The 30 Best Conservation areas in Florida

The 7 Mile Loop Trailhead at Crystal River Preserve State Park is a must-visit destination in Crystal River, Florida. This park offers a unique opportunity to explore one of Florida's most diverse estuaries, where freshwater and saltwater meet to create a rich ecosystem. Covering over 27,500 acres of untouched land, the park is a true mosaic of different habitats including scrub, pinewoods, hardwood forests, salt marshes, and mangrove islands. Visitors can experience the beauty of Florida's natural landscapes and catch a glimpse of what the area looked like centuries ago.

King Spring is a stunning park located in Crystal River, Florida, United States. This picturesque institution offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area, with crystal-clear waters and lush greenery surrounding the spring. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and picnicking in this peaceful oasis. With its serene atmosphere and breathtaking views, King Spring is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Waterfront Adventures: Swimming with the Manatees is a top-rated tourist attraction and travel agency located at 704 Northwest 6th Street in Crystal River, Florida. Offering kayak rentals, pontoon rentals, and customized manatee tours, this institution allows visitors to experience the beauty and wonder of swimming with these gentle sea creatures in the warm waters of King's Bay. With tours starting at just $45 per person, Waterfront Adventures provides a unique opportunity to interact with the endangered manatees in their natural habitat. Crystal River is home to hundreds of manatees, especially in the blue springs, making it the perfect location for a memorable and educational experience.

River Rise Preserve State Park, located at 373 US Highway 27 in High Springs, Florida, is a serene and beautiful natural oasis where visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. The park is known for the unique phenomenon where the Santa Fe River disappears underground in O'Leno State Park and reemerges 3 miles away at River Rise Preserve as a circular pool before continuing on its journey to the Suwannee River. Surrounded by peaceful woods and towering trees, the park is a popular spot for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Anglers can spend a leisurely afternoon casting their lines into the river, while hikers and nature enthusiasts can explore the park's extensive trail system that spans over 35 miles. Equestrians, hikers, and fat-tire cyclists alike will find plenty of opportunities to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the park.

Edgewater Drive Park is a beautiful outdoor space located at 1925 Edgewater Drive in Clearwater, Florida. This park offers a serene and scenic setting for visitors to enjoy nature, relax, and unwind. With lush greenery, walking paths, and picnic areas, Edgewater Drive Park is the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, a family outing, or a peaceful afternoon in the sunshine. Whether you're looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life or simply want to connect with nature, Edgewater Drive Park provides a tranquil escape for all who visit.

Tarpon Springs Bayou is a picturesque park and popular tourist attraction located on Lake Tarpon Avenue in Tarpon Springs, Florida, United States. This beautiful bayou offers stunning views of the surrounding natural scenery and provides a peaceful setting for visitors to relax and enjoy the outdoors. With walking paths, picnic areas, and opportunities for birdwatching, Tarpon Springs Bayou is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking to unwind in a tranquil setting or explore the local wildlife, this charming park has something for everyone to enjoy.

A.L. Anderson Park, located at 39699 US Highway 19 North in Tarpon Springs, Florida, is a 135-acre park that offers a peaceful retreat for visitors. With wooded areas to explore, cypress trees lining the trail shoreline, and stunning views of Salmon Bay and Lake Tarpon, this park is a popular tourist attraction in the area. The park is open 7 days a week from 7 a.m. to sunset, allowing visitors to enjoy its natural beauty at their convenience. Additionally, visitors can access online services such as permitting, inspection scheduling, and fee payments through the county’s website. For more information on planning your visit to A.L. Anderson Park, you can contact Visit St. Pete/Clearwater at (727) 582-2100.

Howard Park Beach, located at Howard Park Causeway in Tarpon Springs, Florida, is a stunning natural feature that offers 155 acres of park and beach along the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors can enjoy a 1-mile causeway leading to a beautiful white sandy beach, perfect for swimming and watching sunsets. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including eagles, gopher tortoises, and fox squirrels. Open seven days a week from 7 a.m. until sunset, Howard Park Beach provides a peaceful escape for residents and tourists alike. The park was named in honor of Fred H. Howard, a former mayor of Tarpon Springs who played a key role in its development. His dedication to the community and the park is commemorated with a bronze plaque at the base of the park's flagpole.

Suncoast Water Gardens is a beautiful park located at 9299 County Line Road in Spring Hill, Florida. This tranquil oasis is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with nature. The park features stunning water gardens filled with colorful aquatic plants and fish, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can stroll along winding pathways, relax on benches overlooking the water, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the natural world. Whether you're looking for a quiet place to reflect or a peaceful spot to unwind, Suncoast Water Gardens is the ideal destination for nature lovers of all ages.

Little Fishing Lakes is a charming park located at 2271 Osowaw Boulevard in Spring Hill, Florida. This peaceful and scenic spot is perfect for those looking to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing in a serene environment. The park features several small lakes that are stocked with a variety of fish, making it a great spot for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you're looking to cast a line or simply enjoy the beauty of nature, Little Fishing Lakes is the perfect destination for a day of outdoor enjoyment.

