"Escape to Nature: 10 Unmissable Florida State Parks to Explore in 2024"
Florida, the Sunshine State, is renowned for its picturesque coastlines, lush forests, and diverse wildlife. But beyond the theme parks and beaches, Florida has a hidden gem waiting to be discovered – its state parks. With over 170 state parks, Florida offers a wealth of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore, relax, and connect with nature. In this article, we’ll delve into the 10 best Florida state parks you must visit in 2024, providing you with insider tips, maps, and reviews to plan your ultimate adventure.
1. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Located in Key Largo, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the first underwater park in the United States. This stunning park is a snorkeler’s and scuba diver’s paradise, featuring an incredible array of marine life, including fish, turtles, and colorful coral. You can even take a glass-bottom boat tour to witness the underwater world without getting wet.
- Nearest Airport: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) – 60 miles, 1-hour drive
- Nearest Train Station: Tri-Rail Miami Airport Station – 65 miles, 1.5-hour drive
- Facilities: Beach, snorkeling gear rentals, scuba diving, kayak rentals, picnic areas, campgrounds
- Activities: Snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding
- Price: $8 per vehicle (up to 8 people), $2 per pedestrian/bicyclist
- Public Facilities nearby: Key Largo hotels like the Ocean Pointe Suites at Key Largo, and restaurants like the Key Largo Fisheries.
"I snorkeled for the first time at John Pennekamp, and it was a life-changing experience!" – Emily, TripAdvisor review
Map from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
- Take the Florida Turnpike to US-1 S
- Continue on US-1 S to Key Largo
- Turn right onto John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Rd
- Park entrance will be on the left
2. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Located in Key Biscayne, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. This park boasts a pristine beach, scenic hiking trails, and a historic lighthouse. You can even rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the surrounding waters.
- Nearest Airport: Miami International Airport (MIA) – 35 miles, 45-minute drive
- Nearest Train Station: Tri-Rail Miami Airport Station – 30 miles, 45-minute drive
- Facilities: Beach, swimming area, picnic areas, campgrounds, kayak rentals, paddleboard rentals
- Activities: Swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, birdwatching
- Price: $8 per vehicle (up to 8 people), $2 per pedestrian/bicyclist
- Public Facilities nearby: Key Biscayne hotels like the Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, and restaurants like the Broken Shaker.
"The beach at Bill Baggs is absolutely stunning – crystal-clear waters and powdery sand!" – Rachel, Yelp review
Map from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
- Take the Florida Turnpike to US-1 S
- Continue on US-1 S to Key Biscayne
- Turn right onto Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park Rd
- Park entrance will be on the left
3. Caladesi Island State Park
Accessible only by ferry or kayak, Caladesi Island State Park is a secluded haven for nature lovers. This park features a stunning beach, a historic pier, and a variety of wildlife, including sea turtles and dolphins. You can even explore the park’s interior via a scenic hiking trail.
- Nearest Airport: St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) – 20 miles, 30-minute drive
- Nearest Train Station: Clearwater Station – 25 miles, 40-minute drive
- Facilities: Beach, swimming area, picnic areas, kayak rentals, paddleboard rentals
- Activities: Swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, shelling
- Price: $6 per vehicle (up to 8 people), $2 per pedestrian/bicyclist
- Public Facilities nearby: Clearwater hotels like the Opal Sands Resort, and restaurants like the Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill.
"Caladesi Island is a true gem – the beach is pristine, and the wildlife is incredible!" – David, TripAdvisor review
Map from St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) to Caladesi Island State Park
- Take the Memorial Causeway to Gulf Boulevard
- Turn right onto Gulf Boulevard
- Catch the ferry to Caladesi Island
4. Blue Spring State Park
Located in Orange City, Blue Spring State Park is a wintering habitat for hundreds of manatees. This park features a stunning spring, scenic hiking trails, and a kayak launch area. You can even take a guided tour to spot these majestic creatures.
