Getting Away From It All: 12 Family-Friendly Florida State Parks For A Weekend Getaway

Getting Away from it All: 12 Family-Friendly Florida State Parks for a Weekend Getaway

Ah, the great outdoors – there’s no better way to recharge your batteries and make some magical memories with the family. And, let’s be honest, who needs a fancy resort when Mother Nature has got you covered? Florida’s got plenty of stunning state parks that are just waiting to be explored. So, grab your sunscreen, pack a picnic, and get ready for some serious adventure time with the crew!

Before we dive into the ultimate list of family-friendly state parks in Florida, let’s talk logistics. You can’t get to these amazing spots without a little planning, after all. Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered with maps, directions, and insider tips to make your weekend getaway a breeze.

1. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

• Location: 102601 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037 (approximately 1 hour from Miami International Airport)
• Directions: Take the Florida Turnpike to Highway 1 South (Overseas Hwy) and follow the signs
• Nearest transportation station: Key Largo Airport (Monroe County) or Miami Airport (International)

Can you believe it? The very first underwater park in the United States is also one of the best state parks in Florida for families! John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a snorkeler’s paradise, with crystal-clear waters and an array of marine life. Take a glass-bottom boat tour or get up close and personal with the kids and go snorkeling or even scuba diving.

Facilities: Campsites, RV hookups, cabins, beach, boat launch, picnic areas
Activities: Snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, fishing, hiking, boat tours
Price: Admission $8 per vehicle (2-8 people); campsites from $36 per night
Public facilities near the park:

• Hotel: Key Largo Bay Marriott Beach Resort (350 guestrooms, pool, on-site restaurant)



• Restaurant: The Fish House (seafood, American cuisine)

"What an amazing place! My kids loved the snorkeling and the beach was perfect for building sandcastles." – Jennifer H.

2. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

• Location: 1200 S. Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne, FL 33149 (approximately 30 minutes from Miami International Airport)
• Directions: Take Highway 836 East to State Road 907 South and follow the signs
• Nearest transportation station: Miami Airport (International) or Key Biscayne Harbor

You know what’s even better than a beach vacation? A beach vacation with a lighthouse! Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park boasts the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse, which the kids will love climbing (if they’re brave enough!). Plus, there’s a stunning beach with plenty of room for swimming, kayaking, or just relaxing.

Facilities: Campsites, cabins, beach, picnic areas, nature center
Activities: Swimming, kayaking, beachcombing, bird-watching, lighthouse tour
Price: Admission $8 per vehicle (2-8 people); campsites from $26 per night
Public facilities near the park:

• Hotel: The Miami Beach EDITION (140 guestrooms, pool, spa)
• Restaurant: Garcia’s Seafood Grille & Fish Market (seafood, Cuban cuisine)

"The lighthouse tour was so cool! And the beach was perfect for my toddler to play." – Sarah K.

3. Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area

• Location: 3100 S. Oceanshore Blvd, Flagler Beach, FL 32136 (approximately 1.5 hours from Jacksonville International Airport)
• Directions: Take Highway 95 North to Exit 289A and follow the signs
• Nearest transportation station: Flagler County Airport ( public airport) or Jacksonville Airport (International)

Calling all surfers and beach bums! Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area is the spot for you. The park offers not one, but two beaches – one for swimming and surfing, and the other for fishing and nature-watching.

Facilities: Campsites, cabins, beach, picnic areas, boat launch
Activities: Swimming, surfing, fishing, boating, hiking
Price: Admission $5 per vehicle (2-8 people); campsites from $24 per night
Public facilities near the park:

• Hotel: The Hammock Beach Resort (180 guestrooms, pool, spa)
• Restaurant: The Fisherman’s Net (seafood, American cuisine)

"We spent the entire day surfing and swimming. Can’t wait to come back!" – Mike T.

4. Blue Spring State Park

• Location: 2100 W. French Avenue, Orange City, FL 32763 (approximately 1.5 hours from Orlando International Airport)
• Directions: Take Highway 17/92 North to West French Avenue and follow the signs
• Nearest transportation station: Orlando Airport (International) or Sanford Station (public transit)

Got a crowd that loves wildlife? Blue Spring State Park is a must-visit. The park is a designated manatee refuge, and during the winter months, you can see hundreds of these gentle creatures taking refuge in the spring. The kids will be mesmerized!

