Florida State Parks

What to expect when you visit Florida's State Parks, where you will see the natural Florida and wildlife in its natural habitat.

As chosen by the director of Florida's State Park system and reported by US Parks guide, Darren Smith.

Florida's State Park system offers sites of historical significance and recreational opportunities that reflect the natural beauty of Florida.

Amelia Island State Park in northeast Florida is a few miles east of Jacksonville and features beautiful beaches, salt marshes and coastal forests.

Anastasia State Park is located on Anastasia Island near historic St. Augustine and has one of the best beaches in the area.

Big Talbot Island State Park is located east of Jacksonville and south of Amelia Island. The park offers the perfect vantage for overlooking the Bluffs, enjoying a picnic or strolling the beach for treasures.

Caladesi Island State Park consistently ranks among America's top beaches. Only accessible by boat or ferry, the park's natural setting offers an array of outdoor activities.

Caladesi Island State Park

A look at all of Florida's State Parks located in the Florida Keys.

Fort Clinch State Park is located on the north end of Amelia Island — Florida's northernmost barrier island.

Enjoy a walking tour of historic Fort Clinch, located within Fort Clinch State Park. You will be greeted and admonished by a Union soldier who will educate you on what it was like to be a Union soldier. He offers a very unique and entertaining glimpse into the past.

The Gamble Plantation Historic State Park in Ellenton is the only surviving antebellum mansion in South Florida.

The antebellum mansion at Gamble Plantation Historic State Park in Ellenton is the oldest building in Manatee County and the only surviving antebellum mansion in South Florida.

George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park, located northeast of Jacksonville, is a mile-long bridge made into a pedestrian-only fishing pier.

Located northeast of Tampa along the Hillsborough River, the Hillsborough River State Park is one of the oldest parks in the state park system.

Pictures of Hillsborough River State Park, which is one of the oldest parks in the state park system.

Discover the "real" Florida when you visit Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park.

Picture yourself among nature at Florida's Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park.

Honeymoon Island is a barrier island beach destination that has the feeling of isolation with easy access and convenient facilities.

Honeymoon Island State Park is one of Florida's most popular beach destinations.

Just a short drive from Orlando and Disney World, Lake Louisa State Park is set in the rolling hills of Clermont and features a full-facility campground and furnished rental cabins.

Little Talbot Island State Park is located east of Jacksonville and south of Amelia Island and boasts over five miles of white sand beach.

Myakka River flows through 45 square miles of wetlands, prairies, hammocks and pinelands, attracting a myriad of wetland creatures making birding, canoeing, fishing and wildlife observation popular activities.

Picture yourself on the Myakka River with this group of canoe enthusiasts.

The Skyway Fishing Pier State Park offers some of the best fishing along Florida's West Coast and amazing views of the Skyway Bridge that links St. Petersburg and the Bradenton/Sarasota area.

Photo tour of the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park, which offers some of the best fishing along Florida's West Coast and amazing views of the Skyway Bridge.

Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park is situated on the banks of the Suwannee River and pays tribute to the great American composer Stephen Foster, whose song by the same name is Florida's state song. The park's museum honors the man and his songs and the 97-bell carillon plays his music throughout the day.

Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park is situated on the banks of the Suwannee River and pays tribute to the great American composer Stephen Foster. Tour the park in photos, from the museum and the 97-bell carillon to the park's campground.

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is located 20 miles south of St. Augustine in the northeast corner of the state. Each of the three main areas, the beach, coastal hammock, and formal gardens, have their own unique and diverse landscape that draws you in, begging for further exploration.

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is located 20 miles south of St. Augustine in the northeast corner of the state. Each of the three main areas, the beach, coastal hammock, and formal gardens, have their own unique and diverse landscape that draws you in, begging for further exploration.

As one of Florida's Federally designated "Wild and Scenic Rivers," Wekiwa Springs State Park provides a glimpse of a more natural Florida.

Ybor City Museum State Park is located in the heart of Tampa's historic Ybor City in the old Ferlita Bakery building. Daily tours include one of the restored "casitas" where cigar workers lived with their families.

Take a photo tour of the museum and casitas at the Ybor City Museum State Park, located in the heart of Tampa's historic Ybor City.

Click on the map districts to get a closer view of park locations.

Coastal beaches and fishing, an inland prairie and spring waters make this one of the finest recreational areas in the State.

Hardwood forest and pine flats to tropical hammocks and historical sites, this area of Florida has it all.

These panhandle parks offer sand dunes, while sandy beaches, majestic springs and natural settings.

There is something for everyone in this varied South Florida park system including "award-winning" beaches, wilderness areas, historic lighthouses and Civil War-era forts.

Historical sites, preserves, islands, and beaches provide a diverse range of recreational opportunities in this area.

Florida recently began allowing pets into "some" of their State Parks. Click here for a list of which ones allow your pets.