pass up the chance to see the flying macaw birds. The animals were all out!If you can make it before April, they have a great dinosaur exhibit.Brace yourself, it is expensive. The food, however, was very good. The portions were generous.The cost for a family of 4 was just shy of $200 for tickets, so for a bit more, we went ahead and grabbed season tickets.

Adela Unaldilar — Google review

4.6

(24276)40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (45)

4.5

(4104)40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (46)

1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33604, USA

(813) 935-8552

7

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (47)40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (48)

40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (49)40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (50)

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Theme park

Water & Amusem*nt Parks

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is an African themed amusem*nt park with thrilling rides, live entertainment and family-friendly activities. It is one of the top attractions in Tampa for guests all year round.

A really nice park to visit for a day. Some of the rides are a little rough, but all in all a lot of fun.The Sesame Street kids area was wonderfully themed and had some great things for my son to do.Security took a little while to get through but I think that is my biggest complaint. The food and beverages around the park were delicious.

Corey Alukonis — Google review

Our visit was on Groundhog Day, lucky us, six more weeks of cooler weather. Great day to stroll this amazing theme park. Animals appeared to be more active today than in the heat of summer.Wonderful wildlife (caged or fenced in) viewing areas throughout the park. Many thrill rides and children areas. A very nice train ride where you can see many different animals. Train has wheelchair access on board. A variety of dining options; somewhat pricey. Lunch for two, Chicken Tenders / Fries / two drinks can set you back over $30. There is 10% off food, 20% off merchandise with annual pass. Check web site as prices and offers may change.Many of the attraction and shows were closed due to maintenance or health concerns. Just the same, a very enjoyable day out with family.Park is clean and staff are polite and pleasant.Recommended checking website for prices, events, and times before showing up in the parking lot.

El Keith — Google review

Overall wasn’t the best experience, some rides are really fun, train ride was good as well, however most animals on the train ride can’t be seen. Lines are fast moving and organized. Layout is cute. Some misters around the park to cool off was much needed, more would have been perfect. Customer service is basically non existent in the restaurant and cafe we went in. Would we go again not sure 🤔

Rima Alkhalili — Google review

We arrived shortly before 9am and there were cars already waiting in line. The park opens at 10am, however, they opened the lines for parking at 930am. You can either walk to the gates or take the tram. If you have purchased tickets online, you can go directly to the self-ticketing kiosk, and scan your printout and you will receive your tickets. The park is nice, loved being able to see the animals. It was cold, so going on the roller coasters was interesting 🥶 the best ride for me was Cobra's Curse. Loved going backwards and spinning in the coater cart 💯 but it was a short ride! The longest waiting ride, is Cheetah Hunt. You will want to ride this one as soon as you get in! Definitely lots to see and do. I suggest more spots for purchasing coffee, tea and hot chocolate. Too cold for ice cold beer! LOL!

C Rod — Google review

Great rides staff is rude and acts like they hate their job . Don't get me started on the waste of money on the highest season passes we paid for . No preferred parking we are always told and there is always plenty of spots open , extremely rude parking people at the pay booths saying they have security and I'm not allowed to even look to see if they have any spots open when that was a lie . Aside from that the park is dirty and they choose to do yearly maintenance on rides when it gets warm outside and not in off season . Now keep in mind aside from that they have a lot of nice rides and it's beautiful and peaceful there at night time so don't not go cause of a few issues . If you like coasters then it's a great place

Chris Dezlo — Google review

Great roller-coasters and good food. No shows during the week, so plan on walking around seeing animals, which is nice until it gets hot they tend to hide in the shade. Definitely get the meal package, worth it! Waits are not bad during the week.

D. — Google review

We went to Busch Gardens for a day when it got a bit chilly for beach fun. It was Monday, December, 3rd, the last day of Christmas break and it wasn’t very crowded. Quick queue passes and all day dining made our day really easy and stress free. These triple the cost of your ticket but are well worth it, if don’t want to spend all the time in lines and have several teenagers in the family who eat a lot like we do. All day dining includes an entrée, a side or desert and a fountain drink in any of 5 main restaurants every hour. It doesn’t include any snacks or other food vendors. Mind: you still have to wait in lines to get food in restaurants, so we didn’t even go to a BBQ place that smelled so good, the line was probably more than an hour long there and we didn’t want to waste time. We also went on Serengeti safari tour and loved it: got to feed the giraffes and see all the animals up close. The rides are awesome, me and our youngest kid 9y.o. did some family friendly rides, which were too much for me anyways (I just can’t do any roller coasters). My husband with older kids had a blast on all the crazy rides. Everyone loved our day in Busch Gardens, we’ll definitely be back.

Eva Volf — Google review

Went on a Tuesday mid July. Park was fairly busy but literally everything was shut down. It rained for a bit but other than that it was just cloudy but they kept the rides and games closed anyways. I was there for 4 hours and got to ride 1 ride and play 1 game, the rest of the time was us walking around the park trying to find something to do. The animal exhibits were cool though, animals were very active. Don’t get the all day dining. It only works for certain restaurants and their food is sub par at best since it seems it’s not very organized in terms of making it and getting it out. I got chicken tenders and fries and it made me almost puke (I hate saying this because I know it’s an amusem*nt park, but this was just bad). The one ride I rode was fun though, it was the new iron coaster and was a lot of fun. Line went by at a decent pace and the ride itself was fun. Staff were friendly and helpful whenever we needed it. Honestly, just save your money and go to universal or somewhere else. $300 to waste that I can’t get a refund on!

Bre Catanese — Google review

A great place for families with children. We spent three days there - that's all you need to see and do all the attractions. great option to travel by train around the complex - safari wonderful! Sesame Street and attractions around it - very well thought out, for children of all ages and more. We had a great time here! We'll be back someday :)

Emilia Rydzewska-Smaza — Google review

The fun card pass works best because we had rain for several days and you may not always qualify for a rain pass refund. We can also use this particular pass for the rest of the year, in case we decide to go back. The all day meal pass works best for large groups. Several restaurants provide a good portion size, so kids could probably share a meal together from one pass. The train ride is perfect for getting to different areas of the park, while getting photos of the wildlife. Make sure to check out the shows, they had an ice skating show that was a quality event, plus it is cool inside, if you need a break from the heat. The vehicle parking is across the street from the park. They have a tunnel that allows you to access the preferred parking area, which gets you really close to the entrance (it's a $15 premium over regular parking). If you download the app, the map feature will actually help guide you through the park. The location function must be active on the phone. The app will also store all your passes if you buy online, so you will not need to keep up with tickets. If it is raining, some of the walking paths can be slick. We saw one kid running and tried stopping quickly and ended up on their behind.

Richard Nance — Google review

I've been here a bunch of times over the years, ever since I was a kid, back with the original owners of the theme park. I most recently visited in Feb 2023. It was fun. It wasn't as fun compared to ten or twenty years ago. I feel like the park has lost some of its luster. Not run down per se, but just not as much upkeep as I remember compared to previous visits. But, the roller coasters were a lot of fun. And if that's why you're coming to Busch Gardens, and it probably is, then it's a decent place to visit.

David P — Google review

Fantastic, you get to experience the best of both worlds a zoo and a theme park. My son and I could not explore much because it was raining, and the park had to close for weather safety. We Will go back. The rides are cool and exciting. Many restaurants, and the ambiance is exciting. The scenery is different than other theme parks. That is what makes it unique.

Buffet Day — Google review

I recently visited Busch Gardens in Tampa, and it was an incredible experience! The park is a perfect blend of thrilling rides and amazing animal encounters. The roller coasters like SheiKra and Cheetah Hunt were a blast, and the animal exhibits were both educational and entertaining.The staff were friendly and helpful, and the park was clean and well-maintained. The food options were diverse, and I particularly enjoyed the dining experience at Serengeti Overlook Restaurant. The landscaping and scenery throughout the park are stunning, making it a great place to enjoy a day outdoors.Whether you're a thrill-seeker or looking for a fun family day out, Busch Gardens has something for everyone. I can't wait to return for more adventures and excitement. Highly recommended!

Jennifer Eastburn, Realtor — Google review

Amazing park in Tampa. Lot ofRides and fun activities inside along with animals. Loved this place. Enjoyed till last moment. DON’T miss any rides. Has good amount of rides for toddlers as well.. Sure I am gonna visit this place again..

Sam K — Google review

This place is a hidden gem. Not too crowded. Get here early and the lines for rides are not bad at all. The later you stay, the longer the lines get for the rides.The staff are helpful and friendly. The animals are worth the trip. So many to see. Gorgeous representation of their species. The park is clean. They do an outstanding job of keeping it presentable.Cost of food here is like you would expect at an amusem*nt park. Quality of food is subpar at the locations we did try.Overall, my visit was amazing. It was well worth the visit. One FULL day is all that's needed to do everything you need to do here. Two FULL days will allow you to get your complete fill of the amusem*nt park.

Jonathan Winchester — Google review

Great park with a mix of big coasters and smaller rides. A fair number of rides and restaurants were closed. We were definitely there on a slow day, barely a wait for anything except lunch. The Sesame area is really fun for the little kids. The tree house was a favorite.

Suzanne Armitstead Aguiar — Google review

Fantastic day out with the family.Easily accessible parking (albeit a little expensive) with a short connecting land train to the park. We had purchased tickets via an agent and they were really easy to collect from the self service machines.The food options were great. We took advantage of the all day dining option and despite reading some pretty damning reviews, I felt it offered excellent value for money - we each had five drinks throughout the day and two meals which were great portions and very tasty. The food at Zambia Smokehouse in particular was really nice.The rides are brilliant and there are a great selection for all ages. We visited on a weekday and in general the lines for all rides were short and I think the longest wait was around 30 minutes.The animal element of the park is great and our kids loved seeing Flamingos, Giraffes, a Rhino, Gators and Elephants as well as loads more. The staff all really seem to genuinely care about the animals too and it was lovely to see them caring for them throughout the day. The environments in which they are kept seem to be as close to natural as they can be and none of the animals at any point looked like they were sad to be 'on show'.In summary, a great day. A completely different experience to the other theme parks in Florida and well with a visit if you haven't been before.

David Hunt — Google review

Just AMAZING.I payed for the safari tour, Sloth tour and Penguin tour and it was amazing ❤️ such a wonderful experience! I honestly love the fact that they explain to you so many things about how to help the conservation, how to save the wildlife and how their bodies work and such. I learned so much and I was just amazed by the greatness of every single animal I saw. ❤️The park is great, clean and had wonderful workers.

Luisa S.M. — Google review

This is my first time at this location. I was very surprised to find that not only does the park have rides and attractions but it also has a grief focus on wild animals. There is an Animal Care Center that you can enter and at times there will be a veterinarian taking care of an animal. There are exam rooms that have clear glass in front of them so that you can observe what the doctor does with the animals. The park seems to be well-designed for families. I would recommend this place if you want thrill rides animals and family fun!

Michael Siracusa — Google review

I love Busch gardens. I used to go to the one in Virginia. I felt it was much better in the terms of maintenance. May be the Tampa bay park isn’t that well maintained probably due to they just opening to public after Covid. I had gone to this park in the late summer of last year.This location also has a small zoo. The roller coasters are pretty good, the park has something for everyone. They also have shows.Would definitely come back here.

Sindu — Google review

Been a Florida resident my whole life and Busch Gardens never disappoints. It is a fantastic park! The animals, the rides, the attractions... they even have up close animal encounters which are amazing. I would definitely recommend everyone go spend the day. As the rides are exciting, the park itself is relaxing and caters to everyone... whether you are a ride enthusiast, park lover, admirer of animals... everyone will have a great day.

Ashley Hepsen — Google review

We always have a great time at Busch Gardens! Lots of exciting roller coasters, beautiful animals with amazing conservation efforts, and fun shows. We liked the new Summer shows. Open late for Summer Nights. Closed a few times for Summer thunder storms, but that's to be expected in the Florida Summer. They do a great job keeping everyone safe. Wonderful staff! Very accommodating for my child with autism. Oasis Pizza was yummy! Our favorite is always the pretzels at Twisted Tail though. That's a must try! The price of the drink refills have gone up again, but the cups are still a good deal, especially when you want to stay hydrated in this heat. You'll wish you got a refillable cup. Love having a pass and we will definitely be back!

Jennielle Potter — Google review

First time at Busch Gardens, and it was great overall. My wife and I went on Friday, and it was surprisingly quit empty for a Friday, so it meant super quick lines. We never had to wait much for any of the rides. The ride "Kumba" was closed along with one of the water rides, which was a bummer. Also, some of the animal attraction places were empty with no signs, so that was a waste of time. Parking was $30 for the day ($45 for preferred parking), but you can take the mini tram that drives you to the front entrance of the park. The rides were definitely fun. Food options are okay over there, and the markups on beverages/water are insane (we paid close to $6 for a water bottle there...). The park felt like it was missing more rides as we got done pretty quick with no lines, and it also felt like workers were just waiting around. All in all, I'd definitely recommend paying a visit if you are in town as the rides are fun and thrilling.

Mohammed Akhtar — Google review

This place is awesome!! It has a lot of roller coasters for adults and young people and there is a special area for kids that is pretty big! You can find food, beverages, souvenirs and more! You can also enjoy the different attractions and shows, you can spend the whole day here without being bored. I really recommend it. I had a really great time here.

Becca L'pz — Google review

We had a lot of fun here. I grew up going to Six Flags in Georgia and the rides and everything here were so much better. My favorite was the cheetah coaster. I love how everything in the park is themed and decorated and all the foliage everywhere helped keep it cooler along with all the fans. They had some Halloween decorations up as well, that was cool to see. We already want to come back again.

Jennifer Scott — Google review

Had an amazing time. Best theme park. Roller coasters are awesome. Safari experience is a one of a kind. Food is amazing and the atmosphere is full of fun! Glad I'm a newly season ticket holder!

Erik Nieman — Google review

Love this place and the events they throw throughout the year. Definitely the type of amusem*nt park where you get the best of both worlds: thrilling rollercoasters and viewing animals!Definitely being a local, it’s worth it to get an annual pass for the perks and discounts. My friends and I love coming for the special events each month and seeing new shows and performances that come in or eat during their food-festival events. We are big fans of the regular foods available all-year, too, where this park definitely is above other theme parks in the state for food quality and cost.The animals look well cared for. The staff in the animal’s spaces can answer a lot of questions about them. You can also see that they have buildings dedicated to animal rehabilitation (like surgeries) and conservation efforts.Of course this is Florida and the weather can be nasty at times, they will close down rides due to weather issues in the area. This is when my friends and I would catch a show or go walk by the animal areas if it’s lightly drizzling. All the rides are outdoors, so it’s likely when the weather reports say it’s raining that all of the rides are down for that time.Parking is $30, if you are a silver or gold annual pass member, it’s free.

Ana — Google review

Busch Gardens Tampa is an amazing place! This place doesn't really have as many roller coasters as other major parks do. but I think that all of the other rides makeup for that. The coaster collection is very strong and has some of the best in the world. The flat rides in the park are also very good. The quality of the park is in very good shape after over 50 years of operation. The one complaint that I have is how there are too little kid rides and family oriented attractions. The food here in my opinion is like any other theme park food. Overall, this place is worth visiting for anyone.

Jonathan C — Google review

I love Bush Gardens! They have a wide variety of coasters plus lots of other rides for all ages and thrill seeking levels. The shows I have seen are fantastic, especially Turn it Up Remix (ice skating show). They have many animals there, including the Serengeti Savannah which you can do a safari or take the train through. There is so much to do and it is a beautiful park!It can get crowded with long lines, so you might want to pay for the quick queue.

Will Gausman — Google review

Had a blast here. Went on a Thursday and lines were fairly short was able to ride most the rides multiple times and even getting front seats. I would suggest the food and drink day pass and share it. You can get food and a drink every 90 minutes. We really enjoyed the safari ride and feeding the Giraffes. It was an awesome experience. I also enjoyed the amount of animals to see mixed in to the amusem*nt park and rides. The Iron Gwazi was awesome and would absolutely suggest the front seat for the 91 degree drop.

Bradford Lindberg — Google review

Great number of animals to see on the train tour. Roller coasters are awesome, but be careful if you are 6 foot or taller. You won't be able to fit on a few of them. Had a great time.

Edward Wright — Google review

This place offers the best of both worlds, a zoo and a theme park. We started off with a train ride which brought us on a safari like tour across the plains. Being a parent with two young kids, we were definitely pleased to see the large playground with rides suited kids below the age of six. We ended the day with the ice skating show at the theatre which showcases exceptional ice skating talent. Definitely a day well spent.

Henry Lau — Google review

My first time and it was fantastic.Was in the park from about 11-9 and saw pretty much everything it has to offer and could even enjoy the Goo Goo Dolls doing a show while we walked around that side of the park. Wonderful views from the restaurant/bar overlooking their safari.Ashley and Taylor were wonderful as our Safari guides and I can't think of a place you can get closer to the giraffes.Multiple shuttles to & from the parking lot, easy access and a nice friendly layout.Highly recommend it and can't wait to return.

Joshua Tam — Google review

The Food and Wine Festival had great options! We purchased the stamp card and it was perfect. They do have a few vegan and vegetarian options at a few of the stands. The rides had short lines today, but we also purchased the fast pass. We waited maybe 2 minutes for one of the rides. All the rollercoasters were awesome! We had a great experience today and will be back in the future. Also, they actually had a decent amount of stuff for kids to do.

Chris — Google review

We had so much fun. I visited 25 years ago as a kid, it was very nostalgic to ride the roller coasters I enjoyed then all these years later. The new additions were great, we will definitely be coming back.

Scott Coon — Google review

My first time going and we had a blast! Plenty to do, we were there for 8 hours. There are animals, kids park and shows, great restaurants. I recommend you buy the all you can eat bracelet for $50. You can eat and drink all day every 90 minutes. There's a BBQ smoke house that's amazing. I had an amazing time!! Can't wait to go again 😍

Ginger Carter — Google review

My family had annual passes so we go to Busch Gardens often. It is worth looking at the website and planning if it will be your first time. The park is very big and you will not have time to do everything in one single visit, but by planning you are able to make the most of your time there.The train is one of the best rides there if you want to see the animals, and it is better to do it in the morning.The sesame street area is very cute for children, my nephew enjoys it a lot and we get to do a lot of rides with him there.The food and drinks are great, but there are some not great options. So research and consider what you like before buying anything. I would recommend Dragon Fire Grill where there is a lot of choices to maybe please the entire family.The shows are amazing, especially the ice skating shows. Definitely worth the time and you do get to sit in the AC for a while which is great for the hot summer months.This is one of our favorite parks in FL, and will definitely continue to visit!

Cristina Theis — Google review

This place is so fun. The cheetah ride is a blast and so fast! My daughter loved the river ride.The food was really good and I loved that all the animals had nice enclosure and they were very clean and wide open. We will definitely go back. Perfect place for people of all ages. Lots of fun things to do for very small children as well. I appreciate all the shade they provide as Florida heat can be miserable at times.

Jessica Vargas — Google review

4.5

(85614)40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (51)

4.0

(18338)40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (52)

10165 McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612, USA

(813) 884-4386

8

Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park

40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (53)40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (54)

40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (55)40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (56)

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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.

This is one of our favorite Disney parks, especially when the weather starts to get cooler. We concentrated on the Asia and Africa portions of the park today. These are very well themed and make you feel like you are in another exotic part of the world. There are many interesting things to see and do there. Their crowning glory is the Tree Of Life that greets you when you first enter the main part of the park. It has many intricate wood carvings that make it up and it houses the It's Tough to be a Bug attraction. There is one of the best restaurants in Florida located here too. The Yak and Yeti restaurant. The best thing I like is all the different vegetation, waterfalls and wildlife that you can see here. There are several nature trails you can walk, a safari and even a train ride. These also are live shows, rides and plenty of places to buy souvenirs, food and drink. You will certainly be kept entertained and well fed if you go here.

John Haddock — Google review

Pandora was mind blowing, a floating mountain over your head! Wow. Really impressive, well done Disney. Tree of life is always amazing, wish the food was better. Also pretty crowded and we went on a weekday in May. Didn’t have a chance to get on any rides, and we were at the park at 8 o’clock. We’re not willing to wait an hour for a ride, but apparently lots of people are. We had perfect weather, so didn’t feel the need for AC. Several of the animal habitats were being cleaned, so we didn’t see tigers or antelope. Overall a really nice day

Mary Lou Keller — Google review

Great place to experience all types of animals, ants, culture, and great rides! The Yeti is one of my favorite roller coasters, the view before the drop is amazing! Pandora is a BEAUTIFUL area, the rides are very fun and definitely raises all senses. The area in within itself is exquisite, especially at night. The safari is the most interesting aspect, to have the ability to see such animals up close is so cool and we all are so fortunate to have the opportunity to experience this. Animal Kingdom is overall a great place to bring kids and photo ops!

Jackie F — Google review

Absolutely great experience. If you can wait a bit, Avatar ride is by far the best experience I've ever had. The expedition to Himalaya is fun too as well as the Safari. The park is smaller than Magic Kingdom but definitely recommended.

Michael Wiedemann — Google review

If you are planning a big Disney vacation this is a good kingdom to start with as a warm up. I highly recommend the fast pass and lighting lanes if you don't want to wait in long lines. This park isn't as crowded so it was a good way to learn how to schedule rides and plan out your day. Pandora was really beautiful and my son made himself into an action figure! Lion King show was really amazing. I get motion sickness really easy and I could handle all the rides fairly easy. It did rain almost every day so bring a pair of flip flops and a poncho. We put our sneakers away when it would rain so they wouldn't get wet. If you like nature and animals this is a great park to visit. Lots of food choices. We brought water bottles and protein bars to cut on some food costs.

Maria Velasquez — Google review

Went on a Sunday in September.Easily, my most favourite park! Got there for 8am solo with genie plus activated. Got my shaking Jamaican and walked on and off every ride. It was great. The music, the atmosphere, the food, the authenticity of the countries. The jungle juice is super underrated! The safari ride was amazing, as we got to see a elephant taking a bath (apparently, rare). If the park was open later and had the light show, I could have stayed the whole time just staring at the architecture. The cast members are very nice and helpful to get where you need to go.I wasn't a huge fan of the corn on the cobb. I've had better.

Jan M — Google review

I recently revisited Disney's Animal Kingdom Park after a few years, and it was just as magical as I remembered, if not more. The park has made some new additions that are absolutely fantastic. The Avatar ride, in particular, is a standout – it's so impressive! The rides throughout the park are great fun and there's something for everyone, no matter your age. One of the best parts of the park is the variety and quality of food available at the restaurants; they really add to the experience. And of course, seeing the animals roam freely is a joy. This park truly offers a bit of everything for everyone, making it a perfect destination for families or anyone looking for a fun day out.

Arelys Q — Google review

Our first visit here and it was amazing! The tree of Life is a gorgeous sight to see and the wild birds flying around the area brought the place to life among all the people. Wish the park was open later as we could have stayed much later than the 5pm close time as there is lots to see especially if you or the kids enjoy nature/animal watching.The scenery in each section of the park is a spectacle and the Avatar themed Pandora land was what I couldn’t wait to explore. It’s unreal being there and Flight of Passage had to be my personal favorite ride of all 4 parks.This park stands apart from the rest connected you feel to the plants and animals throughout and although there are less rides overall, it’s well worth the trip because of what they offer.Bonus: huge Starbucks with quick service to give you a cool boost to battle the summer heat!Disney world is definitely a magical place and this park carries on that theme just as strong as the others!!

Randy Douglas — Google review

It was lush and gorgeous everywhere we went! Even the places where we waited in lines were interesting and well-kept. We loved the bug show inside the big tree, the jungle safari, and the Pandora river ride.

Leah Tobey — 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

Great time! Highly recommend if you have little one’s. There is plenty to see and do that everyone has fun. A few playground areas are scattered around the park too so you can sit and watch your kids play or join them in the fun! We did a few rides, but mainly enjoyed the ambiance and the animals. Again it was perfect with our little guy!

Caleb Wright — Google review

Perfect weather! We went to all the islands, the Pandora ride left me completely speechless, really was a lot of fun. Got drenched in Asia, the ride was nice but it seemed like I took a shower! Safari was great, got to see many of the animals (pics included). Did not sit down for one minute.Is n exciting place

Astric Cruz — Google review

An amazing weekday experience at the Animal Kingdom. The lush landscape and beautiful wildlife makes it all worth it. Entertaining shows and highlights like rides and attractions are the cream on top. It was my first experience and surely one to remember. I think you need a few days to get the full experience but it was certainly something incredibly memorable for the kids and adults.

Tasha Ceres — Google review

Animal kingdom to me is the best park by far. I love the animals and all the different things you can see and try their. Perfect for taking photos too in various places! I highly recommend the festival of the lion king show! Took scout with me my lion character.

Braze Wolf — Google review

Really awesome place to visit for the family. Must see area in the park is the avatar area! Lots of good places to shop and eat. Rainforest cafe was great. Definitely go on the Safari to check out all the different animals in the park. Park ride lines were not to bad unless you are waiting for avatar. Overall great experience and would recommend checking this park out.

J — Google review

Each Disney park has a unique look and experience but animal kingdom is one of the most unique looking and feeling places out of the 4 parks. Plus they have the Avatar attraction! Kids loved the park! It’s especially nice during the time they have Christmas decorations up as well.

Justin B — Google review

Amazing! This is the best park of the four if you like more chill stuff. There are rides for all ages and it is extremely fun! I recommend the feathered friends in flight show!

Parker — Google review

Had a great family visit. We especially enjoyed the safari. Everything is expensive, but if you know that coming in its saves some frustration. A lot of walking covering a lot more area than anticipated. Nice playground for small kids provides a good break.

Bob Mueller — Google review

Had a great time there. The lines were insane long next time we will get genie+ and get lightning lane passes. I feel it's worth the money. We spent more than 2 hours in line for avatar flight of passage.The ride was amazing tho. Me and my gf loved it. It's a technical marvel. Was awesomeSecret for this ride is to get in the middle. Know you really don't have a choice but if you can figure it out... sit in the middle. There's a little bit of visual distortion on the outside seats.We go lucky seated in the middle

Random Someone — Google review

Amazing experience however roller coaster was down.But park was clean, was easy to wander, nice rides and experiences. The safari was amazing to see. Variety of food choices.Some Longish waits for rides but I think that’s normal.

jen.juhlke — Google review

Animal Kingdom is hands down the best of all the Disney Parks. It's stunningly beautiful. The lines move fast and are amazing! The food is so good. So many awesome animals and photo opportunities! Also a ton of places to sit in the shade! We had a wonderful day, and since we gate dropped we did a ton of stuff and even managed a lightning lane for Flight of Passage!

Brandy Nelson — Google review

So not the best park for rides if you don't like avatar or animals but if you do this is awesome. We love Avatar and this park has been a long time bucket list. Flight of passage, and river journey are both great rides and have lived up to expectations. Recommend getting genie+, there are not a lot of rides here but it's worth getting just to do those 2. Ride times for them never got below 1 hour the whole day we were there. Pay to ride Passage and book lightning lane for journey. Also Recommend going to Nomad Lounge at 11 when they open to put your name in for a table later in the day. We got in line at 11:20 and got a table at 2. When we came back at 2 they were booked for the whole day. There drinks and small plates are so outside of normal park eats and they are a real treat. The best ice cream sandwich was in Dino land USA, at Dino bites. It's a great dessert and really helps cool you off.

Nerdy Family — Google review

Some of our best Disney magic photos or in this park. It was our first time visiting the park and it was worth it. I would say that if you're planning a Disney trip, you can do this one in particular and under a day. It was not my favorite park, but they've done a wonderful job putting it together. If you're into the hole Safari thing and avatar, this is the place for you.

Shan Lee — Google review

The experience with in the park was awesome and educational in areas. There are boats that go around the river in this park with characters and bands. The rides were fun and I highly recommend the Pandora area for the flight ride.

April Milton — Google review

It was my first time going here since I was very young and don't remember, so it felt like my first time going here. I had high expectations considering it was Disney, and I think it still exceeded expectations.Some of the views are amazing between Pandora and Mount Everest, and the Yeti ride is up there as one of the best rides at Disney.

Tony Puglisi — Google review

Beautiful place but I think it has very few attractions inside, one day will be more than enough to do everything and get time to rest.We went with our little girls and they got in love with animals and shows ❤️Service as usual was good and helpful.We enjoyed it a lot

Josias Madrid — Google review

Very clean park with a great safari and very nice shows but not my favorite Disney park. We were there at rope drop first thing in the morning and the Aviator ride Flight of Passage was already at a 50 minute wait time by the time we ran to it (I was unable to grab the lightning lane tickets). Not as many rides but their animal exhibits were nice. The Lion King show and both bird shows were awesome. I will say because it's a smaller park it only takes a half day so it's easier to park hop.

Sarah Cat — 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 Kang — Google review

We went to animal kingdom on springs break with my son 5 years old and my teen age daughter. Both had a lot of fun. I recommend to go early morning and start with the avatar theme park. Don’t miss the safari ride. Do it ether on the early morning or the end of the day for the waiting time. Download the app it will help you a lot with the waiting time and with guid your trip.

Daliah B — Google review

The park boasts breathtaking beauty and offers an extensive array of attractions and amenities. Its aesthetic charm is truly remarkable, evoking the enchanting ambiance of movies seen on both TV and the big screen. The attractions are meticulously designed to provide boundless entertainment, catering to individuals of all ages (it's virtually impossible for anyone not to relish this park experience!). Furthermore, the park's infrastructure is tailored to ensure visitors enjoy optimal convenience: the restrooms are impeccably maintained and conveniently located, a diverse selection of food and beverages is readily available throughout the premises, and lockers are provided for storing belongings securely before embarking on any rides. Additionally, the park staff are exceedingly attentive and helpful, further enhancing the overall guest experience. Whether you're seeking thrills, relaxation, or simply a day of family fun, this park undoubtedly exceeds expectations, leaving a lasting impression on all who visit.

Leonardo Noronha — Google review

It’s my second favorite park other than magic kingdom. It felt absolutely amazing inside it. All the nature sound and atmosphere, the animals and the attractions. Disney totally killed it for this one. Looking forward to come back again next year!

X z — Google review

Phenomenal experience. Escape from Everest, Kilimanjaro Safari, Na'vi River Cruise, Flight of Avatar are all top notch attractions. The Pandora section is breathtaking, especially after dark. One year we'll spend more than just a day here to experience everything this place has to offer. So many themed shops and eateries and they're all so well done. And in typical Disney style, everything is just perfect, from the attractions, stores, eateries, to the garbage cans and the bathrooms.

Deen Blash — Google review

IMHO...Best family fun through out Disney. All the wildlife and plants give it a warm, comfortable feel.The bug show is only 10 minutes, but recommend doing this when when you want comedy and excitement.The Lion King is also a must as it blends acrobats with a good story, and fun, familiar music.Recommend purchasing a separate lightning pass for Avatar...to say it is a 4D simulator does not do it justice. The separate pass does not interfere with the regular lightning pass.

Tom Erb — Google review

My personal favorite park. As an animal and nature lover it doesn't disappoint! My personal favorite is an event they do called birds of flight they do in the center view of the big tree. A whole bunch of parrots fill the sky and come down around everyone and they're gorgeous birds. It's also home to my favorite coaster in all the Disney parks, Everest. Avatars area is incredibly detailed. Plus, it's practically like visiting the zoo!

joshua salter — Google review

This park was so much fun! We took my stepson, baby girl, and my parents. The safari ride was amazing! The kids loved seeing all the animals up close and personal. It was my first time as well, and it was a great experience. We went to the Avatar area, and my daughter loved it. She was only 9 months old and was allowed to ride in the Avatar River ride. The food was great, even though it was expensive, it was worth every penny. Lastly, we ate at Rainforest Cafe and it was thoroughly enjoyable!

Ashley Evans — Google review

Animal Kingdom was one of the three parks my family and I visited during our Disney Trip, and despite my very much looking forward to visiting, I was really disappointed.If you don't get Genie+ ahead of time and don't get the park super early, go ahead and expect 45 minute plus waits for almost every major attraction. We did get to do the safari and a few other minor rides, which was fine, but it simply felt like there was nothing but an absolute mass of people any which way you turned, even on a weekday. We still very much enjoyed ourselves, and I always enjoyed the food and snacks in this park.Just beware that all the shaded spots will constantly be unavailable just due to the sheer amount of people in the park. Next time we come, I might just skip Animal Kingdom this time around.

Robert Maxwell — Google review

This had some of the best visuals of the park. Disney has done a really great job here. Between Avatar, It's tough to be a Bug, Expedition Everest and River Journey you will have a busy and fun day.

Art Bezzeg — Google review

First time visitor to Disney Animal Kingdom. It was fantastic. The "Tree of Life" is spectacular. We went on the private tour (14 people) of Behind the Scenes Elephant area. Cora, the baby elephant was there. Elephants roamed freely in a very large, open area.Our Guide was enthusiastic and well-informed. Learned a great deal about Elephants, the Disney live animal philosophy and the profile of a Disney Guide. Guides seem to love their job. They're tenured employees with years of experience.

Traveling O — Google review

9

Walt Disney World® Resort

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Amusem*nt park

Water & Amusem*nt Parks

Well-known attraction comprising of large resorts, dining, shops & 4 theme parks with rides & shows.

Disney is always a beautiful destination but I have some recommendations. My first recommendation is, if you don’t like waiting in long lines buy the lightning pass. Also if you’re a thrill seeker there may be a couple rides for you but they’re mostly shows. Wear comfortable shoes and loose clothing because it will be hot and it’s a big park so there will be a lot of walking involved. Stay hydrated, bring a backpack so you don’t have to carry anything by hand. Lastly but most importantly have fun. All in all it is an experience so enjoy it.

zelekah niles — Google review

I have visited several times Disney World before the pandemic and really enjoyed it. Very Beautiful and lot of activities for Kids and Adults as well. Our recent visit was a little disappointment . We went there last spring break and the park was very busy. It took a long time to get into any rides or activities unless you pay more for the fast lane. Also 2 week’s before the spring break all the parks except EPCOT were fully booked. We’re lucky we’re still able to Book EPCOT because on the start of spring break all the parks were fully booked. Also you need to get a park reservation in advance in addition to your pass tickets to enter the park. And it cost $25 to park your car inside the park. I advise that you install the My Disney application to help you navigate the park. The application gives you update in real time how Long the wait for each rides in the park as well as schedule times of each activities in the park. You can also use the application to buy tickets and park reservation .The fireworks at EPCOT was amazing. Overall still a good place to visit probably better if you go there on off season..

Manny Alonzo — Google review

It is a lot of walking and not for the weak. Take your water bottles to refill to save on spending.Overall we had a GREAT time. There are Lightning Lanes available to get on rides faster that cost $20 (like a fast pass). First day was Hollywood Studios then last half of the day Animal Kingdom. Day 2 we went to Magic Kingdom and it's so spread out we did not make it to Epcot. I recommend the Magic Bands because you can basically use it like a pay app on your wrist. We lived it up and used the Magic Bands and charged everything to the room. We liked the Monorail system and took the Ferry Boat back to parking.

