{
  "id": 1529469,
  "title": "I've lived in Florida for over 25 years. Skip the major cities and spend time in these 5 gorgeous state parks instead.",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/ive-lived-in-florida-for-over-25-years-skip-the-major-cities-and",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-17T17:35:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Insider",
    "slug": "business-insider",
    "url": "https://www.businessinsider.com/favorite-florida-state-parks-recommendations-from-local-2026-8"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "After living in Florida for over 25 years, I've discovered that the state's true hidden gems lie beyond the typical tourist hot spots. I encourage visitors to explore the breathtaking state parks scattered throughout the Sunshine State. One such park is Rainbow Springs, located about two hours northwest of Orlando. This park boasts clear waters, swimming, kayaking, and tubing down the Rainbow River, alongside lush gardens and roaring waterfalls. It's a wonderful attraction, especially recommended for a visit in the spring before summer crowds arrive.\n\nAnother must-visit park is Honeymoon Island State Park, just a short drive from Tampa. This park is known for its pristine beaches, unique nature trails, and wildlife sightings like ospreys and gopher tortoises. Visitors can enjoy laid-back beach days and even explore the park's unique nature trails. The park also offers a great opportunity for shelling enthusiasts, making it a favorite spot for locals.\n\nBig Talbot Island State Park, located just north of Jacksonville, is another fantastic choice. Renowned for its stunning Boneyard Beach, where fallen trees line the shore, creating a hauntingly beautiful landscape, this park offers hiking and biking trails, kayak launches, and quiet picnic areas shaded by coastal hammocks. It's a photographer's dream and a peaceful place to reconnect with nature.\n\nJonathan Dickinson State Park, situated along Florida's Atlantic coast near Jupiter, is a park that offers more than meets the eye. This park features rivers, sand dunes, hiking and biking trails, kayak launches, and even guided boat tours to the site of a historic pioneer homestead. It's an underrated gem that combines nature, history, and adventure, making it a must-visit for those seeking a unique Florida experience.\n\nLastly, Anastasia State Park, located minutes from the historic town of St. Augustine, is a park that offers over 1,600 acres of beautiful beaches and sand dunes. With over 1,600 acres of land, it offers a variety of activities such as birdwatching, searching for seashells, and soaking up the sun. Rent a kayak, take a leisurely walk along the beach, or venture into town to experience the rich history of the area. A slice of pizza on St. George Street is a perfect way to end your day at this charming park.",
  "summary": "I've been a Florida resident for over 25 years. These state parks offer unforgettable experiences away from the usual tourist spots.",
  "key_points": [
    "Rainbow Springs park offers clear waters, swimming, kayaking, and waterfalls.",
    "Honeymoon Island State Park features pristine beaches and wildlife sightings.",
    "Big Talbot Island State Park boasts Boneyard Beach and nature trails."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}