Florida State Parks will offer free admission Memorial Day weekend, May 23-25, inviting visitors to enjoy the outdoors while honoring those who gave their lives in service to the United States as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. 

“As visitors enjoy the holiday weekend, Memorial Day is also a time to pause and reflect on those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country,” said Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. “Florida State Parks offer meaningful places to connect with the history and natural beauty that define our state.” 

Across Florida, state parks protect some of the nation’s most iconic natural and historic places, from crystal-clear springs and beaches to trails, rivers and historic landmarks that help tell Florida’s role in America’s story. 

Visitors can enjoy hiking, paddling, fishing, wildlife viewing, camping and more in diverse natural settings statewide. 

Florida State Parks also preserve a wide range of cultural and historical resources, including forts, battlefields, archaeological sites and historic landscapes that reflect chapters of Florida’s past. 

Please note: Free admission applies to day-use only and excludes Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State ParkSkyway Fishing Pier State ParkStephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park and Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. All other fees, including overnight accommodations, special events, concessions and rentals from park vendors, will remain in effect.    

Find your park and plan your visit at FloridaStateParks.org. To learn more about Florida’s role in America’s 250th anniversary, visit America250FL.com

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About Florida State Parks, Greenways and Trails 

The Florida Park Service is the proud recipient of four National Gold Medals for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, making Florida America’s first four-time Gold Medal winner. The awards were received in 1999, 2005, 2013 and 2019 from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and the National Recreation and Park Association. 

Florida’s 175 state parks, trails and historic sites inspire residents and visitors with recreation opportunities and scenic beauty that help strengthen families, educate children, expand local economies and foster community pride. With more than 815,000 acres, 101 miles of beaches and more than 3,024 miles of multi-use trails, residents and visitors should plan to visit soon and often to enjoy Florida’s natural treasures. 

For more information, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org. 

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850-245-2112, DEPNews@FloridaDEP.gov