- Blue Spring State Park in Orange City is the best state park in Florida, according to visitors who gave it 78% ‘excellent’ reviews.
- Henderson Beach State Park in Destin ranked second, and St. Andrews State Park in Panama City Beach ranked third.
- Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park in Key West ranked at the bottom, yet it still received ‘excellent’ ratings in over 50% of reviews.
There is more to Florida than ‘gators’ and amusement parks. A new study reveals the top state parks in the Sunshine State, with Blue Spring State Park ranking first.
The study, conducted by Westgate Palace Hotel at Universal, analyzed Tripadvisor reviews for state parks across Florida. It focused on visitor satisfaction through metrics such as the percentage of ‘excellent’ reviews and the occurrence of positive keywords such as “clean,” “relaxing,” and “amazing views.” Each state park was ranked in accordance with its percentage of excellent reviews. From hiking to kayaking, these state parks have emerged as the perfect destinations for a memorable outdoor experience. This list shares the best state parks for tourists to visit in Florida.
Florida’s Best State Parks for Autumn 2024
| Rank | State park | Location | Total reviews | Excellent reviews | Percentage of Excellent Reviews |
| 1. | Blue Spring State Park | Orange City | 2,124 | 1,651 | 77.73% |
| 2. | Henderson Beach State Park | Destin | 2,421 | 1,881 | 77.70% |
| 3. | St. Andrews State Park | Panama City Beach | 2,399 | 1,841 | 76.74% |
| 4. | Lovers Key State Park | Fort Myers Beach | 3,083 | 2,258 | 73.24% |
| 5. | John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park | Key Largo | 14,435 | 10,525 | 72.91% |
| 6. | Caladesi Island State Park | Dunedin | 1,391 | 1,001 | 71.96% |
| 7. | Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park | Homosassa | 2,596 | 1,852 | 71.34% |
| 8. | Washington Oaks Gardens State Park | Flagler | 762 | 539 | 70.73% |
| 9. | Rainbow Springs State Park | Dunnellon | 937 | 662 | 70.65% |
| 10. | Fort Clinch State Park | Fernandina Beach | 3,657 | 2,532 | 69.24% |
Coming out on top is Blue Spring State Park in Orange City. Out of 2,124 total Tripadvisor reviews, 1,651 rated Blue Spring State Park as ‘excellent,’ giving it an overall excellence rating of 77.73%. With clear spring water that is perfect for swimming and kayaking and the chance to see manatees in the winter months, it’s no surprise that Blue Spring leads the list.
Henderson Beach State Park, Destin, ranks second, with 77.70% of all reviews being rated excellent. Henderson Beach State Park earned 1,881 ‘excellent’ ratings from 2,421 reviews. This coastal gem is known for its white sand and emerald waters, making it a favorite for beach lovers.
St. Andrews State Park, in Panama City, comes third with 76.74%. This is a result of 1,841 excellent reviews from 2,399 total. This park offers both beach and inland experiences, perfect for snorkeling, bird-watching, and hiking.
Lovers Key State Park in Fort Myers Beach secures the fourth spot with 73.24%. Known for its romantic setting and diverse wildlife, Lovers Key State Park garnered 2,258 excellent reviews out of 3,083, with a 73.24% excellence rating. The spot, which is popular for couples and families alike, had the highest number of reviews mentioning ‘romantic’ and the third-highest amount containing ‘quiet.’
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, located in Key Largo, is fifth, with 72.91% of its 14,435 Tripadvisor reviews being rated excellent. Its excellence score is thanks in part to its vibrant marine life and opportunities for more than hiking, with snorkeling and scuba diving activities along the famous coral reefs. John Pennekamp Coral Reef had the highest number of reviews mentioning the ‘helpful staff’ of all parks.
Ranking sixth through tenth are Caladesi Island State Park in Dunedin with 71.96%, Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park in Homosassa, with 71.34%, Washington Oaks Gardens State Park in Palm Coast, with 70.73%, Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon, with 70.65%, and Fort Clinch State Park in Fernandina Beach, with 69.24%.
A spokesperson from Westgate Palace Hotel at Universal commented, “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.”