Located at 10333 Scenic Drive in Port Richey, Florida, the Werner-Boyce State Park Scenic Dr Trail Head is a picturesque park offering a variety of outdoor activities for nature lovers. With a $2 fee for bicycles or pedestrians and $4 for vehicles (up to eight people), visitors can explore the park's mangroves, tidal creeks, salt marshes, and Gulf of Mexico waterways by kayak or canoe. The park also features the Springs Trail, which takes hikers through pine flatwoods and oak hammocks to see artesian springs and tidal waterfalls. Birdwatchers will enjoy the park's viewing stands for spotting bald eagles, roseate spoonbills, black rails, and various other bird species. While the park does not have swimming areas due to mangroves, visitors can launch their watercraft to reach Durney Key for swimming. Maps and kayak rentals are available at the park's concessionaire, Salty Dog Kayak Rentals, open Thursday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Explore the rich history and diverse wildlife of Werner-Boyce State Park at this scenic trail head.

Weeki Wachee Woodlands is a beautiful park located at 7369 Hiawatha Parkway in Spring Hill, Florida, United States. This serene and picturesque institution offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the woodlands. With lush greenery, walking trails, and picnic areas, Weeki Wachee Woodlands is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Whether you're looking to go for a leisurely stroll, have a picnic with family and friends, or simply enjoy the beauty of nature, Weeki Wachee Woodlands is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Monkey Island is a unique and exciting park located in Homosassa, Florida, United States. As the name suggests, this park is home to a variety of playful and mischievous monkeys that visitors can observe and interact with. The island is a lush and tropical paradise, providing the perfect habitat for these fascinating creatures. Visitors to Monkey Island can enjoy watching the monkeys swing from tree to tree, play with each other, and even perform tricks for treats. The park offers a truly immersive experience, allowing guests to get up close and personal with these intelligent and charming animals.

Chassahowitzka River Wildlife is a popular tourist attraction located at 8215 West Bounty Court in Homosassa, Florida, United States. This institution offers visitors the opportunity to explore the diverse wildlife and natural beauty of the Chassahowitzka River. From kayaking and canoeing to guided wildlife tours, visitors can experience the unique ecosystem of the area up close. With its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife, Chassahowitzka River Wildlife is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park West Entrance is a must-visit destination located at 9225 West Fishbowl Drive in Homosassa, Florida, United States. This park offers a unique opportunity to discover the wild side of Florida, featuring endangered species such as the Florida panther, red wolf, manatee, and whooping crane, as well as black bears, bobcats, and alligators. Visitors can explore the natural beauty of the park, including the stunning spring bowl where a variety of fresh and saltwater fish can be observed. The Underwater Observatory allows guests to "walk underwater" and observe fish and manatees in their natural habitat. The park also houses a range of captive animals, including alligators, black bears, red wolves, Key deer, flamingos, whooping cranes, and even the oldest hippopotamus in captivity.

Weekiwachee Preserve is a stunning natural oasis located along Shoal Line Boulevard in Spring Hill, Florida. This expansive park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of activities such as hiking, bird-watching, and picnicking. Visitors can explore the diverse ecosystems within the preserve, including wetlands, forests, and marshes. The tranquil surroundings make it the perfect place to unwind and connect with nature. With its scenic beauty and abundant wildlife, Weekiwachee Preserve is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of Florida's natural landscape.

Buford Spring Trailhead is a park located at US-19 in Brooksville, Florida, United States. Most of the refuge is only accessible by boat, but the trailhead provides land base access to the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge. Visitors can hike trails, launch paddle craft, enjoy a sheltered pavilion, and observe wildlife from a two-story tower. Established in 1943 to benefit waterfowl, the refuge is now important for endangered West Indian manatees. The refuge focuses on wildlife conservation, managing lands and waters to ensure the survival of native species. Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge protects critical habitat for manatees and serves as a breeding and feeding ground for marine life. The refuge is home to many species of birds and works with others to conserve and protect wildlife and habitats for the benefit of the American people. Please note that links to external websites do not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Get Up And Go Kayaking - Weeki Wachee is a top-rated travel agency located at 8092 Marys Fish Camp Road in Spring Hill, Florida. Rated as the #1 activity near Springhill, USA TODAY has also ranked their tours as the best in the USA. With over 2,700 five-star reviews, this institution is dedicated to providing unforgettable experiences on the beautiful Weeki Wachee River. Their clear kayaks offer stunning views of the spring-fed river and its abundant wildlife, including manatees, dolphins, and more. The institution is passionate about conservation and donates a portion of each tour to manatee conservation. Their certified Guardian Guides from the Save the Manatee Club provide unique facts about the local waterways and wildlife during the paddle.

