Best Florida state parks: Our 8 favorites
No other state has won as many awards for the quality of its state parks, which is why picking the best Florida State Parks wasn’t easy. We did, though. Did we include your favorite?
Parks, Forests & Preserves
Informative articles about recreation in Florida parks, forests and preserves, national parks, wildlife refuges, including camping, fishing, paddling, hiking, bicycling and beaches.
Free things to do In Florida: My 10 favorite freebies for nature lovers
Many of these free things to do in Florida are off-the-beaten path spots to enjoy nature, wildlife and history — from 300-year-old forts to superb boardwalks.
MacArthur Beach State Park: Great for snorkeling, kayaking, beach walks
MacArthur Beach is one of South Florida’s treasures: Nearly two miles of natural, dune-lined beach with rock outcroppings and a reef that makes it a great snorkeling site.
Florida cabin rentals in state parks: Like camping, but with comfort
One of the best places to enjoy nature is in a cabin in a Florida state park. But the cabins book up fast, so you have to plan ahead. Our guide explains which parks have cabins, what they offer and what they cost.
Oleta River State Park feels like island getaway in Miami urban sprawl
This Miami state park is a remarkable island of green where you can kayak, mountain bike, picnic and enjoy a sandy beach. There are even rustic cabins to rent. Now, the historic Blue Marlin Fish House, located on park property on 163rd Street, has re-opened and rents SUPs and kayaks on the Oleta River as well as offering sandwiches, salads and beer.
Discover Hobe Sound’s ‘secret’ wild beach and wildlife refuge
Secret beaches are the stuff of vacation dreams. But I found one — more than 5 miles of wild, broad unspoiled sandy shore, lined with thick native vegetation and without a condo or T-shirt shop in sight.
Escape ‘roar of the engines’ at Tiger Bay State Forest
DAYTONA BEACH — Tiger Bay State Forest is a vast wilderness quite close to Daytona Beach International Speedway, and it’s a great destination for camping, fishing, off-road bike riding, hiking and horseback riding.
Riverbend Park in Jupiter: Trails ideal for family biking, kayaking
Natural beauty makes Riverbend Park in Jupiter a delightful place to explore. Its 10 miles of bike trails are particularly well suited to family bicycle outings. It’s also the site of a historic battleground from the Second Seminole War.
Florida’s best county parks are hidden treasures
These terrific county parks are popular with locals, but not well-known to people even one county away. At these hidden gems, you’ll find springs, beaches, wildlife and even great campsites.
Best Camping near Tampa Bay: 9 choice campgrounds
We’ve selected nine public campgrounds near Tampa Bay for their scenic beauty, low prices and prime opportunities for hiking, biking, kayaking and canoeing. We think you’ll like these choices.