If you’re feeling bored in the Sunshine State, we’re here to tell you there’s no excuse! There are so many ways to appreciate the beautiful amenities, all you have to do is get out and explore. If you’re looking for the perfect place to start, we suggest the plethora of state parks to visit in Florida. In fact, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best state parks in Florida below for you to begin your journey.

1. Take a walk on the wild side.
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, Savannah Boulevard, Micanopy, FL, USA
Flickr/Brad Knabel
Florida's first state park and a National Natural Landmark, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park near Micanopy should not be missed. Visit this park for a glimpse of alligators, bison, and wild horses.
Click here to find out more about this Florida park.
2. Stay in a historic lodge.
Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, 465 Wakulla Park Dr, Wakulla Springs, FL 32327, USA
Flickr/Doug Bradley
Wakulla Springs State Park near Crawfordville was once the home to prehistoric humans, and still attracts tons of people with its beauty. This on-site historic 1930s lodge is a special piece of Old Florida, combined with the natural beauty of the springs to create the perfect getaway.
Click here to find out more about this Florida park.
3. Discover a unique beach.
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, 6400 N Ocean Shore Blvd, Palm Coast, FL 32137, USA
Wikimedia Commons
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park near Palm Coast has incredible formal gardens and a beautiful beach dotted with limestone outcropping, which creates a fun natural playground.
Click here to find out more about this Florida park.
4. Explore a sinkhole.
Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park, 4732 Millhopper Rd, Gainesville, FL 32653, USA
Wikimedia Commons
Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park in Gainesville gives guests the opportunity to hike into a 120-foot sinkhole with a mini-rainforest, small waterfalls, and lush foliage.
Click here to find out more about this Florida park.
5. See real live mermaids.
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, 6131 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, FL 34606, USA
Flickr/Brett Davis
Mermaid performers have been captivating audiences in what is now Weeki Wachee Springs State Park since the 1940s. Visitors can also enjoy the park's affordable water park, Buccaneer Bay, and a lovely scenic boat ride.
Click here to find out more about this Florida park.

Related Stories

Most People Have No Idea There's A Rocket Testing Site Decaying Outside Of Everglades National Park

Most People Have No Idea There's A Rocket Testing Site Decaying Outside Of Everglades National Park

 10 Under-Appreciated State Parks In Florida You're Sure To Love

10 Under-Appreciated State Parks In Florida You're Sure To Love

 27 Amazing State Parks in Florida That Show Off The State's Natural Beauty

27 Amazing State Parks in Florida That Show Off The State's Natural Beauty
6. Enjoy a unique breakfast experience.
De León Springs State Park, 601 Ponce Deleon Blvd, De Leon Springs, FL 32130, USA
Flickr/John Wood
De Leon Springs State Park is perfect for swimming and canoeing, but it's also home to a pancake house with a cool DIY twist: a griddle in every table allows patrons to flip their own flapjacks. Get here early and expect a wait, but it's worth it.
Click here to find out more about this Florida park.
7. Explore some incredibly gorgeous beaches.
Fort De Soto Park, 3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde, FL 33715, USA
Flickr/Pinellas County
Fort De Soto Park (the only county park on our list) consists of five offshore keys near St. Petersburg, Florida. The park is steeped in history, attracting Native Americans, Spanish explorers, and soldiers in the Civil War. History aside, visitors should not miss relaxing on the park's celebrated beaches.
Click here to find out more about this Florida park.
8. Take a thrilling walk over a ravine.
Ravine Gardens State Park, 1600 Twigg St, Palatka, FL 32177, USA
Flickr/Sandy Auriene Sullivan
Ravine Gardens State Park in Palatka is part manicured order and part wild unfettered nature. Florida is known for being primarily flat, but this park has some stunning natural ravines that reach depths of 120 feet. The park also features two pedestrian suspension bridges.
Click here to find out more about this Florida park.
9. Hike past stunning waterfalls.
Rainbow Springs State Park, SW 81st Pl Rd, Dunnellon, FL, USA
Flickr/Richard Elzey
Visit Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon and take a walk through paradise. The park offers swimming, snorkeling, canoeing, kayaking, and tubing in some parts of its beautiful blue springs. You can also spot some incredible wildlife and man-made (but still spectacular) waterfalls.
Click here to find out more about this Florida park.
10. Go tubing in scenic crystal-clear water.
Ichetucknee Springs State Park, 12087 Southwest, US-27, Fort White, FL 32038, USA
Flickr/anoldent
Ichetucknee Springs State Park near Fort White is a National Natural Landmark that offers snorkeling, swimming, and scuba diving in crystal clear waters, but the most popular pastime is tubing down the river.
Click here to find out more about this Florida park.
11. Take a tour of Florida's only public caverns.
Florida Caverns State Park, Caverns Rd, Marianna, FL, USA
Flickr/Scott Shawcroft
Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna provides access to the only air-filled caves open to the public in Florida. The park also offers bicycling, boating, canoeing, kayaking, and camping.
Click here to find out more about this Florida park.

How many of these activities have you done? Out of all of these state parks to visit in Florida, which one is your favorite? Make sure to share with us your thoughts in the comments section!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

11 Amazing Ways To Enjoy Florida’s Florida Parks Right Now

Marisa Roman | January 14, 2022

What are the most beautiful hikes in Florida?

The best parks in Florida often have the best hiking trails in Florida. It’s almost as if these two things go hand-in-hand, right? For anyone looking for a bevy of beautiful hiking trails to add to their bucket list this year, don’t worry we have you covered. These 16 Florida hiking trails are simply out-of-this-world, taking outdoor enthusiasts from Ocala National Forest all the way to Little Talbot Island.

Which state parks should I visit in Florida?

We’ve already outlined a handful of the best state parks in Florida to visit, but there are still so many more that are worth exploring. These 27 state parks will surely show you a side of the Sunshine State that you might not have anticipated. If you’re looking for the best parks in Florida in one list, this is it!

What are the best beaches in Florida?

The simplest answer to someone wondering what the best things to do outside in Florida are - visit any of the stunning beaches. Being a peninsula state, we’ve overflowing with beach opportunities, each one varying from the last. In fact, just this past year, two Florida beaches were named the best in the country by Dr. Beach himself. Can you guess which beached took home the accolades?

Related Articles

Explore Florida