According to data from Google Maps, a state park in Florida is the number one most peaceful destination for nature lovers.
So, where can you find the most peaceful state parks in the United States?
Source: Sebastian Pena Lambarri/Unsplash
While national parks like Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, and Acadia are wonderful places to visit in the United States, they aren't the only ones worth exploring. With more than 6,000 state parks across the country, there are plenty of worthy destinations, but Google's analysis shows some are a better fit than others for specific types of travelers.
In August, Google Maps released its analysis of state parks nationwide, ranking them on various factors. A list that particularly stands out is their ranking of the top 10 most calming state parks in the United States, based on the number of reviews mentioning the word "calm" throughout all time.
After sifting through the data, St. Andrews State Park in Florida was identified as the most calming location. A single look at the park is enough to show exactly why it earned the top spot.
Situated on the Gulf Coast in Panama City Beach, the park boasts a pristine, mile-long stretch of beach with stunning turquoise waters. It's also a common sight to see dolphins swimming nearby, and visitors can even take part in snorkeling and boat excursions to get a closer look at them.
The park offers more than just its beautiful waterfront. It also has 2 miles of paved biking trails, as well as footpaths and boardwalks for guests to explore. Along these paths, park officials suggest keeping an eye out for the various birds that call the park home, including herons, egrets, and even a few raptors.
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The best part is that you can continue this peaceful experience with an overnight stay through camping or glamping. Campsites can be reserved in advance and offer access to fresh water, electricity, and sewer hookups for RVs, along with a picnic table and grill for a perfect summer evening.
For those seeking more comfort, the park's glamping setup offers safari-style tents complete with cozy beds and even air conditioning.
However, St. Andrews isn't the only calming park on the list or even the only one from Florida. Here's the full top 10 list:
- St. Andrews State Park – Panama City Beach, Florida
- Honeymoon Island State Park – Dunedin, Florida
- Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park – Key Biscayne, Florida
- Bahia Honda State Park – Big Pine Key, Florida
- Sunken Meadow State Park – Kings Park, New York
- Lydgate Beach Park – Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii
- Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park – Key West, Florida
- Sebastian Inlet State Park – Melbourne Beach, Florida
- First Landing State Park – Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area – Waimea, Big Island, Hawaii
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