There’s more to Florida than beaches, alligators and amusement parks. A new study has revealed the top state parks to visit this autumn, with Blue Spring State Park in Orange City taking the crown as the best in Florida.
The study, conducted by Westgate Palace Hotel at Universal, analysed thousands of Tripadvisor reviews, ranking parks based on the percentage of ‘excellent’ ratings and the presence of positive feedback such as “clean,” “relaxing,” and “amazing views.” From hiking to kayaking, these parks offer memorable outdoor experiences, making them ideal for visitors seeking a nature-filled escape.
Topping the list is Blue Spring State Park, which garnered an impressive 77.73% ‘excellent’ rating from 2,124 Tripadvisor reviews. Of these, 1,651 visitors rated it ‘excellent.’ The park, known for its crystal-clear spring waters, offers swimming, kayaking, and the chance to spot manatees during the winter months.
In second place is Henderson Beach State Park in Destin, boasting 77.70% ‘excellent’ ratings from 2,421 reviews. Famous for its pristine white sand and emerald waters, Henderson Beach is a favourite among beachgoers, earning 1,881 excellent ratings.
Taking third place is St. Andrews State Park in Panama City, with 76.74% of its 2,399 reviews marked ‘excellent.’ This versatile park offers a mix of beach and inland activities, including snorkelling, bird-watching, and hiking.
Lovers Key State Park, situated in Fort Myers Beach, came in fourth with a 73.24% excellence rating. Known for its romantic atmosphere and diverse wildlife, it has garnered 2,258 excellent reviews out of 3,083 total. Lovers Key is particularly popular with couples and families, featuring the highest number of reviews mentioning the word ‘romantic’ and the third-highest for ‘quiet.’
Rounding out the top five is John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo, earning a 72.91% excellence rating from 14,435 reviews. Known for its vibrant marine life and coral reefs, it’s a popular spot for snorkelling and scuba diving, with many visitors praising the helpful staff.
Parks ranking sixth through tenth include:
- Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin (71.96%)
- Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Homosassa (71.34%)
- Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, Palm Coast (70.73%)
- Rainbow Springs State Park, Dunnellon (70.65%)
- Fort Clinch State Park, Fernandina Beach (69.24%).
Despite Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park in Key West ranking at the bottom of the list, it still received ‘excellent’ ratings in over 50% of its reviews, highlighting Florida’s overall appeal to nature lovers.
A spokesperson from Westgate Palace Hotel at Universal said, “As Florida’s hiking season kicks off in October, these state parks stand out for their natural beauty, high visitor satisfaction, and unique offerings. Whether you’re seeking a serene beach day, an adventurous wildlife encounter, or a change of scenery from your park hopping adventures, these parks deliver exceptional experiences for visitors.
“With all of these parks maintaining more than 50% of reviews marked as ‘excellent,’ Florida continues to be a premier destination for nature lovers. In autumn, these parks offer prime activities like hiking, bird-watching, and water sports, offering visitors a chance to connect with nature and escape the hustle of everyday life.”
For those looking to explore Florida’s natural beauty this autumn, these parks promise unforgettable experiences.
