These 12 stunning state parks will make you fall head over heels for Florida

Florida entices travelers worldwide with its shell-strewn beaches, wildlife reserves, vibrant cities like Miami, historical forts, and of course, the iconic theme parks of Central Florida. With major airports like Jacksonville (JAX), Orlando (MCO), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Miami (MIA), and Tampa (TPA) all served by major U.S. airlines as well as budget carriers, planning an affordable getaway is a breeze.

As we move beyond the challenges of the pandemic into 2021, you might consider Florida for your next getaway. If that's the case, let us guide you through our top picks among Florida's 175 state parks, which offer pristine beaches, freshwater springs, cave systems, mangroves, maritime hammocks, and historic landmarks.

Entrance fees are usually just a few dollars, making these parks a budget-friendly alternative to pricey theme parks and water attractions. If you're planning to visit several parks, the Florida State Parks Annual Pass is a great deal at just $60 per year, giving you access to all parks. For an even better value, the family pass for up to eight people is only $120 annually.

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Anastasia State Park

As a resident of one of Florida’s First Coast islands, I’m especially fond of this stretch of the Atlantic coastline. It's the home of St. Augustine, one of the oldest continuously inhabited European cities in the United States. Here, you’ll find Anastasia State Park, a true hidden gem in St. Johns County that attracts both locals and visitors with its pristine white beaches, dunes, hammock forests, and tranquil tidal marshes.

Spanning 1,600 acres, Anastasia State Park offers more than just a day at the beach. You can hike the Ancient Dunes Nature Trail (four miles one way), kayak along the coastline, or camp at one of the park's 139 campsites. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting 195 species, including osprey, egrets, Wilson’s plovers, and black skimmers. Be sure to visit the ranger station for a birding checklist or join one of the monthly guided birding walks.

The park features a restaurant and a shop where you can rent beach gear, including chairs, umbrellas, surfboards, paddleboards, boogie boards, and bikes. With four miles of beach breaks, it's a prime surfing location when the conditions are right. Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

For history enthusiasts, don't miss the Coquina Quarries near the park entrance. Dating back to the 1700s, this site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The coquina stone, made of broken shells, was used in the construction of the nearby Castillo de San Marcos.

Admission is $4 per car for a single occupant and $8 for a vehicle with two to eight passengers. Campsites are available for $28 plus tax per night. Seniors 65 and older enjoy a half-price discount.

Fort Mose Historic State Park

While in St. Augustine, be sure to visit Fort Mose Historic State Park. This site holds immense historical significance as the first legally recognized free African settlement in what would become the United States. The Spanish king decreed that any African-born enslaved person who escaped British rule and reached St. Augustine would gain freedom, provided they converted to Catholicism. Founded in 1738, the fort served as a defensive position against British forces.

The park features an excellent interactive museum that delves into the history of Fort Mose and its importance as a precursor to the Underground Railroad. Admission to the museum is $2 per person (free for children under 6), while the park grounds are open to the public at no cost.

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

For garden lovers and fans of majestic 200-year-old live oaks draped in Spanish moss, head to Washington Oaks Gardens State Park in Flagler County’s Palm Coast. This park is nestled on a barrier island, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Matanzas River to the west. The seawall along the Matanzas River is a popular picnic spot, and there's a shaded playground for children. At the heart of the island, you’ll find a maritime hammock forest.

The park’s three-quarter-mile beach features stunning coquina rock formations, while its 20 acres of formal gardens showcase roses, camellias, birds of paradise, and azaleas. Scenic footpaths wind through the property, with benches and gazebos perfect for family photos or a quiet moment.

Originally a Spanish land grant, the park now offers a variety of activities including short hiking and biking trails, a beach, and beautiful gardens. Fishing and birdwatching are also popular here. Admission is $2 for pedestrians and cyclists, $4 for single-occupant vehicles, and $5 per carload for up to eight people.

Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park

If you're unfamiliar with Florida, you might not realize the incredible appeal of the state's freshwater springs. Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, located near Tallahassee in the Panhandle, is home to one of the world’s deepest and largest freshwater springs. The water remains a constant 70 degrees, making it a year-round swimming haven. Surrounded by an ancient cypress swamp, the park feels almost prehistoric. It was the filming location for the 1954 movie 'Creature from the Black Lagoon,' and an entire mastodon skeleton was discovered in the springs.

Visitors come to Wakulla Springs to swim in the springs, embark on guided riverboat tours to spot manatees and other wildlife, and enjoy scenic nature trails ranging from easy to moderate in difficulty. The park also features two picnic shelters, picnic tables, and a nearby playground.

Certified cave divers can explore Emerald Sink and Clearcut Sink, though scuba diving is not allowed in Wakulla Springs. For the adventurous, you can take a plunge from the 22-foot-high observation deck, a popular challenge that locals have been daring each other to attempt for generations.

For those looking to stay overnight, the park offers a charming 27-room lodge with a restaurant and gift shop. Built in the 1930s, the lodge is a striking example of Tennessee marble and cypress wood, making it a worthwhile visit in itself.

Admission is $2 for pedestrians or cyclists; $4 for a vehicle with one occupant; and $6 for vehicles with two to eight people. Riverboat tours are priced at $8 for ages 13 and up, $5 for children ages 3 to 12, and free for kids under 3.

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

Located in Spring Hill on Florida's Gulf Coast, about an hour's drive north of Tampa, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park has been a popular destination for decades. While the 72-degree freshwater springs and scenic surroundings are a major attraction, the park’s world-famous mermaid shows are the real highlight for most visitors.

A 400-seat theater built into the springs in 1947 has been the stage for mermaid performances for over 70 years, captivating audiences from across the globe. It may seem a bit cheesy – and it is – but this iconic Old Florida attraction is a must-see. The show, based on Hans Christian Andersen's 'The Little Mermaid,' is a well-executed spectacle, though some parts might be a little too intense for younger children.

The park is renowned for its first-magnitude spring, one of the largest types in the world, discharging at least 2,800 liters of water per second. This spring also powers Buccaneer Bay waterpark, which features a swimming area, lazy river, and four exhilarating waterslides. Shaded picnic pavilions and a seasonal restaurant make it a great spot to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

In addition to the mermaid shows, you can take a riverboat tour, snorkel in the springs, join a wildlife-watching program, or kayak along the Weeki Wachee River. For cave divers, Weeki Wachee is known for housing the deepest freshwater cave system in the United States.

Admission costs $13 for adults, $8 for children ages 6–12, and entry is free for kids 5 and under.

Silver Springs State Park

Located in Marion County, just east of downtown Ocala in Central Florida, Silver Springs State Park spans 4,800 acres and is one of the largest freshwater springs in the U.S. Visitors flock to this scenic spot to explore the vibrant underwater world from a glass-bottom boat, stroll through beautiful gardens, tour historic park buildings, paddle along the Silver River, visit Mammoth Spring at the river's mouth, and hike through lush, ancient forests. The park also features an on-site restaurant and sweet shop.

For those looking to add a bit of education to their visit, stop by the Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center located at the park's campground entrance. The museum's main exhibit covers Florida's geology, paleontology, archaeology, and natural history, while another section highlights the history of Marion County and Florida. Just across from the museum, you can explore Cracker Village, a replica of a 19th-century pioneer settlement.

Admission fees are $2 for pedestrians or cyclists, $4 for a single-occupant vehicle, and $8 for a vehicle carrying 2 to 8 people. The museum charges $2 per person, and children under 6 get in free. A 30-minute glass-bottom boat tour costs $12 for adults, $11 for seniors (55+), and kids 6–12. Children 5 and under can ride for free. Campsites are $24 per night, and cabins can be rented for $110 per night.

Caladesi Island State Park

Caladesi Island State Park, nestled on a barrier island off Florida's Gulf Coast just west of Dunedin and 15 minutes northwest of Clearwater, offers a serene escape in Pinellas County. Its untouched beauty is preserved by limited access, requiring a private boat or a 20-minute ferry ride from Honeymoon Island. Ferry fares for a four-hour stay are $16 for adults, $8 for children ages 6–12, and free for kids under 5.

