SPORTS & RECREATION / PARKS AND NATURE

Some of the finest and most pristine of the Florida State Parks as well as national parks and preserves are located in South Florida. Miles of beaches, sparkling lakes, rolling rivers, magnificent forests, and vast wetlands are protected and meticulously maintained by parks and recreation organizations on every level. Many of these habitats are home to rare and endangered species, adding to their importance as environmentally significant natural areas. Throughout South Florida, individual communities have developed a wide variety of recreational facilities and programs that meet the need for outdoor relaxation and adventure just beyond the front door.

National Parkland

Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
Boynton Beach 561-734-8303
www.fws.gov/loxahatchee

Big Cypress National Preserve
Oasis Visitor Center
Ochopee 239-695-1201
www.nps.gov/bicy

Biscayne National Underwater Park
Homestead 305-230-1144
www.nps.gov/bisc

Caloosahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
Sanibel Office 239-472-1100
www.fws.gov/dingdarling/caloosahatchee

Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Key Largo 305-872-2239
www.fws.gov/refuge/Crocodile_Lake

Dry Tortugas National Park
Key West 305-242-7700
www.nps.gov/drto

Everglades National Park
Homestead 305-242-7700
www.nps.gov/ever

Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge
Naples 239-353-8001
www.fws.gov/floridapanther

Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge
Big Pine Key 305-872-0774
www.fws.gov/refuge/great_white_heron

Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge & Nature Center
Jupiter Island 772-546-6141
www.fws.gov/hobesound

Island Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Cape Haze
Charlotte Harbor 239-472-1100
www.fws.gov/dingdarling/islandbay

J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge
Sanibel Island 239-472 1100
www.fws.gov/dingdarling

Key West National Wildlife Refuge
Big Pine Key 305-872-0774
www.fws.gov/refuge/key_west

Matlacha Pass National Wildlife Refuge
Matlacha Pass Estuary
Fort Myers 239-472-1100
www.fws.gov/dingdarling/matlachapass

National Key Deer Refuge
Big Pine Key 305-872-2239
www.fws.gov/nationalkeydeer

Pine Island National Wildlife Refuge
Pine Island Sound
Sanibel 941-472-1100
www.fws.gov/dingdarling/pineisland

Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
Naples 239-657-8001
www.fws.gov/refuge/ten_thousand_islands

 

Florida State Parkland

Florida State Parks
Information Center 850-245-2157
www.floridastateparks.org

 

Southeast Florida Parks

Atlantic Ridge State Park
Stuart 772-546-2771
www.sfwmd.gov/recreation-site/halpatiokee-regional-park-and-atlantic-ridge-preserve-state-park

Avalon State Park
Ft. Pierce Inlet State Park
Ft. Pierce 772-468-4007
www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/avalon-state-park

Bahia Honda State Park
Big Pine Key 305-872-2353
www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/bahia-honda-state-park

The Barnacle Historic State Park
Coconut Grove 305-442-6866
www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/barnacle-historic-state-park

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Key Biscayne 305-361-5811
www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/bill-baggs-cape-florida-state-park

Curry Hammock State Park
Marathon 305-289-2690
www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/curry-hammock-state-park

Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park
Key Largo 305-451-1202
www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/dagny-johnson-key-largo-hammock-botanical-state-park

Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park
Dania 954-923-2833
www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/dr-von-d-mizell-eula-johnson-state-park

Fort Pierce Inlet State Park
Fort Pierce 772-468-3985
www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/fort-pierce-inlet-state-park

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Key West 305-292-6713
www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/fort-zachary-taylor-historic-state-park

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Fort Lauderdale 954-564-4521
www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/hugh-taylor-birch-state-park

Indian Key Historic State Park
Islamorada 305-664-2540
www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/indian-key-historic-state-park

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
North Palm Beach 561-624-6950
www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/john-d-macarthur-beach-state-park

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Key Largo 305-451-1202
www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/john-pennekamp-coral-reef-state-park

Jonathan Dickinson State Park
Hobe Sound 772-546-2771
www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/jonathan-dickinson-state-park

Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park
Islamorada 305-664-2540
www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/lignumvitae-key-botanical-state-park

Long Key State Park
Long Key 305-664-4815
www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/long-key-state-park

