I find it special that beyond the theme parks and palm trees, Florida’s state parks are full of wonder. I love how this state mixes wild beauty, splashy fun, and hands-on adventures. I look forward to days that start with manatees and end with marshmallow roasts under the stars.
To me, Florida parks mean spotting gators on a boardwalk at Everglades National Park, swimming with fish in the crystal-clear springs at Blue Spring State Park, and collecting seashells along the white sands of Henderson Beach State Park. We always pack a picnic for Myakka River State Park, where canopy walks and airboat rides bring out the explorer in every kid. .
Best Florida State Parks:
Anastasia State Park - Just a 5-mile drive from St. Augustine - Walk along sandy dunes and swim in gentle surf on a relaxing summer trip.
Big Talbot Island State Park - a 40-minute drive from Jacksonville - Explore driftwood beaches and hike forest trails on an unusual outdoor adventure.
Collier-Seminole State Park - a 30-minute drive from Downtown Naples - Paddle through mangroves and see rare plants on an exciting nature trip.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park - 1 hour and 30 minutes from Miami - Snorkel colorful reefs and admire marine life on a fun family outing.
Myakka River State Park - a 30-minute drive from Sarasota - Spot wildlife and walk canopy trails during a peaceful spring weekend.
Falling Waters State Park - 1 hour and 45 minutes from Tallahassee - See Florida’s tallest waterfall and hike scenic paths on a quiet retirement trip.
Big Shoals State Park - a 1 hour and 15-minute from Gainesville - Go whitewater kayaking and explore bluffs on an exciting summer adventure.
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park - a 25-minute drive from West Palm Beach - Cross the boardwalk and swim at the beach on an easy couples getaway.
Hillsborough River State Park - a 30-minute drive from Tampa - Bike forest trails and visit suspension bridges on a fun kids-friendly trip.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park - a 20-minute drive from Downtown Miami - Climb the lighthouse and relax on quiet shores during a romantic weekend escape.
In Summary...
(and if you want to revisit my photo journey)- • Anastasia State Park - Just a 5-mile drive from St. Augustine
- • Big Talbot Island State Park - a 40-minute drive from Jacksonville
- • Collier-Seminole State Park - a 30-minute drive from Downtown Naples
- • John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park - 1 hour and 30 minutes from Miami
- • Myakka River State Park - a 30-minute drive from Sarasota
- • Falling Waters State Park - 1 hour and 45 minutes from Tallahassee
- • Big Shoals State Park - a 1 hour and 15-minute from Gainesville
- • John D. MacArthur Beach State Park - a 25-minute drive from West Palm Beach
- • Hillsborough River State Park - a 30-minute drive from Tampa
- • Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park - a 20-minute drive from Downtown Miami