10 Best Parks in Florida To Visit Year Round

Florida is full of beautiful locations to visit with the family but these come highly recommended as the best parks in Florida to visit anytime of the year.

If you love the outdoors, then you probably already love everything Florida has to offer. From beautiful beach towns and clear springs to trails and cave exploration, Florida has it all.

Best Parks in Florida to Visit Anytime

With so many parks in Florida, it can be hard to know which ones are the best. So, here is my list of the 10 best parks in Florida – to visit at any given time.

If you're a local, I highly recommend taking a lovely Florida weekend trip and stopping by one of these parks.

1. Fort George Island Cultural State Park

Located in Jacksonville, Florida, Fort George Island Cultural State Park is worth every second. Spend the day exploring the lands where Native Americans once feasted and the early colonists built their forts.

This park offers you culture, biking, hiking, canoeing, and fishing all for free. 

2. Wakulla Springs State Park

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Wakulla Springs State Park is a 6,000 acre wildlife sanctuary located in Tallahassee. It is home to the world’s largest and deepest fresh water springs. 

3. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intercoastal Waterway, Hugh Taylor Birch State Parks is an Urban Oasis. If you just want to get out of the business of the city, this is the perfect park to go to.

Parking is $6 per vehicle.

4. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

Herds of wild horses and bison stroll throughout Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. There are eight trails throughout the park that allow you to explore the park, observe wildlife, and capture panoramic views.

Of course, if you want to spend the weekend there, camping is available as well. So, get out of the city life, and spend some time fishing and canoeing on the lake. 

5. Fort Clinch State Park

Get a little bit of culture and a lot of nature in a whole new way when you visit Fort Clinch State Park. Because Fort Clinch was a very important during the Civil War, a row of canyons stands staring across the St. Mary’s River as a silent testimony.

Here you can visit the fort as well as lounge in maritime hammocks, bike or hike the many trails, go fishing, or pitch a tent and camp. 

6. Everglades National Park

The Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. This park is a protected habitat for various rare and endangered species such as the manatee, American crocodile, and the Florida panther.

Take a walk on the Anhinga trail, climb the Shark Valley’s tower, take a boat or kayak ride, or tour the historic Nike Hercules missile base. 

7. Bahia Honda State Park

If you like the idea of sitting on the beach and being only minutes away from the park, Bahia Honda State Park is the only place you need to go.

With palm-lined beaches, crystal clear water, and campgrounds to enjoy, this is a haven right in Florida. 

8. Colt Creek State Park

With 5,000 acres of Native Central Florida habitat, Colt Creek State Park is a place to explore the natural communities and wildlife. Enjoy 15 miles of trails, camping, creeks, and wetlands.

Educational interpretive programs, ranger guided hikes, tram tours, and special events are also offered. 

9. Grayton Beach State Park

Soak up the sun at Grayton Beach State Park, but don’t forget about everything else it has to offer. Take an adventure on foot through the four miles of trails to the majestic coastal forest.

Stay in a cabin or opt for a more primitive camping experience. No matter what you do here, you are sure to love it. 

10. Anastasia State Park

You will find unspoiled beaches, tidal marshes, hammocks, and ancient sand dunes at Anastasia State Park. You can watch the amazing wildlife from the beach, a boat, or the ancient dune trails as they are prevalent in this park. 

If you're looking for cheap things to do in Florida with the kids – parks are a great way to explore nature and learn a little more about the Sunshine State.

Do you have a favorite park in Florida? I would love to know which one in the comments below!