Pardeep Kumar — Google review

Oh my gosh this place is nuts. So many fun things to do. The rides, the food, the merchandise. Everything here is so fun and just a great experience. The first recommendation i have is the Magic Kingdom Park, this place is literally magical just like the name says. The next stop is Disneys Animal Kingdom Theme park. And also check out the Epcot Presentation because that is some really cool stuff they’re gonna be doing with the Epcot center

Jordan James — Google review

Disney does a great job at keeping the guest happy. It is the happiest place on earth. The rides are fun, and the shows are great. If you can make it, I'd recommend going at least once. It's my favorite amusem*nt park that I ride the majority of the rides. Bring good shoes and rain gear. It rains a lot in Florida.

Donna Miller — Google review

I hadn't been in 11 years, and it was just as fun as back then. Great experience. Staff is amazing! I actually went around the world twice! It was the Flower & Garden Festival while I was there, and if you haven't seen it, it's an absolute must!

Renee VanGalder — Google review

We got to visit WDW, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure for a recent family Vacation. While our single-day Disney Park visit itself was pricey, incredibly packed, and loosely planned, the park itself was fun. Was fortunate to ride Space Mountain but sadly the fast passes did not quality for most rides we wanted to go on, plus having been sold out for a week beyond even our date of visit.Food was very expensive, but tasty. The Magic Kingdom Parade was really awesome to see as well as the evening castle stage show. Other family members also enjoyed the rides they went on.If you really want to see and do everything at even just the Magic Kingdom, be sure to spend extra for Fast Passes far in advance; otherwise be prepared to wait a bit in line as expected. Even then, with how busy it was, multiple days might be considered to ride everything.The Genie App, while useful, does also have a hamburger menu to show the full list of shops, restaurants, etc., while using it. Also, keep in mind nearly every boutique focuses on take-out ordering so you'll want to make sure you get orders in at least 45 minutes in advance if not more if you're planning meal times - there are to-order lines of course, but you might wait awhile as both on-premises and to-go orders are being processed. It worked well enough - just not the most ideal method for handling crowds in the tens of thousands or more.Overall, still a fun time. Still magical. Not quite the same as being there when young but still had a good time.

Doug Fullerton — Google review

The most magical place in the world. Have the best time here, staff were very friendly. The rides were really fun but you do have to wait quite a bit for them which is understandable. Meeting the Disney characters was a wonderful experience. The whole atmosphere is very nice but be prepared to walk a lot. Overall it’s a great place, 10/10 would recommend

Gabrielle Panayotova — Google review

We stayed at the Coronado Springs Resort. Father’s Day and our 9 year anniversary and we celebrated in style. It is a lot of walking and not for the weak. Take your water bottles to refill to save on spending. Overall we had a GREAT time. There are Lightning Lanes available to get on rides faster that cost $20 (like a fast pass). First day was Hollywood Studios then last half of the day Animal Kingdom. Day 2 we went to Magic Kingdom and it’s so spread out we did not make it to Epcot. I recommend the Magic Bands because you can basically use it like a pay app on your wrist. We lived it up and used the Magic Bands and charged everything to the room. We liked the Monorail system and took the Ferry Boat back to parking.

Rachael Gaylord Cargill — Google review

Beautiful resorts. We stayed at the Dolphin for a few days and then transferred to Animal Kingdom Lodge for the rest of our stay. Loved them both. We also spent time visiting the other resorts. Each were unique and offered something different. There are several free modes of transportation as well. Boat, monorail, skyliner, and buses that can take you to each of them.

christine alvarado — Google review

Absolutely thrilled to share my enchanting experience at Disney’s Magic Kingdom! From the moment I stepped into the magical realm, I was whisked away into a world of pure delight. The attention to detail in every corner of the park is truly astounding; it's as if fairy tales came to life! The heartwarming character encounters left me feeling like a kid again, and the exhilarating rides were a true adrenaline rush. But what truly set this trip apart was the impeccable service – from cheerful cast members to the meticulously clean and organized attractions. Every moment was like stepping into a dream. Disney managed to capture the essence of joy and wonder and transformed it into an unforgettable reality. This trip was nothing short of a spellbinding journey, and I'm already counting down the days until I can experience the magic all over again!

Lynn M — Google review

THE HALCYON IS THE GREATEST DISNEY EXPERIENCE OF ALL. I was a guest on the Halcyon. Hands down the single greatest Disney experience we have ever had. Worlds above any other. We wanted to book another Halcyon cruise immediately but found out they were closing. A huge loss. So many of our friends had not heard of the Halcyon and would have liked to go after hearing of our experience and seeing our photos. The cast was excellent. Every member of the crew was cheerful, attentive and helpful. The rooms were spectacular. The food wonderful.

kaijugal kaijugal — Google review

We absolutely loved it here for our first time the staff and characters were all nice and friendly my son got to meet Cinderella and the actress was so patient with him and extremely kind knowing he had autism….I’m still gonna 5 stars my only complaints was every including food and drinks are crazy expensive my hubby bought to regular size soft drinks andIt cost him near $10 for just 2 sodas….. my other complaint would be the guest services didn’t give me the correct information

Ashley Stoddard — Google review

Amazing! The pictures do not do justice to how much detail and effort goes into these parks! Always clean, staff is easy to find for questions and transportation between parks is super easy! Had a blast at 4 of the Disney parks!

Tommy B — Google review

Disney World is a favorite vacation spot, it is such an incredible experience! You absolutely get what you put into it. There are crowds so remember to pack your patience and to dress comfortably, and definitely consider buying the Lightning Lane passes, it can help streamline the day a bit.

Mary Wharton — Google review

Absolutely enjoyed every second spent here. Who said Disney’s not for adults, I could tell you, it sure is. Awesome spots for food with various choices and a lot of places to choose from to shop. From was one of my favorite rides.

Omer Sherjang — Google review

I recommend going prepared to walk and remember to drink plenty of water. Everything is very magical and beautiful. The food is not tasty and total fast food!!so don't think you're going to eat well.The parade at night is worth staying to see the end of the fireworks but I advise you to leave 10 minutes before it ends because the queues to get out of the island get huge.

Nara Medeiros — Google review

Walt Disney World Resort is comprised of multiple theme parks, each with separate entry costs. I truly believe that everyone - from all around the world - should visit each park at least once to experience the magic that has been created there. Multi-day and multi-park tickets offer incredible savings for multiple visits, so definitely plan your trip.

Joshua Pulliam (Mercion) — Google review

It is one of the best places in the world! Am so in love with the multiple parks and the ease of hotel access between the parks with shuttles. Great packages and heaps of fun. Have always loved being a pass holder, and the water parks are an added bonus.

Brielle J — Google review

The rides and atmosphere is fabulous. Food at quick service is too repetitive. Very few gluten free choices in quick serve. Chefs are great trying to help. Dislike seeing Starbucks and other chains within the park. Please consider Colonial period correct clothing. Dresses were wrinkled and ill fitted. Disney should represent the USA in a more dignified manner. Landscaping is very nice, too.

Ames — Google review

Our family has loved Disney World through the years. As the kids have grown up we have found new ways to enjoy the parks. On our last trip we stayed at the newly renovated Grand Floridian. Excellent vibe. Nice to have options to getting into the parks: boat, monorail, bus, and walking. Well worth the extra expense of staying at a nearby Disney property.

Sunset Seeker — Google review

Went in 2021.It's definitely worth it for kids.Make sure to go when the ☁️ is nice. It started to rain halfway during the day, and kind of slowed everything down. But, the views of all of the structures are fantastic.Purchase tickets ahead of time.Rides are mostly for kids.Make sure to take the ferry ⛴️ to arrive at the theme park.It's free and a better experience.

Juned Ahmed — Google review

Disney, magical encounters with beloved Disney characters and special seasonal events. (Please note that character encounters and seasonal events are subject to change or cancellation.) And starting in April 2023, this will be where Walt Disney World's latest attraction takes place.Knowing the behind-the-scenes and close-up experience of the other part of the reality of this place, we can be aware of things that go beyond our natural perceptions and understanding. It's really magical! Disney's reception is AMAZING.I can experience one of the most incredible and memorable experiences in my life.Knowing behind the scenes and experiencing up close to the other part of the reality of this place, we can be aware of things that go beyond our natural perception and understanding. It's really magical! Disney's reception is AMAZING.

Еаликино Абинореал — Google review

It is pricey, but after experiencing it we have zero regrets! Disney World is simply exceptional, and there’s honestly nothing else like it. There is literally endless fun to be had! The food, the rides, the shows, the decor, the cast members, everything is amazing :) Even their lost and found program. I filled out their online form, and they found my stuff within 30min. This place is Magical

Christian Prescott — Google review

In one word, Expensive! That said it was lovely, our room was nice. Grounds were nice. Park was great. Nice transportation from area to area. Amazing staff. Food was good in upper tier restaurants, not so much in lower tiers.

marianne neel — Google review

First time here and a time was had. I was solo and not to do what I wanted (well maybe not all cuz of the wait times 😅) but I had fun. Will definitely be back and plan better. Also need better shoes for all the walking

Kelly Ndifon — Google review

We have the annual pass for Disney parks and it is truly a beautiful experience every time we go with our kids.On weekends, we take advantage of the waterparks, especially on the warmer days. You have to stay and see the fireworks in the evening. It’s definitely something magical 😊

Diana “Your Favorite Realtor” Mahadeo — Google review

It's getting back to what it should be before they got greedy. Love going to all the parks. We we skipped AK this time due to weather but with annual passes we can go a different time. EPCOT'S festivals are amazing & you go near the end of one you can catch both with the flowers.

Deborah Drake — Google review

10

Magic Kingdom Park

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Theme park

Water & Amusem*nt 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.

An absolute must visit for adults and kids big enough to walk on their own.We started on Epcot and moved to Magic Kingdom (two grown adults) we spent over 10 hours in a single day between the two and didn’t even get to see half of magic kingdom (we did no rides just sight seeing and food stops)If you have kids start at magic Kingdom and plan no less then one full day, several if you have the time. As two adults in Epcot eating/drinks as we got hungry or thirsty and without any concern for cost we spent about $300 above the cost of parking and entry tickets. (Adult beverages and two “meals”).A final note, if you go absolutely plan to stay for the firework show. Video and photo do no justice to the visual or audio quality of the display. LED lights in the trees are synced to the projector lights and are synced to the street lights, synced to the projectors on the castle, synced to the choreographed fireworks. All of that on top of an absolutely mind blowing audio set up that resonates from what I imagine is hundreds or thousands of speakers throughout the park. To top it all off you may even see Tinker Belly fly from the castle off into the distance. (Best use of a zip line and LED outfit I have ever seen)Plan ahead so budget isn’t a concern and just plan to enjoy yourself. Bring sunscreen and stay hydrated. (A hat or umbrella to block to sun would go a long way to increase your sunshine stamina).

Daniel Roeder — Google review

We had a great time here with the kids. This was our first visit to a Disney park since we were kids ourselves so there was a lot that we didn’t know.First off, the parades and shows throughout the day are incredibly well orchestrated and the kids loved it. There’s always something to see which is nice.We didn’t go for the photo pass which turned out to be a good choice because all the photos they took of us sucked. We did however buy the genie+ pass that allowed us to book rides ahead of time. If you’re going for only a single day definitely get this to optimize your time.The rides are a little more dated feeling than at Animal Kingdom but the kids didn’t notice.This is the most important thing to know heading in…EVERYTHING COSTS A FORTUNE.Here’s what you should consider bringing with you or buying elsewhere and the Disney prices for each.Portable fans ($30ea)Poncho ($10ea)Water ($3.50ea)Minnie ears ($30ea)Lunch ($15-30ea)Lots and lots of snacks.Have fun :)

Mike G — Google review

They say this is the happiest place on earth... and I fully agree with them!! I have never been happier in my life! All the cast members were super friendly and helpful when I needed them! The characters were all great, sweet and so amazing! All the food here is divine and not to badly priced for a theme park. The rides and attractions are fun and you don't always wait to long, but if it is a long line then they have covered walkways and fans! You can ask almost any guest service or food place for free water if you can't find one of their water fountains. The stores are beautiful and well stocked with a lot of merchandise! I am already planning my next trip! It is well worth it!!

Kyojuro Rengoku — Google review

Great park in particular for families. You can ride almost everything with kids older than 5. Only Tron might be something for older kids. But it is also a hell of a ride, highly recommended. Stay of possible until the end, the fireworks are really impressive.

Michael Wiedemann — Google review

Out of all the parks, this is the one where the cast members and rides feel the most magical. I really enjoy how the parks are back to their old vibe and the cast members truly add to the experience, unlike when they were staffing the park with only college program due to the pandemic. I also noticed that this park is the only one that balances the ratio between lightning lane and Standby Lane when feeding a queue to an attraction. This makes the wait time to be more accurate, if not faster than what's displayed. We attended the Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and it was worth every penny. Had tons of fun.

Carlos Alberto — Google review

One of the classic parks! Disney parks always deliver.Tron was an amazing ride. Highly recommend it. Really cool structure and recreation of the Tron aesthetic, the weird position you’re in makes for a different and interesting roller coaster experience, and the parts where you go outside was cool.The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train was good too. Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain are always fun. The Space Mountain here is one person per row unlike the one in Tokyo Disneyland which is 2 ppl per row.We also went for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party where you could be at the park until midnight, get free cookies and hot chocolates at a bunch of places, see a bunch of shows and parades, and interact with cast wandering around. The projection mapping on Cinderella’s Castle was fun and spectacular. Christmas vibes were super cute. Space Mountain had Christmas lighting on l and it was cool to see the inside for the first time.

Yuri Yamaguchi — Google review

i had so much fun! this is my third time here, and every time it never ceases to amaze me. spacious, and lots of fun rides for everyone. lines got sort of long (especially weird for a weekday), so we got the genie + passes, which let us ride many rides and even the bigger ones we rode multiple times. you have to join a line queue for the tron ride- it’s so cool!

Ryelie Cauble — Google review

Incredible place to take the kids. There is a lot to see in this park from rides to attractions. Many options to meet the characters which was a lot of fun. The Magic Kingdom's Starbucks took 45 minutes to get our order; that was a bummer. Magic Kingdom had the most amazing fireworks I have ever seen; they were amazing. Great place to visit with the family just remember to have patience while walking the park.

Sarah Cat — Google review

Magic isn't only for your children. Adults can live the fairytale too!I proposed to my wife here! We took the back stage tour, we have been on every ride, but we keep finding new things to do and ways to experience the magic!The food isn't healthy, but it is feel good food.A fun way to spend time with friends or family. A great way to make some core memories!Also, the call them fireworks for a reason... 🔥

Sam Marks — Google review

We loved it! It definitely brought out the kitten all of us!It's been roughly 20 years since I've been, but it was wonderful to go and show the experience, experienced it as a child and then again as an adult. It was good to see you that some of the stable rides were still standing. It was hard to get on trying no matter what we did. Mountain was awesome! Magic Mountain never disappoints. I would definitely have to take the baby on the teacups and small worlds for good measure. The lines were ridiculous so the genie plus service definitely helped them in some situations but not on all the rides.It's a dry park though, so be forewarned, it's not like the other parks in that regard.King was pretty easy. Just remember where you parked. You can save that in app or on your phone and remember how to get to your tram section.

Moochie M — Google review

Great experience to have with family and friends. Best place to take if you have kids but I went with adults and we had a lot of fun. Prepare for long lines and a lot of walking but the parades were amazing, and the castle was magnificent. 9pm showcased the fireworks and that was pretty cool. Definitely recommend!

Andy Mejia — Google review

Visited as 3 adults for the opening Mickey's not no scary Halloween party. Having travelled from the UK and not doing the Disney parks this year it wasn't to be missed for a first time experience. Last visit was 7 years ago and it didn't disappoint.Arrived at 4pm, you don't have to make a reservation for special events and rode Haunted mansion, Splash mountain, Big thunder mountain and pirate's of the Caribbean with little to no queue. The event start at 7pm and managed to ride space mountain in the dark and the tea cups with a spooky theme.The check up points for candy were everywhere and you collected tokens to exchange for allergies.Enjoyed the magic of walking down Main Street and soaking the atmosphere all in. Whilst most of the shops were shut to prepare for the event still managed to get some goodies.As for a day in the it's perfect for little ones, adults or those with any additional needs. Plenty to do for all.The event queue for merchandise was hectic so I recommend waiting until later on in the evening if you wish to purchase anything.Don't forget to collect your free print on the way out and if it rains the parade or show may be delayed (which is what we experienced) but wait for it! It's worth it 😊 characters are about in costumes but be prepared to wait for over an hour for some. Elvis stitch, Winnie the Pooh and friends were especially popular. Jack and Sally are in the main theatre and they tend to be the busiest due to the event.

Cara H — Google review

Despite a downpour that push the fireworks until 22:00 the “Happily Ever After” show was amazing. The day was enjoyable with the family despite the 95 deg F temperatures. The highlight would have to be TRON. The night ride in the front seat was outstanding! It was a unique coaster experience on the light cycle.

Jason Brandt — Google review

"Most magical place on earth," still remains true. The entire day was hot & the lines were long at times, but we had a blast at this theme park! We were a bit lucky with the weather because it rained; however, it was still humid it's Florida. Still, there are plenty of air conditioned places for a cool off, water, & other needed supplies. In our opinion, you will not need a lightening lane pass. Those lines were long too & even though some rides said 45/75 minutes on the myDisney app, we never waited longer than 45 minutes. The entire kingdom is clean, staff are always in character, variety of options to shop & eat, & an overall great family experience. Stay for the fireworks show. Place yourselves close to the monorail to see them - thank me later :)

Dr. Lisa — Google review

Magic Kingdom is a realm of pure magic and wonder, where dreams come to life and the heart is forever young. Stepping into this enchanting kingdom is like entering a storybook brought to life.The iconic Cinderella Castle stands tall, radiating a sense of awe and anticipation that sets the stage for an unforgettable experience. The attention to detail in every corner of the park is nothing short of extraordinary, creating a world that feels both familiar and utterly fantastical.The attractions are a symphony of thrills and imagination, catering to guests of all ages. From the nostalgic charm of classics like "it's a small world" to the heart-pounding excitement of Space Mountain, every ride promises an adventure that lingers in your memory.The parades and fireworks displays are a spectacle of artistry and emotion, leaving guests with a sense of wonder and awe. The dedication and talent of the performers are evident in every dance step and soaring note.The staff at Magic Kingdom are the true heart and soul of the park. Their boundless energy, friendliness, and genuine passion for creating magical moments elevate the experience to a level beyond compare. They're the real-life fairy godmothers and wizards, ensuring that every guest feels like royalty.Magic Kingdom is not just a theme park; it's a place where joy knows no bounds, and every corner is infused with the spirit of dreams. Whether you're reliving cherished memories or creating new ones, a day at Magic Kingdom is a day well spent. I can't recommend it highly enough, and I'm already counting down the days until my next visit to this land of enchantment!

Joe Twal — Google review

It is a huge, very beautiful park with a giant castle as its main attraction. There are some roller coasters and many ways to be entertained. The food is very good and the fireworks show at night is the best thing in the world and a unique experience. You You need to visit it someday, period, because just as the name says, it brings a unique experience for you and all the visitors there. You can also take a photo with several characters that you love.

Vini Celular — Google review

Magic Kingdom was amazing for where my kiddos are at the rides, and attractions were great. I've heard it is a bit less enjoyable for the older kids as the majority of the park is geared for a younger audience other than Tomorrow Land. Which I can see, however, it is still such a great place to visit and see the location. We loved every minute.

David Berggren — Google review

It's always a magical place. A most see with the family. The experience is amazing. ThePrice is starting to become a factor. 200 a day per person to wait on long lines and hopefully enjoy 3 rides during your day is definitely something that needs to be addressed. Also, charging for geni and only being able to choose one t8me slot at a time instead of being free and choosing 3 at a time definitely does not help.

Frankie Camacho — Google review

The absolute best park in all of Disney! So many iconic rides and things to see. Recently came here for the Christmas party for the first time and it was amazing! The park really lights up and you get the real Christmas feel. Love when it snows it’s unlike anything you’ve seen and a must see!

Christopher Ciminelli — Google review

This was our first time taking out toddlers to Disney. I love the fact that we were able to bring in our own snacks and drinks in our travel cooler. It wasn't that crowded and the Disney Genie Plus Lightning Lanes help cut down our wait for some ridesnot the popular ones though. I would definitely suggest getting familiar with the app prior to your trip. Make sure to also bring an extra charging pack for your cell phone because you will be using it all day for the app. We only had to order lunch once since we came prepared with our own snacks. The rides we were able to get on with our toddlers were pretty good and they enjoyed them. We loved the shows and parades throughout the day. I am glad we did not get the photo pass and would not suggest getting one. Almost every picture they took of us was awful. You will be better off taking your own photos. Our best photos were taken when we offered other families to take photos of them and then they take one of us. My toddlers had a great time and all in all we enjoyed our time here and will definitely be coming back.

Chelle D — Google review

Simply W O WI was here with my wife and our little daughter, having been here once before as a couple a few years ago.An absolute experience for which a single day is hardly enough. There is so much to see here. Starting with rides to different parades, countless restaurants, shows, etc.Simply breathtaking.However, the truth is that the park is not only incredibly large but also incredibly expensive! The Preferred Parking alone costs $50. So we have spent for the one day including tickets & food a total of more than $ 500 - our little daughter had to pay no entrance fee.However, the glow in the children's eyes was absolutely worth it!To see as much as possible, I can only recommend to activate the Genie+ service in advance. It makes planning your day a lot easier.The absolute highlight of the day was definitely the Meet&Greet with Mickey&Mini.

Johannes — Google review

This is the classic Disney park. From the moment you enter and walk down Main Street there is a different feel than any other park. There are endless great snack and food options all over the park and cast members that are present to make your day magical. The mix of old classic rides with newer technology rides like tron is great. The shows are outstanding and the evening show happily ever after is one of the best there is.

Jj Prete — Google review

Magic Kingdom truly is the most magical place on earth. From the attention to detail throughout the park, right down to the cast members - it’s a wonderful experience.There are lots of food/drink options throughout the park. Some restaurants will take reservations - save yourself a wait and make one in advance if there’s a particular time/place you’d like to dine.Crowds are generally large, however manageable. If you’re not big on waiting in line, I would recommend the Lightning Lane pass (Genie+) and you’ll be able to pack in more and not waste your day in queue.Disney is expensive and that’s a fact. You can bring snacks and empty bottles in and refill with water inside the park to help cut costs. Merchandise prices can vary. Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking.Overall, wonderful experience for the first time or the fifth time.

Christina Marsh — Google review

Taking the kids to Magic Kingdom for their first time was definitely a wonderful experience. He all had a great time, enjoyed most of the shows, and literally spent the whole day at the park. At night, it was beautiful to see the castle light up. Everybody was waiting for it to light up, and when it finally happened, the crowd went crazy specially the kids, like they couldn't believe what they were seeing. I would definitely go again soon and also visit the other parks as well. But overall, Animal Kingdom is my favorite Disney park!!!

Naty Rivera — Google review

The magic kingdom park is really magical. The whole park transforms into a virtual reality where you are in Sindbad at one point and in princess world at other. There is something for everyone ; The various thrill level rides, fireworks, parade, meet and greet, the ferry/train ride to enter the park, food, decor!The wait times during holidays are high and may be there is a way to better manage the lines. The app offers interactive games to engage while waiting your turn, but some other interactive acts in the waiting room would be ideal. The park was open until mid-night during the Christmas break so in all we managed to avail much more than we anticipated.Much better than the Animal kingdom. If contemplating where to go first then this is it.The genie plus pass for fast lanes is definitely worth it and pretty reasonable at $30 per person.The park requires physical ID unless the tickets are added to the wallet. Plan accordingly. Ample restaurants and souvenir shops for each attraction.Recommend Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion amongst others.P.S. They do not have the laser show like Disneyland at LA.

Ruchita Agarwal — Google review

My daughter and I went for a weekend getaway. We had a blast. All the cast members were very helpful. The weather was beautiful. We are exhausted from having too much fun. We rode every single ride. We had a truly magical time. See ya again real soon, Disney.

Gessica Estensen — Google review

Magical indeed! The park did not disappoint. Although, I do wish we could have enjoyed more rides. But the lines got so long it was impossible for us to wait for hours with two little ones who have very little patience. We spent literally all day there and enjoyed as much as we could.

Eve Newsom — Google review

Going to Disney “magic kingdom” it healed my inner child- however the crowds were horrible, staff were very rude, and food was nasty and overpriced. But for a person like me - I did love the experience- watching the parades and seeing the show at 8:30 was great 😊- everything else pretty mediocre- I still however plan to go to other Disney parks- no need to visit this one for a second time.

lashondp — Google review

Truly the most Magical place on Earth. My four year old was in shock from the moment she saw the castle. We loved every single second of our trip. Will definitely be back. Buy tickets in advance

Tai Sanders — Google review

Not my favorite park but it's still a fun place that I like visiting just because of the rides, food and the castle!Pro tip: Stay hydrated and cool during the very hot days. The FL heat sucks. Make sure to take some mini fans to keep yourself cool since there will be times that you have to wait in line for a very long time. Also, try not to bring a lot of things to carry (if possible). Just bring the essentials if you can. This park can get packed and it should be a good idea to feel comfortable during these times.

Maritoni Osgood — Google review

Incredible... love to come to disney every single time. Don't expect thrill rides, expect quality and a fabulous family experience. The food, the fireworks and iconic views of the castle... its all amazing. The cast members are amazingly kind and helpful. Build memories and come to the parks. It's not cheap is the downfall.... bring your own water bottle for drinks to fill, bring your own poncho for the Florida rain. Recommend to stay on property, many locations and budgets to select from.

Anita Eulenburg — Google review

A truly magical place for the young and old. This is our second visit after many years and it's still fun. More rides, parades and character meets than shows at this park. It can get hot when waiting in the queue, so keep water handy. Use the App to see the current waiting times, ordering food and paying for goods. The Lightning Pass was costly, so I did not our purchase it. The fireworks are worth staying around for.

William Lin — Google review

Like other Disneyland park, it is filled with fun and joy for kids and adults. They have strollers and wheelchair rental for those who need it.Majority of cast members are amazing. Of course there will be some who could do better.They have special nights and such, so ensure to check on the app for special hours. Genie + is a must in my opinion. It is a bit pricier, but hey… it really helped in saving time!Food options are most American and quality is meh, but oh well. It’s a grab and go type of thing. Some of their sit down restaurants are great - Cinderella Royal’s Table, Be our Guest etc.

Ming — Google review

Perfect weather and ride times were well managed by the teenagers who used the app to find optimal choices based on wait times.The Tron virtual queue needs to be tightened up. Once it was our turn, we still waited 70 minutes to board. Great ride, though

Bob Marinellie — Google review

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Universal Islands of Adventure

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Theme park

Water & Amusem*nt Parks

Universal's Islands of Adventure is a theme park that features thrill rides, Harry Potter attractions, and other themed areas.

I've never had so much fun in my life! Two days full of adrenaline, happiness, wildness and joy! Island of Adventure has it all! I recommend a Park-to-Park ticket and take advantage of it during the week. This resort will enjoy both child and adult! Thank you for an exceptional experience!

Martin Vanta — Google review

Took the family of teenagers. Lots of options of rides: thrill, virtual, water, etc. The favorite was velicicoaster which was awesome. Loved that they had water fountains while in line.Like any other amusem*nt park the food was expensive, $35 for two personal pizzas and a single fill drink. The good was good with a good variety.The staff was very friendly and helpful.The app was also helpful with the map and wait times. We didn't buy the express pass and got onto all the rides in a relatively decent time frame 65 min bent the longest.Really my only gripe was some rides require you empty everything from your pockets and pass through metal detectors. I'm sure lawsuits are to blame, the gripe is the locker process isn't that great. Free inside of 30 min but the rides such as hulk take much longer than that to get on🤷🏻‍♂️.Overall a positive experience.

holleysmoke — Google review

Very, very, very expensive! But we had the most fun here versus Disney World. The expensive part was just the admission and getting the express lane option with the park hopper pack which I'm glad I got. If you're spending a week here and get one of their deals where you pay for 2 days and get 3 days free for a total of 5 days, then sure you probably don't need the express lane, but you're going to spend majority of your time standing in lines, especially for the popular rides/attractions...We were able to go on just about every ride and even went on some twice. The express lane pass really benefits you if you only have 1 - 2 days to spend here. I was almost about to get the 5 days, but then I thought how that's going to be 5 days of mostly standing in line. Most lines were 50 mins or longer.. There was some that was really short, but that's because the rides was really bad, looking at you Fast & Furious...That fast and furious ride needs to be taken out or updated. All the bad guys in it are now good guys and it was ridiculous. It wasn't even over the top fun like the movies, it was bad.... definitely the worst and weakest ride...Didn't really experience the food, we mostly were on a mission to ride as much as we could because we really didn't get that at Disney...This theme park definitely had more and better rides than Disney, but if you have going kids then I can see why Disney might be more appealing and it is cheaper, but their lightning pass is a scam, it's not unlimited like universals express pass...I was wanting more of the "tour rides" that we've seen in countless movies, like Jaws coming out of the water. I guess I'm just old and those have been retired or not at this location? But I was looking more for those type of rides and there wasn't any. The Kong ride was the closest, but it was the Peter Jackson King Kong. It wasn't the new Legendary Kong that's part of Godzilla vs Kong movies, which the advertisem*nts kind of made it seem like it was, but it was still fun...I do feel for the people though that wait an hour or more for a quick 3 min ride, if that. They do seem like they should be longer, especially the video 3d rides...But overall it was the most fun at a theme park and a great end to a week long vacation in Florida... Well, little over a week...

Jake Montoya — Google review

I loved everything about islands of adventure. Didn't have long to wait for most rides. Where ever we had food it was very good and the prices were ok. It seemed to have a much better vibe and seemed more fun than any of the Disney parks we visited. We popped in and out of the park with ease during the 5 times we visited over the space of 8 days. It's also great that it within a short walk of universal studios and city walk too. I would definitely go back when I can.

Paul Ellis — Google review

Fantastic park, only complaint is the crazy queues even on a weekday in early Nov. This is the best Universal Park for thrill seekers. Good variety of rides and fantastic details and special effects. Park is super clean and staff is very friendly. Obsessed with the Velocicoaster!!!! Express pass expensive but worth it, or try riding the singles lines everywhere. Be prepared to walk a lot!

Allison Goldberg — Google review

The park is really cool, it's huge and has a lot of extreme attractions, I think the Hulk roller coaster and the velocicoaster are super cool. The park is for those who really like fast things. The food is delicious and the experience of being there is unique. If you have the chance, take advantage of it!

Vini Celular — Google review

Outstanding park experience from entrance to exit. The staff as you move through the entrance to food and parks was fantastic. Signs to get around were very helpful and clear to follow. The restaurant selection outside and inside the park are amazing. You can find a nice restaurant and also many regular fast food options. The cleanliness of the park and the staff maintaining was top notch. The people working as spider man etc.. extremely friendly and enthusiastic with people. An outstanding family day for is.

David Johnston — Google review

My first experience at this place was more than I had ever expected. Each themed section is nicely set up that it literally feels like you are transported to that world. The rides are even better when you step foot into the buildings. Even before the rides you are immersed into the character's world while waiting to enjoy the ride. Do visit with friends and family at least once. The one time is worth it!

somchay1851 — Google review

It's a very fun tour accessibility is great for you to get to the place it's very easy accesses are well facilitated ample parking and very easy to park. The problem is the price is $27, but it's still for the whole day, it's not for an hour inside the fun is complete because there are many attractions and toys that cater for all ages, you'll have fun alone with friends and your girlfriend or with the family, this tour is really worth it, even if you take it for just one day, it's still worth the queues inside. They look great but they still ride well and it's worth the wait. I recommend in all senses.

Jairo Da JCD — Google review

Love this place! Fast pass done right. Real rides and roller-coasters. My kids loved this park best out of Universal Studios and Disney Magic Kingdom. Disney needs to redo their fast pass. As it is right now I would say not worth the money. Universal fast pass is definitely worth the money. Would we go back? Yes we would.

Lorin Devries — Google review

It had been over a decade since my last visit, and nearly everything was different! I was happy to see the Cat in the Hat ride still there, and so well maintained! Everything, honestly, was in excellent condition, and I loved the entire Harry Potter area! It was SO well done and had so many hidden surprises. It did not disappoint!

Priscilla Molerio — Google review

Lots to do and see. While the rides are awesome, my friend doesn't like rides, but there was so much to do and we didn't need to stand in any lines. It's a great time either way, riding the rides or enjoying everything else the park has to offer. It was like we entered the movies and it was a fun time taking a break from reality.

christine alvarado — Google review

There is so much to do here! I can't even begin to start with one ride or section of the island that was better than another. We definitely felt this island was a bit more interactive for a family and more fun involved than at Universal Studios or Volcano Bay. Highly recommended to visit but be prepared to wait in long lines for rides. We purchased express tickets on top of the park pass and it was definitely worth it! Because of having an express pass each, we were able to experience more rides and more fun than waiting in line for hours and only be able to ride a few rides. We will be coming back!

Tiffany — Google review

This was our first time to this park. It was Thanksgiving week, so it was busy as I expected. I have 2 kids, 14 and 12, this park was fun for them. We enjoyed going through Dr. Seuss area and we even did some rides.We loved the Spider-Man ride. The water rides were fun, the big round tube in Popeyes area, we were entirely soaked from head to toe, so you will definitely get wet. Even with the plastic coverings it does not protect your feet, shoes, and butt from getting wet. We were fine getting wet, but I definitely got wetter than I thought.My kids favorite ride of all was the Harry Potter Motorbikes. Harry Potter area is the most packed of people compared to rest of park. At night the castle had a lightshow for Christmas, very cool, but people everywhere!!!The Grinch show was very cool even for my kids who were thinking it wasn't going to be.There were definitely a bunch of places to eat and drink everywhere. We had a great week, we hope to return again someday.

Tracy Mtz — Google review

Universal island of adventure is so adventurous. If you like crazy coasters along with many other ride this is the best place.We love the King Kong ride, spider man meets to blue reptiles Harry Potter water ride.And meeting to avenger and comic characters adds more fun.Place is the dream to visit we all love it thanks universal.

Amrit Sandhu — Google review

Absolutely one of the best theme parks in the US I had so much fun here, if roller coasters 🎢 are your then, then you should absolutely go for islands of adventure. Get ready to do a lot of walking though. I would also recommend you get the four day pass, because it’s almost impossible to see everything universal has to offer in just a day. If you can afford it, get the express pass because it makes your wait time so much shorter. Have fun 🤩

Ednaei — Google review

Best trip ever!! We had a blast. The lines were long but moved very quickly. The staff members were nice and appeared to really love their jobs. The Spider man ride is a must!! We spent 3 days there and still didn't get to do everything. Yes it was costly but my children enjoyed every minute of it

Qui M — Google review

Great experience! I actually found that i liked it better than Universal Studios. Islands of adventure have more extreme rides and adult rides which i found way more fun. Also, i really recommend to buy the express pass, it might cost twice to three time the ticket. BUT I was able to do all the rides I wanted and all the most popular ones (i did like 7-8 rides) from 10:00AM to 3:30PM. That would be impossible without the express pass..

