Florida State Park Day Trips from Tampa
There are several options for Florida State Park day trips from Tampa. I’ve rounded up a list of my top recommendations for parks to visit and included the best activities to do. One of the best things about Florida State Parks is there is a park for everyone, regardless of what activities you enjoy. Continue reading to start planning your next day trip destination!
Anclote Key Preserve State Park
This day trip requires use of a private boat or ferry service to reach your destination. Anclote Key Preserve State Park is just under 12,000-acres and is offshore Tarpon Springs. Popular activities include swimming, shelling, snorkeling, and relaxing on the beach. Another unique attraction at this park is the lighthouse. It is open to the public for climbing 1 weekend per month for approximately half the year. Depending on how you get to this park you will want to structure your day based on the amount of time you have at the park.
Many of the ferries that service Anclote Key leave from the Tarpon Springs sponge docks which I highly recommend checking out before you leave. Walk the streets and stop in at one of the restaurants for some delicious Greek food. My favorite restaurants are Mama’s, Kosta’s, and Mykonos. Another great activity to pair with Anclote Key is booking an Eco Tour with River Wild Kayaking!
- City: Offshore Tarpon Springs
- Distance: 32 miles
- Drive Time: 45 minutes
- Entrance Fee: Free
Egmont Key State Park
One of my favorite Florida State Parks is Egmont Key! There is truly so much to do in this little piece of paradise. This island is located off the coast of St. Petersburg, Florida and will require transportation via the ferry or private boat. If you use the ferry, you will have about 3 hours to spend at the park. Below is my recommendation of how to spend your day.
First, start by exploring the lighthouse grounds after the ferry drops you off. Next, hit the trails! There are around 3-miles of hiking trails which guide you through the remnants of the ghost town, allow you to explore historic batteries, and finally lead you to a beautiful red brick road. Once you’ve sufficiently explored the trails, I recommend finding a spot on the beach to relax and enjoy a packed lunch. Use the rest of your time to soak up the sun and go swimming or snorkeling in the ocean. Finally, pack up all your belongings and take the ferry back to Fort De Soto Park. Keep an eye out for dolphins on your way!
- City: Offshore St. Petersburg
- Distance: 37 miles
- Drive Time: 45 minutes
- Ferry takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour in addition to the drive time
- Entrance Fee: Free
Please note this is a remote island and no restroom facilities, food, or beverages are found in this park. You will want to pack any food, water, or other beverages you will need for the day. While there is no entrance fee for the park if you choose to take the ferry, you will have to pay per person for a ticket.
Myakka River State Park
Myakka River State Park is one of the largest Florida State Parks and is certainly worth a visit. Popular activities include bicycling, hiking, and paddling. Unique attractions include the canopy walkway and hiking to Deep Hole (permit required!). This is a great park to visit if you want to see wildlife as well!
My recommendation would be to start your day with the Canopy Walkway before it gets busy, then choose a longer hike to complete before having a picnic lunch. To round out the afternoon I would recommend strolling along the bird walk, enjoying the scenic drive through the park, and searching from the shore for alligators in Upper or Lower Myakka Lakes.
- City: Sarasota
- Distance: 70 miles
- Drive Time: 1 hr 15 minutes
- Entrance Fee: $6 per vehicle
If you are looking for another Florida State Park in the area to visit on your day trip, consider checking out Oscar Scherer State Park. You can also consider visiting Marie Selby Botanical Gardens or Sarasota Jungle Gardens, a zoological garden for more variety in your day!
Highlands Hammock State Park
Highlands Hammock State Park spans 9,000-acres and popular activities in the park include bicycling, hiking, and picnicking. This park stands out because you can find more rare and endemic species here than any other Florida State Park.
First, start your day by visiting the museum to learn more about the history of the park. Next, choose from the 9 hiking trails in the park to immerse yourself in nature. Then, enjoy a picnic lunch. Finally, end your day by taking a tram tour for the chance to observe wildlife up close. The hours of operation vary by season and more information can be found on the Florida State Park website or by calling the Hammock Inn (863-402-0061).
