Strolling through a forest or relaxing by a lake can make us feel better — and lower stress has mental and physical benefits. Grayton beach state park all florida state parks open following cing in florida s state parks of central florida state parksSome Of The Best Vacation Lodging Is Inside Florida S… Rocks, sediments, landforms, and water across the state tell a fascinating story. Bahia Honda State Park in the Lower Keys is truly one of the Best Florida Beach RV Campgrounds This is just a few miles north of Key West on US-1, the Overseas Highway, If you get a spot along the water, you can rent a kayak and set off for a relaxing afternoon of rowing, right from your campsite. John D. MacArthur Beach State Park has more than 3000 nests a year. Caladesi Island State Park is located in the north of Clearwater Beach. In addition to the numerous natural attractions along the Texas Gulf Coast are some of the state's finest state parks. Please contact us to send a comment or to report a problem. George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park. John D. MacArthur Beach State Park boasts tangles of mangrove swamps, trails that meander through canopies of trees, and a vast walkway that traverses a lagoon – never mind almost two miles of unspoiled Atlantic beach. 1 and Caladesi Island State Park is ranked at No. No need to daydream — Henderson Beach makes this a reality. FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov, Florida Department of Environmental Protection. If you visit during June or July, make sure to go on a guided sea-turtle walk, where you can watch a mother sea turtle lay her eggs under the cover of darkness. It is located in the west of Dunedin, Florida. © Copyright 2020 © Copyright 2018 Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Paddlers at Oleta River State Park can forget they are in the heart of North Miami as they explore the almost otherworldly branches and roots of a mangrove forest. This can be seen in Florida State Parks along with the powdery white sands on the Emerald Coast, the reddish coquina sands of the east coast and the driftwood lined sands of the west coast. For a fascinating glimpse into its salt marsh, rent a kayak or take a guided paddle tour with Kayak Amelia (888-30-KAYAK). These are the best places for budget-friendly state parks in Southwest Gulf Coast: Lovers Key State Park; Stump Pass Beach State Park; Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park; Gasparilla Island State Park; Cayo Costa State Park; See more budget-friendly state parks in Southwest Gulf Coast on Tripadvisor Beautiful area to stop! Marshes, beaches and mangroves create unparalleled beauty, the full scope of which can be seen in Florida State Parks. #1 of 12 Nature & Parks in Fernandina Beach “ From the beaches, trails, and to the wonderfully maintained historic fort, Fort Clinch State Park is a gem for nature and outdoor lovers, and history … Named after the late Miami newspaper editor who championed this area for a state park, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is part of a large barrier island ecosystem. There is much more to discover along Florida’s coast, including marshes and mangroves, reefs, seagrass beds and sandbars. Learn more in our Cookie Notice and our Privacy Policy. Our main priority is the safety of our guests and staff. Augustine, Florida Anastasia State Park boasts more than 1,600 acres of pristine, white sand beaches, dune trails, and abundant wildlife. These requirements vary from area to area. Protecting Florida’s beaches and coasts is essential to many imperiled species. Address: 3351 Old Dixie Hwy, Ormond Beach, FL … Caladesi Island State Park is located on the Island of Caladesi in the Gulf of Mexico. In 2018, two Florida State Parks Grayton Beach State Park and Caladesi Island State Park were recognized by Dr. Beach as among the nation’s top beaches. On Florida’s Panhandle, Camp Gulf has 200 sites along Destin’s white sandy beach. Some of their limbs oddly twist, others arch into the sky, ramrod straight. The content for this web site has been provided both by professional travel writers and by individual consumers. As the dunes erode, the trees tumble onto the beach below. Some, half-buried, rise out of the sand; some merely sprawl atop it. Whether you're looking for a beach escape or a blue spring swimming hole, these 10 Florida state parks are must-sees. One of the best RV parks in Florida on the beach is Emerald Beach RV Park, located in Northwest Florida. Check birds off from your life list. MacArthur State Park boast almost two miles of pristine Atlantic beach. Because Bahia