Florida State & National Parks

• What is the history of Alafia River State Park?
  • Alafia River State Park has an interesting history; it stands on the site of a reclaimed phosphate mine, which has been transformed into a beautiful green space offering a variety of outdoor attractions for nature lovers.
• What makes Alafia River State Park unique in central Florida?
  • The park stands out from central Florida’s typically flat topography by offering challenging mountain-bike trails as well as hilly hiking and equestrian trails for visitors to explore.
• What water activities are available at Alafia River State Park?
  • Visitors can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, and fishing along the Alafia River or at one of the many lakes dotted throughout the park.
• What other activities can visitors enjoy at the park?
  • Other popular activities include camping, picnicking, bird watching, and geo-seeking.

Alafia River State Park, 14326 South County Rd 39, Lithia, FL 33547, Phone: 813-672-5320

• Where is Amelia Island State Park located?
  • Conveniently located near Jacksonville and Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island State Park protects more than 200 acres of pristine wilderness at the southern tip of Amelia Island.
• What activities can visitors enjoy at Amelia Island State Park?
  • Activities along this beautiful stretch of beach include cycling, fishing, paddling, picnicking, and sand-castle building.
• What facilities are available at Amelia Island State Park?
  • The park offers a shower station and clean restrooms, but visitors will need to bring everything else they need for a relaxing day on the beach.

Amelia Island State Park, State Rd A1A North, Jacksonville, FL 32226, Phone: 904-251-2320

• What does Anastasia State Park protect?
  • Anastasia State Park protects and showcases an enormous 1,600 acres of salt marshes, pristine beaches, and ancient sand dunes, providing an enticing playground for all nature lovers.
• What wildlife activities can visitors enjoy at the park?
  • Wildlife and bird watching are two very popular activities in the park, where visitors can observe a wide variety of birds.
• What recreational activities are available at Anastasia State Park?
  • The park offers a network of hiking and biking trails (with bike rentals available on-site) as well as sailing, canoeing, and kayaking, all of which provide great opportunities for wildlife watching from the estuary.
• Can visitors camp at Anastasia State Park?
  • Yes! Visitors can bring along a tent or RV and stay at the park’s campground.
• What activities can visitors enjoy at the beach?
  • The park’s four-mile pristine beach is great for fishing, swimming, and surfing.

Anastasia State Park, 300 Anastasia Park Rd, St. Augustine, FL 32080, Phone: 904-461-2033

Romantic Florida Parks

• Where is Bahia Honda State Park located?
  • You will find Bahia Honda State Park on an idyllic tropical island in the famous Florida Keys. The island is linked to mainland Florida by the Overseas Highway, making it easily accessible to visitors.
• What kind of scenery can visitors expect at Bahia Honda State Park?
  • The island boasts iconic Florida scenery—imagine palm-fringed beaches, crystal-clear azure waters, amazing sunsets, and excellent opportunities for wildlife watching.
• What accommodations are available at Bahia Honda State Park?
  • The park can accommodate both RVs and tents and offers six cabins for rent if you would like to stay for a few days.
• What water activities can visitors enjoy at Bahia Honda State Park?
  • Visitors can spend time boating, canoeing, or kayaking (with rental equipment available), as well as enjoy snorkeling or scuba diving.
• Are there trails to explore at Bahia Honda State Park?
  • Yes! The park offers walking, hiking, and biking trails for visitors to explore.
• Can visitors relax on the beach at Bahia Honda State Park?
  • Absolutely! Visitors can simply soak up the tropical sun on one of Florida’s best beaches.

Bahia Honda State Park, 36850 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key, FL 33043, Phone: 305-872-2353

• What does Big Cypress National Preserve protect?
  • Big Cypress National Preserve protects the enormous freshwater Big Cypress Swamp, which is adjacent to the Everglades and is home to a huge diversity of plants and wildlife.
• Why should visitors explore Big Cypress National Preserve?
  • Exploring the preserve is an adventure that no visitor to south Florida should miss, offering opportunities to experience the area's unique landscapes and ecosystems.
• What scenic activities can visitors enjoy at Big Cypress?
  • Visitors can spend several hours driving along a network of scenic drives or join a guided walk or other ranger-led activity.
• Are there paddling opportunities in Big Cypress?
  • Yes! Visitors can enjoy the sights and sounds of the preserve as they paddle along the waterways by canoe or kayak.
• Are there picnic areas within the preserve?
  • There are several roadside parks where visitors can picnic while driving through the preserve.
• Can visitors camp at Big Cypress National Preserve?
  • Yes! The preserve features eight campgrounds where visitors can spend the night, offering opportunities to observe the amazing night skies.

