The National Parks in Florida & All You Need to Know to Visit
When you think of Florida, you probably imagine Disney World and the exquisite Florida beaches. Few visitors to Florida know about Florida’s national parks. They offer amazing hiking and snorkeling that you can’t find anywhere else.
Many of the national parks are also extremely close to Florida’s biggest cities. So, you can enjoy the parks along with the city’s nightlife and dining options.
While the Everglades is the most well-known as one of the best national parks in Florida, other must-see destinations should be on your bucket list. You’ll also find some incredible national monuments where you can learn about Florida’s history.
Whether you’re a Florida resident or visiting, the national parks are a great way to experience Florida and all the best of wildlife and swimming.
Some links in this article may be affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through them, I receive a small commission. This will never cost you extra. Please read the disclosures to learn more.
Visits to the US National Parks
The 63 US national parks are some of the most gorgeous and unique parts of our country. These are precious natural resources that are protected and should always be treated with respect.
Many US national parks charge a fee to visit, often covering multiple visits within one week. However, if you’re staying longer or plan to visit more than one national park within a year, purchasing a national park pass is a great idea.
A popular pass that everyone is eligible for is the America the Beautiful Pass. It costs $80 a year, and it’s available at one of my favorite stores, REI, online or in-person. And who knows? Purchasing this pass may even tempt you to visit more of our beautiful national parks! What a great idea!
Florida National Parks
When you’re visiting Florida, don’t miss visiting the incredible national parks: Tortugas National Park, Everglades National Park, and Biscayne National Park. These special parks reflect the best of what Florida offers.
Tortugas National Park
If your main goal for visiting Florida’s national parks is to explore the water and marine life, Tortugas National Park is an incredible place. Lesser known and very remote, it’s off the Gulf Coast of Florida and 70 miles west of Key West.
It consists of 7 small islands, so swimming and snorkeling are the top activities there.
Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site as well as a national park. It’s an amazing place for seeing wildlife, going boating, and enjoying incredible guided tours.
Not only is it popular with tourists, but it’s also a top spot for scientists as well. The Everglades is one of the top places for science research in the United States.
Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park is near Miami and Homestead. You need to take a boat to get to the islands that comprise the park. They have guided eco-adventures, ample opportunities to canoe and kayak, and fishing and lobstering.
You can also camp in the main areas of the park.
National Monuments and Memorials
Florida also has over 47 national monuments and historic areas. Fort Caroline National Memorial, De Soto National Memorial, and Fort Matanzas are the most famous.
The National Park Service of Florida has over 318 million visitors every year. They have been working to protect all the natural areas of Florida since 1916. Their main goals are preserving local history and celebrating the local culture.
By visiting the Florida National Parks, you will see what an amazing job they have done to accomplish these goals.
1. Tortugas National Park
A visit to Dry Tortugas is an unforgettable experience.
Top Things to Do in Tortugas
Although Dry Tortugas has seven different islands, only three offer numerous activities that make them worth visiting.
Garden Key
Garden Key is the largest island in the park. It’s also the only place on the island where guests can camp. Exploring Fort Jefferson is the main activity on this 14-acre island.
You can also do several water activities, including:
- Snorkeling
- Swimming (North, South, and East Beach)
- Boating
- Fishing
Loggerhead Key
Loggerhead Island is the best place for wildlife viewing in Tortugas National Park.
- Tortugas means Turtle in Spanish, and this island has five different turtle species.
- See over 300 different species of birds, including over 100,000 Sooty Terns.
- The reefs are easy places to see sharks, lobsters, squid, octopuses, and colorful coral.
Snorkeling in Loggerhead is also amazing. It’s a great place for beginners as the water isn’t too deep, and the beach gradually slopes. So, even if you aren’t a great swimmer, you can still be comfortable in the water at Loggerhead Key.
Make sure to snorkel to the coral reef named “Little Africa.” It’s just a few yards off the swimming beach area. When looking at the reef from above, it looks just like the continent of Africa. If you have a GoPro or waterproof camera, it will give you some amazing photos.
Bush Key
For hiking, Bush Key is the best island on Dry Tortugas. The trail is a one-mile round trip through the shoreline, where you can see beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Bush Key is closed from February through September because of the nesting season.
Bush Key is usually only accessible by kayak or canoe, so you must rent one from Garden Key. During certain times of the year, a land bridge forms where you can walk to it.
The Dry Tortugas parking station for the ferry is located at 300 Grinnell Street, Key West, FL, 33040.
How to Get Around Tortugas
Tortugas National Park is only accessible by boat, so you don’t need a car on the island. To get between the seven islands, you will need to take one of the boat services offered by the park.
The main way to get to the island is by ferry, though only ten campers are allowed daily. (Be sure to plan well in advance!) If you or your friends have a boat, you can ride it yourself to the national park.