Gev Elbaz — Google review

We had a FANTASTIC time! We stayed the week and had the park Hopper passes. Even as adults we felt like kids again and had sooo much fun! Everything is so well themed at Universal! The amount of detail put into every attraction is just amazing!!- there was always something you didn't see previously. At the eateries, the food was good but you can't get that kind of ambiance anywhere else!

Amy Burgess (BarefootBurgess) — Google review

I couldn’t imagine being any happier. This place is so magical. The crowds were insane at points but it seems the deepening into the park you go the less people are around. Also, the velocicoaster is so insanely fun. Secret tip, go tell them what you’re celebrating and they will give you a button to wear and ask for some fast passes to celebrate and they will more than likely oblige.

Kyle Pearson — Google review

Bought 2 days pass for two parks and got 3 days for free. Cost was $300. Visited Aug 2023. Weather was 110F. So planned evening visits and that really made a difference as wait times were shorter and we were able to enjoy all the rides and shows. Highly recommended specially for families and kids

Osman Gilani — Google review

I typically don't review these type of things however I wanted to point out that this was by far the best Park we have ever been too! Clean as can be, everything was organized and ran perfectly. Fans in all the lines to keep you cool and once inside the building the A/C was a much needed add on to our waits. We went on a Friday during the day (Arrived at 9am). Parking was a breeze and only ($30) and from there it was smooth walking and entry into the park. We chose Islands of Adventure since we had been to Studios multiple times before. We honestly didn't wait on average for longer than 30 minutes per ride. Again I can't state how clean and nicely ran this park was. I would choose Universal over Disney parks 10/10 times! Keep up the great work and we'll see you again soon!

Chris “MasterShake” Andersen — Google review

We went here one night on our trip to Universal Studios in Florida and had a blast. This place was a lot of fun for me and my boyfriend. I really love the theme and architecture of the entire place and there's so much to do. I wasn't even bothered with having to walk a lot during the trip as it was so nice being in the park. It was absolutely beautiful and the rides were so much fun. We had a lot of fun here, at the regular park, and at City Walk, which are all conveniently connected. Getting in with our tickets was a much easier process than I thought it would be, even without having fast passes. I would highly recommend this park for anyone planning on going to Universal Studios in Florida.

Colton Burnette — Google review

Super park! Both me and my child really liked it. Cool rides, especially the motorcycle ride. However, the queues are crazy. We came specifically out of season, on Monday. And still there were huge queues. We had unlimited fast passes, I highly recommend buying them. Otherwise we would have been waiting for an hour. The bad thing is that the fast pass does not apply to the coolest attraction and you have to wait up to 2 hours! Oh, are you crazy? Make an electronic queue! As in all normal places. Why do you think that being forced to stand in line for 2 hours is normal?? Ugliness.

Lina — Google review

Wow, customer service is #1 at Universal Studios Orlando. Every interaction with staff, from shop workers to food service to ride attendants was beyond positive. Everyone made you feel so important and special. The park is so well maintained and beautiful. Rides are amazing, you can ask the staff for a breakdown if nervous. You can leave the line at anytime. The stores all had unique items to purchase based on the rides. The experience is highly enjoyable.

Lisa Kachigian — Google review

The Harry Potter parts are EPIC!!! So much fun. I'm not even a huge fan of the books or movies (but I DO like them). The Butterbeer was EXCELLENT!!! The atmosphere is amazing.The entire park is great. We went to Universal Studios Orlando, Islands of Adventure, & Volcano Bay. They are ALL FANTASTIC. I enjoyed Universal even more than Disney World!!! ♡♡♡If you plan on going more than a couple days, I recommend buying the Annual Pass (OR booking in one of their hotels - LOTS of perks!!!).

Momma Bear — Google review

Theme park, as you would expect from an organization of this caliber, the attractions and organization are top-notch. Unfortunately, so are the prices, with an entry fee of nearly $500 for 3 people (day ticket), I wonder how accessible this park is for an average family of 5? Also, keep in mind that a water attraction is truly a water attraction, at the end of the ride, you'll be completely wet! Top attraction was King Kong (IMO), most beautiful setting Harry Potter), best roller coaster "Hulk".Why only 4 stars? Prices inside the park, 50 dollars for 3 hamburgers? Come on…

Steve Graveé — Google review

Amazing rides and very well maintained washrooms. The wait times on some rides can get very long, but that is also bypassed most of the time by getting an express pass. Worth visiting, especially in the off-seasons as the crowds are more manageable then.

Siddhi Bhutada — Google review

I love this place. Yes, it is usually packed with people. Yes, all the best stuff has a long wait time, but there is so much to look at and do. Like the Universal park, they pay such amazing attention to detail to completely immerse you in each world. Plan to wait in lines. Food is theme park prices, but good. Running into characters throughout the day is a fun perk!

Ashley Renéigh — Google review

Great place. I wish I had more time to enjoy the park but unfortunately came when during spring break. The park was very packed, and the wait time on rides was 60 minutes minimum. Was only able to go on 4 rides.

Frankie Camacho — Google review

Great rides, let down by the not as friendly as they can be staff. The thrill rides are certainly a plenty here and are great fun. They insist on putting cell phones in free lockers before getting on big rides which given how fast and thrilling these rides are is no surprise. The lockers are small so you won’t fit a regular back pack in, they provide paid for lockers for those. Usual theme park pricing so do not expect a cheap day out.

Aaron Payne — Google review

This park was absolutely awesome. The rides were amazing and very interactive. We were able to get on everything we wanted to get on and the creativity in this park is as good as Disney. The food was great and me and my daughter enjoyed the shows as well. I will say that Harry Potter is quite busy, but amazing. The food options were great! You were able to find anything from fried food all the way to fruit cups here, and this is not common at theme parks. The staff overall was great and accommodating. I highly recommend this theme park to anyone visiting the Orlando area, I have not seen much like it and you will absolutely love these rides. If your a hardcore comic nerd-this is the place to be, absolutely awesome.

Timothy Weitzel Jr — Google review

One of my favourite parks in Orlando.The one downside compared to Disney parks is the costumer service quality and the reason for only 4 stars. Some employees are not passionate and not willing to help. One example was at the ticket booth where we asked for help with the one and two day park tickets and the price difference if buying online. We ended up spending 45 minutes on our own figuring it out.The new rides take 75 minutes wait or more so be prepared to wait or to spend more money with fast passes.

Julio Viana — Google review

Universal Islands of Adventure is an absolute thrill-seeker's paradise! From the pulse-pounding rides like the Incredible Hulk Coaster to the immersive worlds of Harry Potter, every corner is filled with excitement and wonder. The attention to detail is phenomenal, making you feel like you've stepped into your favorite stories. The staff are friendly and helpful, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience. Whether you're a hardcore theme park enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out with the family, Islands of Adventure delivers an unforgettable adventure every time. Highly recommend!

Abani Ojha — Google review

100% prefer this to the actual Universal studios Park. Less walking between rides, more rides are tall/heavy friendly, and more cool stops between rides. Although Universal has all the famous movie stuff and has to be seen once, but as far as Island of Adventure, I would definitely come back again and again.

Tomasz Smolinski — Google review

Honestly one of the best parks I've been to. This place is Awesome! We went during spring break and the crowds were not bad. From Hogwarts to Jurassic Park to Dr Seuss this place has it all. Hagrids motorcycle ride is a must do and I can say Velocicoaster is breathtaking, rode it 3 times. We didn't want to leave.

Matt T — Google review

If you are a Harry Potter fan this is an absolute most on your bucket list! The park has incredible thrilling attractions. Compared to universal studios, islands of adventure is a bigger park and has more rollercoasters. Both parks offer different experiences depending on what you’re looking for. I’ve gone to this park at least four times and every time is so exciting and fun. Hopefully next year I will be able to go to the brand new Super Nintendo world which is under construction right now. If you’re in Orlando definitively do not miss visiting this park!

Nathalia Vasquez — Google review

4.7

(93932)40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (84)

4.5

(52289)40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (85)

6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, USA

(407) 363-8000

12

Universal Studios Florida

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Theme park

Water & Amusem*nt Parks

Universal Studios Florida is a sprawling amusem*nt 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.

IF YOU DONT WANT TO READ THE WHOLE THING, JUST KNOW THE PARK IS FUN LOTS TO DO BUT LONG LINES.My experience was amazing. This park has tons of attractions. As always, I like being brutally honest. The park was really fun. I loved the Harry Potter attractions and the cartoon simulations. I was very satisfied!! The lines on the attractions are pretty long. Some are much shorter, so I recommend to VISIT this park for 2 to 3 or more days because there is a lot to do. Thank you, Universal Studios, for the fun experience 10 outta 10 would recommend.

Jeriel Sanchez — Google review

Pretty fun! I think it’s a great place to experience maybe once. If with small children, maybe more fun but it’s a once and done kind of thing for me personally. The park was very cool and fun to walk through! Attractions and rides were mostly visual ones, where you sit and it virtually takes you through a ride - so it’s not like a normal park with big, outlandish rides. Very family friendly and not bad for an amusem*nt park overall. Would recommend especially if you have younger children!

Maurielle C — Google review

Had a great time despite the hot weather and roller coaster being down for 75 percent of the day. It's a little pricey in gift shops and food but thats too be expected.. If you have teens I'd go for island of adventure.. Still a great experience either way.

Mario Lopez — Google review

Phenomenal experience with the different immersive rides you can take. Plenty of water fountains and lockers for the rides that require it. You should definitely bring a small bag that can fit and a bottle of water. There is a good amount of shade but a hat and sunscreen will make your life easier. You can get wands and cast spells to activate different water features which is pretty neat. Go early in the morning when it opens.

Joe W — Google review

First time to universal and it was a lot of fun. It's not just for kids. It's a lot of rides that are very interactive and entertaining, even for adults. They have a large variety of food which is great because you're going to want to be there all day. The food is a little pricey for what you get but it's decent quality. I would recommend checking it out and will definitely come back for another visit.

andi nicpon — Google review

Orlando Florida. Awesome. Loads to see and do. Great rides, great food, a lot of shops to do your shopping. Harry Potter biggest attraction at this location. Kid friendly. We went on Thursday - it was pretty busy but average waiting time for rides were 10 minutes. Great place to visit with your family.

Jeanette Boshoff — Google review

I loved Universal, I haven’t been there in the last 6 years because I thought my kids were to small for the rides but I can tell you that I was wrong because they really enjoyed the parks and they are 7 and 6. We as a family ditched Disney after this trip to Universal, we even bought annual passes. They came with a lot of benefits, like fast passes after 4 PM. Universal parks are less crowded than Disney’s plus I don’t like the path Disney has gone, especially for my kids. This visit was on Thanksgiving week but we return on Christmas week because we had an awesome trip and the kids wanted to return.

Alain Jares — Google review

The best time EVER! Going as adults is even more amazing than going as kids. Hubby and I had an absolute blast. Yes it is pricey but the details in the attractions can't be beat. The food was great and the water refill stations around the park was a huge plus. Highly recommend!

Hillary Asbury — Google review

Always a great place to spend the day! Lots of food choices, definitely will cost a good amount of money to eat while there. If it's feasible, bring a bag/backpack with some basic supplies such as water and snacks. Small lockers are free and will definitely not fit a backpack, and the larger lockers that will accommodate backpacks you can rent for a short period of time for $2. The Rock It roller coaster is intense, absolutely love it!!

Shaun Sanders — Google review

Okay, let’s admit it you are going to go here regardless of how many stars this is rated. But I need to be honest. There is the endless walk from the car to the actual park. Then you spend half your day waiting in lines. That is unless you buy the express pass on top of the already insanely priced ticket price.We enjoyed taking it slow. This does not mean we did not get annoyed at times.It is Florida. It is hot. Don’t forget your sunscreen. I can’t tell you how many people were hurting with sunburns. Also, it rains. When it does, some rides shut down. They shutdown even when you think they shouldn’t. Your opinion of rain does not matter. This can be frustrating when there is a 60 minute wait and you are 45 minutes into the wait!Some lockers are free, some are not. The ones for the water rides are NOT!Everything is expensive, but the water fill ups are free.BONUS!!!! You can find gluten and dairy free options in many of the restaurants. Just ask. It is best to get to the restaurant before the crowds so you can ask for their options.

Deborah Shepherd — Google review

Every time I visit Universal Studios in Orlando, I have an absolute blast! The level of attention given to every detail truly impresses me, and it's a delight for any fan to experience.The staff and characters at the park are incredibly friendly, adding to the overall magical atmosphere. The attractions themselves are absolutely fantastic!Universal Studios Orlando is a place that captures the imagination and leaves visitors with unforgettable memories. Definitely, the perfect place for all Harry Potter and Marvel fans!

Sergio Dias Junior — Google review

2 adults in August from the UK.What can I say? It was expensive but worth it. We had 14 days at the park, so we didn't need to rush or buy express passes-there was simply no need.Many wait times aren't as long as they say.The rides were great, the food was good and the staff were excellent.

kirsty hopkin — Google review

I really enjoyed the street dancing at Universal with their cast members in beautiful costumes, hair and makeup. The minions attraction having a stand only section for an infant to still be inside and see it was an accommodating touch for youngsters! The “real-life” talking transformer was super cool. Lastly, the shopping was fun! My grandsons looked adorable in their matching minions shirts 😊

Meredith Bonn — Google review

This is a great place to visit. Be sure to give enough time to get it all in. There is a lot of walking between islands of adventure and universal area. If you like roller coasters, don't miss Hagrids motor bike. You can get express passes for a single day and get them all in if you plan it out some. The food is not cheap but never is at theme parks. There are plenty of clean bathrooms and friendly staff to help you out with your questions. Character meet and greets. Lots of 3 d rides are amazing. Don't skip the shows they are great as well. The monster makeup show was super funny and would recommend you see. I was very happy overall and would do again. 10 out of 10 Park.

M B — Google review

Taking the kids to Universal (Island of Adventure) for their first time was definitely a wonderful experience. We all had a great time, enjoyed most of the shows, and literally spent the whole day at the park. At night, the show was beautiful to too. Everybody was waiting for the Harry Potter castle to light up, and when it finally happened, the crowd went crazy specially the kids, like they couldn't believe what they were seeing. I would definitely go again soon and also visit the other parks as well. But overall, Island of Adventure is my favorite Universal park.

Naty Rivera — Google review

Came here to add more fun family time and excitement for a special 21st birthday celebration. We focused more exploring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter because we're huge fans. You can explore both worlds in a day, but it felt a but rushy because of the closing hours of the parks. Other then that you can expect a crowd no matter the season (*my family and I were there mid January). The places to eat or grab a treat at the park/parks is endless. Since we focused venturing the Harry Potter Worlds, the restaurants, treat shops, etc were all super tasty and delicious! We had the best time ever. I wish Universal would extend their park hours so visitors don't feel rushed to explore more. But... you bet we'll be definitely going back soon! The rides are thrilling and fun!*Tip: expect to pay $2 for bigger lockers. This is for big bags/backpacks on some rides. Using your ticket barcode you can get a small locker free. (Ex: Small lockers fit smaller items like small bags or mini backpacks)

Ericka Santiago — Google review

Universal Studios Florida exceeded my expectations. The park is massive and I barely made it through the whole thing by the time they closed. The walk from the garage is equally as big, so prepare to do a lot of walking when you go. Like Disney World, there are many family friendly things to do here, however, some of the rides are a lot more intense. In some of the rides you rattle so much you almost get a concussion and have to walk off the headache before you get on the next one. I definitely recommend spending the money, if you can, on the fast pass. The first ride that I went on was without it and the wait was about 45 minutes, and then I got a fast pass and immediately got on it again, as well as the rest of the rides that day. Harry Potter world was amazing, I felt like I was in the movies. The Hagrid ride was my favorite, which the fast pass unfortunately did not work on, and the wait was around an hour. The smaller rides are okay, but I'm sure kids would love them. I can't wait to come back here again.

P Reviews — Google review

We were here on a Thanksgiving weekend and it was fully packed, which we expected. There was a huge wait for Harry Potter and Minions rides. But, other than that, the lines moved fairly quicker. This was our first experience with 3D rides and we just loved it! The Vertical Roller Coaster is one hell of a ride. So as the Revenge of the Mummy. Transformers, Minions, The Jimmy Fallon show and Simpsons and the parades were all fun. It's a very happening place and covering everything in 1 day may be a bit tight. Plenty of Food options available. But they are priced high as one would expect in any amusem*nt park. There's a plenty of walking to be done. So, be prepared for it. Overall, it's a great place which one should visit and experience at least once.

Saiprabhu B — Google review

We had the most awesome time! We will def be back next year, maybe even a 2 day ticket! Love the shade they have for when you need it and wait lines are somewhat short and are shaded or air conditioned. Parking was a breeze and not a far walk either. So many great attractions and shops. This place really was fun for our whole family

Shell Keller — Google review

Very nice and agreeable attraction park with a diversity of rides mostly based on special effects and movies, such as Transformers or Harry Potter. The parade and fireworks were very good during the Christmas 2021 holidays. Recommended to anyone looking for attractions during holidays.

Chris Mobile — Google review

I love USO. It's so much fun. I took my 2 teens there and loved it. We did the mouse house when they were little. They loved that place too but wanted more thrill, and USO did not disappoint! We stayed on property, which made it even more enjoyable

D.Meier — Google review

First time back in many years. They took some notes from Disney and it is a much happier place now. Staff were all excellent across the board during our 3-day stay. I will advise that the fast passes are not fast. Or express. They just cut the line wait time in about half. It still means waiting 30-40 minutes for the more popular rides. If you really want to take all the rides, take one of their VIP tours. Well worth it.

James VanderWier — Google review

Had such a great time here more positive than negative points. The best time to visit would be week day non school holidays.Queue times for the rides were not too bad when we visited. It seems the place has been designed to keep everything cool, and fans and light water is sprayed in the air, making it much more comfortable than Disney.Negatives are there are not many places to sit down and relax it is go go go all the time which is fine being young and healthy. But some may want to take some breaks which could prove difficult.There are very minimal food outlets to grab something on the go, I imagine this is intentional to prevent littering, etc. Unless you fancy bakery goods or Starbucks, there's nothing else really unless you want to go for a sit-down meal, which in 30 plus degrees isn't great. Sometimes, you'd prefer a light snack.I was surprised that the city walk area where all the food outlets were very small and queue time was crazy.I thought America was all about fast food, but there was absolutely nothing fast or friendly about the service here, which was surprising, really.But non the less due to it being a quiet period, it was manageable. I dread to see what it's like in a high season.

Liss Winfield — Google review

Excelent!!! It is very funny and great park specially when you go with you little one and take him the place you have been when you were a kid and see him get amazed the same way when you were a kid. We enjoyed even if we couldn't get in many rides because the park was pack and some rides had delays. We got our annual passes so we will be able to come back soon.

Melina Valenzuela -Greco — Google review

Amazing place we had so much fun. Definitely bring a poncho, it rains pretty much everyday unless you want to buy a $20 poncho inside. I recommend spending a day to each park. You cannot do it all at one day. The one with rides and the water park is definitely our favorite. Buy the pass for the rides, all rides have long lines

I kee — Google review

Universal Studios was satisfactory. The scenery was amazing and really transports you to another place. Probably a cool place to take children. For thrill seekers however, there aren't too many rides worth the trip. The island of the adventure side is better for thrills. The main downfall is it's just so expensive; Parking, entrance fee, lockers, food, optional express pass, ect.

Cody Marthaller — Google review

A great theme park with rides for the entire family. The different themed areas are very nostalgic. The staff is friendly. Like most theme parks, food and souvenirs are expensive, but it's expected. If you have the pass that allows you to travel between the different parks, you get to travel on the Hogwarts Express which is super cool. Definitely a much bigger park than Hollywood with 3 different parks on the campus. Gringot's Bank was such a fun ride.

Wander And Travel — Google review

Visiting Universal Studios in Florida for our honeymoon was so much fun! From the adrenaline rush of the rides to the magical atmosphere of the world of Harry Potter, every moment was filled with excitement and joy. Exploring the park with my wife made it even more special, creating memories that we'll always cherish and remember. It was the perfect way to kick off our new life together, surrounded by fun and feeling like a kid again. Highly recommend for couples looking for an unforgettable experience!

Carl Morgan Jr — Google review

Their website is thee most confusing thing I have ever paid my eyes on!! I bought what I thought to be entrance tickets for two parks with fast passes. The total was $1,300!! So, I thought surely that was what I needed for my husband, my two boys, and myself! NOPE! I got to the gate, only to be told that I had only purchased fast passes to skip the line on rides 😳 I paid $1,300 to skip the line?? I then proceeded to the ticket booth to be told that entrance tickets are $250/person for EACH PARK!!! I ended up paying the money for the 2 parks we intended on visiting because we planned our whole trip around visiting both, but man was I seriously disappointed 😞 The lesson I learned was to never, AND I MEAN NEVER, visit Universal Studios during spring break!! NEVER EVER!! The one positive thing was how amazing our hotel was!! We stayed at the Double Tree by Hilton at the entrance to Universal Studios!! Amazing hotel all around and the price was even better!! $155/night compared to $250-500 a night to stay at a Universal Studios resort/hotel!!

tasha jarman — Google review

We visited for spring break and had an absolute blast. The park is amazing, detailed, and clean. The crowds were not bad. I do recommend the express pass, even tho the cost is up there, not having to wait was more than worth it. We will definitely be back.

Matt T — Google review

The Non-Private VIP experience is worth the extra amount you pay. The ability to see parts of the park you would not otherwise see, you are fed two full meals (breakfast and lunch - these are quality meals presented in professional and friendly manner ) and there is reserved seating to watch the parade at the end of your tour, are just some of the reasons this tour is worth the money. You also get 10% off throughout Universal for the rest of the day, which is nice too, since you have been eyeball shopping through the day as you toured the park and rode the rides. Our Tour Guide Jen was fantastic! Friendly, joyful, knowledgeable, funny, energetic, and all around she just seemed to really love and appreciate her job. We were able to ride all the major rides with little to no wait time and when Jen discovered that one in our group could not do the rides and was looking for more of a Universal Hollywood experience Jen, Jen's supervisor, and a colleague of Jen's went the extra mile to accommodate the guest. Jen was intentional about understanding the likes and dislikes of our group and to see that each person had a special, individual moment during the day. Our last ride of the day was the ET ride (which as someone who was born in 76' I had a full appreciation for this ride and it was a great way to wind down an otherwise exhilarating day) and Jen had ET say bye to each of us by name! It was terrific and such a nice personal touch. After this experience, you aren't going to want to do this any other way than the VIP way. You can easily spend the same money on food and souvenir in a day, this way gets you on the rides, without waiting, with meals included, designated space for the parade, and 10% off throughout Universal...it's worth it.Date of experience: December 2023

Theresa Smith — Google review

I love this place ❤️I can't even begin to describe how awesome Universal Studios is! 🌟 The moment you step foot in there, you're transported to a whole new world of excitement and adventure. The rides are mind-blowing, like seriously, your adrenaline will be pumping like crazy! And the attention to detail in the park is just insane. It's like you're walking through the sets of your favorite movies. Plus, the staff is super friendly and helpful. They really go above and beyond to make sure you have the best time ever. I totally recommend checking out the Harry Potter section too. It's like stepping into Hogwarts! Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

Joesph Bydôn — Google review

I personally love Universal Orlando over any of the Disney theme parks, hands down. From the staff, to the food options, prices overall to the holiday perks…it is an amazing experience. We live in VA and are season pass holders because we love it that much. Best Halloween Nights by far compared to any park I’ve ever been to.Plenty of places to sit and rest your feet and shady spots to find. Indoor locations have great ac And they have rides of all thrill levels. I personally love Suess Land. 🤣

Michelle Waters — Google review

13

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley

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Theme park

Water & Amusem*nt Parks

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is an amusem*nt 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.

I absolutely loved this area. It felt like we were in the movie. The attention to detail is wonderful. There are so many shops to visit. People that purchased wands from Olivander's were able to wave their wands in front of certain shop windows and cause something to move! The wands come with a map that shows which windows can be activated with it and how to make that happen. It was cool to watch! The butter beer is delicious, especially the frozen one. The rides are also fun.

Tabitha Norman — Google review

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 Martinez — 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 Love — Google review

We loved everything about this place including the food and butterbeer. We made sure to stop in every shop and check out all of the rides. This was for sure a large part of wanting to come to Universal for me, but even my husband and the kids were excited about it.So much of it looked like it was taken straight from the movie set, and Olivander's was a magical experience. Three of us got wands to use the interactive displays and it was such a cool place to visit. We are still talking about when we can go back, and our visit was four years ago.Thank you so much for making this Harry Potter fan so happy!

Kristen Jett — Google review

Growing up in HP, all I can say is that I love this place. All the shops and buildings just give you all the good feelings. This is my 3rd time around, and everything was still exciting.The staff are generally nice and helpful.The bathrooms' cleanliness is a hit and miss.The rides and eateries are fun and exciting.For Butterbeer, I suggest getting a frozen one from HogsHead and also a shot of Bailey's (if you're over 21).The downside is when you try to do magic around the park, and the sensors are really hard to work with. It's really difficult to make a spell work, and oftentimes, there is an out of order sign behind the spell shops. If they can only figure this out, then the experience will become truly magical.Highly recommend express passes to avoid hours of wait time. If you are staying at the hotels, your unlimited express pass is included.

V A — Google review

If you love the world of Harry Potter, you will love this. They recreated the world of Harry Potter done to the last detail. The land is so immersive and life like. From the feel to the buildings, to the food including butter beer and all the magic wands, the rides and the fire breathing dragon.

Joseph Cardillo — Google review

Visiting any part of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort is a magical experience, for potterheads & muggles. Magic around every turn, this was my Momma Judi's first time visiting Diagon Alley, and we spent some time enjoying the busting streets full of excited wizards and witches. Casting spells, drinking butterbeer, waiting for the dragon that sits atop Gringotts bank to shoot hot flames out that really give off some heat in the Florida sun. We love skulking around Knocktun Alley, for both it's ambience as well as nice chilly temps. We ate lunch at Leaky Cauldron, caught Celestina Wombat’s performance, chatted with the magic mirror in Madame Malkin’s Robes, and dialed MAGIC (62442) from the phone (red phone booth) in front of Kings Cross Station for a spellbinding surprise.Marisa Balletti-Lavoie

Marisa B — 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

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 ROVER — Google review

If you are a fan of Harry Potter then this is your place. It is pretty magical. I would spring for the fast passes but be warned they don't work for every attraction especially the sought after o es.

Marcus Lamb — Google review

The moment you walk into this place you feel like you've stepped into another world. The atmosphere feels totally different because of the effort they put into making this place. Ever part of it feels magical and leaves you wanting to explore more and more of the place. The butter beer is great and tastes delicious. The various little shops in the area all have great souvenirs and other fun stuff to purchase.

Adam ?John Sovereignton? Ramsey — Google review

Wow. This was a really cool experience. For any Harry Potter fan, this is a must see if you’re at Universal. I really enjoyed all the little Harry Potter references and the attention to detail. It was crowded of course, but it was still an excellent time. The butter beer was better than expected. We also enjoyed Olvander’s wand shop. It was like a mini-show built into going into the wand shop. Totally fun and worthwhile without being a big wait.

Aaron Green — Google review

The park is nice, but the lines all forever, you can spend all the day there and just get into 2 or 3 rides. Do not start the day with the Hadrid Ride, because you will find more line and the others rides has less. Not all the rides are good, so choose wisely. Starting in island of adventure and then taking the train to the universal park is a good start, the most newest and exiting ride are in island of adventure. Avoid vacation time and if you can go during winter, will find less people and a nicer weather.

Armando NL — Google review

Bought online a 1-day, 2-parks pass to visit Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade specifically. We were sent on a “mission” to look for wands for our 3 boys knowing full well, “The wands pick the wizards,” not us! Must get there as early as possible because that’s the only way to take pictures without being crowded out.The two parts are surprisingly compact sharing a total of 5 rides. We took 4/5 with our express passes. It did not apply to Hagrid’s which was intense but the best. The ones which need 3D glasses are ok but bothersome.For HP fans and non-fans alike, the detailing is quite amazing and impressive. People watching is a bonus especially the legion of fans dressed up like wizards and waving their wands to “activate” their spells at the various Interactive wand spots. Rather amusing when you see them struggle.So much HP merchandise to buy and they are expensive. F&B is expensive too. But it is after all a bucket list destination so bring lots of money for a once in a lifetime experience (applies to foreign tourists only LoL!)

eddie chan — Google review

We got a 3 day pass Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. We got there early and wasn’t too crowded. If you want good pictures I’ll recommend to do the same. There is so much to see and do in the wizarding world. If you can visit in the morning and at night. It’s worth the view.

They Call Me Jelly — Google review

We went past it the first time because it was so hidden away! Very cool looking set with a fire breathing dragon and Gringotts ride which took us about an hour of wait time to get to however it was kind of underwhelming because it was too short. The ice cream shop was nice and very generous on portions.

Mi Sha — Google review

Took my daughter for her birthday. So many sights to see here. Loved the castle with the forbidden journey ride, Gringotts bank and Hagrids Motorbikes! Food at Leaky Cauldron was great and butterbeer is a must have! Hogwarts Expess takes you between parks and is so fun and pleasant to ride!

Hunbun — Google review

Such a cool environment that really captures what Diagon Alley would truly feel like! Also if you haven't tried Butterbeer specifically hot Butterbeer then you're missing out on a life changing experience lol

slgregg321 — Google review

Honestly, I am not typically the type of person who gets excited by amusem*nt parks, but the Harry Potter experience at universal is unbelievable. Not only is it meticulous in its attention to detail, but it’s really accurate to the movie. There are ways to explore all kinds of moments, like the train to hogsmede, which actually takes you there, but down to butter beer, and a range of Easter egg activations you can use your sensor wand to play with. The rides are excellent. Also, as a London native, I appreciate that they don’t totally screw up the references to the UK. It was raining when we went, which added to the authenticity!

Troy Benson — Google review

I have to watch the series again after visiting. What a great experience! I really wanted a robe and wand, but at 55, I thought better of it. The Ollivander's experience was so good we waited in line twice.

Mike Wright — Google review

Out of this world this place! The magic is real. Amazing atmosphere and the butter beer is to die for! We will definitely be going back again & again

Steven Joseph — Google review

14

Weeki Wachee Spring

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Spring

Tours

Performing mermaids draw a crowd at this natural spring, which also features boat tours & swimming.

Great way to relax and enjoy nature

charles fritz jr. — Google review

Amazing experience! We loved the mermaid Christmas show. Doors open 30 minutes before show start. We got in line early to get front row seats. After the show we got a photo with the mermaid and walked around. The water is clean and in the 70s. Today was a beautiful day and wished we brought our bathing suits and towels to hang. Many of the shops were closed. Will come back for sure!

Bernadette Bennett — Google review

This is such a cute place to take your kids! The mermaid show is so fun and entertaining! Although, the park does close early. There are only two water slides, but there's free lemonade and water! There's a lot of lifeguards and the place is very secure. There's also a little kids pool which is a bit boring and lame, but it's still fun for kids!! There is a food stamp and snacks, also a store. It has such cute little bathing suits! The bathrooms are so clean! The sand is nice and clean. The water is also nice and clean but the water is cold. The food is not really expensive. There's also a bar. There's a lot of trees and there's even kayaking! But that's in a separate place and you have to pay a separate amount of money for it. Overall, I would recommend this place! Just that if you're going to go to the water park side, make sure it is a WARM DAY! Or else you WILL BE COLD.❤️‍🩹

Vic! — Google review

I tried unsuccessfully to get the menu for the parks concessions prior to going. It was no where to be found, the park couldn't even tell me. So I am posting it for anyone who may need it. The only vegan items were a salad that they were out of and pita chips and hummus, which they were also out of. Food took forever, it appeared that the restaurant is just not big enough to handle the lunch crowd. Everyone was working hard, just too many people for too small of a place.As for the rest of the park, be aware that each of the attractions has limited times. The boat only runs until 12:30. The line was such that the last boat was filled by 11:00 and those waiting had to wait for an hour and a half to ride the 20 minute ride. The mermaid show has a long line and it fills up as well. Getting there at least 30 minutes before the show is a must. The animal show also gets pretty full and only had 3 shows a day. For as limited of things to do here, it is very difficult to get them all in because of their schedule and the wait times.

Sarah Ellert — Google review

First… get there early to get in line. An excellent location for fresh water swimming and a place to relax.

Martina D — Google review

It was pretty cool. Did not have high expectations at first but it was super fun kayaking and spring swimming area with slides. Yay~

?? Dong Lee — Google review

One of those side-of-the-road tourist attractions. Beautiful clear blue waters but ice cold. We went on a Wednesday so it was very chill. The boat tour was short and sweet. The mermaid performance was community theater fun. I wish they had lights and decorations or cool props... Seemed so bare. Maybe a black light tropical fish style theme? Something.. Anyway, it was very reasonably priced family fun!

Waci' Paha Isnala — Google review

The water is colder than you think. Be prepared. Ok, now the important stuff. If it is busy season, get there early. I'm talking they open at 9, no later then 9:30. Also, expect to wait in line. Got there at 9:30, the parking lot was almost full, and then got into a line that wrapped around park. Took over 30 minutes get to entrance. By that point, the park was at capacity. Even at capacity, there was plenty of place to set down your stuff and set up a tent or umbrella. Everything ran surprisingly smoothly. Mermaid show was the best part by far and pretty mesmerizing. Be warned, you need to be in line an hour before the show starts.... anyway, overall, good experience. Go for the mermaids. It really is the best part of the whole place.

Paul Patton — Google review

This is a FANTASTIC state park. Attractions are kid and family friendly, the shows run on time, the admission price is reasonable, and the restaurants and bathrooms are clean!Admission as of 9/2023 is adult (13+) - $13, Kids (6-12) $8, kids 5 and under Free.Get a map and schedule upon entrance and make sure you see the Ranger show, Mermaid show, and boat ride. Fill the time swimming in the lagoon, floating down the lazy river, or riding the water slide.

Courtney Kolkovich — Google review

Had a nice time here with our 4 year old daughter! Unfortunately, the water park was closed for the season, but we enjoyed the famous mermaid show and other activities like the boat ride (we came so close to the manatees!). Overall, it’s a great park, parts are a bit dated but the park seems to have a lot of history. The playground was also a nice touch! We were pleasantly surprised by the food quality from the cafeteria/ restaurant.

Patrick Chan — Google review

Nice place to visit

Arjun rao — Google review

Absolutely loved it! From the mermaids, the Christmas decorations with lights strung throughout the trails, happy staff faces- It was a nice place to go!

Penny Thomas — Google review

The mermaid show is the fun part for all the kids. Manatees watching by boat ride is not to miss. Water rides are another attractions for kids. Must go for first time.Tip:Plan for spending 3-4 hours and go early in the morning and try to grab the early mermaid show as the lines get longer later. You want to get the center seating spot in the show.

Milind Shinde — Google review

Absolutely beautiful spring! The water is crystal clear. Great place to bring kids and family to swim and have a great time. Nice sandy area and relaxing chairs to lay down on put your stuff down. The water slide is only open on the weekends, and they have mermaid shows every day at 11:00, 1:30, and 3:00. Very nice spring in Florida to come to and have a great time.