La Chua Trailhead is a park and tourist attraction located at 4270 Southeast 15th Street in Gainesville, Florida, United States. This unique institution offers visitors the chance to see wild horses and bison roaming the prairie, along with nearly 300 species of birds, alligators, deer, and other wildlife. The park features eight trails, including the 16-mile paved Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail, for exploring and observing wildlife. A 50-foot high observation tower provides panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Lake Alto North Preserve is a stunning park and tourist attraction located at 14512 County Road 1471 in Waldo, Florida, United States. This beautiful preserve offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings of North Florida. With picturesque views of Lake Alto, visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, picnicking, and more. The peaceful atmosphere and diverse wildlife make Lake Alto North Preserve a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park is one of Florida's first state parks, showcasing the incredible artistry of the Civilian Conservation Corps from the 1930s. Located on 600 acres of rolling sandhills in Keystone Heights, Florida, this park boasts a stunning old-growth stand of longleaf pines and a unique head ravine with seepage springs. Visitors can explore the park's nature trails and a section of the Florida National Scenic Trail, perfect for hiking and wildlife viewing. Little Lake Johnson offers swimming and fishing opportunities, while canoeing is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon. The park also features a large picnic area, pavilions, playground, and three campgrounds with water and electricity.

The Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway Park is a unique and diverse institution located at 8282 Southeast Highway 314 in Ocala, Florida, United States. This park is part of one of the nation's largest incomplete public works projects, now transformed into a 110-mile linear park spanning Central Florida from the Gulf of Mexico to the St. Johns River. Covering more than 70,000 acres of land formerly known as the Cross Florida Barge Canal, the Greenway offers over 300 miles of trails for paddling, hiking, mountain biking, equestrian activities, and paved multi-use paths. It is also a wildlife corridor, with a "land bridge" across a major interstate that both trail users and wildlife utilize. Black bears are known to use the Greenway as a major corridor, especially near the Ocala National Forest.

Indian Lake State Forest is a beautiful park located in Silver Springs, Florida, United States. Covering a vast area of land, this institution offers visitors the chance to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the forest. With various hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic viewpoints, Indian Lake State Forest is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Whether you're looking to go for a leisurely stroll or embark on a challenging hike, this park has something for everyone. Come and experience the tranquility and serenity of Indian Lake State Forest today!

Lake Hernando Park is a picturesque and serene park located in Hernando, Florida. Situated at 3699 East Orange Drive, this popular tourist attraction offers visitors a peaceful escape surrounded by natural beauty. The park features a tranquil lake perfect for fishing and boating, as well as scenic walking trails and picnic areas for visitors to enjoy. Whether you're looking to relax by the water, explore the great outdoors, or simply soak in the stunning views, Lake Hernando Park is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Located in Hawthorne, Florida, the Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail Head is a park that serves as the starting point for the Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail. This 16-mile trail takes visitors on a journey through various conservation lands, including the Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. As you explore this historic rail bed turned greenway, you will encounter native plants, wildlife, and stunning scenery that showcases the beauty of Florida. The trail also offers insights into the area's history, with stops of interest highlighting the story of small railroad towns and human activity along the corridor.

Starkey Wilderness Preserve is a beautiful park located in New Port Richey, Florida. Spanning over 8,000 acres, this preserve is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore miles of hiking and biking trails, enjoy birdwatching, and immerse themselves in the serene natural surroundings. The preserve is home to a diverse range of wildlife and plant species, making it a perfect destination for those looking to reconnect with nature. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous outdoor experience, Starkey Wilderness Preserve offers something for everyone.

The Park on Waters is a modern and inviting institution located at 2701 West Waters Avenue in Tampa, Florida. This facility offers a range of services and amenities for residents and visitors to enjoy. With a focus on providing a comfortable and welcoming environment, The Park on Waters is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Whether you are looking for a peaceful retreat or a vibrant social hub, this institution has something for everyone. Come and experience the beauty and tranquility of The Park on Waters today.

Highland Nature Park is a serene and picturesque park located at 500-648 Highland Avenue in Tarpon Springs, Florida. This beautiful tourist attraction is a hidden gem, offering visitors a peaceful escape into nature. With lush greenery, winding paths, and scenic views, Highland Nature Park is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Whether you're looking to go for a leisurely stroll, have a picnic with family and friends, or simply enjoy the sights and sounds of the great outdoors, this park has something for everyone. Come explore the natural beauty of Highland Nature Park and experience the tranquility of this hidden oasis in the heart of Tarpon Springs.

Lake Townsen Preserve is a picturesque park and tourist attraction located at 28011 Lake Lindsey Road in Brooksville, Florida, United States. This beautiful preserve offers visitors the chance to explore the natural beauty of Florida with its lush greenery, serene lake, and diverse wildlife. Whether you're looking to go for a hike, have a picnic, or simply relax in nature, Lake Townsen Preserve is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. With its peaceful surroundings and stunning views, this hidden gem is a must-visit for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Annutteliga Hammock Trailhead is a picturesque park and tourist attraction located in Brooksville, Florida, United States. This tranquil oasis offers visitors the opportunity to explore nature and unwind in the beauty of the surrounding hammock. The trailhead provides access to scenic hiking trails, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure in the great outdoors, Annutteliga Hammock Trailhead is the ideal destination for a memorable experience in nature.