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Manatee Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 6,081 Google reviews · Running trail in Fort Myers, Florida · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Manatee Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Waterfront park providing trails, up-close views of manatees, an amphitheater & kayak rentals.
What runners say about Manatee Park
“Restrooms are clean and comfortable, and parking wasn’t hard to find.”
“Beyond the wildlife, the scenery is stunning; we particularly enjoyed a beautiful live oak tree adorned with lush ferns and flowing Spanish moss.”
Manatee Park is a must-visit destination in 2026 if you want to see these gentle giants in their natural habitat. During our visit today, we were thrilled to see numerous manatees, including several mothers with their babies, congregating in the warm water.
Fantastic park! We followed advice and went early, but didn't make it till 10am. The manatees were at the very front entrance area but didn't stick around long on the day we visited. Nice view of the river on the trail. Lots of people kayaking! There is a great welcome center and a playground for the kids.
It was my first visit and will not my last. I waited for the weather to warm up before going. There were only 109 manatee there that day. I was able to get dozens of photos before they moved toward the river.
Morning is best to view the manatees but we went in afternoon and stayed a while and seen a few. Very cool experience!! If you walk around you will also see birds and butterflies! Parking was full but if you hang around a few minutes you should be able to find a spot.
Trail conditions & character
“There is a parking meter but on our visit it wasn't working either, staff were really helpful and said not to worry about it.”
“Amenities include a small gift shop at the Welcome Center, multiple lookout points, benches, picnic tables, informational signs, and a dock along the river to get closer views.”
“The park features a very nice boardwalk and walking trail that allows you to see the manatees up close from various vantage points.”
“Restrooms are clean and comfortable, and parking wasn’t hard to find.”
Plan your run at Manatee Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteleegov.com
- Phone+1 239-533-7521
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–6 pm |
Running trails near Fort Myers
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Caloosahatchee Creeks Preserve (East)
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Visitors can view the wetlands here on a raised boardwalk or canoe on Popash Creek.
Shores Nature Trail Park
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Small boardwalk, plus a playground and swings, in a cypress swamp location.
Caloosahatchee Creeks Preserve West
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A boardwalk & wetlands observation deck, plus primitive hiking trails & a canoe/kayak launch.
Billy Creek Preserve and Filter Marsh
4.3 ★★★★☆ 191 reviews
Quiet nature preserve with wildlife, picnic tables, and paved trails for walking, jogging, and biking.