- City: Sebring
- Distance: 87 miles
- Drive Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Entrance Fee: $6 per vehicle
Gasparilla Island State Park
Gasparilla Island State Park stands out as another great option for a day trip. A unique feature of this state park is that there are 2 lighthouses! Gasparilla Island Lighthouse stands at 105-feet tall and is open for climbing on select dates. There is also a short 0.4-mile lighthouse trail through the mangroves to explore! The Port Boca Grande Lighthouse is 44-feet tall and includes a museum to learn more about the history of this park and the lighthouses.
Once you’ve explored the lighthouses and walking trail, I recommend spending the rest of the day relaxing on the beach! The beaches were beautiful, and there were minimal crowds. I recommend packing a cooler with plenty of water and a lunch to enjoy. Once you’ve soaked up the sun you can head back home.
- City: Boca Grande
- Distance: 103 miles
- Drive Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Entrance Fee: $3 per vehicle
- Please note there is an extra fee for a toll road needed to access the park.
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
One of the most popular Florida State Parks in Gainesville, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, needs to be on your list to visit! There are 3 entrances to the park which gives you plenty of options on how you would like to spend your day trip. You will also want to do some research before you go so you know which park entrance to visit.
One of the most well-known trails is the La Chula Trail where you can walk along the boardwalk and usually see several alligators sunning themselves along the trail. The boardwalk section is only 1-mile, but the entire trail is 3-miles (out-and-back). However, portions of the trail are often closed due to flooding.
Other unique wildlife you may spot while visiting this park are bison (if you’re lucky) or wild horses. The observation tower near the visitor center can be a great spot to look for wildlife. You can also consider hiking the Bolen Bluff Trail. This trail is a 3-mile loop.
There are several other hiking trails to pick from, but these are 2 of the more popular trails. Please note pets are not allowed on either of these trails due to wildlife. However, remember that wildlife sightings are never guaranteed!
- City: Micanopy
- Distance: 128 miles
- Drive Time: 2 hours
- Entrance Fee: $6 per vehicle (main entrance)
- La Chua Trail admission: $4 per vehicle
- Bolen Bluff admission: $2 per vehicle
Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park
Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park can’t be missed! Start your day by descending 132 stairs to the 120-feet deep sinkhole. The sinkhole is an impressive 500-feet wide with 100 feet of exposed rock layers. On the walk down to the sinkhole you will notice your surroundings almost feel like a mini-rainforest! Make sure you are also prepared to climb back up the stairs! Once you have thoroughly explored the views of the sinkhole, take a stroll on the 1.3-mile out and back nature trail. Depending how long these 2 activities take you, you can also consider having a picnic lunch before leaving the park.
It will not take a full day to explore, so I highly recommend pairing this park with another nearby activity such as San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park or Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
- City: Gainesville
- Distance: 138 miles
- Drive Time: 2 hours
- Entrance Fee: $4 per vehicle
Ravine Garden State Park
This state park can be visited year-round, but I highly recommend visiting during February or March if you can during peak azalea season! Hiking is one of the most popular activities here and I highly recommend the Azalea Trail which is a 2.5-mile loop and considered strenuous! If this trail seems a little too difficult for you there are easier trails including the Ravine Loop Trail (1.8 miles; easy), Whitewater Path (0.72 miles; easy), and Springs Trail (0.6 miles; moderate). Don’t forget to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy!
- City: Palatka
- Distance: 150 miles
- Drive Time: 2.5 hours
- Entrance Fee: $5 per vehicle
Washington Oaks Garden State Park
Enjoy the best of both worlds at this beautiful state park. The formal gardens are the highlight of this park, but you don’t want to miss the beach! You can find coquina rock formations here making it a unique beach to visit.
I would recommend starting your day in the formal gardens and then walk along the Bella Vista trail (1.7 miles) or Mala Compra hiking loop (0.5 miles) before enjoying a picnic lunch. Spend the rest of your day relaxing at the beach before heading back home!
- City: Palm Coast
- Distance: 170 miles
- Drive Time: 3 hours
- Entrance Fee: $5 per vehicle
Looking for more Florida State Parks near Tampa to explore?
I hope this list gives you some good ideas for Florida State Park day trips from Tampa. I’ve included a few more parks to consider visiting based on various activities. If you are interested in hiking, check out Hillsborough River State Park or Colt Creek State Park. For history buffs I always recommend Ybor City Museum State Park or Dade Battlefield Historic State Park. If you prefer to spend time on the water kayaking, Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park is for you! Lastly, if you enjoy mountain biking consider checking out Alafia River State Park.
