23 National Parks in FLORIDA (Natural, Majestic & Scenic)
Are you considering going to a national park in Florida?
You must be excited to hear that nature’s beauty takes center stage in the Sunshine State, so you can rest assured that numerous national parks in Florida have unique features to explore.
These parks are a haven for wildlife and a sanctuary for lovers of the environment, thanks to protected ecosystems and biological treasures.
Therefore, if you’re ready for that unforgettable experience of natural wonders, epic landscapes, fun adventures, and much more, this article is for you!
Pack a bag, grab your hiking boots, and delve into this carefully curated list of 23 national parks in Florida.
And by the way, you may also want to check out the best State Parks in Florida.
National Parks in Tallahassee, Florida
1. Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
In 1923, an American banker, Alfred B. Maclay, and his wife, Louise Maclay, purchased a 3000-acre estate.
As lovers of nature and enthusiastic gardeners, the couple created a carefully planned and decorative garden from their estate with a good fusion of local and foreign plant species.
Today, the estate is Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park, a well-known park featuring magnificent gardens, picturesque surroundings, and extensive history.
It is a relief to know that Mr. and Mrs. Maclay’s effort to curate the garden back in the early 20th has not gone to waste because it remains expertly maintained and consists of numerous native and foreign plant species.
The park also houses Lake Hall, a 28-acre freshwater lake renowned for its crystal-clear waters.
If you go to this park, you can engage in water activities like swimming and kayaking or enjoy the tranquil vibe reviewers have reported.
The choice is yours!
Address: 3540 Thomasville Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32309, United States
2. DeSoto Site Historic State Park
The DeSoto Site Historic Park is another excellent choice in Tallahassee, Florida.
This park is all 5 acres large, situated beside the Apalachee Parkway.
And its history goes way back: in 1539, a Spanish conquistador and explorer named Hernando de Soto used the site as a winter camp during his explorations.
Today, the park is a valuable resource for learning over four centuries of American history, starting when de Soto stepped foot on its shores.
DeSoto Site Historic State Park also harbors the house of a former governor of Florida state, John W. Martin.
You can find some items discovered in the house exhibited in the park.
If you want a blend of history and fun sprinkled with nature, this is your best bet in Tallahassee!
Visit today!
Address: 1001 Desoto Park Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32301, United States
3. Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail
There is also this splendid park which doubles as a rail trail.
Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail is as good a choice as any for anyone who wants to spend some time at a park in the city.
Its premises are 16 miles (26 km) long on Tallahassee Railroad’s historic rail bed.
In its heydays, this railbed ran from Tallahassee to St. Marks, Florida, which is how the park gets its name.
You can come here to walk, bike, skate, and even go horseback riding.
There is a unique, unpaved trail for horseriders, so you won’t have to juggle for space with them.
You should visit this wonderful park.
They are open every day from 8 am.
Address: 4778 Woodville Hwy, Tallahassee, FL 32305, United States
4. Lake Jackson Mounds State Park
Finally, for Tallahassee, Lake Jackson Mounds State Park is a primary archaeological site in Florida.
Some hail it as the most archeological site in the whole state.
Between 1050 and 1500, the area served as the capital of the Fort Walton Culture, a Native American society.
The word ‘mounds’ in the park’s name is derived from the seven mounds.
For this reason, the park is also a significant mound site in Florida.
There are two trails to walk in this park: the interpretive and nature.
The nature trail twists around a sandhill community in the area and provides a breathtaking view of several native trees.
Lake Jackson Mounds State Park opens at 8 am daily, with a 30-dollar vehicle fee.
Address: 3600 Indian Mound Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32303, United States
Also see our article on Trampoline Parks in Florida.
National Parks in Orlando, Florida
1. Split Oak Forest Wildlife and Environmental Area
This park is a fantastic choice for residents or visitors of Orlando, Florida, looking for a national park to throw their feet out and relax at.
You will probably not get a better option.
Split Oak Forest Wildlife and Environmental Area will take your breath away.
This park has a maze of trails to explore, so you best come with your best walking shoes!
It also has numerous wildlife animals just strutting about the place, and it will delight you to no end to sight any beautiful creatures.
Is that a gopher tortoise crawling over there?
Yes, yes, it is!
You can also go horseback riding at this splendid location.
The choice is yours.
Address: 12175 Clapp Simms Duda Rd, Orlando, FL 32832, United States
2. Dickson Azalea Park
Would you believe this park once was a watering hole for cattle herders?