Big Cypress National Preserve, 33100 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, FL 34141, Phone 239-695-2000

• What does Big Lagoon State Park protect?
  • Big Lagoon State Park protects 704 acres of pristine coastal landscape located between the mainland and Perdido Key, along the Gulf of Mexico.
• What makes Big Lagoon State Park special for nature lovers?
  • The park provides an extraordinary playground for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers and serves as a gateway to the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.
• What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy at Big Lagoon State Park?
  • Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including boating, swimming, paddling, fishing, and hiking.
• Is Big Lagoon State Park connected to any major paddling trails?
  • Yes! Avid kayakers can use the park as a springboard to the Florida Circumnavigational Paddling Trail, which circles the entire state.
• Can visitors camp at Big Lagoon State Park?
  • To fully appreciate all the park has to offer, visitors should consider spending a few nights at the campground, which is suitable for both tents and RVs.

Big Lagoon State Park, 12301 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola, FL 32507, Phone: 850-492-1595

Florida Parks for Families

• What makes Big Shoals State Park special?
  • Big Shoals State Park is home to the largest stretch of white-water rapids in the state, making it a magnet for experienced paddlers and a prime destination for walkers and hikers looking to explore an outstanding natural playground.
• What level do the white-water rapids reach?
  • The white-water rapids can reach Class III level when the Suwannee River rises, offering exhilarating and challenging conditions for canoeing and kayaking.
• What activities are available for visitors who prefer to stay on land?
  • Visitors who prefer to keep their feet dry have access to over 28 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails to explore, along with plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities.
• Can visitors fish at Big Shoals State Park?
  • Yes! Visitors can fish along the river for a relaxing outdoor experience.
• Are there facilities available at the park?
  • A picnic area and restrooms are available near the park entrance for visitor convenience.

Big Shoals State Park, 11330 S.E. County Rd 135, White Springs, FL 32096, Phone: 386-397-4331

• What makes Biscayne National Park unique?
  • Lying off the coastline of Miami, Biscayne National Park is remarkable for protecting a combination of underwater coral reefs, aquamarine waters, and verdant islands that are home to a huge diversity of marine creatures and on-shore wildlife.
• Where can visitors learn more about Biscayne National Park?
  • At the Dante Fascell Visitor’s Center, Gallery, and Museum, visitors can get a great overview of the park and embark on a variety of boat tours and other programs.
• What activities are available for divers and snorkelers?
  • Divers and snorkelers can follow the underwater Maritime Heritage Trail to explore various shipwrecks.
• Are there historical sites within Biscayne National Park?
  • History buffs will find plenty to interest them on Elliott Key and the Jones Family Historic District.
• Can visitors camp at Biscayne National Park?
  • To fully experience this water wonderland, visitors should spend a few days exploring. Campgrounds are available on Elliott Key and Boca Chita Key.

Biscayne National Park, Sir Lancelot Jones Way, Homestead, FL 33033, Phone: 305-230-1144

• Where is Canaveral National Seashore located?
  • Canaveral National Seashore is located on a barrier island between New Smyrna Beach and Titusville, making it a popular recreational paradise for all nature lovers.
• What water activities can visitors enjoy at Canaveral National Seashore?
  • Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a wide variety of water sports both in the lagoon and off the beach, including excellent surfing, boating, swimming, and fishing.
• Are there activities for children at Canaveral National Seashore?
  • Yes! Children can spend hours building castles on the sandy beach while adults enjoy watching endangered birds and other wildlife in their natural habitats.
• What guided experiences are available at Canaveral National Seashore?
  • Visitors can participate in guided canoe tours and sign up for the annual Turtle Watch or Night Sky Exploration events.

Canaveral National Seashore, 212 S Washington Ave, Titusville, FL 32796, Phone: 321-267-1110

• What is Crystal River Archaeological State Park?
  • Crystal River Archaeological State Park is a 61-acre national park that protects remains of ancient pre-Columbian and Native American civilizations. It is believed to be the longest continuously used burial site in Florida.
• What archaeological features can visitors explore?
  • Visitors can admire the burial mounds and even climb to the top of the main 30-foot mound to see how it was constructed.
• What educational opportunities are available at the park?
  • The park features an interpretive center and a museum where visitors can learn more about the historical significance of the site.
• What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy?
  • Visitors can go hiking, biking, and fishing, or explore the park on a boat tour.
• Are there any additional recreational activities at the park?
  • Picnicking and geo-caching are other popular activities for visitors.

Crystal River Archaeological State Park, 3400 N Museum Point, Crystal River, FL 34428, Phone: 352-795-3817