10 Florida State Parks You Should Visit
One of my favorite things about Florida State Parks is the diversity and uniqueness of each one. You can go to the beach, the springs, go down to the keys, or experience the ‘real’ Florida all within the same state. There is something for everyone AND so much to do for those of us that want to try everything. Living here in Florida gives Matt and I an endless list of places to explore. For those visiting, it will leave you wanting to come back again and again.
THE BEACHES in Florida are everywhere, it is a peninsula after all. You have so many different options. A couple of our favorites include the following east coast state parks:
Anastasia State Park is our favorite all around park in Florida because of everything it has to offer its visitors. This park is located in St Augustine, right on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. When you visit, you can go to the beach, catch a show at the amphitheater, stop by the farmers market, kayak, hike, explore the history of the city, or enjoy a meal at your choice of spectacular restaurants. This is a place we can visit over and over again and still find new things to explore. (Click Here for More Information on the Park)
Fort Clinch State Park has the trifectra of things we like to do: Ocean, Fort, and cute Beach Town. The fort is fun to explore or dig a little deeper and learn about some of the history. The sunsets beachside were spectacular and worth the early morning wake up call. In addition, the park offers hiking, biking, and kayaking. We almost did not leave the park because we had so much fun exploring the fort and the beach. Thankfully, we decided to explore the island and were delighted with the picturesque downtown area. (Click Here for More Information on the Park)
Sebastian Inlet State Park is located south of Melbourne on the barrier islands between the Indian River and the Atlantic Ocean. If you love the water, this park is the right one for you. From the park, there is access to the calmer inlet waters or the ocean waters. You can launch your boats, jet skis, kayaks or paddle boards from the park. There is fishing off the shoreline or from the fishing docks. If you prefer a day of playing in the sun, you can head beachside or the protected tidal pool area. Bring your sunscreen and Bug Spray to keep your day cheery! (Click Here for More Information on the Park)
THE FLORIDA SPRINGS are my favorite natural phenomena in Florida. It is spectacular to see the crystal clear waters and vibrant blue colors of the springs. There are so many springs in Florida, but here are a couple that we recommend checking out:
Rainbow Springs State Park is the park everyone talks about being AMAZING for kayaking, tubing, diving, SUP, river boat tours, and swimming. The water in the river is crystal clear and aqua blue from the campground to the spring head. It is wide and calm, which makes it a great place to enjoy the water and see everything around you (including the Florida wildlife). The campground and the main park area are separated, so you must either drive or travel by river. The park ranger told us the best way to go up to the main park from the campground was by water, and I am glad we followed the advice, or we would have missed the best part of the state park. In the main park you will find walking paths, waterfalls, and the swimming area at the spring head. (Click Here for More Information on the Park)
Blue Springs Sate Park is located in Orange City, FL just north of Orlando. It is a quick drive to so many of the Orlando tourist favorites, and yet once you enter the park you feel like you are in the middle of nowhere. This park is a sanctuary for HUNDREDS of manatees during the winter months. We saw more manatees than we had ever seen in one place. The park has a beautiful spring head that is perfect for spending the day with friends, swimming, grilling out, hiking, and kayaking down the river. This is a local favorite, so if you are headed here on a warm summer day, be sure to arrive early before the park hits capacity. (Click Here for More Information on the Park)
Silver Springs State Park is my favorite of all of the springs because of the history of the park. This park was an amusement park, location of a wholly mammoth find, the location of many movie sets, home of the famous glass bottom boats, the museum, rhesus monkeys, and so much more. On top of that the spring water is beautiful and so much fun to explore as you look for all of the wildlife. They have fish, turtles, monkeys, manatees, and HUGE alligators. Due to its commercial history, the campground and the now state park are not connected and you must drive between the two. If you are a day guest, do not miss the museum that is located on the campground side. (Click Here for More Information on the Park)
THE REAL FLORIDA is what I think of when I hear the word camping. It is real, rugged, getting back to nature, hiking, exploring, and wildlife. It is what Florida is all about. If this is what you are looking for, check out these state parks:
Myakka River State Park is located south of Tampa on the west side of the state. This park has multiple campgrounds, hiking trails, a canopy trail, restaurant, store, bike rentals, boating, and HUGE GATORS. For the courageous, you can hike to Deep Hole and see hundreds and hundreds of gators in one mysterious gator watering hole. The park is located a quick drive over to some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida.
O’Leno State Park and River Rise is located in the ‘armpit’ of Florida. This park is where the Santa Fe River disappears underground for three miles and then reappears and continues on its way. This park has hiking and biking trails. The suspension bridge over the river is fun and a great place to capture a unique photograph. The park is quiet and peaceful. It is located near quite a few springs and state parks, giving you lots to explore in the area. (Click Here for More Information on the Park)
Tomoka State Park is one of our favorite real Florida state parks. This park is dusty and dirty, and the drive back to the campground is bumpy. The campground is peaceful and quiet. The park offers fishing, boating, kayaking, and exploring. Our favorite was kayaking, down the river and then just to explore the little islands and sandbars just the shore of the state park. When you are finished with your day, they have a general store that sells Tomoka Beer and other cute necessities. (Click Here for More Information on the Park)
THE FLORIDA KEYS are AMAZING. We love the feeling as we drive past southern Florida and enter the keys, time slows down, the water brightens, and the mood lightens. It is practically a whole different world.
Curry Hammock State Park is located in Marathon right along the beautiful, sparkling water of the Florida Keys. The beaches and water here at Curry Hammock are known for its great kite surfing. You can also ride bikes, fish, kayak, or just sit and relax. We kayaked around the island and through the mangrove tunnel. When the wind is calm, you can kayak out to the sandbar and just enjoy the beautiful water and sunshine. This park is incredibly quiet and peaceful. It is a quick and easy drive to any of the many activities on Marathon. Since Marathon is in the middle of the Florida Keys, you can drive to any area within the keys during your visit. We drove up to Islamorada for dinner and down to the Keys to do a bit of exploring. We even stopped in at Bahia Honda State Park.
Whether you live in Florida or are just passing through, take time to explore all that this beautiful state has to offer. You will not be disappointed.
Let us know in the comments below if you have any parks we should check out!!
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~ Sarah & Matt