Cale Crawley — Google review

So much fun and so beautiful! My kids and I had a blast. You can bring coolers into the park. The spring water is chilly, but not too bad. My favorite part was swimming out to the floating doc, looking down into the water, and being able to jump in.

Carisa Ann Maroda — Google review

A lot to do, from swimming to lazy river tubing to the mermaid show and river cruise, playground and food & beverages… Great spot to spend the day with family. Arrive early!!!!! It is a popular place!

M. Baco — Google review

We had a good time, we did the boat tour and checked the beach area out. We did miss the Mermaid show because we got there late and essentially had to choose between the boat tour and the Mermaid show.

Joseph Cobb — Google review

What an interesting experience! The mermaids are certainly very entertaining and a sight to behold. Lovely clean place lots of parking and a good gift shop. It was raining when we were there so we didn't see it at its best but it looked like a very cool spot especially for families.

Peter Carroll — Google review

Came here for a family spring break trip and had a blast. The first thing you should do is go right to the boat trip area and save your time. They book quick. The water was amazing and crystal clear. The slides were a blast and there’s also a toddler area for the little ones. Is you want to do the lazy river you have a pay for the tube. The mermaid show and the other experiences are free you just have to get there early to make sure you get a spot. They all fill up super quick. We will for sure be going back!

Peter Marini — Google review

4.3

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4.0

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Florida 34606, USA

15

Ellie Schiller hom*osassa Springs Wildlife State Park West Entrance

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Park

Nature & Parks

Nature & Wildlife Areas

State Parks

Amazing place. We really enjoyed it. Adults are $13. Worth every penny! We took a tram ride from the, I guess back. That alone was fun. Lol.Everybody we encountered was so friendly and helpful. Nice gift shop. A few stands with snacks and drinks.We saw lots of manatees and babies! So many different birds. A black bear, a hippo, fox, snakes, so many fish!It's not a huge place. We spent a little over an hour there. Definitely could have stretched it longer. Easy walk. A few places with stairs (and ramps). But to get down to the underwater viewing, only stairs. About 11 or 12. Multiple bathrooms.Just a relaxing day, watching animals. You can't feed any of them. But, there are binoculars around, so bring quarters.

Julie Healon — Google review

Up close and personal with some of Florida most unique animals. So many wonderful birds, fish, cougars, and even a hippo. Yhey also have a Florida black bear. Easy walk with lots of stopping to view the animals. I feel kids of all ages would find this place exciting.

Marty McMann — Google review

Clean, well cared for animals, love the boat ride in and the tram on the way out. We had perfect weather and a great day while visiting. The volunteers are very friendly and knowledgeable. And the Hippo is fabulous ♥️

Chanda Wall — Google review

We'd seen several reviews about this place and intended to make it part of our trip. On a tour, someone almost talked us out of it, but I'm so glad we went.First, we love that many of the animals there have been rescued and we got to read about their journey.Second, I appreciated the fact that they had accessible features, including ramps, elevators, lifts into the train, viewing cutouts to see the animals, etc.Third, the staff were very friendly, helpful and informative.Finally, we appreciate their efforts in saving these amazing animals!!

Nanette Odell — Google review

Definitely go again...may not be the biggest attraction of wildlife. But, peaceful..wasn't overly busy. Good price! Everyone we encountered was so nice. Nice walking to exhibits.

Melissa Wolfle — Google review

If you are visiting crystal river then this place is a must for families and anyone that loves animals. They have the famous hippo "Lou" who if you're lucky might see bathing in the water, he is huge ❤️. The whole facility is well maintained and clean and the walkways are paved and perfect for strollers. There are plenty of shaded rest spots to take a break from walking. There is a cafeteria with burgers, fried and ice cream and also a small gift shop to pick up your souvenirs.

Lanash Lath (Dezignstar) — Google review

Great place to take the kids and see some animals. The park entrance is 13$ por person adult and 5$ kids under 11 years old. I really had a great day with my family there.

Elianny Marquez — Google review

There are 2 separate visiting centers, one right off the main road which has a nice gift shop and restaurant and you can ride boat or tram from the first location. The second visitor center is closer to the wildlife area and water. Both areas are beautiful and have plenty of parking. The park closes at 5:30pm. Tram runs every 15 minutes. Definitely recommend checking this park out.

Janet Stiles — Google review

Hidden gem! We are so glad we got lost and went into the visitors center. They recommended this place and so glad we didn't skip it! Definitely a place everyone should go see! If you do not get a chance to see manatees out in the wild..u will at this place and capture some great pic! They have things laid out very well. The hippo gave us an awesome show and we got to see the panther take down a bird...dont worry the bird survived and flew away even after 3 attacks!I would not skip this place at all!! Perfect for any age. Lines to get tickets are long but super quick so do not get discouraged!

Prity Patel — Google review

This place is amazing. I really liked the way it is done. You get to know why they keep the wild animals in the park, how they were injured or raised in ZOOs or within private ownership. And importantly, how can you help to protect the species in the wild. And then you can see manatees in the river hom*osassa, being protected in their natural habitat and looked after, cured and researched when it is needed . Perfect place and very inspirational. Thank you!

?ofia Filagov? — Google review

We've been here many times and always take new guests. When we visit the west coast. The price is reasonable. There's a very tiny gift shop which has less than it used to, they do have a small amount of food for purchasing, there is some indoor and outdoor tables for use, there are nice clean bathrooms.I must say though that there seem to be less animals than in the past. There were only three alligators left when there used to be a whole lot of them before, but I understand from the really nice volunteer that was answering my questions that they have gotten old and many have passed away. I'm also a little bit disappointed that the aviary which housed so many beautiful birds that would just fly around and you can go and then some would land on you, that is not even close to being done let alone look like it was under active construction. Construction. The one thing I would say that they could also improve on is having a guy go around after opening and using a gas leaf blower for almost the entire hour. While we were there was annoying and distracting and kind of took away from the beautiful ambiance of the place. But it is a place we would go back and visit again and it's a great place for kids also.If you get there early, you can park right across the street from the entrance. If not, you have to park out on the remote lot way out on the main road but they do have shuttles that will drop you off right at the entrance.

Cathy Steinbuck — Google review

This place is amazing! A lot of history here and they have done a good job preserving it. You have to check out the fishbowl and manatees. Lu the hippo is always a favorite to visit. Lots of different species to see and things to explore. Take your time and enjoy!

Lauren Connolly — Google review

Great place for family and to bring your kids to see wildlife. Very good size and the lay out is nice. Like being on a nature walk.

B Mose — Google review

Absolutely worth the stop!We took the pontoon over, and the tram back - and highly recommend others do too. Our boat guide, Nick, was very informative.Hippo, manatees, panther, bobcat, eagle, osprey, what more can you ask for.The underwater observatory was cool and will be even cooler when they replace the glass.5 🌟 all around.

Nick W — Google review

With two locations to park at one being the main entrance and the other on the main road. This park offer the most unique and diverse experience. The park is mostly covered and has a manatee Rehabilitation Center there. There is also a platform where you can go underwater to see manatees. The park also features a 40 something year old hippopotamus. There is a Crystal Spring in the park that comes up above the manatee platform. There are two sides to the park the manatee and the water side and the zoo side. You go right to the zoo and left to the manatee platform.

Daniel — Google review

Beautiful place. Boat worth the 3$ one way. The tram is free or you can walk the 3/4 mile to the site from tbe welcome center. It takes about 3 hours to see it all if you take your time. Walking is easy and wheelchair accessible. Very clean.

Suzanne Bernier — Google review

2 adults in our 40s and we loved this place. Came in January and no one was there. Def do the boat ride. Enjoyed seeing and learning about the rich history of old time Florida-and catching a glimpse into the past Today. Saw manatees around the observation deck. Then eat at Skinny Tortuga afterwards (great local food truck).

Melissa Hill — Google review

While it is pretty at times, the park needs some help. It was not worth the price to us. You can easily park at I believe the west entrance and just walk into the area with the animal part. You don't have to go to the visitor center and take the boat or the tram. The boat only takes you through a little creek. The animals have small enclosures and there is not many to see. It was honestly kinda sad. Two manatees in the sick tank area was it. If you go make sure your going late November if you want a better chance at the manatee. We didn't even see the four manatees that live year round in the park. Reptile room is one small room with one fat cotton mouth and about 5 other enclosures. Fishbowl is going to undergo renovations it looks like. Kennels for your dog at the visitor center was a major plus. If you need to get out of the house with the kids this would probably keep them entertained. Easy to walk with strollers. Snack areas and bathrooms at both entrances.

Maddy Matthews — Google review

A hidden gem. The atmosphere was homey and the various animals were interesting to see some being rehabilitated to be released back into the wild. The resident 60 year old hippo was totally unexpected.

William Knall — Google review

Many tourists . Definitely needs to be upgraded but absolutely worth the visit. A must see if you are in the area. Many animals . Love Lu 🦛♥️ & the Manatee's & Bear etc. Only barely discusses the early Indians but not specific enough about who what Native Americans were there initially.

Ishlatiya Lambert — Google review

4.7

(3230)40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (112)

4.5

(2578)40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (113)

9225 W Fishbowl Dr, hom*osassa, FL 34448, USA

(352) 423-5600

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

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16

Silver Springs State Park

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State park

Nature & Parks

Silver Springs State Park is a beautiful place to visit, with crystal clear water and interesting wildlife. There are trails and a museum, as well as rental cabins and canoes for those who want to explore the park on their own.

Beautiful and only $2 entry fee. Wish CA would provide it's residents such value.Open and not crowded. Great to paddle around or take a hike. Clean restrooms and great staff. Didn't see a manatee but we were a little late.

Brandon Ness — Google review

Silver springs is absolutely beautiful. Went there for the first time for our 6 year anniversary. The glass bottom tour was amazing. It was so cool seeing all the different springs like that. The river is so crystal clear it's amazing. Definitely recommend to any first timers. It was very worth it and a truly unique experience. Definitely plan on going back when it's cooler to kayak!

Sarah Bare — Google review

What a fantastic place to just forget about your troubles. We rented kayaks for two hours and started at 9am. I recommend this time or earlier if you don't like crowds or are new to kayaking. We also did the boat tour, which was awesome, and our captain was very friendly. Don't forget to tip them. 😉 They are going through some renovations which are expected to be completed in the fall so no gift shops or Cafe. You will not be disappointed going here.

Kelly Jackson — Google review

Our kayak trip was amazing! We did the 2 hour float. The water is crystal clear, and pictures do not do it justice. The staff was super friendly and well organized. We showed up a little early for our reservations, and they let us go a little early. The clear kayaks we reserved were out for repairs unfortunately. They refunded us the difference and apologized for them not being available. We still had a ton of fun! Would highly recommend this trip!

JakeTheSnake — Google review

Definitely the glass bottom tour was worth it. We went during December Christmas break and there were plenty pf manatees . We could spot a number of them when they sneak peek above the water. As they were swimming and having their breakfast under water , the visibility was low around them so it was hard to spot them through glass bottom but our captain of the boat was so sweet that he tried to get us a glimpse of it under water and we did, a big one swam just under the glass bottom. It was a great sight. We did see a alligator basking in the florida sunshine ☀️ and number of beautiful fishes. It was so crystal clear and there were several springs which we toured above. It was overall a great experience. Definitely a must do on a clear sunny day. One can also take a glass kayak/canoe and spend their own sweet time in these waters.

Nandita Warrier — Google review

The springs are beautiful. We’ve gone paddle boarding here many times, renting and bringing our own. The loop is easy and can be made in less than an hour, if you’re in a hurry. The long trip down the river is so fun and the gators, monkeys and all the fish and birds make the paddle so fun. This is definitely something worth doing a few times.

Kerry Knopp — Google review

Did this trip last year with 2 others and had a blast. Decided to come again with 5 others. Had an absolutely wonderful experience both times.There was a short wait to check in and pay and then put the kayaks in the water, but it wasn't too bad. The River Patrol was very helpful with information and directions.Highly recommend anybody to come and experience this. If you don't have your own kayak, you can rent them.Looking forward to next year!

Shannon M — Google review

Found this beauty while exploring the area on a business trip to Ocala. The most beautiful blueish green water. They have clearly defined trails and a beautiful boardwalk area that loops you through the forest. Didn’t get to take the boat tour but it looked awesome with the clear see through bottoms! Lots of parking, well maintained restrooms, and reasonably priced to enter! A must see if you are in the area!

Aimee — Google review

Really nice outdoor activity to do with family! We were hoping to see a manatee but we didn't, unfortunately! Maybe next time. We brought our dogs, and they loved sniffing around. Lots of new wildlife to see and hear. Wish we had more time to kayak. Such beautiful water here! The boats looked fun, but we didn't go on a tour. The front lady was so nice and spoiled our dogs with loves and dog bones!

Lexi Shepherd — Google review

An extensive and beautiful natural park with a couple of shops/restaurants and one can also explore it by boat/kayak/canoe. The boardwalk encompassing a rich forest area has several shaded spots. For me the highlight was watching the wildlife in crystal clear water and seeing a pretty good sized gator from a safe but close distance. Parking is not a problem, lots of free spaces. Well worth returning to.

Thomas T?rling — Google review

We live pretty close to Silver Springs and we try to go every morning for our walk. The staff are great every question you have they have an answer. The grounds are well maintained and very clean. If you come at the right time you will see the monkeys, once you spot the first one it's easy to find the others. You will also see all kinds of wildlife alligators, big fish etc... I could go on and on. We see something different every time we go and that's 4 or 5 times a week. It's a great place to come just to have coffee and enjoy the nature.

Karen Williams — Google review

There is lots to see why paddling around on the water. You can do a short trip or spend a day there. They have third-party kayak rentals, or you pay the park fee and can launch your own.

Colby — Google review

It's about 2 hours north of us but we've been several times this year for paddling. The shuttle service is great and worth the price. So much gorgeous scenery and wildlife and it is a very relaxing ride down. Would recommend to everyone to go at least once.

Aaron Schweitzer — Google review

Beautiful place to kayak if you have the chance. It can get pretty busy on the river, so it's best on a weekday first thing in the morning. Highly recommend! We came across a wide variety of wildlife during our time down the river. Manitees, alligators, turtles, monkeys, various birds, even jumping fish!Piece of advice, if you kayak/canoe make sure you utilize a waterproof cell phone bag that FLOATS! Almost lost my phone for good if it weren't for someone with a net coming by just by chance.

Josh Sabourin — Google review

Beautiful place a lot of trails a garden out of mates. We did the kayak we bring our kayak you can rent in the place you have a beautiful trail with the kayak. You can see all the kind of animal birds, monkeys mates and if you already pay for the campground, you don’t need to pay for the park And also if you don’t want to go today park you can just bring your own kayak and put in the water and start the trail. It’s very beautiful place quiet and it was not out of people. The water temperature is 72 but you cannot go inside the water in this place, very recommend! Enjoy your trip

Ofek Shemer — Google review

We love Silver Springs. It is amazing to kayak. You see birds, manatees, alligators, turtle, fish, sunken ships and several springs not just Silver Springs. We have not been on the glass bottom boats but have overheard the boat captains and the seem quite knowledgeable. It is $5/kayak to launch your own kayak but parking is free. We have been here in December and saw several manatees and in April and saw the birds in their estuary, amazing both time frames though I think I'm my opinion the Spring was a little better because of all the birds. However, I don't think you can go wrong any time of year.

I Allen — Google review

A beautiful nature gem in Silver Springs Florida.As soon as you enter the park, you can start seeing the fauna and flora within the park. The parking is ample and free.The entrance to the park is only $2 and kids under 6 are free. Senior discount is also available. You can have glass boat excursions for an additional $12.The persons attending the booth are superb. They make you feel welcome.The park has many walking trails for you to enjoy. The fauna and flora are all well kept and beautiful.We took the glass boat excursions and saw a lot of enchantment that Silver Springs has to offer.If you are lucky, you may see turtles and alligators during the trip. The captain was a blast. We were laughing from start to finish.Highly recommended.

Ralph Conklin — Google review

We have been to Silver Spring State Park twice so far. It's so enjoyable. We have done the glass tour which is a great experience and also you get a lot of information from the captain of the boat while on it.The canoes / kayak are a must, you will get the opportunity to enjoy at first sight the marvelous ecosystem of this spring, the clear water, the music of the sound of the birds and if you are lucky enough you will see manatees, alligators and turtles. There are also trails and camp grounds.The have some spots to buy food and also have clean restrooms.We are very looking forward to come back soon.Please respect the environment and keep the place clean.

Valentina Mastropasqua — Google review

Amazing experience!! Didn't get to explore the hike as we arrived late. But glass boat tour was awesome and kayaking in rain was wonderful. Clear waters were so freaking clear

Ali baig — Google review

Beautiful & wild. Pristine river as nature intended to be. Amazing clear spring water. Well worth visiting. The glass bottom boats will provide you with a unique and mesmerizing experience .

Tony “NARCDIVER” Scognamiglio — Google review

Such a beautiful place to kayak at! We paid the entrance fee and launch fee and brought our own kayaks and paid 12$ for two people, we chose to paddle back and not get out at the Ray Wayside Park which was a little bit of a challenge but definitely do able! We seen fish, turtles, so many birds, a decent amount of alligators and some manatee! Would highly recommend for a nice relaxing float down the river while searching for wildlife!

Robbi Roof — Google review

We canoed the river and springs in our own boat. What a beautiful place with white sand on the bottom, the sink adding makes the water look aquamarine. We saw dozens of turtles, almost as many Anhinga and Cormorants, Ibis and Blue Herons. Also we spotted a couple of alligators and maybe a dozen Manatee in several small pods, plus a couple alone. Just wonderful. We did the small loop which only took about 70 minutes.

Bryn Dews — Google review

We love kayaking here at Silver Springs State Park! Not only is the water beautiful, but you can see Manatee, alligators, turtles, and some beautiful birds. After kayaking we enjoy a nice walk along the trails. My husband was excited to see an original suit from his favorite movie Creature From the Black Lagoon on display.

F Scott — Google review

Staff was argumentative and cranky. Lots of crowds! Would not recommend if you have your own kayaks unless you are patient and can maneuver through all the renters and the glass bottom motor tours to find the nature and peace/quiet-beautiful once you do. (Also did not see any monkeys)

Mary Williams — Google review

Very beautiful place to visit.. it's about 1.3 hours from Orlando but it's definitely worth it if you need some nature time! The water is beautiful.. you can rent kayaks or go on a boat tour.. it's very clean and well kept. There are several monkeys close to you when hiking around, definitely will be able to see them and get a good picture of them.. They do not like dogs so be mindful of that..

Gimpy newman — Google review

Kayak rentals where a bit pricey ~($45/$60) and line was long to get shuttle tickets but it is definitely worth it to kayak this river it was gorgeous and see-through the whole 5 mi downstream trip the shuttle cost 15 additional dollars to get back to your original parking spot. We saw tons of monkeys, river otters, alligators, birds and other wildlife. It was beautiful and shaded/had tree cover approximately half the trip so I did not get sunburn even though I forgot my sunscreen. Took about 3 hours to go down all the way down stream.

Moonlight Artistry — Google review

Beautiful but very crowded at the start, partly because the Fort King trail was closed. Really caused a snafu at the put-in. But otherwise lovely! Be warned, if you are an average paddler, definitely turn around at the big orange arrow! It's easy to go farther than you intend and end up paddling against the current on your way back. We were dog-tired when we finished!!

Chris Clippinger — Google review

Our group took the 90 minute boat ride down the river & it was a great day. We had a lot of folks who had never been there before I& we were able to see all kinds of wildlife. The river is so beautiful and unspoiled and clean. Well worth the price. It is dog-friendly, with a lovely gift shop, cafe, and welcome center. We saw monkeys, gators, manatees, all kinds of birds and fish. We had a great boat captain

Shirley — Google review

We visited on a Saturday in mid March and it was packed! Almost no parking when we arrived close to 1 pm. We hadn’t made a reservation for the kayaks but we were able to get one for 2 people without problem. We did a 5 mile trajectory on the river and took us about 2h. The shuttle took us back to the entrance. We saw manatees and monkeys!! Then we hiked for the blue trail and yellow trails. It took us about 1:15h but wasn’t very scenic. There’s not a lot of shade so keep it in mind. We would definitely go back! Beautiful.

Celeste Wagner — Google review

We went here for a stop going back to Michigan. It was well worth it.I believe it’s $2 to walk around d$15 each for boat ride.We went in March and we were told the Manitees were all gone.We saw a mother and baby!Several alligators.All 4 springs. He gives all the history on.

Brent Little — Google review

4.7

(10097)40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (127)

4.0

(2106)40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (128)

5656 E Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs, FL 34488, USA

(352) 261-5840

17

Butterfly Rainforest at the Florida Museum of Natural History

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Museum

Nature & Parks

The Butterfly Rainforest Museum of Natural History at the University of Florida is a popular attraction that features an interactive exhibit with thousands of butterflies and moths.

We saw a billboard on I75 and decided to stop by. We had the best butterfly encounter. They also had a dino exhibition that we enjoyed as well.. the butterflies though stole the show. We saw 2 butterflies hatch and it was amazing!!! Then we visited the exhibit and it was beyond amazing... They were everywhere. Staff was friendly and I have to say their restrooms were super clean!!!!!

Jenny P — Google review

This place is awesome! The butterfly garden is the best part. They have a discovery room for young children as well that has all sorts of neat things. The best part is the main museum is free. If you want to see the butterfly garden or the current extra exhibit there is a charge but it's totally worth it. 😀 Check their website, they have discounts on tickets for certain things.

Mandi Vovakes — Google review

Butterfly Rainforest had a nice large enclosed patio area full of beautiful butterflies and Luscious Landscaping. It was also a little bigger then I thought it would be. I didn't realize it had a full Museum inside until we arrived and I saw the sign for the museum. The museum was great it had a lot of different displays and was very informative. This is a great place for young & older children alike. Heck, I'm middle-aged and love it!!..

Ocean Rain — Google review

The environment was clean and well cared for with a great variety of plants and butterflies! Visitors are not allowed to touch or feed the little birds and butterflies that roam the environment. Photographs are welcome as well as sitting on the benches throughout to enjoy your day.

James Pollock — Google review

Amazing place! We took my 14 month old there and he loved it! It’s very children friendly; there’s a discovery area where you can sit and watch your children play and explore around, plus breastfeeding room and family restroom.The butterfly rainforest was amazing! You can see the butterflies up close. It was beautiful and relaxing. Definitely recommend for a family trip.We paid $22 for 2 adults.Parking was $4

Tammy T Martin — Google review

If heaven was a place, this would be it. They have an incredible variety of butterfly species in here. It's absolutely fantastic to be able to see them all fluttering around. They provide them a large variety of pollinator plants so no matter the species, they are happy. They clearly care about the health and safety of all their butterflies and it's just magical to be able to witness it. I had to walk through twice just to be able to experience it again. 10/10 would recommend 💛

Nainsi McK — Google review

Beautiful butterflies, birds, and flora. They were not difficult to see, as they were very numerous, fluttering everywhere and not shy at all. We even watched a couple emerging from their cocoons. It was well worth the visit. It was a bit hot the day we went, but it's just that time of year.

Paul Austin — Google review

Amazing exhibit! I could have stayed there all day. You go at your own pace along a path and you're surrounded by beautiful butterflies, flowers, and plants. There's even a small waterfall and a bench to rest or take photos. The butterflies sometimes land on you (one landed on my kid's face!). And when we went, there were also a few birds. The place is one big photo op for some awesome and memorable photos. A++

Rato Rattatouille — Google review

We had an amazing experience here at the butterfly garden! Seriously can't say enough good. We got a couple dollar discount on admission because of being FL residents.The indoor portion was very informative and educational. Also very well laid out and organized.The outdoor area, actual rainforest garden, was beautiful! Water fountains, birds, butterflies and beautiful plants. We enjoyed walking and taking it all in. Can easily spend a couple hours here. We enjoyed being able to observe all the nature up close in a safe weather proof environment.The Florida museum is right next door. We did not visit that today, but it was quite large and looked to be a full day.Parking was $4 and in a lot right next to museum. Restrooms available and a nice fair prices gift shop and penny machine at entrance.

Emily's world — Google review

This is probably my FAVORITE place in all of Gainesville. The Butterfly Rainforest does not disappoint. They are so active and you get to sometimes see them follow you through the garden. Love the flowers throughout the paths. Lots of parking available on campus.

Ana Huynh — Google review

Do not miss the butterfly garden if you are in Gainesville! It is inside the Florida natural history museum and is beautifully maintained by the staff. The garden is an enclosed space with hundreds of different butterfly species and is hardly a 5minutes walk inside. But you will surely take your time to observe these butterflies with their beautiful patterns and texture!

Shreeja Sreekumar — Google review

First time for me. It was very hot 🔥. Approx. 100 heat index. It was absolutely beautiful. Full of information. Did I say beautiful 😍. All the plants and butterflies. The girls had a good time. The blue ones are huge. There is a po d with fish and a turtle. We saw quail skittering under the bush. We went on a Saturday. Lots and lots of people. The Spider exhibit can be purchased in combo. We just did butterflies. Then after you can tour the free exhibits. There is a children's area with lots of seating for us older kids. 😀 worth every cent.

Mr Cowart's Daughter — Google review

Butterfly Rainforest is like stepping into a page of a fairy tale book. Though compact in size, it bursts at the seams with vibrant life and natural beauty. A favorite among children, the venue is a testament to the idea that sometimes the most magical places come in small packages.From the moment you enter, you're greeted by a myriad of fluttering wings, as countless butterflies dance around, making it a delightful spectacle. The vivid hues of these delicate creatures contrasted against the backdrop of lush greenery and radiant flowers is genuinely a sight to behold.Speaking of flowers, the Rainforest is a paradise for botany enthusiasts. The curated collection of flora not only serves as nourishment for the butterflies but also provides visitors with a sensory treat of colors and scents. Each petal and leaf has been meticulously cared for, showcasing the delicate balance and harmony within this micro-ecosystem.The addition of the serene water body dotted with colorful koi fish adds another layer of charm to the place. Watching these graceful fish move through the water, almost in a rhythmic dance, is both calming and captivating.Though it might not take a whole day to explore, the Butterfly Rainforest leaves a lasting impression. It's a testament to nature's beauty and a gentle reminder that sometimes, the most beautiful things are found in the smallest of spaces.In conclusion, if you're looking for a quick escape into a world of vibrant colors, mesmerizing creatures, and tranquility, the Butterfly Rainforest should be on your radar. It's not just an attraction; it's an experience - one that both kids and adults will cherish.

J Z — Google review

Very enjoyable, a helpful, friendly staff, and wow the butterflies!! I visit each year, and the display changes each time, and many species are always present, and each time I visit there are new ones to see for the first time. I recommend going on weekdays when plentiful parking is available, and the crowds are less likely, and pick a sunny day when the butterflies are active for the best display :-)

Joe Myers — Google review

We had a great time exploring the museum and the butterfly gardens. I did think the price was a little high for what was offered, but hey, the museum is free. The quil that run around are super cute!

Wiaczeslaw Kubarev — Google review

Absolutely a wonderful place for someone who loves butterflies. Although it was not a sunny day, we managed to see many beauties.We bought the package that also included the dinosaur museum and it is a wonderful experience.

Luna Sol — Google review

The Butterfly Rainforest at the Florida Museum is remarkable. They have an unbelievable collection of butterflies and small birds in a beautiful ecosystem. It’s possible to get within inches of these guys for photos. The environment is also lovely, so peaceful that we could spend hours.

Louis and Elaine — Google review

By far the coolest attraction I visited while in Central Florida. So many butterflies, birds and even fish. Helpful and knowledgeable Staff. It was pretty busy but not overcrowded. Really enjoyed our stroll.

Wendy — Google review

Lovely educational experience with kind staff. What a dream. We liked going to callaway gardens in South Georgia for their butterfly experience, this is awesome as well! Quail, koi & finches roamed & butterflies 🦋 soared & perched to rest. Waterfall & a hatchery. Neat museum and great visit and affordable

Melanie Cain — Google review

Had a wonderful experience today at the Butterfly exhibit. So many colors, sizes and shapes. Love the birds in the exhibit as well. Price was very reasonable. Could have spent 2 more hours there, we loved it so much.

Phil Foell — Google review

Amazing place. I was floored. So many butterflies, about 150 species. The exiting docent was awesome and informative. The ticketing people were cool for advising me of a good time to visit. I bought some fun socks on the way out at the gift shop.

Robert Sfarzo — Google review

4.8

(2071)40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (133)

5.0

(1255)40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (134)

3215 Hull Rd, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA

(352) 846-2000

18

Callaway Resort & Gardens

40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (135)40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (136)

40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (137)40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (138)

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3 lists

Botanical garden

Nature & Parks

Resort with vast gardens, 2 golf courses & multiple dining venues, plus a beach with water sports.

The best place to visit and enjoy the Amazing tropical butterflies flying all around you. Beautiful trees, and plants in the room really add to a breath taking experience. A place to watch the different kinds of butterflies and learn all about them at the Day Butterfly Center.Tons of interesting, old trees. Great walking and biking paths, and a super cool garden and tons of parking inside the park and you can feel the life all around you, very peaceful.Great family place, lots to do.But there is so much more, like the beach, pool, golf, restaurants.The Fantasy in Lights Christmas light show. It is a 7 mile journey through the wooded areas of Calloway. Each area has its own theme and soundtrack ,So much to see and the Christmas Village was so pretty .The front desk staff was extremely helpful and friendly .

Rola Sam — Google review

First time visit to Callaway Gardens and it did not disappoint. The birds of prey experience was awesome. The birds literally fly right past your head as the handlers talk about each bird. The butterfly conservatory was also very cool. Butterflies flying around you at all times, beautiful flowers and even aquatic turtles swimming around. We decided to buy a season pass. The woman that helped us at the visitor center was very nice, very helpful and very friendly. She explained all of the features of the park, explained all of the benefits of the season pass and made sure to let us know of the discounts we would receive inside the park with having that season pass. We will definitely be taking advantage of the pass over the next 12 months.

lenzie mauzey — Google review

We've been coming to Callaway since 1981! We love the cottages and the Summer Family Adventure. What a wonderful tradition to carry on with my kid! Robin Lake has a nice beach with cabanas or umbrellas to rent. There's a pavilion with food and drink options. The Butterfly Center is always breathtaking! Not to mention the Birds of Prey show at the Discovery Center soars above the rest!

Elizabeth Keltz — Google review

Friendly and helpful staff. Super nice rooms and comfortable! Relaxing and peaceful atmosphere. Beautiful nature surrounding. Butterfly center so much fun and the birds of prey show awesome experience!!! The beach/aqua island is fun for all! My favorite is pumpkins at Callaway and fantasy in lights especially since they have added to them!!!😊

Sarah Hammett — Google review

It's beautiful but a little pricey. For three adults and a 3-year-old it cost us basically $80 with a military discount. The butterfly exhibit we saw three butterflies LOL and they say that's because the sun was coming through the glass roof, I'm not sure. Kind of bummed out at that. we saw a turtle though!

Janice McKernan — Google review

Callaway Gardens is a pretty well-kept secret day trip destination a little more than an hour away from Atlanta. Springtime visits are glorious, with more varieties of azaleas in bloom from early March through late May than can be counted. There is also an incredible native wildflower trail that allows up close and personal experiences with numerous varieties and another walking trail devoted to a stunning collection of mature rhododendrons. Numerous lakes, trails, golf courses, and scenic drives are also found within the gardens. My favorite stop within the gardens is the Ida Cason Callaway Chapel - a jewel of a chapel with gorgeous stained glass windows built beside another of the numerous lakes. Other highlights are the Butterfly Center and the Discovery Center. The Lodge and Spa at Callaway has been thoughtfully placed within a wooded setting and has the potential to be a lovely and luxurious getaway. There are some kinks to be worked out for full potential to be reached there. The gardens are so worth the drive from Atlanta, especially in springtime.

Valerie Watkins — Google review

The room was nice. The staff was helpful. The Bar had amazing food. I was not impressed with the buffet for breakfast or dinner. The property is massive. We went to see the lights and I must say it was worth it. I'd like to go back in the spring or summer to look at the gardens.

Michael Wills — Google review

My husband and I were just there this past weekend for a 1 night stay so we could see the Christmas lights. The whole experience was amazing. Everyone was so nice! We ate at The Piedmont Room for dinner and then the next morning we ate there for breakfast. That Restaurant has the BEST sweet tea! Thank you everyone for your courtesy and professionalism! we had a wonderful time!

Stephanie Hurt — Google review

Hands down, the best customer service experience we've had in YEARS! The entire staff from the valet, front desk, grounds keepers, restaurant servers, and cleaning staff... Everyone was incredibly social and friendly! Our room was modern, bright, and gorgeous! The breakfast in the dining room was phenomenal! My husband was a major fan of the waffles and hasn't stopped talking about them, even weeks after our stay! And the Butterfly exhibit was like walking into another world. Our ONLY complaint was that the website and all of their marketing boasts about all the lakes and all the fishing you can do but we were told at EVERY lake that it was "private property and no fishing was allowed". We were only allowed to fish out of the lake next to the beach. One area, about 25 yards of shoreline. That's it. We caught two fish in three days of fishing. But the scenery and the entire experience was still 1000% worth it! We will definitely be back but we'll probably leave the fishing gear at home.

Khaki Kulture — Google review

A beautiful place year round. Great for families, dates, hiking, biking, the whole deal. Butterfly pavilion is beautiful and beach is a lot of fun. The only complaint is the putt putt has seen better days. Needs an update or honestly removal for a playground extension on my opinion..Have never personally stayed in the on-site lodging so can't say much in that area.Bottom line, I highly recommend.

Jeremy Bialoncik — Google review

I had never been to the Callaway Resort and decided to celebrate my birthday there this weekend. We stayed at the lodge in a very spacious room. The resort far exceeded our expectations! From the live band on the beach, to the gorgeous lakes, the putt-putt golf course, antique car show, hot air balloons, butterfly pavilion, ‘bird of prey’ show, and the spectacular nightly fireworks…this resort did not disappoint! We are already planning to bring the entire family to the Xmas light display this fall. Callaway is A++

Guy Gethers — Google review

I took my kids to the gardens and pumpkin for the afternoon. It was so pretty and fun. I definitely would go again and spend more time in the gardens. We enjoyed the butterfly area and the bugs life trail. We also went to the evening pumpkins and had so much fun. We enjoyed the corn maze and the night time festivities. I would love to go again to the pumpkins too. I definitely recommend if you have the time to go.

Devin Bateman — Google review

Always a great time with the family! We saw the raptor show, which was nice despite it having to end early due to wild raptors (osprey) in the vicinity. The butterfly house is a really fun experience for kids and adults. The buffet at the Lodge was varied and tasty. There are also lots of nice trails for walking or biking.

Natalie Glynn-Wix — Google review

My family and I go for the festivities and the park. My son loves to play at the park and meet new buddies. The scenery and flowers are breathtaking especially in the spring. They do honor our military with discounts. It’s especially exciting during the holidays which is the most favorite time of the year. I can’t wait to see what’s new for Christmas Fantasy in Lights. We rented a cabin with some friends and we had a blast and it was quite relaxing.