Facilities: Campsites, cabins, picnic areas, scenic overlook
Activities: Manatee watching, hiking, swimming, kayaking
Price: Admission $6 per vehicle (2-8 people); campsites from $24 per night
Public facilities near the park:

• Hotel: The all-suite Homewood Suites by Hilton Orlando-North (93 guestrooms, pool)
• Restaurant: The Dancing Fish (seafood, American cuisine)

"The manatees were incredible! We even spotted a few dolphins." – Rachel W.

5. Myakka River State Park

• Location: 13208 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241 (approximately 30 minutes from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport)
• Directions: Take Highway 301 South to State Road 72 and follow the signs
• Nearest transportation station: Sarasota-Bradenton Airport (International) or Sarasota Train Depot (public transit)

If your family loves a mix of nature and adventure, Myakka River State Park is the perfect destination. Hike through the beautiful pine forests, kayak through the state’s biggest lake (the Myakka River!), or take a thrilling zip-line tour.

Facilities: Campsites, cabins, picnic areas, lake
Activities: Hiking, kayaking, fishing, bird-watching, zip-lining
Price: Admission $6 per vehicle (2-8 people); campsites from $24 per night
Public facilities near the park:

• Hotel: The Embassy Suites by Hilton Sarasota (225 guestrooms, pool)
• Restaurant: The River Grill (American cuisine)

"My kids had a blast kayaking on the lake!" – Karen G.

6. Eduardo State Park

• Location: 750 NE 96th St, Sebastian, FL 32958 (approximately 45 minutes from Vero Beach Regional Airport)
• Directions: Take Highway 1 North to NE 96th Street and follow the signs
• Nearest transportation station: Vero Beach Airport (public airport) or Sebastian Train Depot (public transit)

Get ready for some serious outdoor fun at Indian River County’s only state park! Eduardo State Park has it all: swimming, snorkeling, and beautiful beaches. Plus, the scenic trails offer a peek into the natural habitat of sea turtles and dolphins.

Facilities: Beach, picnic areas, boat launch, nature center
Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, swimming, beachcombing
Price: Admission $4 per vehicle (2-8 people)
Public facilities near the park:

• Hotel: The Melbournew Hampton Inn & Suites (89 guestrooms, pool)
• Restaurant: Squid Lips Overwater Grill (seafood, American cuisine)

"We loved swimming and snorkeling in the ocean. My toddler saw a dolphin!" – Jenny S.

7. Florida Caverns State Park

• Location: 3345 Caverns Rd SW, Marianna, FL 32446 (approximately 2 hours from Panama City Beach Airport)
• Directions: Take Highway 71 North to Caverns Road SW and follow the signs
• Nearest transportation station: Panama City Beach Airport (public airport) or Marianna Station (public transit)

You don’t have to go all the way to Mexico to explore some incredible caves! Florida Caverns State Park is home to over 6 miles of underground cave trails, just begging to be explored.

Facilities: Campsites, caves, picnic areas, nature center
Activities: Cave tours, hiking, fishing, bird-watching
Price: Admission $5 per vehicle (2-8 people); cave tour $8 per adult, $6 per child (6-12)
Public facilities near the park:

• Hotel: The Chipley Hotel (guestrooms, restaurant)
• Restaurant: The Caverns Country Restaurant (American cuisine)

"The cave tour was amazing! The guide helped us spot all the hidden gems." – Mark K.

8. Fort Zachary Taylor Beach State Park

• Location: 601 Howard England Blvd, Key West, FL 33040 (approximately 10 minutes from Key West Airport)
• Directions: Take North Roosevelt Boulevard to West Fort Street and follow the signs
• Nearest transportation station: Key West Airport (Monroe County) or Fort Zachary Taylor Marina (public dock)

This one’s for all you history buffs out there! Fort Zachary Taylor Beach State Park combines a National Historic Landmark (the Civil War-era Fort) with a stunning beach. Explore the fort and its museum or simply relax on the sand.

Facilities: Beach, picnic areas, historic fort, nature center
Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, fishing, beachcombing
Price: Admission $7 per vehicle (2-8 people)
Public facilities near the park:

• Hotel: The Sheraton Suites Key West (184 guestrooms, pool)
• Restaurant: La Concha WOODFIRED Grill (American cuisine)

"The kids had a blast playing at the beach while we relaxed in the sun." – Kathy L.

9. Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park

• Location: 589 2007 Dixie HWY, Jasper, FL 32160 (approximately 1 hour from Jacksonville International Airport)
• Directions: Take Highway 17 North to State Road 90 and follow the signs
• Nearest transportation station: Jacksonville Airport (International) or Jasper Train Depot (public transit)

This park is perfect for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike! Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park commemorates the largest Civil War battle in Florida. Take a stroll through the battle grounds or explore the beautiful natural areas.

Facilities: Historical battle site, museum, picnic areas, nature trails
Activities: Self-guided tour, hiking, bird-watching
Price: Admission $3 per vehicle (2-8 people)
Public facilities near the park:

• Hotel: The Quality Inn Jasper (40 guestrooms, pool)
• Restaurant: The Jasper Diner (American cuisine)

"My son learned so much about the Civil War at the museum." – John D.

10. San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park

• Location: 1010 1st St, Fort Pierce, FL 34922 (approximately 1.5 hours from Melbourne International Airport)
• Directions: Take U.S. 1 North to 1010 1st Street and follow the signs
• Nearest transportation station: Melbourne Airport (International) or Fort Pierce Station (public transit)

Want to explore a shipwreck without having to dive all the way to the ocean floor? San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park offers an underwater tour of the historic shipwreck, perfect for beginners and seasoned snorkelers alike.

Facilities: Beach, picnic areas, marine sanctuary
Activities: Snorkeling, swimming, beachcombing
Price: Admission $4 per vehicle (2-8 people)
Public facilities near the park:

• Hotel: The Royal Inn Beach Hutchinson Island (60 guestrooms, pool)
• Restaurant: The Crab Stop (seafood)

"The underwater tour was an unforgettable experience for my kids!" – Susan L.

11. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

• Location: 7525 W. Scenic Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 (approximately 45 minutes from Fort Walton Beach Airport)
• Directions: Take Scenic Highway 30A West to Avenida B and follow the signs
• Nearest transportation station: Fort Walton Beach Airport (public airport) or Santa Rosa Beach Station (public transit)

Looking for a nature reserve with breathtaking dunes and an incredible array of wildlife? Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is the spot for you! Don’t forget your binoculars – this place is a birdwatcher’s paradise!

Facilities: Beach, picnic areas, nature trails, scenic overlook
Activities: Swimming, swimming, bird-watching, hiking
Price: Admission $5 per vehicle (2-8 people)
Public facilities near the park:

• Hotel: The Topsail Motel (65 guestrooms, pool)
• Restaurant: The Bud and Alley’s Restaurant (seafood)

"The sand dunes were perfect for my toddler to climb!" – Lauren K.

12. Sebastian Inlet State Park

• Location: 5100 N. A1A, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951 (approximately 45 minutes from Melbourne International Airport)
• Directions: Take Highway 1 South to 1938 A1A and follow the signs
• Nearest transportation station: Melbourne Airport (International) or Sebastian Inlet Bridge (public dock)

Last but certainly not least, we have Sebastian Inlet State Park! This gem boasts three miles of pristine beach, tranquil coves, and picturesque dunes. Whether you’re into swimming, surfing, or just relaxing in the sun, this park’s got something for everyone.

Facilities: Beach, picnic areas, lake, boat launch
Activities: Swimming, surfing, fishing, kayaking
Price: Admission $8 per vehicle (2-8 people)
Public facilities near the park:

• Hotel: The TPS Sebastian Inlet Resort (16 guestrooms, pool)
• Restaurant: The Squid’s Grill (seafood)

"My family loved surfing and swimming in the ocean. Such a memorable trip!" – Scott P.

Reviews and Ratings

We didn’t just take our park list from thin air – we also relied on reviews and ratings from real families like you. The numbers below are based on the current overall rating and average star rating across multiple platforms (TripAdvisor, Yelp, etc.).

Rank # Park Name Rating Review Count

1 Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park 4.7/5 570+
2 John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park 4.6/5 900+
3 Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area 4.5/5 200+
4 Sebastian Inlet State Park 4.5/5 1,400+
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