Manatees Galore At Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
Just over and hour and a half from Orlando Crystal River is one of the state’s most biologically diverse estuaries and one of the few locations where…
Read MoreFlorida State Parks
Things to do at Florida State Parks
Plan your adventure to some beautiful Florida State Parks that all feature some true hidden gems. These are some of our favorites all within an easy drive of Orlando & Central Florida. Enjoy pristine waterways, crystal clear natural springs, manatees, birds and other native wildlife everywhere you look. Swim, kayak, paddle board or take a boat tour - it's a real chance to relax and re-connect with the family away from the long lines at the theme parks.
Did You Know?
Interesting & useful facts
1.
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is one of the few places you can have a personal encounter with a Manatee.
2.
Weeki Wachee State Park is home to the world famous mermaid show - a classic Florida attraction enjoyed by generations.
3.
Blue Spring State Park is home to an annual Fire Fly Festival every April that lights up the night.
News About Florida State Parks
Blue Spring State Park Is Manatee Central
Just a short 45 minute drive from Orlando Blue Spring State Park is literally a breath of fresh air from the big theme parks. If seeing a…
Read MoreSome Popular Florida State Parks An Easy Drive From Orlando:
Wekiva Springs State Park
Distance from Orlando – 30 Minutes
Wekiwa Springs State Park is renowned for its crystal-clear springs, lush tropical hammocks, and abundant wildlife. The park has been a beloved destination for nature enthusiasts and families alike, offering various activities catering to all interests and ages. The park is a haven for water enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking, and swimming in the refreshing 72-degree waters of the Wekiwa Springs. The springs feed into the Wekiva River, providing an ideal setting for paddling adventures and wildlife viewing.
With over 25 miles of trails, Wekiwa Springs offers ample opportunities for hiking and biking. These trails take visitors through diverse ecosystems, from dense hammocks to scenic uplands, offering a chance to explore the natural beauty of Florida up close. For those looking to extend their stay, the park offers various camping options. Whether you prefer a developed campsite with amenities or a more primitive group camping experience, Wekiwa Springs has something to suit every camper’s preference.
The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including the native black bear. Birdwatchers and nature photographers will find plenty of opportunities to capture the beauty of the park’s inhabitants in their natural habitat. Guests can enjoy food and beverage services at the park’s concession stand. Plans are underway to expand catering options for special events, corporate outings, and social gatherings, making Wekiwa Springs an ideal location for a variety of occasions.
*Wekiva State Park now requires day visitors to make reservations so be sure to do so before your big day out with Mother Nature!
Blue Spring State Park
Distance from Orlando – 45 Minutes
Blue Spring State Park’s exceptional Florida views and crystal clear water offer swimmers, kayakers, fishermen, and guests an outstanding experience. In addition to the pristine waters, local wildlife is plentiful. During the winter, which is also manatee season, guests can see up to 600 sea cows in the park at once!
The St. Johns River Nature Cruise is the perfect way to experience the local wildlife. Our guide pointed out all kinds of Blue Spring species, like the Florida Scrub-Jay, ospreys, eagles, many other animals, and even cool-looking plant life. This tour is the perfect way to explore the area while relaxing under the shade of the covered tour boat.
Manatee season is November through March, when Blue Spring becomes home for as many as 600 manatees at a time! Turn your trip into a fully nature-immersed journey by staying the night in the park! Through Florida State Parks, you can reserve a cabin, RV spot, or a camping location.
Hontoon Island State Park
Distance from Orlando – 2 Hours 26 Minutes
Located in the center of St. Johns River in Volusia County and just about a half-hour from Blue Spring, Hontoon Island is only accessible by private boat or park ferry. The island has pine flatwoods, palm and oak hammocks, bald cypress swamps, marshes, and is surrounded by the St. Johns River, the Hontoon Dead River, and Snake Creek.
With a small historical museum full of fun exhibits, a playground, picnic tables, a retail shop for snacks and any forgotten supplies, a lending library with picture books for children aged four to nine, and a leisurely hiking trail, this is the absolute perfect place to take your little ones! Camping spots and cabins are also available for those that want to take their adventure to the next level of immersion.
