A new year is the perfect time to start planning your next outdoor adventure. As we look ahead to the new year, we’re excited to share some of the places on our team’s Get Outside bucket list for the year. With so many wild places to explore, there’s always something new to discover across our state. Here’s where our team is hoping to go in 2026:
Myakka River State Park
“When your conservation bucket list rolls over into a new year…
Same list. New calendar. Still worth it. Myakka State Park remains on my list with renewed optimism that 2026 will be the year to explore it.”
– Sarah Gledhill, President and CEO
Grayton Beach State Park
“Grayton Beach State Park is an example of the diversity of Florida’s landscapes that I would love to see in person. From the sparkling white beach to the coastal forests, I hope to experience that this year.“
– Morgan McClure, Marketing and Communications Director
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
“This year, I plan to revisit John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Their famous glass-bottom boat tour is where I fell in love with the water as a child, and I look forward to returning with my family to snorkel the reefs and, if we’re lucky, snag a camping spot!“
– Casey Darling Kniffin, Conservation Policy Director
Florida Caverns State Park
“Florida Caverns State Park is one of the few places in the state where you can explore stunning underground limestone caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites. It’s an incredible opportunity to experience Florida’s hidden beauty and learn about its fascinating geology.“
– Becky Dotson, Operations Director
Colt Creek State Park
“With more than 5,000 acres of native Central Florida habitat in the Green Swamp, it feels like one of those places where you can really experience Florida as it once was, with longleaf pine flatwoods, winding creeks, cypress domes, and wide-open vistas. The diversity of landscapes and birdlife makes it a dream spot to explore and photograph.“
– Federico Acevedo, Digital Communications Manager
Big Cypress National Preserve
“I’ve never explored Southwest Florida, and Big Cypress National Preserve feels like the perfect place to start. Its vast cypress swamps and rich wildlife offer a completely different side of Florida than I’m used to.”
– Audrey Hauser, Donor and Support manager
Myakka River State Park
“This year I’d really like to visit Myakka River State Park. Spanning more than 37,000 acres, the park protects an incredible mix of wetlands, prairies, hammocks, and pinelands. I haven’t been back in a long time, and I’m looking forward to experiencing this iconic Florida landscape again.“
– Marney Richards, Education and Outreach Coordinator
Where Do You Want to Go in 2026?
Florida is filled with incredible places waiting to be explored. These public lands are not just scenic destinations; they’re vital ecosystems that support a wide array of plants, animals, and natural processes. They provide clean water, protect against flooding, offer habitat for threatened species, and create spaces where people can connect with nature and recharge their spirits.
Our public lands are truly treasures worth protecting. By visiting and supporting these places, we can help ensure their preservation for future generations to enjoy. We hope our bucket list inspires you to create your own and discover the wonders Florida has to offer!
Leave a comment below and let us know: What’s one place in Florida you’d like to visit or explore in 2026? Let’s inspire each other to connect with the natural beauty of our state!
