Top Scenic Drives Through Florida State Parks: A Nature Lover’s Paradise

Top Scenic Drives Through Florida State Parks: A Nature Lover’s Paradise

Hey there, fellow travel enthusiasts! Are you tired of the same old city life and yearning for some breathtaking natural beauty? Look no further than Florida’s stunning state parks, boasting some of the most scenic drives in the country. In this article, we’ll take you on a thrilling journey through the Sunshine State’s most spectacular parks, highlighting the must-see attractions, facilities, and activities that’ll leave you spellbound.

Getting There:

Before we dive into the top scenic drives, let’s talk about how to get to these incredible state parks. Here are the nearest airports, harbors, trains, and other transportation stations to each park:

1. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park:
   • Nearest airport: Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) – 15 miles, 20-minute drive
   • Nearest harbor: Port of Jacksonville – 90 miles, 1-hour 30-minute drive
   • Nearest train station: Gainesville Station – 10 miles, 15-minute drive



2. Caladesi Island State Park:
   • Nearest airport: St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) – 20 miles, 30-minute drive + ferry ride
   • Nearest harbor: St. Petersburg Municipal Marina – 10 miles, 20-minute drive + ferry ride
   • Nearest train station: Union Station (Tampa) – 25 miles, 40-minute drive + ferry ride

   

3. Blue Spring State Park:
   • Nearest airport: Orlando International Airport (MCO) – 45 miles, 1-hour drive
   • Nearest harbor: Sanford Marina – 20 miles, 30-minute drive

   

   • Nearest train station: Winter Park Station – 25 miles, 40-minute drive
4. Three Rivers State Park:
   • Nearest airport: Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) – 100 miles, 2-hour drive
   • Nearest harbor: Apalachicola Bay – 50 miles, 1-hour drive
   • Nearest train station: Chattahoochee Station – 40 miles, 1-hour drive
5. Bahia Honda State Park:
   • Nearest airport: Key West International Airport (EYW) – 40 miles, 1-hour drive
   • Nearest harbor: Bahia Honda Marina – on-site
   • Nearest train station: No nearby train station

Top Scenic Drives:

Now that we’ve covered the logistics, let’s get to the good stuff – the top scenic drives through Florida’s state parks!

1. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park: The La Chua Trail

Address: 1000 NE 16th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601

Phone: (352) 395-4545

Hours: 8 am to sunset, daily

Admission: $6 per vehicle, up to 8 people

This 30-minute drive takes you through a stunning 22,000-acre nature reserve, teeming with wildlife and breathtaking vistas. The La Chua Trail, a 1.5-mile boardwalk, offers an unforgettable experience, especially during sunrise or sunset.

Facilities: Restrooms, picnic areas, wildlife viewing areas, hiking trails, and fishing spots.

Activities: Hike, bike, kayak, fish, or simply take in the sights and sounds of nature.

Reviews: "We saw an alligator up close on the La Chua Trail – what a thrilling experience!" – Mark K.

2. Caladesi Island State Park: The Beach Drive

Address: One Causeway Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698

Phone: (727) 469-2411

Hours: 8 am to sunset, daily

Admission: $6 per vehicle, up to 8 people + ferry ride ($20 per person)

This scenic drive takes you across the causeway to Caladesi Island, where you’ll find a stunning three-mile stretch of unspoiled beach. Keep an eye out for dolphins, sea turtles, and shorebirds as you cruise along the coastline.

Facilities: Restrooms, picnic areas, kayak rentals, and a historic island.

Activities: Swim, kayak, paddleboard, fish, or explore the island’s interior trails.

Reviews: "We spotted several dolphins swimming alongside our car on the causeway – an unforgettable experience!" – Karen W.

3. Blue Spring State Park: The Spring Drive

Address: 2100 W French Ave, Orange City, FL 32763

Phone: (386) 775-3663

Hours: 8 am to sunset, daily

Admission: $6 per vehicle, up to 8 people

Take a scenic drive through this lush park and discover the famous Blue Spring, a designated manatee refuge. Keep an eye out for these gentle giants as they swim in the spring’s crystal-clear waters.

Facilities: Restrooms, picnic areas, wildlife viewing areas, and a historic swimming hole.

Activities: Swim, kayak, paddleboard, fish, or simply observe the manatees and other wildlife.

Reviews: "We saw over 20 manatees at the Blue Spring – a true natural wonder!" – David T.

4. Three Rivers State Park: The River Drive

Address: 7908 Three Rivers Rd, Sneads, FL 32460

Phone: (850) 482-2554

Hours: 8 am to sunset, daily

Admission: $5 per vehicle, up to 8 people

This scenic drive takes you along the stunning riverfront, offering breathtaking views of the Apalachicola River and Lake Seminole. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including alligators, birds, and fish.

Facilities: Restrooms, picnic areas, wildlife viewing areas, and fishing spots.

