There is terrific fishing for grouper, snapper, and barracuda. The islands have a restaurant that serves casual fare like hot dogs and burgers; the concession at the boat ramp has cold drinks, snacks, and ice cream. Alligators may be seen throughout the park. Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park is a Florida State Park in Wakulla County, Florida, United States. Canoeing and kayaking in the Bulow Creek is permitted, and there are several ideal places for picnicking around the park. Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, Wakulla Springs. Within it is a swamp running north to south, twenty miles long and five miles wide, shaded by bald cypress trees, with slow-moving water. The park has 47 campsites with sewer, water, and electrical hookups, and the two man-made beaches have picnic tables and restrooms. Canoeing and kayaking is permitted on Western Lake, and boat rentals are available. 36850 Overseas Highway, Big Pine Key, Florida 33043, Phone: 305-872-2353, You are reading "25 Best Florida State Parks" Back to Top or More weekend getaways, what to do near me, must see attractions, stuff to do near me The main attraction of the island is the presence of critically endangered turtles: the loggerhead, the green, and the leatherback all lay their eggs here and can be seen seasonally. Off the north side of the island there is good fishing and boating; the park rents out kayaks by the hour or by the day. The boat ramp is a great place for fishing, and catch is usually bass, catfish, and sunfish. There are more than 160 state parks scattered across Florida, bringing you the best … County Road 135, White Springs, Florida 32096, Phone: 386-397-4331, You are reading "25 Best Florida State Parks" Back to Top or More tourism, attractions for couples, food, things to see near me today Places to eat near me, coffee shops, flea, farmers market, tropical honeymoon trip finder, wedding venues near me, lunch, brunch, restaurant near me, RV camp, cruise, hotel, where to stay, sandy beach by car: Santa Barbara Restaurants, Things to Do in Toronto, Des Moines Wedding, Durham, UK, Columbia Wedding, Things to Do in Norwalk, Things to Do in Cheyenne, Caves in Iowa, Things to Do in Mesa, Places to eat near me, coffee shops, flea, farmers market, tropical honeymoon trip finder, wedding venues near me, lunch, brunch, restaurant near me, RV camp, cruise, hotel, where to stay, sandy beach by car: Santa Barbara Restaurants, Things to Do in Toronto, Des Moines Wedding, Durham, UK, Columbia Wedding, Things to Do in Norwalk, Things to Do in Cheyenne, Caves in Iowa, Things to Do in Mesa. Cayo Costa State Park is accessible only by private boat and by ferry. The park has plenty of picnic areas outfitted with grills. From caves to springs to beaches, Florida really does have it all. ... Florida’s Best Farmers' Markets. Canoers and kayakers may meander down the East River, and enjoy the excellent fishing. Full-facility campsites for tent campers and RVers include water, electricity, a grill and picnic table, along with centralized showers, restrooms and dump station. And adventure-loving types in Northwest Florida have even more to celebrate when it comes to appreciating the outdoors—namely, 12 state parks that showcase the best the state has to offer. Top things to see near me, beaches, cruises, parks near me, underrated tourist attractions downtown, travel blog, attractions, places near me, vacations, family weekend breaks, mountains, open now, tonight, breakfast near me, affordable rental: Catskills, Pink Sand beaches, Best Places to Visit, Bar Harbor, Destin, Minneapolis, Jacksonville, Wedding, Key West, Nashville, AZ, From LA, Top things to see near me, beaches, cruises, parks near me, underrated tourist attractions downtown, travel blog, attractions, places near me, vacations, family weekend breaks, mountains, open now, tonight, breakfast near me, affordable rental: Catskills, Pink Sand beaches, Best Places to Visit, Bar Harbor, Destin, Minneapolis, Jacksonville, Wedding, Key West, Nashville, AZ. 1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka, Florida 32712, Phone: 407-884-2009, Romantic weekend getaways near me, spring break, places to live, what to do near me, coffee, breakfast restaurants, when you are bored, sea vacation, relaxing overnight trips, no-contact delivery, pickup, rainy day trips, cabin camping, best small beach towns to retire: Savannah, Oregon, London summer, South Carolina, Portsmouth, Fort Collins, Corpus Christi Wedding, Vancouver BC, Romantic weekend getaways in South Dakota, Alice Springs. We take you on a journey from the time the Timucua Indians inhabited this area into to the moder History buffs can have a look at the remains of Florida’s first oil well, or at the ruins of a grist mill dating back to the 1860s. The variety of things available here is amazing. