George C. McGough Nature Park
A free, family-friendly nature park in Largo, FL, famous for its abundant turtles and rescued birds of prey.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for turtle feeding & bird shows
George C. McGough Nature Park
Best Time
Best for turtle feeding & bird shows
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free, family-friendly nature park in Largo, FL, famous for its abundant turtles and rescued birds of prey.
"A true hidden treasure, this park is a must-visit for nature lovers near Tampa Bay!"
🎯 Buy Turtle Food at Center
Get the best value on turtle food directly from the Nature Center. :moneybag:
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The park has miles of trails, including a recycled tire path. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Turtle Pond
Main pond area
Hundreds of turtles eagerly await food from visitors. A truly captivating sight for all ages.
Narrows Nature Center
Nature Center building
Meet rescued birds of prey like owls and hawks, and other fascinating reptiles.
Recycled Tire Trails
Park-wide trail system
Gentle, shaded walking paths made from recycled tires wind through diverse ecosystems.
Mangrove Boardwalk
End of the main trail
A scenic boardwalk offering views of coastal habitats, perfect for wildlife spotting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Turtle Feeding Frenzy
Bird of Prey Encounters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Buy Turtle Food at Center
Get the best value on turtle food directly from the Nature Center. :moneybag:
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The park has miles of trails, including a recycled tire path. :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Pack Sun Protection
Florida sun can be intense; bring hats, sunscreen, and water. :sunwithface:
🧺 Picnic Lunch Recommended
Enjoy a meal at one of the picnic shelters with beautiful park views. :sandwich:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Buy Turtle Food at Center
Get the best value on turtle food directly from the Nature Center. :moneybag:
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The park has miles of trails, including a recycled tire path. :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Pack Sun Protection
Florida sun can be intense; bring hats, sunscreen, and water. :sunwithface:
🧺 Picnic Lunch Recommended
Enjoy a meal at one of the picnic shelters with beautiful park views. :sandwich:
📸 Capture the Wildlife
Bring your camera for amazing shots of turtles, birds, and coastal scenery.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
George C. McGough Nature Park, affectionately known as 'Turtle Park,' is a highly-rated free attraction offering a delightful blend of wildlife encounters and natural beauty. Visitors rave about the abundant turtles, the educational bird of prey presentations, and the pleasant walking trails. While some minor maintenance issues like the boardwalk repair are noted, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting it as a hidden gem for families and nature lovers alike.
"A true hidden treasure, George C. McGough Nature Park – locally known as “Turtle Park” – is a must-visit for nature lovers near Tampa Bay! 🌿
🦆 Turtle Feeding Fun:
The pond is magical, filled with dozens (if not hundreds) of turtles sunning themselves on floating platforms. You can buy tiny cups of turtle food (about $0.50–$1) from the Nature Center and watch them eagerly swim over—it’s so entertaining seeing them bobbing for treats .
🦅 Birds of Prey Showcase:
Inside the Narrows Nature Center, rescued owls, hawks, and even a bald eagle serve as educational ambassadors. Around 10 AM–12 PM, volunteers take them out of their enclosures so you can get up close without a cage—a rare and amazing experience .
🌿 Scenic Walking Trails & Boardwalk:
The nearly 0.8‑mile rubberized loop trail (made from recycled tires) is gentle on joints and winds through shady oak hammocks, a pollinator garden, and ends at a mangrove-lined boardwalk—perfect for wildlife viewing and perhaps spotting dolphins or manatees .
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Vibe:
Families love the playground (complete with zip-line!), picnic shelters, and interactive exhibits—a safe and clean environment with restrooms and free parking .
💡 Pro Tip: Buy turtle food at the Nature Center (better value than machines!) and aim for a morning visit to catch feeding time and bird interactions .
Overall:
George C. McGough Nature Park offers a perfect blend: charming turtle encounters, inspiring birds of prey presentations, relaxing trails, and stunning coastal views—all for free thanks to Largo Parks . Ideal for a peaceful solo stroll, a hands‑on educational trip with kids, or just to reconnect with nature.
Whether you’re a local or visiting the area, this park is well worth your time. I’ll definitely be back with friends and family!"
