(public domain - University of Central Florida)
VISIT FLORIDA, the state's official tourism marketing corporation is Florida's official source for travel planning for global visitors. VISIT FLORIDA is not a government agency but a not-for-profit corporation created as a public/private partnership by the Florida Legislature in 1996.
Florida's tourism industry was responsible for welcoming 122.4 million visitors in 2021, a decrease from the record 131.4 million visitors in 2019 attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the latest economic impact study, Florida visitors contributed $96.5 billion to Florida's economy and supported over 1.6 million Florida jobs in 2019. According to the Office of Economic and Demographic Research, for every $1 the state invests in VISIT FLORIDA, $3.27 in state tax revenue is generated.
Biscayne (Miami, Key Biscayne, Homestead)
Within sight of downtown Miami, yet worlds away, Biscayne protects a rare combination of aquamarine waters, emerald islands, and fish-bejeweled coral reefs. Here too is evidence of 10,000 years of human history, from pirates and shipwrecks to pineapple farmers and presidents. Outdoors enthusiasts can boat, snorkel, camp, watch wildlife…or simply relax in a rocking chair gazing out over the bay.
Dry Tortugas (Key West)
Almost 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West lies the remote Dry Tortugas National Park. This 100-square mile park is mostly open water with seven small islands. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the park is known the world over as the home of magnificent Fort Jefferson, picturesque blue waters, superlative coral reefs and marine life, and the vast assortment of bird life that frequents the area.
Everglades (Miami, Naples, Homestead)
Everglades National Park protects an unparalleled landscape that provides important habitat for numerous rare and endangered species like the manatee, American crocodile, and the elusive Florida panther. An international treasure as well - a World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, a Wetland of International Importance, and a specially protected area under the Cartagena Treaty.
(descriptions by NPS)
Canaveral (Titusville, New Smyrna Beach)
Since ancient times, this barrier island has provided sanctuary to both people and wildlife. Many threatened and endangered species find refuge here, including sea turtles who nest on its shores. Like first natives and early settlers, you too can find tranquility. Stroll down a wooded trail. Reflect on a pristine undeveloped shoreline - the way things used to be.
Gulf Islands (Gulf Breeze)
What is it that entices people to the sea? Poet John Masefield wrote, “I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied.” Millions of visitors are drawn to the islands in the northern Gulf of Mexico for the white sandy beaches, the aquamarine waters, a boat ride, a camping spot, a tour of an old fort, or a place to fish.
(descriptions by NPS)
Castillo de San Marcos (St. Augustine)
A monument not only of stone and mortar but of human determination and endurance, the Castillo de San Marcos symbolizes the clash between cultures which ultimately resulted in our uniquely unified nation. Still resonant with the struggles of an earlier time, these original walls provide tangible evidence of America’s grim but remarkable history.
Fort Matanzas (St. Augustine)
Fort Matanzas National Monument preserves the fortified coquina watchtower, completed in 1742, which defended the southern approach to the Spanish military settlement of St. Augustine. It also protects approximately 300 acres of Florida coastal environment containing dunes, marsh, maritime forest, and associated flora and fauna, including threatened and endangered species.
(descriptions by NPS)
De Soto (Bradenton)
In May 1539, Conquistador Hernando de Soto’s army of soldiers, hired mercenaries, craftsmen, and clergy made landfall in Tampa Bay. They were met with fierce resistance of indigenous people protecting their homelands. De Soto’s quest for glory and gold would be a four year, four thousand mile odyssey of intrigue, warfare, disease, and discovery that would form the history of the United States.
Fort Caroline (Timucuan Preserve, Jacksonville)
At the settlement of la Caroline, French settlers struggled for survival in a new world. Many sought religious freedom in a new land, while others were soldiers or tradesmen starting a new life. The climactic battles fought here between the French and Spanish marked the first time that European nations fought for control of lands in what is now the United States. It would not be the last time.
(descriptions by NPS)
Big Cypress (Ochopee)
The freshwaters of the Big Cypress Swamp, essential to the health of the neighboring Everglades, support the rich marine estuaries along Florida's southwest coast. Protecting over 729,000 acres of this vast swamp, Big Cypress National Preserve contains a mixture of tropical and temperate plant communities that are home to a diversity of wildlife, including the elusive Florida panther.
Timucuan (Jacksonville)
Visit one of the last unspoiled coastal wetlands on the Atlantic Coast. Discover 6,000 years of human history and experience the beauty of salt marshes, coastal dunes, and hardwood hammocks. The Timucuan Preserve includes Fort Caroline and Kingsley Plantation.
(descriptions by NPS)
Gullah / Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor (FL, GA, SC, NC)
The Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor is a National Heritage Area and it was established by the U.S. Congress to recognize the unique culture of the Gullah Geechee people who have traditionally resided in the coastal areas and the sea islands of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida — from Pender County, North Carolina, to St. John’s County, Florida. Throughout the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor today there are vibrant and historic Gullah Geechee communities.
Loxahatchee Wild and Scenic River (Jupiter, Tequesta)
This scenic southern river flows through an interesting vegetative landscape which supports a wide range of aquatic and terrestrial fish and wildlife species. The river also provides for an abundance of bird species.
The Loxahatchee River is a special river, important to many in Florida. A resident, John Henkelman, has created three wonderful videos—available via YouTube—highlighting the many special values of the river. Our thanks to John for sharing these videos.
