Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway to reconnect with nature, passionate about spotting some of Florida’s wildlife, or ready to lace up your boots and hike through the Everglades alongside gators and manatee, Florida’s State Parks have a little something for everyone.
What Makes Florida State Parks Unique?
Florida State Parks have won the gold medal for best parks system by the National Recreation and Park Association three times, more than any other state. Every park has its own diverse ecosystem, meaning you won’t run into the same thing twice, and this makes Florida parks some of the best to visit.
The 10 Best State Parks in Florida
#1 Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park
Welcome to what is considered the darkest spot in all of Florida. Located in Okeechobee County, Kissimmee Prairie is Florida’s first ever dark sky park. There is no better place in Florida to view the Milky Way and count the stars on Orion’s Belt than here. Kissimmee Prairie’s star trails offer unparalleled celestial beauty, both in the sunlight amongst the beige plains and as the moon rises, trading in those city lights for something much more real. This Florida park is a must visit spot, especially for the upcoming, mid-October meteor shower.
#2 Rainbow Springs State Park
Boasting 6 miles of a river you can tube, swim, snorkel, boat, paddle, and view wildlife in, Rainbow Springs makes our list with ease. It is in Dunnellon Florida and is rich with both history and natural beauty. The real eye catcher of Rainbow Springs is the waterfall walk, which takes visitors on scenic trails through lush landscape, amongst native wildlife like wood ducks, songbirds, and even green herons, to two showstopping waterfalls.
#3 John D. MacArthur State Park
On Jack Nicklaus Drive in North Palm Beach rests John D. MacArthur State Park, a gem of South Florida. With only a $5 per vehicle entrance fee, this state park offers unparalleled beaches with some of the bluest water around. These white sand, secluded beaches are how beaches are meant to look, without any human development turning sand to concrete. John D. MacArthur provides easy access to Munyon Island, a mangrove and wildlife habitat, and we love it for its diverse ecosystem with perched coastal dunes.
#4 Florida Caverns State Park
Caves? In mostly flat Florida? Who would have thought that Florida Caverns State Park is home to 10 caves that, yes, you can tour! As the only state park in Florida with caves you can actually walk through, the Caverns is a must do. Located in the panhandle near Marianna Florida, this park is home to dry, air-filled limestone caves that average temperatures of 65℉, a welcome respite from the often suffocating Florida heat. Come for a 45 minute tour with stops along the way where you can touch the cavern walls. Keep an eye out for bats—they don’t bite but might just give your heart a fright.
#5 Wekiwa Springs State Park
Only 20 minutes away from downtown Orlando in Apopka Florida is natural oasis Wekiwa Springs State Park. The crystalline waters are ideal for renting a clear kayak and traversing down, where you can dive in, surrounded by lush vegetation and an ideal getaway from those hot summer months. This state park is fun for the whole family and, if you’re lucky, you might even be able to spot a black bear!
#6 John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a must see, not one to miss our top ten, and voted one of America’s best parks! In December of 1960, Florida Governor LeRoy Collins officially named this park as the United States first undersea park. Interested in seeing underwater life? Try snorkeling at the park’s living coral reef, the only one to exist in continental U.S. You can find John Pennekamp’s nearly 178 acres of aquatic enchantment in Key Largo.
#7 Colt Creek State Park
Tucked away in Lakeland Florida is Colt Creek State Park where the lakes are old limestone quarries that you can fish, canoe, or kayak in. Why travel far from Florida when at Colt Creek you have over 15 miles of hiking trails with cypress domes, pine flatwoods, and creeks? If you’re looking for a park to camp at, Colt Creek is one of our top choices with their well maintained, secluded, and relaxed ambience campsites.
#8 Paynes Prairie State Park
Paynes Prairie steals the cake as possibly one of the wildest state parks in Florida, located in Gainesville. It is home to Florida’s last bison and is filled with wild horses. Plan to stay for the weekend—with close to 23,000 acres and 30 miles of trails to explore, Paynes Prairie is sure to fill your day with excitement. Bird enthusiasts, you’re in luck! Paynes Prairie hosts over 270 species of birds, some of which are considered extinct, and a 50+ foot observation tower overlooking the prairies is just the spot to whip out the binoculars, a camera, and catch views of your favorite wildlife.
#9 Ravine Gardens State Park
Have you ever wanted to see azaleas for days? If you head to Ravine Gardens State Park in Palatka, Florida anytime from January through March, you will be stunned by the 18 different types of azaleas all in bloom. Picturesque ravines, blossoming gardens, and a bewitching place to reconnect with nature, Ravine Gardens is one of Florida’s best kept secrets since 1933. There are two suspension bridges you can walk across, and the park puts on various events throughout the year, including a marketplace with vintage vendors—much more sophisticated than your average gift shop!
#10 Silver Springs State Park
Renowned for their world famous glass bottom boat tours, Silver Springs State Park steals the final place in our top ten favorites. Located in Silver Springs, paddleboarding in the emerald bluesprings is a must. The park is rich with cinematic history, having been discovered by Hollywood in the 1930s and sporting big screen movie scenes from at least 20 films. What makes this park truly unique is that it is the only place in Florida with wild monkeys! This paradise is perfect for your next weekend getaway.
The Bottom Line: Florida State Parks
From beaches to underground caverns and crystal rivers to fields of blooming pink, Florida State Parks have it all. Be prepared to fill your camera roll with these parks’ natural beauty and immerse yourself in creation. We love our states’ arresting, secluded parks, and we know that you will, too.
Comments