The Best State Parks In Florida To Enjoy The Outdoors And Reconnect With Nature

Whether you enjoy camping, wildlife spotting or simply relaxing on a pristine beach, the Sunshine State has a spot for you. Here is a roundup of the best state parks in Florida to enjoy the outdoors and reconnect with nature.

Many people are looking to escape the everyday, get away from crowded places, and reconnect with nature more than ever. Luckily, Florida has plenty of spectacular outdoor spaces for us to escape to, and the perpetually sunny weather to be able to enjoy them.

With 11 epic national parks and 175 state parks, there are plenty of places to appreciate the Sunshine State’s natural beauty. 

National parks often get all the attention, so in this post I wanted to highlight some of the best state parks in Florida where you can enjoy the outdoors all year round.

The Best State Parks in Florida

Nature parks in Florida are renowned for their abundant and diverse wildlife, both on land and underwater. From hundreds of miles of beach and hiking trails to historical sites, Florida state parks are well connected and easily accessible from urban areas, such a St Pete.

Let’s dive in and discover some of the best state parks in the Sunshine State.

Blue Spring State Park

One of the top central Florida’s state parks, Blue Spring State Park is in prime natural springs country, about an hour from Orlando. It is one of the few springs diverse enough to earn the distinction of a state park designation. And for good reason.

Blue Spring State Park, like some of the nearby springs, has year-round 72-degree crystal-clear waters, becoming a haven for people to cool off during Florida’s hot summers. However it’s also one of the most unique nature parks in Florida.

During summer, swimmers can snorkel, dive and hang out in the nearly 0.3-mile spring that feeds into the St. Johns River. They can also rent kayaks, canoes or go on a kayaking guided tour, or take a pontoon boat ferry down the river.

But during winter, the park is home to a different breed of mammal. When nearby waters run cold, Blue Spring stays status quo. Its waters become a manatee sanctuary, as nearly 500 of these gentle giants call it home from late October to February.

By Jarrod from Ramble Around The World

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park 

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is America’s first undersea park, and one of the most impressive Florida state parks in the Keys. The park is located in Key Largo, the first Keys in the mesmerizing Florida Keys. 

The Keys is one of the two places in Florida where coral reefs can be found, and there are many options to choose from to explore them.

If you’re travelling with kids or if you’re scared of water, but still want a peek into the colorful marine life, then opt for a glass bottom boat tour, one of the top things to do in Florida Keys. The boat tours must be booked in advance. The 2 ½ hour tour takes you to some major spots for coral viewing. 

For divers and enthusiasts, snorkeling tours or scuba diving trips are also available. There are both timed tours and private tours available. The equipment needed for snorkelling and scuba diving can be rented at additional cost of the ticket. Besides leisure tours, there are certifications and courses to learn scuba diving. 

The State Park has mangroves spread around 50 miles. The day can be spent leisurely kayaking or paddle boarding through the mangroves, watching the shore birds or swimming at Cannon Beach etching beautiful memories.

By Neha from Travelmelodies 

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Hillsborough River State Park

A trip to Hillsborough River State Park is a chance to see real Florida in the wild. It is a true Tampa hidden gem located only 12 miles north of the city. As one of Florida’s first state parks, it is packed with history and natural beauty.

Canoeing or kayaking on the Hillsborough River is top on the list of things to do. You will see alligators sunning between the roots of cypress trees as you paddle.

Other wildlife includes white ibis roosting in the trees, deer and wild hogs splashing through the swamp, and turtles and otters popping in and out of the water. Fishing in the river is also popular.

If hiking is more your style, there are seven miles of trails through the park. Spanish moss dangling from majestic live oak and bald cypress frames the trails. Cyclists can also enjoy the Wetlands Restoration Trail. 

It is one of the best Florida state parks for camping, and a full-facility campground welcomes RV and tent campers. There is also a primitive backcountry campsite.

If you enjoy seeing nature in the wild, you will find it at Hillsborough River State Park. Bring your binoculars and your adventurous spirit.

By Karen from Outdoor Adventure Sampler

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Caladesi Island State Park

Caladesi Island State Park is located west of Dunedin, one of the cheapest places to live in Florida. It is neither overcrowded nor overbuilt, and it’s one of the best Florida state parks on the beach – perfect for those looking for a bit of solitude.

This natural island on the Florida Gulf Coast still preserves the beauty and essence of old Florida.

Although most people flock to Caladesi Island State Park for its pristine beach, the island has plenty of things to do for its visitors.

The untouched beauty and the calmness of the beach make Caladesi one of the top hidden gems in Florida, and they are the perfect settings to relax or to take sunbathe on the beach. Adventure lovers can rent kayaks and explore the island along the white sand coastline and the mangroves.

You can also walk from Clearwater Beach to Caladesi Island State Park. It is not a hard walk and offers a spectacular scenic view on this 2.2-mile trail. If kayaking or hiking is not your thing, take a scenic ferry ride from Honeymoon Island to Caladesi Island. 

