Beaches & Adventure Insider

You may as well just grab your sunscreen and a towel now.

 “Go Play Weekday,” the first of several promotions planned in celebration of the Florida State Parks’ 75th Anniversary, is a super-bargain designed to entice you into playing hooky for an afternoon – or a morning, or a whole day or several days – at some fabulous Florida destinations.

Throughout 2010, Go Play Weekday specials will highlight parks in each corner of the Sunshine State, and during the promotional months, you’ll only have to fork out a 75-cent admission fee Monday through Friday at the featured parks.

Northwestern Florida is being highlighted now through Feb. 25, 2010. Check out these six cherry, featured, state parks if you like bluffs, beaches and lakes:

1.    Blackwater River State Park, Holt: Canoe or kayak in the river, renowned for its pure, sandy-bottom. Swim, fish, camp or hike in this nature lover’s paradise.
2.    Camp Helen State Park, Panama City Beach: Bordered by the Gulf of Mexico on three sides and Lake Powell – one of the largest coastal dune lakes in Florida – this getaway is ideal for swimming, beachcombing, nature study, hiking and fishing.
3.    Grayton Beach State Park, Santa Rosa Beach: Outdoor enthusiasts should make sure to visit my personal favorite! This pristine park has everything: a beach on the emerald gulf waters and a stunningly beautiful coastal dune lake you can explore via YOLO board, kayak or canoe.
4.    Falling Waters State Park, Chipley: This spectacular escape – where you can picnic, hike or camp – features Florida's highest waterfall (73 feet).
5.    Three Rivers State Park, Sneads: Hook into some fun in Lake Seminole, touted as one of Florida’s best freshwater fishing lakes. You can hike, spot abundant wildlife, picnic and camp there, either in a tent or a cabin.
6.    Torreya State Park, Bristol: Explore the towering bluffs overlooking the Apalachicola River at this scenic paradise. The park also offers opportunities for camping, hiking and bird-watching.

Just mention ‘Go Play Weekday' at the ranger station to get the special price, and if the park has an honor box, just write ‘Go Play Weekday' on the envelope and put in 75 cents instead of the full fee.
 
Promotions will change throughout the year, so check for updates on the Florida State Parks Website.