As the cooler months begin to roll in, those living in chillier climates may be on the lookout for a break from the cold. While many people head to Florida during that time of year, you don’t have to limit yourself to theme parks or beaches. Looking to get off the beaten path but still bask in the sun? Check out some of these natural wonders Florida state parks have to offer!
Anastasia State Park
Located near St. Augustine, Anastasia State Park boasts 1,600 acres of tidal marshlands and coastline to explore. A self-guided nature trail brings you through a maritime hammock onto a sand dune-strewn beach. Imagine Ponce de Leon strolling along this same beachhead during his quest for the Fountain of Youth! The park also features campsites, canoeing, and kayaking, along with easy access to the many historic sites of St. Augustine. This town is the oldest continuously occupied settlement in the continental US, and many of the sites here predate British colonialism. Winter is a great time to visit with high temps reaching the low 70s and overnight lows in the mid 40s. No snow here!
Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park
Located just east of Naples in southwest Florida, Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park is known as the “Amazon of North America.” Roughly 100 square miles of swamp forest stretch across this quiet part of the Sunshine State, enjoying mid-winter temperatures ranging from the low 70s to the mid-50s. A wide array of Florida natives can be seen here, including some 44 species of orchids and 14 types of bromeliad. Florida black bears, white-tailed deer, and even the elusive Florida panther can be found in the park as well as the Everglades mink, a cute, furry fellow that looks something like a brown ferret. Migratory birds are especially abundant during the winter months.
The Talbot Islands
Want to head to the islands during your winter break? Try Little Talbot or Big Talbot Island State Parks. Located near Jacksonville on the northeast coast, Big Talbot is a premiere destination for birdwatching and photography enthusiasts. Hiking, kayaking, and fishing abound here. Big Talbot also features one of the most unique beaches in Florida: Boneyard Beach. This strand of shoreline is well known for the large quantity of salt-washed oak tree skeletons that line the beach.
Little Talbot State Park is a five mile stretch of unspoiled beach with desert-like dunes and salt marshes to explore. One of the few undeveloped barrier islands remaining in Florida, Little Talbot features river otters, marsh rabbits, bobcats, and a wide variety of native and migratory birds to see and enjoy.