Oleta River State Park
North Miami 305-919-1844
www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/oleta-river-state-park

San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park
Islamorada 305-664-2540
www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/san-pedro-underwater-archaeological-preserve-state-park

Savannas Preserve State Park
Jensen Beach 772-398-2779
www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/savannas-preserve-state-park

St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park
Stuart 772-219-1880
www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/st-lucie-inlet-preserve-state-park

Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park
Islamorada 305-664-2540
www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/windley-key-fossil-reef-geological-state-park

 

Southwest Florida Parks

Cayo Costa State Park
Boca Grande 941-964-0375
www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/cayo-costa-state-park

Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park
Punta Gorda 941-575-5816
www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/charlotte-harbor-preserve-state-park

Collier-Seminole State Park
Naples 239-394-3397
www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/collier-seminole-state-park

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
Naples 239-597-6196
www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/delnor-wiggins-pass-state-park

Don Pedro Island State Park
Boca Grande 941-964-0375
www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/don-pedro-island-state-park

Estero Bay Preserve State Park
Estero 239-992-0311
www.floridastateparks.org/index.php/parks-and-trails/estero-bay-preserve-state-park

Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park
Copeland 239-695-4593
www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/fakahatchee-strand-preserve-state-park

Gasparilla Island State Park
Boca Grande 941-964-0375
www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/gasparilla-island-state-park

Koreshan State Historic Site
Estero 239-992-0311
www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/koreshan-state-park

Lake Manatee State Park
Bradenton 941-741-3028
www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/lake-manatee-state-park

Lovers Key State Park
Ft. Myers Beach 239-463-4588
www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/lovers-key-state-park

Mound Key Archaeological State Park
Estero 239-992-0311
www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/mound-key-archaeological-state-park

Oscar Scherer State Park
Osprey 941-483-5956
www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/oscar-scherer-state-park

Stump Pass Beach State Park
Boca Grande 941-964-0375
www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/stump-pass-beach-state-park

 

Regional Highlights

Caloosahatchee Regional Park
19130 North River Road
Alva 239-694-0398
www.leegov.com/parks/parks/facility?fid=0253

C.B. Smith Park
900 North Flamingo Road
Pembroke Pines 954-357-5170
https://www.broward.org/Parks/Pages/park.aspx?park=5

Bill Sadowski Park & Nature Center
17555 SW 79th Avenue
Miami 305-255-4767
https://www.miamidade.gov/global/recreation/home.page

Crandon Park Beach, Marina & Nature Center
6767 Crandon Boulevard
Key Biscayne 305-361-6767
www.miamidade.gov/parks/crandon-beach.asp

Deerfield Island Park
701 Northeast 41st Street
Deerfield Beach 954-357-8109
www.broward.org/parks

Deering Estate & Environmental Education Center
16701 Southwest 72nd Avenue
Miami 305-235-1668
www.deeringestate.com

Fruit & Spice Park
24801 Southwest 187th Avenue
Homestead 305-247-5727
http://redlandfruitandspice.com

Greynolds Park
17530 West Dixie Highway
North Miami Beach 305-945-3425
www.miamidade.gov/parks/greynolds.asp

Hickey’s Creek Mitigation Park
17980 Palm Beach Boulevard
Alva 239-694-0398
https://www.leegov.com/parks

Lakes Regional Park
7330 Gladiolus Drive
Fort Meyers 239-533-7578
https://www.leegov.com/parks

Larry & Penny Thompson Park
12451 Southwest 184 Street
Miami 305-232-1049
www.miamidade.gov/parks/larry-penny.asp

Manatee Park
10901 State Road 80
Fort Myers 239-690-5030
https://www.leegov.com/parks

Markham Park
16001 West State Road 84
Sunrise 954-357-8868
www.broward.org/parks

Matanzas Pass Preserve
119 Bay Road
Fort Myers Beach 239-229-1610
https://www.leegov.com/parks

North Collier Regional Park
15000 Livingston Road
Naples 239-254-4000
www.colliergov.net/parks

Red Reef Park
1400 North Ocean Boulevard
Boca Raton 561-393-7974

Sugar Sand Park
300 South Military Trail
Boca Raton 561-347-3900
www.sugarsandpark.org