- Nearest Airport: Orlando International Airport (MCO) – 30 miles, 45-minute drive
- Nearest Train Station: Amtrak Sanford Station – 20 miles, 30-minute drive
- Facilities: Beach, swimming area, picnic areas, kayak launch, kayak rentals
- Activities: Swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, manatee spotting
- Price: $6 per vehicle (up to 8 people), $2 per pedestrian/bicyclist
- Public Facilities nearby: Orange City hotels like the Alling House Bed and Breakfast, and restaurants like the Fish Camp.
"The manatee tour at Blue Spring was an unforgettable experience – we saw over 100 manatees!" – Sarah, TripAdvisor review
Map from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Blue Spring State Park
- Take the FL-417 to I-4 E
- Continue on I-4 E to US-17-92
- Turn left onto Blue Spring State Park Rd
- Park entrance will be on the right
5. Myakka River State Park
Located in Sarasota, Myakka River State Park is a haven for birdwatchers and outdoor enthusiasts. This park features a stunning river, scenic hiking trails, and a variety of wildlife, including alligators and deer. You can even take an airboat tour to explore the surrounding wetlands.
- Nearest Airport: Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) – 15 miles, 20-minute drive
- Nearest Train Station: Amtrak Sarasota Station – 20 miles, 30-minute drive
- Facilities: Beach, swimming area, picnic areas, kayak launch, kayak rentals
- Activities: Swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, birdwatching
- Price: $6 per vehicle (up to 8 people), $2 per pedestrian/bicyclist
- Public Facilities nearby: Sarasota hotels like the Hyatt Regency Sarasota, and restaurants like the Old Salty Dog.
"The airboat tour at Myakka River was exhilarating – we saw alligators and birds up close!" – Mark, TripAdvisor review
Map from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) to Myakka River State Park
- Take the Sarasota Parkway to US-301
- Continue on US-301 to Myakka River State Park Rd
- Park entrance will be on the left
6. Falling Waters State Park
Located in Chipley, Falling Waters State Park is a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts. This park features a stunning waterfall, scenic hiking trails, and a variety of wildlife, including deer and turkey. You can even explore the park’s interior via a scenic biking trail.
- Nearest Airport: Pensacola International Airport (PNS) – 60 miles, 1-hour drive
- Nearest Train Station: Amtrak Chipley Station – 10 miles, 15-minute drive
- Facilities: Beach, swimming area, picnic areas, bike rentals, hiking trails
- Activities: Swimming, biking, hiking, fishing
- Price: $5 per vehicle (up to 8 people), $2 per pedestrian/bicyclist
- Public Facilities nearby: Chipley hotels like the National Hotel, and restaurants like the Farmers’ Table.
"The waterfall at Falling Waters is breathtaking – a must-see for nature lovers!" – Laura, TripAdvisor review
Map from Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Falling Waters State Park
- Take the I-10 E to US-231
- Continue on US-231 to Chipley
- Turn right onto Falling Waters State Park Rd
- Park entrance will be on the left
7. St. Andrews State Park
Located in Panama City Beach, St. Andrews State Park is a popular destination for beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts. This park features a stunning beach, scenic hiking trails, and a variety of wildlife, including sea turtles and dolphins. You can even take a kayak or paddleboard to explore the surrounding waters.
- Nearest Airport: Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) – 15 miles, 20-minute drive
- Nearest Train Station: Amtrak Panama City Station – 25 miles, 35-minute drive
- Facilities: Beach, swimming area, picnic areas, kayak rentals, paddleboard rentals
- Activities: Swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, shelling
- Price: $8 per vehicle (up to 8 people), $2 per pedestrian/bicyclist
- Public Facilities nearby: Panama City Beach hotels like the Sheraton Panama City Beach Golf & Spa Resort, and restaurants like the Sharky’s Beachfront Restaurant.
"The beach at St. Andrews is stunning – we saw dolphins playing in the waves!" – James, TripAdvisor review
Map from Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) to St. Andrews State Park
- Take the FL-388 to US-98
- Continue on US-98 to Panama City Beach
- Turn right onto St. Andrews State Park Rd
- Park entrance will be on the left
8. O’Leno State Park
Located in High Springs, O’Leno State Park is a scenic destination for outdoor enthusiasts. This park features a stunning river, scenic hiking trails, and a variety of wildlife, including alligators and deer. You can even take a kayak or canoe to explore the surrounding waters.
