Top 5 Most Magnificent State Parks in Florida

How Many Of Florida’s State Parks Have YOU Explored?

Florida is known for its stunning beaches and endless sunshine. But there’s so much more to discover in the Sunshine State.

This state calls to visitors from around the globe with its seashell-strewn beaches, historic forts, wildlife preserves, iconic cultural hubs like Miami, and, of course, the theme parks of Central Florida.

So if you’re looking for your next great outdoor adventure, you should head to one of Florida’s state parks. From kayaking and fishing to hiking and biking trails, these parks can offer something to everyone.

Just pack your sunscreen, and get ready to explore some of Florida’s most gorgeous natural scenery. Admission is generally just a couple of dollars, so visiting one or two during your vacation is easier on your wallet than theme park tickets.

If you’re planning an extended vacation and think you may be able to visit a few of them, we recommend getting the Florida State Parks Annual Pass, which is just $60 each year. Or, buy a family pass for up to eight people for $120 per year.

Ready to begin a new adventure? Visit one of these 5 spectacular state parks in Florida!

Bahia Honda State Park

For some, this area is just a quick rest stop on their way to Key West. But for others, the clear waters and vivid sunsets at Bahia Honda are well-deserved attractions of their own. This 500-plus-acre state park is hidden away on the southwestern edge of Bahia Honda Key.

At its tip, the eerie remains of a Henry Flagler–built railroad bridge bulges out from the water. Snorkelers can enjoy some of the most accessible and clear waters to be experienced in the entire state.

You can also grab some rental gear from the concession stand and walk into the waters to admire the starfish, sponges, sea urchins, and much more just inches away from your feet.

Even more, many unique creatures beckon you on a snorkeling boat tour to Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary.

Big Talbot Island State Park

A Jacksonville staple, Big Talbot Island is an absolutely stunning, off-the-beaten-path type of attraction. It takes one of the top spots on our list and has over 1,000 positive Google reviews.

The park is almost a 40-minute drive north of Jacksonville, just off A1A before you cross the Nassau Sound. The best time to visit this spot is early in the morning. So pack a lunch, your fishing gear, a bike, or even your hammock to take a relaxing snooze on the beach.

Once parked, which only costs about $3, you can follow a trail for about half a mile to arrive at Boneyard Beach. The haunting natural beauty of the driftwood and dead trees set against the white sands make it a breathtaking place for impromptu photoshoots.

This area DOES have two downfalls, however. There are no bathrooms at the park, and your pooch isn’t allowed.

Florida Caverns State Park

We all know that Florida is famous for those high temperatures rising into the 80s and 90s throughout the year. So we recommend taking a shaded stroll in Caverns State Park.

It’s about an hour northwest of Tallahassee, and this is the only park in the state where visitors can take a guided tour through an entire cave system.

You’ll find 12 distinct chambers within the caves with massive columns, stalactites, stalagmites, and many more geological features, all illuminated by LED lighting.

Taller folks should be aware that ceilings can be as low as four and a half feet. But other than that, it’s easy to “make a weekend of it” at this 1500-acre park. And for those who love camping, there are 38 campsites and bike trails spanning 7 miles in length in this park.

Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park

Were you aware that Florida was home to some of the most alluring freshwater springs in the county? Though you probably won’t find any better ones than those at the Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park.

The spring water stays at a constant temperate of 70 degrees all year round, perfect if you’re looking for a refreshing dip. Surrounding the pool is an ancient, mystifying cypress swamp that served as the setting for the 1954 movie “Creature from the Black Lagoon.”

Popular recreations include hiking along the gorgeous nature trails, taking a riverboat tour to search for the manatees, and climbing to the top of the 22ft observation deck to enjoy unforgettable views of the park.

And if you want to extend your a couple of days, the 27-room lodge offers very relaxing accommodations.

Anastasia State Park

This park is home to St. Augustine, known as one of the oldest continuously inhabited European settlements in our country. It’s a small piece of treasure in St. Johns County that draws locals and visitors to its white-sand beaches, hammock forests, dunes, and tidal marshes.

The park stretches across 1,600 acres, and although many come here looking for a relaxing beach day, there’s much more to do here. You can hike the Ancient Dunes Nature Trail, kayak along the coast, or stay overnight at one of the park’s 139 campsites.

This is the ideal place to see 195 species of birds, from osprey and egrets to Wilson’s plovers and black skimmers. Guided birding walks are also offered monthly.

There’s a restaurant on-site and a shop where you can rent chairs and umbrellas, stand-up paddle boards, surfboards, boogie boards, and bikes. If you’ve got a history buff in your group, check out the coquina (limestone made of broken shells) Quarries at the park entrance.

Dating from the 1700s, this spot is on the National Register of Historic Places. When the nearby Castillo de San Marcos was built, its coquina likely came from this spot.

So now that we’ve given you all these amazing locations to choose from, there’s just one more tough decision to make!… Which color bathing suit should you pack!?!

We’ll leave that up to you. But while you’re here, we’ve got some more fantastic destinations we think you’ll love. Check out: 5 Incredible US Places That Don’t Feel Like the US