COURTESY VISIT FLORIDA/THE RODRIGUEZ GROUP
Romance in the Park
This Valentine’s Day, swap crowded restaurants and predictable gifts for something unforgettable: natural beauty, shared adventure and dates framed by Florida’s legendary landscapes. Across the Sunshine State, seven distinctive parks are offering romantic or family-friendly experiences — from river cruises and picnics to paddleboard sunsets, movie nights by the shore, and even a father-daughter dance.
Managed as part of the Adventures Unbound™ collection by Guest Services, Florida’s state parks offer curated seasonal activities alongside classic outdoors experiences. Whether you’re planning a couples’ getaway, a friends’ adventure or quality time with loved ones, these parks offer settings that go well beyond the typical February 14 routine.
1. De León Springs State Park — De Leon Springs
Website: deleonspringsadventures.com
Address: 601 Ponce De Leon Blvd, De Leon Springs, FL 32130
Hours: Open daily from 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year.
In Volusia County, this spring-fed park sets the stage for “A Sweet Escape” throughout February — a romantic pancake dinner for two topped with a chocolate rose in the historic Old Sugar Mill Pancake House, followed by a leisurely cruise on the Spring Garden River. Here, couples can take a refreshing swim in cool 72-degree waters, paddle together, hike shaded trails or savor a picnic under ancient oaks amid wildlife sightings.
2. Wekiwa Springs State Park — Apopka
Website: wekiwaspringsadventures.com
Address: 1800 Wekiwa Cir, Apopka, FL 32712
Hours: Park open 8 a.m. to sundown, daily.
Just north of Orlando, Wekiwa Springs’ crystal water and wild river corridor offer scenic settings for Valentine’s outings — whether it’s a riverside picnic, kayaking or canoeing together on Wekiwa and Rock Springs Run, or hiking winding trails through lush habitats. For a unique spin on Valentine’s Day, plan a riverside picnic among mature oaks, or rent two kayaks to explore the headwaters of the Wekiva River.
3. The Lodge at Wakulla Springs — Wakulla Springs
Website: theLodgeatwakullasprings.com
Address: 550 Wakulla Park Dr, Wakulla Springs, FL 32327
Hours: Lodge hours vary; park typically open daily 8 a.m. until sundown.
In North Florida, historic elegance awaits at The Lodge at Wakulla Springs, nestled in Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park. This iconic lodge often offers special Valentine’s Dinner events set amidst one of the deepest freshwater springs in the world, complete with wildlife viewing boat tours, romantic dining and evening ambiance. A stay here turns a weekend into a memory that lingers long after Valentine’s Day.
4. St. Andrews State Park — Panama City
Website: standrewsshellisland.com
Address: 4607 State Park Ln, Panama City, FL 32408
Hours: Open 8 a.m. until sundown, daily.
Along Panama City Beach, St. Andrews State Park offers a stunning Gulf Coast backdrop for Valentine’s adventures. Couples can embark on a Sunset Love Cruise across St. Andrew’s Bay and beyond to Shell Island, where dolphins play and tides reflect fiery February skies. Bring a picnic or explore sandy beaches and nature trails before the cruise — or plan a day that pairs shoreline strolls with a sunset toast.
5. Oleta River State Park — North Miami Beach
Website: oletariveradventures.com
Address: 3400 NE 163rd St, North Miami Beach, FL 33160
Hours: Outdoor center generally open 9 a.m. to one hour before sunset.
In South Florida, Oleta River’s urban oasis offers a Valentine’s month full of water-centric fun. Its signature “Love on the Water” sunset paddle invites couples to glide through mangrove channels on tandem kayaks or paddleboards, followed by cozy fireside champagne and light bites. The park’s picnic areas and shaded trails make it easy to linger into the evening amid warm breezes and cityscape views softened by fluttering palms.
6. Dr. Von D. Mizell‑Eula Johnson State Park — Dania Beach
Website: floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/dr-von-d-mizell-eula-johnson-state-park
Address: 6503 N Ocean Dr, Dania Beach, FL 33004
Hours: 8 a.m. until sunset daily.
For a Valentine’s Day with sand between your toes, this Broward County treasure marries beach vibes with park charm. The park’s “Movies by the Creek — Valentine’s Day Edition” pairs a romantic beachside picnic with champagne and treats under the stars. During the day, explore gentle shoreline paths, kayak across calm waters, or simply enjoy a sunset stroll along unspoiled beach terrain.
7. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park — Spring Hill
Website: weekiwachee.com
Address: 6131 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, FL 34606
Hours: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Valentine’s isn’t just for couples. At Weeki Wachee Springs — the legendary “spring of live mermaids” — families can celebrate with a Father-Daughter Valentine’s Dance on Feb. 15, or enjoy riverboat cruises, kayak excursions and wildlife discovery along the sparkling Weeki Wachee River. Between mermaid shows, beach time at Buccaneer Bay and refreshing swims, this spring setting blends whimsy with natural wonder that makes every Valentine’s memory sweeter.
Whether you’re paddling mangroves at sunset, sharing pancakes by a freshwater spring, or connecting over a stroll along Gulf Coast sands, Florida’s state parks offer an array of Valentine’s experiences to suit every style — from serene escapes to festive family fun.