Florida’s state parks are a lively display of the Sunshine State’s natural beauty. It’s a place where natural springs, forests, and coral reefs offer ecotourism. As Floridians, we’ve visited many of the state’s top-rated parks, each delivering unforgettable adventures. Here’s a guide to the best Florida State Parks we think you need to visit, each a testament to the state’s varied landscapes and rich cultural history.
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Table of Contents
1. Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park—White Springs, FL
Situated on the banks of the Suwannee River, this park pays homage to Florida’s musical history by honoring Stephen Foster, the creator of “Old Folks at Home.” Don’t miss the Bell Carillon and a visit to the Stephen Foster Museum to discover more about the composer’s legacy. It is a 97-bell tower that creates a unique sound experience by playing Foster’s tunes all day long.
Amenities and Activities: What we loved most about this park was exploring over 3.5 miles of picturesque riverbank trails. There are so many great opportunities for photography and birdwatching. Paddling along cypress-lined waters is a leisurely experience when canoeing or kayaking on the Suwannee River or biking along paved park roads. Cabins for overnight stays and a full-hookup campground are also available. One of the cultural highlights of Florida’s best state parks is the annual Florida Folk Festival, which takes place in May and attracts tourists with live music and cultural performances.
2. Bahia Honda State Park—Big Pine Key, FL
A slice of tropical paradise, Bahia Honda offers some of the best snorkeling in the Keys, thanks to its shallow waters and vibrant marine life. The park’s turquoise beaches and iconic Old Bahia Honda Bridge make it one of the best Florida parks for a laid-back coastal escape.
What You’ll Find at Bahia Honda
Bahia Honda has 1.5 miles of the finest natural sandy beaches in all of Florida, making it an ideal location for swimming, sunbathing, or just relaxing. Here you can enjoy views of the Atlantic Ocean from Loggerhead or Sandspur beaches or Calusa Beach on Florida Bay. Calusa Beach is perfect for families because it has calm and shallow waters. Kids and beginner swimmers can enjoy playing in the water safely. On the other hand, Sandspur Beach is a quieter area that is surrounded by sea grape trees and sand dunes. Although it is recovering from storm damage, it still looks beautiful.
If you would rather snorkel offshore, the park has boat tours to Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary. The colorful coral reef is abundant with parrotfish and angelfish, along with spiny lobsters, and sometimes, rays or sea turtles.
Old Bahia Honda Rail Bridge
A visit to the park isn’t complete without walking up to the remnants of the Old Bahia Honda Rail Bridge, part of Henry Flagler’s ambitious Overseas Railway. The elevated viewpoint offers sweeping panoramic views of the island, ocean, and palm-fringed beaches. It is one of the most iconic photo spots.
Bahia Honda offers some of the best camping in Florida. Getting hold of these popular sites is difficult since they’re quickly sold. The reason? These waterfront campsites and cabins offer incredible sunrise and sunset views. One advantage of staying overnight in the park is that it gives you early morning access to the beaches. All these amenities make this one of the must-visit Florida State Parks for coastal adventures.
3. Manatee Springs State Park—Chiefland, FL
These springs are named for their winter visitors: the gentle manatees. This park features a first-magnitude spring that feeds the Suwannee River. It pumps out a whopping 50 to 150 million gallons of crystal-clear water daily, creating a haven for these creatures. Water activities such as swimming, kayaking, and scuba diving are all great options, or you can just sit and watch these beautiful creatures pass by in this amazing Florida state park.
Amenities and Activities: The water of the spring is always 72°F, so people can swim, snorkel, and scuba dive as a great escape from the hot summer or the cold winter. I must say that one of the best things we did was kayaking the 8.5-mile spring run to the Suwannee River. You can rent kayaks and canoes. Sightings of manatees are common in winter. There are over 8 miles of hiking trails, with the North End Trail being just one of the many options, which go through the hardwood forests. It is a paradise for birdwatchers. Some trails and paved roads are also suitable for biking. The park has a full-facility campground, picnic areas, and a playground for families. A boardwalk gives you a chance to enjoy gorgeous views of the spring, which makes it one of the most beautiful natural parks in Florida.
