Florida is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with diverse habitats ranging from wetlands and coastal shores to forests and grasslands. Whether you’re an avid birder or a nature photographer looking for stunning avian subjects, the Sunshine State offers plenty of public parks and refuges to explore. Here are 20 of the best places in Florida for birdwatching, organized by region, complete with addresses and website links for your convenience.
North Florida
1. St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
Location: Tallahassee
Address: 1255 Lighthouse Rd, St. Marks, FL 32355
Website: fws.gov/refuge/st-marks
Established in 1931, St. Marks is one of the oldest wildlife refuges in the country. It provides critical wintering grounds for whooping cranes and other migratory birds. The salt marshes, estuaries, and pine forests create a diverse habitat ideal for birdwatching year-round.
2. Little Talbot Island State Park
Location: Jacksonville
Address: 12157 Heckscher Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32226
Website: floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/little-talbot-island-state-park
This barrier island park features dunes, marshes, and maritime forests, making it ideal for observing migratory songbirds and shorebirds. The quiet beaches and nature trails provide excellent opportunities for bird photography.
3. Apalachicola National Forest
Location: Tallahassee
Address: 11152 NW SR 20, Bristol, FL 32321
Website: fs.usda.gov/apalachicola
Apalachicola National Forest is the largest national forest in Florida, offering habitats for rare species like Bachman’s sparrows, red-cockaded woodpeckers, and hawks. The forest’s trails and wetlands are perfect for a full day of birdwatching.
Central Florida
4. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
Location: Titusville
Address: 1987 Scrub Jay Way, Titusville, FL 32782
Website: fws.gov/refuge/merritt_island
This refuge is famous for its variety of migratory birds, including bald eagles, roseate spoonbills, and reddish egrets. The Black Point Wildlife Drive is a favorite among birders, offering scenic views and numerous birding stops.
5. Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive
Location: Apopka
Address: 2850 Lust Rd, Apopka, FL 32703
Website: sjrwmd.com/lands/recreation/lake-apopka
Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive offers a scenic 11-mile route through restored wetlands. The area is teeming with birdlife, including black-necked stilts, eagles, and glossy ibis. Bring your binoculars and camera for an unforgettable experience.
6. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Location: Gainesville
Address: 100 Savannah Blvd, Micanopy, FL 32667
Website: floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/paynes-prairie-preserve-state-park
This unique savanna ecosystem hosts sandhill cranes, purple gallinules, and hawks. The park’s observation towers offer excellent views of the prairie and its birdlife, particularly during the winter migration season.
South Florida
7. Everglades National Park
Location: Homestead
Address: 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead, FL 33034
Website: nps.gov/ever
Everglades National Park is a vast subtropical wilderness known for its unique ecosystem and incredible bird diversity. The park’s wetlands attract species like roseate spoonbills, wood storks, and anhingas. Canoe trails and walking paths offer the best opportunities for birdwatching.
8. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Location: Naples
Address: 375 Sanctuary Rd W, Naples, FL 34120
Website: corkscrew.audubon.org
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary features a 2.25-mile boardwalk through ancient cypress forests. Birdwatchers can spot barred owls, limpkins, woodpeckers, and various warblers. The serene setting makes it a favorite for nature enthusiasts.
9. Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
Location: Boynton Beach
Address: 10216 Lee Rd, Boynton Beach, FL 33473
Website: fws.gov/refuge/arm-loxahatchee
Part of the northern Everglades, this refuge offers trails and boardwalks that wind through rich wetlands. Snail kites, limpkins, and marsh wrens are common sightings, making it a must-visit for avid birders.
10. Green Cay Nature Center and Wetlands
Location: Boynton Beach
Address: 12800 Hagen Ranch Rd, Boynton Beach, FL 33437
Website: discover.pbcgov.org/parks/GreenCay
Green Cay’s elevated boardwalks offer unparalleled views of wetland birds, including black-bellied whistling ducks, herons, and ibises. Interpretive signs along the boardwalk provide educational information about the local ecosystem.
11. Wakodahatchee Wetlands
Location: Delray Beach
Address: 13026 Jog Rd, Delray Beach, FL 33484
Website: discover.pbcgov.org/parks/Locations/Wakodahatchee-Wetlands.aspx
This man-made wetland is a birder’s dream, with raised boardwalks offering close views of purple gallinules, wood storks, and green herons. The park is especially popular during breeding season.
Florida Keys
12. Bahia Honda State Park
Location: Big Pine Key
Address: 36850 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key, FL 33043
Website: floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/bahia-honda-state-park
Bahia Honda’s tropical environment is home to white-crowned pigeons, wading birds, and shorebirds. The park’s beaches and nature trails offer picturesque spots for bird photography.
Panhandle
13. Big Lagoon State Park
Location: Pensacola
Address: 12301 Gulf Beach Hwy, Pensacola, FL 32507
Website: floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/big-lagoon-state-park
Big Lagoon State Park’s coastal habitats attract red-breasted mergansers, osprey, and various shorebirds. Kayaking and hiking trails provide great vantage points for birdwatching and photography.
14. Oscar Scherer State Park
Location: Osprey
Address: 1843 S Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL 34229
Website: floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/oscar-scherer-state-park
Oscar Scherer is one of the best places to see the endangered Florida scrub-jay, along with other native species like bald eagles. The park offers both hiking and biking trails through scrubby flatwoods.
15. Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area
Location: Kenansville
Address: 1231 Prairie Lakes Rd, Kenansville, FL 34739
Website: myfwc.com/recreation/lead/three-lakes
This remote area is known for grasslands and pine forests, providing habitat for red-cockaded woodpeckers, crested caracaras, and meadowlarks. It’s a great destination for birders seeking less crowded spots.
Florida’s rich ecosystems provide a haven for birdwatchers and photographers alike. Whether you’re drawn to coastal shorebirds, wading birds in wetlands, or rare forest species, these public parks and refuges offer some of the best birding experiences in the state. Plan your visit and enjoy the avian wonders Florida has to offer!
