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I have lived in Florida for over 25 years. Skip the big cities and spend time in these 5 beautiful state parks instead.

I have lived in Florida for over 25 years. Skip the big cities and spend time in these 5 beautiful state parks instead.

Rainbow Springs is one of my favorite Florida state parks to visit. Bruce Dierenfeld/Shutterstock

If you’re looking for water so clear it looks fake, Rainbow Springs State Park is your place. This oasis is located about two hours northwest of Orlando and offers swimming, kayaking and tubing along the Rainbow River.

There are also hiking trails, lush gardens and yes: real waterfalls. I think it is one of the most colorful and vibrant natural places in the state. I recommend visiting in the spring, before the summer crowds arrive.

This story was originally published on July 25, 2025 and last updated on August 17, 2026.

James Rodriguez

Technology Reporter

James Rodriguez covers technology, startups, and digital innovation for NY Breaking News. A former software engineer turned journalist, James brings a unique technical perspective to his reporting on AI, cybersecurity, and the tech industry. He graduated from MIT with a degree in Computer Science before pursuing journalism at Northwestern.