Caves, dunes, manatees: 10 of the most interesting parks in Florida

Terri Ward, journalist and local guide to the best places in Florida, said Travel Leisure about the state's most magnificent parks.

Photo: iStock.com/MargaretW

Terry first came to Florida from the Northeast in the late 1990s. She did everything she could to explore as many amazing parks as possible here. Ward says the state's 175 parks are stunning areas with many freshwater springs and waterfalls, as well as rare lakes and cave systems.

We offer Terry's TOP 10 parks in Florida. The journalist told us when it is best to visit them and what to do there. Read about the 12 best national parks in the USA in this article.

Rainbow Springs State Park, Dunnellon

Florida is full of freshwater springs, with more than 1000 scattered throughout the state. Park Rainbow Springs in north central Florida ranks first on Terry's list of the most beautiful springs. See the list of the most visited national parks in the USA here.

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“I love to have a picnic on the banks surrounding the spring. I love getting into the cold water and hiking the trails with family and friends,” she said.

Here you can camp along the Rainbow River, which is accessed through a separate entrance nearby. This is the best starting point for scuba diving or snorkeling on the river away from the crowds. If you're looking for a luxury getaway within a 30-minute drive of the park, consider The Equestrian Hotel in Ocala. This hotel is dedicated to all things horse related.

Bahia Honda State Park, Florida Keys

It's not easy to find a camping spot in this popular park, but even if you're just stopping by for the day, you'll have an unforgettable adventure. Park Bahia Honda is an idyllic snorkeling spot with clear, shallow waters where you can spot baby reef fish and passing stingrays. It has, among other things, some of the best natural beaches in the Florida Keys. You can rent kayaks and snorkeling equipment here, or book trips to the large reefs just offshore.

“My favorite thing to do here at sunset is to walk along the park's lonely nature trail from the southwestern tip of the island to the top of the old Bahia Honda bridge. This is an ideal place to watch fish, turtles and dolphins frolicking in the clear waters. The water here is painted in all shades of beautiful pastel colors,” admitted Terri.

Highlands Hammock State Park, Sebring

В Highlands Hammock is home to more rare and endemic species than any other park in the entire state, notably Florida black bears, American alligators and Florida panthers. One of the state's oldest parks, it was founded by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1931. There is an excellent museum on its territory.

“We like to go to the most alligator-infested corners of the park and walk through the old cypress swamp along the elevated path,” the journalist shared. — Whatever you do, don't miss a bird watching hike with Ranger Blake if it's booked on the day of your visit. Blake grew up in the area, he talks to owls, and with him you will see things you would never see on your own.”

Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, Wakulla Springs

Edward Ball Wakulla Springs Park turned out to be the place where Terry first saw manatees. Here, from time immemorial, an ancient cypress swamp has delighted visitors with the presence of alligators.

There are a variety of fun ways to experience the park, including a guided jungle cruise on a glass-bottom riverboat, a swim in the clear spring waters, or an overnight stay at the Lodge at Wakulla Springs. The world's longest marble bar is located here. It was built in the 1930s.

Sebastian Inlet State Park, Melbourne Beach

ПArch Sebastian Inlet, located between Melbourne and Vero beaches, is a haven for anyone who loves to fish, surf or just walk on the sand.

“I come here with my kids to walk along the pier, see what the anglers are catching, and check out the fascinating McLarty Treasure Museum. There you can admire the finds washed ashore after the wreck of the Spanish treasure galleons in 1715. Most of the loot is still buried in the sand somewhere in the sea,” explained the local guide.

Grayton Beach State Park, Santa Rosa Beach

This is one of the few мест in a world where coastal dune lakes can be found, rare geographic features of shallow waters surrounded by sand dune ecosystems. At Western Lake, you can rent a kayak or stand-up paddle board to glide through the glass-smooth water.

Stay in one of the park's cozy cabins tucked among the towering pine trees or stay in one of the park's 59 campsites to find some of Florida's most pristine white sand beaches right next to you. Other park attractions include hiking and biking trails. They wind like a ribbon through the forest, home to Florida black bears, gray foxes and white-tailed deer.

Myakka River State Park, Sarasota

Myakka River Park is a real surprise: there are wetlands, prairies covered with wildflowers, and forests with palm trees and live oaks.

“My kids love walking along the Myakka Canopy Walkway, which is 7m above the ground. There's also boat access to the park, making it ideal for a multi-generational day trip from nearby cities like Sarasota and Tampa,” advised Terry.

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne

Minutes from Downtown Miami Park Bill Baggs Cape Florida promises sandy beaches without any development, as well as secluded places on the bay. There you can enjoy drinks at sunset.

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“The Cleat bar is my favorite place to drink watermelon sangria,” the guide noted.

In addition to relaxing on the beach, you can rent a bike to ride along the paved path, hike nature trails through mangrove wetlands, or grill at the picnic pavilion overlooking Biscayne Bay.

This park is famous for the historic 1825 Cape Florida Lighthouse, which can be viewed on guided tours.

Ravine Gardens State Park, Tent

The best time to visit the park Ravine Gardens - from January to March, when more than 18 species of azaleas reach their peak flowering. They are located in the heart of the gardens created here in natural ravines back in 1933. There is even an annual azalea festival, held in the first week of March. The park's most unique geological formations are two "steep gullies" that are naturally cut into the ground to a depth of 36 m. They were formed as a result of erosion.

You can explore the park along a paved road (by car, bike or on foot) or along trails that pass over suspension bridges and stone stairs and lead down to the creek.

Florida Caverns State Park, Marianna

Florida Caverns State is the only Florida state park where you can go underground and explore caves without a scuba tank. The tours take visitors into large underground spaces within the limestone cave system.

There you can admire stalactites and stalagmites, illuminated to create a dazzling effect. You'll walk down 35 steps to explore a dozen different rooms. The guide can show you interesting underground creatures such as cave crickets, bats and salamanders. And when you leave the cave you find yourself in a beautiful deciduous forest.

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