George C. McGough Nature Park image

George C. McGough Nature Park

Tourist attraction Park

One of the Best Places To Visits in Largo


Address

11901 146th St N, Largo, FL 33774, United States

Website

www.playlargo.com

Contact

+1 727-518-3047

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (2K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Monday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Tuesday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Wednesday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Thursday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Friday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: park (49) nature (30) turtles (29) birds (25) trails (18) walk (18) playground (18) turtle (16) pond (16) Great (14)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 B S. 3 months ago on Google • 132 reviews New
    Beautiful nature park with a nice boardwalk and rescued wildlife. Great place to take kids or small nature groups. We saw a lot of fun activities advertised near the front of the park. We walked on the piers and viewed the intercostal. The birds and turtles are some of the best highlights of this park. The Zipline is fun and unique as well!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Mark W. 6 months ago on Google • 324 reviews
    This was a really cool little near by nature park. The only reason I gave it 4 stars was because not all the trails are open. They have a turtle pond stocked with at least 6 types of Florida turtles and they house a small collection of birds of prey. The walking trail has that bouncy fake mulch throughout so it is very easy on your feet and there is plenty of parking.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stephanie B. 2 years ago on Google
    A local waitress, at the waffle house, told us about this place and we were not let down! It's a cute nature walk with lots of birds and turtles to see. Some nice nature views too! Trails were well groomed. We were VERY surprised this was free. 10/10 recommend!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jana L. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful park. Nice visitor center with live birds and restrooms. You can walk the long trail around the property, it will take you to the water and then to the boardwalk around the park, very nice stroll. Several injured birds of prey that you can see up close. Turtle pond. I recommend this place, it's a hidden gem. Free parking too. No dogs allowed.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael C. 4 months ago on Google • 243 reviews
    Really cool experience that we had when we visited. We fed the turtles ($ .50 per little cup of food), walked around the park, and checked out the cool things inside and outside of the building. Thanks for a fun experience!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Howard T. 6 months ago on Google • 151 reviews
    I had the pleasure of visiting the George C. McGough Nature Park in Largo, Florida, and it was a delightful experience that left me in awe of the natural beauty and tranquility it offers. This hidden gem is truly a sanctuary for both wildlife and nature enthusiasts. The park's ambiance is peaceful and serene, making it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The lush greenery, native vegetation, and the meandering boardwalks create a calming atmosphere, and it's a haven for anyone looking to reconnect with nature. One of the highlights of this park is the abundant birdlife. As a birdwatching enthusiast, I was thrilled to spot a wide variety of avian species. From herons and egrets to wading birds and songbirds, the park is a birdwatcher's paradise. The bird blinds and well-maintained trails offer excellent opportunities for observation and photography. In addition to the feathered friends, the park is home to turtles, fish, and even the occasional alligator. The park's resident animals add to the overall charm, and it's a great place for wildlife enthusiasts and families with children who want to learn more about the local ecosystem. The park's educational aspect is commendable, with informative signs and displays that enhance the visitor's understanding of the local flora and fauna. It's a fantastic place for both leisurely walks and educational excursions. The volunteers and staff at the George C. McGough Nature Park are passionate about conservation and are always willing to share their knowledge. Their dedication to the park's preservation and their eagerness to engage with visitors is evident. The park's facilities, including the clean restrooms and picnic areas, make it a comfortable place to spend a few hours or an entire day. Whether you're looking for a peaceful nature walk or a place to have a family picnic, the park accommodates it all. In conclusion, the George C. McGough Nature Park in Largo, Florida, is a hidden oasis of natural beauty, wildlife, and educational experiences. It's a fantastic place for people of all ages to appreciate the local environment and take a break from the urban hustle. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxing and educational day outdoors. It's a true treasure in the heart of Florida.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Emily S. 4 months ago on Google • 23 reviews
    Such a wonderful park. It’s a local gem of a place. Not touristy and the folks who work/volunteer here are passionate about the care of these animals. I love coming here.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Gillian S. 3 years ago on Google
    Great little gem with some uncrowded trails and lots of wildlife in a small space. The raptors sanctuary is perhaps a little grim—I understand that the birds have been rescued and have various physical limitations but they are blatantly not very happy in their hot cages. Also the many, many turtles in the pond, while fun to look at, probably don’t benefit from being fed out of plastic cups by visitors (and many plastic cups are discarded in or near the water.) The animal welfare aspect of the park leaves a bit to desire. That aside, the park is a change of scenery and a good place to go for a walk.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tammy G. 10 months ago on Google
    Highly recommend this nature park! We always start at Turtle Pond and then head to the playground for the zip line and swings. Then, we take the trail to the deck on the intercoastal. The park is very clean, well staffed during hours, and educational!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amy D. 3 years ago on Google
    Very peaceful. We walked the trails and saw honey bee hives, nice trees and flowers, and some burrows. At the nature reserve we spent some time with the different owls, falcons, eagle, iguana, snake, etc. There is also a cute turtle pond out front. If you are able to help, please bring cash for donations. It helps them feed the animals.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Daniel F. 3 months ago on Google • 173 reviews New
    Enjoy a good couple hours here. Walking around can take two hours. If you want to enjoy the trails. You see some rescued birds. You will see turtles everywhere at the pond. The bridge by the water you can see the mangroves. Signs are everywhere guiding you. A little garden and playground is there. You gave restrooms at the main nature center. Which has snakes, owls, spiders, frogs, and toads inside. You can purchase tee shirts and kid toys. Events are posted also outside. Definitely should come here!

