Florida State Parks

Big Lagoon State Park is defined by its sweeping coastal views calm blue shallows, winding marshes and wide-open horizons where the sky meets the water. From the boardwalks and observation towers, visitors can look out across the lagoon toward Perdido Key, watching tides shift and sunlight ripple across the surface. *** 📍: Big Lagoon State Park 💡: Plan your adventure at FloridaStateParks.org. Before you visit, check the KNOW BEFORE YOU GO section on the park’s webpage for real-time updates and helpful information. . . #FLStateParks #BigLagoon #TheRealFlorida #LoveFL

Picnicking is one of the simplest and most enjoyable ways to experience Florida’s natural beauty. Across the state, visitors can relax under shady trees, enjoy water views and unwind with family and friends. Fort Cooper State Park in Inverness is a favorite spot for a quiet picnic. Shaded tables overlook Lake Holathlikaha, and the park’s peaceful setting makes it ideal for families and nature lovers. *** 📍: Fort Cooper State Park 💡: Plan your adventure at FloridaStateParks.org. Before you visit, check the KNOW BEFORE YOU GO section on the park’s webpage for real-time updates and helpful information. . . #FLStateParks #FortCooper #TheRealFlorida #LoveFL

Rainbow Springs has been an important natural resource for thousands of years. Fossils of mastodons and mammoths have been found in the Rainbow River, along with artifacts from Native Americans who once used the waterway for travel and fishing. In the early 1900s, the surrounding land was mined for phosphate, giving rise to the nearby towns of Juliette and Dunnellon. By the 1930s, Rainbow Springs transformed into a privately owned attraction featuring underwater “sub‑boats,” manmade waterfalls, a zoo, a rodeo, gift shops and even a monorail. As interstate highways expanded and newer attractions opened elsewhere, the park eventually closed in 1974. Local residents later rallied to save the land, helping reopen the area as a state park. Today, Rainbow Springs State Park draws visitors from around the world to its clear springs, peaceful river and beautiful gardens. *** 📍: Rainbow Springs State Park 📸: Courtesy of Florida Memory, circa 1900 💡: Plan your adventure at FloridaStateParks.org. Before you visit, check the KNOW BEFORE YOU GO section on the park’s webpage for real-time updates and helpful information. . . #FLStateParks #RainbowSprings #TheRealFlorida #LoveFL

The Flight to Freedom Path at Fort Mose Historic State Park honors the people who, beginning in the late 1600s, journeyed south toward Spanish Florida in search of liberty. By 1738, those who reached St. Augustine and pledged loyalty to Spain were granted freedom and helped establish Fort Mose, the first free Black community in what is now the United States. Walking the trail today preserves their story and the powerful legacy they created. *** 📍: Fort Mose Historic State Park 💡: Plan your adventure at FloridaStateParks.org. Before you visit, check the KNOW BEFORE YOU GO section on the park’s webpage for real-time updates and helpful information. . @America250FL . #FLStateParks #FortMose #TheRealFlorida #LoveFL #America250FL

Happy Independence Day! Celebrate Independence Day the Florida way surrounded by springs, trails, beaches and the natural beauty that makes this state unforgettable. As the nation celebrates 250 years, Florida State Parks highlight the landscapes and historic sites that reflect our shared American story. *** 📍: Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park 💡: Plan your adventure at FloridaStateParks.org. Before you visit, check the KNOW BEFORE YOU GO section on the park’s webpage for real-time updates and helpful information. . . #FLStateParks #PaynesPrairie #TheRealFlorida #LoveFL

Cycling at Wekiwa Springs State Park is one of the best ways to explore the wild, rolling sandhills and shady hammocks that surround the famous emerald spring. The park’s network of multi‑use trails gives riders a true adventure in #TheRealFlorida. *** 📍: Wekiwa Springs State Park 📸: @bigwheelvanlife 💡: Plan your adventure at FloridaStateParks.org. Before you visit, check the KNOW BEFORE YOU GO section on the park’s webpage for real-time updates and helpful information. . . #FLStateParks #WekiwaSprings #LoveFL