Yup, until the early 20th century, that was the purpose it served.
It was only in 1924 that it was designated an official park of the city of Orlando.
This is thanks to one state senator, Walter Rose, who wished the land to be enjoyed by the American people and donated it for transformation.
During the Great Depression, the Orlando Garden Club beautified the park with its lovely gardens, as it was the first home of the garden center.
You can visit this park to walk the Washing Street Bridge, located within its premises.
There are also trees with large shades under which you can rest and kiss your partner.
Address: 100 Rosearden Dr, Orlando, FL 32803, United States
3. Hal Scott Regional Preserve and Park
Another excellent choice for a national park in Orlando, Florida, is this spectacular one.
As its name suggests, Hal Scott Regional Preserve and Park also serves as a national nature preserve.
You can find it on the banks of the Econlockhatchee River on the West.
On the East, the park is bordered by Wedgefield, an unincorporated, consensus-designated location in Florida.
The St. Johns River Water Management District manages this park.
You can visit to hike, ride horses, mountain bike, and even camp.
Some campsites are thousands of years old!
So you can feel like a part of a long history.
There are tons of wildlife to sight, and the air is perfect for a leisurely day.
Visit Hal Scott Regional Preserve and Park today for a fantastic time.
Address: Orlando, FL 32833, United States
4. Harry P Leu Gardens
Harry P Leu is a stunning 50-acre large park in Orlando, Florida.
Best believe that you will be thoroughly delighted if you decide to visit this park.
To get the most out of it, it may be advisable to go with someone, perhaps a dear friend or a lover.
You can laugh together as you explore that premises, holding hands and pausing to look into each other’s eyes.
This park aims to attract people to come and learn about plants.
It’s a shame that plants surround humans who depend on them for so much but know little about them.
This park hopes to change that.
It is open every day between 9 am and 5 pm, but hurry because you won’t be able to get tickets after 4 pm.
Address: 1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando, FL 32803, United States
Also see our article on Amusement Parks in Florida.
National Parks in Sarasota, Florida
1. Ted Sperling Park
If you are a Sarasota, Florida, resident looking to spend some time at a national park, consider Ted Sperling Park.
Situated in South Lido Beach, this park is all the delight and more!
First off, there is the beach, which is serene and relaxing.
Just gazing at the water is enough to make you feel fantastic!
This isn’t a bluff; research suggests that being around a body of water is excellent for your physical and mental health.
At Ted Sperling Park, you can rent a canoe or kayak to explore the waters.
This is why it is trendy amongst kayakers in Sarasota.
So why not take a bet on this park?
You won’t regret it—and that’s a promise!
Address: 190 Taft Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236, United States
2. Circus Trail Nature Park
Circus Trail Nature Park is another excellent choice for residents and visitors of Sarasota City.
It has a breathtaking walking trail that gives you the most splendid view of the premises.
You can go on a long walk on this trail with your partner on a lovely romantic evening.
Otherwise, you can visit with your family and even bring your pets along if they are on leashes.
Circus Trail Nature Park does not permit pets to roam around unbound.
According to online reviewers, the trail is wide and marvelously paved, so you don’t have to jostle for space here.
If you prefer to cycle rather than walk, space is enough for you.
Everyone is welcome at Circus Trail Nature Park.
What are you waiting for?
Address: 400 N Beneva Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232, United States
3. South Lido County Park
You may prefer this waterfront park in South Lido County.
It is another excellent choice, as you may have heard.
Open every day from 6 am to 10 pm; it allows you enough time to explore and enjoy the various amenities it provides.
As always, it is best to go with a partner or someone you can have fun with because there is a ton of fun to be had at South Lido County Park.
Not only can you picnic and fish, but you are also allowed to swim in the magnificent water!
Otherwise, you may rent a kayak and explore the waters in it.
Either way, the water is not off-limits—isn’t that great?
In addition, there are also fabulous trails to walk and several exotic birds to sight.
This is one park that has it all!
Why not spend a day at South Lido County Park today?
You can only have good memories.
Address: 2201 Benjamin Franklin Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236, United States
Also see our article on Water Parks in Florida.
National Parks in Naples, Florida
1. The Naples Preserve
This park in Naples, Florida, is one of your best bets to spend some time at a national park.
Perhaps the most popular things everyone loves at this park are the gopher tortoises native to the area.
Gopher tortoises are little animals, but they significantly influence the animal kingdom because they are responsible for digging burrows that protect at least 360 other species.