  • 5/5 Randy R. 4 months ago on Google • 45 reviews
    What an amazing park! The birds were not only beautiful to see in the cages this place actually takes them out to show off to visitors! The Eastern Screech Owls are the most adorable things ever! In addition to the animals the trails are well taken care of and are very beautiful. The boardwalk out on to the intercoastal waters was a treat! I highly recommend checking out this park if you are anywhere in the area!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kenny C. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place to get out and walk and connect with the outdoors!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tim L. 3 years ago on Google
    Lots of turtles. We love the owls and other birds. The boardwalk is peaceful and the trails are nice and cushioned. We come here every year when we visit the area.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bonnie H. 2 years ago on Google
    Great educational experience learning about all the injured birds of prey there. We love to watch the turtles. Great boardwalk nature trails with one leading to the intercoastal waterway. Beautiful views and an opportunity to see wildlife. You may spot some dolphins while on the pier.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tasha L. 2 years ago on Google
    A local shared this place with us and I was pleasantly surprised how much fun me and my family had here. Its free other than if you'd like to leave a donation or feed the turtles. The turtles were in abundance. Lots of birds and things to take in for a little nature walk. The playground area needs a little maintenance but definitely stop and feed some turtles if you're in the area.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Terry C. 2 years ago on Google
    It's a nice little nature center with birds of prey and lots of turtles. On Sundays they have a bird show at 1pm and bring out several birds to present. The kids enjoyed it! There is also a playground with a small zip line and a couple pavilions I'm guessing you can rent out. Lots of walking paths too!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ashley C. 1 year ago on Google
    Really enjoyed our time here! We had not been here before. It was very nicely kept up with and had beautiful animal rescues. We accidentally ended up on the trail with the elderly mother. We did not realize how far it was. Awesome playground too!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 T M. 1 year ago on Google
    This is such a hidden gem 💎!! I passed by so many times just thinking nothing of this park. But once I FINALLY discovered it, I fell in love ❤️it goes a lot further back than it looked.. this is my favorite nature preserve in the area now!!! There's a giant turtle pond, lots of birds that are rescued, they even have them out of the cages for you to take pictures with sometimes 📸 A mini zip line and playground for the kiddos, a pollinators garden, and plenty of "shelters" for great picnic spots! There's even a boardwalk out to the intercoastal!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bonnie B. 1 year ago on Google
    Lots of turtles and rescued birds to see, plus trails to walk. Had a lovely visit with friends from out of town. They also have a small Zipline for kids.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nikki J. 1 year ago on Google
    Really lovely park on the Intracoastal waterway. Elevated boardwalks take you through the mangroves and forests filled with Spanish moss. And do you love owls and other birds of prey? They have lots of rescued live raptors to see and learn about! Perfect for a couple-hour jaunt before you hit the beach
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ashlee B. 7 months ago on Google
    Awesome park with lots of things to do. Tons of animals to look at. Lots of turtles to feed(.50 cent for a little container of turtle food) raptors, eagles, vultures, owls, snakes and so many other neat rescued Animals around. If you come with kids there's a playground with a few swings, zip line, and a few other playground equipment. They also have special classes throughout the week u can sign up for. There's a pollinators garden u can walk through, bit it did look a bit un kept. The only thing concerning is the african clawed frog they have inside looks really bloated. But I'm sure they are aware and trying to help it. Would recommend you go here to pass time with or without family. Neat little place
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lulu 3 years ago on Google
    Everyday see some new WILDLIFE ....Another piece of Paradise! TURTLES GALORE!!:) Nice walk. board walk on water.. great flora and fauna! birds of prey! Bald Eagle.Sarge! Gopher tortoise Resort..Snakes....Don't forget quarters for turtle food..And donation box! It's a great BREAK:)..we go every day! never know what you'll see! chairs and benches in shade take a front to nature and Peace! Yellow rat snake today....
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Acct 4 D. 3 years ago on Google
    A feel of old Florida. Great nature trail and boardwalk. Birds exhibit was very nice. The turtle pond was great and the kids could feed the turtles. Nice small playground with a few places for adults to sit. Kids loved it!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Larry B. 3 years ago on Google
    Always a great way to get close to nature. I have been going to this park before my daughter was born and now we go regularly to visit the birds and trail.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Matt D. 2 months ago on Google • 70 reviews New
    Great spot to stop by and explore. The kids loved the playground, pier and turtle pond. The waking paths were top notch and the entire park was very clean. If your passing it easy to burn an hour walking around and checking things out.

