Top Five State Parks in Florida

Florida is a state with an excellent park system. Flanked by the Atlantic Ocean on one side, the Gulf of Mexico on the other, Florida is blessed with miles of coastlines. Some of these precious coastlines have been preserved for its residents, in the form of state or county parks. You can find some of the best beaches in these state parks. Following are some of my favorites.

St. Andrews State Park
If you find yourself in the Florida Panhandle, take some time out to spend a day at St. Andrews State Park. With one and a half miles of beautiful sandy beaches, swimming, snorkeling, shelling and surfing are popular activities here. Hike the trails to catch a glimpse of a host of birds and other wildlife, including alligators and white tail deer. The state park has eight pavilions with picnic tables, and three picnic areas overlooking the water, one with grills (at the boat basin), two campgrounds with 176 campsites and a visitor center. There are concession stores that rent everything from umbrellas and chairs to snorkeling and scuba diving equipments to canoes and kayaks.

St. Andrews State Park
4607 State Park Lane
Panama City, Florida 32408

Caladesi Island State Park
Caladesi Island State Park, on the west coast of Florida, near Clearwater/Dunedin/St Petersburg, has been consistently ranked in the top ten beaches in America, taking the top honors in 2008. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing or shelling on the beautiful beach that seem to stretch for miles. If you prefer more action, you can hike the nature trail to find osprey nesting in old pine snags or a gopher tortoise wandering around. You can also kayak around the area. There are tables and grills in the picnic area for a cook-out. Caladesi Island is accessible only by boat or ferry. The ferry service to Caladesi leaves from Honeymoon Island State Park every day on the hour, weather permitting.

Caladesi Island State Park
#1 Causeway Blvd, FL
Dunedin, Fl

Myakka State Park
Located in Sarasota, about 45 minutes south of Tampa, Myakka State Park offers you a flavor of the Everglades. Fourteen miles of the Myakka River flow through the park. Kayak or canoe on the river and its lakes, or join a tour aboard the Myakka Maiden or the Gator Gal, air-powered boats that can navigate into the shallow, grassy areas, so you can get up close and personal with the countless alligators and birds. The park has 39 miles of hiking trails, and 7 miles of flat, paved roads for biking. Fishing and birding are also popular activities here. There are many picnic areas with tables and grills throughout the park.

Myakka State Park
13207 State Road 72
Sarasota

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
A stone's throw from the hustle and bustle of Miami, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is the perfect place to get some R&R. The park has over a mile of beach for walking and swimming. For those seeking more activity, you can bike, kayak and fish. A historic lighthouse is available for tours twice a day Thursdays through Mondays. There are a couple of restaurants on site offering authentic Cuban cuisine and fresh seafood. Or you can reserve a pavilion to grill your own food.

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
1200 S. Crandon Blvd
Key Biscayne

Bahia Honda State Park
Anyone who loves nature and the outdoors would love Bahia Honda State Park. Located in the middle Keys, Bahia Honda State Park boasts beautiful beaches, wonderful snorkeling and magnificent sunsets. The park has a marina and several campgrounds, so you can bring your boat, RV or tent, or you can rent a cabin. Some favorite activities include kayaking, canoeing, bicycling, hiking, swimming, snorkeling, fishing, birding and wildlife viewing.

Bahia Honda State Park
36850 Overseas Hwy (Mile Marker 37)
Big Pine Key

Sources:
Personal Experience
http://www.floridastateparks.org/default.cfm