Before we get into it…
This is a big ol’ list of ideas—some simple, some a little extra—but all are meant to help you make the most of your time at a Florida State Park.
Just remember: every park is different! Check the official website before you go to see what’s available, especially if you have your heart set on something specific.
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Table of Contents
- 1. Paddle through wild landscapes
- 2. Hike… at your own pace
- 3. Spot wildlife like it’s your dream job
- 4. Snag something quirky at the gift shop
- 5. Float in a spring
- 6. Bring a picnic with actual fun snacks
- 7. Sign up for a State Park Race
- 8. Join a ranger program or wildlife talk
- 9. Take nature photos (even if it’s just your snacks on a rock)
- 10. Go scavenger hunting—for real
- 11. Explore a reserve
- 12. Cool off in shaded picnic areas
- 13. Do a little park hopping
- 14. Take the kids on a mini mission
- 15. Camp overnight (or plan to someday)
- 16. Celebrate a special occasion
- 17. Volunteer
- 18. Check out the visitor center
- 19. Go on an eco boat tour
- 20. Do yoga with friends
- 21. Get inspired and sketch
- 22. Meditate
- 23. Enjoy a day at the beach!
- BONUS – Dress up
- That’s a wrap!
1. Paddle through wild landscapes
Mangroves, cypress trees, monkeys (yep!)—paddling is never boring at Florida parks like Wekiwa Springs, De Leon Springs State Park, and Bulow Creek.
There are so many parks with paddling options. Some are very popular and others are a bit more remote. Remember that this is Florida, so the chances of seeing alligators during your paddle are pretty high.
2. Hike… at your own pace
Many state parks have a variety of trails – short paved loops, longer routes, and really long, rugged trails that go through water. The beauty of it all is that you get to choose. If you are unsure, you can check the park website, AllTrails, or ask a ranger.
Keep in mind that Florida state park trails are best explored during the winter months or early in the day during early spring and late fall. I have on occasion hiked in the hot summer months, but I have done it either at sunrise or right before sunset and kept it super easy. Take a lot of water. You will sweat a lot. And wildlife isn’t as active during the super hot days of summer, so if you wanted to see animals, you probably won’t.
3. Spot wildlife like it’s your dream job
One of the beautiful things about Florida State Parks is the wildlife! From the biggest parks with thousands of acres to the tiniest ones, you will see some sort of wildlife, like the beloved manatees or the intimidating alligators. And oh so many birds!!!
Best times to see them: early morning, end of day.
Bring binoculars so you can see these wild animals and keep your distance. Probably the most important thing is that we want to keep our wildlife wild and protect them and you. And under no circumstances should you ever feed any wild animals. It doesn’t matter if it’s a cute raccoon or a fluffy bear, just don’t do it.
4. Snag something quirky at the gift shop
Make your own competition with your friends or family—who can find the weirdest magnet? Why just go for the t-shirt or magnet? Get that something that will really be memorable and fun.
I’ve seen all kinds of things at gift shops. I think my favorite is anything that refers to a manatee as a chubby mermaid or has a silly-looking alligator on it.
5. Float in a spring
Of course you can swim in a spring or spend a lot of time jumping in and out of the water, but there are some springs that let you go tubing! Yep! Rent an inner tube, start closer to the spring head (or wherever the state parks have set up), and enjoy the ride.
Keep in mind that not every spring allows swimming, so do your research before you go. The most accurate information will always be at the very top part of the state park’s website. Make sure to check it before you go and if you have any questions, call.
6. Bring a picnic with actual fun snacks
Skip the boring sandwich and pack snacks that are easy to eat and full of energy. Try homemade energy bites made with oats, peanut butter, and dark chocolate chips, or bring along fruit kabobs for a refreshing treat. Veggies with hummus, frozen grapes, and wrap pinwheels also hold up well in the Florida heat.
Use reusable silicone bags and containers whenever you can—not just to cut down on waste, but because some Florida state park springs don’t allow disposable items out on the water. Keeping your snacks packed sustainably means less impact on these beautiful places we all love.
7. Sign up for a State Park Race
Yep, various state parks throughout Florida have races. They vary from 5k’s and 10k’s to half-marathons and more! These are trail runs that go in and around the park and have diverse terrain that combines the thrill of elevation changes, winding paths, and the occasional creek crossing. It’s a completely different way to experience state parks.
8. Join a ranger program or wildlife talk
These are great for kids or curious adults. Plus, who doesn’t love learning something cool on vacation? I’ve done a few of these, some with the kids, some without. My key takeaway is that they are always interesting. And, it’s your chance to ask questions and get answers from people who are knowledgeable and passionate about state parks, conservation, and educating the public.
9. Take nature photos (even if it’s just your snacks on a rock)
Document the moss, the trees, your paddleboard, your face in a sunbeam. It all counts. And have fun with it! If you go with a group, you can always challenge one another to take photos and then at the end of the trip, everyone can share their favorite photos. Or whoever takes the most photos gets a free beer at the post-visit brewery stop!