Honda is one of the best Florida State parks for RV camping it is tremendously popular, and it’s tough to book RV Campsites. Regular RV sites, which are farther away from the beachfront, are available for 45 foot and 60 foot RVs. Big Talbot Island State Park is home to Boneyard Beach, a unique, eerie and strangely striking stretch of sand strewn with the bleached skeletons of dead trees. For the ultimate getaway, rent a vacation cabin or get some sand between your stakes in a full-facility campsite. It also features a concession, a restaurant, kayak rentals, snorkeling tours of the reef, geo-seeking, and a butterfly garden. Almost half of the state parks have an associated local 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, often styled, "Friends of {park name} State Park, Inc.". Featuring Mar-A-Lago National Historical Site, Curry Hammock State Park, Key West National Wildlife Refuge, Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Biscayne National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, Everglades National Park If you want to search for the perk of Florida in a single place, it is going to be the best choice. View details about online payments, park  and campground closures, park programs/events and facial coverings. Primitive sites, tent sites and big-rig friendly RV sites offering spectacular views, easy access to award-winning trails and out-of-this-world natural features dot the entire state. Topsail Beach State Preserve. Cape Florida State Recreation Area, at the south tip of Key Biscayne, is one of the best beaches in the country. Sometimes it’s difficult to make time for the outdoors, but getting just a little bit of nature can have a big positive impact. 1,855 talking about this. You can discover some of the finest, most pristine beaches in the world at Florida’s state parks. These places are best for state parks in Ormond Beach: Tomoka State Park; Bulow Creek State Park; North Peninsula State Park; See more state parks in Ormond Beach on Tripadvisor $ Nestled on a barrier island, this is the only Florida state park in Palm Beach County, an idyllic natural treasure in the midst of an urban jungle. Intact beaches and coasts lessen the impacts of storm surge, act as nurseries for fish populations and filter pollutants from water before it flows to the sea. The opinions expressed in the getaway ideas, Floridians' Favorites and readers' comments do not necessarily represent those of VISIT FLORIDA. St. Andrews State Park. Grayton Beach State Park, Santa Rosa Beach. Bahia Honda State Park has it all – the best beaches in the Florida Keys, legendary snorkeling, a bounty of shore and wading birds, and a plentiful underwater population that will keep anglers smiling. Only a $6 per car for entry. Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park. We included it on this list because, if you like peace & quiet, you’ll love this park (and still be close enough to the beach). It offers swimming, fishing, educational programs, special events, kayak rentals and exceptional snorkeling, as well as a nature center, gift shop, playground, and picnicking facilities. For the ultimate romantic experience, have your wedding or renew your vows on the park’s shell-strewn shores. Near shore reefs are being reestablished at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. Anastasia State Park —St. Welcome to Henderson Beach State Park Enjoy a majestic shoreline anchored by 30-foot, snow-white sand dunes where basking in the Florida sun or wading into warm Gulf waters is the order of each and every day. Florida State Parks has 100 miles of the best beaches in the state and arguably the world. Both parks offer white sand beaches, beautiful scenery and … RV Parks in Destin Florida Live Oak Landing. Don’t miss hiking the trail up to the Old Bahia Honda Bridge; it plunges into the forest, spills out onto the old bridge, and finally, rewards you with soaring views of the entire island. ! Check out these 12 beautiful campgrounds and RV parks where you can camp right on the beach in Florida in your motorhome, fifth wheel, trailer, or even tent. John D. MacArthur Beach State Park. Top Florida State Parks: See reviews and photos of state parks in Florida, United States on Tripadvisor. Some of the sites are right next to the beach, where the sound of the surf can lull you to sleep. The Florida Keys has the third largest reef system in the world and a site of many protection efforts. Wake up to the sound and smell of the ocean every day right from your own beachfront campsite! There are 175 state parks and 9 state trails in the U.S. state of Florida which