At The Naples Preserve, you can observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitats.
You can also come to The Naples Preserve for a long walk.
It has a boardwalk that goes through Oak-Rosemary Scrub and Pine Flatwoods.
This boardwalk is an entire 0.4 miles long, so you can visit with your lover and have an excellent romantic talk.
Reviewers online say the preserve is well-preserved.
Address: 1690 Tamiami Trail N, Naples, FL 34102, United States
2. Freedom Park
Freedom Park is another fantastic choice for people visiting a Naples national park.
Because of the bustling nature of the city, taking time off to spend alone with your thoughts, surrounded by the beauty of nature, is always a great idea.
It must feel like being free from the demands of everyday life—like freedom!
Freedom Park is the perfect place to give you this experience!
It is named after the Freedom Memorial, built to honor the victims of 9/11.
Run by the Collier County Parks and Recreation Department, this park is 50 acres large.
It has a 3,500-foot boardwalk that provides a marvelous view of the park’s east side.
At this park, you’ll see fields and orchards that have been tended to for over 50 years!
Sightings of wildlife animals like the great blue heron and the barrelled owl are guaranteed!
Address: 1515 Golden Gate Pkwy, Naples, FL 34105, United States
3. Gordon River Greenway Park
This national park is a whopping 140-acre extensive!
Yup, get ready to walk till you can’t anymore!
The walking area is 2.5 miles long, consisting boardwalk, asphalt, and mulch.
But you can rest assured that your dogs are welcome if you keep them on a leash.
Gordon River Greenway Park has a reputation as an ‘ecological corridor in the heart of urban Naples,’ as their website puts it.
They put the advantage of the marvelous Gordon River to good use.
There are picnic shelters, wildlife viewing centers, and you can rent a canoe or a kayak to explore the river.
You can go with your loved ones to spend time with nature and make splendid memories.
Gordon River Greenway Park is one national park to delight you endlessly!
Address:1596 Golden Gate Pkwy, Naples, FL 34105, United States
Also see our article on Indoor Water parks in Florida.
National Parks in Destin, Florida
1. Henderson Beach State Park
Destin, Florida, may have a hundred parks, but you might not find one as delightful as this one!
That’s the God-honest truth!
Henderson Beach State Park is a must-visit; all your dreams and imagination find expression here!
Are you imagining a stunning view of 30 feet of snow-white dunes running along a shore?
You will find it here!
Henderson Beach State Park is so beautiful that you may be surprised to see a wedding ceremony ongoing on your visit!
It can be an excellent location for your wedding.
If you are already married, no troubles—you can visit to enjoy a romantic time with your partner.
Or much later with your beautiful kids.
Either way, this park is a great place to spend some time!
There are numerous wildlife to observe and fresh air to breathe.
Address: 17000 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, FL 32541, United States
2. Mattie Kelly Park and Nature Walk
Residents of Destin and visitors to the city looking to find a nice park to hang out at can also consider Mattie Kelly Park and Nature Walk.
It is one of the best choices available, with a whopping 4.5-star review on Google.
This bayou access park is over 10 acres large, enough to accommodate your aimless wanderings.
There is a beach area, a picnic area, and a pier, in addition to the nature walk in its name.
This nature walk allows you a splendid view of the flora and fauna on the premises.
You can bring your pets and walk them around the park without worrying.
If you’re looking to get some fresh air into your lungs, then you should check out this park!
Address: 825 Beach Dr, Destin, FL 32541, United States
3. Main Street Park
There is also Main Street Park.
This .75-acre national park in Destin, Florida, is a great choice, even though significantly smaller than the others.
For one, it is a waterfront park easily accessible to disabled people, which is a great plus, because it means that discrimination is shunned here.
Only a few parks, like Main Street Park, can boast of being fully ADA-compliant.
Reviewers online are delighted by the grassy knoll and fishing docks.
You can rent a boat or kayak to explore the water body in the park.
Take a weekend off and visit the tiny little paradise with your loved one or pet.
Or go with a book and enjoy a nice and quiet reading time.
The choice is yours!
Address: 605 Main St, Destin, FL 32541, United States
Also see our article on Botanical Gardens in Florida.
National Parks in Jacksonville, Florida
1. Amelia Island State Park
For residents and visitors of Jacksonville, Amelia Island State Park is an excellent choice when it comes to parks to visit.
