Florida has approximately 200 national and state parks. Trying to choose just 17 out of all of them can be both scary and enjoyable. The state of Florida has a diverse range of beautiful landscapes, from expansive swamplands to breathtaking barrier islands.
You can easily plan your trip to include a mix of activities like hiking, biking, kayaking, and enjoying relaxing swims in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
18. Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

Florida has a lot of protected lands that have beautiful views on land and in the water. However, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument in St. Augustine offers a unique experience. The castle was built in 1672, so it is over 350 years old.
It is one of the oldest buildings in Florida and was made to protect against possible invasion when Florida was under Spanish control. When you visit, you will get a glimpse into the early days of Florida.
Knowledgeable park rangers will guide you through the impressive fortress and show you historic weapons, what life was like in the fort, and even let you witness the old cannons being fired.
17. Apalachicola National Forest

Apalachicola National Forest, located near Tallahassee, is a vast area filled with rivers, lakes, swamps, cypress trees, and longleaf pines. It is the largest forest in Florida and offers various activities to enjoy on both land and water.
With over 80 miles of hiking trails, one of the top trails takes multiple days to complete and leads you through the scenic Bradwell Bay Wilderness Area. Additionally, there are several shorter interpretive trails that provide insights into the park’s natural beauty.
Swimming and kayaking are popular activities in the forest, with white sand beaches available at Silver Lake. Visitors can also relax in picnic areas and camp at nearby campsites.
16. Wekiwa Springs State Park

If you’re looking for a break from the busy theme parks in Orlando, Wekiwa Springs State Park in central Florida is a great option. It’s a nice change after spending days on rides. The park is worth visiting even if you have to travel from a bit further away.
The nature trails in the park cover many miles and offer gorgeous views of landscapes that then lead to lakes, streams, and springs. If you’re tired of hiking, you can switch to kayaking or snorkeling to enjoy the park’s beautiful water.
There are also 60 campsites available for overnight stays, and if you get hungry, there are concession stands where you can grab a meal during the day.
15. Dry Tortugas National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park is a beautiful place made up of seven islands. It is known for its stunning nature and interesting history. One of the main attractions of the park is Fort Jefferson, which was built a long time ago. Even though it takes a while to get to the national park, the journey is definitely worth it.
Once you drive through the Keys, you will arrive at a tropical paradise with golden sand surrounding the islands. You can also see colorful reefs and marine life when you go snorkeling. There are lots of turtles to spot as well. The fort in the park is very big and is actually the largest masonry structure in the whole United States.
Don’t forget to stay for the breathtaking sunset. You can even camp in the park, so you don’t have to rush back to the mainland.
14. Caladesi Island State Park

Caladesi Island State Park is a beautiful place located along the Gulf Coast. It can only be reached by boat, whether you have your own or take a ferry or kayak. Once you arrive, you can enjoy walking along a picturesque beach that is known for fantastic beach combing.
There are also hiking trails that will lead you to the Scharrer Homestead, where you can learn about the island’s early human history. If you feel like swimming or snorkeling, the inviting turquoise waters are perfect for that.
And if you’re up for more adventure, you can hop on a kayak and explore the stunning coastline, which includes mangrove tunnels. In these tunnels, you might see unique birds perched in the trees above.
13. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

When you visit Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, you will have the opportunity to experience history by going back in time to the Civil War and even earlier. This state park is located on the southern part of Key West and its construction began in the 1840s.
Nowadays, you can explore the fort and learn about its role in both the Spanish American War and the conflict between the Union and the Confederacy. During the Civil War, the fort played a crucial role in deterring potential invasions by the Confederacy through the sea.
Additionally, you can also discover the largest collection of weapons from that war in the entire country. Finally, make sure to visit one of the top-notch beaches in Key West, which can be found right within the park.
12. Biscayne National Park

It may be difficult to believe, but Biscayne National Park is actually very close to the lively nightlife and beautiful Art déco buildings of Miami. The park’s proximity and its stunning natural beauty make it an ideal destination for a day trip from south Florida. The park is mostly water, with only about 5% being land.
It is like a magical place, with small islands surrounded by clear blue water and colorful reefs. On the land, you can go on guided adventures to explore Elliott Key or even camp overnight under the sparkling stars. Don’t forget to bring your swimming gear so you can explore the underwater world or go paddling along the coast.
11. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a unique park located about an hour south of Miami. It covers 70 nautical miles and was the first of its kind in the US. The park is easily accessible from Highway 1, which goes all the way to Key West. The main attraction of the park is its protected reef, which is perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving.
If you prefer water activities over hiking, this is the place for you. You can leave your hiking boots behind and grab your snorkel gear to explore the amazing underwater world. In addition to the beautiful reefs, the park also has tropical hammocks and mangroves that are home to a variety of marine life.
If you want to see everything without getting wet, you can take a glass-bottom boat tour.
10. Henderson Beach State Park

