Florida is home to some hidden gems perfect for those who love a barefoot beach walk with the chance to spot some incredible wildlife. Here are 10 underrated state parks where you can enjoy the sand between your toes while keeping an eye out for birds and other fascinating creatures. Each offers a unique landscape and experience, making them ideal destinations for nature enthusiasts.
1. John D. MacArthur Beach State Park (North Palm Beach)
Nestled in North Palm Beach, John D. MacArthur Beach State Park offers a serene escape into nature. A long boardwalk crosses a tranquil lagoon, guiding visitors to 1.6 miles of untouched Atlantic beach. Here, you can spot waders and ospreys soaring above.
The park is a biological treasure, featuring a nature center and mangrove trails. Its barrier-island setting enhances the diversity of flora and fauna.
For an undisturbed experience, visit on weekday mornings. The boardwalk makes car-free beach access easy, ensuring a peaceful retreat.
2. Caladesi Island State Park (Dunedin/Clearwater—boat access only)
Caladesi Island State Park, accessible only by ferry, kayak, or private boat, remains blissfully uncrowded. As you stroll the nature trail, you’ll encounter the historic Scharrer Homestead. Dune-crossover boardwalks lead you to a pristine Gulf beach, ideal for spotting terns and pelicans.
Migrating songbirds add to the park’s charm. The first morning ferry offers solitude as you walk north, with the crowds thinning with each step.
This park is a haven for bird enthusiasts and beach lovers alike, providing a unique combination of history and natural beauty.
3. Honeymoon Island State Park (Dunedin)
Honeymoon Island State Park is a birder’s paradise, boasting four miles of white-sand shoreline. Along the Osprey & Pelican Trails, boardwalk sections guide you through areas known for nesting ospreys.
Seasonal closures around rookeries ensure the safety of these magnificent birds. The north end of the island offers a wild and untouched feel, perfect for nature lovers.
Respect any bird-nesting buffers, and enjoy the diverse avian life that calls this park home. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a casual observer, this park offers a unique glimpse into nature.
4. Lovers Key State Park (Fort Myers Beach)
Lovers Key State Park, located in Fort Myers Beach, is a haven for beachgoers and bird enthusiasts alike. Feet-friendly boardwalks and bridges lead to a stunning two-mile beach, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Inland, Black Island’s hammock trails and tidal creeks offer excellent opportunities to observe waders, spoonbills, and raptors. The current pause in the tram service adds a unique element to the experience.
Accessible via the Mid-Beach wood bridge or South Beach bridge, this park is a must-visit for those seeking both relaxation and wildlife observation.
5. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park (Naples)
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park in Naples is a narrow barrier-island park, offering a unique blend of beach and mangrove experiences. The sea-grape-lined beach and mangroves on Turkey Bay provide a picturesque setting for birdwatching.
Shorebirds like least terns and yellow-crowned night-herons often gather near the pass. The park’s facilities are evolving post-storms, so check conditions before you go.
Low tide on the bay side offers excellent opportunities to observe waders, though maintaining distance from feeding birds is crucial. This park provides a peaceful retreat for nature lovers.
6. Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park (Florida Panhandle)
Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park is a long, undeveloped ribbon of sand known for its stargazing and superb birding opportunities. Piping plovers make their winter home here, and gannets can be seen offshore when conditions align.
Boardwalks over dunes protect the habitat, allowing visitors to enjoy the sand without disturbing the environment. Walking a half-mile beyond any access point ensures a more secluded experience.
Whether you’re gazing at the stars or observing the diverse birdlife, this park offers a unique connection to nature’s wonders.
7. Grayton Beach State Park (30A/Santa Rosa Beach)
Grayton Beach State Park, located on 30A/Santa Rosa Beach, is renowned for its towering dunes and beautiful beach. Boardwalks and stairs guide you over these dunes to one of America’s most celebrated shorelines.
Inland, the trail network skirts rare coastal dune lakes, attracting herons, eagles, and nuthatches. Exploring the Pine Woods and Western Lake loops offers shade and mirror-calm water views.
This park is a sanctuary for both beach lovers and bird enthusiasts, providing a blend of natural beauty and rich wildlife. It’s a place where tranquility meets adventure.
8. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park (Santa Rosa Beach)
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park offers a tranquil escape with three miles of quiet beach and rare dune lakes. Elevated boardwalks lead through coastal scrub, providing a scenic path for exploration.
The Morris Lake and Campbell Lake trails are particularly productive for birdwatchers, with woodpeckers, bluebirds, and more in abundance. Biking the paved paths to the beach boardwalk adds an extra layer of adventure.
Cars stay parked far behind, ensuring a serene experience. Whether you’re biking or walking, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature’s embrace.
9. Henderson Beach State Park (Destin)
Henderson Beach State Park in Destin boasts sixty campsites connected to the shore by boardwalks across 30-foot sugar-sand dunes. This quietly undeveloped stretch of the Emerald Coast is a favorite among birders.
Snowy plovers and oystercatchers are often spotted along this pristine beach. Dawn patrol reveals soft light, gentle surf, and fewer footprints, making it an ideal time to visit.
Whether camping or just visiting for the day, this park offers a peaceful and scenic escape from the everyday hustle and bustle.
10. St. Andrews State Park (Panama City Beach)
St. Andrews State Park in Panama City Beach is a serene peninsula with the Gulf on one side and St. Andrews Bay on the other. Birders often explore the jetty area for plovers and skimmers, while Gator Lake hosts a spring rookery.
Diverse boardwalk and path segments traverse dunes and coastal plant communities, leading to over 1.5 miles of beach. The variety of habitats makes it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.
Whether you’re observing birds or simply enjoying the scenery, this park provides a rich and rewarding outdoor experience.