Gloria Taylor — Google review

If you're looking to play golf here I suggest trying to find somewhere else. Both golf courses are in horrid shape. The greens have very scarce grass and multiple ones are covered with at least 50% sand. Many of the tee boxes are no better. Some bunkers have so much sand that you sink to your ankles whereas others have very little and you can see the liner underneath.I had not played the mountain course in months and had heard they had a new greenskeeper so I was hopeful to see some better conditioning happening. This is not the case. I can't believe this place used to be a tour destination in the late '90s and early 2000s. Not sure what has happened or is happening but it's going to take a lot of time and effort to get this place looking somewhat better for play. Certainly not worth the $80 green fee they are commanding. I'd say it's no better than a $30 golf course as it sits right now.

Don Weber — Google review

Fantasy In Lights is outstanding! The huge sea of lights and mega-tree and the tunnel at the end made our visit enchanting. The lights deserve a 5-star review, but I'm knocking the overall review to a 4 due to the before and after show experience.Before being allowed to drive through, vehicles are staged in groups out in a grassy field. The access to this area was a bit "rugged" by the time we went last week since it was raining and there was insufficient gravel in the right places to make the drive easy. I have a sedan that bottomed-out a few times on the rough road.The FIL experience is great, with the roads throughout the Gardens being well paved.When it came to leaving, we didn't need to go see the activities at the beach, so we followed the blinking Exit sign rather than the Parking sign. What a mistake! We were directed onto another muddy, rutted road over the fields leading to the exit. I almost didn't make it out as I got a little stuck at the end. My car was a filthy mess with mud caked in the wheel wells and along the doors. My advice to others is that you should follow the Parking signs (which keep you on the paved road) and then exit the parking lot directly to the ext.

Thomas Moore — Google review

My husband treated me to a 2 night stay in honor of my retirement! Just wow wow wow! The resort is beautiful! Completely renovated! Our room was beautiful with a fantastic view of the lake! We have to give props to Tevin at the front desk and Ebony in food service!! They were so personable! Every employee was terrific 👍. The Fantasy of Lights was magical 😁

Helen Copeland — Google review

We stayed in the lodge in a very nice room but could hear everything in the room next door, including their alarm clock at 5:15 am. The service is outstanding, particularly in the Piedmont dining room. We had breakfast there both days, good food and great people. The butterfly center is amazing! If you want to rent a golf cart to tour the grounds an online reservation is required. It was going to cost us $300 for a 4-seater so we drove our car instead. The gardens and the grounds in general are awesome!

c gorman — Google review

My family’s first visit to Callaway Gardens and we thoroughly enjoyed it! Customer service was beyond excellent and honestly Marjorie, the concierge, is the absolute best!!!! She is a huge asset to this resort. We were disappointed with the Friday night seafood buffet but everything we ordered from the menu was fantastic! I had a lovely spa experience and look forward to visiting again.

Paula DeArtiaga — Google review

Every one of my 4 day stay was absolutely blissful! The rooms are nice but standard. The service however is above par all the way. Every single staff member was welcome and inviting and met every one of our unique needs in stride! The amenities are beyond belief! Something for everyone! I would recommend 100 percent

Wanda Dillon — Google review

This place amazing. The people were so freindly. The attraction were spectacular. Would definitely recommend. Will definitely be back and absolutely tell everyone. God bless Yall keep up the amazing work!! There is an older distinguished gentleman working at the butterfly exhibit. He’s in my last picture with the green polo. He was so friendly and knowledgeable. He’s been there for 16 years and it’s clearly shows he loves where he’s at. Thank you for such and amazing experience. I had one questionable experience. When loading for the trolley my 80 yr old granny could have been let through the exit instead of making her walk around. She was clearly disabled and struggled. But it was a great experience and we managed. Again thanks you and see yea soon!!!!

Xavier Glenn — Google review

My family and I visited Callaway Garden's Pumpkin Garden with my 6 year old nephew. The lights' details in the glow by night were pure precision. The colors were beautiful, and the grounds were kept immaculate. The friendly staff and customer service were impeccable, service and friendliness which are extinct nowadays. Food and drinks are available for purchase, along with adult beverages. Also, great merchandise to purchase. I would truly recommend families to visit. Good southern family fun.

Dayle Pitts — Google review

Visited Callaway Gardens Cottages for 4 nights during Christmas. AMAZING!! My whole family had a spectacular time. When I first was going I wish there was pictures but honestly what is provided on their website is exactly how it looks. Very clean fully equipped kitchen w/ plates, cups, utensils and pots. My family and husband family had an amazing time at fantasy and lights. We took the trolly because wouldn’t be fun to drive ourselves and not being able to enjoy the light show. We will be attending in the summer for fishing and the beach so excited.

Audrey Harrison — Google review

The gardens are large, beautiful, and a great place to get away from it all. There's lots to do from the raptor show to the butterfly center, it's great fun for young and old. Rent a callaway cruiser (golf cart) and drive the whole park.

Jamie Smith — Google review

Went during October and December. I definitely by far recommend going in October. If you are someone who wants to have a magical date or outing with your family the fall season is the best time to go.Aside from the weather being much more pleasant, the decorations felt much more exciting. It had me and my partner take a second loop around! The food trucks weren’t anything to write home about but the atmosphere definitely will give you those cozy fall vibes.The corn maze in the dark is like a party, the trolley ride around the lake is nostalgic and the little plaza outside of the corn maze with the live music, overhead lights, games, food and gift shop was something we DIDNT get in December and missed ): the lights during October beat out the Fantasy Lights by a long shot and the gift shop theme is a fall lovers dream. I would recommend this over the December tickets for sure,

sarah evamarie — Google review

I was pleasantly surprised and amazed at this place. The flowers were just beautiful and perfect. Lots of activities are available. Hiking trails with a gorgeous landscape. You could spend the a day here.

William Baltazar — Google review

Great Christmas light show! The butterfly exhibit and birds of prey show were also amazing. We went in the winter so the gardens were pretty sparse but they make up for it with the light show.

Ashley Lane — Google review

We had a lovely day at Calaway. The butterfly were a great highlight of the day. There are so many of them and so many beautiful plants. I do wish the offered feeding so the butterfly would land on you. Would for sure come back.

Kristen Robinson — Google review

Thoroughly enjoyed the Christmas lights. It was my first time visit. Wagon ride to see the lights was amazing with family. Lots of pics we took on the occasion of Christmas! We visited on Christmas!🎄 we took beautiful family pictures there. Thank you for those amazing treats of lights 🫶🥰🥰💝👏👏👏

Liji's Taste Buds — Google review

4.4

(8214)40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (139)

4.0

(1718)40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (140)

17617 US Hwy 27, Pine Mountain, GA 31822, USA

(800) 225-5292

19

World of Coca-Cola

40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (141)40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (142)

40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (143)40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (144)

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Museum

Specialty Museums

World of Coca-Cola is a museum which is dedicated to the history and culture of Coca Cola. It features hundreds of artifacts, some of which illustrate the success and popularity of the drink in different parts of the world for 132 years. The museum contains exhibits about different aspects of Coca Cola's history from its invention to its current branding strategies. There is also a working reproduction of the bottling line that produces co*ke bottles all over the world.

A memorable experience like no other! We were guided each step of the way by friendly, knowledgeable staff members. You get a better understanding of the history of Coca Cola, which is presented in an entertaining way! Definitely worth your time and money.

Jenette Arreola — Google review

It was a fun experience. The guides were really cheerful and the tour included a wonderful 3D video and another heart touching video.There was a scent room where we could smell the scents of sweets, spices and fruits. Many coca cola artifacts were displayed very aesthetically throughout the place.The best was the unlimited tasting of different coca cola products. I think there were around 100 flavours around the world but unfortunately it was too much for me to taste on the same day.The experience was totally worth the money and I highly recommend you to visit World of Coca Cola at least once.

Lawan Wijayasooriya — Google review

The World of Coca-Cola provides an intriguing, albeit somewhat overly-glossy, look at one of the world's most recognized brands. Nestled in downtown Atlanta, the museum traces the history of Coca-Cola, from its origins to its global ubiquity, making for an interesting, if somewhat commercial, experience.The museum's standout feature is undoubtedly the Taste It! Beverage Lounge, where you can sample an array of Coca-Cola products from around the globe free of charge. The experience of tasting a diverse range of flavors, familiar and foreign, adds a tangible, interactive element to the visit.That being said, the museum sometimes feels more like an extended advertisem*nt than an unbiased exploration of the brand's history. It offers a wealth of artifacts and information, but the overall narrative seems overly sanitized, with little critique or in-depth exploration of some of the brand's controversial aspects.All in all, the World of Coca-Cola provides an entertaining day out, especially for those with a sweet tooth for the iconic beverage. Just be prepared for a largely sugar-coated depiction of this global brand's history and impact.

Abraham Kirkwood — Google review

Great place to visit for Coca Cola fans. The museum provides a great history about the company. All the old equipments and advertisem*nts displayed really takes you back in time. We loved the experience of seeing the co*ke being bottled. The best part is the co*ke drinks from around the world. You will taste the best and the worst drinks possible. My 8 year old really enjoyed the experience and she never had a sip of co*ke prior to this.

Anand — Google review

An incredible place for any Coca-Cola or soda fan. The invention, the expansion, the globalization all of it is covered exceptionally in this place. The vending machines, popular co*ke merchandise, sports and pop culture collaborations, there’s a lot to admire.Then there’s the secret vault, where century old Coca-Cola’s secret formula is securely kept.There’s the tasting bar, where you get to try 40 different popular flavors from around the world. To top it all, it’s the Gift shop, which is accessible without entering the museum. It a has all sorts of unique and magical coco-cola merchandise. Clothes, magnets, stationary, sports items, home goods, there’s so much to explore.

Nehal Ahmed — Google review

Very much a place to embrace your love of Coca-Cola. A lot of vintage advertising elements. The tasting room at the end of the exhibits offers many flavors of Coca-Cola products from around the world. It was very busy when we went, and the many children with lots of sugar and some caffeine in their systems was a bit much for me, personally. Parking w as already full by 11am, and I had to search for other options. I was able to find one, but it was a little frustrating having to search for available parking.When attending, be sure and purchase your tickets online, and you can enter at your entry time with just the QR Codes they send you as digital tickets.

Susan Herrera — Google review

It's kinda of a neat place. If you are a co*ke fanatic, a must. I already knew much of the history of co*ke, so revelations there. Neat to see all the ads and the old machines. It's not cheap and for a family, it's a little steep in my opinion... The tasting area was fun! All Of the flavors of the world!! That was cool!

David Whitehouse — Google review

Had an Amazing experience here. From the very beginning we were guided , provided with lots of background details about the origin and its worldwide influence. The scent discovery and tasting part was a real hit. You can discover a large variety of Coca Cola flavors there. Didn’t have an idea prior to this trip that these flavors of coca cola do exist. Enjoyed every moment inside the museum. You can get a lot of souvenir options. They keep some awesome collection of lip smackers.

Gargee Chowdhury — Google review

Fun experience. Right next to the Georgia Aquarium. A very fun walking tour. It was like a museum walking tour or the history of Coca Cola. Plenty of cool stuff to see. Vintage ad signs, vending machines, signs, and so much more. Take your time and read the walls in each exhibit, the history is really interesting. The scent room was interesting. The tasting room was fun. Trying all the different Coca Cola products from around the world was very cool. They even had Mezzo Mix, which I used to drink all the time when I lived in Germany. The gift shop was amazing, so many cool things to buy. Highly recommend if you have 2+ hours to kill in downtown Atlanta.

Derek TA — Google review

This was so much fun. I wasn't sure how interested I'd be in a soda museum but I was pleasantly surprised. The exhibits are engaging, the initial tour guide was really entertaining, and the whole experience was positive as a whole.I will say that they claim to be ADA accessible and friendly for disabilities but they had no functioning wheelchair ramps or elevators - what I saw was out of service or blocked off. I'm handicapped, so navigating the museum was very difficult but worth it.

Matt Shafer — Google review

Title: Disappointing Experience at World of Coca-ColaRating: ★★☆☆☆I recently visited the World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta, Georgia, hoping for an immersive and educational experience. However, my visit fell short of expectations due to several significant issues.Firstly, the 3D movie experience was a major letdown. Unfortunately, the 3D effects were not functioning properly during my visit, which significantly impacted the overall experience. The lack of visual depth detracted from the intended immersion, making it difficult to fully engage with the content.Furthermore, the first movie in the exhibit was also not working. This added to the disappointment, as it prevented me from fully understanding the historical context and significance of Coca-Cola. It would have been beneficial to have this foundational knowledge before delving deeper into the exhibit.Another drawback of my visit was the overwhelming crowds and lack of organization. The venue was extremely crowded, which made it challenging to navigate through the various exhibits and enjoy them at my own pace. Additionally, the lack of clear signage and directions made it even more difficult to find specific attractions or move efficiently within the facility.Considering the issues I encountered, I must say that the World of Coca-Cola did not live up to its reputation, and I found it hard to justify the price of admission. While it is undeniable that Coca-Cola has a significant impact on popular culture and history, the overall experience at the attraction fell short of my expectations. If you decide to visit, I would recommend checking the status of the 3D movie and other exhibits in advance, as well as considering the potential crowd size during your visit.

almaherman_ fit — Google review

This visit was spur of the moment while visiting Atlanta. A full fun experience with the family. The video you watch before entering the exhibit, was very heartfelt. Great experience at the smelling stations and at the “Guess the smell” game. By far the best part was the tasting stations. You are able to sample sodas from all over the world, and from different countries, which was very fun experience. My favorite was the Philippines soda.I would recommend visiting, great for all ages young and seniors.

La-Kesha Hardeman — Google review

Excellent place to spend a few hours and enjoy exploring the exhibitsWe paid a little extra to have a tour guide, not an excessive cost and certainly added to the experience. Didn't have to queue up to see "The Bear" or the Vault or the cinema presentation. Got lots of additional educational information and were able to ask questions. Have free soft drinks at the start too

Steve Findlay — Google review

We enjoyed the various exhibitions and shows here on a Saturday afternoon. It was busy but not overwhelming. The history and memorabilia were really cool. The tasting at the end was neat, but my shoes are still sticky from the floor in that room 🙃 probably not much they can do about it with all those soda fountains! It probably took us about 1.5 to 2 hours to go through it. We enjoyed our visit and would recommend it, particularly if you're going to the aquarium, as it's right next door.

Chris Perry — Google review

I couldn’t possibly visit Atlanta without checking out the World of Coca-Cola. The staff was friendly and generally cheerful which made for a great first impression. It was quite busy during my visit so I couldn’t experience all the spaces. I would recommend to allow sufficient time and to pack your patience to make the most of all the wonderful attractions. I particularly enjoyed the 3D theater and the opportunity to taste the mind blowing variety of beverages made by the company.

Michael Benissan — Google review

World of co*ke was a unique experience with the tasting portion of the museum. Heads up on the beverage lab: it says you can create your own beverage and drink it, but that’s not true. It lets you design a beverage on a screen and then tells you what co*ke product is similar to it; it’s definitely not what it is advertised to be. Other than that, the museum was great and the Georgia aquarium is in the same courtyard. You can buy a combined ticket to go to the museum, aquarium, and zoo and some other place. Expect traffic to be heavy and arrive at least two hours before the museum closes due to it being very crowded. The staff was fun and you can take a photo with the co*ke polar bear and buy it for $25. Fun place!

Ashley Marlow — Google review

Good place to visit. Lot to know about coca cola but a little pricey. Couple of shows about product. Tasting room is what got me excited about. Every international flavor of its brand can be tasted here which is great. Lot of good stories on how it started and expanded.

Danda Naveen — Google review

Easy entry, but we pre purchased tickets. Got there early..parking was a breeze and close to elevator. Took our time navigating both floors, watching the shows and exhibits. Employees were helpful and courteous. Gift shop overpriced but had some decent sale items. Tasting the different flavored co*kes from other countries was my favorite!

Joanna Arieta — Google review

It's good to see some of the interesting facts about the history of their products. Try to go afternoon/evening so there won't be much crowd and probably you could enjoy the Taste it! , a place where we can taste all of their products.As it's so close to the Aquarium and parking is common, it's better to plan together.

Sreehari Kottoor Madam — Google review

Tickets are cheaper by a few bucks online versus buying them at the kiosk!This is a very cool 1 & done experience. You will have a good time and some of the employees are very interactive and outgoing!We did go during summertime so it was very busy (as expected). But it was just too many people throughout. Especially in the tasting room area.Recommend if you’ve never been!

Isaac Monroy — Google review

So this was a fun little stop during a work trip to Atlanta. I went by myself and walked from my hotel, and was able to attend a show within 10 minutes of buying my ticket. I spent about an hour to an hour and a half here. I enjoyed each section of the museum, as it held much more than I was expecting. I went on a Tuesday afternoon and there were probably 20 other people in my "group." It wasn't crowded at all and I had time to spend at each section.Of course the highlight of this is the tasting portion. It's very fun to try different sodas from around the world. The gift store is also huge, there's a lot of souvenirs to choose from. I enjoyed spending some of my free time here. The ticket was $21 and I found it to be worth it.

Emily F — Google review

One time visit is good. It’s a must visit place if you’re visiting Atlanta. I recommend buying tickets in advance online to beat the rush (although those tickets are non-refundable) so if you can’t make it past 5pm, don’t buy tickets online. I couldn’t get refund when i got stuck in a crash slowdown. Overall nice place to hangout with family.

Shailee Bhatt — Google review

Pretty cool spot to see the history of Coca-Cola. You can save $1 per ticket if you purchase them ahead of time. Definitely go earlier because it will fill up pretty quickly. We were able to find street parking, but it wasn't too close. There are paid parking garages as well. When you show up they give you a little introduction and tell you that it is a self guided tour. I wouldn't say it is a self guided tour as it is more of a pick the next mini tour or activety you want to wait in line for. I definitely recommend visiting if you have never been before. The best part of the tour was the tasting room, which once you enter you can't turn back so make sure you hit all the other tours first. The gift shop was surprisingly affordable too!

Cee Dupree — Google review

We had a good time. We went in May, during the week. There were a lot of kids... there might have been a few field trips? It was cool to see the history and all of the memorabilia. Love the international aspect. Be prepared to leave with a sugar high... the tasting room is fun and where you end your tour

Emily Anderson — Google review

Definitely we had a blast. We love co*ke products so coming to this place was very entertaining. I love the mix of information, history, and interactions. You have 3d movie, but also a guided explanation about the recipe, you get to use your taste and your nose too, the scents section was very interesting to experience. Definitely my favorite part was to be able to taste flavors from around the world. Some were nice, some were pretty bad, others were quite unique. It was also great to mix my own version and then be able to taste it. My only 2 negative aspects were, on one hand, that during the vault section the guide was speaking but at the same time there were recordings on the background, so it was hard to understand because both sounds would interfere. The other aspect is the fact that I was expecting to be able to try the old-school way to serve coca cola, a place like the should have it, and I wouldn't have minded to pay extra just for that. Regardless, the price was cheap given all you can do, experience and learn, so I highly recommend this place.

Aaron Castaño — Google review

We had an overall okay experience at the World of co*ke. There are a lot of cool pieces of the company’s history, which is cool to see. I wasn’t a fan of how long it takes to actually enter the exhibit area. You have to go through a ~10 minute tour to look at all these older pieces. You’re then taken into a theater to watch a 6-minute film about co*ke and happiness. Upon entering the museum, we were under the impression it would be self-guided, but the vault exhibit had a tour along with it too. The tasting section was pretty awesome, with five fountain stations containing ~8 flavors each.

Anna M — Google review

A great way to learn the history of Coca-Cola. We had a 10am reservation. The area that is basically the hub for the exhibits is quite underwhelming. The theming and decor for the different exhibits were nice. I felt like we were rushed through the vault. Tasting the different drinks from around the world was fun. The staff was amazing! They were fun and energetic. This is definitely a must-see if you are in the area. A lot of memorabilia.

Tammy R — Google review

We enjoyed a fun time exploring all the different exhibits! The kids loved the tasting room and making their own designs. The smell lab was interesting. The staff were amazing and friendly. Bought as part of the City Pass

The Dunhams — Google review

Wonderful experience. I enjoyed it quite a bit. A must for everyone visiting Atlanta.co*ke was born here and it has a rich history intertwined with the city.I had to buy tickets online, it seems like there was no option to buy it on the spot. Otherwise for 20$ it was worth it.There is a small introduction tour about Coca-Cola history before you are left to your own devices to explore the building.As an option you can visit different sections that are dedicated for specific areas of Coca-Cola development or history.I particularly liked the tasting area where you can try any drink imaginable from Coca-Cola brand or related brands.After that you can explore the merchandise section and get something for yourself or add a giftI was visiting early morning during a weekday so there was almost no line, but later that day it became a lot busier, so beware.

DMINATOR — Google review

My family and I had a fantastic time on the visit, which we had planned in advance by purchasing tickets. They've done a great job maintaining the historical data and relevant information. The best thing, though, has to be the variety of drinks available worldwide. We tried a lot, but there were too many to sample. The store that sold goodies was also really beautiful; we bought a lot of stuff for my two-year-old kid. Overall, if you're ever in Atlanta, I'd advise you to try to visit this location.

Sachin Verma — Google review

Amazing place to visit. This is my second time coming to visit World Coca-Cola. I would suggest purchasing tickets online it just speeds the process up. 10am actually is a great time to go. By the time we came out of the gift shop to leave, the line was so long to get in.

C — Google review

This is a great place to take the kids. We all really enjoyed all the memorabilia. It took me way back. The kids had so much fun tasting beverages from around the world and making their own. It was actually still very affordable too!

Amanda Hopkins — Google review

The World of Coca-Cola is definitely one of those places that you have to visit once. It was smaller than I expected unfortunately, and there is not very much to do on the inside. Upon entering, you have to watch a very short film about Coca-Cola, and then you are allowed inside. Once inside, you can go inside the Coca-Cola vault and learn some of it's history. They also have an interactive scent room and best of all, the Coca-Cola tasting room. In the tasting room you can try different kinds of soft drinks from certain countries. You can tour the World of co*ke at your own pace or book a guided tour experience. Overall, I recommend this place if you're in town and need an activity to do to pass some time. The employees are very nice and helpful, so that's a definite plus. Tip: although not necessary, book your tickets in advance for faster entry!

Laura — Google review

4.4

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4.0

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121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, USA

(404) 676-5151

20

Georgia Aquarium

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Aquarium

Zoos & Aquariums

The Georgia Aquarium is one of the world's largest aquariums and is perfect for both adults and children. It offers an educational experience while also allowing visitors to see fascinating marine life. The attraction often hosts special events such as Sips Under the Sea which sells out quickly.

We took a 2 day trip here. You could see everything in 1 day without any issue, but we took our time and wanted to see things more than once. There are extra experiences to do, but they do cost extra. The extra experiences are definitely worth doing if you have the extra money, but you won't feel like you miss out on anything if you don't. There is a cafeteria there, it's a little pricey and the food is alright. Every exhibit there is absolutely amazing. Everything looks natural and not like a standard fish tank. Even during busy times, there is plenty of room to see everything. Some of the bigger displays have places to sit and relax while you watch the animals. The shows they have are a lot of fun and definitely worth seeing too. The staff there were all very knowledgeable and open to whatever questions we had. We spent a lot of extra time watching the sharks and the whale shark exhibits.

Mike — Google review

Beautiful place to visit. I liked the tunnel where people walk and you can see all the fish, sharks, whales and other creatures swimming next to and above you, it’s amazing!!! But if you really want to enjoy the visit to this aquarium, you must buy tickets to see the different shows they offer. Without seeing the shows, the visit won’t be worthy. They always take a picture of you right before the entrance so be ready with a nice outfit so you will look good on the photo that will become one of your best memories!!! Highly recommended!!

shanpixels — Google review

It was very well worth the visit! Huge! Lots to see. If you like reading the information as you tour the area, it'll take some time. We spent 5 hours here and saw all the exhibits and shows that are included in the ticket price. We also had lunch in their cafeteria style dining area, Cafe Aquaria, and did some shopping in one of the gift stores. They have hand sanitizing stations, clean bathrooms, all accessible areas, plenty of photo opportunities, and extra activities you can experience for an additional fee. You will do a lot of walking and standing, so wear comfortable shoes! It's easy to purchase tickets online. June 2023

Marvilla Marz?n — Google review

Excellent aquarium! We went on a Sunday afternoon in the summer so it was quite crowded, but manageable! We just took our time and were able to see all the exhibits! If you want to see the shows, you have to make a (free) reservation once you get there. We opted to skip the shows to give us more time at the exhibits. Each section is very well done and you get to see so many beautiful creatures up close! Favorites were the shark exhibit, the whale shark, manta rays, sea turtle, penguins, beluga whales, otters and dolphins! My kids absolutely loved it! Food is overpriced and nothing special but we went in between lunch and dinner so we could get by with just a few snacks. Also, there is a small nursing pod for breastfeeding up on the second floor by the food that was very convenient! As with many attractions like this, you exit through the gift shop so be prepared! Overall it was an expensive day (buy tickets in advance to save$5) but worth it for the experience for our family!

Cheryl — Google review

I had a wonderful time visiting this aquarium. It is a well-designed and well-maintained facility with a wide variety of marine life to see. The exhibits are well-organized and easy to navigate, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable.One of the things I appreciated most about this aquarium is that it is easy to get around. There is a clear central hub from which all of the exhibits radiate, making it easy to find your way back to the beginning if you get lost. The aquarium is also wheelchair accessible, which is a great plus.I also enjoyed the two main shows, the seal show and the dolphin show. Both shows were well-produced and informative, and the animals seemed to be well-cared for. I appreciated that there was also the option to make a free reservation for the shows, as this helped to ensure that everyone had a chance to see them.In addition to the exhibits and shows, the aquarium also offers behind-the-scenes experiences and educational programs. I did not have the opportunity to participate in any of these, but I was impressed by the variety of options available.Overall, I highly recommend this aquarium to anyone interested in marine life. It is a great place to learn about and appreciate the diversity of the underwater world.

George Terplan — Google review

The Georgia Aquarium is a breathtaking aquatic wonderland that left me in awe during my recent visit. From the moment I stepped inside, I was captivated by the sheer diversity and beauty of marine life on display.The highlight of the aquarium has to be the massive Ocean Voyager exhibit, featuring the awe-inspiring whale sharks, manta rays, and a mesmerizing array of colorful fish. The enormous viewing window allows you to feel like you're underwater with these gentle giants, making it an unforgettable experience.Aside from the Ocean Voyager, there are numerous other exhibits showcasing a wide range of aquatic species, from playful sea otters to graceful beluga whales. The interactive touch pools were a hit with visitors of all ages, offering a hands-on learning experience.What impressed me most was the aquarium's commitment to conservation and education. They provide informative presentations and exhibits that highlight the importance of protecting our oceans and the creatures that inhabit them.The only downside I encountered was the crowds, especially during weekends and holidays, which can make it challenging to move around and fully appreciate the exhibits. I recommend visiting during off-peak hours if possible to have a more relaxed experience.

Hakan Akel — Google review

This aquarium is absolutely incredible! It is so well planned out & we didn’t feel overwhelmed once. I love that everything let back to the center of the aquarium so you never got lost. The food was expensive but surprisingly the best we’ve had in Atlanta so far. The dolphin show was a great length & had some really cool spins/jumps with the trainers. Gift shop had awesome but pretty expensive stuff. We love that they had a scuba mermaid, something for our daughter too. So many cool interactive things with the animals for our kids to enjoy. Highly recommend!!

Laura R — Google review

It’s expensive!! From admission to food inside. Free on your birthday dasssit!! Overall it’s a great time. This was our second time going and we always have a great time. We love the dolphin shows the aquarium is huge, exciting and beautifully built. It was accessible for my physically disabled mother. They have wheelchairs for free just give them your license. I appreciate that accommodation. Although the food is expensive it is a full eatery with tasty options. We will definitely go back. I don’t know if we would buy a yearly family membership, we may not go that often for it to be worth it. I can see why others would if they would go more than two times in a year.

Maya Ansong — Google review

Will be coming back! I'm so impressed with the size of this aquarium, it was very easy to walk through, all sections set up easy to navigate. The dolphin show was great. The whale sharks were so impressive. I saw some people doing the shark dive, it looked like so much fun. Plenty of seating in the different exhibits, we sat and watched the fish and the sharks for quite a while. The gift shop had a lot of items to pick from.

Alex Bailey — Google review

Such an amazing experience! I took my four year old and my eight year old and they had so much fun! It is educational and breathtaking! We saw the dolphin show as well as the sea lion show. I highly recommend going during the weekday if you can and definitely get there early. Very friendly staff and clean restrooms and private nursing areas for breastfeeding mothers.

Kaitlyn Brewer — Google review

The museum experience was great. It was crowded but the entering the aquarium didn’t take long. The place is large and divided in sections which you can visit based on your preference. Their dolphin show was great. If you want to sit in the splash section you need to plan ahead. You can easily spend half a day here. I would recommend this for families with kids who enjoy seeing sea life. The jelly fish were beautiful and the sharks were amazing.

Anand — Google review

I love the Aquarium! I have visited several times and enjoyed each time. It’s amazing and educational. It is great for kids or even a fun date. If visiting on a holiday be there early. The dolphin show is awesome but fills up quickly. Get your tickets as soon as you get in. The handicap chairs are first come first serve. It’s in a great area and there is tons of places to eat around the aquarium.

Amdon Always — Google review

We had a great day at the aquarium. It was very clean, decorated for the holidays, and there was a lot to see. The dolphin show was amazing. The sea lion show could have been better. There is only a virtual map but it’s easy to flow from one location to another. Our stroller was a jogging stroller but it fit within their box so it was allowed inside. Check your stroller against their guidelines. You have to reserve a time for the shows, but I was able to sign up for a different time later in order to move our slot up. We got there before 9 and left around 11:30. Very clean tanks and lots of viewing areas. We went on a Saturday and it started to get very crowded as the day went on. Recommended to get there at open. The plaza outside had a nice holiday set up from the Coca-Cola brand.

Courtney — Google review

Went over a holiday weekend and it was super crowded. I'd love to go again when there are less people. The Cafe was very good, we got the bowl and salad and fries. They were all delicious and even though there was a large crowd, our food came out quickly.

Dr Dawn Mavromatidis — Google review

The best aquarium we have been to in the United States! Not your typical aquarium at all. Big fish and sharks and rays. Lots to see and shows that are included. Get there about 30 minutes early for shows to get a good seat. Dolphin show is better than the seal on for sure, but both are included, just make a reservation.

Mike Vandermus — Google review

Definitely the best aquarium that I've ever experienced. You can easily spend a whole day in here and come back multiple times. The dolphin show was incredible. I love the beluga whales presentation. There's so many cool animals and things to see in here. The gift shop is really great. There are also multiple places to take pictures. The food and the food court was okay. I would recommend ordering ahead because the lines get crazy. Would definitely recommend and return here.

Boss — Google review

We had an absolutely amazing time when we visited last month, if this is on your itinerary at least budget 4 hours to fully enjoy all the exhibits, activities, and shows the aquarium has to offer. Definitely highly recommend coming as close as you can to opening so you can enjoy the mostly empty aquarium. The staff are all so informative and love to chat. When we come back we are looking forward to a behind the scenes tour.

Brittany Ledger — Google review

It's a great aquarium but some exhibits were empty and I didn't get to experience the 'extras' 3D and dolphin shows specifically. They do have cool pop-in holes where you can take pictures and it looks like your in there with the animals. The location is great! It's across the street from Olympic Park and walking distance to several other must see attractions. There is food available inside and they take a pic of you entering and you can buy it if you'd like. Great for the kids and couples!!!

Reganda Smith — Google review

What an amazing experience. I came from Florida to go to this aquarium. They have beautiful exhibits and the animals who look happy and are swimming without a worry. I recommend eating before or bringing food because the food is very average especially for the $. The main attraction is the whale shark and I could sit and watch that exhibit for an hour. I highly recommend signing up for the shows they have going on (dolphin and sea lion). 100% worth it. We spent about 5-6 hours in the aquarium. They take a picture at the entrance which they put a backdrop on it and a live background. If you’re hesitant on going, there’s so much to see. I will definitely be back when I’m in Georgia.

Briana Harricharan — Google review

First time visiting. Had a wonderful time. From the check-in to leaving the staff made, my family and I feel very welcomed. They were professional and helpful. I enjoyed learning more about fish. The only downfall was that I didn't see turtles, we couldn't take pictures behind the whale jaw, and the dolphin show was short. Great place for the entire family!

Rhonda M — Google review

Enjoying going to the aquarium. It's nice and clean. The crowd was pretty intense. Please be patient and don't rush. I promise you will get into the show that you made reservations for. It felt as if I was going to be trampled going into the dolphin show. Other than that it was spectacular. The outside grounds were very clean as well. Just slow down and enjoy the Aquarium!!!!!

Mrs Lynn — Google review

Superb experience, spent nearly 4hrs here, we thought we would go for maybe a couple of hours but time went so quick. Just fascinating to sees many different species through the many huge viewing tanks. Sealion and Dolphin show were great too. Didn't use the canteen but food was available here if you need a break and a sit down. Gift shop have good variety of gifts, difficult not to leave with at least one cuddly toy

Steve Findlay — Google review

Always wonderful! Worth every penny! Best aquarium I have ever seen in the US. Go and take the kids and plan to stay for 3-4 hours at least. Definitely buy tickets a day or two in advance or even several more if it’s a holiday weekend. It’s timed entry. Can be busy and hard to get in if you wait to last minute on a weekend.

Chris De La Feld — Google review

This aquarium was a great experience. I came here on a Tuesday morning . It was not crowded at all . I do recommend buying tickets in advance . I got a discount through my job . If you are active or retired military personnel you are eligible for a discount as well. The aquarium is broken up into different sections . It took around 2-3 hours to cover the whole aquarium. They are shows as well other interaction things to do here .The staff were very knowledgeable which I loved and the facility is kept is great condition. I truly had a great time .

Nicole H — Google review

Flew here for a day trip date ✈️ from MD.Best aquarium I've ever been to, it's a must visit location! I highly recommend! I will definitely be visiting again. There is no way to describe how truly incredible it is to be face to face with whale sharks and belugas. They also have a Tiger shark! Amazing experience!

Moriah Ritchie — Google review

This is an experience you absolutely need to have! There is so much to see, you will spend hours here. Very organized and easy to navigate though the aquarium and the different types of sea life. Had the opportunity to watch a Sea Lion show and a Dolphin show all in one day! Concession was well organized and easy to navigate even in large crowds. Would highly suggest getting there early to experience great views of aqua life as the aquarium definitely picks up spectators as the day goes on.

