The south-central part of Florida along the Gulf Coast is much more than just the famous white sand beaches with crystal clear waters, there are a host of state parks, county parks and preserves that contain Florida’s original habitats of yesteryear.

Right off the central part of the Gulf Coast is Little Manatee River State Park, where the river flows for 4.5 miles through 11 unique natural communities. With over eight miles of hiking trails, this park has one of the major trail systems in Southwest Florida, showcasing part of Florida’s natural ecosystem. The southern part of the park has three stacked loops covering just over two miles where the trail skirts the river through a meandering wetland, flat scrub, sandy pine, and oak scrub. Nestled in the wilderness in the northern half of the park, there are two stacked loops covering a little over six miles, where the rustic trail leads through floodplains, flat scrub, riparian hammocks, and mature sand pine forests. The trail crosses Cypress Creek and winds over high riverfront bluffs that offer picturesque views of the Little Manatee River.

Just off the coast of Dunedin is Honeymoon Island State Park, one of Florida’s most beloved parks due to the four miles of white sand beaches and crystal clear water to the 2.5 mile hiking trail through one of the few virgin pine forests left. in Florida. Also, at the trailhead are pavilions complete with tables, grills, and a play area.

Just east of Sarasota is Florida’s first designated wild and scenic river that flows through a vast expanse of pristine grasslands, pine forests, hammocks, and wetlands that make up Myakka River State Park, where miles of trails for Hiking and biking make way for arched palm trees and oak trees reflected in a tea-colored stream. The highlight of the park is the Myakka Canopy Walkway suspended 25 feet above the ground and stretches 100 feet through an oak and hammock canopy. The walkway is right next to the 1-mile nature trail that runs through palm trees and hammocks.

Trails, history and white sand beaches with crystal clear waters make up the Fort De Soto Park, south of Saint Petersburg. The park’s 1-mile loop and 1.25-mile loop nature trails wind through native fauna, flora, pine and palm trees displaying many species of natural bird habitat. Fort De Soto was built in 1898 during the Spanish-American War to protect the Tampa Bay area, which became the port of embarkation for US troops and supplies heading to the Caribbean war zones. In 1977, Fort De Soto was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Parks seven miles offshore offer 3 miles of beautiful white sand beaches, making this park one of the most popular on the central Gulf Coast.

Once a natural ecosystem was converted to agricultural land, Terra Ceia Preserve is now the site of a major habitat restoration project that restores it to its former state of ecological diversity. Three trails covering nine miles lead through wetlands and lush forests where migratory birds take refuge, as this land now plays an important role in Florida’s natural environment.

Now a historic site where James Alderman built his home in 1848 along the Alafia River has become a hot spot for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Alderman’s Ford Conservation Parks, over six miles of trails on four different loops, wind their way through lowland woodlands, streams and pine forests, and portions of the Alafia River that flow over limestone rocks that are fascinating to listen to and observe. The half-mile boardwalk loop located six feet above the forest floor allows for great views of the Alafia River as it winds through a thick forest of palm and oak trees.