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. This beautiful Florida campground gives a luxury feel with coastal charm, offering full amenities and easy access to the local towns, including St.George and Carrabelle. Florida State Parks has some of the best real estate in Florida. Things to do near me today, beaches with kids, romantic parks, unique places to visit in USA, hotels, tourist attractions: Weekend Getaways from Seattle, NC day trips, FL, Near Atlanta, AL, Things to do near me today, beaches with kids, romantic parks, unique places to visit in USA, hotels, tourist attractions: Weekend Getaways from Seattle, NC day trips, FL, Near Atlanta, AL. It has the first public canopy walkway in the United States, which rises 25 feet above the ground, and stretches for 100 feet. Mile Marker 102.5, Overseas Highway, Key Largo, Florida 33037, Phone: 305-451-1202, You are reading "25 Best Florida State Parks this Weekend with Friends" Back to Top or More places to see near me today, what to do, weekend trips Blue Spring State Park is dedicated to the preservation of the West Indian manatee, hundreds of which live in the park in the St. John River annually from November until the end of March. Off-shore there are pods of dolphins and porpoises, and manatees are sighted regularly. Boaters may use the island’s two boat ramps or pull into one of the park’s nineteen boat slips; the park offers ocean kayaks for rent. Hillsborough River State Park is one of Florida’s oldest, dating back to 1938. The diverse and pristine waters in Florida allow beginners and experts alike to explore diverse marine life right from the beach. Canoes, paddleboats, and kayaks can be rented and taken downstream to the 22,000 acre Woodruff National Wildlife Preserve, where paddlers can see alligators, wading birds, and bald eagles, or enjoy the excellent fishing. River tubers swarm to Ichetucknee Springs State Park to ride the rapids of the six mile Ichetucknee River, and the nine springs that feed it. Whether you are looking for excellent beaches where you can swim, sunbathe, or snorkel, to see wildlife and spot birds, or camp, there is a state park for you. 12087 Southwest U.S. Hwy. Hikers along the boardwalk trails can see both the lovely falls and the giant sinkhole in the park that are one hundred feet deep and twenty feet wide. Hikers often come to the park to walk the tree-lined 6.8 mile trail to the Historic Bulow Plantation Ruins, and interpretative signs along the route tell of the plantation’s history and its role in the Second Seminole War. There are fifteen miles of equestrian trails and an equestrian campground with full hookups. If you are looking for miles of natural, undeveloped beaches and plenty of outdoor activities, check out St. George Island State Park. Visitors may also view the sugar mill that dates back to the plantation era, and learn how African slaves were forced to work here. 357 Main Park Road, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 32459, Phone: 850-267-8300, Weekend getaways, top 10 things to do, places to visit near me, East, West, North, South, cheap family vacation activities for birthday, hot tub, whirlpool, public transport by train, local bus, mountains, waterfalls, lakes, relaxing parks, coffee near me: Things to Do in Colorado Springs, Norfolk, St. John Beaches, Vancouver Island Beaches, Things to Do in Portland. Explore the outdoors in our award-winning Florida State Parks system! A haven for wildlife, visitors can spot ospreys, bald eagles, marsh rabbits, roseate spoonbills, and the alligators who live in the freshwater ponds. On hot summer days, the park’s swimming pool is a big draw, and the 112 site campground with full hookups is a popular overnight destination. Three hiking trails are open to people walking or cycling. The swift-flowing Hillsborough River is a terrific place for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking; kayak and canoe rentals are available. Nice area! By Staff. Nearest romantic getaways today at night, places near me, local wedding venues, best small beach town, restaurants, outside, things to do with kids near me, staycation, beaches, resorts near me, how do I plan: NC beaches, Ft Lauderdale, Day trips from NYC, From Chicago, PA, CT, CA, Hilton Head, Castles in Texas, GA beaches, Nearest romantic getaways today at night, places near me, local wedding venues, best small beach town, restaurants, outside, things to do with kids near me, staycation, beaches, resorts near me, how do I plan: NC beaches, Ft Lauderdale, Day trips from NYC, From Chicago, PA, CT, CA, Hilton Head, Castles in Texas, GA beaches. Bulow Creek State Park covers 5,600 acres, and contains the largest stand of southern live oak on the east coast of Florida, including the Fairchild Oak, which is 400 years old. O’Leno is a quality state park among Florida state parks; camping is consistently rated among the top in the state, and there are enough outdoor activities to keep even the most indecisive camper pleased (from water sports, to equestrian trails, to fishing, to exploring an old abandoned lime rock quarry! The beaches are white sand and covered with interesting shells to collect; swimmers and snorkelers love the clear water of the Gulf of Mexico. Florida panthers, Florida black bears, deer, snakes, minks, and terrapins live here, and swallow-tailed kites, red-shouldered hawks, barred owls, and woodpeckers fly above. There is plenty of bird life: ospreys, bald eagles, and shore birds live here, as do deer, grey foxes, and the elusive and rare Florida black bear. 137 Coastline Road, Copeland, Florida 34137, Phone: 289-695-459, More Florida ideas: attractions, Southern Florida, Manchineel Tree, Spring Break, caves, Day trips from, guided vacations, essential facts, solo destinations, vacation spots for seniors, pictures, bar, what is open near me, good places, top 10 state park, prayer, lighthouse, shores, waterparks, state park, vegan, food around me, indoor pools, hike, black sand beach: Florida Family Vacations, Family Resorts in Florida, San Marcos, Best Places to See Manatees in Florida, Lexington, Lehi, Jacksonville Restaurants, Sarasota, Florida Beaches, Brownsville, Gdansk, Milwaukie, Hollywood, Nebraska City, Asbury Park, Jacksonville Beach, Stone Harbor, Somers Point. Where should I go this weekend for fun, adventurous places to visit near me today, famous for, kid friendly, what can you do in for free, beaches, resorts near me, time zone, best restaurants near me, natural wonders: