Florida's theme parks and city beaches get most of the attention, but some of the state's most memorable landscapes are tucked inside its network of state parks. Writer Veronica Croes, who has lived in Florida for more than 25 years, rounded up five favorites that trade billboard scenery for genuine natural beauty.
Near Tampa, Honeymoon Island State Park offers over four miles of quieter shoreline along with nature trails and wildlife like ospreys and gopher tortoises. For something more dramatic, Big Talbot Island State Park just north of Jacksonville is best known for Boneyard Beach — a stretch of coast lined with fallen trees that makes for striking scenery and great photography. The park also has hiking and biking trails and kayak launches.
On Florida's Atlantic coast near Jupiter, Jonathan Dickinson State Park packs in rivers, sand dunes, camping, glamping, and paddling on the Loxahatchee River, plus guided boat tours to a historic pioneer homestead. A short drive from St. Augustine, Anastasia State Park covers more than 1,600 acres of beaches and dunes, with options for birdwatching, kayaking, and shelling — and easy access to the historic town next door.
Rounding out the list is Rainbow Springs State Park, located roughly two hours northwest of Orlando. The park features exceptionally clear spring water, tubing and kayaking on the Rainbow River, walking trails, lush gardens, and natural waterfalls. Croes recommends visiting in spring before summer crowds arrive.
This roundup was originally reported by Veronica Croes for Business Insider.