- Nearest Airport: Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) – 30 miles, 40-minute drive
- Nearest Train Station: Amtrak Gainesville Station – 35 miles, 45-minute drive
- Facilities: Beach, swimming area, picnic areas, kayak rentals, canoe rentals
- Activities: Swimming, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, fishing
- Price: $5 per vehicle (up to 8 people), $2 per pedestrian/bicyclist
- Public Facilities nearby: High Springs hotels like the High Springs Country Inn, and restaurants like the Grateful Crab.
"The river at O’Leno is stunning – we saw alligators and birds up close!" – Rachel, TripAdvisor review
Map from Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) to O’Leno State Park
- Take the FL-222 to US-127
- Continue on US-127 to High Springs
- Turn right onto O’Leno State Park Rd
- Park entrance will be on the left
9. Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area
Located in Flagler Beach, Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area is a scenic destination for beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts. This park features a stunning beach, scenic hiking trails, and a variety of wildlife, including sea turtles and dolphins. You can even take a kayak or paddleboard to explore the surrounding waters.
- Nearest Airport: Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) – 30 miles, 40-minute drive
- Nearest Train Station: Amtrak Flagler Beach Station – 10 miles, 15-minute drive
- Facilities: Beach, swimming area, picnic areas, kayak rentals, paddleboard rentals
- Activities: Swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, shelling
- Price: $5 per vehicle (up to 8 people), $2 per pedestrian/bicyclist
- Public Facilities nearby: Flagler Beach hotels like the Hammock Beach Resort, and restaurants like the Flagler Fish House.
"The beach at Gamble Rogers is stunning – we saw dolphins playing in the waves!" – Michael, TripAdvisor review
Map from Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) to Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area
- Take the US-92 E to FL-A1A
- Continue on FL-A1A to Flagler Beach
- Turn right onto Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area Rd
- Park entrance will be on the left
10. Sebastian Inlet State Park
Located in Melbourne Beach, Sebastian Inlet State Park is a popular destination for surfers and beachgoers. This park features a stunning beach, scenic hiking trails, and a variety of wildlife, including sea turtles and dolphins. You can even take a kayak or paddleboard to explore the surrounding waters.
- Nearest Airport: Melbourne International Airport (MLB) – 15 miles, 20-minute drive
- Nearest Train Station: Amtrak Melbourne Station – 20 miles, 30-minute drive
- Facilities: Beach, swimming area, picnic areas, kayak rentals, paddleboard rentals
- Activities: Swimming, surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking
- Price: $8 per vehicle (up to 8 people), $2 per pedestrian/bicyclist
- Public Facilities nearby: Melbourne Beach hotels like the Moonsand Beach Resort, and restaurants like the Sand on the Beach.
"The beach at Sebastian Inlet is stunning – we saw surfers riding the waves!" – David, TripAdvisor review
Map from Melbourne International Airport (MLB) to Sebastian Inlet State Park
- Take the US-1 S to FL-A1A
- Continue on FL-A1A to Melbourne Beach
- Turn right onto Sebastian Inlet State Park Rd
- Park entrance will be on the left
Conclusion
Florida’s state parks offer a wealth of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore, relax, and connect with nature. From the stunning beaches of the Gulf Coast to the scenic hiking trails of the Panhandle, there’s something for everyone in the Sunshine State. Whether you’re a beach bum, a nature lover, or an adventure-seeker, Florida’s state parks are a must-visit destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
FAQs
- What are the best state parks in Florida for swimming?
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, and St. Andrews State Park are some of the best state parks in Florida for swimming.
- What are the best state parks in Florida for hiking?
- Myakka River State Park, Falling Waters State Park, and O’Leno State Park are some of the best state parks in Florida for hiking.
- What are the best state parks in Florida for kayaking?
- Blue Spring State Park, Caladesi Island State Park, and Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area are some of the best state parks in Florida for kayaking.
- Can I camp at Florida’s state parks?
- Yes, many of Florida’s state parks offer camping facilities, including campsites, RV hookups, and primitive camping areas.
- What are the best state parks in Florida for surfing?
- Sebastian Inlet State Park is one of the best state parks in Florida for surfing.