FL, CA, Myrtle Beach, OR, New England weekend, Charlotte, Williamsburg, LA, PA, Where should I go this weekend for fun, adventurous places to visit near me today, famous for, kid friendly, what can you do in for free, beaches, resorts near me, time zone, best restaurants near me, natural wonders: FL, CA, Myrtle Beach, OR, New England weekend, Charlotte, Williamsburg, LA, PA. Buccaneer Bay has a flume ride for all ages, as well as a lovely white sand beach with crystal clear water, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. For some of Florida’s best snorkeling and a Florida Keys highlight in Key Largo, don’t miss a visit to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. No solo diving is permitted. Crystal River Preserve State Park is beloved by naturalists and photographers, who come to view and record the park’s bird life, and its various ecosystems. Here at the springs there is peace and quiet, the pleasure of canoeing and kayaking on the Wekiva River, swimming and snorkeling in the Wekiwa Spring, and hiking one of many trails that range from 0.8 miles long to 13.5 miles in length, and which accommodate hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders. On the hiking trails one can view the 600-year old cypress tree, and spot bobcats, Florida black bears, wild hogs and turkeys, and white-tailed deer. Florida’s State Parks offers over 3000 RV campsites across 54 state parks but despite the number of sites it isn’t always easy to find an RV campsite. Discover one of the most picturesque spots in all of Florida along the Rapids Trail at Hillsborough River State Park near Tampa. Twice daily tours of the lighthouse and the keeper’s cottage are offered daily. The park’s interpretative center has more information about Fort Foster and the Second Seminole War. It starts with the remarkable spring, which was Florida’s original tourist attraction where glass-bottom boat trips originated 140 years ago. The park is the winter home of migrating manatees, which may be spotted from December until March. With the swamps and the closed-canopy forests there is an abundance of rare wildlife, including Florida panthers, bobcats, and gopher tortoises. There are also boardwalks over Upper Myakka Lake, from which visitors can view the indigenous alligators, sandhill cranes, and other wetland species. Seven miles of nature trails are open to hikers and cyclists only. The park is alive with birds, including herons, egrets, wood ducks, hawks, wild turkeys, hummingbirds, and shore birds; tortoises live on the riverbanks and white-tailed deer inhabit the forests. 1130 State Park Road, Chipley, Florida 32428, Phone: 850-638-6130, You are reading "25 Best Florida State Parks" Back to Top or More must do for couples, what to do near me, places to visit this weekend The park has one of the best hiking trails in southern Florida, a 6.5 mile stacked loop overflowing with birds and animals. Bahia Honda State Park is located on a remote island in the Florida Keys, and offers beautiful beaches, magnificent sunsets, and excellent swimming and snorkeling. Florida State Parks . The park is a favorite among snorkelers and scuba divers, who come to Cannon Beach to explore the early Spanish shipwreck only 100 feet from shore. Snorkel boat tours go out four times daily, enabling snorkelers to submerse themselves at different points of the coral reef; for those not wishing to snorkel there are three glass-bottomed boat tours every day, weather permitting. 4.7. ). We are adding to this ever growing list of our favorite parks to play in North Florida! The 625-acre De Leon Springs State Park is famous for its historic spring, once thought to be the Fountain of Youth. In the swamp itself there are shorebirds and wading birds. With warm, calm waters, snorkeling is one of the most popular activities found in Florida. With Class III Whitewater rapids, thrill-seekers in kayaks and canoes can fly down the Suwannee River at top speed. There are excellent trails for hiking and off-road cycling; an amphitheater with educational programs about the island’s ecology and history; and a gift shop that sells souvenirs and rents out kayaks. Surf fishing is permitted. Myakka State Park is 58 square miles of wetlands, closed canopy forests, and rare Florida prairie lands. There are swimming areas, places to picnic, a playground, and a Visitor Center with exhibits explaining how urban growth and water usage have affected the river and its springs. Wintering in Florida was one of the best travel decisions we made this year! Join us on an adventure to find the Best Florida Parks! 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Today visitors may sit in the 400-seat amphitheater to enjoy both the mermaid show and the animal encounter show, which familiarizes its audience with Florida’s native wildlife, including alligators and snakes. Big Shoals State Park is the perfect place for a whitewater adventure, on the largest whitewater rapids in Florida. Simply present your pass card, like normal, at the time of admission. Overnight guests may rent one of the six air-conditioned cabins, or stay in the full-facility campground, which has fifty-one sites. 7. A Bonnier Corporation Company. We were blown away by the beaches, water, weather, incredible sunsets and all the opportunities to find waterfront RV sites. The park has picnic pavilions, a 120-site campground with full hookups, and several children’s playgrounds. The river is ideal for kayaking and canoeing, and both may be rented at the park. Click here to check out more about this Florida state … From it there are superb views of the forest and wetlands. 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