Sure, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, and Acadia are all fantastic destinations to visit in the U.S., but why let national parks have all the fun? There are more than 6,000 state parks sprinkled around the nation, all of which are worthy of your time. However, as Google uncovered, some state parks are better than others for specific traveler needs.
In August, Google Maps shared its data after analyzing state parks around the nation to find and rank them on various factors, including a list that caught our eye: the top 10 calming state parks in the U.S. (According to Google Maps the findings are “based on the most reviews that mention ‘calm’ across all time.”
After parsing through the data, the No. 1 most calming spot is St. Andrews State Park in Florida. And one good look at the park should show you why it’s at the top of the list.
The park, which sits along the Gulf Coast in Panama City Beach, offers a pristine, mile-long stretch of beach, lapped by turquoise waters that are often dotted by dolphins swimming by. In fact, guests to the park can take part in both snorkeling and boat excursions to see those same dolphins up close.
Though the park is more than just a waterfront. It also offers two miles of paved biking trails, along with footpaths and boardwalks that guests can explore. Along the way, park officials encourage visitors to keep an eye out for the birds that call the park home, including herons and egrets, and even a few raptors.
The best part is that you can keep this calm energy flowing by staying overnight for a camping or glamping adventure. Campsites can be reserved in advance and include access to fresh water, electric, and sewer connections for RVs. They also have a picnic table and grill for a perfect summer evening.
Those looking for a little more comfort can find it at the park’s glamping setup, which includes safari-style tents, cozy beds, and even air conditioning.
However, St Andrews isn’t the only calming park in the nation, nor the only top-ranked calming park in Florida. The full list, in order, includes:
- St. Andrews State Park – Panama City Beach, Florida
- Honeymoon Island State Park – Dunedin, Florida
- Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park – Key Biscayne, Florida
- Bahia Honda State Park – Big Pine Key, Florida
- Sunken Meadow State Park – Kings Park, New York
- Lydgate Beach Park – Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii
- Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park – Key West, Florida
- Sebastian Inlet State Park – Melbourne Beach, Florida
- First Landing State Park – Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area – Waimea, Big Island, Hawaii
Need more state park inspiration? Check out Travel + Leisure‘s list of the 50 best state parks in the U.S. here and start checking them off your “must-see” list.
