There’s so much to love about Florida’s thick, lush, year-round greenery! But every so often, when we get to feeling a bit closed in by all the trees, we like to find a high point to get a nice, long view of surrounding countryside. And tucked away in a quiet neighborhood between Clearwater and St. Petersburg is the perfect spot: an observation tower that rises high above the surrounding canopy and provides expansive, 360-degree views.
There’s a hidden gem nestled right in the center of the Florida city of Seminole: Boca Ciega Millennium Park.
Mark S/Tripadvisor
The park is beloved by the local community for many reasons, including the 35-foot tall observation tower that provides expansive views of Boca Ciega Bay and the surrounding swamps and forests.
Irina/Tripadvisor
A long boardwalk leads right to the tower and also extends beyond to run the length of the park, past seven diverse ecosystems: pine flatwoods, coastal oak hammock, mangrove swamp, salt marsh, bay head, and wetlands.
Jon R/Tripadvisor
You can onboard the boardwalk and head for the overlook via several access trails that connect with the parking lots and main park area.
AldebaranFlorida/Tripadvisor
And the view from the top of the covered, open-air observation tower is very much worth climbing 35 feet of stairs.
Jon R/Tripadvisor
You can look back along the boardwalk…
jafletch3/Tripadvisor
…or gaze out across the bay.
Janna64/Tripadvisor
Either way, take a deep breath of fresh air and enjoy being able to see for miles.
Megan R/Tripadvisor
The boardwalk itself is also worth exploring, and you can expect to encounter a variety of ecosystems, plants, and especially animals. In fact, the park itself is a destination along the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s “Great Florida Birding Trail.”
Jon R/Tripadvisor Bring binoculars to see a variety of birds from the overlook tower, but also don’t forget to check the 5 ponds scattered throughout the park, including the one near the entrance. In addition to birds, you may spot a crocodilian or two basking along the shore!
Boca Ciega Millennium Park is located at 12410 74th Ave. N. (Old Oakhurst Rd.) in Seminole. In addition to the boardwalk and lookout tower, the park features a playground, a dog park, restrooms, picnic shelters, and fishing and canoeing access to the bay.
Mark S/Tripadvisor
Irina/Tripadvisor
Jon R/Tripadvisor
AldebaranFlorida/Tripadvisor
jafletch3/Tripadvisor
Janna64/Tripadvisor
Megan R/Tripadvisor
Bring binoculars to see a variety of birds from the overlook tower, but also don’t forget to check the 5 ponds scattered throughout the park, including the one near the entrance. In addition to birds, you may spot a crocodilian or two basking along the shore!
For another fun Florida lookout, consider a climb up Myakka River State Park’s Canopy Tower!
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Address: 12410 74th Ave N, Seminole, FL 33772, USA
