A peaceful 26-acre nature preserve just minutes from our vacation rental where you can feed turtles, meet rescued birds of prey, and explore Florida’s natural beauty—all for free.
Why We Love This Place
Officially known as George C. McGough Nature Park, locals affectionately call this hidden gem “Turtle Park” for good reason—dozens of aquatic turtles call the central pond home, and watching them bask in the Florida sun is endlessly entertaining for visitors of all ages. But the turtles are just the beginning.
Nestled along the Intracoastal Waterway, this tranquil nature preserve offers shady oak hammocks, a butterfly garden, rescued birds of prey (including Sarge the bald eagle!), and nature trails that wind through mangroves and wetlands. It’s the perfect escape when you need a break from the beach—or a shaded activity on a hot afternoon.
At a Glance
| 📍 Address | 11901 146th Street North, Largo, FL 33774 |
| 💰 Admission | FREE |
| 🕐 Park Hours | Sunrise to Sunset, daily |
| 🏛️ Nature Center Hours | Mon–Sat: 9am–5pm / Sun: 10am–4pm |
| 🅿️ Parking | Free parking lot at entrance |
| ⏱️ Time Needed | 1–2 hours |
| 🚗 Distance from Rental | ~4 miles (10 minutes) |
Things to Do at Turtle Park
🐢 Feed the Turtles
The star attraction! The turtle pond near the park entrance is home to dozens of freshwater turtles who spend their days sunbathing on logs and swimming in the clear water. You can purchase small cups of turtle food at the Nature Center for just $0.50—watching them scramble for the food is a highlight for kids and adults alike. The viewing deck provides excellent photo opportunities.
🦅 Meet the Birds of Prey
The park serves as a sanctuary for rescued, non-releasable raptors cared for by the Friends of Largo Nature. The outdoor enclosures house over 20 birds including:
- Sarge – A magnificent bald eagle and park favorite
- Great horned owls
- Barred owls
- Screech owls
- Red-shouldered hawks
- Red-tailed hawks
- American kestrels
Pro tip: If you’re lucky enough to visit during feeding time, you’ll get an up-close look at these incredible birds in action. Ask the volunteers about feeding schedules!
🚶 Explore the Nature Trails
About 1 mile of trails wind through the park, with additional side trails extending the exploration. The main trail is made from recycled tires—soft, comfortable, and eco-friendly! Elevated boardwalks take you through mangrove wetlands with stunning views of the Intracoastal Waterway. Keep an eye out for:
- Gopher tortoises
- Armadillos
- Great blue herons
- Various wading birds
- Occasional alligators (from a safe distance!)
🦋 Stroll the Butterfly Garden
A colorful oasis filled with native Florida plants designed to attract local butterfly species. The garden also features a sensory element with aromatic plants and textured foliage—perfect for a mindful moment in nature.
🏛️ Visit the Narrows Nature Center
Inside the Nature Center, you’ll find:
- Live animal exhibits featuring snakes, frogs, lizards, and tortoises
- Interactive displays about local ecosystems
- Educational materials about Florida wildlife
- Helpful volunteers ready to answer questions
- Turtle food for purchase
- Park maps (snap a photo for the trails!)
🛝 Let the Kids Play
A shaded playground near the Nature Center features swings, slides, and a popular zipline that kids absolutely love. It’s one of the longer ziplines in local parks and provides a fun break between nature exploration.
🛶 Launch a Canoe or Kayak
The park has a canoe launch providing access to the Intracoastal Waterway. If you have your own kayak or canoe, this is a peaceful spot to paddle and explore the mangrove-lined shores.
Perfect For Families
This park consistently ranks as a favorite among families visiting the area, and it’s easy to see why:
✓ Completely free – No admission, no parking fees
✓ Shaded throughout – A welcome relief from the Florida sun
✓ Interactive experiences – Feeding turtles engages kids of all ages
✓ Educational – Learn about wildlife conservation and local ecosystems
✓ Playground with zipline – Burns off energy while parents relax
✓ Manageable size – Easy to explore in 1-2 hours without exhausting little legs
✓ Picnic areas – Pack a lunch and make an afternoon of it
✓ Accessible paths – Main trails accommodate strollers (though some boardwalks are narrower)
Guest Tip: “We stopped here after a tiring day at the beach and it was SO worth it! The kids were amazed by all the turtles and the zipline was a huge hit. We spent about an hour and it was the perfect low-key activity.” – Recent visitor
Know Before You Go
What to Bring
- Quarters/cash for turtle food ($0.50 per cup)
- Water bottles – Water fountain availability varies
- Sunscreen and hats – Even shaded trails have sunny spots
- Bug spray – Especially in summer months
- Camera – Great photo opportunities at turtle pond and bird enclosures
- Comfortable walking shoes – Trails are easy but some are unpaved
Important Notes
🚫 No dogs allowed – The park prohibits dogs to protect the resident wildlife. Please leave furry friends at home or visit one of the area’s dog-friendly parks instead.
♿ Accessibility – The main rubberized trail is wheelchair accessible. However, some boardwalk sections are narrower with limited turning room. The Nature Center and turtle viewing areas are accessible.
🍽️ No food vendors – There are no restaurants or snack bars in the park. Picnic shelters are available if you’d like to bring your own food.
Best Times to Visit
Morning (9am–11am) – Cooler temperatures, turtles are active, fewer crowds
Late Afternoon (3pm–5pm) – Great lighting for photos, turtles often feeding
Weekdays – Quieter than weekends, more personal attention from volunteers
After the Beach – Perfect shaded activity to cool down after a morning at Indian Rocks Beach or Clearwater Beach
Nearby Attractions
Turtle Park is located in the Pinewood Cultural Park area, which also includes:
- Florida Botanical Gardens – Free 182-acre gardens (right next door!)
- Pinellas County Heritage Village – Open-air historical museum
- The Gallery at Creative Pinellas – Contemporary art exhibitions
You could easily combine Turtle Park with the Botanical Gardens for a full morning or afternoon of free nature exploration!
Driving Directions from Our Vacation Rental
From: 1731 Clearwater Harbor Dr, Largo, FL
To: McGough Nature Park, 11901 146th St N, Largo, FL 33774
Distance: Approximately 4 miles
Drive Time: About 10 minutes
Turn-by-Turn Directions:
- Head east on Clearwater Harbor Dr toward the mainland
- Turn right (south) onto Hamlin Blvd
- Continue straight as Hamlin Blvd becomes Walsingham Rd
- Continue on Walsingham Rd for approximately 2.5 miles
- Turn right (south) onto 146th St N
- McGough Nature Park will be on your left at the end of the road
📱 Google Maps: Click here for GPS directions
Contact Information
George C. McGough Nature Park (Turtle Park)
11901 146th Street North
Largo, FL 33774
Phone: (727) 518-3047
Website: www.largo.com
We hope you enjoy exploring Turtle Park during your stay! It’s one of our favorite local spots and a wonderful way to experience Florida’s natural beauty away from the crowds.