The park also offers ten slips for boats to park, bike rentals, single kayak rentals, tandem kayak rentals, and canoe rentals. The island can be circumnavigated with a nine-and-a-half-mile (14 km) day trip, but for those that want more adventure, Blue Spring State Park is just a short paddle up the St. Johns River (3.5 miles) one way.
Rainbow Springs State Park
Distance from Orlando – 1 Hour 37 Minutes
The best part about paddling the Rainbow River is the crystal-clear waters that allow for amazing views of the wildlife that lies beneath the surface. Something greatly appreciated in this park is guests’ ability to swim in the headsprings here. Get some laps in, or just soak up the perfect water!
To really kick back and relax, guests rent an inner tube and take a cool, lazy float on the soothing natural river. You can also rent a canoe or a kayak and journey out onto the gorgeous waters of one of the top recreational water sports destinations in Florida.
If you thought the headsprings were a sight to see, just wait! The nature trail hikes consist of shady gardens laced with azaleas, oaks, and magnolias, and they pass by three man-made waterfalls and a native plant garden. One trail winds back behind the gardens through the natural oak hammock and sandhill communities.
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
Distance from Orlando – 1 Hour 37 Minutes
Crystal River is one of the state’s most biologically diverse estuaries and one of the few locations where gorgeous spring-fed freshwater mixes with the saltwater of the Gulf of Mexico. About 25 minutes north of Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, it offers many of the same services and is a year-round prime destination for hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, and board-watching. This park also features an excellent boat tour with phenomenal wildlife viewing options, including up-close interactions with manatees!
More than 27,500 acres of scrub, pinewoods, hardwood forests, salt marshes, and mangrove islands lay within the Park’s borders. Much of the property is still untouched, allowing visitors a glimpse of what this area of Florida looked like centuries ago. One of the best ways to enjoy this natural splendor is the seven-mile loop trail that brings mountain bikers and hikers on an awesome journey woven through the park.
Homosassa Springs State Park
Distance from Orlando – 1 Hours 16 Minutes
Homossasa Springs Wildlife State Park‘s approximately 50-acre site started as a popular train stop attraction in the 1940s, where people could enjoy a spot to cool off. Since then, it has become an intriguing preserve full of awesome local wildlife like alligators, black bears, red wolf, Key deer, flamingos, whooping cranes, and even the oldest hippo in captivity named Lu (he’s 62 years old!).
The park’s featured ‘Wildlife Walk’ brings guests on an exciting and elevated journey woven through the preserve’s many animal exhibits. All the animal inhabitants are in the reserve for the same reason: they cannot survive in the wild on their own. In the Underwater Observatory, visitors can gaze down into the depths of the spring to catch a glimpse of the diverse fish and adorable manatees in their natural habitat.
If you didn’t get enough wildlife views during your park journey, you’re sure to get your fill on the Homosassa Boat Tour which departs from the Visitor Center Boat Dock and makes its way through Pepper Creek towards the West Entrance of the Park. Once you arrive at the West Entrance Dock, the entrance to the Wildlife Walk is just right across the street! The boat ride is only $3.00, but you can also walk or take a tram on Pepper Creek Trail for free.
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
Distance from Orlando – 1 Hour 45 Minutes
The world-famous Mermaid Shows feature performances like the Little Mermaid, a crowd favorite. Watching the mermaids perform incredible underwater feats while telling the story is a must-see. The great waters of the Weeki Wachee Springs speak for themselves. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are also available for guests looking to explore the gorgeous river and springs. The trick at Weeki Wachee is to go on the weekdays because the park fills up to capacity every weekend.
When you first arrive, we recommend stopping by the Snack Shack to quickly grab cold drinks and snacks for activity fuel. The park also has various outstanding dining options like the Captain’s Quarters which provides guests with a view of Buccaneer Bay. Beer, wine, and frozen cocktails are also available.
De Leon Springs State Park
Distance from Orlando – 45 Minutes
De León Springs State Park, is a hidden gem located in De Leon Springs, Florida. This park offers a unique combination of natural beauty and historical significance, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. With its picturesque landscape, crystal clear spring waters, and various outdoor activities such as swimming, hiking, and birdwatching, De León Springs State Park provides the perfect setting for a relaxing day out in nature. The popular Old Sugar Mill Pancake House located inside De Leon Springs State Park is a 100-year-old replica of the original 1830s sugar mill where you cook-your-own pancakes at the table.