Things to do.

National Historic Landmark garden on one of peninsular Florida’s highest points, centered on a 205-foot singing carillon tower with woodland paths, children’s gardens, and the historic El Retiro estate.

Free 168-acre urban nature park near downtown Lakeland with wetlands, gardens, a canopy walk, playgrounds, a treehouse, event lawns, Florida Children’s Museum, and shaded paths around Lake Bonnet.

Large wild-Florida state park with wetlands, alligators, birding, scenic drives, trails, paddling, and a canopy walkway with an observation tower. The park’s boat and tram tour operator has closed.

Bayfront Sarasota botanical garden renowned for orchids, bromeliads, tropical conservatories, art exhibitions, and immersive garden installations.

Selby Gardens’ Osprey campus combines Gulf Coast archaeology, pioneer homesteads, historic buildings, native landscapes, gardens, and waterfront walking paths.

Free National Park Service site on the Manatee River with museum exhibits, a shoreline nature trail, picnic areas, and interpretation of the contested legacy of the 1539 de Soto expedition.

Premier free wildlife preserve near Lakeland with marsh and oak-hammock trails known for alligators, roseate spoonbills, bald eagles, and close views of Central Florida wetland habitats.

Reservation-only 260-acre ranch where large herds roam open landscapes, with drive-thru, custom vehicle, sunset, and ATV safaris plus animal feeding add-ons.

Native-Florida wildlife park with elevated boardwalks, a spring-fed manatee habitat and underwater observatory, plus panthers, red wolves, black bears, bobcats, whooping cranes, and alligators. Shuttle boats are currently unavailable because of low water levels, so visitors use the park’s alternate land transportation.

Free seasonal wildlife campus where wintering manatees gather in a warm-water sanctuary. The visit also includes boardwalks, an education center, a cownose-ray touch tank, a coastal habitat trail, and a 50-foot observation tower; animal sightings vary with water temperature.

Low-key waterfront stop with sunset appeal, walking paths, and a calmer local feel than the bigger beach destinations.

Nonprofit Sarasota sanctuary caring for big cats and other rescued wildlife, with animal presentations and reservable encounters.