Sugden Regional Park
4284 Avalon Drive
Naples 239-252-4000
www.colliergov.net/parks

Tropical Park
7900 Southwest 40th Street
Miami 305-553-3161
www.miamidade.gov/parks/tropical.asp

T.Y. (Topeekeegee Yugnee) Park
3300 North Park Road
Hollywood 954-357-8811
www.broward.org/parks

 

Gardens & Nature Centers

American Orchid Society International Center
10901 Old Cutler Road
Delray Beach 305-740-2010
www.aos.org

Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens
253 Barcelona Road
West Palm Beach 561-832-5328
www.ansg.org

Anne Kolb Nature Center
West Lake Park
751 Sheridan Street
Hollywood 954-357-5161
www.broward.org/parks

Biscayne Nature Center
6767 Crandon Boulevard
Key Biscayne 305-361-6767
www.biscaynenaturecenter.org

Bonnet House Gardens
900 North Birch Road
Fort Lauderdale 954-563-5393
www.bonnethouse.org

Buehler Planetarium & Observatory
Broward Community College
3501 SW Davie Road
Davie 954-201-6681
www.broward.edu/studentlife/planetarium/Pages/default.aspx

Butterfly World
Tradewinds Park
3600 West Sample Road
Coconut Creek 954-977-4434
www.butterflyworld.com

Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center
10941 Burnt Store Road
Punta Gorda 941-575-5435
www.checflorida.org

Conservancy Naples Nature Center
1495 Smith Preserve Way
Naples 239-262-0304
www.conservancy.org

The Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
375 Sanctuary Road West
Naples 239-348-9151
http://corkscrew.audubon.org

Everglades Alligator Farm
40351 SW 192nd Avenue
Homestead 305-247-2628
www.everglades.com

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens
10901 Old Cutler Road
Coral Gables 305-667-1651
www.fairchildgarden.org

Fern Forest Nature Center
201 Lyons Road South
Coconut Creek 954-357-5198
www.broward.org/parks

Flamingo Gardens & Wildlife Park
3750 South Flamingo Road
Davie 954-473-2955
www.flamingogardens.org

Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center
890 Northeast Ocean Boulevard
Stuart 772-225-0505
www.floridaocean.org

Jungle Island
1111 Parrot Jungle Trail
Miami 305-400-7000
https://www.jungleisland.com

Key West Aquarium
1 Whitehead Street
Key West 888-544-5927
www.keywestaquarium.com

Lion Country Safari
2003 Lion Country Safari Road
Loxahatchee 561-793-1084
www.lioncountrysafari.com

Loggerhead Marinelife Center of Juno Beach
Loggerhead Park
14200 U.S. Highway 1
Juno Beach 561-627-8280
www.marinelife.org

Miami Metro Zoo
12400 Southwest 152nd Street
Miami 305-255-5551
https://www.zoomiami.org

Miami Seaquarium
4400 Rickenbacker Causeway
Key Biscayne 305-361-5705
www.miamiseaquarium.com

Monkey Jungle
14805 Southwest 216th Street
Miami 305-235-1611
www.monkeyjungle.com

Morikami Japanese Gardens
4000 Morikami Park Road
Delray Beach 561-495-0233
www.morikami.org

Mounts Botanical Garden
531 North Military Trail
West Palm Beach 561-233-1757
www.mounts.org

Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
1590 Goodlette-Frank Road
Naples 239-262-5409
https://www.napleszoo.org

Ostego Bay Marine Science Center
718 Fisherman’s Wharf
San Carlos Island 239-765-8101
www.ostegobay.org

Palm Beach Zoo at Dreher Park
1301 Summit Boulevard
West Palm Beach 561-547-9453
www.palmbeachzoo.org

 

The Peace River Wildlife Center
3400 Ponce de Leon Park
Punta Gorda 941-637-3830
https://prwildlife.org

Sandoway House Nature Center
142 South Ocean Boulevard
Delray Beach 561-274-7263
https://sandoway.org

Sawgrass Recreation Park
1006 US 27
Weston 888-424-7262
www.evergladestours.com

Secret Woods Nature Center
2701 West State Road 84
Dania Beach 954-357-8884
www.broward.org/parks