Carson O
"A lovely small rescue park for birds and reptiles. We watched a helper feed one of the eagles. The birds were accessible to watch quite closely. Turtles, frogs and some snakes. There is a nice walking trail which we took for a bit but it got too warm for us. Everyone was kind and it was free admission, perfect for a place to spend a few hours."
Ellen Chaffin
"Nice park, it has restrooms, plenty of parking, and scenery. Lots of wildlife, saw a snapping turtle 🐢, be careful of those especially if you have kids.Doggie park, kids swing area and picnic shelters ."
Lori Ann Pearson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is located in Largo, Florida. It's easily accessible by car and is noted as being very close to the beach, just over Walsingham Bridge.
Yes, the park is in Largo, which is part of the greater Tampa Bay area and is a short drive from St. Petersburg.
Absolutely! It's conveniently located near the beach, making it a great destination for cyclists.
Locally known as Turtle Park, the George C. McGough Nature Park is situated along the Intracoastal Waterway in Largo, FL.
Information on public transportation routes to the park is not widely available, but driving or biking are popular options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, George C. McGough Nature Park offers free admission, making it an excellent budget-friendly option for a day out.
Park hours are generally from dawn to dusk, but it's always a good idea to check with Largo Parks and Recreation for any specific event closures or seasonal changes.
Yes, you can purchase small cups of turtle food at the Nature Center for a nominal fee, which is a great way to interact with the park's inhabitants.
As the park is free to enter, no advance booking is required. You can visit anytime during park hours.
The Nature Center often hosts environmental education programs and special events, especially for children. Check their schedule for details.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll see abundant turtles in the pond, and the Nature Center features rescued birds of prey like owls and hawks. You might also spot frogs, snakes, and potentially dolphins or manatees from the boardwalk. +2
Yes, the park features a nearly 0.8-mile loop trail made from recycled tires, winding through shady hammocks and ending at a boardwalk.
Families will be happy to know there's a playground area for kids of all ages, complete with a zip-line.
Certainly! The park offers picnic shelters, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a meal surrounded by nature.
The recycled tire trails are generally gentle and accessible, and the playground is designed for various ages.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants within the park itself. However, there are picnic shelters available if you wish to bring your own food.
Since the park is close to the beach, you'll find numerous dining options in the nearby beach towns and Largo.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy at the picnic areas.
While the Nature Center sells turtle food, it does not typically have a cafe or snack bar for general food purchases.
It's advisable to bring your own water bottles, especially during warmer months, as water fountain availability can vary.
📸 📸 Photography
The turtle pond, the birds of prey at the Nature Center, the mangrove boardwalk, and the shaded trails offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Yes, especially during the bird of prey presentations when volunteers bring them out. For turtles, you'll be viewing them from the deck and boardwalk.
Drone usage is typically restricted in public parks to ensure the safety and tranquility of visitors and wildlife. It's best to check local regulations.
A telephoto lens can be useful for capturing birds of prey, while a standard lens is great for general park scenery and turtles.
Photography of the animals in the Nature Center is generally permitted, but always be respectful and avoid flash photography that might disturb them.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the wildlife, the park features a well-equipped playground with a zip-line, perfect for burning off energy.
🚶 Solo Explorers & Nature Enthusiasts
It's an ideal spot for birdwatching, photography, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the Florida coastline. The free admission and accessible facilities make it easy to spend a few hours or a whole day exploring at your own pace.
💰 Budget Travelers
With ample free parking and a variety of activities like walking trails, wildlife viewing, and a playground, it offers a full day of entertainment for minimal cost.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Star Attraction: Turtles Galore
It's important to note that while feeding is encouraged with purchased food, visitors should not feed the turtles anything else to maintain their health and the park's ecosystem. The sheer abundance and accessibility of the turtles make this a memorable part of any visit.
Rescued Raptors and Reptiles
Beyond the birds, the center also features other fascinating reptiles, such as snakes and even a tarantula, offering a broader glimpse into Florida's diverse fauna.
Exploring the Natural Habitats
The trails eventually lead to a mangrove-lined boardwalk, providing a different perspective of the coastal ecosystem.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit