| Florida State Parks are some of the greatest in | | | | and fishing. There are several nature trails |
| the nation because of the diverse beauty found | | | | throughout the park for a closer look at the |
| throughout the state. The 159 state parks in | | | | abundant wild life, including otter, deer, hawks, and |
| Florida offer a variety of activities, including hiking, | | | | herons. Canoe rentals are also available. To |
| camping, fishing, horseback riding, boating, and | | | | experience a life long forgotten in Central Florida, |
| cultural and historic exhibitions. At some of | | | | visit Lake Kissimmee State Park, only a shot |
| Florida's state parks visitors can even enjoy | | | | drive from America's most popular vacation |
| snorkeling and diving in the crystal waters of the | | | | destination, Orlando, Florida. Lake Kissimmee State |
| Gulf of Mexico. Central Florida State Parks are | | | | Park is home to 3 beautiful lakes that are perfect |
| tourist favorites because of their variety of | | | | for fishing, boating, or simply enjoying the area |
| landscapes and outdoor activities. Beach lovers | | | | wildlife that includes bald eagles, cranes, and even |
| can enjoy sunny Flagler Beach at the Gamble | | | | wild bobcat. Living history demonstrations are also |
| Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area. This | | | | available at the restored cow ranch like the ones |
| Florida State Park offers ocean side camping in a | | | | in the area more than a century ago. Full facility |
| fully equipped campground, as well as many | | | | camping is available at this popular Central Florida |
| recreational opportunities, including the popular | | | | State Park, as well as primitive and group camping |
| beach and a refreshing nature trail. Bring along | | | | facilities, and there are over 13 miles of hiking and |
| your Coleman inflatable sit-on-top kayak and | | | | riding trails through the scenic park. The amazing |
| enjoy boating through the Intracoastal Waterway | | | | beauty of unique Ravine Gardens State Park in |
| on one side of this Central Florida State Park. | | | | Palatka, Florida draws visitors from all over for all |
| Another great Central Florida State Park for | | | | sorts of occasions. The large, air conditioned Civic |
| boating, as well as exploration of Florida's rich | | | | Center is a popular location for meetings and |
| history, is the Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State | | | | weddings, while the 1800 sq. ft. wired picnic |
| Park. Guests are not allowed to camp overnight | | | | pavilion is perfect for receptions, family reunions, |
| at this national historic landmark, but the park | | | | and other large gatherings. Smaller picnic tables |
| makes a terrific day trip. Visitors can walk | | | | are also available, as well as many miles of hiking |
| through the trails surrounding the plantation ruins | | | | trails through the breathtaking azalea gardens |
| and see various interpretive demonstrations about | | | | planted throughout the once barren ravine. Florida |
| the site's history. Picnicking, fishing, and boating | | | | State Parks are so popular with tourists from |
| along Bulow Creek are also popular activities. Also | | | | across the nation that the state division of parks |
| in central Florida, Faver-Dykes State Park is a | | | | and recreation has developed an informative guide |
| favorite for bird watching and canoe camping. This | | | | to the 159 wondrous parks. Called Passport to |
| Florida State Park, just south of St. Augustine, | | | | Florida State Parks, the book is available through |
| borders peaceful Pellicer Creek, a state canoe trail. | | | | the state parks division. |
| Guests to the park can enjoy picnicking, camping, | | | | |