‘Best State Parks in the Country’ Waiving Admission Fees for Memorial Day Weekend

TRAVELERS can enjoy free visits to some of the country’s best state parks over Memorial Day weekend, Florida officials announced.

On Tuesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis said beaches, parks and fishing spots would be free for everyone in the Sunshine State.

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With 175 state parks dotting its diverse terrain, Florida has a lot to offer travelers this summer.

Many beach lovers may be planning a trip to the state for Memorial Day weekend, which falls in late May this year.

Because of this, former GOP presidential candidate DeSantis said he would waive the fees and attract even more foot traffic.

“I think part of the reason people come to Florida is because we have the best beaches,” he said at a news conference, according to the NBC affiliate. WFLA.

“We have the best fishing and the best state parks in the country.

“In fact, our Florida state parks had 29 million visitors in 2023, and that generates an annual economic impact of $3.6 billion.”

There were a record number of travelers last summer, according to DeSantis, who said 35.1 million people came to the state between July and September.

Along with increased tourism, Florida has also won four gold medals from the National Parks and Recreation Association, DeSantis said.

“No two parks are alike,” said Florida Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez.

“Everyone has something unique and different for each age, for each interest, for each hobby.”

According to the governor, the change sets Florida apart from the rest of the country.

“Florida is striving to make summer more affordable for families,” DeSantis said in a statement.

“While the federal government is causing high inflation and exorbitant costs for families, Florida’s smart tax policies allow us to lower taxes and help ease the burden on Floridians.”

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PARKS TO VISIT

There is plenty of natural beauty and compelling history in Florida, so choosing which parks to visit can be a daunting task.

According to a list put together by Tripadvisor, one of the most popular parks is Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park.

Also known as Fort Taylor, the park was formerly a Civil War-era fort but now serves as a beautiful tourist site in Key West, Florida.

No two parks are the same. Everyone has something unique and different for each age, for each interest, for each hobby.

Jeanette NuñezLieutenant Governor of Florida

Travelers might also like to see John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, which is in the Florida Keys on the south coast.

John Pennekamp is the first underwater park in the USA and has beautiful reefs that can be seen by divers.

Memorial Day tourists can also stop by Blue Spring State Park in Volusia County, just outside Orlando.

This beautiful destination is for lovers of outdoor activities, as visitors can choose to go kayaking, fishing, canoeing and diving in the crystal blue waters.

For the beachy type, St. Andrews State Park in Bay County, two hours west of Tallahassee, might be just the ticket.

Those looking to swim, relax and work on their tan will love the long coastline and white sands.

Another beloved beach in Florida is at Henderson Beach State Park, about 30 minutes west of St. Louis.

This park has similar offerings and is close to enviable tourist communities like Seaside.

With the fees scrapped, Florida officials are encouraging tourists and natives to enjoy the state’s natural beauty.

“I encourage all Florida residents and visitors to take advantage of these extra savings and discover the unique experiences the real Florida has to offer,” Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Shawn Hamilton said in a statement.

A national parks expert has shared a big mistake tourists can make that could land them a $750 fine.

And a traveler who visited 25 national parks in five years said people make a serious mistake when storing their food.