Here, time slows down, and nature takes center stage. The beach is a perfect stretch of white sand, scattered with shells and sand dollars, and you might spot gopher tortoises during your visit. You can rent beach chairs and umbrellas for added comfort.

A three-mile nature trail invites you to explore more of the island. Be cautious of Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes as you wander, and be sure to stop at the 1880s Scharrer Homestead halfway along the trail. Though only the foundation and chimney remain, it offers a glimpse into the past.

Fishing and kayaking are popular activities here, with a designated trail through the mangroves on the bayside. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, manatees, bald eagles, and roseate spoonbills. Kayak rentals are available for $25 per person. If you bring your own food, picnic under the shade of palms, live oaks, or century-old slash pines. Alternatively, enjoy a meal at Cafe Caladesi at the marina. A playground is available for kids near the picnic area.

Admission fees are $2 for pedestrians or cyclists, $4 for a single-occupant vehicle, and $8 for vehicles carrying 2 to 8 people. Arriving by boat costs $6 for up to 8 passengers, with an additional $2 per person or kayaker. Floating dock campsites at the marina are available for $24 per night.

Lovers Key State Park

If you're heading to Florida's Gulf Coast, particularly Lee County, for its stunning beaches and barrier islands, be sure to visit Lovers Key State Park. Whether you’ve flown into Southwest International Airport (RSW) or driven to Fort Myers Beach, this 712-acre park includes Lovers Key and three other barrier islands: Black Island, Inner Key, and Long Key.

The two-mile beach at Lovers Key is a favorite for day trips and weddings, with a gazebo offering breathtaking sunset views. It’s a fantastic spot for shelling, but remember to check if the shell is occupied, as collecting live shells is prohibited on Florida’s beaches.

This state park offers more than just sandy shores. Thanks to the barrier islands and the connecting canals, it boasts lush mangrove forests. Paddle through these waterways on a kayak or paddleboard to spot majestic West Indian manatees and playful bottlenose dolphins. For anglers, the Lovers Key Boat Ramp is the perfect spot to grab some bait before fishing from your kayak, any of the park's bridges, or the beach itself.

There are also several nature trails through the maritime hammock forest, designed for all fitness levels, including the scenic five-mile Black Island Trail. You can explore the area on foot or rent a bike to enjoy highlights like a butterfly garden. Along the trail, you'll encounter serene backwater habitats home to herons, roseate spoonbills, and egrets. And in classic Florida fashion, expect to see American alligators in the park’s freshwater ponds, along with gopher tortoises.

A new Welcome and Discovery Center, complete with an exhibit hall, community room, picnic areas, outdoor exploration zones, and updated restrooms, is set to open in January 2021. Entrance fees are $2 per pedestrian or cyclist, $4 per single-occupant vehicle, and $8 per vehicle with two to eight passengers.

Gasparilla Island State Park

Fishermen from across the globe flock to Gasparilla Island State Park, a barrier island located off Florida's Gulf Coast. Established by the Spanish in the 1700s, the fish camps along these shores initially provided fish to Cuba. Fishing here remains fantastic year-round, whether from the park's saltwater fishing spots or the deep waters of Boca Grande Pass, which connects Charlotte Harbor to the Gulf of Mexico. Grouper, tarpon, and snook are among the primary catches, and you can also cast for whiting, sheepshead, and redfish right from the beach. May and June are peak fishing months.

Even if fishing isn't your thing, Gasparilla Island State Park is still a great place to relax and enjoy activities like swimming, beachcombing (with prime shelling in the winter), or snorkeling. You may even spot loggerhead or green turtles, as well as gopher tortoises within the park.

The park offers two shaded picnic areas with stunning water views. You can also explore the historic 1890 Port Boca Grande Lighthouse and museum. As one of only six lighthouses in Florida open to the public, and the only one on the state's west coast, it's a must-see. The museum offers fascinating exhibits about the Calusa Native Americans, tarpon fishing in Boca Grande Pass, and the phosphate industry that thrived here in the 1900s.