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is home to an incredible variety of species, from iconic Florida mammals to birds, reptile and aquatic life that thrive in the spring-fed landscape. Whether you’re exploring the Pepper Creek Trail or taking in the view from the underwater observatory, the park offers a rare chance to see and learn about Florida’s native wildlife. *** 📍: Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park 📸: @Bec_lectic 💡: Plan your adventure at FloridaStateParks.org. Before you visit, check the KNOW BEFORE YOU GO section on the park’s webpage for real-time updates and helpful information. . . #FLStateParks #HomosassaSprings #TheRealFlorida #LoveFL

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park began as the winter retreat of Owen D. Young and designer Louise Powis Clark, who received the land in 1936 and shaped it into a peaceful riverfront estate. By 1938, their home was surrounded by carefully planned gardens featuring a wide variety of native plants. The property’s namesake, the centuries‑old Washington Oak, became the centerpiece of the landscape. After Young’s death in 1962, Louise donated the estate to the State of Florida. Today, the park remains a reflection of their vision and care. *** 📍: Washington Oaks Gardens State Park 📸: Courtesy of Florida Memory, 1957 💡: Plan your adventure at FloridaStateParks.org. Before you visit, check the KNOW BEFORE YOU GO section on the park’s webpage for real-time updates and helpful information. . @America250FL . #FLStateParks #WashingtonOaksGardens #TheRealFlorida #LoveFL #America250FL

Florida is celebrating the Fourth of July weekend, July 3-5, with free entry to Florida State Parks, giving families and visitors a chance to enjoy the outdoors without an admission fee. With parks across the state, this is a great opportunity to explore springs, trails, beaches and historic sites while learning about Florida’s natural and cultural resources. Parks excluded from free entry include: -Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. -Skyway Fishing Pier State Park. -Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. Learn more: bit.ly/4g3IUPx *** 📍: Lake Kissimmee State Park 💡: Plan your adventure at FloridaStateParks.org Before you visit, check the KNOW BEFORE YOU GO section on the park’s webpage for real-time updates and helpful information. . . #FLStateParks # #LoveFL #America250FL @America250FL

Time to get on the water for World Canoe Day! There’s no better place to celebrate world Canoe Day than on Florida’s winding rivers, spring‑fed runs and quiet coastal waterways. From family‑friendly paddles to backcountry adventures, Florida State Parks offer canoeing experiences for every skill level. Grab a paddle and discover Florida from the water. When paddling, remember to bring: -Water bottles. -Sun protection. -A dry bag for your cell phone. *** 📍: Blackwater River State Park 💡: Plan your adventure at FloridaStateParks.org. Before you visit, check the KNOW BEFORE YOU GO section on the park’s webpage for real-time updates and helpful information. . . #FLStateParks #BlackwaterRiver #TheRealFlorida #LoveFL

Take a 👀 at The Gainesville–Hawthorne State Trail. This historic railbed turned greenway features 16 miles of paved, peaceful North Florida beauty, stretching from Boulware Springs through the wildlife views of Paynes Prairie all the way to historic Hawthorne. It’s perfect for a ride, a run or a slow wander through Old Florida scenery. *** 📍: Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail 💡: Plan your adventure at FloridaStateParks.org. Before you visit, check the KNOW BEFORE YOU GO section on the park’s webpage for real-time updates and helpful information. . . #FLStateParks #TheRealFlorida #LoveFL

Experience the serenity of Silver Springs! 🚣 The crystal‑clear water gives you a window into the world below, where fish, turtles and aquatic plants drift through the spring and run beneath your kayak or canoe. The calm flow of the river and the clarity of the springs make this a peaceful, immersive way to experience #TheRealFlorida. *** 📍: Silver Springs State Park 📸: @Otterpaddleorlando 💡: Plan your adventure at FloridaStateParks.org. Before you visit, check the KNOW BEFORE YOU GO section on the park’s webpage for real-time updates and helpful information. . . #FLStateParks #SilverSprings #LoveFL

Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park is one of Florida’s most historic Civil War sites. At the center of the park is the battle monument, a stone memorial honoring those who fought and died in the conflict. Today, the park offers shaded trails, picnic areas and annual reenactments each March. It’s a peaceful place to reflect on Florida’s history, the unique natural bridge formation and the events that shaped the region. *** 📍: Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park 📸: Courtesy of Florida Memory, 1957 💡: Plan your adventure at FloridaStateParks.org. Before you visit, check the KNOW BEFORE YOU GO section on the park’s webpage for real-time updates and helpful information. . @America250FL . #FLStateParks #NaturalBridge #TheRealFlorida #LoveFL #America250FL