Sense of Wonder Nature Center & Trail
A.D. Barnes Park
3401 SW 72 Avenue
Miami 305-666-5883
www.miamidade.gov/parks

Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve
7751 Penzance Boulevard
Fort Myers 239-533-7556
https://www.leegov.com/parks

Society of the Four Arts Gardens
100 Four Arts Plaza
Palm Beach 561-655-7226
www.fourarts.org

Tall Cypress Natural Area
3700 Turtle Run
Coral Springs 954-698-1200
www.broward.org/parks

Vizcaya Gardens
3251 South Miami Avenue
Coconut Grove 305-250-9133
https://vizcaya.org

 

Parks & Recreation Contacts
City and county parks and recreation departments throughout South Florida maintain hundreds of parks and sports facilities. Amenities include golf courses, marinas, performing arts facilities, and miles of pristine beaches. Most facilities are free to the public and activities are available at a nominal fee, from summer camps and swimming lessons to hobby classes.

City of Cape Coral
239-573-3128
www.capecoral.net

City of Fort Lauderdale
954-828-7275
www.fortlauderdale.gov

City of Fort Myers
239-321-7530
www.cityftmyers.com

City of Miami
Miami/Dade County
305-755-7800
www.miamidade.gov/parks

City of West Palm Beach
561-804-4900
https://www.wpb.org/government/parks-and-recreation

Greater Boca Raton
561-997-0791
www.mybocaparks.org

Broward County
954-357-8100
https://www.broward.org/parks/Pages/default.aspx

Charlotte County
941-613-3200
https://www.charlottecountyfl.gov/departments/community-services/parks

Collier County
239-252-4000
https://www.collierparks.com/collier_park_category/regional-parks

Hendry County
863-675-5347
www.hendryfla.net

Indian River County
772-226-1732
www.ircrec.com

Lee County
239-533-7275
www.leeparks.org

Martin County
772-221-1418
www.martin.fl.us

Miami/Dade County
305-755-7800
www.miamidade.gov/parks

Okeechobee County
863-763-6950
www.co.okeechobee.fl.us

Palm Beach County
561-966-6600
https://discover.pbcgov.org/parks/Pages/default.aspx

St. Lucie County
772-462-1517
www.stlucieco.gov

 

DAY TRIPS AND GETAWAYS
Florida claims some of the nation’s most popular vacation destinations, including one of the strongest tourist magnets in the world—Orlando. Residents of the South Florida are able to plan weekend getaways or longer vacations to a wide array of sites and attractions. Without ever leaving South Florida, residents can choose from the Florida Keys, the pulsating nightlife of Miami, Florida’s enigmatic Everglades, and the serene Gulf Shore islands. Professional sports teams, the excitement of collegiate competitions, shoreline or river cruises, and world-class fishing are just a few of the reasons to plan a pleasurable and relaxing road trip.

 

The Florida Keys
For world-class scuba diving in crystal aquamarine waters and a true Caribbean atmosphere, explore the island paradise of the Florida Keys. From the moment you venture into this tropical oasis, the atmosphere invites you to kick off your shoes and plunge headfirst into deep relaxation. Some of the nation’s most dazzling sub-sea adventures are waiting, along with whatever dive, snorkel, and water-sport guides you might need. Renowned as the “diving capital of the world,” Key Largo offers such premier marine retreats as the underwater John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, the crystal waters at Molasses Reef, and the caves of French Reef.

Amusement centers like Dolphin Cove or the Dolphin Research Center offer an unforgettable one-to-one encounter or even a playful swim with these friendly and intelligent marine mammals. Eco-tours through the waters of Florida Bay combine with “Hollywood” lore like the genuine African Queen steamship or the location of the movies Key Largo and PT 109. Key Largo is the first of the islands in the 110-mile chain of scenic ocean vistas and quaint beach communities that proudly display their history and natural wonders. The Islamorada area is acclaimed as the world’s sportfishing capital, teeming with charter fishing boats. Golf courses, art galleries, museums, exclusive resorts, and unspoiled nature are just a few of the magnets to this island paradise. For more information on the nation’s most southern geographic point, contact:

Florida Keys Information
800-FLA-KEYS
www.fla-keys.com

 

Greater Orlando
Walt Disney forever changed the face of Orlando, transforming Orange County from a sleep community dotted with orange groves into the world’s hottest tourism destination. Millions of annual visitors from across the nation and around the world pour into Orlando each year to enjoy a kaleidoscope of world-class attractions. Among them are Disney World and Epcot, SeaWorld of Florida, Discovery Cove, Universal Studios, spectacular water parks, lush parks, dazzling celebrations and festivals, posh resorts, restaurants, nightclubs, entertainment centers, and fine shopping centers. Orlando has it all.

