Florida is known for its beaches, state parks, tropical climate, marine life, and, probably most of all, Walt Disney World. Add the Kennedy Space Center, Miami Beach, and other theme parks, and you get a state that draws over 100 million people per year.
One of the biggest draws of all? Florida State Parks draw over 32 million visitors every year. The parks in Central Florida hold some of the most unique flora and fauna in the United States. These grea parks are just a day trip from your Kissimmee or Davenport vacation home.
Lake Louisa State Park
Photo Credit: SR Productions
- Address: 7305 U.S. Highway 27, Clermont, FL
- Hours: Daily 8:00 AM to sundown, 365 days a year
- Admission: $5 per vehicle (two to eight people); $4 single-occupant vehicle; $2 pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.
Just a short 50 minute drive from Kissimmee will take you to Lake Louisa State Park, famous for its unique flora and fauna. Canoe, kayak, and paddle board around any or all of the park’s three lakes- Louisa, Hammond and Dixie. If you’d rather experience the park by bike or hike, check out the park’s 7 miles of paved roads over rolling hills or 20 miles of nature trails.
Wekiwa Springs State Park
Photo Credit: Lucky-photographer
- Address: 1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka, FL
- Hours: Daily 8:00 AM to sundown, 365 days a year
- Admission: $6 per vehicle (limit of eight people); $4 single-occupant vehicle; $2 pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.
The emerald springs that feed the Wekiwa River have been alluring visitors since the mid-19th century. The Wekiwa Springs State Park appeals to anyone who is interested in bird watching, as it’s on the Great Florida Birding & Wildlife Trail.
Cyclists, hikers, and horseback riders can enjoy the 9 miles long bicycle trail. Fishing is available on the Wekiwa River and at Sand Lake.
Paddling is probably the most famous activity in the park. Enjoy the Wekiva River or Rock Springs Run by canoe or kayak. A map of the river and a list of the launch sites is available on the Wekiva Wild & Scenic River website, and an entrance fee of $2 is required if entering from outside the park.
Is the park Wheelchair Accessible? Certainly! Accessible amenities include a chair lift for spring entry and a ramp for spring entry.
Planning ahead is key. It is recommended that you arrive early at Wekiwa Springs State Park as it is a very popular park, and visitors may experience long lines and could experience temporary closure for several hours.
Lake Griffin State Park
Photo Credit: Kelly Verdeck via Flickr CC 2.0
- Address: 3089 U.S. Highway 441-27, Fruitland Park, FL
- Hours: Daily 8:00 AM to sundown, 365 days a year
- Admission: $5 per vehicle (two to eight people); $4 single-occupant vehicle
Lake Griffin State Park encompasses 620 acres and is ideal for boaters, birding, fishing, hiking, paddling and even relaxing under Florida’s second largest live oak tree. You can rent a canoe or a kayak for $10-12 per hour to explore Lake Griffin’s marshes. Or, book a guided kayak tour or water boat tour starting at $25 per person.
Accessible amenities include a picnic pavilion, picnic tables and benches, fire rings, fishing, and boat tours. Service animals are welcome in all areas of Florida State Parks.
Blue Spring State Park
Photo Credit: Tricia Yager
- Address: 2100 W. French Ave., Orange City, FL
- Hours: Daily 8:00 AM to sundown, 365 days a year
- Admission: $6 per vehicle (two to eight people); $4 single-occupant vehicle; $2 pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.
Through many years of conservation efforts, manatee numbers in the park in 2023 have been a record-setting 729, up from just 14 in 1970. Swim, scuba, snorkel, canoe, kayak, paddle, hike, fish, boat, and picnic at Blue Spring State Park. Have we missed anything? Oh yeah, there’s a historic site in the park, too. There’s something for everyone here. Rentals and guided tours are available for all water activities.
Accessible amenities include boat tours, a fishing dock, the first floor of Thursby House, picnic facilities and interpretive exhibits.
Planning ahead for your trip to Blue Spring State Park is key. Like Wekiwa Springs, it is recommended that you arrive early as it is a very popular park, and visitors may experience long lines and temporary closure. And trust us, you don’t want to be shut out of this park. We try not to play favorites, but this state park is very special.
De León Springs State Park
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons via Google Images CCL
- Address: 2860 Ponce de Leon Springs Road, Ponce de Leon FL 32455
- Hours: Daily 8:00 AM to sundown, 365 days a year
- Admission: $4 per vehicle (up to eight people). Please use the honor box to pay fees. Correct change is required; $2 pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.
Named for Juan Ponce de León, who led the first Spanish expedition to Florida in 1513, the natural springs’ water temperature stays at a constant 68 degrees Fahrenheit year-round at De León Springs State Park. Two underground water flows come together to make the main spring (legend refers to it as the fountain of youth) and produce 14 million gallons of water daily.
The park is also well known for winter birding to view the wildlife in migration. Self-guided trails and seasonal guided walks through a lush, hardwood forest are very popular with hikers.
Fish for catfish, largemouth bass, chain pickerel, and panfish; take a snorkel or swim; and picnic in the park. Grills and pavilions are available.
Accessible amenities include a chair lift at the spring and picnic facilities. Ponce de Leon Springs State Park has very high visitation most days in the summertime. Long lines and temporary closure are possible.
Hillsborough River State Park
Photo Credit: Feng Cheng
- Address: 15402 U.S. 301 North, Thonotosassa, FL
- Hours: Daily 8:00 AM to sundown, 365 days a year
- Admission: $6 per vehicle (up to eight people); $4 single-occupant vehicle; $2 pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass; $60 per bus load or $2 per person, whichever is less.
At an hour’s drive from your vacation home in Davenport, Hillsborough River State Park has something for everyone in the family. If you’re experiencing the park in October, don’t miss the Annual Haunted Woods. Scary fun for the whole family and includes food, a scare trail, music, a costume contest, and a new kid-friendly Enchanted Woods.
Horseback riding is available along Model Dairy Road. Ride into the adjacent county park and back for approximately a 5 mile ride.
Bring your bike, canoe, kayak, or paddle board. If hiking is your game, you’ll find 4 hiking trails to choose from. Hike them all for a total of 7.3 miles. The trails follow the Hillsborough River through a dense, hydric hammock forest and provide many photo ops in nature.
Lake Kissimmee State Park
Photo Credit: Jeff Holcombe
- Address: 14248 Camp Mack Road, Lake Wales, FL
- Hours: Daily 8:00 AM to sundown, 365 days a year
- Admission: $5 per vehicle (up to eight people); $4 single-occupant vehicle; $2 pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.
Experienced paddlers can paddle Florida’s 53rd state designated 10-mile paddling path, Buster Island Paddling Trail, in Lake Kissimmee State Park. View the incredible birds and wildlife from the waterway and watch the alligators sunbathing from your craft. The area is known as the headwaters of the Everglades.
Hikers love Lake Kissimmee’s 13 miles of hiking trails for spot deer, bobcats, bald eagles, sandhill cranes, and other wildlife. The trails take you through pine flatwoods, oak hammocks, by freshwater wetlands, and out to gorgeous Lake Kissimmee.
Visiting Central Florida’s State Parks
Central Florida’s natural protected habitats are really something to behold. Your vacation plans should most definitely include a day trip to one of Florida’s State Parks. At just a short drive from your beautiful themed vacation home or a bespoke resort, they are deserving of a day trip!
