Do you have an adventurous spirit? Love to be outdoors? Whether you are a native to Florida or a northern visitor you’ll enjoy A Northern View of Four Florida State Parks!
My husband, myself and our two teenage daughters love to be outdoors and explore new and even familiar areas. It’s no secret that our family would prefer a day at one of these state parks then a day at popular amusement parks.
Come visit these Florida State Parks with us! Please comment with your experiences and insights from your visit to one of these parks.
Paynes Prairie State Park
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is a beautiful park located in the middle of the state in Micanopy. It is most known in Florida for becoming the first state preserve in 1971. It’s a quiet park with eight unique trails and wonderful inhabitants.
What drew us to Paynes Prairie?? Wildlife viewing!
- wild Spanish ponies
- wild bison herd
- alligators
- unique ducks and tropical birds
We did spot three wild Spanish ponies from the 50 foot high observation tower. We followed the ponies well marked trail along the prairie marsh but they were too far inland to capture a photo.
We observed the many ways to explore this park; hiking, bicycling, or on horseback. If you would like to stay overnight, the park does offer full-facility campsites which would be wonderful in early spring.
A note about pets; Our black lab was traveling with us, and he had to stay behind with me on one of the hikes. Their were signs indicating pets were NOT allowed on particular trails. It was a disappointment but necessary for the safety of my dog and the wildlife.
Before you visit this prairie preserve, I would recommend stopping by their website for updates on trail and park conditions. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.
Respect and enjoy this Florida prairie! If you would like current information call the Ranger Station at 352-466-3397. The entrance fee is $6.00 per vehicle for day use. I would recommend requesting a detail map upon your arrival.
Honeymoon Island State Park
Honeymoon Island State Park is located in Dunedin, approximately 30 minutes north of Clearwater, FL. The diversity of this park is wonderful from trails through a barrier island pine forest to miles of trails along the beach.
Why do we keep returning to this island state park?
- quiet beach trails
- the Osprey trail – view many osprey nests
- wildlife viewing – tropical birds, dolphins, ocean life, gopher tortoises, armadillos
- palms & pines
- beach-combing for shells
The Osprey Trail meanders through a shaded pine forest, where you can view dozens of osprey. The trail is a 2.3 mile loop and would be considered easy hiking. I would recommend you bring along your binoculars and camera. Depending on the season, you might also need bug repellent.
My favorite part of the beach this year was viewing this little Great Horned Owl. When we stopped at the visitor center, one of the rangers informed us about the owlets. The nest was found along the Osprey Trail. One of the adult Great Horned Owls was perched in a nearby tree. What a special day to watch this little owl.
Beach Combing
Honeymoon Island Beach is gorgeous with soft sand and shells to delight beach combers. The types and amount of shells vary from year to year. Last year the shells were prolific, with many limpets, also known as the “twirly” shells and lightening whelk shells. This year we found an abundance of cockle shells, calico shallops, jingle shells and olive shells.
We will return to this park next year! Please make a note that admission is $8.00 per vehicle. The park does offer a section of beach specifically for pet use as well. For up to date information on the park and beach visit Honeymoon Island State Park.
Colt Creek State Park
Colt Creek State Park is located in central Florida in the town of Lakeland. The parks motto is “Paradise found in the heart of the Green Swamp.” This quiet little park offers 15 miles of trails for hiking, biking or horseback riding.
You feel like you are walking through “old Florida” on this trail. The palms and cypress domes are beautiful. We saw a cricket nest and several Green anoles and Cuban Brown anoles along the trail.
The Florida Giant Snail is fascinating. We saw many of these snail shells in the controlled burn area at the park. The Giant Snails are actually an invasive species that have gone out of control. These giant snails have been found to carry the rat lung-worm parasite. Please do not pick up a live snail, should you find one!
Colt Creek State Park is a beautiful park, including the like-new full facility campground, new pavilions and well groomed trails. Learn more about this park here. The park recommends you call ahead to rent a pavilion or reserve a campsite, 863-815-6761. Admission is $2./per vehicle.