Don’t forget to bring plenty of water and snacks, especially if you plan to walk. 

Caladesi Island is not far from St Pete and Clearwater, so why not spend some time exploring St Pete if you’re in the area? You can even combine it with a trip to Crystal River too, where there is so much to do!

By Trijit from BudgetTravelBuff

Oscar Scherer State Park

Visiting Oscar Scherer State Park is one of the most memorable things to do in Sarasota county. The park entrance is on Tamiami Trail (US41), 13 miles south of downtown Sarasota.

Offering a relatively untouched environment, the park is one of the few remaining habitats for the endangered Florida scrub jay. A worthwhile activity is a ranger-led hike through the scrub habitat. On our last visit we saw many Florida scrub jays and also bald eagles and other migrating birds.

The same ranger later accompanied us on a kayak adventure on South Creek. On that liquid road trip, he taught us much about the pristine area and why it is so valuable for the wildlife and the overall health of Florida.

While paddling, we saw great blue herons, other birds, and a few gators. Group night paddles are one event we would return to do.

It was really fantastic to experience Oscar Scherer State Park with an expert ranger but plenty of hiking trails and other activities can be enjoyed without (or with) guidance. It is also convenient to park inside the park and hop on the popular Legacy Trail.

The park campground is very popular; make a reservation!

By Charles from McCool Travel

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Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park

Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park is a small state park containing the ruins of what used to be the largest sugar mill in Florida.

The state park is within a few miles just off I-95, but to get to the ruins, you have to drive through a dirt road meant for only one car at a time. There are places to stop and let other cars pass in case you encounter two lane traffic. 

Once you get to the parking lot, you need to do a small hike to get to the ruins. There are two choices: hike through the forest on a cleared road, or walk along the dirt path to get to the ruins. The choice is up to you, but the forest path is not suitable for people bringing strollers or those who have mobility issues. 

You can walk around within the plantation ruins. There is a small outdoor museum, and a few posts that tell the history of the ruins.

You can also do a small hike to find another ruin of a cabin or a house. It’s barely visible now, but still has a lot of history involved in it. 

By Ruby from A Journey We Love

Silver Springs State Park

Silver Springs Park, just north of Orlando, is one of the best parks in Florida, perfect for family visits and a chance to get away from all the hustle and bustle of the land of theme parks. 

Silver Springs is one of America’s largest springs and is set in over 4,000 acres of land. With the Silver River running through it and the beautiful sandhill forest within it, this is a wonderful place to lose yourself in the many hikes around the land.

One of the best reasons to visit this park though, has to be to experience its amazing glass bottom boats. Float through the Silver River as visitors have done since the 1870s and see the most fantastic view of fish swimming below the surface. It really is a spectacular sight.

There’s plenty more to do here including paddling, visiting the museum, and even camping (although if you are looking for a more traditional stay some of the great family resorts in Florida are an easy drive away).

Silver Springs is a wonderful place for an afternoon or for a full day. 

By Nichola from Family Hotel Expert

Myakka River State Park

The Myakka River State Park is one of Florida’s oldest parks and also one of the largest. At 58 square miles, there is plenty to see and do here, with some of the best fishing, boating and hiking in Florida.

Come here to get back in touch with nature and experience the beauty of Florida. Of course, the Myakka River itself is the star attraction here and many tourists visit just to take a boat tour. You can spot incredible wildlife such as herons, alligators and even bald eagles if you’re lucky. 

The park is open daily from 8:00 am until sunset. The entrance fee is 6$ per car or 2$ per pedestrian.

Some of the most popular activities at this park include biking, camping and bird watching. You can also go on guided horseback riding tours or learn how to kayak.

Myakka River State Park is truly the place to experience the great outdoors and get into all sorts of new activities.

By Victoria from Guide Your Travel 

Koreshan State Park

There are so many top state parks to visit in Florida, and Koreshan State Park is one of them. Located a few minutes outside of Naples, this state park offers a unique learning experience about the Koreshan Unity Settlement.

Dr. Cyrus R. Teed founded a religious sect named the Koreshans and moved to Estero to build a settlement.

This settlement was founded with the belief in communal living and that the universe existed within the Earth. He recruited 200 followers to the settlement and they based their lives on celibacy. They created farms, nurseries, gardens, and more. 

After Teed died in 1908, memberships to the settlement declined. In 1961, the remaining members offered the settlement to the state of Florida as a memorial and park. 

Today, visitors can learn more about Koreshan history and simply enjoy nature. There are eleven restored buildings that visitors can wander through that the Koreshans built. 

Plus, visitors can also enjoy hiking, camping, canoeing, and much more here. There is a nature trail along the Estero River where visitors can find birds, foxes, and more. Lastly, kayak rentals are also available at the park. 

By Disha from Disha Discovers

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park

Located on the stunning Paradise Coast of southwest Florida, Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is a pristine natural environment with one of the best beaches in Naples Florida.

The park sits in the midst of one of Florida’s most scenic coastal ecosystems, with an abundance of wildlife, dunes, and natural vegetation protecting its shoreline.

