Every Florida State Park is special and unique. It is hard to choose any one park to highlight so here are five. One from each section of the state. This is part of our yearlong campaign of Celebrating Access for All.
St. George Island State Park - Northwest Region
In 2013 and 2014, Dr. Beach ranked Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park the #3 best beach in America.
In 2011, Dr. Beach ranked Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park the #6 best beach in America and in 2012; Dr. Beach ranked Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park the #4 best beach in America.
The 2010 Outdoor Awards from Reserve America ranked St. George Island State Park as #28 of the top 100 family campgrounds, #5 of 25 top bird watching spots, #13 of the top 50 fishing spots, and #11 of the top 25 best beaches.
Access For All - Accessible Amenities at St. George Island State Park
It is hard to get left out at this park!
Some of the amenities include:
- Two beach wheelchairs
- A Beach Scoot electric mobility device
- A floating Mobi-Chair
- Accessible campsites
- Two Mobi-Mats at the #1 and #8 beach access points
- UTAP evaluated nature trails
Manatee Springs State Park – Northeast Region
The first-magnitude spring at this park produces an average of 100 million gallons of clear, cool water daily. In winter, West Indian manatees swim upriver to the warmer waters of the springs. Popular for snorkeling and scuba diving, the headwaters of the spring are also a great spot for swimming. The spring run forms a sparkling stream that meanders through hardwood wetlands to the Suwannee River. Canoe and
kayaking is available all year round.
Access For All - Accessible Amenities at Manatee Springs
- The amenities here include a wheelchair accessible boardwalk that winds through the beautiful cypress swamp from the spring to the river.
Gamble Rogers State Park – Central Region
Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intra-coastal Waterway, this windswept park is named
for Florida folk singer Gamble Rogers. The beach is the most popular feature at this park, where visitors enjoy swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing or fishing. The daily low tide is an ideal time to observe shore birds feeding in tidal pools; summer months bring sea turtles that lay their eggs in the golden-brown coquina sand.
Access For All - Accessible Amenities at Gamble Rogers
A sample of the access here is:
- Several wheelchair accessible campsites
- Restroom and shower facilities are also accessible
- A beach wheelchair is available upon request.
Skyway Fishing Pier State Park – Southwest Region
When the new Sunshine Skyway Bridge was built over Tampa Bay, connecting St. Petersburg with Sarasota, the old bridge was turned into the world's longest fishing pier. Anglers love being able to park their cars or campers within a few feet of their favorite fishing spot. The bridge is lighted at night, so anglers can see to rig a line, bait the hook, and get a good look at their catch. The light also attracts many species of fish after sundown. Common catches include snook, tarpon, grouper, black sea bass, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, cobia, sheepshead, red snapper, pompano, and many more. Snacks, drinks, bait, and fishing supplies are available.
Access For All - Accessible Amenities at the Skyway Fishing Pier
- Being able to park close to a fishing spot is a favorite of many.
Fort Zachery Taylor Historic State Park – Southeast Region
Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1973, Florida’s southernmost state park is popular for recreation, as well as U.S. military history. The fort was one of a series built in the mid-1800s to defend the nation’s southeastern coastline. Completed in 1866, Fort Zachary Taylor played important roles in the Civil War and Spanish-American War. Guided tours of the fort are available daily. Key West’s favorite beach, located at the southern end of the park, provides opportunities for picnicking, swimming, snorkeling, and fishing. Visitors can also enjoy a short nature trail and bicycling within the park.
Access For All - Accessible Amenities at Fort Zachery
Access here includes:
- A beach wheelchair available on request
- Wheelchair accessible picnic tables and grills
- While the ground surface of the picnic area is not paved, it is stable and packed ground.
- Much of the Fort can be accessed by wheelchair. Tours are available daily.