This wonderful park is 7 and 8 miles north and south of Little Talbot State Park and Fernandina Beach, respectively.
The park is over 200 acres of ‘unspoiled wilderness’ expansive.
Here, you can find maritime forests, beaches, and salt marshes.
You can spend a relaxing time sprawled on the beach or decide to go fishing with friends or loved ones.
The park is open every day of the year, from 8 am to sunset, and there is a 2-dollar fee for each person to gain access to the premises.
Come with your correct change!
A shop also sells snacks, refreshments, and fishing supplies, should you need them.
Go and have a great time at Amelia Island State Park today!
Address: State Road A1A North, Jacksonville, FL 32226, United States
2. Yellow Bluff Fort Historic State Park
This is another fantastic choice for visiting national parks in Jacksonville, Florida.
Seriously, if it is not your best bet, it comes close!
You can rest easy knowing that visiting this park will be a great delight, fully rejuvenating you to return to the hustle and bustle of life.
Yellow Bluff Fort Historic State Park gives you the unique experience of returning in time.
It is an essential historic location: a civil war encampment preserved over centuries.
Situated at the opening of the St. Johns River, it used to shelter more than 250 soldiers.
There is a nature trail that you can walk with your pets.
You may also have a family picnic on the premises, and you don’t have to rein your kids in.
They are free to run as they like!
You should check out this park!
Address: New Berlin Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32226, United States
3. Fort George Island Cultural State Park
Fort George Island Cultural State Park is one park you will recommend to friends and loved ones after just your first visit!
The reason for this is simple: it will ultimately take your breath away.
There is no limit to the fun you can have in this cultural state park!
Fort George Island Cultural State Park is such a dream location that many weddings are held there.
Lovers find that they want to get married here after visiting the park.
The park is situated on a Native American island inhabited for over 5000 years!
There are all sorts of fun activities to be enjoyed here.
You can go fishing, hiking, birding, bicycling, etc.
There is also a picnic pavilion.
You can access the entire park in a wheelchair.
Address: 12241 Fort George Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32226, United States
Also see our article on Haunted Houses in Florida.
National Parks in Tampa, Florida
1. New Tampa Nature Park
This is likely the first park that will come up if you type ‘National Parks in Tampa, Florida’ into a Google search bar.
With a whopping 4.6-star review on Google, it is probably your best bet if you are looking for a park to visit in the city.
New Tampa Nature Park is a wooded park with numerous paved and unpaved trails to hike or cycle on.
Open from sunrise to sunset; this is another park that can boast strict ADA compliance, as sidewalks are disabled-accessible.
If you would like a quiet time at this park, your best bet is in the afternoon, as mornings and evenings are often busy with runners and cyclists.
This park has so much to experience; it is a must-visit!
Address: 17001 Dona Michelle Dr, Tampa, FL 33612, United States
2. McKay Bay Nature Park
You may not find a more conducive park in Tampa, Florida.
McKay Bay Nature Park has 38 acres of space and puts it all to good use!
There are mudflats, mangroves, an observation tower cum education pavilion, and an entire 900-foot trail along them.
If you only visited to walk this trail, best believe it would have been a fantastic trip!
There are various wildlife animals to spot, including many species of birds.
McKay Bay Nature Park is an avian sanctuary specially dedicated by the government.
On a good day, you will find tons of wading birds cutting across the sky—a delight that has the potential to fill your dreams.
Visit McKay Bay with your partner and share a wonderful kiss in a beautiful place.
You won’t regret a single thing!
Address: 134 N 34th St, Tampa, FL 33605, United States
3. Ybor City Museum State Park
Finally, Ybor City Museum State Park is another excellent choice in Tampa, Florida.
Ybor is a bustling neighborhood in Tampa, Florida, known for its boutiques and vintage shops.
But the park is a breath of fresh air away from all the life and exhaustion of the neighborhood.
You can visit this park to get a sense of the cultural origins of the neighborhood, also known as the ‘cigar capital of the world.’
The museum will introduce you to the rich culture of Ybor City and its cigar industry.
Open from 9 am to 4 pm every Wednesday through Sunday, Ybor City Museum State Park charges a 4-dollar entry fee for everyone except children of 5 years and below.
Visit today to have fun while learning history!
Address: 1818 E 9th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605, United States
If you liked this article, you may also like to read about the Grandest Castles, Popular Attractions, and Hidden Gems in Florida.
Looking beyond Florida? Check out our article on the best National Parks in New York and Illinois.