Activities: Fish, kayak, paddleboard, bike, or explore the park’s hiking trails.

Reviews: "We caught a huge largemouth bass on the river – what a fantastic spot!" – Michael J.

5. Bahia Honda State Park: The Beach Drive

Address: 36850 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key, FL 33043

Phone: (305) 872-2553

Hours: 8 am to sunset, daily

Admission: $8 per vehicle, up to 8 people

This scenic drive takes you along the stunning coastline of Bahia Honda Key, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and white-sand beaches. Keep an eye out for shorebirds, sea turtles, and dolphins.

Facilities: Restrooms, picnic areas, beach access, and a historic island.

Activities: Swim, kayak, paddleboard, fish, or simply soak up the sun on the beach.

Reviews: "We saw a pod of dolphins playing in the waves – a truly unforgettable experience!" – Rachel G.

Public Facilities Near the State Parks:

Here are some excellent options for hotels, restaurants, and other public facilities near each state park:

1. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park:
   • Hotel: AC Hotel Gainesville Downtown – 200 E University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601
   • Restaurant: The Top Restaurant – 30 N Main St, Gainesville, FL 32601
2. Caladesi Island State Park:
   • Hotel: The Resort at Longboat Key Club – 301 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key, FL 34228
   • Restaurant: The Driftwood Island Village Bar & Grill – 1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698
3. Blue Spring State Park:
   • Hotel: The Cozy Victorian – 424 S Volusia Ave, Orange City, FL 32763
   • Restaurant: The Fish House Grille – 215 W French Ave, Orange City, FL 32763
4. Three Rivers State Park:
   • Hotel: The Apalachicola River Inn – 5245 Three Rivers Rd, Sneads, FL 32460
   • Restaurant: The 13 Mile Crab House – 13300 US Hwy 90 W, Apalachicola, FL 32320
5. Bahia Honda State Park:
   • Hotel: The Hyatt Key West Resort & Spa – 601 Front St, Key West, FL 33040
   • Restaurant: The Blue Heaven – 305 Key West Harbour, Key West, FL 33040

Conclusion:

Florida’s state parks offer some of the most scenic drives in the country, with breathtaking natural beauty, exciting outdoor activities, and excellent public facilities nearby. Whether you’re a nature lover, thrill-seeker, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, these top scenic drives through Florida’s state parks are sure to impress.

So pack your bags, fill up your gas tank, and hit the road to experience the Sunshine State’s most spectacular natural wonders!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Which Florida state park has the most scenic drive?
A: Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park’s La Chua Trail offers an unforgettable experience, especially during sunrise or sunset.

Q: Can I bring my pet to the state parks?
A: Yes, pets are allowed in designated areas of the state parks.

Q: Are there any hotels or restaurants near the state parks?
A: Yes, there are excellent options for hotels and restaurants near each state park.

Q: Can I swim in the state parks?
A: Yes, swimming is allowed in designated areas of some state parks, such as Blue Spring State Park.

Q: Are the state parks wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, most state parks have wheelchair-accessible facilities and trails.

Q: Can I fish in the state parks?
A: Yes, fishing is allowed in designated areas of some state parks, such as Three Rivers State Park.

Q: Are the state parks open year-round?
A: Yes, most state parks are open year-round, except for certain holidays or extreme weather conditions.

Q: Can I rent kayaks or paddleboards in the state parks?
A: Yes, kayak and paddleboard rentals are available in some state parks, such as Caladesi Island State Park.

Map Directions:

Here are the map directions to each state park from the nearest airport, harbor, or train station:

1. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park:

   • From Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV):
     • Head east on NE 39th Ave toward NE 13th St
     • Turn left onto NE 13th St
     • Turn right onto NE 16th Ave
     • Arrive at 1000 NE 16th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601

2. Caladesi Island State Park:

   • From St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE):
     • Head north on 34th St N toward W Bay Dr
     • Turn left onto W Bay Dr
     • Turn right onto Mainside Dr
     • Arrive at 1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698

3. Blue Spring State Park:

   • From Orlando International Airport (MCO):
     • Head north on S Orange Blossom Trail toward E Amelia St
     • Turn left onto E Amelia St
     • Turn right onto S Crystal Lake Dr
     • Turn left onto W French Ave
     • Arrive at 2100 W French Ave, Orange City, FL 32763

4. Three Rivers State Park:

   • From Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO):
     • Head south on N Pattison St toward Kirkwood St
     • Turn left onto W Market St
     • Turn right onto US Hwy 90 W
     • Arrive at 7908 Three Rivers Rd, Sneads, FL 32460

5. Bahia Honda State Park:

   • From Key West International Airport (EYW):
     • Head east on Roosevelt Blvd toward US Hwy 1
     • Turn left onto US Hwy 1
     • Arrive at 36850 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key, FL 33043