From ornate caves to underwater coral reefs, Florida is home to astonishing natural beauty. These wonders showcase the best that Florida's state parks have to offer. If you want to be amazed, here are eight parks you definitely shouldn’t miss!

There's no better time to get out on the water and there's no better place than at a Florida State Park. With miles of pristine rivers, clear spring runs and calm lakes to choose from, our parks are a great place for both beginners and veterans to explore.

The dust floats down and the sand makes small rain noises as Jackie McCowan shuffles along the scaffolding and climbs down. His job never ends, yet he returns every day with the same dedication and drive. Jackie is the historic brick mason for Fort Clinch, and his presence inside the fort is as predictable as the cannons on the ramparts. 

December is the season of giving, when we recognize the people and places in our lives that we hold dear. Whether giving to a loved one, an organization or a charity, it can be hard to decide exactly how to spend your time and money.

Park Ranger Mary Lemak enjoys a hard day’s work and sharing her love for the environment with the people who visit Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park.

Men of the Civilian Conservation Corps created their Thanksgiving memories at Florida state parks in the 1930s.

Adam is a Florida native and has lived all over the state. He got his first taste of the Florida Park Service through volunteering, and he was inspired to begin a career protecting and interpreting the state’s natural and cultural resources.

Ranger Peggy gets to share her passion for history and general Florida knowledge while working at the museum dedicated to Dr. John Gorrie, the man who made the first ice machine and today is referred to as the father of refrigeration.

Taylor started her Florida Park Service journey as a volunteer at Oleta River State Park in June 2020 and was offered a part-time park ranger position at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park within a couple of months.

Once reaching retirement age, many people are overjoyed to never have to clock in again, but not Larry Thurow! Larry came out of retirement recently to serve as the assistant park manager for the state parks in the Islamorada area after several years of volunteering. When asked why he decided to start work again, Larry says, “This way we can volunteer and get paid for it. We can serve the parks year-round!”