Regardless of your age or interest, this bustling metropolitan region can keep you moving from attraction to attraction from sunrise to sunset and long into the midnight hour. Even Disney World offers Paradise Island, a mecca of nightspots that pulsate with the sound of live music. Throughout the city, you’ll find dazzling venues for the performing and visual arts, fine museums and science centers, and professional sports events. For details on the wealth of vacation opportunities in and near Orlando, contact:

Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Orlando 407-383-5872
https://www.visitorlando.com

 

Greater Tampa Bay
West of Greater Orlando in Central Florida lies Tampa Bay, a popular waterfront area that harmonizes urban sophistication and picturesque natural surroundings. Visitors can ride white-knuckle roller coasters or take a leisurely canoe ride down the scenic Hillsborough River, watch a thrilling ballgame, or soak in the sun on a tranquil beach. Greet graceful manatees below the water’s surface or explore the sights in galleries, museums, theme parks, and entertainment districts.

The term “Tampa Bay” originally referred to the body of water on the West “Gulf” Coast of Florida. Over time, the words came to describe an entire region of distinctive communities anchored by the City of Tampa. Laced by bridges and freeways, the area has grown into Florida’s most populous and affluent metropolitan statistical area. From the colorful and vibrant Latin roots of Tampa’s historic Ybor City to the Greek heritage of Tarpon Springs or St. Petersburg’s museums, visitors can discover a richness of diversity and culture. For details on all that the Tampa Bay region has to offer visitors, contact:

Tampa Bay Visitor’s Bureau
Tampa 813-223-2752
www.visittampabay.com

 

Historic St. Augustine
Founded in 1565, St. Augustine claims the distinction of being America’s oldest permanently settled European city. A combination of old-world charm, national monuments, and unique attractions attract throngs of visitors. Architectural wonders of Spanish Renaissance and Colonial Revival harmonize with modern conveniences and impressive growth. Designed to entertain the entire family, the community offers fascinating museums and historic sites as well as outstanding sports and recreational opportunities. From fishing on a picturesque pier to parasailing above the ocean or relaxing on a pristine beach, the area has the ideal environment for every activity. Just north of St. Augustine lies Ponte Vedra Beach, known for classic resorts, spas, world-famous fairways, and tennis. Within St. Augustine are exceptional galleries, wonderful shops, and boutiques filled with antiques, handcrafted gifts, one-of-a-kind international merchandise, and high fashion. For more information on the Oldest City, contact:

St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & the Beaches
Augustine 800-653-2489

 

Kennedy Space Center & Merritt Island
Take an unforgettable journey through space and time at the Kennedy Space Center, which has attracted millions of visitors from around the world for more than 30 years. The center tells the story of the U.S. space program, including the moon launch to the moon, satellites that improve our lives, and probes into the depths of space. Occupying over 140,000 acres, KSC is about one-fifth the size of Rhode Island! Only 6,000 acres are devoted to space center operations, with the remaining land serving as the Merritt Island National Wildlife Reserve. This pristine sanctuary consists of brackish estuaries and marshes, coastal dunes, scrub oaks, pine forests and flatwoods, and palm and oak hammocks.

Several space-related attractions are also located nearby, including Space Camp, the Astronaut Hall of Fame, the Air Force Museum, and the Astronaut Memorial Planetarium and Observatory at Brevard Community College. Steeped in modern history, the KSC story continues to unfold with each space shuttle and international space station mission. Visitors can watch these events unfold on giant screens that soar over five stories high. They can walk through a full-scale replica of a space shuttle, see genuine moon rocks, and glimpse the rockets that once launched men and machine into space. For complete visitor’s information, contact:

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Titusville 855-433-4210
www.kennedyspacecenter.com