Florida Outdoors & Recreation

Parks & Trails, Beaches & Water Activities. Camping, Hiking & More...

As a long-time resident of Florida, I can attest to the fact that the state is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. With its abundance of parks and trails, beautiful beaches, diverse water activities, camping and hiking opportunities, and excellent fishing and boating spots, Florida offers something for everyone.

Parks and Trails:

Florida is home to numerous state parks and trails, each offering unique landscapes and outdoor activities. One such park is the Everglades National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that boasts over 1.5 million acres of wetlands, mangroves, and sawgrass prairies. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, kayaking, bird watching, and even airboat tours of the Everglades.

Another park that is worth visiting is the Myakka River State Park, which is located in Sarasota County. The park covers over 37,000 acres of wetlands, prairies, and woodlands, and is known for its diverse wildlife and beautiful scenery. Visitors can hike, bike, fish, or take a boat tour on the park's namesake river.

Beach and Water Activities:

Florida's beaches are renowned for their pristine white sand, clear waters, and year-round sunshine. One of the most popular beaches in Florida is Clearwater Beach, located in Pinellas County. The beach offers a wide range of water activities, including swimming, fishing, boating, and parasailing.

Another beach worth visiting is Siesta Key Beach, located in Sarasota County. The beach has been named the number one beach in the United States by TripAdvisor, thanks to its soft, powdery sand and crystal-clear waters. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball.

Camping and Hiking:

Florida is also a great destination for camping and hiking enthusiasts. The Ocala National Forest, located in Central Florida, offers over 600 square miles of camping and hiking opportunities. The forest has numerous campgrounds, hiking trails, and water activities, including swimming, boating, and fishing.

Another excellent place for camping and hiking is the Florida National Scenic Trail, which stretches over 1,300 miles across the state. The trail passes through some of Florida's most scenic landscapes, including the Ocala National Forest, the Everglades, and Big Cypress National Preserve.

Fishing and Boating:

Florida is renowned for its excellent fishing and boating opportunities. One of the best places to go fishing in Florida is the Florida Keys, which offer some of the best sportfishing in the world. Visitors can catch a variety of fish, including tarpon, bonefish, and permit.

Another great place for fishing and boating is the St. Johns River, which stretches over 310 miles through the state. The river is home to a wide range of fish species, including largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie. Visitors can rent a boat or kayak and explore the river at their leisure.

Florida is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. With its beautiful parks and trails, pristine beaches, camping and hiking opportunities, and excellent fishing and boating spots, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're a seasoned outdoorsman or a beginner, Florida's natural beauty is sure to inspire and captivate you.

In addition to the above-mentioned places, Florida has many other amazing outdoor destinations that are worth visiting. For example, the Gulf Islands National Seashore, located in the panhandle region of the state, is a stunning coastal park that offers miles of white sand beaches, nature trails, and a variety of water activities.

The Apalachicola National Forest, located in the Florida panhandle, is another great place for camping and hiking. The forest covers over 632,000 acres and offers over 100 miles of hiking trails, as well as numerous campsites and recreational activities.

If you are interested in wildlife, the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is a must-visit destination. Located on Florida's east coast, the refuge covers over 140,000 acres and is home to over 500 species of wildlife, including alligators, manatees, and bald eagles.

Florida also has several state-designated paddling trails that offer a unique way to explore the state's natural beauty. One such trail is the Blackwater River State Park Paddling Trail, which covers over 30 miles of the Blackwater River and offers scenic views and opportunities for fishing and wildlife spotting.

Overall, Florida's outdoor destinations are vast and varied, and there is always something new to discover. Whether you prefer hiking through lush forests, fishing in crystal-clear waters, or lounging on a sandy beach, Florida has it all. So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to experience the natural beauty of the Sunshine State.

Sources:

Everglades National Park: https://www.nps.gov/ever/index.htm

Myakka River State Park: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/myakka-river-state-park

Clearwater Beach: https://www.visitstpeteclearwater.com/list/beaches/clearwater-beach

Siesta Key Beach: https://www.visitsarasota.com/beaches/siesta-key-beach

Ocala National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/ocala

Florida National Scenic Trail: https://www.fs.usda.gov/fnst

Florida Keys fishing: https://floridakeysfishing.com/

St. Johns River: https://www.sjrwmd.com/recreationguide/st-johns-river/

Gulf Islands National Seashore: https://www.nps.gov/guis/index.htm

Apalachicola National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/apalachicola/

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/merritt_island/

Blackwater River State Park Paddling Trail: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/blackwater-river-state-park/paddling-trail