4. Silver Springs State Park—Ocala, FL
Silver Springs offers an insightful look into Florida’s underwater world. You can experience the famous glass-bottom boat rides at Silver Springs. Most people consider it one of the oldest places of interest in Florida. Experience a smooth ride in clear water, enclosed by rich hardwood forests and giant ancient cypress trees. This is a surreal journey that definitely ranks itself among the best state parks in Florida.
Amenities and Activities: One of the must-sees is the iconic glass-bottom boat tours. On the tour, you get very close to the fish, turtles, and alligators that live in the crystal-clear spring. If you are lucky, you may even spot one of the famous monkeys. The rental of kayaks and canoes is the way paddlers can discover the Silver River, which is bordered with cypress trees on both sides.
There are more than 15 miles of hiking trails, e.g. the Swamp Trail and Sinkhole Trail. There is also biking on most trails. The park has a campground with cabins and RV sites, as well as picnic areas and a museum that tells the park’s history, including its time as the location for early Hollywood films. This top Florida State Park blends adventure and history seamlessly.
5. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park—Micanopy, FL
Did you know you can spot wild bison and horses in Florida? You can at Paynes Prairie State Park. This massive inland savanna is a haven for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. Climb the observation tower for sweeping views of this Florida natural treasure.
Amenities and Activities: Hiking the 1.5-mile La Chua Trail is essential for those who love nature. It is the best place to see the local wildlife (alligators, birds, and bison) in its natural habitat. From the visitor center, a 50-foot observation tower gives you panoramic views of the savannah. Easily reachable from the park, you can also bike along the 16-mile paved Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail. Paddlers can kayak or canoe on Lake Wauburg. Lots of gators on this lake. The park also has a campground for RV and tent camping, picnic areas, and a visitor center that exhibits the prairie’s ecology. This premier Florida State Park is a biodiversity hotspot.
6. Florida Caverns State Park—Marianna, FL
Discover an incredible underground cave that is naturally adorned with stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones. Florida Caverns is home to one of the rare accessible limestone cave systems in the state, an amazing nature’s handiwork. Florida Caverns provides guided cave tours, a rarity in Florida, in addition to hiking and canoeing. If you love exploring the depths of the earth, then this is one of the top Sunshine State parks for you.
Amenities and Activities: When available, guided cave tours allow visitors to see beautiful stalactites, stalagmites and flowstones, and are absolutely necessary for geology lovers. On the surface, 13 miles of hiking trails, such as the Bluff Trail, pass through deciduous forests. Canoeing and kayaking on the Chipola River offer scenic paddling, with rentals nearby. The park provides a campground with RV and tent sites, equestrian trails, and the blue hole for summer swimming. This legendary Florida State Park merges underground discovery with outdoor sports.
7. Myakka River State Park—Sarasota, FL
Discover one of Florida’s largest and most diverse gems, Myakka River State Park! Spanning over 37,000 acres, this historic park is one of Florida’s oldest. Here you get a stunning mix of wetlands, prairies, and wildlife.
Amenities and Activities: A must-do for any park visitor is gliding through the river on an airboat tour to spot alligators. Thrill seekers can soar above the trees on the 100-foot Canopy Walkway, a 100-ft-long treetop bridge with epic views. We prefer hiking or biking the 39 miles of trails. We love exploring the diverse ecosystems teeming with herons, otters, and more! Rental kayaks and canoes to venture out onto the Myakka River and Upper Myakka Lake are available. The park has five cabins for rent, a full-facility campground, and backcountry campsites, plus picnic areas and a visitor center. This prime Florida State Park is perfect for immersive nature experiences.
8. Blue Spring State Park—Orange City, FL
Each winter, a massive influx of manatees gather in the Blue Springs. This seasonal visitation transforms the spring into a paradise for photographers and nature lovers. Here, you get an unusual chance to observe these gentle giants up close. Conversely, the summer months see another ambiance being ushered in, as the spring becomes a focal point for swimming, tubing, snorkeling, and even scuba diving. Blue Spring provides a constant link to the natural beauty of Florida and its wild charm.
Amenities and Activities: Let’s face it, manatees are a winter highlight. In summer you can swim, snorkel, or tube in the 72°F spring waters (swimming is seasonal because of manatee protection). The St. Johns River and spring run are great for kayaking and canoeing, with rentals available within the park. Plenty of hikes are available on over 6 miles of trails, including the 4.5-mile Pine Island Trail. It gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy scenic views and spot wildlife. A boardwalk along the spring run is just the right place for photography enthusiasts. Biking is allowed on park roads. The park also has a campground, cabins, and picnic areas, thus making it one of the best parks in Florida for eco-tourism.
9. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park—Weeki Wachee, FL
Everyone needs to experience the enchanting charm of Weeki Wachee Springs. One of Florida’s iconic roadside gems, famous for its dazzling live mermaid shows! Since 1947, this park has blended quirky fun with stunning natural beauty along the crystal-clear Weeki Wachee River.
Amenities and Activities: During our visit, we were captivated by the mermaids performing in the 400-ft-deep spring at the Underwater Theater. Paddling the 6-mile river by kayak or canoe is also very fun. You can easily spot manatees, otters, and fish while paddling the clear spring-fed waters. Kids will love the water slides and swimming at Buccaneer Bay. A short nature trail provides wildlife viewing, while picnic areas and pavilions cater to groups. While camping isn’t available, the park’s quirky charm makes it one of Florida’s most beloved state parks.
10. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park—Key Largo, FL
Immerse yourself in a stunning coral reef environment filled with beautiful fish and ancient shipwrecks. Being the first aquatic park in the United States, Pennekamp is an ideal spot for snorkeling. There is no doubt that it is one of the top Florida parks for oceanic exploration in the Florida Keys.
Amenities and Activities: The magnificent underwater section of the park is its highlight. It’s a place where the famous Christ of the Abyss statue can be viewed along with beautiful coral reefs that are full of tropical fish. All the snorkeling and scuba diving tours are open to all skill levels. If you want a no-fuss experience, you can rent the necessary equipment right in the park.
Prefer not to get wet? Try scheduling a glass-bottom boat tour. That way, you can stay dry while still watching the colorful sea creatures. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available to paddle through the park’s quiet mangrove trails. Calm water here makes it good for any paddler.
The park’s 2.5-mile nature trail offers hiking, while biking is permitted on park roads. A campground with RV and tent sites, plus a visitor center with a 30,000-gallon aquarium, round out the amenities. This premier Florida State Park is a marine lover’s dream.
11. Big Talbot Island State Park—Jacksonville, FL
Big Talbot Island is known for its unique “Boneyard Beach,” where salt-bleached driftwood litters the shore. This island is a photographer’s dream. Explore marsh trails and kayak through the tidal creeks of this Florida natural treasure.
Amenities and Activities: Both the 1.5-mile Big Pine Trail and the Blackrock Trail offer hiking that goes through maritime forests and passes stunning shorelines, both of which are perfect for photography. The tidal creeks and salt marshes are ideal locations for kayaking and paddleboarding, which have become popular activities, and people can rent equipment in nearby places to do these activities. The George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier is a perfect place for fishing. As for biking, it is allowed on the park roads as well as some trails.. Camping is not an option; however, picnic spots and pavilions enable serene Florida day trips at this hidden gem.
12. Fort Clinch State Park—Fernandina Beach, FL
With 1400 acres of pristine beaches, salt marshes, and coastal forests, Fort Clinch on Amelia Island is centered on the preserved 19th-century military fort. It’s a peaceful retreat and one of the must-visit Florida state parks for history lovers.
Amenities and Activities: For hikers and bikers, the trails at Fort Clinch are amazing! The trails move through maritime forest, salt marsh, and sand dunes. The park’s beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, and shelling.
Anglers will find the best fishing spots on the 1,500-foot fishing pier. Here you may catch flounder, redfish, or sheepshead; surf fishing is also an option. At the Fort daily self-guided tours give visitors a chance to experience the ramparts, barracks, and cannons. On weekends, go to the reenactments where actors in period uniforms perform and history becomes interactive.
There are two campgrounds for you to pick: one in the maritime forest and the other just steps away from the ocean. Both have restrooms, showers, and picnic areas to make your stay comfortable. The beach access is what makes this one of the top Florida State Parks for a relaxing getaway by the coast.
13. O’Leno State Park—High Springs, FL
Tucked along the banks of the Santa Fe River, just six miles north of High Springs, O’Leno State Park is one of Florida’s oldest and most enchanting state parks. Established in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), this 6,000-acre haven combines unique geology, rich history, and diverse ecosystems. The park’s standout feature is the Santa Fe River, which dramatically disappears into a sinkhole known as the River Sink, only to resurface three miles away at River Rise Preserve State Park. It’s off the beaten path but definitely ranks among the top Florida state parks; a must-visit for all.
