Torreya State Park - Florida

Address:2576 N.W. Torreya Park Road
Florida

Best known for its 10 miles of gorgeous Gulf beaches, St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is both a wonderland of water-based recreation plus a plethora of fun in the wilderness. The white sand and sparkling water seem to be made for sunbathing, snorkeling and swimming, and canoeing and kayaking here offer great views of the dunes. Speckled trout, Red Drum, Flounder and Mullet swim the St. Joseph waters and sure to delight visiting fishermen. There are also three different hiking trails which wind through marsh and a maritime oak community, which are home to hawks, ospreys and countless other animals. St. Joseph also offers cabins and camping to top off a great vacation in this splendid State Park.

High bluffs overlooking the Apalachicola River make Torreya one of Florida's most scenic places. The park is named for an extremely rare species of Torreya tree that only grows on the bluffs along the Apalachicola River. Developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, Torreya is popular for camping, hiking, and picnicking. Bird-watching is also a popular activity. Over 100 species of birds have been spotted in the park. Forests of hardwood trees provide the finest display of fall color found in Florida. The main campground offers full-facility campsites and a YURT (Year-round Universal Recreational Tent). Primitive campsites and a youth campground are also available. Ranger-guided tours of the Gregory House, a fully furnished plantation home built in 1849, are given at 10:00 a.m. on weekdays and 10:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. on weekends and state holidays. Located west on County Road 1641 off State Road 12, 13 miles north of Bristol.