Myakka River State Park

This park, one of Florida's oldest and largest at 58 square miles, showcases the natural beauty of its scenic namesake river, two lakes and surrounding wetlands and prairies. Less than a half-hour drive southeast of downtown Sarasota, Myakka River State Park is also home to a diverse array of wildlife that guests can enjoy through guided tram and boat tours, or activities such as canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking and biking.

Must see and must do at Myakka River
Take a walk on the North America's first public treetop trail, the Myakka Canopy Walkway, which is suspended 25 feet above the ground and stretches for 100 feet through an oak and palm hammock. The walkway also includes to a 74-foot tower, which allows for expansive views of wildlife and the trees and wetlands below. The park lays claim to two of the world's largest airboats, the Myakka Maiden and the Gator Gal, which take visitors on the Upper Myakka Lake and through its shallow marshes where you are likely to glimpse alligators and a variety of birds and waterfowl. If you're a landlubber, the park also runs guided backcountry tram tours from mid-December to May. Both the airboat and tram tours last about an hour and are offered through Myakka Wildlife Tours. To refuel after a day of activities, make a stop for the famed alligator stew or seafood gumbo at the Myakka Outpost's Pink Gator Cafe.

Best and worst time to go to Myakka River
Park hours are from 8 a.m. to sunset daily. The best time to visit is from October to March, relatively dry months with pleasant daytime temperatures and lower humidity. From late spring to early fall, avoid the middle of the day, when sweltering temperatures and afternoon thunderstorms are common.

Admission to Myakka River
Park admission ranges from $4 to $6 per vehicle, with pedestrians and bicyclists admitted for about half that. Ample free parking is available near the visitor center. Developed campsite fees are $26 to $30 per night and include water and electricity, while primitive camping is $5-$6 a person. Airboat or tram tours are $12-$15, about half that for children 6-12, and ages 5 and under are free. Canoes, kayaks and bicycles are available for $15 to $30.

Wildlife at Myakka River
Alligators are a common sighting in the river and lakes, as are dozens of bird species such as bald eagles, hawks, ducks, ibis and great blue herons. You also might spy a deer or raccoon along the park's 38 miles of trails.

Insider tip for Myakka River
The park has a handful of 1930s-era cabins made from palm logs and available for a reasonable nightly fee (less than $100), but they are scheduled to be under renovation until spring 2016. Once available, they will rent quickly. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance through ReserveAmerica, so plan your trip well in advance if you'd like to stay in one. Each of the five air-conditioned cabins includes a bathroom, full kitchen and common room that sleeps six.

Author's bio: Kevin Adams is a freelance writer who has lived in Florida for more than a decade and has had travel articles appear on USAToday.com and in Golfweek magazine.