Amenities and Activities: Over 10 miles of hiking trails, including the River Trail and Parener’s Branch Trail, wind through hardwood forests and past the river’s sink. The historic suspension bridge is a highlight for photographers. Canoeing and kayaking are an easy way to experience the river. Cycling on the park roads and some trails and horseback riding on the designated equestrian trails are just some of the other activities you can participate in. The park also houses a full-service campground with RV or tent sites and cabins for rent, along with picnic areas and a small playground area for children. This iconic Florida State Park exudes timeless charm. It’s a journey into Florida’s wild, mysterious soul.
14. Hillsborough River State Park—Thonotosassa, FL
Hillsborough River State Park is an ideal intersection of nature and history. You can hike through the pine flatwoods, check out the restored Fort Foster State Historic Site, or canoe the beautiful Hillsborough River. The river is also home to one of the few Class II rapids in Florida. This little-known treasure is perfect for day trips or weekend escapes and is one of the top Florida parks that come alive with enthusiasts of nature and adventure.
Activities and Amenities: Seven miles of nature trails that are perfect for hiking or biking crisscross this park. Besides the nature trails, the park is unique for its small section of Class II river rapids. A very unusual case for Florida—great for kayaking and canoeing. Among the amenities are a full-service campground, picnic areas, and a large swimming pool (open seasonally). It has an excellent gift shop and a café. Visitors interested in the past can dive into history at Fort Foster, a restored fort from the Second Seminole War, with guided tours only at certain times of the year. Hillsborough River State Park offers a bit of everything for outdoor enthusiasts.
NOTE: The pool, gift shop and cafe are currently closed because of hurricane damage.
15. Lake Louisa State Park—Clermont, FL
Nestled in the rolling hills of Central Florida just 30 minutes west of Orlando, Lake Louisa State Park is one of the best Florida parks for those seeking both serenity and adventure. With its chain of six lakes, miles of multi-use trails, and scenic landscapes that feel worlds away from the nearby theme parks, this park is a peaceful retreat and a true Florida natural treasure.
Activities and Amenities: There are over 20 miles of multi-use trails in the park that can be used for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. These trails pass through rolling hills and scrubland woodlands. You can also paddle or fish at any of the park’s three lakes, including Lake Louisa, Hammond, and Dixie. You can rent a canoe or kayak off-site. For horse lovers, the option of a guided horseback ride is a perfect way of becoming familiar with the trails. Seasonal ranger programs are an excellent option for incorporating learning into the visit. The choice is yours between a full-service campsite, cozy lakeside cabins, or luxurious glamping tents to make the visit memorable. The picnic pavilion and beach boardwalk definitely make this park worth visiting. This Central Florida retreat captures the quiet, reflective side of the state.
16. Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park—Wakulla Springs, FL
Dive into the timeless allure of Wakulla Springs State Park, one of Florida’s most captivating natural treasures! Home to one of the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs, this park blends stunning beauty, rich wildlife, and a touch of old Florida charm along the Wakulla River.
Activities and Amenities: The daily glass-bottom river boat tours are, without a doubt, one of the most charming park activities. These boats seem to glide seamlessly over the crystal-clear spring waters. They provide views of manatees, alligators, and countless wading birds. The water temperature is a constant 70 degrees, making it ideal for swimming almost any time of the year. At the swimming platform diving tower, kids seem to be oblivious to the temperature of the spring. Even in the winter months, you can find them here. The hiking trails go through the floodplain forests and the hardwood hammocks. These are ideal places for nature watchers to see deer, turkeys, and wading birds. Built in the 1930s, the Wakulla Springs Lodge still preserves its old-world ambiance. It provides elegant overnight lodging.
Wakulla Springs is a window into Florida’s primeval past, offering a glimpse of the state before development and time took their toll.
Final Thoughts: Best Florida State Parks: Hidden Gems
Florida’s state parks are a treasure trove of natural beauty, history, and adventure, offering unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler. From crystal springs to coastal dunes, these hidden gems showcase the Sunshine State’s wild side beyond the theme parks. A road trip or a weekend getaway — these top state parks promise memories that last a lifetime.
Which park will spark your next adventure? Which park will you explore first? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
