Great Florida Vacation Ideas

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Central Florida State Parks are a great idea for a day trip.  Want to see the real Florida, the one that’s not all concrete and attractions?  Come on, and I’ll tell you all about some parks that are closer by than you may realize.

Florida State Parks are possibly the finest in the nation because of the diverse beauty found here in the Sunshine State. The approximately 159 (and counting) parks in Florida offer numerous activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, equine riding, boating, and cultural and historic shows. Central Florida Parks are a favorite with tourists and resident alike because of their quantity of landscapes and outdoors activities.  All this being said, let’s go and check out some of the parks!

Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park

An excellent park for boating, or to find Florida’s wealthy history, is the Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park. Site visitors aren’t allowed to camping overnight as of this national historic landmark, nevertheless the park is an awesome trip.

Visitors can walk the trails all over the plantation ruins and discover various interpretive demos in regards to the site’s history. Picnicking, fishing, and boating along Bulow Creek are also quite popular activities.

Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area

Beach fans can take advantage of sun-splashed Flagler Beach within the Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area. This Florida Park offers ocean side camping in the fully fitted campground, which is not common in Florida (so campers, take advantage of it).

In addition to the beach, there are bicycle trails, hiking trails and boating — grab your kayak and paddle in this Central Florida State Park. No kayak? No problem, because canoes can be rented here, through a concession.  (FYI, bicycles are now also available for rental.)

Lake Kissimmee State Park

If you’re in Central Florida, you may also want to stop by Lake Kissimmee State Park, a hop, skip and jump from Orlando, Florida. Lake Kissimmee hosts three lakes, perfect for fishing or just boating. Then again, you might just want to view the wildlife including bald eagles, cranes, deer and if you’re lucky, a wild bobcat or two.

Living history demos can be found within the restored cow ranch like the ones in the area more than a hundred years ago. Full facility camping can be had at this popular Central Florida park, including primitive and group camping facilities.  There are over 13 miles of hiking and riding trails within the park.

Faver-Dykes State Park

Also in central Florida, Faver-Dykes State Park can be a favorite for watching wild birds and canoe camping. This Florida park, just south of St. Augustine, edges peaceful Pellicer Creek, which happens to be a designated state canoe trail.

You can take advantage of picnicking, camping, and fishing. You will discover 2 one-half mile trails within the park.  Keep an eye out for otters, deer, hawks, and herons.  There are also bicycling areas in Faver-Dykes.

Ravine Gardens State Park

What’s amazing about the unique Ravine Gardens State Park in Palatka, Florida, is that very few people know about this jewel.  Part of the reason is undoubtedly due to the location — Palatka isn’t usually thought of as a vacation destination (so to speak).  But that means you’ll not be faced with crowds very often!

The park is rather small compared to others in the system, at only 146 acres.  But there is an awful lot within its boundaries!  Miles of trails surround the once-barren ravine, and there is also an auto loop through the area (it closes an hour before sunset, though).  In the spring, the azalea gardens are truly breathtaking — it makes you realize why the state was named “Florida”.

Central Florida State Parks – Perfect for a Visit

These are only a few of the great state parks located in Central Florida.  They make great day trips, and give you a chance to see the real Florida, up close and personal.  And a day spent at any one of the Florida parks is far, far less expensive than tickets to an attraction. Pick your park and go have an adventure!