Florida State Parks on the Beach

With 580 miles of coastline facing the Atlantic Ocean and another 770 miles bordering the Gulf of Mexico, Florida has a wealth of beautiful beaches, including 100 miles of beaches within Florida's state parks. You can visit a beach in a state park for a day of fun in the ocean, time on the sand, or an extended beach vacation. But where should you go? We've taken a closer look and rounded up the best Florida state parks on the beach.

Grayton Beach State Park, Grayton Beach

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Nestled between Panama City Beach and Destin you'll find Grayton Beach State Park, a beautiful stae park with so much to see and do. Lace up your hiking boots to see all this state park offers. Grayton Beach State Park has several hiking and biking trails that take you through sand dunes and pine and scrub oak forests. The 1-mile Grayton Beach Nature Trail is great for kids, but if you feel like a longer walk, hit the 4.5-mile trail. It takes you to Western Lake, a rare sand dune lake where you can go fishing or kayaking.

After all that activity, there's nothing like relaxing on the beach as you watch the sunset. Watch the colors paint the sky, then retire to one of the park's cabins or a tent in the 59-site campground.

Amelia Island State Park, Amelia Island

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Image via Flickr by brittreints

Amelia Island State Park is just a short drive from Jacksonville, but it feels like it's a world away. It's easy to let go of the stresses of city life as you stroll along the beach or go fishing from the shore. Amelia Island is also Florida's only state park that permits horseback riding on its beach. The beach sometimes closes between March and September to protect nesting shorebirds and their babies. Amelia Island State Park is popular with birdwatchers, who love looking for plovers, terns, pelicans, and eagles.

Amelia Island State Park doesn't have its own campground. However, there are several accommodation providers on the island if you want to extend your stay.

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne

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Image via Flickr by Kent Wang

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is another state park offering a change of pace from the city nearby. Minutes from Miami, this park has a rich history. Learn more about it on a guided tour through Cape Florida Lighthouse. If you'd prefer exploring independently, hit the nature trails. One trail takes you through the mangrove wetlands while the other takes in the beautiful Florida coastline. For a faster way to get around, hire a bicycle or quad bike. Then of course there's the picturesque 1.25-mile beach. An offshore reef protects the shore, keeping the waves gentle enough for kids.

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park has a youth camp, but no public campsite. However, you're welcome to anchor your private boat in No Name Harbor overnight.

Big Lagoon State Park, Pensacola

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Image via Flickr by MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife

Big Lagoon State Park is big on fun. Unlike so many Florida beaches, the park's small beaches have gentle waters from the Intracoastal Waterway. If you have toddlers or older kids wary of waves, this is the perfect place to take them. The park also has five miles of hiking trails and a 2.5-mile paved bike trail. As you explore, keep your eyes peeled for the many bird species that live there including ducks, sandpipers, and wood-warblers. Bring your own binoculars or borrow some from the ranger's station to see them all.

With so much to do, why not stay a few days? Big Lagoon State Park makes that easy. Its campground has 75 sites for tents and RVs. Each one has its own electricity and water hookups, picnic table, and fire ring. Bring your own food or try to catch dinner of redfish, bluefish, or sea trout in the lagoon.

Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park, St. George Island

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Image via Flickr by sun dazed

Its name is a mouthful, but you don't want to forget Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park. Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, a coastal researcher known as Dr. Beach, ranked this beach in his top five beaches in the country in 2021. Walking along its pristine white sand while the water gently laps at your feet, it's not hard to see why. Look out for dolphin pods swimming on the gulf side and wading birds on the bay side. Its remote island location keeps the sky clear, so it's the perfect place for stargazing.

If you are staying into the evening, consider camping. The 60-site campground is a quarter-mile from the water, but the sound of the waves in the distance is the ideal lullaby. All sites have electricity and water hookups, and there are toilets and hot showers for your convenience. The kids will also love the on-site playground.

Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin

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Image via Flickr by rcgtrrz

Caladesi Island State Park is another island location that earned Dr. Beach's stamp of approval. Coming in at number seven on the best beaches list, this is an untouched paradise accessible only by boat. There is a public ferry that leaves Honeymoon Island State Park every half hour when the weather's fine but we recommend taking your private boat. With a marine audio system playing reggae tunes, the 15 to 20-minute ride on your private vessel will get you into the right state of mind.

Once you're there, take a nature walk to the historic Scharrer Homestead or hire a kayak from the cafe and paddle through the mangrove forest. The cafe has some tasty lunch options, or you could enjoy a picnic in the shade of the pavilion. It's right near a playground with swings, slides, and climbing bars. And of course, there's the unspoiled beach. Pay attention to the flags, which show you where to swim safely. Caladesi Island State Park doesn't have camping facilities, so arrive early and leave late to make the most of your day pass.

Accommodation in Florida's beachfront state parks is very popular, especially during the summer, so don't leave it to chance. While most state parks have a small number of first-come, first-served campsites, these fill quickly. If your heart is set on a getaway in one of Florida's state parks on the beach, book online up to 11 months in advance via the Florida State Parks website.