10 Under-Appreciated State Parks In Florida You’re Sure To Love
Florida has 161 state parks, covering more than 800,000 acres of the Sunshine State. With that many parks, it can be difficult to decide which state parks to visit in Florida. And while you’re probably familiar with the most popular parks, but these 10 under-appreciated parks also have plenty to offer and are easily among the best state parks in Florida.
1. Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park
You'll find this beautiful island in northwestern Florida, about 10 miles from Eastpoint. The park offers some beautiful beaches, stunning scenery, and plenty of hiking, fishing, swimming, camping and wildlife viewing. Spend a whole weekend here! Visit the park's website for driving directions and more information.
Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park, 1900 E Gulf Beach Dr, St George Island, FL 32328, USA
The second-largest Civil War battle in Florida was fought here, and this state park stands as a monument to the soldiers who lost their lives in this place. Every March, the park hosts a reenactment of the battle. For full details, visit the park's website.
Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park, 7502 Natural Bridge Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32305, USA
This state park is difficult to access - you must take a private boat or ferry to reach this little island. But once you get here, you'll never want to leave! Swim and snorkel in the clear water or rent a kayak and go exploring. Watch for manatees and dolphins - both love to hang out around the island. You'll want to spend hours collecting shells, too. Visit the park's website for directions and more information.
Get a taste of 1920s history at this charming state park. You can tour the Whitman House, which has been restored with 1920s furnishings. Take a walk along the nature path, where you're sure to see plenty of native birds, frogs, squirrels, and tortoises. Check out the museum, which houses everything from shells to Native American artifacts. Visit the park's website for more information.
Cedar Key State Park- Museum, 12231 SW 166th Ct, Cedar Key, FL 32625, USA
Deer Lake is a rare freshwater coastal dune lake. The state park is a wonderland for bird watchers, who can expect to see both local and migratory birds here. You'll also see many rare plants around the lake. Visit the park's website for more information on amenities and park closures.
The Dudley family farmed here for three generations, from the 1850s to the 1940s. Visit this state park to see the original farmhouse. Docents in period costume show you how to tend livestock, shuck corn, and care for crops. Learn more about this fascinating park on its website.
Dudley Farm Historic State Park, 18730 W Newberry Rd, Newberry, FL 32669, USA
This 163-acre state park is located in Santa Rosa Beach and mainly consists of a restored plantation. The Wesley House is a stunning, two-story mansion built in 1897. You can take a tour of the home and gardens. The collection of 18th century French furniture is particularly notable. The park also contains a nature trail, fishing dock, and picnic area. Learn all about Eden Gardens State Park on its website.
Eden Gardens State Park, Eden Gardens State Pk, Florida 32459, USA
If you're looking for wildlife, Lake Kissimmee is the place to be. You can kayak, fish, and swim in the lake, and then, take a nature walk. You'll likely see deer, cranes, turkeys, and maybe even a bobcat along the 13 miles of trails here. Learn more on the park's website.
Lake Kissimmee State Park, 14248 Camp Mack Rd, Lake Wales, FL 33898, USA
This hidden gem is home to the tallest Native American ceremonial mound in the state. The mound was constructed between 1,100 and 1,800 years ago. Take the interpretive trail to learn all about the fascinating history of this place. For more information, visit the park's
website.
Letchworth-Love Mounds Archaeological State Park, 4500 Sunray Rd S , Monticello, FL 32344, Monticello, FL 32344, USA
This beautiful state park on the Santa Fe River is one of Florida's oldest state parks, created by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. It's a wonderful place to spot turtles, alligators, deer, and tons of bird species. Check out the wood suspension bridge that takes you right over the river, or walk along one of the nature paths. For more information, visit the park's website.
O'Leno State Park & River Rise, 410 SE Oleno Park Rd, High Springs, FL 32643, USA
So, what do you think? When seeking spectacular state parks to visit in Florida, do these parks fit the bill? What do you think are the best state parks in Florida? Tell us!
When it comes to things to do outside in Florida, state parks aren’t the only option. Click here to read about the best hiking trails in Florida.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
State Parks To Visit In Florida
January 24, 2022
Daniella DiRienzo
Aside from these state parks, what are the best parks in Florida?
When it comes to the best parks in Florida, Everglades National Park definitely fits the bill. Easily the most iconic national park in the state, it’s a subtropical wilderness filled with waterways, mangrove-lined shores, and tons of wildlife. And at 1.5 million acres, it’s the third largest national park in the contiguous U.S. Its massive size means that you’ll likely have to visit several times to take it all in. Make your first visit one to remember by taking a stroll along the Anhinga Trail. Short and sweet, the 0.8-mile loop trail begins at the park’s Visitor Center and practically guarantees an alligator sighting.
What are some other things to do outside in Florida?
There are tons of things to do outside in Florida. One of the best outdoor activities is swimming, and Silver Glen Springs is the perfect place to partake in the popular pastime. Located in the Silver Glen Springs Recreational Area of the Ocala National Forest, it’s one of the most popular springs in Florida – and for good reason! Not only are the waters a beautiful shade of turquoise, but they’re 72 degrees year-round. In addition to swimming, Silver Glen Springs is a prime spot for snorkeling.
What are the best hiking trails in Florida?
As far as the best hiking trails in Florida go, Dune Trail definitely fits the bill. Located within the Blowing Rocks Preserve, the 0.4-mile one-way trail leads to the top of a dune, where you’ll be met with sweeping views of the nearby beach. The hike terminates at the north end of Blowing Rocks’ beach. Bok Tower Gardens is also home to some of the best hiking trails in Florida. Nestled in Lake Wales, the site has been sought out by more than 23 million visitors since opening in 1929, and it’s safe to say the gardens don’t disappoint. The site is often referred to as a “spot of beauty second to none in the country.”
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Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