Admission to the park is $2 per pedestrian or cyclist, and $3 per vehicle for up to eight passengers.

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park

Located just a 35-minute drive south of Southwest International Airport, Delnor Wiggins Pass State Park is nestled in the popular tourist destination of Naples. While some parks on this list are more secluded, Delnor-Wiggins Pass is a bustling spot, and parking can be challenging. However, once you're inside the park, you'll find ample space to enjoy. If you're looking to rent beach chairs, umbrellas, kayaks, or stand-up paddleboards, head to the concession stand at Parking Lot 4, where you can also grab food and drinks, or feel free to bring your own picnic.

Spanning nearly 200 acres, Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is made up of 80% submerged land or mangrove swamp, creating an ideal environment for birdwatching or kayaking. It's also a prime location to spot dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles.

Delnor-Wiggins Beach is one of Florida's most picturesque spots, stretching about a mile along the coast. The beach features soft, white quartz sand and is almost always dotted with seashells, so it's a good idea to wear water shoes. It offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico, especially at sunset. Loggerhead sea turtles also nest on this beach, and it's an awe-inspiring sight to see the 275-pound turtles sharing the shore with sunbathers.

Entrance to the park is $2 for pedestrians or cyclists, $4 for a single-occupant vehicle, and $6 for vehicles carrying two to eight people. There is also a $5 fee for using the boat ramp.

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

For breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay and Miami's South Beach, climb the 109 spiral steps to the top of the Cape Florida Lighthouse at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. This park offers a fascinating blend of wildlife and Florida's early history. The lighthouse and its keeper's cottage are believed to be the oldest historical structures in Miami-Dade County. Built in 1825, the lighthouse has weathered almost two centuries of storms, hurricanes, explosions, and even an attack by Seminole Native Americans, yet it still stands strong, ensuring the safety of the harbor.

The park features a beautiful beach where you can rent chairs and umbrellas from the concession stand, along with fishing piers. However, the best shore fishing can be found along the Biscayne Bay seawall. Enjoy nature trails, a flat 1.5-mile-long paved bike path (bike rentals available), opportunities for paddling, and a harbor for boat campers. There's even a small playground in 'Area A,' complete with four swings, slides, and a climbing ladder.

Pack a picnic and enjoy it at one of the 18 covered pavilions, each offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay, or opt to dine at the on-site Lighthouse Cafe.

If you're in the Miami area for a few days, be sure to explore Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park thoroughly. Admission is $2 per pedestrian or cyclist, $4 for a single-occupant vehicle, and $8 for a vehicle with two to eight people. Boaters can anchor overnight in No Name Harbor for $20.

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

At Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park in Key West, you can immerse yourself in both nature and history. The fort, built in 1845—just as Florida became a U.S. state—predates the Civil War. It served as a military stronghold during that time and was named after President Zachary Taylor following his death in 1850. Over the years, it was used in the Spanish-American War, World Wars I and II, and even the Cuban Missile Crisis.

As the years passed, the need for the fort diminished, and much of it, including its weaponry, was buried. In the 1960s, efforts began to unearth and preserve the Civil War-era cannons, which are now part of the largest collection of seacoast guns in the U.S. This National Historic Monument offers guided tours by rangers, or you can explore the fort at your own pace.

Even if you're not interested in American history, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is still worth a visit. The park features a beautiful beach perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. Underwater, you'll find vibrant coral reefs and marine life like yellowtail snapper, parrotfish, and lobsters. There are also excellent saltwater fishing spots, shaded picnic areas with grills, and an on-site cafe. For those who enjoy nature, the park offers hiking and biking trails.

Admission to the southernmost state park in the U.S. is $2.50 for pedestrians or cyclists, $4.50 for a single-occupant vehicle, and $6 for vehicles carrying two to eight people, with an additional 50-cent surcharge per person for Monroe County. The boat ramp fee is $5.