  • 5/5 Diane O. 3 years ago on Google
    A hidden gem!!

  • 5/5 Kent M. 3 years ago on Google
    Very nice park.

  • 5/5 Rick Foxx (Foxx and A. 2 years ago on Google
    Great day hike right in the middle of the city. You can walk around the woods and see the bay on the elevated wood trail, or hike on the path(keep an eye out for snakes, but they hightail it into the woods when they see you) Don’t forget to stop by the Raptor exhibit and see hawks and the bald eagle named Sarge. This is a very easy day hike and probably even handicapped accessible if you stay on the trail.

  • 5/5 Troy P. 1 year ago on Google
    By far, this is one of the most well rounded parks you will find in not just Florida, but in the entire country. A jewel nestled in Largo, with something for everyone. Walking paths, a playground with a real life zipline, indoor and outdoor party areas that can be booked for parties, a turtle pond with 200+ turtles, a nature center that incorporates an air conditioned indoor zoo with an aviary that has a Bald Eagle, Owls, Falcons, Vultures, kestrels. There are tortoises, iguanas, snakes, geckos. Since the park is on land that touches the coast there are boardwalks and a pier where you can see the ocean. Truly an amazing place to bring your family, or to escape on your own and enjoy nature.

  • 5/5 Jillian H. 3 years ago on Google
    This is one of our favorite parks to visit as a family. A playground with a zip line, nature trails to the intracoastal, a nature center with rehabbed hawks, owls, eagles and a lake full of turtles waiting to be fed. It's a breath of fresh air (literally) and fun for all ages.

