If the stress of finals is getting the best of you this week or you want to celebrate classes ending, visiting a national park may be just what you need. Admission to national parks is free until April 24 for National Park Week, which seeks to celebrate some of the best locations in the United States.
Studies have shown conclusively and consistently that being in nature can reduce feelings of anxiety and depression and increase your ability to focus, even if you are not someone who usually enjoys nature. Walking in nature helps mitigate stress during difficult times and increases overall mental well-being, according to researchers from University of Michigan and Edge Hill University in England.
The National Park Service is also turning 100 this year, so there will be even more free admission days. Because it is 2016, there will be 16 days throughout the year where there will be no admission fees for participating national parks.
Here’s a list of some of the best participating national parks closest to Gainesville. Grab some bug spray, sunscreen and friends and get in the with the great outdoors.
Canaveral National Seashore via National Park Service Website
Canaveral National Seashore
Canaveral is just over a three hour drive from Gainesville, but it is beyond worth it. Canaveral is a sanctuary for both humans and animals.
There are 25 miles of pristine Atlantic beach, which is the longest expanse of undeveloped land on the entire East Coast. If you thought traditional beaches were relaxing, you are in for a treat at Canaveral. The lack of condos make the beach feel more outdoorsy and calm. It is a true escape from the stress of urban life.
In addition, you can walk on wooden trails, fish in the lagoon or take boat rides. There are endless options in Canaveral where you can avoid responsibilities and unwind. You might even see some sea turtles.
St. Augustine
If you have been dying to enjoy some history first-hand and maybe even sink your feet in the sand, you can take a trip to St. Augustine. The national park in St. Augustine that is participating is the historical site Castillo de San Marcos, which shows the struggle that European colonialists faced as they tried to claim the “New World” as their own.
Castillo de San Marcos is walking distance from the water and downtown St. Augustine, so you can venture into the city or to the beach after exploring this museum-like fort.
St. Augustine is only an hour and a half long drive, so you should have plenty of time to explore the many different sights of St. Augustine and still be able to get back to Gainesville with enough time for a night time study session. (If you’re interested in doing a full weekend there, check out our getaway guide here.)
Picture of Castillo de San Marcos via: National Park Service website
Cumberland Island
Cumberland Island is located on the coast of southern Georgia, so if you are just sick of being in Florida or itching to get your hands on some 40-ounce bottles of beer, this is the place for you.
From backcountry camping to looking for shark’s teeth on the beach, this place has a plethora of outdoor activities anyone can enjoy. You can even rent bikes for $16 at Sea Camp Dock if you are looking for a more fast-paced mini vacation.
Cumberland Island is about a two-hour drive from Gainesville.
Jacksonville
Jacksonville has a multitude of national parks to enjoy, and they are always free, so if you aren’t able to venture to a national park this week, you could always plan a trip for later.
Jacksonville offers beautiful wetlands, the beach or Kingsley Plantation, which will teach you about the troubling era of slavery in Florida.
(If you’re interested in doing a full weekend there, check out our getaway guide here.)
Picture of Cedar Point in Jacksonville via: National Park Service website
You can click here to visit the National Park Service’s website to view the full list of national parks across the nation that are providing free admission until April 24.
If you aren’t able to visit this week, free admission will also be offered on August 5 to 8 for National Park Service’s birthday, September 24 for National Public Lands Day and on November 11 for Veterans Day.
Just make sure you check the National Park Service website for more information about your location or talk to the park ranger there to go over rules and regulations. National parks typically have rules like leave no trace or don’t take any of the wildlife with you.
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