Boyd Hill Nature Park

we visited boyd hill nature preserve 3 times while visiting the sarasota area. it was 100% worth the drive and small admission fee of $3. the pictures posted under the reviews here simply do not encapsulate how gorgeous this preserve is. we watched so many different types of butterflies, birds, a baby alligator and two turtles on our visits. even a cute & shy raccoon. i wish we had such beauty in the midwest, and i wish we could have stayed longer. if you are ever in the petersburg area and love nature and wildlife, you should definitely check this location out. i cannot wait to come back one day!

We had a wonderful visit to this nature preserve. One of the highlights was the live animal demonstrations—engaging, educational, and great for all ages. We also took the guided tram tour through the preserve (about $2), which was absolutely worth it. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable about the local plants and animals and shared so many interesting facts along the way. The preserve also features a beautiful estuary that is home to rescued birds of prey, which was both moving and educational to see. There are nice hiking trails if you prefer to explore on foot, and the education center adds even more depth to the experience. Overall, it’s a well-run preserve that clearly cares about conservation, education (they even offer kids day camp options), and connecting people with nature. Highly recommend for families, nature lovers, and anyone curious about the local ecosystem.

We loved this nature preserve. We walked all of the trails and seen so many snakes, gators, tortoises, birds, anoles, turtles etc. We cannot wait to return. The water stations throughout the area were also a nice benefit. We did not take the tram tour, we were able to engage with the guide along the way at times and share some finds and ask some questions as well.

Awesome Preserve! The staff is very friendly and full of knowledge. Great experience watching the birds fly and hiking the trails. Tons of drinking water stops along the trail and the water was cold! Always a plus in the Florida heat. Will be back!

Our first time at Raptor Fest and we thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the birds and learning more about them! The park is beautifully maintained and even has a children's play area. A wonderful spot for a family outing!