  • 5/5 Melissa C. 1 year ago on Google
    We had a great time here. There are many knowledgeable people with different birds (a bald Eagle, screech owls, etc) that tell you about them and why they are there. Turtles were fun to feed and the tortoise as well. Beautiful trails and paths to walk on and a gorgeous overlook in the intracoastal. Ample parking. Highly recommend going here. We spent about 1-1.5 hours. Amazing that it’s free but donations definitely help them continue to do the amazing work they do.

  • 5/5 L W. 3 years ago on Google
    Love it! Great place to explore and have fun with the family.

  • 5/5 dx d. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a super neat place to visit. They have a turtle pond with hundreds of turtles swimming, basking in the sun, riding on each others backs, turtles doing turtle things. I had no idea this place existed. For .50 cent you can buy turtle food and feed them by throwing in the water. I spent about $5.00 that day feeding them. (Who needs to do laundry when you can feed turtles?) I saw some huge soft shell turtles, regular turtles and one prehistoric looking turtle with a massive alligator looking head. They all came over once they saw the pellets being tossed. I also saw a couple of Raccoons. The sign says do not feed them but I snapped a picture of someone doing just that. There’s an inside area to see snakes and owls, and skeletons, an outside walking trail with a dock going into the bay. I stayed for about an hour. Young children would probably love this place. (They have a picnic and play ground area too) Cost is free but donations appreciated. This is one of those off the beaten path type places. I will return.

  • 5/5 Eduardo T. 10 months ago on Google
    Beautiful park with an animal rescue exhibition with Hawks, Eagle and Owls. My kids loved to walk around the trails listening to the natural sounds of the reserve. Highly recommended!

  • 5/5 Les A. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful Park one of Pinellas county's best kept secrets

  • 5/5 Alyona Vladova P. 3 years ago on Google
    Wonderful little corner of wilderness, with beautiful birds and turtles. Friendly staff, takes really good care of the animals. A lovely experience

  • 5/5 kodi d. 3 years ago on Google
    Great little park

  • 5/5 Shosh 11 months ago on Google
    A cute little park, clean and well taken care of. Great for spending time with kids. My son finally saw a turkey vulture real close. :)

  • 5/5 Simmie S. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful park ,

  • 5/5 Danielle R. 9 months ago on Google
    Stopped here on a day trip while on vacation. We were very surprised how cool it was! Turtles and vultures, a bald eagle. Trails through the grounds, one leading to the water, which has benches to sit on. Very glad we made this stop!

  • 5/5 Jeffrey Pennell S. 8 months ago on Google
    Awesome park to see turtles in the pond and different animals in the building, or walk the trails. Alot to be learned at this wonderful park. You will see an Eagle, hawks, owls, snakes, frogs, tortoises,turtles, and fish.

  • 5/5 kaylub b. 3 years ago on Google
    This place was awesome. The kids had a blast on the mini zipline. Also the bird exhibit was cool and educational.

  • 5/5 Ashley C. 4 years ago on Google
    My family needed a place to kill some time while we waited for our hotel check in time and we came across the nature park while doing a quick Goggle search and decided to check it out. I'm so glad we did! The park is absolutely free to the public and there's so much to see and do! The nature park does accept donations and there is a small little gift shop where you can purchase some little items and all the items are priced amazingly well so it definitely doesn't break the bank. The nature park also hosts birthday parties for an amazing rate as well! I highly recommend anyone check out this park. You will not regret it.

  • 5/5 George G. 3 years ago on Google
    This place is awesome, they have walking trails that extends to a dock along the intracoastal, playground with a zipline, turtle pond and plenty of other animals to see (including a bald eagle!). We love visiting this park!

  • 5/5 shane k. 3 years ago on Google
    This is a hidden gem in Largo. Beautiful nature walk with paved, boardwalk, and unpaved walkways through Florida scrub. They also have a turtle pond, and raptor enclosure. There is a playground for kids, and it even has a small zipline. Highly recommend it.