Jason Mumau — Google review

My recent visit to the Georgia Aquarium left much to be desired, warranting a three-star rating. While the facility boasts an impressive array of marine life, including some rare species, the overall experience was dampened by several factors.First and foremost, the check-in process was marred by the rude and unwelcoming behavior of the staff. Instead of offering a warm greeting, some check-in personnel were observed screaming at guests, which created an uncomfortable atmosphere right from the start. Such behavior is entirely unacceptable and detracts significantly from the overall visitor experience.Furthermore, despite the aquarium's reputation, the actual exhibits felt rather average. While there were certainly some highlights, including a variety of marine life and educational displays, there simply weren't enough fish to captivate visitors for an extended period. This lack of diversity and quantity in the exhibits left something to be desired, especially considering the high expectations associated with a renowned aquarium like Georgia's.However, the one shining aspect of my visit was the dolphin show. The spectacular performance by these intelligent creatures managed to salvage an otherwise lackluster experience. The show provided an engaging and entertaining display of their agility and intelligence, leaving a lasting impression on visitors.In summary, while the Georgia Aquarium offers glimpses of the wonders of the underwater world, its potential is undermined by the discourteous behavior of some staff members and the underwhelming variety of marine life on display. Visitors may find it worthwhile to explore other aquariums in the area for a more fulfilling experience, though the dolphin show remains a highlight not to be missed.

Stylish — Google review

This was our first time visiting and I am so glad we made the trip. This aquarium has the best layout. We visited on Easter Sunday and it was very busy, but there is so much to see and several viewing areas for the same exhibit. I wish we would've had more time to spend there, but I guess that means I'll have to go back. I highly recommend the dolphin show.

Tammy R — Google review

Great experiences! Sign up for shows at arrival. We started first thing and that was too busy with all the field trips. Ended up coming back later in the afternoon, which was much better. The shows were informative and fun. We could have watched the tanks all the day. We bought the tickets in advance as part of the city pass.

The Dunhams — Google review

This was by far the best aquarium I’ve ever been to! We had a blast. Well worth the price!We spent 5 hours completing the Aquarium and watching the shows that were included.The theater is actually the animals preforming not a tv screen. Highly recommend especially if you have kids! They will be busy for hours.

B Hampton — Google review

This place is absolutely freaking 👏 amazing! It's 1000% worth the visit...here's my advise.. If you can avoid the weekends do so it's insanely busy and harder to enjoy everything and take it all in...another thing I wished would have been better communicated is that in their parking garage they give you a ticket but they don't tell you nor is there any signage or any indicators that you must PREPAY parking ...again would have been helpful! Would like to have more time next time so we could have taken in some of the extras they offer!

Patricia Mayes (Trish) — Google review

This is one of the best aquariums in the world. The exhibits are exceptional and you can tell the animals are well cared for. Parking is usually pretty easy, unless it's a really busy day (or time of year). I personally would try to go earlier in the week during work hours to limit the number of people there. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable about each of the exhibits. The whale sharks are impressive!

Christian P — Google review

Very crowded on a Friday afternoon. Make sure you book your show reservation the morning of your visit. (Purchase tickets in advance online. Even if your arrival time is later, the shows will be full if you don't.)The food in the cafe is not good. Almost inedible. My chicken sandwich had black/grey gelatinous gristle in it. The cheese pizza was burnt. Fries were soggy. On the plus side, there was a gal wiping tables and sweeping the floor-that was appreciated.Bathrooms were clean and not packed.The tanks seemed pretty small for whale sharks (two!) and upon further reading, they were not rescued. They were captured from the wild. 🥺🐬🚨 BEWARE: The splash zone (front 10 rows) of the dolphin show truly mean YOU WILL GET SOAKED. Not just splashed. It was hard to enjoy the rest of the show because we were so shocked.No security. I had a backpack and when I asked if they wanted to check it, they told me, "no, inside." When I went inside they scanned my ticket codes but no one checked my bag.Overall, it is a neat place. With a 4 & 8 year old I appreciated the brief informational blurbs at each exhibit-it felt doable without being overwhelming.Had we packed a lunch, dry clothes, and less of a crowd, it would have been a better experience. For the extreme cost, we would not likely visit again.

Shanna Schweitzer — Google review

It's been quite a while, but none the less it did not disappoint. We were able to tour all the exhibits, watch the dolphin and sea lion show in 2 hours. Of course you can take as much time as you like. There's also a restaurant for lunch.

Sherry Poorman — Google review

4.6

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4.5

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225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, USA

(404) 581-4000

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21

Stone Mountain Park

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Park

Nature & Parks

Stone Mountain Park is a picturesque and expansive area with plenty of activities. Visitors can enjoy golfing, lodging, and a cable car ride to the top of the historic carved peak. The hike up the mountain provides an excellent workout while offering stunning views of the surrounding scenery. A store located at the top provides refreshments and snacks, while an outside area allows visitors to appreciate more beautiful views. Stone Mountain Park is highly recommended for anyone seeking a destination with breathtaking scenery and panoramic vistas.

An absolutely beautiful park surrounded by stunning scenery. There's a $20 fee upon entering the park although it's worth the cost of a yearly pass for $40. There's plenty to do for the entire family; camping, boating, fishing, golf, hiking, bicycling, etc. Don't forget about the scenic train ride in open-air cars that'll take you on a 5 mile journey through this picturesque park. If camping isn't your thing the Atlanta Evergreen Marriott Conference Resort is in the park as well, offering vast lake views and easy access to all the park has to offer.

Steve Simpkins (Slider) — Google review

I'll just start by saying, I can't wait to go back. This park is so much fun; a perfect blend of nature and modern day technologies. This place boasts a 400 site campground with a pool, and 2 full-amenity resorts within. You could stay a week and never run out of things to do within this park. They have nature trails, with stunning views of the mountain and plenty of opportunities to view wildlife. There is a gorgeous lake, and though you can't swim in it, you can paddle or boat it. Historical centers, including Memorial Hall. It has a golf course, and even an Attractions park that houses a ropes course, mini golf, splash pad, 4-D adventure, retail shops, candy stores, restaurants and so much more. Makes a great alternative to a full sized amusem*nt park and has everything a family needs for a fun day out. Getting around the park couldn't be easier. You can hop on board the Scenic Railroad for a beautiful trip around the base of the mountain, or travel up to the summit of this amazing granite rock via the Skylift. We stayed after a day of adventuring, to watch the brand new laser light show, Music Across America. It was Memorial Day Weekend and they had festivities throughout the day with live music from several branches of the US Armed Forces playing classic hits . There was even a Memorial Day firework show directly after the laser light show. Absolutely wonderful, wholesome, experience for all ages.

Kim Hudson — Google review

A very nice park. The mountain itself is very steep on the front side and has a huge carving carved right into it's side. They told us that the figures are each larger than the ones on Mount Rushmore. You can hike up the mountain from other sides, but if you get tired quickly or have some medical condition I recommend taking the line cart above the trees, thus enjoying the breathtaking views from up above.I would definitely recommend a trip there at least once.

Gregory Nowak — Google review

🏞 A remarkable destination suitable for all ages!📍 For beginners : I will recommend Walk-Up Trail to top of Stone Mountain! Beginners can start your journey with this trail, offering a moderate challenge and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The Atlanta skyline is also visible, adding to the beauty of the location.📍 For a more laid-back experience: picnicking in the park provides a serene atmosphere while enjoying picturesque spots.📍 Overall, Stone Mountain offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure, cultural heritage (Memorial Carving), and entertainment for everyone to enjoy.

Justine Morgan — Google review

Great trip to Stone Mountain. Make sure to bring food and drinks and prep for a long day. There are plenty of places to sit down and rest or stop and have a family picnic. Very family friendly attractions for little children. Also lots to do outside the main area as well. Do your research for fishing, hiking or biking. I'd recommend starting early on a Saturday and staying for the light show at night.

Jonatan Irizarry — Google review

Great place to spend time with family with lots of activities to do. 4D movie experience was awesome. Tram to top of the Stone Mountain is worth doing. Dinotorium is fun filled place for kids of all ages. Just be aware they will close the park if it thunder bolts within 15 miles of park. Park is huge, it will several trips to visit all the places.

saurabh AJMERA — Google review

The mountain was clean, it was a pretty good hike for us. The walk up trail was good, we were lucky to see a white tailed deer on the way up. The mountain is completely granite, it's smooth. A good grip shoe helps to get control while to get up the last part of the trail. There is a small snack bar in the top, good hot chocolate and popcorn served. You can get tram tickets as well..

Sorna Chocks — Google review

We really enjoyed hiking up the mountain. It was just strenuous enough to break a little sweat but would be extremely difficult for anyone with a back, leg or foot ailment. The train ride was nice as well. Now onto what I didn’t like. We purchased advanced day tickets because they were cheaper, but we didn’t realize that the majority of the park would be closed until 2 PM due to some filming that was going on. I don’t recall a notification saying that when we purchased our tickets. We also purchased the meal deal to the park being closed till 2 PM was problematic. (Thankfully, we had brought water and some light snacks). Once the park opened, we made a beeline for the restaurants only for the workers inside to tell us they weren’t open and they were unsure if and when they would be open that day. So we made our way to the marketplace which was open, but they had no food prepared either so we had to wait for them to make some dry burgers. I was going to give this place 2 or 3 stars but I realize this was an isolated incident so I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt.

Perdido Nino — Google review

The park is great for visiting, especially with kids. Lots of kid-friendly activities and attractions. The top of the rock is awesome. The views are great from the top. The Skyride lift was a great experience. The laser show spectacular was great and must-see attraction. Though some of the management issues were also notable. The Dino bone extraction during the scenic railroad was very poorly executed. The marketplace restaurant was a mess. They were slow to respond and the food quality was below average for the price. The employees were not well trained at the ticket counter and the gate. They were lack of information about ticketing and building locations. Every time we ask any questions they had to ask someone else to provide the answer.

Aashique Rezwan — Google review

Our first time coming by to see Stone Mountain. $20 Vehicle Entry, was well worth the drive, literally around the entire mountain. Beautiful landscape, everywhere you look. We arrived very close to dark and were thrilled to find out that they close at midnight! The Lift to the top and Gift Shop were certainly closed by the time we arrived, but we were able to navigate a well-lit sidewalk, to get a bit closer to the carving. Really pretty area, very nice folks. Absolutely worth the stop!

Kristen Hicks — Google review

Stone Mountain Park is a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The massive granite mountain provides stunning views and exciting hiking trails for adventure seekers. The park also features family-friendly activities like the Skyride, Scenic Railroad, and a delightful laser light show. The parking is $20 a day or $40 for a year's pass, so do with that what you will. The hike is hard and will be busy a lot, but definitely worth it. Also, this is a shrine for the Confederacy so watch out for that when you go. If it wasn't such a good hike and nearly the only hike near Atlanta, I would never go because of the history.

Joel G — Google review

First time on the Hiking Trail. My wife and I with two other couples went up. Definitely challenging, but worth it to me. Others in the group might have a different opinion though. View from the top is beautiful. Restrooms and concession stand inside the building up top if needed. We agreed to try and do this every weekend while there. We'll see how that goes.

milton stokes — Google review

Beautiful park! The mountain is really impressive and the view from it is amazing even when the sky is not so clear.The park itself is nice even though it was very hot and most of the stores were closed.The sky ride is nice but they squeeze over 50 people in it with no AC and instead of enjoying this 5 minutes ride, you just wish it would end.

Tuval Barnea — Google review

Wonderful park with something for everyone! Impossible to explore the whole park in one day, so pick what you would like to focus on if you are doing a day trip. Train tide is very informative about the history of the mountain. If you live nearby, the membership is definitely cost effective. (No membership means you pay for entry and certain attractions are extra.) Membership pays itself on 2nd visit! Love this park! 😀

Beth McCallister — Google review

Fun, fun, fun. My family and I have visited this wonderful place twice this year. First time during Halloween. Second time after Thanksgiving. Pleasant atmosphere, a super nice time to spend with your loved ones. There are lots of things to enjoy. The parade, train ride, skyride, and drone show are a plus.

Jai — Google review

It was our first time and we thoroughly enjoyed it. The light and drone show, and the fireworks were awesome. Everything was maintained beautifully. Kids enjoyed every bit of it. We will be going back again.

Manu Raj Sathyarajan — Google review

Stone Mountain has been a favorite place to go in Georgia for years. The carving holds so much history. Our school class went back in the 60s. The carving really is the focal point , but management needs to be acid washed or whatever is needed to be done to preserve this. The skyline was running, and the view from the top was breathtaking. There is an old grist mill to see. The train was not running. Lots of places to have a picnic, walking, and bike lanes also. Animals on leashes were having a fun time. It's 20.00 to get in the park per car, and it was 20.00 per person to ride the skyline round trip. Food is pricey, at the top of the mountain. It cost over 15.00 for 2 bottled co*kes and 2 small individual packs of chips. We didn't stay to see if the show would be that night on the memorial lawn. There is golf, putt putt, and a kids' area to play. Enjoy your time there. Plan on a full day adenture.

Jacque Minor — Google review

So we went here on our last day in atlanta and I enjoyed it. We did the whole hike all the way up to the top of the mountain and while it was a bit tiring it still provided a good workout and I also got to see some beautiful scenery along the way. The views from the mountains are stunning and beautiful and gorgeous in general. I also like the fact that there was a store at the top of the mountain which had drinks and snacks and also enjoyed going to the little outside area that was on the side outside the building that had the store because I see more beautiful views.overall I do recommend this place to anyone who wants to go somewhere that has beautiful scenery and beautiful views.

Michael Thompson — Google review

Day pass is 20$Lift to mountain is 20$ per adultAttractions are extraWe only did the hiking and loved how much there was to walk, we wished though they allowed dogs but they sadly don’t. They kept the trail clean and wonderfully labeled so you knew where you were at.The songbird nature trail is a cute trail for younger kids who can’t do as much hiking. There are also playgrounds for kids which looked well kept.There is camping for tents, yurts, and trailers. Tons of benches to have picnics at.Great size golf course though don’t know cost or how long it stays open

Kendall Jarrett — Google review

We had a great time. Definitely recommend getting the attraction ticket with the meal voucher for $5 extra. The food at the Campfire smokehouse was delicious. We had a great day even though it was 94°F and the historic square was closed.

Melissa Taylor — Google review

Great place for a hike, for a family picnic, history lessons, and for a local "get-away". DO check the website hours of operations for ALL of the attractions. The "Google" page says that the "Monument Hall" (museum) operates from 10:00AM to 10:00PM. We went there on a beautiful Saturday (08/26/23) afternoon, and found it closed, with no hours of operation post anywhere on the building.Restrooms are abundant, clean, and open.Many of the shops were either closed, overstaffed, understocked, or a combination of all three. Like all "theme" parks, the food and souvenirs are WAY overpriced. Bring your own food and drinks.The park, overall; is well groomed, cleaned, and attractions/trails/points-of-interests well signed/marked.We didn't stay for the drone show, so no review on it.

CJ — Google review

I went to Stone Mountain for the Pumpkin Festival. Stone Mountain is ginormous, and there were several events going on that day. Very clean park. I loved how everything was lit up for the festival! I still have so much to see there.. great place!

Kristin Mercedes Bence — Google review

The views in Stone Mountain Park were breathtaking. There are so many trails and areas to visit. I do recommend driving to the different trails because the park is huge and they are all very spaced out. The mountain is very impressive in person! Unfortunately, the majority of the attractions and restaurants were closed, including the train. Kayaks require reservation and we’re fully booked for the duration of our trip. Parking is $20 and $40 for the whole year which is a great deal.

Cristina — Google review

Ascending on a cable car to the summit of the stone mountain, the journey unveils intricate stone carvings that tell stories of the past, adding a cultural touch to the adventure. Reaching the summit, a beautiful view awaits. Be vigilant while walking on the mountain, there’s few steep slopes. Whether engaging in recreational activities or enjoying a leisurely picnic, the majestic surroundings create a perfect backdrop for a fun-filled day. The harmonious blend of nature, art, and entertainment makes this park retreat an ideal destination for those seeking a memorable and diverse experience.

Karan Shah — Google review

I visited at saturday night time for lunar new year event, and it was incredible. There are lots of well decorated lights to see and many games you can enjoy. Food trucks' foods are great, but all of them were very expensive for the small portion. The drone show blew my mind. It was awesome. Fireworks were okay, but it's short.

Yong Choi — Google review

I really love exploring Stone Mountain Park. It’s one of my go-to spots for when I need a bit of nature and exercise, and I don’t want to drive too far from the city. Hiking and biking there are top-notch. The views you get of the city skyline from the top of the mountain are absolutely worth the trip. But yes, it does get pretty crowded sometimes, especially on those bright sunny days, so just a heads up if you’re not big on crowds.If you’re not up for the full hike to the top, there are plenty of trails around the side of the mountain. They’re perfect for staying cool and shaded during hot Summer days. And there’s more than just hiking and biking. You can also go kayaking on the lake, have a picnic, play some golf, go fishing, or just drive around the property soaking in the views.Oh, and a pro tip: you can park outside in the town and walk/bike in through the trail system if you want to save money on the parking fee. But honestly, I’d recommend just getting the annual pass. It’s $40 for the whole year, compared to $20 a visit. Totally worth it if you plan on coming back.

Fabrizio Garcia — Google review

Me and My family had a wonderful time. The employees were so patient and helpful, very nice to us. I really can’t wait to go back soon. The food was great. We had a blastedI was super excited to see my younger kids have a good time as well. They really enjoyed themselves at the playground and playing in the water creek

Keiara Harden — Google review

I love going on hikes especially with a little history. We really wanted to check out the carvings but most of it was closed. You had to pay $40 to go behind the buildings to get a better view. Now it hot you in to the attraction area as well but we didn’t need to go into the kids area or on a train ride. All we wanted to do was go on a hike and look at the mountain. Not worth what you had to pay they should have had a separate charge. Overall a great hike took us about 1 1/2 hrs up and down plus time to walk around on the top. You could take a the ski lift but it was not operating when we went. If you go for just the hike it wasn’t bad but it was steep in some areas. It did say no dogs but lots of people had their dogs on the hike.

RANDY MILLER — Google review

There is so much to do at this beautiful park, you can spend as little or as much as you want depending on your budget and aim of the day. Parking is $20 as a one off or $40 for 12 months. We really enjoyed the dino fest area. We would love to come back in the future

Cheryl H — Google review

So much to do especially on the weekends with the special programs, would be nice if some were offered during the week as well. The ticket window and it's employees leaves a little to be desired as well as the food to purchase but just bring your own food. And thankfully only have to deal with the ticket window once!

Jessica Marchione — Google review

We bought passes online that included parking. Parking and venturing to the trails is most cost effective. The hike to the top was impressive and also quite difficult. Make sure to take lots of water. We did also go into the park. We loved riding the train and playing mini golf. Food is ridiculously expensive and just okay. The tram was closed for maintenance. The drone light show was the best part! Such a cool experience!

The Dunhams — Google review

Awesome place to visit! The Stone Mountain itself is unreal, surprised this isn’t on the National Parks and Monuments list honestly. Tons included. Give yourself a full day! Be ready to deal with inconsiderate people playing mini golf and be patient. The laser light shows are a blast as well. Dino Fest can’t be beat!

Mike Vandermus — Google review

so much to do and the campground is beautiful! we had a blast at dinofest and will definitely come back for it next year! pro tip: sit on the left side of the train ride for all of the views

Hannah — Google review

4.6

(37758)40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (169)

4.0

(5150)40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (170)

1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083, USA

(770) 498-5690

22

Atlanta Botanical Garden

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Botanical garden

Nature & Parks

Gardens

The Atlanta Botanical Garden is a world-renowned botanical garden located in Midtown Atlanta. It features prominent exhibitions spanning 30 acres of lush gardens with unique and awe-inspiring flora and fauna. Nearby Piedmont Park provides easy access for residents and visitors to enjoy the botanical gardens stunning scenery and tranquil environment.

Actually a pleasantly nice botanical garden. The sculptures of origami were starting to go up for the official display in summer 2022 and they looked fun. During the week when I went, the grounds were well kept and taken care of. It wasn't too crowded. There was lots of construction going on, but it was hidden pretty well and the parts that were open were maintained nicely. The flowering plants were on full display while the bushes were neatly trimmed.The Cafe had standard sandwiches and burgers which were tasty. Good cheese board and appetizers.

Nick Vergunst — Google review

The husband and I went tonight and it was absolutely amazing, we loved everything about it! Even tho the temperature was low and they didn't allow my outside coffee into the garden, we still had a fabulous time! There are clean bathrooms throughout the entire garden, plenty of place to sit and simply enjoy the scenery, tonight there was a strings band playing live beautiful music, there were lights everywhere once it got dark enough, even the other guess were so very sweet to us!! We will definitely be back whenever we come back to the area for work! The water at the goddess wasn't on which was unfortunate but it was still extremely beautiful! We recommend this beautiful garden for anyone wanting a stroll through nature, date night for any couple, an outing for the kids! There was a bride and groom there tonight taking pictures because it is that beautiful!! Enjoy!

Prudence Starling — Google review

I was worried about the parking coming in from out of town, but it was easy in and out! This was my granddaughters birthday present! She is in high school, so teens love it! Beautiful gardens! Easy walking! Very friendly staff! Restaurant was kinda slow in serving, but the food was excellent! I bought a membership because it's cheaper if you are going to return a few more times throughout the year! Can't wait to return!

Donna Jones — Google review

We really enjoyed our time here. You could easily spend an entire day here with your family. We spent half a day and saw everything. It's well organized and easy to navigate. There was not a long wait, we bought tickets when we arrived. The only delay was that people didnt know what they wanted for tickets...i guess? Buy tickets in advance to avoid that. There are food and drink options on site. The restaurant prefers a reservation.

Emily Anderson — Google review

Been a member for so many years. This place never gets boring. So good for mental health to wander the grounds. Always has a new exhibit to inspire us! Very crowded on weekends. Parking in the deck really isn’t that bad at all. Love how you focus so much on including & engaging kids. Thank you!

Goddess Athena — Google review

I went there twice in the fall of 2023. Once for the Fall pumpkin show and then for the members only Christmas lights. I never tire of going to this place! Botanicals are beautiful anytime of year. Christmas light display was exceptional. Love the bars that were installed around the gardens for hot chocolate or libations! Music is piped in around the gardens and makes it very special. Truly an Enchanted Evening and a perfect place to start off the holidays!

Christine Foster — Google review

An outstanding outdoor and indoor environment. A few hours can be spent walking all of the trails and taking in all of the scenery and plants that are thoughtfully organized both outdoors and indoors. A lot of time and attention has gone into creating this wonderful space. Timed ticket entry helps keep the experience calm, not rushed, and not crowded. There are not a huge number of extra parking spaces, so plan some time to find a space and walk to the entrance. There are many bathrooms throughout the grounds. Overall a wonderful experience.

M Z — Google review

Nicely maintainedHuge parkGear up to walk alot.Kids activitiesProperly managed with adequate facilities: washroom, restaurants , cafe etcOne can host gathering and private functions. Saw two wedding taking place inside.Enjoy the season best flora and fauna.Still constructing to expand moreDon't forget to collect map at entrance to enjoy the nature trail walk

Uday Shankar Dwivedi — Google review

We went to the garden to see a new art installation by artists we met at our B&B. We were so impressed with this garden. Tickets for two adults run $50, but you can get a membership for $105. The membership gets you access to 345 other gardens across the country in addition to discounts in the gift shop, restaurant, and a few other perks. Definitely worth it!We walked through for 90 minutes and didn't see everything thoroughly. We could definitely stay much longer if we sit, relax, meditate, etc.I appreciate their investment in art. This display, Origami in the Garden, will be there for 6 months (starting May 2022). The artists are from Santa Fe and are a fabulous couple.I will always stop by the garden now when traveling to Atlanta. It is inside of Piedmont Park in midtown and the surrounding area is great and very walkable.

Kim N — Google review

We came on a Saturday (yesterday) and arrived as they were opening. The atmosphere from the grand lobby to the garden grounds is very impressive. I enjoyed the walk between gardens and exhibits. This time of year the air is crisp but perfect for the walk through. I especially loved the Orchid Daze exhibition. The flowers and leaves are SO exquisite. I was left speechless and took a moment to sit on one of the many benches to just take it all in. I highly recommend for any nature lovers. I would definitely go again especially closer to spring when more flowers are in bloom.

Emily C. Hanna — Google review

Very beautiful park but we couldn’t really follow the map. It didn’t seem to match up with the posted signs around the garden. So we ended up circling the same areas a few times and didn’t realize we almost missed an entire other section. Glad we found it! It would have been nice to see better descriptions and maybe some audios too. I’d definitely go back! And bring a water bottle if you visit during the summer. It’s hot!

Clarke Eads — Google review

We had so much fun looking at all of the exhibits. We even got to sit in on a cooking demo and got a free sample which was delicious. Everyone that works here is just so nice. This is my 2nd visit and I'm sure there will be more in the future. Make sure you wear sunscreen and bring some water because it gets HOT in the summer ☀️

Kiana S — Google review

One the nicest botanical gardens we’ve visited. Beautifully kept, manicured grounds. Very friendly staff and plenty of volunteers that love what they do and willing to show/explain various aspects.Entrance is reasonable prices and they offer discounts to military members.

Johnny Gomez — Google review

This place was hands down one of the most beautiful gardens I've ever been to! Plenty to see and learn about here. They don't have as many plant name posts by the plants as other gardens I have been to but it is not my first rodeo. I used Google lens to identify the ones that didn't have tags. The Earth Goddess living statue was absolutely beautiful - even without blooms!!! I highly recommend buying your tickets online and coming in earlier than noon to get a nice stroll in before the heavy crowds come in.

Becca Delgado — Google review

We went for the holiday lights at night. It was cool and different but not breathtaking. There are good photo ops, but lots of people will be in your shots. I prefer the old drive through the cool neighborhood with Christmas lights myself. It is okay, but after seeing Singapore's botanical garden and its lights at night, it's going to take more to wow me.

Rayne — Google review

Absolutely beautiful. We just went March 13th and while not everything was flowering and displays such as Mother Earth didn’t have their flowers in…it was still absolutely beautiful. It’s a nice place to walk with plenty of places to stop and rest. Loved all the restrooms and water stations along the routes. Our little one loved the children’s area. I am sure it is even better in May/June. Highly recommend.

Sandra M Gallegos — Google review

This was an amazing lights display. There were lots of people, but it was great being able to just walk through at your leisure and enjoy the displays without having to worry about cars or holding people back.The best area, in our opinion, was the music and light sync up were the strands of lights were individual synced to the music. Each light was individually synced up. It was amazing.For those that missed it this year or if you made it and decide to go back next year something I would recommend, if you’re able, is avoid the on site parking. Look for a parking deck nearby and park there then walk to the gardens. We walked past the line of cars waiting to get in. So much easier.

John Maddalena — Google review

Fantastic place to go with family. Beautiful flowers, art and nature. Serene and peaceful location to spend an entire day. The Long leaf restaurant in the Botanical Gardens is a fine place to relax and have a decent meal. Small outdoor outlets through out to have snacks or a packaged lunch, chilled drinks, or king of pops popsicles and other options. Edible garden has a variety of veggies and the grower arrangements are educational to gardening enthusiasts. Loved spending time here.

Sri Lakshmi Sowmya Appala — Google review

We came to this place as part of our first visit to Atlanta and I have to say this may be my favorite place out of everywhere we visited. We were left speechless by the perfection of la landscapes and the beauty they have accomplished with all the areas of this garden. It truly felt like we were in a magical forest straight out of a fantasy novel. I absolutely adored the attention to detail in every corner and the cohesion there was between the different parta of the area. I highly recommend checking this place out and will surely be coming back any time I’m in town!

Daniel Aguiar Pomar — Google review

Breathtaking is the best way to describe this botanical garden. There is so much to explore and they even offer free, guided tours. Some of the people in my group participated in the tour, guided by Barb, and it was fantastic! Barb was amazing at what she does and has a true passion for carnivorous plants!I could spend all day here; it is truly worth the price for tickets if you take your time and really appreciate each exhibit for what it is.There is so much to see and enjoy!! I will be coming back for sure.

Jess Brewster — Google review

What an amazing place! I took a road trip to see the garden for the first time. I bought tickets for the daytime as well as for the holiday light show. I arrived around 2:00 and left at 5:00, than returned at 8:00. One thing to keep in mind is that there will be a wait for the light show. I waited in traffic for about 30 minutes and once I get there I waited about another 30 minutes in line. Even with the wait, it was well worth the trip. The light show is fantastic especially the canopy walk. This was also my favorite during the day.

Paula Bonna travels — Google review

I love this place! The green house buildings are amazing, the flowers in bloom are so beautiful, and the staff I interacted with were so pleasant. I love that my family can attend all year for one price, thanks to the Family Membership. Thank you!

A. Campbell — Google review

Amazing experience for a quick day trip to Atlanta. Stopped by in the afternoon and was treated to a delightful stroll through the gardens. And the time they had the special orchard exhibit which was very fascinating to see. In general, there's not a single place in the entire complex that's not worth seeing, and I think within an hour or two. The entire place is definitely explorable.

Roman M — Google review

The Flower Show is minimal, not quite a large exhibit. However, It’s a beautiful facility even when the trees and landscape are without the lavish flowers. I can’t wait until May when all the floral attractions are in full bloom, such as the Alice in Wonderful floral exhibits and the lady with hair made of flowers. The indoor garden was similar to being in a forest and you can feel the humidity and mist, it was almost the same sensation as being in a forest. The paths were clean and definitely provided a natural and botanical experience. There are lights at night that will light the paths. I think it is a beautiful place to propose or have a romantic date, especially in the event on a path with the hanging twinkle lights. With all this being said, it would be more exciting when the flowers and colors of the various gardens are in full bloom.

Johnnetta J — Google review

I recently visited the botanical garden and had an amazing experience. The Orchid Daze exhibit was beautiful, and the Artist Lillian's work was delightful.The vibrant colors and intricate details of her art truly make for a beautiful experience, and I found myself immersed in a world of natural beauty. The garden's dedication to showcasing the intricate beauty of nature is truly commendable. I highly recommend a visit to anyone looking for a peaceful and visually stunning experience.

Negretta T — Google review

Mesmerizing. Always evolving.My family are big fans of botanical gardens. We're always stopping to see them wherever we travel. The botanical gardens here are complex, well designed and always evolving. We go here several times a year and the holiday lights have become a family tradition.First, the holiday lights have a number of extraordinary features. The exhibit shifts every year and this year is no exception. For the last couple of years, there is more of an orderly trail through the exhibit, instead of just wandering around. This year, they have closed the section by the fireplace, but don't worry, the Christmas praying mantis is over by the base of the catwalk.People gather on the catwalk to stand among the musical streamer lights, which are mesmerizing. It's worth the price of entry just to stand out there for a while. There are lots of other great pieces, like the musical orbs on the Great lawn and the model train section.It's usually crowded, I'd recommend going at dusk when it's a little warmer and the crowds are a little smaller. Even with a reserved time, it was a bit of a line to get in and the walkways were less free to navigate. There were no last minute tickets to get in, so look to get your tickets online in advance.

Tony Preston — Google review

The botanical gardens is a spectacular visitor destination. I observed plenty of young and old xouples on dates there. I am positive this is a place that has seen its share of marriage proposals. Everywhere you look, there are breathtaking views and pleasant smells. Don't miss this location if you visit Atlanta.

Alberto Parra — Google review

SO MUCH FUN! I went with a friend last weekend and had such a good time. Seeing Christmas lights is one of my favorite traditions, and this display did not disappoint. You could purchase drinks like hot chocolate or spirits upon entering. There were many opportunities for photos, extremely thought out displays, and a variety of different themed lights (insects, trains trees etc.). One of my favorite sections was the music timed lights in the trees. We spent about an hour and a half walking the grounds and the staff was very friendly and helpful. Would 10/10 go back!

Brandi Graham — Google review

A must visit for any visitors to Atlanta! The garden is worth the price of admission, and has some of the finest collections of plants for any botanical garden. Its layout encourages lazy walkabouts, and meandering explorations.The treetop walk is a must, and strolling to the waterways is incredibly calm. If you have little ones, anyone under 12, check out their cool playground!We wish we were closer to this gem.On your way out don’t miss their Great Light Fight trophy!

Nick DiColandrea — Google review

4.7

(18801)40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (178)

4.5

(5211)40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (179)

1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, USA

(404) 876-5859

23

Amicalola Falls State Park

40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (180)40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (181)

40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (182)40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (183)

State park

Nature & Parks

State park with a waterfall, hiking trails & a variety of lodging, from campsites to modern cabins.

Beautiful falls with beautiful views around. Hiking is fun here and there are steps that you can take to go top of the falls. My 2year old kid did climbed easily 425 steps. There is plenty of space for picnic and spent valuable time there. All aside weather was just right. Overall it was a fabulous experience.

naresh e — Google review

600 stairs total if you want to hike from the bottom to the top. You can drive up to the top or middle and hike over a short distance but will still need to navigate some stairs. There are several benches to stop and catch your breath on the way up. The steep incline hike at before you get to the stairs is strenuous but paved. You cannot get in the water/fall anywhere (signs are posted to stay on trail) except at the base/bottom where you first come in and can park and take a short walk over also with a few stairs. It was extremely crowded especially at the bridge at the midway point and the top. Went on a weekend in June and early morning. Got busier as the day went on. The hotel at the top has a stunning view but is an additional hike to get to. The gift shop is nice. The restaurant was closed at 11am while there. There are restrooms at the base and the top, that is it. The stairs are also clear metal so you can see down the entire way.

Kelly — Google review

Our visit was a very nice experience. There are several ways to view the falls, which allows one to appreciate the beauty of the waterfalls. You can view by looking down from the top of the falls (and can also drive to the top and park if unable to walk the distance). Or, you can walk or drive to the mid-point section of the water fall where parking is available. There is a nice bridge here that spans the width of the falls from where you can view and take nice photos. You can look up as well as look down to view. There is also the option of a more strenuous trail where you can start at the bottom of the falls and walk the trail and climb the stairs all the way to the top. The distance from the base of the falls to the top overlook is only one mile. There are benches along the trail for those who may need to stop to rest. Be sure to bring water and bug spray! The only con was the limited parking to access the trails. Visiting during the week is best. I highly recommend visiting the Amicalola Falls for ALL ages.

Hakan Akel — Google review

Absolutely gorgeous and The pictures do no justice! We walked the 604 steps to the top of the water fall and it was worth every step! Gorgeous scenery in every direction and as far as the eye can see. If you're unable to climb the stairs to the top, you have the option to drive up and walk over to enjoy the views at the top of the waterfall. Headed to the zip lining adventures afterwards and it was just as phenomenal! I'd definitely return and experience it all again.If you're unable to climb the stairs to the top, you have the option to drive and enjoy the views of the top of the waterfall too.

Jennifer L — Google review

Second time to visit the state park. Absolutely beautiful and stunning views. Stayed in the cabins in the park and it was great. The drive to the top of the mountain to the hotel was very easy and well worth the time. The walk to the bottom of the falls is a minimal stress Walk on a very well defined path. Beautiful views everywhere you look.

Thomas Bice — Google review

Beautiful state park and incredibly well thought out. It's very handicap accessible. I loved that they had trails made for wheelchairs and walkers so you could go see the falls as well. It was a very easy hike in to the falls from the handicap parking lot. Not even 10 minutes. The staff was delightful and so very helpful right from the time you come through the gate. Definitely recommend for family fun and for getting immersed in nature.

Jewels Love — Google review

Absolutely breath taking. We chose to start the trail at the top and use the 425 steps one way down to the falls. It was fun and memorable for our crew. We had 4 kiddos with us from ages 4-11 and they were all able to complete the stairs on their own. The falls are beautiful and worth the hike. We are not sure what the trail is like coming from the base of the falls. The views of the Blue Ridge mountains at the top of the falls was amazing! Definitely recommend this natural wonder of Georgia. It should be must do.