Myakka River State Park
“Where River and Prairie meet the sky” is the motto for Myakka River State Park. Myakka is one of the oldest and largest state parks in Florida. Spending one day here does not even touch all that the park has to offer. The park is located in the southwest region of Florida in the town of Sarasota.
Myakka River is known for it’s scenic air-boat tour. The tour consists of scenic views around Upper Myakka Lake. My parents, husband and daughters enjoyed seeing mature alligators, baby alligators and several shore birds on the tour. I stayed behind with our dog and hiked through the shady oak-palm hammocks.
Myakka is home for many alligators!! Myakka River provides the perfect conditions for breeding and raising young. Since alligators are dangerous and require our respect, it’s best to view the animals from the air-boat ride.
One of our favorite activities at Myakka River was the Canopy Walkway through the treetops and look out Tower. The trail to the canopy walkway and towers is well defined and easy walking. The lookout tower is approximately 74 feet high, and the view is spectacular! (Make a note that pets are not allowed on the canopy walkway.)
One of the main reasons one of my daughters wanted to visit Myakka River was for the bird watching! The Birdwalk is located at the northeast end of Myakka River, off of the North Drive. We did see eagles, herons, white ibis, black vultures, black necked stilt, limpkins, and many egrets.
The admission fee is $6./per vehicle to Myakka River State Park. Visit their website for updates on weather or park conditions. They also have a map you can download for hiking trails.
Explore the Outdoors
What to Pack for Day Use at a State Park
Recommended items to pack for a day hike.
- binoculars
- camera
- water
- snack
- sunscreen & hat with visor
- cell phone
- trail map
- bug repellent (depending on the season)
- water, poo bag, & 6 ft. leash (if bringing your dog)
A Northern View of Florida State Parks
Due to my positive experience with visiting Florida State Parks, I would recommend visiting as many as time allows. My family has loved viewing the wildlife from sea birds, tortoises, armadillos, to even a bobcat walking right through the parking lot when we were on a picnic.
I have heard positive feedback about camping at Florida state Parks as well. One campground we LOVED was Sebastian Inlet State Park along the Atlantic Ocean side of Florida. Our campsite was by a little inlet and we watched a dolphin play while eating lunch everyday. We also learned that during the month of December, the no-see-um bugs are in abundance. So either keep your camper door closed or wear bug repellent specific to this type of biting insect,
Hillsborough River State Park is a popular campground during Christmas break, we were not prepared for a full campground decked with Christmas trees at many of the sites. Our campsite was large and the facility was well cared for. The best part for us was the hiking trails and being only a few miles from my parents winter residence.
Overall, I have had wonderful experiences at Florida State Parks. I know we’ll be returning to the state parks listed above and exploring new parks on our next visit.
Please share any helpful tips or positive experiences you have had while exploring Florida state parks.
Recommended Items to Enhance Your Visit
No No-See-Um Natural Insect Repellent 2oz (2 pack)
Bushnell Falcon 133410 Binoculars with Case (Black, 7×35 mm)
Florida’s Seashells: A Beachcomber’s Guide
EcoVessel SUMMIT TriMax Triple Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Flip Straw – 24 Ounces – Purple (This water bottle will keep your water cold all day! Plus it’s lightweight.)
Birds, Nests & Eggs (Take Along Guides)
Florida Birds: A Folding Pocket Guide to Familiar Species (A Pocket Naturalist Guide)
Candace says
We absolutely love watching all the wildlife in their natural habitat here in Florida. It never gets old either! I love reading your reviews and seeing your pictures as well. Have you made it to Bok Tower yet in Lake Whales? I think you’d like that as well. Not many wild animals to view but lots of history and beautiful gardens.
Michelle says
Thanks Candace! I am glad to hear that you all enjoy seeing the wildlife, even living among them. We have not been to Bok Tower, i’ll add it to our trip next year.