Florida's State Park system offers sites of historical significance and recreational opportunities that reflect the natural beauty of Florida.
1. Caladesi Island State Park
© Dawn Henthorn, licensed to About.com
Welcome to Caladesi Island State Park... welcome to paradise. It doesn't take long to figure out why Caladesi Island is reportedly one of the favorite getaways for Dr. Beach. It's simply beautiful!
2. Fort Clinch State Park
© 2006 Dawn Henthorn, licensed to About.com, Inc.
A Civil War era fort is the main attraction at Fort Clinch State Park. A tour of the fort will take you back to 1864 and what life might have been like for a Union soldier.
3. Gamble Plantation Historic State Park
© Dawn Henthorn, licensed to About.com
Tour the mansion at Gamble Plantation Historic State Park in Ellenton. It is the oldest building in Manatee County and the only surviving antebellum mansion in South Florida.
4. Hillsborough River State Park
© Dawn Henthorn, licensed to About.com
Hillsborough State Park is where history and nature come together in beautiful harmony.
5. Homosassa Springs State Park
© Dawn Henthorn, licensed to About.com
Get back to nature and get an up-close view of fish and manatees in the underwater observatory.
6. Honeymoon Island State Park
© Dawn Henthorn, licensed to About.com
A nature lovers' and beach-goers' paradise just minutes from the mainland.
7. Skyway Fishing Pier State park
© Dawn Henthorn, licensed to About.com
You'll be "hooked" on the gorgeous sunrises, sunsets and views of the Skyway Bridge that are the backdrop for your sightseeing or fishing excursion.
8. Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
© Dawn Henthorn, licensed to About.com
From the beautiful 97-bell carillon tower and the historic museum to the historic Suwannee River, this park has so much to offer.
9. Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
Photo © Lynn Wettach, permission to About.com
Step through the garden gates into a beautiful world of wonder.