Heather Ryan — Google review

Beautiful falls. You can either hike by climbing around 400+ steps while you enjoy the view ,though it can be strenuous. Or you also drive up to the top of the falls by car and park. The view is beautiful and you can enjoy the blissful sound of water hitting the rocks.

Munshad Ali — Google review

The park is well maintained and clean. The steps to falls is clearly labeled with count of steps. Nice picnic area with shade and options to grill. Nice kids play area also. Parking is bit scarce so need to plan it or wait during peak season

Rijo Joy Kattukaran — Google review

I went up for a work related Stihl training conference and I have to say it is absolutely gorgeous! The facilities were absolutely astounding and I couldn't believe how beautiful the area was. The views the people everything was amazing. If you haven't been to this location I highly recommend it. You will not be sorry. I did not get to see the waterfall but I heard so many incredible things from other people. Absolutely worth the hiking trails Etc You will not be sorry!!They do have a wonderful playground for children there. It seems pretty dog friendly. And it looked like they were working on some of the restrooms and doing some construction on some of the buildings.

Manny Huerta — Google review

Beautiful park with great views. The lodge/gift shop was clean and the restrooms were too. It seems better to park downhill and walk up so your trip back down is much easier. It’s great that you can drive up the mountain too. There are playgrounds and picnic areas/tables around as well. Wonderful place for a family outing. Super dog friendly! There’s lots of parking but you have to “find a spot” and definitely some tight car squeezes.

Clarke Eads — Google review

Nice state park! But very busy, crowded (last weekend in October) . People waiting to take pictures pretty much at every spot!The walk up to the falls is very strenuous! If walking is not possible , driving up by road option is available too, but parking was full at almost all stops, so could take some time to find a spot! If would like to climb half way through, there is a west trail, which connects at 425 step point and the bridge across the falls.Beautiful hike, but needed several stops as the hike is steep! Initial section of trail/paved path way and then 600 steps. Nice picnic area at the top. Zip lining not that great. Restrooms were a complete disaster, with rolls of toilet paper on the floor and water everywhere!

Akshata Revankar — Google review

Beautiful waterfall. New welcome center. Two trails to get to the falls here. You can drive to the start of trail at the very top of the falls or start at the bottom on a rubber paved path to the falls. Start on the trail above and you will need to be prepared to go down 425 stairs, but the views are amazing. The two trails meet at the bottom of the falls where is a small bridge.

Joel Hernandez — Google review

My family and I went to this place two days ago. It was a bit cold (about 40 degrees) but the weather was very nice. They have 3 parkings as well as 3 stages along the trail routes (bottom is from the Visitor Center, middle is the West Ridge Falls Access, and the top of the falls area.) Only paid $5 for parking access. I wish I had time going to this place in fall, it must be much more beautiful and colorful when the trees change their leaves color...

Thanh Ng — Google review

It was a perfect day for a hike 4/3/24! Followed by taking in the beauty of the the fall♥️The 425 steps were a challenge but we kept pushing on and it felt fantastic afterwards 👍The picnic area was nice and clean, so were the restrooms. Last stop, at the welcome center was enjoyable. Some interesting artifacts about moonshiners, the Amicalola(also the Appalachian Trail)Hope you enjoy as much as we did!

Zina B. — Google review

Highly recommended for all of you to visit this waterfall. So easy to get to. $5.00 to get in the park.There are several way to see it from the visitor center. Easy and strenuous hike.We decided the easy part to drive up and walk to the waterfall. The.5 miles walk from the second parking lot before the top of the falls.

Lanie Yarbro — Google review

Loved this little side trip. Quick, easy, tree shaded path to the falls. Hearing the sound of the waterfall along the path was so enjoyable. It's beautiful on either side of the bridge over the waterfall. Great place to take pictures! Check out our!

karla gaines — Google review

It's a perfect outdoor experience. This waterfall is so cool, it almost doesn't seem real. My videos show some of the cascades. I also show the walkway and the stairs. The last video shows a great mountain view at the top. To get to the mountain view, when you are by the bathrooms at the top you will see a trail. Walk up the trail a little ways and you will see some beautiful Blue Ridge mountain views.

Jeremy Hall — Google review

Gorgeous! We did a 2.5 hike that was fantastic. We started where the playground is, next to the new visitors center (not open yet). That was the best because we had to climb down (not up) the stairs to the waterfall. If you’re looking to just see the waterfalls, make sure to park on the top to avoid the 425 steps up.

Sandy Melillo — Google review

This place is just gorgeous! There is a playground, picnic tables, many choices of places to stay, camping, glamping, you name it! The views were phenomenal! The kids, age 1 and 11, were intrigued and the walking was great for them! It's not too bad at all if you skip walking from bottom to top! We walked to the bottom, and then drove around and up to the top! Highly recommend this place! Fun for everyone! Including fishing! Lots of photographic opportunities as well! Make sure you visit the lodge! Spectacular views!!! 100% coming back!

Magen Brown Rackley — Google review

Amicalola falls is a nice scenic hike with a big climb. It is the start of the Appalachian Trail but most people seem to come to see the falls. They have a new visitor center which seems almost done. We walked from there up the trail by some small falls and the reflection pool. From there you climb about 600 stairs to the top with a nice view right before the stairs. About 1/3rd of the way up is another bridge with a great view and short walk to see a prohibition era car. From there you can hike the rest of the way up to the view at the top and a nice lodge with facilities. We took about 3 hours to hike up and eat lunch and then hike down.

Paul and Lillian Bruns — Google review

I went on a beautiful fall Saturday afternoon. The park was over crowded, parking was a pain, the hike to the waterfall was steep and long. The waterfall made it all worth it.Amicalola Falls is the best waterfall I have seen in the US (not counting Niagara). It is tall and majestic.If you visit the park, I would recommend also going to the top of the mountain where the lodge is. The views of the surrounding mountains from there are amazing.

Kevin Golliher — Google review

Beautiful park, but a couple of challenges caused the loss of a star. Very limited parking options (10 to 12 spots) in both the falls overlook and west ridge entry. There was plenty of parking at park entry. The second item of note was that there were a couple of the trails that were closed, making it impossible to hike to the base of the falls or down from the west ridge along the falls.Regardless, it was a beautiful day to enjoy the park and you should definitely consider adding the falls to your travel plans if you're coming to the north Georgia area.

Daniel Jacobs — Google review

This campground it very nice. Some of the trails were closed due for repairs, but we found several to hike. The weather was quite cold and I was disappointed with how the camp wood bundles would not burn at all! Their wood was useless.On the other hand watching a breathtaking sunset from the Lodges patio area next to the fireplace was delightful.For a place that is located at the beginning of the AT you would think they would have a lot more camping/backpacking supplies in the camp store, but they do not so be well prepared and double.check your supplies before you leave home.They have a zip line, hatchet throwing, and archery to keep you entertained as there is not much to do after the waterfall hikes are completed.The campsites themselves are very nice and I love that ours had a boxed in feeling where the picnic table and fireplace is located (unfortunately we couldn't use it since it was so cold and the wood wouldn't burn)

atina tinkham — Google review

Amicalola Falls State Park is absolutely beautiful. The visitors center is nice with lots of options for souvenirs. There are several trails to hike. The lodge was gorgeous with stunning views. We took a short hike to the bottom of the falls and then climbed the stairs to the top. I would highly recommend visiting the park if you are in the area.

Shauna Johnson — Google review

Gorgeous Falls & scenery. Best for all types of people who like outdoor activities & adventures, mind you the hike is very strenuous..., make sure to dress properly during the weather... The people in these photos said its OK for me to post them. $5 for parking.

KeyKee Goddess — Google review

Amicalola Falls State Park is always one of my favorite hiking destinations when I’m in North Georgia. It’s breathtakingly beautiful with views all around. The trip up the stairs to the falls might be the more difficult path, but be sure to watch out for the lady beetles on your hike down; they bite!The parking lots are always packed, so be prepared to hunt for a spot. The Top of the Falls lot does sometimes have more spots, but you will be asking your vehicle to go up a steep incline to go up there and a deep downgrade coming back. Not every car can do it. I’m still surprised mine did!Seriously, though, Amicalola Falls is some of the most beautiful area in North Georgia. It’s well worth the drive and a visit!

Kat Stanford — Google review

ABSOLUTELY AWESOME! OK, so we visited the welcome center and we thought it was the only way to see The Falls, so we started hiking up the right side via the back of the Welcome Center. That side took us straight to the top. It was about 1.5 miles. When we got to the top of the Falls, there was parking 😂.Ok, no biggie, let’s head down to the middle going down 425 steps. When we got to the middle of the Falls, there was parking. 😂.Fine we thought, let’s go back to the Welcome Center. It was a tough hike down but well worth it. I have to ACL surgeries so it was rough for me. Take it slow because it was well worth it. Check out the pics.

Judie Morales — Google review

Beautiful waterfall, well maintained. Be prepared for lots of steps. Short walk to the middle of the falls… lots of steps down to the bottom of the falls. Lots of steps up to the very top of the falls (or you can just drive up!). All the views are beautiful and well worth the trip!

Ashley Mihalko — Google review

Part of the stair trail is closed but the side routes to the top are still open. Always amazing me how that little creek up top can make such an amazing waterfall. Nice to see in every season. Stairs are a little scary for some pups and maybe hard on their feet but mine did fine.

Bobbi Shiu — Google review

2 Level 2 EV chargers. Nice new visitors center. Plenty of parking. Lots of trails to choose from. The falls are amazing. Pleasant hike to Stringer Mountain. Several nice big, wide-open backpacking sites.

Scott McLendon — Google review

4.8

(11100)40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (184)

4.5

(1434)40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (185)

418 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd, Dawsonville, GA 30534, USA

(706) 265-8888

24

Mercier Orchards

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40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (188)40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (189)

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Orchard

Sights & Landmarks

Mercier Orchards is a picturesque, 300-acre fruit orchard that was founded in 1943. They offer pick-your-own seasonal fruits and have a variety of products available at their shop, including their own cidery with seasonal wines and slushies. Their website features a schedule of currently available produce so visitors can plan accordingly. The facility is well-maintained and has clean restrooms with an attendant on duty to ensure cleanliness.

I heard it was strawberry season and couldn’t pass up the opportunity for some fresh ones so me made the venture out there. It was more than worth it! The orchard is absolutely stunning and the shop has everything you could expect. They have their own cidery and make a variety of seasonal wines (and slushies). Their website even has a schedule of what’s currently in season so you can coordinate your visit to your preference.

Beau Regard — Google review

First visit, I’ve heard a lot of good things about Mercier Orchards. Beautiful location! It was not as crowded as I had expected. Lots of goodies inside! We tried a few different apples, we really loved the Crunch a Bunch variety. The coffee crusted pecans were a nice treat as well.

Tyson — Google review

What a great place to stop by for the weekend getaway from the city. They offers fresh fruits and vegetables, variety of apples, peaches, nectarines. The bake goods are to die for. Our favorites are apple fritter and donuts. Also the refreshment; such as lemon slushy and apple slushy are a must have. If you into alcohol, they have whole bar dedicated for you on the side. Outside we had the pop up stand of kettles corn and boiled peanuts. Fantastic experience, with staff being so nice and friendly. Bathrooms were clean. Parking was plenty.

Wind Napol — Google review

We love coming up to Mercier’s when we are in the area. We bought several items consisting of bread, pies, and donuts. They all tasted great!The staff are friendly and love to serve. The experience in the store takes you back in time.I haven’t experienced the orchards yet but have it on the list.

Marshall Helms — Google review

Awesome and very unique place to visit. Biggest orchard retail store I have ever seen. There's plenty of parking alongside a pond, which they thoughtfully enclosed with a nice walkway. They have every kind of jam and jelly you can imagine! A bakery in the rear with homemade breads and pies. A winery. My favorite is their apple butter. If you are in Blue Ridge you need to stop in here! Don't miss it!!

Lucinda Lovestravel — Google review

This is a must do if you're in the Blue Ridge area. It's like a farm store with a restaurant and tons of shopping. The restaurant offers a great breakfast on the weekends. Amazing biscuits, fresh fruit, preserves, apple butter, eggs, sausages, french toast, waffles, chicken biscuits, grits, and coffee and tea.The store carries fresh fruit, preserves, apple butter, some no sugar added options, syrup, honey, stuffed animals, muffin mixes, donuts, and more. There's a bakery in the back. The employees were really nice. I'm sure this would be an awesome stop in the fall when apples are in season! The grounds are also really pretty. There's a pond you can walk around and benches to rest on.

Rachel — Google review

Really neat place. Lots of sweets and great produce. The hand held pies are amazing. Worth the wait to take some home. Apple cider is yummy. The strawberries and peaches were in season and so great.

Kelly Thompson — Google review

This place was absolutely beautiful! Unfortunately, we visited during the winter so we couldn't pick any apples or do the hay ride. We visited the market and had a good time trying the samples and visiting the bakery. We then went to the lake and were able to some nice pictures. If you're in or around Blue Ridge, this place is a definite must.

Ciera McGrady — Google review

As a lover for Wine && Cider, this is a must to visit! They have Cider & Wine tasting! Make their own, as well as sell other wines. My favorite was their Blackberry Wine and I don't even like blackberries. The only negative I'd say, is how small their Wine bottles are for the price. They are half the size of a normal wine bottle, which are cute, but not for the price. Would love to visit again when it's Spring and see how the fields look!

Katlin Henslee — Google review

During my trip to Blue Ridge, Georgia I was taken to a local store for Mercier Orchards and found that this place had everything yes even Gluten free foods. I was so over whelmed with this store i had forgotten to take more pictures. This is a. "Must see" when you are in the neighborhood. It even has a Bakery in the back.

Patrick — Google review

Nice , clean facility. Bathrooms we pristine with an attendant working hard to keep them that way. The were out of some products but thats mainly because of Covid and being short staffed. We like to visit Mercier on our trips to Blue Ridge.

Purple Rain — Google review

This is the top of the mountain for farmers markets. If you are anywhere within 8 hours of this place you owe yourself a visit. From 🍎apples, 🍑 peaches, 🫐 blueberries and 🍯🐝honey to everything in between. This place has an awesome breakfast and lunch. A top tier bakery, candy, toy shop, jams, jellies and so much more!!! There is even a 🍷 wine tasting room with craft wine and ciders. Do not miss making a trip to this farmers market Mecha!!!

Shadd Boucher — Google review

There are probably so many reviews about this place that I just don’t think I can add a lot. It was a great experience. I went there on my own thanks to a friend who recommended it as a good option for a we can plan. I went in and it was blueberry picking season which is not as fun as picking up apples but it is still very cool and you get to take what you pick the shop they have is very good and big and they have a ton of things and I didn’t stay to eat, but I tried some of the apple ciders they have, and some of them were very good, I ended up spending over $100 in products in that shop including the Seiter and some gifts for the family. I saw a lot of people with their kids which makes me think it is probably a very fun experience for the little ones as well.

Alejandro Cabral — Google review

I was so excited about visiting Mercier Orchard, and it did not disappoint! The drive up was beautiful, and so was the orchard. There were so many different items to try. The apple slushie is amazing! We also purchased some baked goodies and apple peach cider. Everything was great. I highly recommend visiting!

bianca white — Google review

I had the best time here! I always get apples when I come through north Georgia and I'll definitely be back to Mercier. The gentleman conducting the apple sampling was very helpful and gave me excellent advice about which apples are best to can. The samples were delicious and I bought a full bushel. They also have a bakery, an extensive gift shop, and of course, I took pictures by the tractor. It was a great afternoon.

Jillian Harker — Google review

Mercier Orchards is like a dream come true for fruit fans. Their fruit desserts are super tasty, with pies, free apple tasting samples, desserts and preserves that are chock-full of natural fruity goodness.The best part? You get to enjoy all this deliciousness in a cozy, welcoming place surrounded by beautiful fruit trees. It's a fantastic spot to enjoy yummy treats, pick your own fruits and soak up the great outdoors. If you love food and nature, you've got to check it out!

Renzo Gavino — Google review

If you’re ever in Blue Ridge, I highly recommend you add Mercier Orchards to your “must see” list! The bakery items are fresh and delicious. My personal fav from the bakery is the apple fritter, it’s huge and they will heat it up for you if you ask! There’s a huge selection of different gifts, jerky, sweets, soups, wine 🍷, dips and so much more! There’s a bar inside that serves wine slushes and lots of other drinks. They even serve samples of all of their apples and you can buy the ones you love 😋 My favorite items were the apple wine and the Granny Smith Apple chapstick 🤩 I should’ve bought more so make sure you grab one - or five! lol

Angel Robertson — Google review

Mercier is always amazing. Make sure you stop in and do a wine and beer flight made on-site. Then visit the Bakery for fresh baked goods and other treats.

Vidal Sanabria — Google review

This place is massive! So much to see and experience. They have a great organization to there store and they items are color coded! Check out the pictures… they seriously have it all: jams, hells, sauces, mixes, honey, beauty products, kitchen wares, wine, cider, meat, cheese, produce, baked goods…They also have the Cider Mill with tastings.

S V — Google review

We went during PRIME TIME! A beautiful fall afternoon. Due to it being later in the season we only had the opportunity to pick one species of apples (14$ per bag) however the fields themselves were not crowded, the tractor picked us up/dropped us off, water was sold on site for 1$, and the apples were so sweet and plump! Only reason I have to bring it down a star is lack of accessibility for wheelchairs throughout the entire facility, poor traffic management and lack of communication on the strollers policy. Aside from that beautiful view and great variety for family fun.

Paws' Prints — Google review

4.7

(7465)40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (190)

4.5

(2508)40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (191)

8660 Blue Ridge Dr, Blue Ridge, GA 30513, USA

(706) 632-3411

25

Harrah's Cherokee Valley River

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Hotel

Fun & Games

Casinos

Harrah's Cherokee Valley River is a casino resort with four casual dining options, a bar and coffee shop, and well-trained staff. The location is wheelchair accessible and popular for family trips. Their food court is hygienic with quick service. They regularly add new slot machines to their collection that offer fun playing experience. The hotel rooms are comfortable with cozy beds and pillows making it an ideal vacation or weekend getaway spot.

Best customer service I've received in a long time. I had accidentally booked us at a different hotel and casino resort that was another 90 minutes away. Becky helped us by calling and getting it switched over last minute. Completely saved our night. She went above and beyond to make it as stress free as possible.The casino itself is small compared to others that I've been to, but everything is clean, new, and it was an overall great experience. Would definitely come again if in the area.

Shelby Larsen — Google review

This place is "Starting" to grow on me. Much better atmosphere than my visit back in November 2021. Masks are encouraged but not Forced on you. The Food court has gotten back into it's groove and the options are plentiful and given a 4 Day 3 night stay we had tried just about everything with no complaints. The main Restaurant was superb, my Steak couldn't have been cooked any better and exactly as I requested. Medium with no seasoning only salt and hint of cracked pepper. This place still has plenty of real table games(it's nice have a real human for a dealer). They still have a mix of virtual table machines but the balance was much better than a lot of other out of the way casino resorts are going. Great selection of slots but still like all the other casinos, they are very tight. The areas for those not able to gamble was open and they had plenty to do to keep them busy. I recommend you check out their website to see all the options and entrainment available to anyone traveling with young people. I seen quite a few on this trip and they seemed quite happy and talkative. In all, we enjoyed this visit but I still miss my Wisconsin favorites. However, this one will definitely grow on you. Enjoy and definitely Good Luck! You'll need it, Lol.

Kenton Wiedenbeck — Google review

Went to the casino. Did not stay at the hotel. If you sign up for a players card you get $25 free play. Very cool. Player tiers pretty easy to access. If you like to gamble everything easy to get to. The table games were full but the couple that were not, did offer to teach me. You don't always get that at Hard Rock. Harrah's is very friendly and the bar prices are reasonable and close by. All the staff was nice and were joking with us. Wish it was closer!

Wayne Carpenter — Google review

My husband and I had a wonderful 2 night stay at Harrah’s Valley River in Murphy, NC. The hotel was extremely clean with comfy beds and with amazing views. The casino is small but very clean and well situated. We loved it. Everyone was kind and helpful. Super nice food court. We’re already planning a trip back there.

Cindy PA — Google review

Drove from Georgia. Love this casino. Only downsides are no free drinks and no poker. Gotta buy drinks for $10. If you want to play poker, gotta go the neighbor casino 20 minutes away.Bathrooms were clean. Staff was friendly. Dealers also teach. Gave out masks at entrances.

Phi Hoang Nguyen — Google review

Really nice getaway place for a short visit with adults. Good food, mountain lifestyle an culture, historic location, and plenty of gambling games to bet on. Cost of total stay is pretty much whatever you want it to be an if you get real lucky the trip could prove very lucrative. I will be visiting here again and again.

Joshua Bailey — Google review

This place is always fun. Love the free play they give out sometimes. They're doing construction to improve, so parking is a little wonky right now. Great place to possibly make a few dollars or at least be entertained.

JudyMarie — Google review

My husband and I celebrated our anniversary here, and it was an amazing experience! It was a very relaxed environment, and open to beginners (like me!) We had dinner at the Landing Cafe and sat at the bar. Their team (Stevie & Alex) were doing a fantastic job on a busy Saturday night. All of the staff in the casino was knowledgeable, all facilities cleanly, and all of the guests seemed to be having a great time like us! We will definitely be going back since it was close to our home in Tennessee. Very convenient location and great for an extended trip or a day trip!

Megan Greene — Google review

The staff is excellent! The waitresses are so nice , the hot chocolate and vanilla cappuccino’s on the casino floor are so good ( tip your waitress she running all over the casino floor) this location is my favorite to bring my mom , easy to get around if you have a walker or wheel chair. The food court is really good. very clean , the staff cooking and serving work hard to keep the lines moving. The selection of slot machines are great , they are always getting new ones , fun to play .Stayed here for a few days last spring, Hotel rooms are very nice, great beds and comfortable pillows. Very relaxing environment, great place for a vacation or weekend trip.

Wendy Pisano — Google review

Nice hotel and casino setup. All very new and clean. Casino area is pretty small and can feel overcrowded a bit. Was hard to get on to machines we wanted to play, as there were always others on them and waiting. But overall a nice experience.Was disappointed about the craps table minimum. A $25 minimum makes it very hard to play for a casual player. Would love if there was a $5 or at least a $10 min option.

Jenny Dougherty — Google review

I’ve been a hotel guest on many occasions and each time it was a great experience. The hotel is clean and the atmosphere there is inviting, to say the least. The staff are incredible, the casino is well-run and although the hotel is under renovation, it’s quiet. There’s not much to improve upon, it’s very impressive how well the hotel treats the guests, every time.

Ashley Grooms — Google review

My first visit to the casino 🎰 hidden in the mountains of North Carolina in a nice quiet town of 🥰 Murphy. My only complaint was there was any sitting chair in my room. I like to read.📕Sherrie was very nice and helpful. And a big shout out to Bill and Travis at the bellhop

Pete Kane — Google review

Very adorable with great views. The room was comfortable and roomy. They had many different food and dinning options. Staff was very accommodating to your need. If you like to gamble this is the perfect place. It is also a great place to stay even if you don’t gamble which worked for us. It’s close to many different surroundings towns.

Heather Mueller — Google review

Didn't do any pictures, but we really liked their food court options. More affordable & easily accessible than at Cherokee. We just did a day trip for a fall mountain ride. Smaller casino, so easier to navigate, but it appears they are expanding. An enjoyable & relaxing day trip from Cherokee

June Bennett — Google review

Great trip and time in the casino. The rewards program is highly beneficial. The room was nice, spacious and clean. The employees who helped us get checked in and to our room were also great . That said once we got home, not only did we discover you don't get your full deposit back, we were also charged the deposit twice. When we called to dispute this problem the response and desire of that staff member to help resolve the problem was less than desirable and now we are stuck disputing it. Outside of that, the time in the casino was Fantastic and so were the people who helped make the experience memorable.

Jessica Cannon — Google review

I had a great overnight stay. The room was spacious and clean and with great views! The slots were kind to me also! Every employee that I interacted with was very friendly and helpful. I would love to go back New Years Eve, but Ihate driving in the dark. I had a lovely time. Next time I will take pictures.

Yevette Parker — Google review

Rooms are overpriced but clean, well equipped and quiet. Staff is friendly and accommodating. Casino is small but clean and has most of the games you would see at any casino and it’s not very crowded. The food choices are all fast food but will work in a pinch. The VIP bar is my biggest complaint as I’ve never sat at a more uncomfortable bar. Everyone agreed and the staff said the owners were aware but did not plan to update it. This is a shame as we would have spent much more time there but our backs and knees were killing us from hunching and crowding to reach the machines.

Julie Palmeri — Google review

Slots were tight as a virgin. Payouts & bonuses were very minimal to none. Music was depressing. Felt like I was at a security guard convention with an over abundance of security guards for such a small place. Heard they are planning to expand. Place has tons of potential, but needs reworked. Prefer the other Cherokee Casino and probably won’t be back until changes are made. Clean and friendly environment. Food court was great. Hotel rooms were decent, plenty of rooms. No smoking and no valet. Plenty of parking. Would be a great place to come and watch sports. Drinks are pricey. Beautiful location.

JENNIFER WARD — Google review

I visited this location for the first time with my elderly mom. The first night was fine. The next night the room was fill with strong cigarette coming from the headboard. I was given an option to use a machine to take out the smoke and if we change rooms it would be faraway from the elevator, no access to transport items and too far for my mom to walk. We took the option of the machine and few hours later the room was full of smoke again. I have acute asthma and now have to get treatment for inhaling all of this smoke. I would like to be compensated for my last two nights and ensure if I visit again that they implement some time questionnaire if you are. Smoker so they are not house in the same area with non smokers.

Melissa Francisco — Google review

Rented cabin nearby so didn't experience rooms but enjoyed the casino. Currently under expansion but has enough slot machines to play. Has compactly for large crowds. Has been busy the times I have went but has enough varity of new popular game machines to go around. It does serve sandwiches etc now with more to come.

Dottie Kirkland — Google review

Save money and time. Go to Dave and Buster's. We thought about staying the night and asked to see a suite. No suites. We were shown their biggest room. Not so big and only available for comped high rollers. Even though it is only a 90 minute drive from me I have absolutely no desire to go back. We did have dinner in their only sit down restaurant. Skip that too.

Brian Rhodes — Google review

Just went to gamble. Didn't win anything. Not even a little line pay when we went. My husband hit $100.. I hit $0. Panda Garden was good!! It's in the mountains. Pretty location and a long ride for us. It's been a while since we went and planning on giving it another try. Didn't stay the night or had any service. Can't rate that.

celeste mcclure — Google review

Decided to check out this casino a couple of days ago. Wish we would have just not! I have heard such good things about it, but none of that held true. The casino floor is not very big at all. We were there early in the morning, but still could not play the slots that we wanted to because they were very limited and people just stayed on them the entire time! Did not see a co*cktail waitress the entire time that we were there, so that was disappointing as well. Definitely will not be coming back again! I will stick with Cherokee!

Clarissa Heckathorn — Google review

Fun birthday trip. Won a jackpot and witnessed many other winners while there. Staff is friendly and helpful. Rooms are clean. The water pressure meh, but we didn't let it ruin an otherwise great experience. The double window room in the hotel was a bonus view from the 5th floor.

Money Maker — Google review

My wife and I went to Harrah's to celebrate our retirement. Had dinner at Landings Cafe the food was fabulous. Popcorn shrimp for an appetizer, rib eye for me, my Sweetie had the pork tenderloin. Everything was great. Our waitress, Desiree, was super. She was polite, thanked us for coming in, was there to answer questions, but never rushed us. Great employee with stellar customer service skills. Stopped in the casino to donate a few bucks. It's nice,clean and the employees are very helpful.

Tom Kastelitz — Google review

The casino is currently under construction and there were a lot of games offline and areas completely closed off. For court is limited and could offer better selection. Glad I checked it out, but probably won't stay there again until construction is completed.

Sherry Bucknell Johnson — Google review

We stayed 3 nights to include New Year's eve. We also stayed over New Years last year. You throw a great New Years eve party! Even though the place was packed with thousands of people, there was no evidence of anyone being obnoxious or staggering drunk. It was just a really good time with a well behaved crowd. The music provided by the DJ was fantastic and had people dancing and singing along everywhere I looked, including me. It created a really fun party atmosphere. Unfortunately, the music from the band was a bit of a downer. Maybe next year you could just stick with the DJ? Not to be ungrateful, just a suggestion. Thank you for all the hospitality, including the beautiful clean rooms, and friendly staff. See you next year, or before.

Jeanne Hoel — Google review

My experience here was nothing less than fantastic. I lost my money but the amount of entertainment I received for my money was very well worth it. Will recommend to my family and friends. Actually , Harrahs Cherokee resorts needs to drive down the road and see how entertainment is supposed to be. Everyone was very upbeat and the atmosphere felt like you had a shot at winning. Which is a beautiful thing. There are plenty of games to keep you entertained.

Adam Prather — Google review

I'm not too far away from Harrah's-Murphy so I can't provide any input on the hotel, we only go to play the electronic craps. Unfortunately we went recently and found the table had been removed. We liked it because the limit was lower and there was usually room to play. We wanted to play but they only had one craps table open (Thursday afternoon) and there wasn't any room to play. Even if I'm local I don't want to drive there if there's no room to play at the tables.

Jill Seymour — Google review

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26

Ruby Falls

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Waterfall

Sights & Landmarks

Ruby Falls is a 145-foot underground waterfall inside a limestone cavern in Lookout Mountain. It's one of the most stunning sights you'll ever see, and it's definitely worth the cost of admission. The elevator ride down is amazing, and the waterfall itself is enhanced with lighting and stirring music to make it that much more thrilling.

I came with my boyfriend and we enjoyed our experience! The tourist was very informative, the walk was not moderate, the views were stunning, and we left overall satisfied with the trip!

Siya Patel — Google review

Dougie D was our guide and it was well worth the entry cost just for him. He made the guided walk super fun, knew lots, and handled crowds and kids awesomely.If you’ve been to any caverns, it’s not much different except the waterfall here is a treat. It’s accompanied by a light show. The overlook is nice as well and there is a zip line option if you’d like. They also have a night guided option during certain months.Wear nonslip closed foot gear. It gets slippery and wet down in the cave. Also purchase tickets in advance they sell out fast. We went on Saturday at noon and it was sold out for the day, we had to purchase for next day tickets and return. Enjoy!

Tiffany Hill — Google review

Really cool experience, 1200 feet underground which you take the elevator to. The cave tunnels have cool formations with names on the signs near them (however, our guide didn't really say much about any of them), and the tunnels are lit with neon colored lights. Note: the pathway is pretty slippery, the ceiling is only about 5'11 ish high, and the light show at the waterfall only lasts 10 min.

Laurel Dogger — Google review

Ruby Falls was such a fun experience. Buying tickets in advance is recommended, as well as arriving 10-15minutes early.Individual ticket prices (plus tax):Adults $25.95Kids (3-12) $15.95We visited on a Wednesday morning in June at 11am and had a full tour for our time slot. Parking is free but seems to be slightly limited. There were only a handful of spots left by the time we arrived that morning.The elevator takes you down approximately 260 feet (26 stories) below the surface. The path in the cave takes you deeper into Lookout Mountain, the farther you walk. By the time you reach the waterfall, you'll be 1120ft below the mountain's surface. It is also the tallest and deepest underground cave waterfall that's in the US and open to the public. Leo Lambert discovered it in 1928, after crawling for 6 hours/650ft and then walking/climbing an for an additional 11 hours, knowing that there was something hidden away. He then named it after his wife.It was an incredible and fun experience. I'd highly recommend visiting. If I'm recalling correctly, it took somewhere between 60-90 minutes for the whole tour, light show at the waterfall, and elevator rides.

Erin Bacher — Google review

Such a cool cave walk, took our group about 90 minutes total. An elevator takes you straight down into the cave where you begin. The experience starts with a group photo that can later be purchased and a short video of who and how the cave and falls were discovered. The falls is on a timer, so when we entered it was dark and then the lights came on and it was sooo beautiful! Highly recommend!!

Lisa Meminger — Google review

This was an awesome experience, the underground elevator, the caverns and the underground fall was worthy. Buy the tickets in advance, online is faster, there is no wait time. Tickets 25.95.

The Adventurers — Google review

Bought 8 am Tix, hoping to avoid crowd, and still had 20 or so on tour ( but it was Spring break?). Had a great tour guide, Emma ♥️. We have a slow poke, who required cane assist to walk, and they gave us time we needed. Mile walk to falls, hand rails available in parts, some slick but grooves in path, some steps, but mostly level (for a cave). Stories of discovery, formations and falls come with tour. Recommend to all who can manage a walk, great experience for young and older. Tickets online available. Cafe on site. Visitor center/gift shop. Observation tower. Kid friendly. Kennels on site. Zip lines closed when we visited, 🙄.

Nicole Wade — Google review

Never seen a waterfall inside a cave before. This place is super awesome. There is like 15-20min tour inside the cave with the guide explain the history of it. The waterfall is a must visit if you are around Tennessee. Please buy the ticket online if you want to save your waiting time.

Gayan N. Wimalarathna — Google review

Walk up to counter to pay for the tour. You get access to the viewing tower and a guided tour of the cave and falls.You enter the cave via an elevator ride a couple hundred feet down, then there's is an approximately 1/4 mile walk to the falls through the cave.The cave itself is beautiful and the falls are gorgeous.Parking out front is easy and accessible for all.Discounts for military/veterans.

William DeArmon (Bill) — Google review

We stopped by here for a little stop to stretch our legs so we didn't end up going in the caves but we did go up to the tower to get a look at the view. It was a beautiful place to stop even if you don't do all the activities provided.

Kye Guynn — Google review

I purchased our tickets online per their website recommendations and left about 1 hr in between attractions.WARNING!! That was way too much time! BUT they were very accommodating and were able to move up our reservations.Perhaps it has to do with the time of day or the day of the week. We had to push all our activities up by 2.5 hrs. With that said keep inmind that Ruby falls and the Zip line are on the same property.Our guide really made the cave walk a fun experience. Joe, was very personable, knowledgeable and had tons of insights about the falls and the area in general.We started at 12:30, with a group of 13 & that was the smallest group we encountered. We completed the tour at 2 pm (1.5 hr) total. We proceeded up the tower but not much to say as you can see it was a very muggy day.

Mag Ob — Google review

I visited Ruby Falls in Chattanooga, Tennessee and found the tour and cave experience to be nice, but I can only give it three stars. The tour felt quite rushed, with limited time to stop and take photos of the stunning formations. Additionally, the cave was quite crowded, and there were instances where one tour group had to pass another, making it challenging to navigate. Seeing the cave and the waterfall was cool, but the overall experience left me unsure if I would do it again.

Jonathan Richards — Google review

Great place overall but when I went here there was a baby crying so we didn’t really hear a lot of what the tour guide was saying but the our guide was awesome loved him but we went here last here on July 3rd, 2023. Recommend buying tickets in advance of course!!

