Florida State Parks with the Best Scenic Views: A Nature Lover’s Paradise
"Get Ready to Be Awed by the Sunshine State’s Hidden Gems!"
Florida, known for its sun-kissed beaches, vibrant cities, and citrus groves, is also home to some of the most breathtaking state parks in the country. From the Panhandle to the Keys, these natural treasures offer stunning scenic views, exciting outdoor activities, and a range of facilities to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey to explore the best Florida state parks with scenic views that will leave you speechless.
Getting There: Maps and Directions
Before we dive into the parks, let’s talk about how to get there. Here are the nearest airports, harbors, trains, and transportation stations for each park:
- Caladesi Island State Park
- Nearest Airport: Tampa International Airport (TPA) – 28 miles, 45-minute drive
- Nearest Harbor: Clearwater Beach Marina – 3 miles, 10-minute drive
- Directions: From Tampa, take US-19 N to FL-60 W, then continue to Clearwater Beach. Catch the ferry from Clearwater Beach Marina to Caladesi Island.
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
- Nearest Airport: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) – 55 miles, 1-hour drive
- Nearest Harbor: Key Largo Marina – 0.5 miles, 5-minute walk
- Directions: From Fort Lauderdale, take I-95 S to FL-1 S, then continue to Key Largo. The park is located at 102601 Overseas Hwy.
- St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
- Nearest Airport: Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) – 55 miles, 1-hour drive
- Nearest Harbor: Port St. Joe Marina – 10 miles, 20-minute drive
- Directions: From Panama City, take US-98 E to FL-30A E, then continue to Port St. Joe. The park is located at 1510 W Gulf Beach Dr.
- Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
- Nearest Airport: Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) – 15 miles, 30-minute drive
- Nearest Harbor: None
- Directions: From Gainesville, take I-75 S to FL-24 W, then continue to the park entrance at 1000 NE 16th Ave.
- Falling Waters State Park
- Nearest Airport: Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) – 100 miles, 2-hour drive
- Nearest Harbor: None
- Directions: From Panama City, take US-98 E to FL-77 N, then continue to Chipley. The park is located at 1130 State Park Rd.
The Parks: Facilities, Conditions, and Activities
Now that you know how to get there, let’s talk about the parks themselves.
- Caladesi Island State Park
- Facilities: 108 campsites, 3 cabins, picnic tables, grills, restrooms, showers
- Conditions: Pristine beaches, mangrove forests, historic Scharrer Homestead
- Activities: Swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, bird-watching, shelling
- Price: $6 per vehicle (up to 8 people), $2 per pedestrian or cyclist
- Public Facilities: No hotels on the island, but plenty of options in nearby Clearwater Beach. Try the Clearwater Beach Marriott Suites on Sand Key for a luxurious stay.
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
- Facilities: 47 campsites, 4 cabins, picnic tables, grills, restrooms, showers
- Conditions: First underwater park in the US, coral reefs, marine life
- Activities: Snorkeling, scuba diving, glass-bottom boat tours, paddleboarding, kayaking
- Price: $8 per vehicle (up to 8 people), $2 per pedestrian or cyclist
- Public Facilities: Try the Hampton Inn Key Largo for a comfortable stay, or the Caribbean Club for a taste of old-school Florida.
- St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
- Facilities: 119 campsites, 8 cabins, picnic tables, grills, restrooms, showers
- Conditions: Unspoiled beaches, wooded areas, historic T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
- Activities: Swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, bird-watching, shelling
- Price: $6 per vehicle (up to 8 people), $2 per pedestrian or cyclist
- Public Facilities: Stay at the Buccaneer Beach Motel in Port St. Joe for a retro vibe, or try the St. Joe Beach House for a luxurious beachfront stay.
- Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
- Facilities: 55 campsites, 5 cabins, picnic tables, grills, restrooms, showers
- Conditions: 21,000-acre preserve, alligators, bison, horses, cattle
- Activities: Hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, wildlife viewing, bird-watching
- Price: $6 per vehicle (up to 8 people), $2 per pedestrian or cyclist
- Public Facilities: Stay at the Lake Alice Coffee House & Inn in Gainesville for a cozy stay, or try the Cade Museum for a unique experience.
- Falling Waters State Park
- Facilities: 24 campsites, 2 cabins, picnic tables, grills, restrooms, showers
- Conditions: 73-foot waterfall, scenic views, historic falling waters
- Activities: Swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, fishing
- Price: $5 per vehicle (up to 8 people), $2 per pedestrian or cyclist
- Public Facilities: Stay at the Chipley Country Inn in Chipley for a comfortable stay, or try the Falling Waters Cafe for a taste of local cuisine.
Reviews and Testimonials
But don’t just take our word for it! Here’s what some visitors have said about these amazing parks:
- "Caladesi Island State Park is a hidden gem! The beaches are pristine, and the Scharrer Homestead is fascinating." – Rachel, Tampa
- "John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a snorkeler’s paradise! The coral reefs are breathtaking, and the marine life is incredible." – David, Miami
- "St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is a nature lover’s dream! The scenic views are stunning, and the wildlife is plentiful." – Emily, Panama City
- "Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is a unique experience! The wildlife viewing is incredible, and the preserve is so peaceful." – James, Gainesville
- "Falling Waters State Park is a must-visit! The waterfall is breathtaking, and the scenic views are stunning." – Sarah, Chipley
Conclusion
Florida’s state parks are a treasure trove of natural beauty, exciting outdoor activities, and rich history. From the Panhandle to the Keys, these parks offer something for everyone. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or just looking for a relaxing getaway, these parks are a must-visit.
So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to experience the best of Florida’s scenic views!
FAQs
- What are the best times to visit the parks?
- Spring and fall are the best times to visit, as the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller.
- How do I make reservations for camping and cabins?
- Visit the Florida State Parks website and book online, or call the park directly to make reservations.
- Can I bring my pets to the parks?
- Yes, but pets must be kept on a leash and are not allowed in the water.
- Are the parks wheelchair accessible?
- Yes, most parks have wheelchair-accessible facilities, but some trails and areas may not be accessible.
- Can I have a campfire at the parks?
- Yes, campfires are allowed in designated areas, but must be extinguished before leaving the site.