Hiking the Loxahatchee Wild & Scenic River, Kayaking the Loxahatchee Wild & Scenic River, Sounds of the Loxahatchee Wild & Scenic River
Wekiva Wild and Scenic River (Apopka, Altamonte Springs, Sanford)
The Wekiva River Basin is a complex ecological system of rivers, springs, seepage areas, lakes, streams, sinkholes, wetland prairies, hardwood hammocks, pine flatwoods and sand pine scrub communities. Water quality is exhibited in two ways. Several streams are clear due to being spring-fed. Others are blackwater; blackwater streams receive most of their flow from precipitation resulting in annual rainy season over-bank flows. The Wekiva and its tributaries are in superb ecological condition. The basin is almost entirely within Florida State lands and supports many species of plant and animal life, some of which are endangered, threatened, or of special concern.
(descriptions by NPS)
The Foundation’s mission is to support and help sustain the Florida Park Service through programs that:
Amelia Island is the only Florida state park that offers horseback riding on its beaches! Riding the beach at Amelia Island has been a favorite pastime of visitors for years. Kelly Seahorse Ranch - the visitor service provider - offers all the horseback riding fun that guests could want.
Avalon has more than a mile of increasingly rare undeveloped beachfront. The park provides a habitat for many species of wildlife.
Threatened and endangered sea turtles such as the loggerhead, Atlantic green, and leatherback nest on the beach during the spring and summer. Dune crossovers protect the fragile dune ecosystem.
The park is ideal for swimmers, snorkelers, anglers, and sunbathers for beach recreation. Swimmers and snorkelers are advised to be cautious of underwater obstacles left behind by amphibious warfare exercises during World War II. Visitors can enjoy a meal at sheltered picnic tables overlooking the beach
Some of the most picturesque areas along North Florida's Gulf Coast are found within the park, which supports over 4,000 upland acres.
Located on Alligator Point where Ochlockonee Bay meets Apalachee Bay, Bald Point State Park offers a multitude of opportunities for land and water activities. Coastal marshes, pine flatwoods and oak thickets foster a diversity of biological communities that make the park a popular destination for birding and wildlife viewing.
Each fall, bald eagles and other migrating raptors along with monarch butterflies are commonly seen heading south for the winter.
Bald Point offers access to two Apalachee Bay beaches for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, canoeing, kayaking and windsurfing. Facilities include a fishing dock and picnic pavilions.
Blackwater River boasts an incredible array of activities for the outdoor enthusiast, many centered around the park’s namesake waterway.
Despite its name — Blackwater, or the original Oka-lusa (water black) in the Muscogee language — the Blackwater River is normally a transparent golden-brown when seen against the white sandbars.
Most of the stream flows through undeveloped lands of the Blackwater State Forest and Blackwater River State Park, core areas of the largest contiguous longleaf pine/wiregrass ecosystem remaining in the world, one described as being rarer than a tropical rainforest.
The 150 acres of Bulow Plantation Ruins stand as a monument to the rise and fall of sugar plantations in East Florida. In 1836, the Second Seminole War swept away the prosperous Bulow Plantation where the Bulow family grew sugar cane, cotton, rice, and indigo. Ruins of the former plantation, a sugar mill, a unique spring house, several wells, and the crumbling foundations of the plantation house and slave cabins show how volatile the Florida frontier was in the early 19th century.
Today, a scenic walking trail leads visitors to the sugar mill ruins, listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. The park has picnic facilities and an interpretive center that tells the plantation's history.
Join us for canoeing, hiking, biking or just relaxing on a weekend getaway at Collier-Seminole! Bring your family, bring your friends, bring your camping gear and don't forget the marshmallows!
The 7,271-acre Collier-Seminole State Park lies partly within the great mangrove swamp of South Florida, one of the largest mangrove swamps in the world. A wide variety of wildlife, including several imperiled species, inhabit this unusual blend of temperate and tropical native plant communities.
Collier-Seminole State Park features vegetation and wildlife typical of Florida’s Everglades. Although rare elsewhere, the park covers one of three original stands of royal palm in Florida, co-existing with large areas of mangrove swamp.
Eden Gardens includes 163 acres of land that were part of the historic Wesley homestead.
The focal point of this park is a beautifully renovated two-story house with elegant white columns and wrap-around porch. In a setting of moss-draped live oaks, the 1897 mansion recalls a prosperous era before the virgin forests of longleaf pine and cypress were exhausted in this part of the state.
In 1963, Lois Maxon bought and renovated the home, creating a showplace for her family heirlooms and antiques.
Visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the Wesley House, meander through the gardens, enjoy a picnic and fish off the dock in Tucker Bayou.
Located along the meandering Suwannee River, Fanning Springs is an inviting source of cool, clear, crisp water that has attracted people for thousands of years.
Fanning Springs produces 65 million gallons of water daily, making it a second-magnitude spring. Historically, Fanning Spring was a first-magnitude spring as recently as the 1990s. The springs offer the perfect 72-degree water to cool down on hot Florida days and an abundance of underwater wildlife to view. Musk turtles, bass, mullet, freshwater flounder, bowfin (and manatees during the colder days) inhabit the springs and river.
Cool air, the sound of dripping water, a visual array of mystifying stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones and draperies - this is what greets visitors when they explore the otherworldly depths of Florida Caverns.
Florida Caverns offers visitors a rarity in the state, a chance to explore stunning caves. While moving between the large underground rooms, one can observe the many chisel marks made by 1930s-era Civilian Conservation Corps workers.
These hard-working men enlarged the cave passageways by hand so visitors could stand upright during the guided tours. They also built the park’s spacious visitor center.
We are excited to welcome everyone to visit the awe-inspiring splendor of Florida Caverns State Park.
Florida Atlantic University Libraries
777 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL 33431
(561) 297-6911
