Southwest Florida knows how to enjoy the outdoors year-round, and Spring offers lots of opportunities to get out and have some fun. Here’s our six-pack of favorite places to enjoy nature to enjoy when the winter chill wears off.
1 Caloosahatchee Regional Park: This 768-acre park offers a diverse array of ecosystems and activities throughout the Spring. Visitors can enjoy hiking and mountain biking along over 20 miles of trails, kayaking the Caloosahatchee River, and birdwatching the array of migratory species that flock to the area. For those wanting to extend their nature experience, the park also offers camping under the stars.
2 Hickey Creek Mitigation Park: This park serves as a haven for wildlife enthusiasts who want to connect with nature. Hikers can explore pine flatwoods and cypress swamps, keeping an eye out for Gopher Tortoises, Florida Scrub-Jays, and even the occasional Florida panther. For a more structured experience, guided hikes are offered on the first Tuesday of each month.
3 Telegraph Creek Preserve: Nature at its purest is found at Telegraph Creek. Visitors can hike through the southeastern portion’s trails, observing iconic Florida wildlife, such as Florida black bears, crested caracaras, and even the nonvenomous eastern indigo snakes.
4 Alva Scrub Preserve: Open from dawn to dusk, this preserve showcases Florida’s unique scrub habitat and offers a glimpse into a distinctive ecosystem. Visitors can explore diverse plant communities, including mesic and scrubby flatwoods, while keeping an eye out for great-horned owls and a variety of songbirds. The preserve features equestrian and hiking trails for exploring the terrain.
5 Bob Janes Preserve: A vibrant display of wildflowers in bloom greets springtime visitors to Bob Janes Preserve. Adjacent to Telegraph Creek, this expansive 5,620-acre preserve offers an immersive natural experience. Visitors have the opportunity to spot rare wildlife, including the endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers, while hiking through pristine Florida landscapes.
6 Manatee Park
Manatee Park is a unique seasonal attraction where visitors can see manatees up close, especially during the cooler months in early spring, when these gentle giants seek warmer waters. Located along the Orange River, the park has educational displays, viewing areas, and even opportunities for kayaking.
River Hall & Hampton Lakes in Alva, Florida is more than a country club community. Surrounded by nature and waterways, this community offers a green, peaceful retreat from the everyday. New homes by top builders and a recreation-first approach offer a slice of paradise, just minutes from the Gulf Coast. Learn more at HeresToParadise.com
