With More Than 85,000 Acres To Explore, Florida's Largest State Park Is Worthy Of A Multi-Day Adventure
Marisa Roman
Author
For those who love the outdoors, there might be no better place to be than the Sunshine State. Florida is home to some incredible state parks, preserves, and recreation areas. It’s not every day that you can go from wetlands to scrub pines to a first-magnitude spring in one state. While there are plenty of options, among the state parks in Florida, there’s one that stands out as one of the most special. Clocking in at 85,000 acres, Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve is the largest state park in Florida. It’s hard to choose one place as a favorite for an adventure, but if I had to it might just be this one. It’s certainly worth checking out, but be advised – you might just need a few days to explore it all!
Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve is open throughout the year. For more information on when to visit, how to plan for fees, and where to park be sure to visit the official Florida State Parks website. This is certainly one of the best state parks in Florida. Have you ever been to Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve? We’d love to hear about it. Share your experience with us in the comments section!
Meanwhile, if you want to learn more about Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk Trail, you’re in luck! We’ve covered everything you need to know about this delightful trail. As always, before heading outdoors be sure to tell someone where you plan to go. And, always let someone know when you expect to return. And always have the right gear for any changes in weather.
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Largest State Park in Florida
Which state parks should I visit in Florida?
You should visit as many state parks in Florida as you can. A few great options to start with include:
- Fernandina Plaza Historic State Park, Fernandina Beach: Located in Fernandina Plaza, which is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the state, this state park is also the smallest in Florida. But don't let that keep you away. There's plenty to enjoy here.
- Ravine Gardens State Park, Palatka: Not far from Jacksonville, this state park dates back to the New Deal era. The park offers a fun adventure walking across two different ravines.
- Little Manatee River State Park, Hillsborough County: This 2,433-acre beauty is often overlooked, but it's worth exploring if even just for an afternoon. The park offers access to a pristine blackwater river for things like kayaking and canoeing.
Are there any good swimming holes in Florida?
There are plenty of good swimming holes in Florida just waiting to be explored. You can start with the following options which all make for a great adventure:
- Morrison Springs Park, Ponce De Leon: This 161-acre park is one of the most popular diving spots in northwest Florida. With that in mind, be sure to arrive early to make sure you have all the access you'd like.
- Silver Glen Springs, Ocala National Forest, Salt Springs: This natural spring-fed swimming hole is one of the most stunning sights in the area. The water is crystal clear, making it perfect for swimming or boating.
- Blue Lagoon Farm, Homestead: We love natural swimming holes, but this human-made version is undeniably beautiful. It offers a 75-foot waterfall and lots of shady areas to enjoy the snacks you bring in. For a per-person fee, guests can enjoy the water when it opens to visitors each month.