The beaches here are perfect for nature lovers and those seeing a quiet, more peaceful day at the beach. With the Gulf of Mexico waters typically peaceful and calm, swimming, paddling, and beach activities at Delnor-Wiggins are among the favorite things to do.

There are five parking areas nestled among the trees, with boardwalk paths strewn throughout which lead to the beach. A narrow nature trail runs the length of the Park connecting each area together.

Shore fishing at Delnor-Wiggins is also excellent. The northernmost end of the Park near the lagoon is the only spot that allows fishing, a secluded spot for casting a line, but not swimming.  Also at the far north tip of the Park, a tall wooden observation town can easily be climbed and offers panoramic views over the Park. 

If you’re looking for a less-crowded beach experience in Naples, Florida, Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is the place to go.

By Lori from Travlinmad 

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park has beautiful spring waters flowing through it and it’s one of the best Florida state parks near Tampa. It’s located north of the city, and around two hours drive from Orlando, making it perfect for an Orlando day trip.

There’s a lot to do in this beautiful park – from kayaking to boat trips, including full instruction given to those who haven’t been out on the water before. There is also an amazing water park, Buccaneer Bay to enjoy some water slides.

The water here in the river is crystal clear, and you can see West Indian manatees, pelicans, turtles and wood storks, amongst many other wildlife.

One of the really unique sights at Weeki Wachee is mermaids! See a mermaid show that has been running for decades and will keep all the family entertained with fantastic underwater acrobatics.

Weeki Wachee is like a step back in time to the way vacations used to be.

By Nichola from Globalmouse Travels

St. Andrews State Park

Most people come to Florida and Panama City Beach for the sugar white sand and the warm, crystal-clear gulf waters. After all, it’s one of the best beaches on Florida’s panhandle.

However, if you feel like getting a little bit more into nature, Panama City Beach is also home to one of the most beautiful Florida state parks.  

St. Andrews State Park is only three miles east of Panama City Beach, but it feels like it’s a world away. Located on the beach and the bay, visitors get the best of both worlds. It’s the perfect place for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, SUP and even surfing.  

Because of the protected waters and jetty, St. Andrews State Park is an excellent place for SCUBA diving or learning to SCUBA dive. 

Guests can take advantage of hiking trails in the park and try their luck at spotting herons and other native birds that feed in the marsh. You might even spot an alligator or two. 

For travelers who like to camp, St Andrews is one of the best state parks in Florida for camping, so book a site in the park’s 60 site campground well in advance. All sites can accommodate tents and some RVs, are pet-friendly and have electricity and water.  

By Lori from Southerner Says

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

If you are looking for one of the best Florida state parks with beautiful nature opportunities plus amazing history, then Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park in Key West is for you (or Fort Zach as the locals call it).

The two main areas of the park include an 1800s-era Civil War fort and a beautiful, pebbly beach. The Civil War fort was built to guard the harbor of Key West and has since been used in multiple wars. You can either explore the fort on your own or take the daily, guided tour. 

Fort Zach’s beach is a mix of sand and pebbles, so water shoes are recommended. However, for any discomfort the beach brings, the amazing snorkeling opportunities in the water make up for it.

It’s actually one of the best Florida state parks in the Keys, and the best Key West beach for snorkeling!

The water here is clean and clear and the rocky breakers make for great areas for fish to hang out. Snorkeling equipment is for rent right on the beach and you can also pick up some yummy, cheap eats at the beachside, Cayo Hueso Cafe.

And once you’re done exploring the park, there are so many fabulous things to do in Key West for the rest of your trip!

By Jenessa from Destination Daydreamer

Curry Hammock State Park

Located right alongside the Florida Overseas Highway, Curry Hammock State Park protects large areas of rockland hammocks, mangrove swamps, and seagrass beds.

Many visit Curry Hammock State Park for kayaking and paddle boarding adventures on their way to Dry Tortugas National Park.

With the Atlantic Ocean as the backdrop, those looking to get on the water will navigate through a beautiful mangrove creek and along miles of picturesque coastline. You can also enjoy windsurfing or kiteboarding adventures when the winds are strong at Curry Hammock.

If you are looking to stay the night, Curry Hammock State Park offers a 28-site campground right along the ocean. You will have to make reservations, but once you do, you will have complete access to night kayaking and star-gazing adventures.

There are also fantastic opportunities for birding throughout the year at Curry Hammock. 

Shallow-water fishing is also allowed and available on both the bay and ocean side of the park. Finally, head out on the 15-mile trail through the bayside hammock of Curry Hammock State Park through a moderately difficult hike.

By Ellie From Ellie’s Travel Tips

For more information, you can find the full list of Florida state parks here.

And why not continue your exploration of the US and discover California’s best state parks too?

Map of the best Florida state parks

What would you add to this list of Florida best state parks?
Let me know in the comments!

Exploring Florida? Check out my other Florida articles

• How to Spend One Day in St Pete, Florida – Things to Do, And Where to Eat and Drink

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