As we look ahead to the adventures that await in 2025, we’re excited to share some of the places on our team’s travel bucket list for the year. Florida’s natural beauty is incredibly diverse, from lush forests and sparkling springs to sprawling wetlands and stunning coastlines. With so many unique places to explore, there’s always something new to discover in our beautiful state. Here’s where our team is hoping to go in 2025:
Myakka River State Park
“One of my favorite books is A Land Remembered. I envision Myakka State Park as the perfect setting, with its sweeping prairies, ancient oaks, and wild and scenic river. It feels like stepping back into Florida’s pioneer days.”
– Sarah Gledhill, President and CEO
Everglades National Park
“I’ve spent most of my life in Central and North Florida, so I haven’t had the chance to truly explore the Everglades. In 2025 I’m making it a priority to get down there to see real Florida in all its glory, and why this special place has inspired so many conservationists.“
– Morgan McClure, Marketing and Communications Director
Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park
“I look forward to booking a campsite at Kissimmee Prairie State Park in their dark sky designated campground during the next big meteor shower in 2025. Since I spend most nights stargazing along the crowded coast, the tranquility and expansive skies that prairie land offers are calling.”
– Casey Darling Kniffin, Conservation Policy Director
Florida Caverns State Park
“I’ve always wanted to explore the incredible limestone caves with their stunning stalactites and stalagmites. The idea of hiking through scenic trails and soaking in the natural beauty while spotting wildlife makes it the perfect adventure for me.“
– Becky Dotson, Operations Director
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
“Ever since I learned about them, I’ve been fascinated by the iconic wild bison at Paynes Prairie—a rare sight in Florida. They’re just one of many incredible wildlife species to capture in this unique and breathtaking landscape!”
– Federico Acevedo, Digital Communications Manager
Cape Canaveral, Florida
“We visited Cape Canaveral back in 2015 and had an unforgettable experience, including a delicious dinner at Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill. My husband and I still talk about the amazing grouper sandwich and fries we enjoyed there, and we’re planning to revisit in 2025.”
– Lynn Jones, Membership and DB Coordinator
Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park
“A friend recently described Gold Head Branch SP, with its rolling hills along Florida’s central ridge. This sounds like a great place to explore soon!”
– Marney Richards, Education and Outreach Coordinator
Where Do You Want to Go in 2025?
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!
Comment below and let us know: What’s one place in Florida you’d like to visit or explore in 2025? Let’s inspire each other to connect with the natural beauty of our state!
Great and interesting. I had no idea that there were any Bison in Florida, Also enjoyed parks that I did not know existed.
I’ve always wished I’d taken a canoe trip that lasted until I was ready to go home. Couple I wish I’d done: A canoe trip from Okefenokee to Old Town and another through the Everglades Wilderness Waterway. Too late now; I’m 91.
I definitely have the caverns and the everglades on my list for this year. I absolutely love Florida.