It’s hard to believe we have been in Florida now for over a year. One of our goals this year is to get out and see more of this state that is now our home. In addition to popular tourist destinations, Florida features many natural places to visit. Our friend Lindsay offered to put together a list for us of parks that are a must visit. Read on to see the places we are hoping to check out real soon…
A Perfect Time to Visit
Out of 175 state parks in the Sunshine State, each one is worth visiting. Every single opportunity to enjoy the outdoors is a blessing, one that we only now have come to appreciate fully. The list of five state parks in Florida is an attempt to bring out the unique elements of nature this southeastern USA gem has to offer. Positively, a worthwhile endeavor in its own right. Until touring is made safe again, consider putting this list in your travel schedule and start building up excitement.
1. Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park & Boardwalk
Hiking the Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk may be a short adventure in Florida's largest state park but an adventure nevertheless. Although you may not be lucky enough to see the Florida panther and black bear on your visit, know that this park hides them, as well as poisonous snakes and dozens of alligators feeding (on fish!) at a safe distance.
This park is also a perfect place for birdwatchers who will enjoy spotting bald eagles and ospreys, vultures and wood storks, egrets and ibises, hawks and falcons, and many others. At the same time, it is home to the old bald cypresses, a lot of royal palms, alien-looking strangler figs, and the most impressive, unusual, and rare Ghost Orchids. Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park offers a perfect glimpse into the Everglades before the first settlers' arrival and is definitely worth the trip.
Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park & Boardwalk
2. Silver Springs State Park
If you plan to pass or even move to Orlando, plan to visit Silver Springs State Park. It is about 80 miles away north and certainly a place worth exploring. The unique experience it offers includes glass-bottom boat tours, miles of hiking trails, and kayaking down the crystal-clear waters of the enchanting Silver Springs River. The park offers impressive sights of manatees, alligators, fish, turtles, and once again, species and species of birds.
You may be surprised to find monkeys in the park, but their story is related to one of the countless movies filmed here. They don't mind being a prop at the Silver Springs State Park scenery. Although, they have somewhat failed as a Tarzan-themed tourist attraction. Various movie props can still be seen on the bottom of the river as this was a location for a century of filmmaking. The first movie filmed in Silver Springs is the action movie Speed from 1922.
Silver Springs State Park
3. Florida Caverns State Park
The cave tours of Florida Caverns State Park are an ideal adventure for all those into rocks and bats. Already wondrous rock formations of the only cave system state park in Florida are emphasized by the colorful light show and dripping water sounds. This National Natural Landmark provides a welcome reprieve from the heat after a picnic outside.
A tour through the Caverns is a beautiful way to spend a hot Florida summer day. It is also an excellent opportunity to learn something new about bats and their importance to the environment and local ecosystems. Hopefully, you're not afraid of these bug-munchers, and you find crouching or squeezing through some tight passages exciting.
Florida Caverns State Park
4. Grayton Beach State Park
If you intend to live in an area where every town has a "beach" in the name, Northwest Florida is the place for you. Hire someone who will take care of everything and get ready to enjoy your new surroundings. This area is brimming with state parks you can enjoy in your leisure time. Specifically, Grayton Beach State Park is where you can experience a perfect little sample of the Sunshine State.
After all, what is Florida, if not a synonym for beaches? The soft white sand of Grayton Beach is magnificent even on a cold day. You can walk for miles along the coast, meditate in a secluded spot, hike trails beside the massive dunes, or enjoy cycling. You can also visit the inlet lakes, like the Western Lake, full of catchable fish and perfect for kayaking. Choosing an activity in this state park is the only difficult task ahead of you. And no one says you have to choose.
Grayton Beach State Park
5. Anastasia State Park
A tidal marsh, a pristine beach, a campground, an archeological site - all of it makes Anastasia State Park one of the most popular local retreats. If you hike on the lush Ancient Dunes Nature Trail, you are bound to spot bird nesting areas. Sea turtles nest on the beach; however, they mustn't be disturbed just like the bird nests on the dunes. Other turtles roam at their own (slow) pace through the wooded area and don't seem to care about their visitors' excitement.
If you're not the one for hiking or lounging at the beach, rent a canoe or kayak and glide over the sheltered waters. You might spot a dolphin or simply admire the lagoon. This state park hides the remains of the King's Coquina Quarries, a few centuries old Spanish shell stone quarries. Today a historic site, once, it provided the material for buildings in the nearby St. Augustine.
Anastasia State Park
A few tips for Florida state parks explorers
Most state parks in Florida also incorporate campsites, making them ideal locations for an exciting family trip. If you purchase a $120 family annual pass, you will be able to enter (almost) every state park in Florida within a group of eight people. However, with the yearly individual entrance pass, persons accompanying the pass owner will pay only $2.
Also, before you pack for your trip, take your time to study the weather forecast and choose the most comfortable season for a visit. Like the one around Florida Caverns, some parks may bear signs of hurricane damage and even remain off-limits. Considering the ongoing COVID-19 situation, parks are highly likely to restrict the number of visitors and adjust the tour schedules. If you're impatient to visit these natural (and historic) wonders before the safety measures are officially lifted, follow their respective website notices and updates.
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