Florida Parks, Forests and Preserves

Parks, Forests & Preserves

Kayaking past the fishing pier in the lagoon area of Oleta River State Park. (Photo: Bonnie Gross)

Oleta River State Park feels like island getaway in Miami urban sprawl

By Bob Rountree and Bonnie Gross Parks, Forests & Preserves, Beaches in Florida, Bike & Hike, Cabins, Unique Lodging, Kayak, Canoe, Paddle Trails, Southeast Florida

This Miami state park, 10 minutes from sprawling Aventura Mall, 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.

Lake Kissimmee State Park: Where Old Florida lives on

By Bonnie Gross Bike & Hike, Camping in Florida, Featured Articles, Historic Florida, Orlando/Central Florida, Parks, Forests & Preserves

This large state park in a rural, out-of-the-way part of Central Florida, preserves Old Florida cracker history. It offers great hiking trails and camping plus lakes to explore by kayak or canoe. Wildlife, from deer to alligators to sandhill cranes to eagles, is abundant.

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park and its rocky shoreline

MacArthur Beach State Park: Great for snorkeling, kayaking, beach walks

By Bonnie Gross Beaches in Florida, Parks, Forests & Preserves, Snorkeling, Southeast Florida

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.

A gator seemed to protect the entrance to the mud flats that attracted roseate spoonbills, stilts and storks, among other birds.

Myakka River State Park: 10 reasons to visit this big, wild Sarasota preserve

By Bonnie Gross Tampa Bay, Bike & Hike, Camping in Florida, Florida Birding, Kayak, Canoe, Paddle Trails, Parks, Forests & Preserves, Southwest Florida

Myakka is one of the oldest and biggest state parks, a great place for seeing wildlife, from huge gators to flocks of birds in winter. Go here for its log cabins, appealing camp sites, excellent kayaking, extensive hiking and good bike trails. It’s also a good spot for nature neophytes, who enjoy the airboat ride and canopy walk.