Henderson Beach State Park in Destin, Florida, has 35 impressive sand dunes along the Gulf of Mexico. These tall dunes, reaching up to 30 feet, provide a memorable beach experience leading to the warm waters of the Gulf.
You can admire them from a distance while walking on a beautiful nature trail that also passes through the last remaining coastal scrub in this area of Florida. Moreover, fishing is a popular activity in this spot, and there are ample picnic areas with BBQ grills and bathrooms.
Not only can you enjoy a swim in the picturesque waters, but you may also have the chance to see turtles and dolphins.
9. Gulf Islands National Seashore
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Just a short distance from Pensacola lies the Gulf Islands National Seashore, which is known for being one of the largest protected coastlines in the United States. This seashore is located on a barrier island, and there are two bridges that allow access to it.
Once you arrive, you’ll quickly leave behind the busy city and find yourself in a true paradise. The beach is covered in beautiful soft golden sand, and it’s the perfect place to spend your days enjoying the sun, taking long walks, and witnessing breathtaking sunsets.
This secluded area is free from modern development and offers a peaceful retreat away from the bustling crowds. Besides the stunning beaches and clear blue waters, you’ll also find a vibrant ecosystem that is home to a variety of bird species, including osprey and herons.
These feathered friends occasionally share their habitat with a trio of historic forts.
8. Canaveral National Seashore
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Canaveral National Seashore is located on a barrier island off the east coast of Florida. It is made up of dunes, coastal hammocks, and beautiful beaches. Unlike the nearby beach towns of New Smyrna and Titusville, this area has not been developed and remains untouched.
It is a safe place for plants and animals and also gives us a glimpse into the lives of the Timacua people. Here, you can spend most of your time enjoying the stunning coastline without the distractions of resorts or beachfront bars.
Instead, you will be surrounded by a wild and beautiful shoreline that is not inhabited by humans, but inhabited by hundreds of animal and bird species. In addition to swimming, you can explore nature trails that take you along the coast, where you can see over 1,000 different plant species and even ancient Native American mounds.
7. Everglades National Park
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The Everglades National Park is a unique and expansive park in Florida, that deserves national recognition. It is a one-of-a-kind land, where you can see alligators hidden underwater and navigate through large swamps with a kayak, leading to beautiful lakes.
The Everglades is a natural and ever-changing part of Florida, known for being warm and resembling a jungle. It attracts a diverse range of animals, both as prey and food. There are hiking and biking trails that allow you to explore the different ecosystems found throughout the park.
Additionally, there are tours available where you can get closer to nature and observe the numerous bird species that visit the park. Lastly, it is highly recommended to go kayaking along the Wilderness Waterway, as a significant part of the park consists of wetlands.
6. Blue Spring State Park
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In the 1970s, migrating manatees played a crucial role in helping researchers find Blue Spring. This discovery led to the establishment of Blue Springs State Park with the aim of protecting this incredible natural spring. When visiting the park, you can enjoy the pleasant temperature of the water, which remains at a consistently warm 72 degrees.
As you dive in, the limestone rocks beneath your feet warm the water, allowing you to swim up to the spring. This state park is known for being one of the best places to observe manatees in their natural habitat.
Aside from admiring these gentle creatures, visitors can also indulge in activities such as tubing down the calm river, snorkeling, or exploring the surroundings on a kayak.
5. Bahia Honda State Park
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Don’t miss out on Bahia Honda State Park in the Florida Keys, as it often gets overlooked. It has an incredible beach known as Calusa Beach, which is one of the best in the area. You can find campsites and cabins to stay in paradise. Calusa Beach has a beautiful crescent shape and the water is clear like glass.
It’s the perfect spot for snorkeling or kayaking, with great visibility. If you paddle a bit further, you can also visit Little Bahia Honda. Another notable site in the park is the impressive Bahia Honda Bridge.
4. Big Cypress National Preserve
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Big Cypress National Reserve, which is bigger than Rhode Island and the first national preserve in the United States, is often overlooked despite its impressive qualities. It offers visitors the opportunity to discover unexplored areas filled with vast and untouched swampland that is completely wild.
For centuries, the preserve has been inhabited by the Seminole and Miccosukee communities, who played a significant role in its establishment. Today, visitors can immerse themselves in the park’s breathtaking nature and rich cultural heritage, including stories from past eras.
Exploring the reserve by kayak is the recommended method of transportation, as it allows for a greater appreciation of the diverse nature, bird watching, and the potential to spot the graceful panther.
3. Fort Clinch State Park
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If you love nature and history, you should definitely check out Fort Clinch State Park. It offers a perfect combination of both. There are plenty of things to do for history enthusiasts and outdoor lovers. The park is home to ancient cannons that provide insights into the Civil War.
You can even explore the fort and get a taste of what life was like for a Union soldier in the 19th century. They also have demonstrations showcasing historic weapons. Apart from the fort, the park is a vast area with maritime hammocks, old oak trees, and scenic hiking trails.
2. Map of National & State Parks in Florida
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1. Silver Springs State Park
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There are many springs in Florida that locals can visit for day trips. However, if you are traveling to Florida and can only choose one, Silver Springs State Park would be the best choice. Around 150 years ago, people started taking tours to these springs, making it one of the original attractions in the state. Even today, it remains very popular.
You can explore the park just like people did in the past by going on a glass-bottomed boat or by kayaking. The springs and the surrounding waterways are home to a wide variety of plants and animals. If you look into the clear water, you may spot manatees, and if you look up, you might see wild monkeys swinging in the trees.