  • 5/5 Rhonda V. 3 years ago on Google
    It was beautiful and quiet. Can go indoors now and see the owls . Nice trail that leads out to the main water way, or take the trail leads around the park. Warning, some people think they don't have to follow rules: as their were 5 adults riding bikes on the little narrow walking path.

  • 5/5 borjana z. 3 years ago on Google
    Nature is wonderful

  • 4/5 bill p. 3 years ago on Google
    good place for a walk with your family

  • 5/5 John K. 3 years ago on Google
    A great place to photograph turtles. The little pond at the entrance to the visitor's center is packed with several different kinds of turtles. A great area to sit enjoy or photograph them. Most weekdays days, between 10 and 11 am, volunteers will take a captive raptor out of it's enclosure, so visitors may get close up photos of a hawk, owl or bald eagle. Admission is by donation! A great place to spend a morning.

  • 5/5 WESLEY W. 3 years ago on Google
    Lots and shade, padded walkway nice free exhibits - in middle of urban area!

  • 5/5 Deirdra W. 3 years ago on Google
    Love this place

  • 5/5 Jerome F. 3 years ago on Google
    Great day trip for the whole family

  • 5/5 Jeanna L. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing park great for play, trek, explore and learn

  • 5/5 Ivan T. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing nature, lots of cool predatory birds and an amazing playground

  • 5/5 Carter T. 3 years ago on Google
    Very cool place for family's!!!! Lots to see.

  • 5/5 Shaun M. 3 years ago on Google
    Free, lots of turtles, injured large birds and walking paths. Great place to spend a few hours.

  • 3/5 Heather A. 3 years ago on Google
    Really cute wild life and very comfortable walking trail.....wish it was a non smoking park.

  • 3/5 Michael M. 3 years ago on Google
    Good for relaxi g walks and nothing else...do t bring the kids, they'll be bored

  • 5/5 Наталья �. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice park with one of the best playgrounds

  • 5/5 Albert B. 3 years ago on Google
    Love the Raptors and other wildlife

  • 5/5 Amy C. 3 years ago on Google
    This place is beautiful. They have a great turtle pond, bird exhibit, and playground. Love to walk the smooth trails and check out the water.

  • 5/5 Kristen J. 3 years ago on Google
    Absolutely beautiful! Our most favorite park, we always find or see something new each time we go

  • 5/5 Casey C. 3 years ago on Google
    Very clean

  • 5/5 manish s. 3 years ago on Google
    Really good nature park . You can see birds and animals. It's free and recommended for Kids.

  • 5/5 Jeffrey F. 3 years ago on Google
    Awesome place

  • 5/5 Mr. Jarvis V. 3 years ago on Google
    A place of peace!!

  • 5/5 Cecile A. 3 years ago on Google
    Loved it great place to take kids

  • 4/5 Olga K. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful nature park with some trails offering water view. It's also home to some rescued wild birds, where they're cared for if they are unable to sustain life in the wild. It has some shelters, restrooms, educational facilities and very nice turtle pond. The downside is that some areas on trails are covered by water coming from underground, and it's hard to get around sometimes even in sneakers.

  • 3/5 Jessica C. 1 year ago on Google
    This park is also known as The Narrows. The park has a wonderful walking path. It is recycled tires. It really helps with discomfort you may feel when exercising. The walking trails are very shaded which is wonderful! There is a nice playground for the children. I enjoyed seeing the wildlife. The staff took out owls. The staff would answer questions that were asked. It was very informative. You can walk out on bridges and see the water. That is very relaxing and enjoyable. You can have birthday parties at the park as well. There is an area inside to do so. Overall, I think you would enjoy the park if you visit.

  • 5/5 Amanda D. 3 years ago on Google
    Awesome place. I didn't even know it was there and we live a mile away. The raptor area was very cool and my 8 year old loved reading their stories. The playground was very unique.

  • 5/5 nick c. 3 years ago on Google
    Great little nature park worth a visit


Call +1 727-518-3047 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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