Alice — Google review

It was very beautiful with lots of interesting rock formations. We really enjoyed our visit. It is a little bit of a long walk and might seem longer because you’re welcome slow and some areas have low hanging rock. I think it might’ve been longer this time because the elevator was broken and we had to walk extra. Definitely worth a visit.

Kristen Burch — Google review

OK. The waterfall is magical and worth the visit. HOWEVER the group sizes are too big over 30 people per group. We were constantly stopping to let other groups pass. It was annoying and too many people in the groups to fully enjoy the experience. We preferred raccoon caverns. Just an honest review from our experience.

Jillian Struble — Google review

Ruby falls a nice experience. It was different and kind of cool to see the cave and the falls. In my opinion a little expensive to pay 25 dollars to go under grown to see a small fall with a lot of people for one hour and walk one mile round trip.

Gio M — Google review

Spectacular! Fabulous place for a fun date or a day out with the kids. Wear good walking shoes and bring a light jacket because it gets a little chilly down there.

Angela Highsmith — Google review

Lovely place to take a family trip to and enjoy something new. Drove up during the weekends and had a great time exploring the caves. The staff are competent and humorous and the overall location is easy to reach. Just be careful on the drive up the mountain, lots of sharp turns and speeding cars.

Avery Who — Google review

Ruby Falls was an underground adventure like no other! As I descended deep into Lookout Mountain, I couldn't help but marvel at the wonders hidden beneath the earth's surface.The highlight was, of course, the stunning 145-foot waterfall, Ruby Falls, named after the discoverer's wife, Ruby. It's a geological marvel, with its underground formation dating back millions of years.Did you know? Ruby Falls was accidentally discovered in 1928 during the excavation of a cave. It's now one of the tallest and deepest commercial underground waterfalls in the United States.The guided tour was both educational and thrilling, offering insights into the cave's history and the fascinating rock formations. Stalactites and stalagmites adorned the cave like natural sculptures.Pro tip: Wear comfortable shoes for the tour and be prepared for some moderate walking. It's a surreal journey into the heart of the earth and a testament to the wonders of nature. A must-visit for explorers and history buffs alike! 🌍🕳️🏞️

Sahaj Parekh — Google review

Ruby Falls was a really cool experience and I would definitely recommend it! The total tour is approximately 1 hour (underground). The walk is a little more than a mile round trip and is easygoing. It’s mostly flat, with some minimal stairs. I saw several limited mobility persons on the tour, although it was a longer walk and you could tell they were tired by the end. Minor limited mobility would be alright. Those who have difficulty with walking long distances should avoid the tour because it is walking for an hour with no stops to sit and rest.The falls themselves are beautiful. Depending on how dry or wet it has been (rainfall) will determine the strength of the waterfall.Some tour guides are really funny and point out great things. Try to be at the front of the tour or you’ll not hear everything and miss what is being said.I’ve done several cave tours and this was definitely worth doing. It’s a cool experience for kids too because it doesn’t take very long and there’s a lot to look at.

Jennifer Hunziker — Google review

Second visit to Ruby falls after 17years. I have better cameras now so took better pictures :). The experience has been pretty consistent so I would say nothing much has changed and it is good. There are zip lining activities which I am not up for. So adventurous ones can try

Chitrak Gupta — Google review

They are open until 8pm. I have been here multiple times. It’s good for a one time visit and if you have not seen any other under ground caves. The staff and the tour guides are knowledgeable. I still wonder the source of water. I have never seen the water flow increase or decrease its always the same during my multiple visits. The stalactites and stalagmites are many. Worth a visit one time. Beauty of this place is it’s 260 feet below. Only thing disappointing is they really do not give enough time to spend and click pics at the main fall. It is close to a mile walk so can get a little for elders and people who cannot talk much.

Sydney Dmonte — Google review

It was an interesting underground Falls, and the cave was interesting, but the tour guide literally runs you through, the only place you get to actually stop and take photos is at the Falls, but there are plenty of other interesting items in the cave that you miss. Groups can be upwards of 38 people and they do many group tours a day.

LaDonna Henslee — Google review

We had heard about these falls and wanted to see it for ourselves and it's very impressive! It's fun to see different rock formations and the cute little names they have for each. We had a tour group of about 20 people, it can get kind of narrow, but I never felt claustrophobic. Seeing the falls at the end, it's actually very soothing to listen to. I do wish we had some more time to take pictures at that spot.

Guy Lin — Google review

Decided to stop on the way to FL. Well worth the side trip. Really enjoyed our guide and the beauty of the caves.

John Fischer — Google review

2024-Feb. We arrived here on a Saturday afternoon. We previously bought tickets and reserved our tour time.There was a small parking lot in front of the entrance and more parking spaces on the side of it.We went through the souvenir shop. A restroom is located at the back. There is no restroom in the caves so better visit the restroom before you go. Also at the back of the souvenir shop is the electronic sign that shows the tour time that needs to fall in line. You have to go through the corridors under the e-sign because the actual entrance is at the end of the corridor, beside the restaurant.When your tour time is next, the staff will allow you to fall in line where our tour guide meets us. After an elevator ride, the tour begins.The cave is well-lit with different colored LED lights. The atmosphere is quite nice- not cold or warm. You are not allowed to touch any of the formations.There was also a flat-screen TV where you had to watch the history of the discovery of the cave.I believe it took us 30 minutes or so to get to the falls. We had to make a few stops to make room for the people who were heading back to the elevator.The cave ground surface has been cemented- flat in some areas and with staircases in other areas.The falls is spectacular. With the lighting installed, the visibility is great! The water under the falls is about 5-ft (according to our guide). She didn't mention how big that area was when it was discovered.After the falls, you get to see your green-screen photos. I believe it was $35+, with digital prints.We visited the castle after the caves. There is an elevator that will take you from the 1st floor to halfway up the tower. We only took a few minutes on top of the tower. There's nothing to do up there aside from seeing downtown Chattanooga.It was a good experience if you can stop by.Happy caving 😊 and give this review a thumbs up if it helped you in any way.

Cindy Rose — Google review

4.5

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4.0

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Chattanooga, TN 37409, USA

27

High Country Adventures

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Raft trip outfitter

Tours

Water Sports

High Country Adventures is a full-service tour company that offers a variety of outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and rock-climbing. Visitors have praised the welcoming and friendly staff who create a light-hearted and upbeat atmosphere. The whitewater rafting experience is highly recommended, with expert guides providing flawless directions for maximum adventure. Guests appreciate the excitement and safety provided by experienced guides, making it an incredible adventure every time.

We had an absolute blast. It was my husband's first time going, and now he can't wait to go back. The High Country team was great. Our team leader Hannah was absolutely great. She did a wonderful job, and made sure everyone on the raft was enjoying themselves and tried to Kerri everyone comfortable.(The river was freezing, but it was still an amazing trip!)

Shannon Whitaker — Google review

My experience was amazing. This was my 1st time ever rafting. The staff was friendly and informative. They show us our safety guideline prior to our ride up to the rafts. Our guide James was very great. He was knowledgeable about was needed to keep us in the boat. Also you get great photos of our experience.

Melissa Harvey — Google review

This is the best white water rafting tour around!! We have now gone a few times and every time has been an incredible adventure story lol. Shelley is the best guide ever hands down! But all of the guides there are amazing an experienced. You feel excited and safe and having fun all at the same time. They start out by giving you an intro class and teach you how to do the paddles etc. Then you board the bus and ride down to the entrance at the river. The lunch they serve is pretty good too and they even offer a veggie option. There is also a really fun part before lunch where you swim and float down the river. The water gets colder as the season ends, we went the second time on last day of the season. But what an incredible ride.The first time we conquered the Godzilla rapid was unreal and the second time too. If you stay on the raft or if you flip you will be well prepared and it will be an adventure of a lifetime. We cannot wait to go back next year! They also take pictures the entire time so you have the option to buy one or all of them at the end. Team Kenny!

Heather Tazza — Google review

Candace was a great guide with lots of experience on the river. She took us through the rapids making my boat of novices feel like pros. High Country was great to deal with on the phone (called them instead of booking through Groupon) for my party of 9.

Paul — Google review

Me and my group thoroughly enjoyed our time. We went after 3pm which seems is the best time of day for the rapids. Our guide was Dean and he was spectacular. He's a lead guide and knows all the great rapids and key spots in the river. He also know many tricks with the raft that made the experience that much better. He also had great conversation and kept the first timers calm yet brought them out their shells. I highly recommend and ask for Dean!

R Alvarez — Google review

Went here for one of my good friends Birthday and we had an amazing time. I had never been water rafting before this time. The event was crazy. The water was exactly what we needed it to be. I plan on going back for my birthday!

POP Studios — Google review

This was my first time whitewater rafting, and I can 100% say that I loved it!The staff there were super welcoming and friendly, and they all had a light-hearted, upbeat attitude, and definitely made the whole experience that much better!After a scenic drive to the dam where the rafting starts, we met our guide and learned our commands, and this began our trip down the river.I won't spoil the trip, because I definitely think you should do it yourself, but just know that it is definitely worth it.Also, quick shout out to some of our guides, TC Lee, Jack, and Hannah!

Ethan Poole — Google review

Family adventure day was a success! Everyone had a fun day and enjoyed rafting on the river. Our guide Howdy was awesome. Definitely will recommend this place to friends and we will be back. So much fun!

Sarah Knight — Google review

I have not had so much fun in forever! This weekend was my first experience in white water rafting and we did the full run - Upper and middle. We had ‘Gale Force’ as our guide and things couldn’t have been more perfect. We also stayed in the cabins - if you’ve not done this you definitely should. Lots of room, clean, very convenient, and the views are amazing. Best part? No TV. 🤪. Thank you for an absolutely amazing adventure. I could not think of a better way to spend my birthday!

Dee Kuma — Google review

This was the best whitewater rafting trip I have ever experienced. Our guide was Nick (Harp) and he was an expert with us. He gave flawless directions & delivered 100% when we asked for max adventure! When we flipped in a rapids, Nick successfully managed to rally everyone back into the boat before maneuvering us out. I am used to having boring & uneventful trips down the river but WOW if I could have detailed everything I wanted to happen on a trip, it would be this one. Thank you so much Harp ! You’ve redeemed whitewater for me - & We absolutely loved you!

Devin Snyder — Google review

I had the most incredible time white water rafting. We had a big group & some were rafting for the first time (naturally apprehensive). TC Lee was our instructor & he did an amazing job from start to finish. He was funny, engaging, & super safety conscious while giving us a ton of thrills! Im looking forward to next year!!!

LMik — Google review

We took a family of five and had a fantastic experience on the middle part of the river. Sydney was our guide and we could not have asked for a better person to take us down the River. She was kind, respectful, and extremely knowledgeable. I trusted her to keep our family safe, but also to give us a great time together.

Mundok Fam — Google review

This is my first white water rafting trip, plus I can't swim. I have a tremendous amazing experience wanting to do it again. Our raft leader is Shelly. He is awesome, very experienced, and so is all his raft mates. My friends and I we have the 5 hours trip it included lunch regular burger or veg burger. I wish I had a go pro camera. Ocoee River scenery is amazing.

Jojo Wan — Google review

This was my first time white water rafting and it was so much fun. Our guide T.C. Lee was very nice and treated us with care. He was very knowledgeable about the River and the many different names of the tides and rocks. I would definitely do this again

Sylvia Omo-Abu — Google review

Really enjoyed today's trip with friends and family. Our guide Justin was very fun and knowledgeable about the rapids and we had a good run down middle Ocoee. I have done this section of the river many times and always enjoy bringing new people with me.

anita ling — Google review

This is our 4th time with High Country. The place is top-notch. The guides are always excellent. White-water fun at its fullest. We did the middle Ocoee class IV. Our two daughters ages 12 and 14 went down this river for the first time, Mr. Pink made sure to keep us safe and kept the fun rolling. We will be back agian! Our daughters haven't stopped talking about how much fun they had. They are ready for some Class Five with Pink!

Larisa Sito — Google review

4.8

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5.0

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430 US-64, Ocoee, TN 37361, USA

(423) 338-8634

28

Tennessee Aquarium

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Aquarium

Zoos & Aquariums

The Tennessee Aquarium is a waterfront complex that showcases a wide variety of sea and river animals, birds, and butterflies. With interactive shows and cruises, visitors can explore two buildings: River Journey and Ocean Journey. River Journey features exhibits about the diverse fish and wildlife found along the Tennessee River as it flows from mountains to ocean. Highlights include playful otters and a seahorse exhibit. In Ocean Journey, visitors can enjoy a butterfly garden, penguins, sharks, and other ocean dwellers.

I love aquariums and this one did not disappoint. It is divided into two buildings, one for ocean one for river. It takes you through the museum in a specific path so you aren’t going in circles. The buildings are huge. But very fun to explore. My favorite part in the ocean building was seeing the sea turtles and my son loved the sharks and penguins. In the River building we both loved the giant river fish and all the turtles. He even got to touch an animal in its tank. Great family experience. The gift shop is even moderately priced

Evian Lawson — Google review

We all know that if I rate this place any lower than this, it will be shuffled out of sight because negativity isn't popular on this platform.But here's the truth: it's underwhelming. If you've visited Florida, have been on any deep sea fishing trips, live near a river or spent any time near aquatic or riparian environments, you've seen all this and more. The best I can say is it does provide an adequate insight into water wildlife. If you have not been able to spend time near any bodies of water, it's a decent overview at best.The ocean section of the aquarium leaves you with the feeling of "that's all?"I CAN say that it's clean, well managed, and the staff is friendly. The layout and design is nice. It's relaxing and scenic. The buildings themselves are architecturally pretty. Beyond that though, it gets a ho hum shrug. If the tickets were any pricier, I'd say it's not a good value at all. For the current cost, it's a "fair" value at best, and that's being kind.The pics I've included are seriously the stand out sights. Sorry to be so honest, I can tell they work hard, but the true rating would be a two point five.

Ultra Violet — Google review

Great aquarium and very easily accessible. One of our group members needs easy access ramps to get to things and they had absolutely no problem getting to every exhibit in the buildings. The aquarium is very kid friendly and I highly recommend bringing children here. We saw the scuba divers playing rock paper scissors with some of the kids while they were cleaning an exhibit. There is so much to see to give yourself a few hours to experience everything. You have to get tickets in advance!

Lorantz Rogers — Google review

I went with my kids and extended family. Let me tell you, it's a must to visit when in Chattanooga. They have interactive pools for touching fish. The staff was inviting and the place was very clean. Just go, don't even think about it. It's good for everyone.

Kory A — Google review

Such a great aquarium!! We went around 3pm 2/18/24 and tickets were unfortunately sold out. Walking away towards the river I noticed that there was a member services entrance so I was curious about how much a family membership would be and if we got one would we be able to go in. Normal daily tickets are $40 for adults and youth tickets are $30. Our group would’ve paid $110 plus taxes I’m sure. The family membership for 1 year is $195 and would allow us to go in that day. Sold! We plan on returning to Chattanooga to explore Raccoon Mountain Caverns some more so I figured that the chances that we’d return to the aquarium too were pretty high. The aquarium consists of 2 buildings. The River Journey building and the Ocean Journey building. The aquarium closes at 5pm so we decided to go to the Ocean Journey building first. So much cool stuff to do! You can touch stingrays and go into a butterfly pavilion, watch penguins getting fed and so much more. We had enough time to go to the River Journey and got to see most of all of the amazing things in there before we had to leave. So much fun and I look forward to going back and being able to take our time and truly explore all of the cool things that they have to see.

Haynes Gibbs — Google review

This was a fun experience! I have so many questions! I certainly got my steps in!The price of the tickets covered the River Journey. Both were very interesting and entertaining. Some parts are interactive.On this day the penguins seemed to protest our being there... they had their backs to us... (giggles) and the Otter didn't show up at all.I saw fish I'd never seen and I watch all things nature all of the time.Masks are required... however not enforced. All employees wear masks.Parking is tight because it's the only lot in the center of a business intersection. We walked from our hotel.The food. Food is served, or should I say sold near the aquarium. The place was dirty and well, we ate cuz we were hungry and thirsty... that won't happen again. And just be aware, see the pic, if you order a salted pretzel... a SALTED pretzel is what you get.The Aquarium and the river Journey are well worth the money. I do suggest you take lunch.

Paula DeeSer — Google review

This is a fantastic date spot! I went with my boyfriend and some of his family and we all had a blast. The journey is easy to follow and the experience is beautiful. It's clean, staff are friendly, and it's an overall interesting experience. The gift shop is expensive, but the tickets are well worth your money. The website is still terrible for buying tickets, but we got in quickly with no trouble at the ticket booth.

Mya Spradlin — Google review

Aquariums are always on the to-do list, and the one definitely didn't disappoint!We arrived without really looking online about the tickets, but when we got there, you buy your ticket for a certain time slot. So we had to wait 45 minutes to get in, but it was not an issue cause there is so much to do outside the Aquarium that the time went really fast!They have 2 different buildings, which are both extremely wheelchair accessible.They have 2 pools where you can touch the animals, a beautiful butterfly room, lots of interactive things to do with kids, and so much more.It's definitely worth the trip, and definitely worth the money!

Krystal R — Google review

A beautiful and educational experience. You can take the whole family, and there's something everyone will enjoy. There is a man-made creek out front, public access, and anyone is welcome to splash and play. The exhibits are spectacular, from glorious gardens and a butterfly room to the land of glowing jellyfish. I really enjoyed the river side, as it helps to teach our children about the place they live. There are several exhibits on being respectful to our planet. Most importantly, our 2 younger children got away from us in one of the areas with little lighting. The staff was awesome! They were ready to lock that place up tight the moment we told them what was going on. Luckily, the kids turned up about 30 seconds after that. It was very reassuring that the staff took it so seriously.Plus, you're in downtown Chattanooga! You can grab a bite to eat at any of the numerous delicious restaurants within walking distance after you tour the museum!Give yourself 3-5 hours to fully enjoy. We will be back. It's already our 3rd trip.

Magye Zaulet — Google review

Little pricey but it's a great aquarium! The river portion alone is massive and the size of many other aquariums we've been to. Plenty of exhibits and fun for the family. Kids love the stingray petting exhibit in the ocean side of the aquarium!Recommend buying tickets in advance so you don't have any wait and have a spot ready for you.

Zach Wilson — Google review

I have been to aquariums in 20 states. This was the first time I have seen a cold water river display. Very unique multi-tiered building. Freshwater side seems newer. Impressive. Perhaps my new favorite aquarium. Many species I have never seen. Saltwater side has one super large very clean tank that winds all through the building. A few impressive tanks on the salt side. But you are done before you want to be. The fresh water side is worth driving or flying in to see. We really enjoyed it.

Ryan Dyal — Google review

Nice aquarium with plenty of interesting exhibits. Sadly, the penguin exhibit was being renovated so we didn't get to see any penguins, but everything else was interesting. The butterfly garden was very nice. The staff were very friendly and pointed out interesting things in the exhibits.

Sybyl Stringer — Google review

We were actually quite late entering and we're not given any issues. We had a lot of fun. The exhibits are perfect condition. The animals all seem happy. I swear some of the fish pose!

Christi Davis — Google review

This is an amazing aquarium! It's comparable to aquariums in Florida possibly even better. I love that they have the exhibits set up to reflect the location. For example, the penguin exhibit is cold while the alligator exhibit is humid and set up like a swamp. I also like that they separate the saltwater and freshwater into 2 different buildings. It truly is a fantastic experience for the whole family to enjoy.

Brooke Shorter — Google review

A very unique take on an aquarium but worthwhile. Some construction/renovation has areas unavailable. The seperation of fresh & salt water exhibits is good & gives time to enjoy, read about them & mosey along. The atmosphere & staff are very chill & helpful. The restrooms were well maintained and clean. The gift shops were also clean and organized.The staff that would provide insight at various displays were knowledgeable and courteous.We split the tour with lunch in between (we ate at Burger Republic across the parking lot from the aquarium & within easy walking distance. It is Veteran owned and operated and i highly recommend). I do suggest starting your tour in the freshwater exhibit as it will take longer to see. The saltwater exhibit is rather quick but take your time in the lemur enclosure, butterfly room and penguins. Lots of laughs to be had!Overall a great afternoon spent with family!

Mr. C PJR — Google review

Our favorite aquarium we’ve ever seen! We drive almost 4 hours just to visit for a day trip when possible. We love how clean and how well the animals are taken care of. Today we got to see divers cleaning the tanks. One diver was so very sweet when he saw my autistic son holding a river toy and signed for a photo with him! That definitely made our day!

Mamanik13 — Google review

There are 2 buildings and a beautifully designed space in between. You start from the tops of the buildings and work your way down, so it is a very easy and accessible attraction. It takes about 3 hours to do both buildings if you don't stop to read all the informative educational plaques or try out the touch tanks. The River building does have more tanks to look at, but the Ocean building has equal amount of entertainment. You do have to pay for parking and there are lots of places around to go eat at afterwards. Great for all ages.

Solanine Eustoma — Google review

An absolutely wonderful experience! The freshwater exhibits are spectacular and they cover so many species. The saltwater aquarium is equally as cool and it also has a butterfly atrium on top

Kevin Parker (KPKev) — Google review

Impressive! Parking could be tricky but we got lucky and were able to park on their lot. I’ve been to a lot of aquariums but this one is so well done. You really feel like you are experiencing the world under the water. Two buildings, one for freshwater (lots of local river info and rivers around the world) and the ocean building. The staff was feeding and explaining everywhere. Really allowed you to see the animals in action. Touch pool as well. Butterfly garden. Admission was around $40 for adults but well worth it for the experience. IMAX movies were available for extra fee.Also check out the Trail of Tears memorial and the river right outside. Lots of places to sit and enjoy a beautiful day outside.

Heather Winder — Google review

Customer service was very friendly at the front desk, we had to wait for the 1:00 p.m. tour, so we had 45 minutes where we walked around the outside and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. Very nice view by the river made the time go by fast and we even walked through the gift shop and grab some concessions from the snack shack.The tour is beautiful, everything seemed to well kept, we enjoyed all of the exotic fish as well as all the information that is posted throughout the exhibit. My favorite was the butterfly exhibit, I was told that they had more butterflies in previous moments but I understand during the winter time they can't have a ton of butterflies out. But they were very nice and there were quite a few of them to watch.Highly recommend coming here, all the animals seem well taken care of and there wasn't as busy as I thought it was going to be on a Saturday.

Michael Todd — Google review

We really enjoyed our time at the aquarium, it was fun for all ages. We loved the crawl spaces, it made us feel like we were in the tanks. The collection of animals was diverse making it more interesting. We loved how the River building flowed and wished that continued in the Ocean building. Overall it's somewhere we'd visit again!

Christen Francescone — Google review

Saturday crazy busy!! I looked online before traveling. Nothing said to purchase tickets in advance. We had to wait 3 hours before we could even schedule a time to enter the aquarium. On top of that, we had to pay 15$ to park. Ended up having to purchase tickets for the next day and come back because the next scheduled time would not give us enough time to view both fresh and salt water sides. We are not local. Hopefully, this will be worth the return trip tomorrow!!Follow up, we drove back to Chattanooga and visited both sites. We had to pay another 15$ to park. The salt water side was okay. The older fresh water side was very nice. I have to be honest, it was NOT worth 110$ for 3 of us, but it had been over 10 years since we had been. Probably will not return for another 10 years. The city was clean and there were a lot of places to eat.

Steve Obermeyer — Google review

Fantastic Aquarium. The split buildings were a cool way to physically transfer you from Fresh Water to Salt.The Ocean bottom walk through was the best I've ever experienced. Multiple areas to view fish 360° and spots to sit/lay and enjoy.The river walk was very unique, haven't seen any other Aquariums that focus on rivers in particular. Getting to pet a sturgeon was awesome.

Ken Sales — Google review

Great Aquarium! We had a blast. There is a lot to see between the two aquariums that are very different one being the ocean and the building next door has native and river fish. Traveled with toddler and was a great space to walk around. Went Friday during the day and there was not many people. Highly recommend stopping. With having picnic outside before we spent three hours here.All the tanks and fish are well kept. Tanks are clean and spacious.

Ashley Gutowski — Google review

My wife and I visited the Aquarium on a rainy Tuesday. We did everything except the IMAX show and it took us about 3 hrs to get through all of it. It was one of the best aquariums Ive been to. This is on par or better than the Boston and Miami aquariums. The design of the buildings makes it easy to navigate all the exhibits and so you can see everything efficiently. If you’re visiting from out of town, don’t miss this place! and of course if you live around it, and haven’t gotten there yet, make it a point to go and check it out, you wont be disappointed!

Clay Caragianes — Google review

4.7

(21400)40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (225)

4.5

(7082)40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (226)

1 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN 37402, USA

(423) 265-0695

29

Tail Of The Dragon rentals

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40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (229)40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (230)

Lodging

Outdoor Activities

Modest lodging inside a national forest offering low-key quarters with kitchens, BBQs & pool tables.

The ridge was awesome. Big garage and pool table. Parked 8 bikes easy! Clean linens and bathroom. The jacuzzis seemed nice but never used it. I'll be back for sure!

Dustin Ray — Google review

I can't begin to describe how perfect this place is.The location, the amenities... I will update when the trip is done.

Todd Bradford — Google review

The owner, property, cabin and garage are fantastic. Best place to stay and we are already planning to return.

Adrian Best — Google review

Great place for a large group to stay. Nice amenities and close to tons of great roads.

Nelson DeSousa — Google review

Great place to stay. All the amenities you could possibly want. Excellent location.

Eileen Dover — Google review

5.0

(9)40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (231)

4.5

(1248)40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (232)

1189 Lucinda Reed Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA

(828) 479-8400

30

The Lost Sea Adventure

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40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (235)40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (236)

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Tours

Nature & Wildlife Tours

Lost Sea Adventure is a cave tour and boat trip attraction that offers visitors an underground lake to explore. The cave network is well-maintained and the guides are knowledgeable about the formations, making for an interesting experience. The walk up is not too bad and the tour offers stops for breathers, which makes it more comfortable for those who are not used to walking long distances. The boat ride is also very cool and something not often seen in tourist attractions.

Nice to place to explore some cave spots. The guided tours were awesome with lots of information. Don't miss the lake ride under the caves. Claustrophobic need to avoid this. Visited the place en route from Atlanta to Smoky Mountain. A good stop with rest and a visit. Water proof shoes/boots are recommended for the visit.For the guides: Provide required time for people across all age. Felt being rushed which restricts the time to enjoy the awesomeness of the place.

inferno d — Google review

A very unique place to visit with a colorful history. The boat ride onto the lake is definitely the highlight of the tour and what anyone really goes there to do. Cave system over all was a lot smaller than expected and shorter than others I've been to unless you pay more to do the wild tour. Still an enjoyable way to spend an hour and worth a visit.

Jeremy Baughman — Google review

Tour: This cavern has the cool distinction of being America's largest underground lake. The tour lasts about an hour and a half, and your guide tells you about its history. Most of the tour is on uneven terrain through the cavern, and there are some inclines. There are lights everywhere, but it's a cavern, so it has low lighting. The boat ride was too brief, but I otherwise loved it. It was such a tranquil experience. The water is calm and still, and the fish were fascinating. Our tour guide was funny, but it was difficult to hear him at the back of the group, and he kept a fast pace through the tour. You couldn't spend much time stopping and enjoying the amazing cave features. I wish they gave you more time for the tour, but otherwise, a great experience.Restrooms: Their restroom building was under construction when we did the tour, but they had a restroom trailer that was very nice, clean, and well-kept.

Liz W — Google review

This cave and lost lake were absolutely amazing. The tour guide was very informative and gave a great deal of history on the findings and the cavern and the lake.Take time to stop and capture the coolest tours I've seen an awhile!!!You will not be disappointed.

Kevin S — Google review

Lovely cave and boat experience. Clean facility and great guides. It didn't feel as over commercialized as Ruby Falls, so that was a nice touch. Loved the addition of artists like the glass blower and the gem panning as well.

Scott Detweiler — Google review

This was an amazing experience! Our tour guide, Angela, was very knowledgeable and answered all of our questions. The hike back up was no joke! But there are benches that the guides will let you rest on. Very open spaced for those who are claustrophobic.

Amy Osborn — Google review

Great tour to take if you are looking for a cave tour. Casey and Ashley were excellent tour guides that knew a lot about the formations and answered all of your questions. The walk up had a decent grade at parts but not too bad. They do stop for a couple of breathers on the way up to give you a spot to catch your breath. Overall not too bad of a walk and highly recommend. The boat ride was really cool and not something you commonly get to do. Will definitely have to come back some time for their spelunking tour.

Austin Wiesner — Google review

As a local to Tennessee we have never visited these caves until today. We had age group 11-73 and we all had a great experience. The online booking was a breeze and so was the check in process.Our guide for today was Shay (I hope this is her name) and she was amazing. She was so friendly and her sense of humor was great, actually amazing.The walk down was pretty easy but the walk back up is pretty difficult for older people. It’s the incline that was tough for my mom and others I saw that had to stop numerous times.The lake at the bottom is absolutely beautiful and so peaceful down there. The water is crystal clear.I would definitely recommend.

Melissa Wimberly — Google review

I really enjoyed this adventure! The cave is so rich in history and beautiful. The lake was my favorite. I will definitely be doing this again. This cave is so big. You will get a good walk inside but not too strenuous. The guide stopped frequently so there’s plenty time to rest. Have fun!

Donna Holbrook — Google review

For those like me who didn't know, you take a tour with a small hike through a nice cool cave to a small boat ride then back. We got Angela and her "twin" as our tour guides and they both made sure that we had a good time. They have a small glass blower shop filled with beautiful hand blown customizable items, gift shop, and an ice cream shop that was closed at the time we went.

Ariel Sexton — Google review

We had a great time today. You want to have a great tour ask for Skyler. He is very informative and funny. Keeps the tour interesting. Definitely wear non skid shoes. Certain places were slippery. We liked the glass blowing place. Lots of beautiful items to purchase. The general store wasn't to impressed. A lot of the same thing and their mining bags were a little pricey. We were looking forward to the ice cream shop but it was closed. Not much else to do which was kinda a bummer.

Erika Galish — Google review

We have driven past the signs on I75 for this place for years and finally stopped to check it out. It is amazing! Well worth checking out. Skyler, our tour guide, did an amazing job. The boat ride on the underground lake is really cool.Note: the walk down to the lake is a little steep and slippery. You can sit out that part, but then you miss the boat ride.

Carson S Miller — Google review

What a fabulous place to visit. Very intriguing and had an excellent guide. No stairs anywhere all ramps so it's easy to walk with rest benches along the way. Highly recommend, njoy the trip.

Norman Long — Google review

The kids truly enjoyed it. The guided tour greatly enhanced our experience, and we learned a lot from our guide, Emma, who is both funny and knowledgeable. We visited during the kids’ spring break, and many time slots were sold out. I recommend purchasing tickets in advance during peak seasons.

J T — Google review

Just happened to see a sign and decided to detour and check it out. What a unique and fun experience! It’s quite a hike once you get started but if you’re able to walk inclines, you’ll be fine. Our guide Devin was fun and very well informed on the cave history etc. and the lake was amazing. If you’re passing through and have a couple hours to kill, go for it.

Percella Snyder — Google review

We had a blast at the Lost Sea! It's mostly a walking tour that takes about an hour and a half. The boat ride was 10 or 15 minutes at the end and there was a long climb back to the entrance of the cave. The cave is huge! Very cool! My kids are 5, 6, and 10 and all three had a ton of fun being in the cave. Be warned: if your kids are like mine, they'll get to the bottom of the cave and realize they need the bathroom...

Lewis Allen — Google review

It was a really cool experience, my wife and I loved it. Be sure to wear shoes, not open toed, some spots can be a bit slippery. Our guide Jess was real fun and informative as well. Highly recommend!

Aleksandar Vitanov — Google review

This was a great tour. Excellent your guides (ours was Laura- she was fantastic!) with lots of information. All the different rooms and levels were accessed by ramps, no stairs. Slippery in some spots, but fun. Definitely worth it!

Meg Sinnamon — Google review

I homeschool my 8 and 12 year old, and used this as a fun learning field trip. It was more touristy and busy than I had anticipated, but it didn't turn out to be a problem. The cave is impressive, and although I've lived in east TN for 15 years, I had never visited before. The tour guide was funny, well-spoken, and obviously knowledgeable on his facts. It kept adults and kids of various ages interested. I took a few notes in my phone while we toured and gave a little quiz to my kids after, and they both retained the information and enjoyed the adventure. The only heads up I wish I knew was the amount of walking on hills required. The walk down to the water they equate to a 7-story building in terms of grade difference. I'm a few months post partial knee-replacement, and although I was worried about the walking, I did just fine. Do wear grippy shoes though as the floors are worn smooth and would have been a bit slippery IMO without good sneakers. After the tour, I purchased a bag of rocks in the gift shop for the panning experience just because my kids had never done anything like that before. It was touristy, but fun for them. We have their treasures in the rock tumbler now.

Miriam Allen — Google review

This was such a beautiful experience! Our guide was informative and fun. The walk down into the cave and to the lake was breathtaking, especially if you love nature. The walk back up is no joke! Be prepared. Also, make sure you wear comfortable shoes. Specifically, ones you don't really care about. The red clay can and will destroy them.

Crystal L — Google review

Our tour guide, Eli, did a fantastic job showing us around the cave and telling us really interesting stories about its history. On the surface, there is also a very impressive glass blowing/works studio. Even though the site is pretty rural, there are nice big signs indicating where it is. We went in the fall, but this seems like a nice outing for ANY season.

Solanine Eustoma — Google review

Had a great guide named Skyler, he was young but very funny and knowledgeable, he answered any question we had about the cave, I was very impressed with him. The cave and underground lake were beautiful. The walk is moderate in places, the incline is equivalent to seven sets of stairs; up and down, so be aware. Also, because of the red clay, your shoes will get a bit stained. Totally worth it.

LaDonna Henslee — Google review

Anytime you have a chance to go into the earth, take it! Of course, if it's safe. This place is amazing as I'm sure many are. You take a little boat ride, walk about a mile in total and they even have expert level caves to explore outside of the guided tour.

Chris — Google review

We had a great time. Our tour guide was Skyler! He was funny, knowledgeable, and made our visit more interesting and fun. The cave is amazing and the underground lake is beautiful. I highly recommend visiting!

Kayla Caceres — Google review

It's been years since we visited. New entrance/waiting area. Upgrades inside the cave. The "sea" remains quite remarkable. Affordable. Helpful staff. Best to reserve tickets.

Keith Baker — Google review

We had a very good time! Our tour guide Chuck, was very knowledgeable. He even took extra time with our group to show us things not normally included in the tour. Very impressive, well maintained facilities also.

SOLD By Perry! — Google review

I loved this place. Our guide, JD, was awesome and super knowledgeable! The boats are awesome and I would say this is an all around activity that is good for young children to adults! I would say the only hesitation is that you have to walk all the way to the bottom and then all the way back up and that is a bit tricky if you have mobility issues. Had a blast and will be coming again if we have more family in town!

Sara Boyer — Google review

4.7

(6165)40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (237)

4.0

(994)40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (238)

140 Lost Sea Rd, Sweetwater, TN 37874, USA

(423) 337-6616

40 Best Stops Between Siesta Key and Knoxville (2024)
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