Here are our top picks for Florida State Parks, each with its unique charm and attractions:

Blue Spring State Park

Blue Spring has a rich history, dating back to botanist William Bartram in 1775. Today, it's famous for its manatee population, attracting visitors year-round. During manatee season, it's essential to plan ahead as the park gets busy.

• Entry Fee: $6 per vehicle (up to 8 people)
• Activities: Blue Spring is a haven for manatee enthusiasts. During the winter months, manatees gather in the warm waters of the spring run, making it a prime spot for manatee watching. When manatees aren't present, visitors can swim, snorkel, hike, and take ecotours to explore the St. Johns River ecosystem. Picnicking and wildlife viewing are also popular activities.

Devils Millhopper Geological State Park

Located in Gainesville, this park is a geological wonder with lush vegetation and cascading waterfalls. You can descend into the sinkhole via a staircase and explore its diverse plant life.

• Entry Fee: $4 per vehicle (up to 8 people)
• Activities: This unique park features a 120-foot-deep sinkhole with a 132-step staircase leading to its bottom. Visitors can explore the sinkhole's lush vegetation, waterfalls, and geological wonders. Hiking trails offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts, while birdwatchers can spot various avian species.

Florida Caverns State Park

Explore both above and below ground in this fascinating park in Marianna. The cave tour takes you through unique geological formations, while above ground, you'll find hiking trails and a spring for swimming.

• Entry Fee: $5 per vehicle (up to 8 people)
• Activities: Florida Caverns is known for its impressive limestone caves, offering guided cave tours that showcase stunning underground landscapes. Above ground, you can hike, picnic, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Chipola River floodplain. The park also provides equestrian trails and camping facilities.

Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail

Don't be fooled by its name; this trail offers more than just a rail-trail experience. It features challenging terrain, scenic overlooks, and access to other trails that can't be reached any other way.

• Entry Fee: None
• Activities: This multi-use trail caters to cyclists and hikers alike. It offers challenging terrain with climbs and curves, along with opportunities for birdwatching and enjoying scenic overlooks. You can also access other trails from this path.

Highlands Hammock State Park

A testament to old-growth Florida, this park protects ancient oaks and palms. You can explore short nature trails, drive through the loop road, and immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of this unique ecosystem.

• Entry Fee: $6 per vehicle (up to 8 people)
• Activities: Highlands Hammock preserves ancient oak and palm hammocks, providing a tranquil setting for visitors. The park offers short nature trails, a scenic loop drive, and picnicking areas. Hikers can explore multiple named trails within the park, including the captivating 0.6-mile Cypress Boardwalk.

Hillsborough River State Park

Witness the beauty of the Hillsborough rapids beneath grand cypress trees. This park, one of Florida's oldest, offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a cool swinging bridge. Don't forget to explore the lagoon by paddle.

• Entry Fee: $6 per vehicle (up to 8 people)
• Activities: Enjoy the Hillsborough rapids, swim in the shallow pool (seasonal), and explore a swinging bridge. The park features picnic pavilions, gazebos, and a variety of trails for hiking and biking. You can also rent canoes to paddle along the river.

Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

Originally a roadside attraction, this park now focuses on showcasing Florida wildlife. Manatees are a highlight, and you can observe them from an underwater observatory. Lu the Hippo, the world's oldest hippopotamus in captivity, also calls this park home.

• Entry Fee: $13 per adult, $5 per child (ages 6-12), free for children 5 and under.
• Activities: Home to manatees, this park offers underwater observation of these gentle giants. Visitors can also explore the lush riverside forest, gardens, and an assortment of wildlife exhibits. Don't miss Lu the Hippo, the oldest hippopotamus in captivity.

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park

This Singer Island gem features coastal lagoons, tropical forests, and a beautiful beach with rocky reefs. It's a perfect place to relax, explore Munyon Island by kayak, and learn about coastal habitats at the William T. Kirby Nature Center.

• Entry Fee: $5 per vehicle (up to 8 people)
• Activities: The park boasts coastal lagoons, pristine beaches, and opportunities for paddle exploration around Munyon Island. Nature enthusiasts can visit the William T. Kirby Nature Center and enjoy birdwatching along the boardwalk. Some sections of the beach are clothing-optional.

Jonathan Dickinson State Park

Once a World War II radar training station, this park now offers miles of hiking and biking trails through its expansive pine forests. You can explore remnants of the former base, enjoy scenic views from Hobe Mountain, and even embark on the Ocean to Lake Hiking Trail.

• Entry Fee: $6 per vehicle (up to 8 people)
• Activities: With extensive hiking and biking trails, this park offers adventures through pine forests and historical remnants of Camp Murphy. Climb Hobe Mountain for panoramic views, explore equestrian trails, and paddle on the Loxahatchee River. The park accommodates campers and backpackers.

Manatee Springs State Park

Located along the lower Suwannee River, this park features crystal-clear spring runs, deep sinkholes, and ancient forests. The highlight is the first-magnitude spring, which feeds into the Suwannee River.

• Entry Fee: $6 per vehicle (up to 8 people)
• Activities: Manatee Springs boasts crystal-clear spring runs, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Visitors can hike through the forested trails, enjoy picnicking, and observe wildlife. The spring's large magnitude makes it a unique natural feature.

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

Known for its iconic mermaid shows, this park offers a unique underwater experience. Paddling along the spring-fed river is a popular activity, allowing you to immerse yourself in Florida's natural beauty.

• Entry Fee: $13 per adult, $8 per child (ages 6-12), free for children 5 and under.
• Activities: Known for its mermaid shows, Weeki Wachee offers underwater performances and paddling adventures along the spring-fed river. Swimming and picnicking are also popular, along with wildlife viewing and nature trails.

These Florida State Parks offer diverse experiences, from geological wonders to wildlife encounters and outdoor adventures. Explore them all to discover the beauty and uniqueness of the Sunshine State.