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Iconic as Sunshine, the beaches and coasts of Florida have come to represent the state. Marshes, beaches and mangroves create unparalleled beauty, the full scope of which can be seen in Florida State Parks

Rocks, sediments, landforms, and water across the state tell a fascinating story. Have you ever wondered why Florida has so many lakes, springs, beaches, and sinkholes? The answer lies within Florida’s vast geological past, which intertwines human history, earth history, ecosystems and economic development.

Whether it’s diving in a spring, floating down a river, or taking a dip in the ocean, there are many opportunities for you to enjoy the water and take a swim throughout Florida State Parks.

It’s the state’s only endemic bird, which means the Florida scrub-jay is found nowhere else, and its need for a specific habitat is one reason why scrub-jay numbers are declining. The only bird species that requires a sandy, scrubby habitat to survive is the Florida scrub-jay.

It is difficult to find a location in Florida that is further removed from urban and suburban light pollution than Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park. In 2016, Kissimmee Prairie Preserve was recognized as Florida's first Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Sky Association.

Florida school groups, including vocational schools, colleges and universities, can visit a state park without paying the day-use entry fee. We also offer the The Learning in Florida’s Environment (LIFE) program is a statewide program that brings middle school students out to public conservation lands for science-based environmental education.

The Operation Recreation GeoTour hosted by Geocaching.com, stretches from Pensacola to Key West and includes 71 of the First Three Time National Gold Medal Award Winning Florida State Parks and Trails. Visit 20 caches and win the Official Operation Recreation Geocoin.

Letterboxing combines navigational skills and rubber stamp artistry in a treasure-hunt style game. Letterboxers hide small, weatherproof boxes in publicly accessible places and post clues on one of several websites to help others find them.

Orienteering is a competitive international sport that combines navigational skills and racing - using a map and compass to navigate from one point to another.The challenge to this sport is not just finishing the race the fastest.

Waymarking helps participants catalog, mark and visit interesting locations around the world. Using GPS technology, users can pinpoint any location, mark it and share it with others, encouraging them to explore.

The world famous Weeki Wachee Mermaids want to hear from you! In an effort to promote education, the mermaids are answering letters from all students under the age of 17. This will encourage literacy and is a great way for your child to practice their best penmanship.

The auditorium at Weeki Wachee Springs sits 16 feet underground. Long wooden benches face a thick glass wall, which stays shrouded in blue curtains, resembling ruched swimsuits. But three or four times a day, the curtains rise to reveal clear water.

A Florida State Parks Annual Pass allows frequent visitors to enjoy parks for pennies a day! Annual Passes can be purchased a variety of ways and are available for individuals or families.

Smith is the matriarch of the Legendary Sirens of Weeki Wachee Springs, women in their 60s and 70s who volunteer to perform underwater as mermaids at this iconic central Florida attraction.

Florida Caverns is the only state park in Florida where visitors can take a guided tour through a large cave system and see some spectacular examples of cave formations including stalactites, stalagmites, columns and flowstone.