10 Most Beautiful Parks in Florida

From crystal-clear springs to mangrove forests, white-sand beaches to wild swamps, here are 10 most beautiful parks in Florida you’ll want to add to your bucket list.

Everglades National Park

The Everglades is one of the most iconic and ecologically unique national parks in the U.S. Spanning 1.5 million acres, this subtropical wilderness is home to rare wildlife like the Florida panther, American crocodile, and manatees. Whether you explore by airboat, kayak, or boardwalk, you’ll be surrounded by marshes, mangroves, and sawgrass prairies. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most unforgettable parks in Florida.

Top Attractions in Everglades National Park:

• Shark Valley Observation Tower & Tram Tour
• Anhinga Trail (great for bird and gator watching)
• Flamingo Visitor Center & Marina
• Kayaking through mangrove tunnels
• Boat tours in Ten Thousand Islands
• Eco Pond for sunset and birdwatching
• Airboat tours near the park’s eastern edge

Dry Tortugas National Park

Located 70 miles west of Key West, Dry Tortugas is accessible only by ferry or seaplane, which makes visiting feel like discovering a secret Caribbean island. The park is known for its crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and historic Fort Jefferson. Snorkeling here is some of the best in the state, with colorful fish and even sea turtles. This remote paradise offers pristine beauty far from Florida’s mainland crowds.

Top Attractions in Dry Tortugas National Park:

• Fort Jefferson (19th-century coastal fortress)
• Snorkeling at Garden Key reefs
• Swimming at white sand beaches
• Birdwatching during migration season
• Bush Key and Loggerhead Key exploration
• Seaplane or ferry ride from Key West
• Camping under the stars

Blue Spring State Park

Located along the St. Johns River near Orange City, Blue Spring State Park is a designated manatee refuge and a top winter destination for spotting these gentle giants. In warmer months, the spring becomes a favorite for swimming, snorkeling, tubing, and kayaking. Surrounded by moss-draped cypress trees and lush hammocks, this park offers pure Florida beauty in every season.

Top Attractions in Blue Spring State Park:

• Manatee viewing (especially Nov–March)
• Spring run swimming and tubing
• Kayaking and canoeing the St. Johns River
• Wildlife watching on boardwalk trails
• Snorkeling in clear blue spring water
• Scenic picnic areas and pavilions
• St. Johns River nature cruises

Bahia Honda State Park

This Florida Keys gem is often called one of the best beach parks in the state—and for good reason. Bahia Honda offers turquoise waters, snorkeling-friendly beaches, and postcard-perfect sunsets. Its iconic Old Bahia Honda Bridge provides panoramic views of the islands and surrounding ocean. Whether you're camping or just spending a day, this is tropical Florida at its best.

Top Attractions in Bahia Honda State Park:

• Calusa Beach and Sandspur Beach
• Snorkeling tours to Looe Key Reef
• Kayaking and paddleboarding
• Sunset views from Old Bahia Honda Bridge
• Birdwatching and photography
• Campsites with ocean views
• Shelling and beachcombing

Myakka River State Park

One of Florida’s oldest and largest state parks, Myakka River State Park is a wild and scenic escape located near Sarasota. Visitors come to explore its hardwood hammocks, wetlands, and prairie landscapes, often by boat or bike. The park is also home to a famous canopy walkway that gives you a treetop perspective of Florida’s ecosystems.

Top Attractions in Myakka River State Park:

• Myakka Canopy Walkway and Observation Tower
• Scenic boat tours on Myakka Lake
• Kayaking and canoeing the Myakka River
• Alligator watching at the “Deep Hole”
• Biking along park roads and trails
• Birding at Upper Myakka Lake
• Wildlife sightings including deer, boar, and bobcats

Rainbow Springs State Park

With its brilliant sapphire-colored waters, Rainbow Springs State Park looks like something out of a dream. Located in Dunnellon, this spring-fed park is perfect for tubing, kayaking, and swimming. It's also home to ornamental gardens, waterfalls, and shaded walking trails that make this park as peaceful as it is photogenic.

Top Attractions in Rainbow Springs State Park:

• Swimming in the natural spring head
• Tubing the Rainbow River (seasonal)
• Kayak and paddleboard rentals
• Scenic waterfall gardens
• Hiking the park’s nature trails
• Picnicking along the river
• Birdwatching and butterfly gardens

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

Hugh Taylor Birch Park is an urban oasis in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, this park offers a rare blend of coastal wilderness and city proximity. Nicknamed “Central Park of Fort Lauderdale,” it features walking trails, a freshwater lagoon, and shaded picnic spots—all just steps from the beach and bustling Las Olas Boulevard.

Top Attractions in Hugh Taylor Birch State Park:

• Canoeing and kayaking on the lagoon
• Walking and biking trails
• Guided nature walks and eco-tours
• Beach access across A1A
• The Terramar Visitor Center
• Paddleboarding and birding
• Picnic areas under lush oak canopies

Ocala National Forest

Ocala National Forest is a vast wilderness in central Florida that covers more than 600 square miles and includes four major springs. It’s a haven for swimming, paddling, off-roading, and wildlife watching. With trails for hikers and ATV riders alike, Ocala offers a rugged escape for those who love untamed nature.

Top Attractions in Ocala National Forest:

• Juniper Springs and Silver Glen Springs
• Alexander Springs for snorkeling
• Hiking on the Florida Trail
• ATV and OHV trail systems
• Lake George and Salt Springs
• Birdwatching and black bear sightings
• Camping under the stars

Big Talbot Island State Park

Located on Florida’s northeast coast near Jacksonville, Big Talbot Island State Park is famous for its surreal “Boneyard Beach,” where salt-washed oak tree skeletons line the shore. The park also features coastal marshes, tidal creeks, and wildlife-rich estuaries. It’s one of Florida’s most photogenic and peaceful natural spots.

Top Attractions in Big Talbot Island State Park:

• Boneyard Beach and its driftwood sculptures
• Blackrock Trail and Blackrock Beach
• Kayaking through marsh estuaries
• Shoreline fishing and photography
• Hiking and biking trails
• Birdwatching for herons and ospreys
• Picnic areas with panoramic views

From tropical islands to ancient springs, these 10 most beautiful parks in Florida show off the state’s diverse ecosystems and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to swim, hike, paddle, or just relax in nature, there's a Florida park that’s perfect for your next getaway.