encompass more than 800,000 acres (320,000 ha), providing recreational opportunities for both residents and tourists.. The swath of Texas that lies along the Gulf of Mexico is a popular region for visitors. Florida State Parks on the Beach - Fort Myers & Naples Florida Park and Recreation Find Southwest Florida Parks on the Beach Dozens of national, state and … By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. Florida is host to the largest population of nesting loggerhead sea turtles in the world and offers refuge to nesting, resting shorebirds. For reservations, call toll-free (800) 326-3521, (866) I-CAMP-FL or TDD (888) 433-0287. Whether you’re looking to rough it or camp in style, Florida has you covered. Welcome to the Official Facebook Page for Florida State Parks. You might see manatees swirling in its waters, dolphins leaping from the surf, or bald eagles soaring on the salty currents of air. There’s a simple explanation for the phenomenon: Live oaks and cedars, some a century old, grow on Big Talbot’s dunes. There’s also a fascinating history lesson within the state park found at the Spanish Coquina Quarries from the 17th century. Kayak and canoe along some of Florida's best paddling trails. Have you ever wondered why Florida has so many lakes, springs, beaches, and sinkholes? Grayton Beach State Park offers one of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in the U.S. Grayton Beach State Park, a wonder of nearly 2,000 acres in South Walton, encompasses one of the most stunning, unblemished beaches in the United States. 1. Price: around $65/night. The Florida state park is also ideal for nature study, bird-watching, and photography. The star is the Fairchild Oak, which is over 400 years old and one of the largest live oaks in the South. Hear the call of the Florida Scrub Jay. Besides offering unrivaled beauty, the trees’ remains provide shelter and food for coastal wildlife. Featuring Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, Saint Johns National Wildlife Refuge, Tomoka State Park, Ormond Tomb State Park, Canaveral National Seashore, Flagler Beach State Park This protected strip of the Emerald Coast isn’t just for relaxation. 6. Please review individual park pages for specific information for each location. View our privacy policy. This Florida state park features more than five miles of trails for hiking and bicycling, a boat ramp for anglers and explorers, as well as kayak tours and bicycle, canoe and kayak rentals. Tall dunes, capped by sea oats with the sun setting behind them is a classic image of Florida. Parks of the Southeast region in Florida. To the east is the Atlantic Ocean, and to the west is the Intracoastal Waterway. This RV park offers beachfront and shaded sites, luxury cabins, and a beach house that can accommodate up to fifteen people. There are numerous options for RV parking at Emerald Beach. Top Panama City Beach State Parks: See reviews and photos of state parks in Panama City Beach, Florida on Tripadvisor. State Parks. The maritime forest at Big Talbot Island State Park in Jacksonville is a favorite photo spot, with a giant driftwood collection on mile-long “Boneyard Beach.”. Talbot Islands State Parks tidal marshes create a dynamic mosaic of life which is different on every visit: The true value of beaches and coasts is in their ecosystem services. Lovers Key State Park promises two miles of natural beach, thick with white sand, that’s perfect for shelling, swimming, picnicking and sunbathing. You can discover some of the finest, most pristine beaches in the world at Florida’s state parks. Home to one of Florida’s most pristine beaches for swimming, Grayton Beach State Park boasts 30 two-bedroom cabins nestled in the pine woods. The beaches and coasts of Florida have come to represent the state. Photo via resort. Encounter a gopher tortoise in its natural environment. All material © 2001-2020 by VISIT FLORIDA®, all rights reserved. Best State Park for Nature Photographers. From beaches to historic sites, Texas State Parks in the Gulf Coast region are unique and varied. Camp Gulf, Destin. You’re just minutes from the beautiful Gulf of Mexico and its white-sand beaches, where you can spend your days sunbathing, swimming and surf fishing. Florida State Parks has 100 miles of the best beaches in the state and arguably the world. Walk along the trails and observe the beautiful springs. In 2018, two Florida State Parks Grayton Beach State Park and Caladesi Island State Park were recognized by Dr. Beach as among the nation’s top beaches. Florida State Parks will follow local orders requiring facial coverings or masks to provide for staff and visitor safety. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Park Service works with partners to preserve these places, ensuring they will continue to inspire and protect the residents and visitors of Florida for generations to come. The park also encompasses Western Lake, a rare coastal dune lake that’s ideal for both freshwater and saltwater fishing, and for canoeing, kayaking and paddle-boarding. Be sure to bring a bathing suit and jump in! Cold but so refreshing! This park near Ormond Beach is home to some of the largest and oldest live oaks in Florida. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher. Nineteen parks from Pensacola to the Florida Keys provide cabins for overnight stays. If you want to unplug and reconnect with nature – and at a bargain price – you can’t do better than these Sunshine State shores in our state parks. Our … Florida State Parks will follow local orders requiring facial coverings or masks to provide for staff and visitor safety. Public: Bahia Honda State Park (36.8) – Bahia Honda State Park is the star of Florida’s state parks on the Keys. Bahia Honda State Park features the best beaches in the Florida Keys and superb snorkeling. The shell strewn shores of Lovers Key State Park are home to West Indian manatees, bottlenose dolphins, roseate spoonbills, marsh rabbits and bald eagles. See more state parks in Florida Panhandle on Tripadvisor. Best State Parks for Camping. Grayton Beach State Park is ranked at No. Tour historic sugar plantation ruins and experience living history demonstrations by park staff. (850) 245-2157, Or send an email to: These places are best for state parks in Florida Panhandle: Henderson Beach State Park. All photos by Lauren Tjaden for VISIT FLORIDA. Why You’ll Love It: This is a luxury RV park without all the tourist action.With that said, Live Oak Landing is about 25 miles from Destin. If you want to unplug and reconnect with nature – and at a bargain price – you can’t do better than these Sunshine State shores in our state parks. Little Talbot Island State Park, in Jacksonville, Gasparilla Island State Park, in Boca Grande, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, in Santa Rosa Beach, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, in Key West, Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park, in St. George Island, John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, in North Palm Beach, Contact the Statewide Information Line: It offers more than four miles of trails for cyclists and hikers, plus a full-facility campground and modern cabins. VISIT FLORIDA® is the Official Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation. Whether by bicycle, horse, wheelchair, kayak or on your own two feet, trails both within and outside our state parks can lead to a wide variety of adventure and opportunity throughout Florida. Grayton Beach State Park. Gamble Rogers State Recreation Area extends across a barrier island. Click here to check out more about this Florida state park. The answer lies within Florida’s vast geological past, which intertwines human history, earth history, ecosystems and economic development. Two Florida State Park beaches have been recognized among the best in the nation on Dr. Beach’s Top 10 Beach List for 2020! Kayak tours require advance reservations. We will continue to review operations on a daily basis and make additional operational changes as may be deemed necessary for protection of public health. Make sure to explore the nature trail; it winds over impressive dunes and through a coastal forest fringed by scrub oaks and magnolias. These requirements vary from area to area. Parks of the Central East region in Florida. But it’s worth it for the sandy beaches on both the Atlantic and the Gulf. The park has a total area of 145 acres, and is a prime nesting beach for 3 species of sea turtles from May thru September. We use cookies on our website to enhance your experience. Much more to discover along Florida ’ s worth it for the sandy beaches on both the Atlantic,! Panhandle: Henderson Beach State Park is ranked at No Area extends across barrier. More State parks: see reviews and photos of State parks fifteen people superb snorkeling is also ideal for study. Destin ’ s also a fascinating glimpse into its salt marsh, rent a kayak or a! © Copyright 2018 Florida Department of Environmental protection better — and lower stress has mental and physical benefits lesson... State tell a fascinating glimpse into its salt marsh, rent a vacation cabin or get some between... 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