Bald Point State Park is a dream for trail lovers, offering miles of peaceful paths through some of Florida’s most diverse coastal habitats. With 18 miles of multi‑use hiking and biking trails, the park’s five trailheads lead you through landscapes that support more than 360 plant species and 230 animal species. Seasonal wildflowers brighten the routes, and it’s one of the top stops on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. *** 📍: Bald Point State Park 💡: Plan your adventure at FloridaStateParks.org. Before you visit, check the KNOW BEFORE YOU GO section on the park’s webpage for real-time updates and helpful information. . . #FLStateParks #BaldPoint #TheRealFlorida #LoveFL

Standing at the southern tip of Gasparilla Island, the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse has been guiding ships into Charlotte Harbor since 1890. One of only a handful of lighthouses open to the public in Florida, this historic light once helped early phosphate vessels navigate Boca Grande Pass. Whether you’re here for the history, the beaches or the views, the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse is the heart of Gasparilla Island’s past and one of its most iconic sights. *** 📍: Gasparilla Island State Park 📸: Courtesy of Florida Memory, circa 1900 💡: Plan your historic encounter at FloridaStateParks.org. Before you visit, check the KNOW BEFORE YOU GO section on the park’s webpage for real-time updates and helpful information. . @America250FL . #FLStateParks #GasparillaIsland #TheRealFlorida #LoveFL #America250FL

Today is nature photography day! Curry Hammock State Park is a peaceful slice of #TheRealFlorida along the Florida Keys. The shoreline here is calm and shallow, perfect for paddling. Kayakers and paddleboarders can slip into quiet coves, explore winding mangrove tunnels and watch stingrays, fish and wading birds move through the clear water. Steady ocean breezes make Curry Hammock a favorite spot for kiteboarders, who color the sky on windy days. On land, visitors can enjoy shaded picnic areas, a sandy beach and a short nature trail that winds through the tropical hammock. *** 📍: Curry Hammock State Park 💡: Plan your adventure at FloridaStateParks.org. Before you visit, check the KNOW BEFORE YOU GO section on the park’s webpage for real-time updates and helpful information. . . #FLStateParks #CurryHammock #LoveFL

Today is Flag Day! We proudly fly the American flag at Florida State Parks, and in celebration of @America250FL, our beach parks now feature a new flag to honor the historic nature of Florida and the lands that have supported our communities for generations. *** 📍: St. Andrews State Park 💡: Plan your adventure at FloridaStateParks.org. Before you visit, check the KNOW BEFORE YOU GO section on the park’s webpage for real-time updates and helpful information. . . #FLStateParks #America250FL #FlagDay

The Florida Wildlife Corridor comes to life at Blackwater River State Park! Stretching from the Panhandle down to the Everglades, the Florida Wildlife Corridor links millions of acres of forests, rivers and wetlands so wildlife can move freely across the state. Blackwater River State Park is one of those essential pieces, protecting longleaf pine forests, rare plants and the sand‑bottom river that so many species rely on. *** 📍: Blackwater River State Park 📸: IG airstreamists 💡: Plan your adventure at FloridaStateParks.org. Before you visit, check the KNOW BEFORE YOU GO section on the park’s webpage for real-time updates and helpful information. . . #FLStateParks #BlackwaterRiver #TheRealFlorida #LoveFL

Ready to spend a night under the stars? 🌟 June is National Camping Month and Florida State Parks are perfect places to celebrate, even if you prefer more comforts than the average adventurer. Glamping lets you enjoy Florida’s natural beauty without giving up cozy beds, electricity or air‑conditioning. Several of our parks offer elevated overnight stays that keep you close to the stars and the sounds of the wild. Book your stay today! *** 📍: Hillsborough River State Park 💡: Plan your adventure at FloridaStateParks.org. Before you visit, check the KNOW BEFORE YOU GO section on the park’s webpage for real-time updates and helpful information. . . #FLStateParks #HillsboroughRiver #Glamping #TheRealFlorida #LoveFL