You see the deep and intense color of the Painted Bunting long after you close your eyes for the night, while the beautiful song of the Wood Thrush lingers in your ear. Birding, for you, is a total engagement of the senses, from the sights to the songs to the documentation through photography or pen to paper. It’s both a visual and an auditory experience. It’s scientific yet joyful, technical but relaxing. There’s something so freeing about watching these stunning creatures fly through blue skies. And now it’s wintertime, so they’re calling you to Florida.

Florida is For the Birds

Cloaked between the Gulf of Mexico and the deep blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Florida boasts of famed destinations, lush gardens, gorgeous waters, and almost a backyard view of the exotic Bahamas. Yet, these are often the only stories we hear. The truth, though, is that Florida holds the key to unlocking a vibrant new world out in the wild. While it might seem as though birdwatching is Florida’s best-kept secret, Florida is becoming quite well known among birders – those who delight in and appreciate the art of birding. The best part is that the Florida climate is warm and inviting, even in the middle of winter. Ready to go?

How to Choose Your Next Florida Birding Adventure

The entire state of Florida offers birding adventures galore, and your destination simply depends on your goals. Which birds do you love and cherish most? What kind of habitat do you prefer? Consider whether you’d like to enjoy some beach time, or if the glades of the swamp are more your style. Do you yearn to be one with nature, or do you love to share in the joy with other birding enthusiasts? Perhaps you even dare to embark on a journey to see as many sites as possible – Florida offers hundreds – with an intent to eventually visit them all. It’s doable with a little preparation.

According to Visit Florida, the top birding sites in the state include Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Everglades National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, and “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. These locales, like the hundreds of other birding sites, span the state, so you’ll have no trouble finding several near your vacation rental home.

Birding Adventure of a Lifetime

The state of Florida, spanning more than 65,000 square miles, is a wonder of nature. On the first day, you might feel like you’re in the jungle. On the next, you’re admiring the ocean. If you like a dose of action on your adventure, you and your binoculars can rent a kayak and enjoy the birds from the river or lake. Florida offers a dozen habitats for its bird species, including swamp lands, prairies, dunes, and tropical brush, and you can experience all of them.

There are plenty of resources available, but one of the best is The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail organization. Create a plan for your adventure with the trip planner, a cool tool for casual research or final arrangements. Florida Birding Trail also hosts events throughout the year, so you can get together with fellow watchers to share stories and tips.

For the junior birder or experienced enthusiast, the search for the next great winter escapade is over. Destination: Florida. Welcome to the Sunshine State.

Whether you’re visiting in the spring, summer, winter or fall, the abundant state parks of Florida are ready for you. There’s lots of detailed information, so to free up some precious reading time, we’ve created this mini guide to get you the bare bones of the rules, regulations, and handy tidbits. Let’s delve into all you need to know to make your next Florida state park excursion a hassle free one.

Rentals and Fees

Fees to enter a state park range from $2 for an individual cyclist or hiker, to $10 for a car of up to 8 people.

Hours

General business hours for Florida State parks is from 8 in the morning to sunset. Check with your park’s website for specific times.

Accessibility

Handicapped accessible boat tours and all-terrain wheel chairs are available for use at some sites. Sign language interpreters are also available if needed. Please schedule this in advance on this website to be sure you will be accommodated.

Camping

Primitive sites are available as well as pads suitable for RVs from 10 to 104 feet and have available electricity and water hook ups. Please check with the park you are visiting for RV size limits and accessible utilities.

Hunting and Fishing

Fishing in park is varied from site to site, so it’s best to verify from the park’s website or employee if it is allowed. Check the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s website to determine if you need a fishing license. The state parks are managed as a natural ecosystem, so hunting is limited to specific places. Rock Springs Run State Reserve, Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve and the Marshall Swamp area of Cross Florida Greenway is open for limited hunting with special permit and, to provide the best hunting experience on your trip, please contact the reserve before your hunt.

Pets

Service animals are permitted in all public areas of Florida’s state parks. Pets are not permitted at any lodges, cabins, or cottages, but they are permitted on designated campgrounds. Please check with the campsite for more information.

Manatee Sightings

You may view the manatees in their natural habitat in Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, but swimming with them is strictly prohibited.

After all the exploring and outdoor fun is done, make a vacation home rental your place to unwind and relax. Full-sized kitchen, peace and quiet surrounding you, and pricing that is lower than most hotels are just a few of the benefits. With ample room for any kayak, tent, or just for your entire family to spread out in their own space, renting a Florida vacation home is the very best bet for your sanity and wallet.