Florida is more than theme parks and crowded beaches. Hidden across the state are wild, untouched places where you can truly escape the noise and reconnect with nature. Whether you crave quiet trails, crystal-clear springs, or sweeping prairies, these parks offer the solitude and beauty you need to recharge. 1. Everglades National Park Wide-open sawgrass…
Imagine standing on an observation tower, scanning a vast prairie, when suddenly you spot a herd of wild horses galloping across the grassland. At Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park near Gainesville, this isn’t just a dream—it’s a real experience you can have any day of the week. This incredible park offers visitors a rare chance…
Florida’s state parks offer something rare: natural beauty that never gets old. While tourists flock to theme parks and crowded beaches, locals know where the real magic happens. These nine parks earn repeat visits year after year because they deliver authentic Florida experiences—crystal springs, wild coastlines, and wildlife encounters you won’t find anywhere else. 1….
Florida is famous for theme parks and beaches, but scattered across the state are natural wonders that look nothing like the typical Southern landscape. From whitewater rapids to Caribbean-blue waters, these parks will surprise you with scenery that feels lifted from completely different parts of the country—or even the world. Get ready to explore Florida’s…
Hidden along Florida’s east coast, Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park protects the crumbling remains of what was once one of the largest and most successful sugar plantations in territorial Florida. Stone walls rise from the forest floor, overtaken by vines and moss, telling stories of ambition, labor, and loss from nearly two centuries ago….
Florida isn’t just about theme parks and city beaches. With 175 state parks scattered across the peninsula, you’ll find some of the most jaw-dropping natural beauty in America. From crystal-clear springs to sugar-white sand and rare coastal ecosystems, these parks showcase the wild side of the Sunshine State that most visitors never see. 1. Bahia…
Florida’s state parks transform into something truly special during the cooler months. Wildlife appears in greater numbers, crowds thin out, and the weather becomes perfect for exploring trails, springs, and coastal landscapes. Whether you’re chasing manatee sightings, golden-hour prairie views, or twinkling holiday lights, winter brings a unique magic to these natural treasures that you…
November is the perfect time to explore Florida’s incredible national parks before winter crowds arrive. The weather cools down just enough to make outdoor adventures comfortable, and the summer humidity finally takes a break. Whether you’re into hiking, wildlife watching, or soaking up history, Florida’s protected lands offer something special for everyone during this magical…
Florida is famous for its beaches and theme parks, but there’s another side to the Sunshine State that food lovers shouldn’t miss. Food truck parks have exploded across Florida, turning parking lots and waterfronts into culinary destinations where you can taste the world in one spot. These vibrant hubs bring together local chefs, global flavors,…
Florida is home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the country, and its state parks showcase everything from crystal-clear springs to white-sand beaches. Whether you love hiking through forests, swimming with manatees, or simply relaxing by the water, these parks offer unforgettable experiences for everyone. Get ready to explore ten incredible spots…
Florida is packed with incredible parks that transform ordinary weekends into unforgettable adventures your kids will talk about for months. From crystal-clear springs where manatees swim right past you to beaches with sand so white it looks like sugar, these destinations offer way more than just playgrounds and picnic tables. Whether your family loves splashing…
Florida is home to some of the most beautiful waterfront parks in the country, where you can enjoy peaceful walks surrounded by stunning natural scenery. Whether you prefer sandy beaches, crystal-clear springs, or shaded trails along the bay, these parks offer the perfect escape from everyday stress. From the Gulf Coast to the Atlantic shore,…
This article contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. If you’ve ever dreamed of going off-road in the Florida wilderness — but with a monster-sized twist — there’s a farm in Clermont that’s ready to make it happen. Welcome to…
This article contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. Looking for thrills, chills, and maybe a few screams this season — without emptying your wallet? Florida is packed with haunted attractions, ghost tours, and Halloween experiences that’ll give you goosebumps….
Today, Hernando County Parks and Recreation announced that it will resume charging parking fees at local parks starting October 1, 2025, prompting immediate reactions from residents on social media. “I don’t think these parks are the destination you think they are. It would be reasonable if you’re drowning in visitors. But this just makes these…
Florida wildlife officials are asking for the public’s help in tracking down one of the state’s most elusive and dazzling creatures — the rainbow snake. Nicknamed the “Eel Moccasin” for its habit of lurking around rivers and springs and feeding primarily on eels, this vibrantly striped, nonvenomous reptile is so rare that it is often…
With Labor Day soon to be behind us, visitors heading to Rainbow Springs State Park should take note: tubing and tram operations along the Rainbow River will be shifting to their fall schedule, although the main park will continue to remain open from 8 a.m. to sunset daily. According to the Florida State Parks system,…
Florida’s wilderness just got wilder. The state has officially added a massive 12,243-acre property in Bay County to its public lands—now known as Sandy Creek State Forest, making it the newest addition to Florida’s state forest system. Announced last week by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the acquisition is a major win for…
Getting to Florida’s award-winning beaches just got easier—especially for those who need a little extra help. Thanks to a $120,000 grant from Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation, three of Florida’s most beloved coastal state parks are now equipped with brand-new, accessible trams designed to help visitors with mobility challenges reach the shore. The trams will…
While most people associate bison with the Great Plains or Yellowstone National Park, few realize that a herd of these massive animals roam freely right here in Florida. At Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, located just south of Gainesville, visitors might spot wild bison and even Florida Cracker horses grazing across the sweeping savanna. The…
Following a recent fatal alligator attack in the Tiger Creek area of eastern Polk County, local law enforcement and wildlife officials are urging residents and visitors to exercise caution near the water. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and Sergeant Michael Hill were recently photographed holding a newly installed warning sign intended to alert the public…