10. Go scavenger hunting—for real
You can make your own or use a premade one. There’s no wrong way to create one and complete it. The best part is that they can be for kids and adults. It’s a great way to make a long hike or one that might not have a “cool thing” at the end (no historic structures or majestic view) more fun.
11. Explore a reserve
Along with the state parks, there are reserves that fall under the state park system in Florida, like Rocks Springs Run Preserve or Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve. They tend to be more rustic than many state parks and are not as popular. This means a weekend visit is possible without crowds.
12. Cool off in shaded picnic areas
Hot day? Eat lunch under the oaks, pines, magnolias, or palms. Just don’t forget that these are always the first places tourists go, so plan accordingly.
My family is more into snacking than picnicking, and we often end up snacking and hydrating in shady areas along a trail.
13. Do a little park hopping
Some Sunshine State parks are pretty close to one another. Why not string a few parks together?
For example: Ichetucknee Springs State Park is within 20 minutes of River Rise Preserve State Park, O’Leno State Park, and Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park.
Start early in the day and make your way to nearby parks. The best days to be able to do the most park hopping will be during the week or on cold days – especially if most people visit the park to swim.
14. Take the kids on a mini mission
Find 3 types of leaves, spot a lizard, and walk across a bridge—instant adventure. This is a great way to keep kids engaged. There’s nothing worse than having bored kids on a day at a state park you have been wanting to explore. So get creative and get engaged yourself. This is also a way to get the kids to remember the visit.
15. Camp overnight (or plan to someday)
Mornings in a state park are ✨magical✨. Especially if you’re up early enough to hear the birds before other visitors arrive. Imagine camping at Blue Springs State Park and waking up at sunrise on a cold January day, before the park is open to day visitors. You can walk along the spring run boardwalk and listen to a symphony of manatees breathing. That’s an experience you can only get if you stay the night.
16. Celebrate a special occasion
You can have your birthday at a state park or maybe even get married at one. One of my closest friends got married at a state park, complete with camping! It was great to spend 3 days in the woods for a wedding. Then after she said her vows, she jumped into the spring run with her guests. Best Wedding Ever!
17. Volunteer
This can be a long-term thing if you are local or if you are around for an extended period of time. Some places even have seasonal volunteer opportunities. It’s a great way to experience the park in a completely new way and give back to the community.
You can also join clean up events or help with Friends of X State Park fundraiser events.
18. Check out the visitor center
Not all visitor centers are created alike. Some state parks don’t even have them, but I encourage you to visit the ones that are out there. If nothing else, there will be historic displays and interpretive signs and images that will help you learn more about the park.
19. Go on an eco boat tour
State parks on the water will often have an eco boat tour. The boats are captained by friendly and knowledgeable folks who can help you find wildlife and points of interest.
Ecotours often raise awareness of conservation efforts and some of the area’s major environmental issues, which appeal to visitors of all ages.
All the boats and tours are unique, so do your research beforehand. If the tour company accepts reservations, make one!
Some are super unique, like the glass bottom tours at Silver Springs State Park.
20. Do yoga with friends
Yep, just pack your yoga mat, blocks, and straps and a couple of your yogi friends and find a spot to do a little yoga.
One of the state parks near me actually offered yoga classes, and it was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done. These kinds of events are usually found on the Friends of X State Park websites.
21. Get inspired and sketch
Pack your sketchbook and drawing tools (or your iPad and pencil) and get creative. You can draw something you see or just flow with whatever comes to you in the moment.
If you are really organized, bring a canvas and paints. Whatever your favorite tools are.
Or pack some coloring pages and coloring pencils… Bring what helps you create and enjoy yourself.
22. Meditate
What could be better than doing meditation/mindfulness practices at a state park? If you want to go this route, I highly recommend visiting during the off-season, weekdays, or off-peak times of day (first thing in the morning or end of day).
You can always ask a ranger about quiet spots in the park. If you go to a less-visited park, it will be very easy to find those quiet places.
23. Enjoy a day at the beach!
That’s right, some of Florida’s state parks are beaches! Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is known for its sandy white dunes, including the Topsail (a 25 foot dune) and freshwater dune lakes!
Grayton Beach State Park is another untouched beach with an incredible amount of wildlife and dune lakes!
It’s a unique beach experience. Oregon is the only other state in the US that has dune lakes with beaches.
BONUS – Dress up
Yep, show up as a historical character and go about your day. You can do this of course during Halloween, but hey, why not just do it because it’s fun! My family went to a firefly event and my kids dressed up! One was a sloth and the other an anime character. So go, be you, and have fun.
That’s a wrap!
Whether you’re floating in a spring, eating fun snacks, or hiking a trail at sunrise, there are so many ways to enjoy Florida State Parks. Try one, try them all—just get out there and make your visit your own.