While it would be easy to kick this road trip off with Dry Tortugas, the least-visited National Park in the state, you, unfortunately, need a boat or seaplane to visit. However, this road trip will take you to many drivable state parks in Florida that might not get as much recognition as some of the big names out there. With a mixture of Florida state parks and forests on this list, let’s celebrate some of the historic and often downright beautiful spots throughout the Sunshine State by visiting a few of the least-visited state parks on this incredible Florida road trip.
The entire road trip takes about six hours to complete, so make sure to plan accordingly. You can always stretch this trip into a few days in order to really get the feel of it all. You can find the entire itinerary here.
Google Maps
- Colt Creek State Park - Lakeland
TripAdvisor The_Hailes The first stop on this Florida road trip is in Lakeland, Florida at Colt Creek State Park. This underrated gem is located at the foot of the Green Swamp and provides incredible habitat for pine flatwoods, wetlands, and cypress domes. With over 12 miles of multipurpose trails, you’ll be able to spend a few hours here at minimum, wandering through nature. 16000 State Rte 471, Lakeland, FL 33809, USA
- Dade Battlefield Historic State Park - Bushnell
Google Bill Waller Peppering in a little bit of history for the hidden gems in Florida the next stop is Dade Battlefield Historic State Park. What was established in 1921 to commemorate Dade’s Battle of 1835, has now ended up being more well-known for the 40-acres of flatwoods and a live oak hammock. 7200 Co Rd 603, Bushnell, FL 33513, USA
- Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park - Sanford
Google Daniel Bass The Wekiva River is one of the most beautiful and underrated natural aspects of Central Florida. Indigenous people used the abundance of this river for years, and now the system of wetlands and blackwater streams can be enjoyed by all, including a wide variety of wildlife. Come hike the trails or paddle along the river and enjoy the fresh air. Plus, if you’re looking to pause exploring the state parks in Florida for an overnight stop, these campsites are perfect! 8300 FL-46, Sanford, FL 32771, USA
- Bulow Creek State Park - Ormond Beach
Google Shai Dembala The truth is, Bulow Creek State Park is huge clocking in at over 5,500-acres of protected land. However, this Florida state park still remains a hidden gem tucked away on Old Dixie Highway near the Atlantic. Protecting one of the largest remaining stands of southern live oak forest, come see for yourself the beauty of these massive trees. 3351 Old Dixie Hwy, Ormond Beach, FL 32174, USA
- Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park - Gainesville
Flickr Clembore Memotech Devil’s Millhopper Geological Park is a beloved hidden gem in Florida’s natural system. This National landmark attracts visitors from all over, dating back to the 1880s. With water running into a sinkhole, plus tons of natural beauty, many have declared this area to be a miniature rainforest in the heart of Gainesville. 4732 Millhopper Rd, Gainesville, FL 32653, USA
- Goethe State Forest - Dunnellon
Flickr B A Bowen Photography We are ending this Florida road trip on a high note at the Goethe State Forest in Dunnellon, Florida. At over 50,000 acres of space, this state forest offers a wide variety of activities throughout nature. From the various equestrian trails and wildlife habitats, you’ll enjoy a slice of the outdoors you might not have known to exist. Keep an eye out for the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker that calls this forest home! 9110 SE Co Rd 337, Dunnellon, FL 34431, USA
So, what do you think about this Florida road trip? Have you been to any of these spots before? Share with us your experience in the comments section! Or if you have other Florida state parks, you think we should know about, make sure to shout those out, too.
Google Maps
TripAdvisor The_Hailes
The first stop on this Florida road trip is in Lakeland, Florida at Colt Creek State Park. This underrated gem is located at the foot of the Green Swamp and provides incredible habitat for pine flatwoods, wetlands, and cypress domes. With over 12 miles of multipurpose trails, you’ll be able to spend a few hours here at minimum, wandering through nature.
16000 State Rte 471, Lakeland, FL 33809, USA
Google Bill Waller
Peppering in a little bit of history for the hidden gems in Florida the next stop is Dade Battlefield Historic State Park. What was established in 1921 to commemorate Dade’s Battle of 1835, has now ended up being more well-known for the 40-acres of flatwoods and a live oak hammock.
7200 Co Rd 603, Bushnell, FL 33513, USA
Google Daniel Bass
The Wekiva River is one of the most beautiful and underrated natural aspects of Central Florida. Indigenous people used the abundance of this river for years, and now the system of wetlands and blackwater streams can be enjoyed by all, including a wide variety of wildlife. Come hike the trails or paddle along the river and enjoy the fresh air. Plus, if you’re looking to pause exploring the state parks in Florida for an overnight stop, these campsites are perfect!
8300 FL-46, Sanford, FL 32771, USA
Google Shai Dembala
The truth is, Bulow Creek State Park is huge clocking in at over 5,500-acres of protected land. However, this Florida state park still remains a hidden gem tucked away on Old Dixie Highway near the Atlantic. Protecting one of the largest remaining stands of southern live oak forest, come see for yourself the beauty of these massive trees.
3351 Old Dixie Hwy, Ormond Beach, FL 32174, USA
Flickr Clembore Memotech
Devil’s Millhopper Geological Park is a beloved hidden gem in Florida’s natural system. This National landmark attracts visitors from all over, dating back to the 1880s. With water running into a sinkhole, plus tons of natural beauty, many have declared this area to be a miniature rainforest in the heart of Gainesville.
4732 Millhopper Rd, Gainesville, FL 32653, USA
Flickr B A Bowen Photography
We are ending this Florida road trip on a high note at the Goethe State Forest in Dunnellon, Florida. At over 50,000 acres of space, this state forest offers a wide variety of activities throughout nature. From the various equestrian trails and wildlife habitats, you’ll enjoy a slice of the outdoors you might not have known to exist. Keep an eye out for the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker that calls this forest home!
9110 SE Co Rd 337, Dunnellon, FL 34431, USA
Which one of these Florida state parks are you most excited to explore? Before you take your trip, look at our Road Trip Essentials Packing List & Guide to stock up on everything you need.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
State Parks In Florida December 02, 2022 Megan Todaro What are the best beaches in Florida? The best beaches in Florida can vary depending on whom you ask. If you ask locals, they might tell you the best beach in Florida is the one they frequent the most or closest to their hometown. As far as hidden gems in Florida go, St. Pete Beach was named the best beach in Florida, according to TripAdvisor reviewers. But then again, Dr. Beach named Grayson Beach the best beach in Florida. If you want to see as many of the highly ranked beaches in one Florida road trip, this will take you from Jacksonville down to the Keys. Does Florida have any natural wonders? Florida has a variety of natural wonders, many of which cannot be found elsewhere in the world. For instance, did you know that Florida has a cavern in Marianna that guests can hike through? Or Devil’s Den, another hidden gem in Florida, features a collapsed cave over an underground spring. Another natural wonder includes the Florida Everglades, the largest tropical wilderness in the United States. The Everglades stretches over one million acres in size and offers a uniquely diverse biological diversity. What are the best day trips in Florida? The best day trips in Florida often include an attraction or adventure you wouldn’t find elsewhere. For example, St. Augustine, Florida, makes for the perfect day trip, as it is considered the oldest city in the country! Another great Florida day trip is to Rainbow Springs State Park, with one of the only waterfalls in the state. Or for space fans, a day trip to The Kennedy Space Center is all-encompassing. Here you can enjoy an interactive experience exploring some of the spaceships sent into outer space. Another memorable day trip in Florida is to Book Tower Gardens in Lake Wales. Here, you can enjoy a 250-foot-tall Singing Tower surrounded by a huge expanse of gardens.
The OIYS Visitor Center
State Parks In Florida
December 02, 2022
Megan Todaro
What are the best beaches in Florida? The best beaches in Florida can vary depending on whom you ask. If you ask locals, they might tell you the best beach in Florida is the one they frequent the most or closest to their hometown. As far as hidden gems in Florida go, St. Pete Beach was named the best beach in Florida, according to TripAdvisor reviewers. But then again, Dr. Beach named Grayson Beach the best beach in Florida. If you want to see as many of the highly ranked beaches in one Florida road trip, this will take you from Jacksonville down to the Keys. Does Florida have any natural wonders? Florida has a variety of natural wonders, many of which cannot be found elsewhere in the world. For instance, did you know that Florida has a cavern in Marianna that guests can hike through? Or Devil’s Den, another hidden gem in Florida, features a collapsed cave over an underground spring. Another natural wonder includes the Florida Everglades, the largest tropical wilderness in the United States. The Everglades stretches over one million acres in size and offers a uniquely diverse biological diversity. What are the best day trips in Florida? The best day trips in Florida often include an attraction or adventure you wouldn’t find elsewhere. For example, St. Augustine, Florida, makes for the perfect day trip, as it is considered the oldest city in the country! Another great Florida day trip is to Rainbow Springs State Park, with one of the only waterfalls in the state. Or for space fans, a day trip to The Kennedy Space Center is all-encompassing. Here you can enjoy an interactive experience exploring some of the spaceships sent into outer space. Another memorable day trip in Florida is to Book Tower Gardens in Lake Wales. Here, you can enjoy a 250-foot-tall Singing Tower surrounded by a huge expanse of gardens.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The best beaches in Florida can vary depending on whom you ask. If you ask locals, they might tell you the best beach in Florida is the one they frequent the most or closest to their hometown. As far as hidden gems in Florida go, St. Pete Beach was named the best beach in Florida, according to TripAdvisor reviewers. But then again, Dr. Beach named Grayson Beach the best beach in Florida. If you want to see as many of the highly ranked beaches in one Florida road trip, this will take you from Jacksonville down to the Keys.
Does Florida have any natural wonders?
Florida has a variety of natural wonders, many of which cannot be found elsewhere in the world. For instance, did you know that Florida has a cavern in Marianna that guests can hike through? Or Devil’s Den, another hidden gem in Florida, features a collapsed cave over an underground spring. Another natural wonder includes the Florida Everglades, the largest tropical wilderness in the United States. The Everglades stretches over one million acres in size and offers a uniquely diverse biological diversity.
What are the best day trips in Florida?
The best day trips in Florida often include an attraction or adventure you wouldn’t find elsewhere. For example, St. Augustine, Florida, makes for the perfect day trip, as it is considered the oldest city in the country! Another great Florida day trip is to Rainbow Springs State Park, with one of the only waterfalls in the state. Or for space fans, a day trip to The Kennedy Space Center is all-encompassing. Here you can enjoy an interactive experience exploring some of the spaceships sent into outer space. Another memorable day trip in Florida is to Book Tower Gardens in Lake Wales. Here, you can enjoy a 250-foot-tall Singing Tower surrounded by a huge expanse of gardens.