How Much Time to Spend in Tortugas
Most people find one day on each of the three main islands is enough to explore Dry Tortugas and do all the activities they want. So, you will want to plan for about three days in the park.
If you plan on camping, you will need to plan how much time you want to spend in Tortugas to ensure you bring enough food and water. You can’t purchase any on the islands.
Where to Stay in Tortugas
The only option to stay in Tortugas is camping. If you want to stay close, Key West is a great option.
Budget—If you want to stay inside the national park, you can camp at the site on Garden Key. 6-person campsites are first-come, first-serve. If you are traveling with a group of 10 or more, reservations are required for the larger campsite. All visitors need to bring their own tents and camping gear. Composting toilets are available, and the ferries have fresh water rinses for showering.
Mid-range— The Laureate Key West is only 3 miles from Duval Street, the main street in Key West. It’s also less than a mile from the beach. They have a beautiful outdoor swimming pool perfect for relaxing and recharging.
Luxury— Orchid Key Inn is also located on Key West. It’s right on the beach and has a great bar. They also have an outdoor swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, and a spa with a jacuzzi. To get to Tortugas, you must take the ferry from Key West to and from the islands.
Where to Eat in Tortugas
As secluded and remote as it is, the park has no dining options. However, fishing is allowed and encouraged. Many campers at Tortugas National Park fish daily for their meals. You must bring enough food, water, and cooking utensils for your entire stay.
For cooking fresh food, the campsite has BBQ grills. Make sure to bring your charcoal, as wood fires are not allowed. Gas stoves are permitted if you have a small one you’d like to bring.
2. Everglades National Park
Top Things To Do in the Everglades
There are many visitor centers in the Everglades. Starting at one of them is the best way to explore the Everglades.
Flamingo
Flamingo Visitor Center is one of the more popular centers and offers many activities.
- Take a 90-minute boat backcountry tour through small canals and lesser-explored places on the islands.
- See amazing wildlife on the 90-minute boat tour of Florida Bay.
- Rent a kayak or canoe.
- Rent a bicycle to ride down the trails and marina.
The Flamingo Center is located at 1 Flamingo Lodge Hwy, Homestead, Florida 33034, and is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Gulf Coast
The Gulf Coast visitor center is the best place to go if you plan to explore the Ten Thousand Islands, the mangroves, Flamingo Bay, and Florida Bay.
- The Ten Thousand Islands tour has several tours a day. It’s a 90-minute tour of Chokoloskee Bay, Indian Key Pass, and the mangroves.
- Rent a canoe or kayak and explore the waterways by yourself, or take a guided tour.
- Take a shuttle to Flamingo Island.
The Gulf Coast Center is located at 815 Oyster Bar Lane, Everglades City, Florida 34139. It’s open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Shark Valley
The busiest center in the Everglades offers great tours and activities.
- Take a guided tram tour of the area. Halfway through the tour, you’ll be taken to a 45-foot-high observation deck, where you can take some amazing photos.
- Rent a bike or electric scooter and ride the 15-mile loop to see wildlife and the ecosystem at work.
- Take a walk on one of the two trails to see the wildlife up close. Be careful of alligators!
The Shark Valley Center is located at 36000 SW 8th Street, Miami, Florida 33194, and is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How to Get Around the Everglades
The different visitor centers and main points of the Everglades are between 30 minutes to 2 hours from each other. Since it’s the largest wetland in the United States, you will need a car to get between visitor centers.
Some people choose to Uber or Lyft from their hotels since parking can be very limited at some of the centers.
How Much Time to Spend in the Everglades
Most people find that spending two days in the Everglades is enough time to explore the area. This should give you enough time to kayak, see wildlife, and take a few boating or tram tours.
Where to Stay in the Everglades
Budget— You can camp on Gulf Coast Island and Flamingo Marina. Both places offer the option to rent camping equipment directly from them, or you can rent your own. Reservations are required.
Mid-range— Towneplace Suites Miami Homestead is the best place to stay if you want to visit the Everglades and Biscayne National Park. They have BBQ grills, full in-suite kitchens, and an amazing outdoor pool. They’re also pet-friendly!
Luxury— Port of the Islands Everglades Adventure Resort is one of the closest hotels you can stay to the Everglades. Featuring 52 cottages with kitchenettes and screened porches, you get a secluded stay right in the wetlands.
Where to Eat in the Everglades
Flamingo Marina has small food trucks selling sandwiches, salads, and other basic meals. This is one of the best places to eat if you don’t want to leave the Everglades.
Angler’s Cove at the Port of the Island Resort has happy hour every day. They also have amazing dinner options such as ahi tuna steak and shrimp scampi pizza.
Triad Seafood Market and Cafe is one of the best places for fresh-caught seafood. Try the fried clams, the mahi-mahi sandwich, or the clam chowder. The menu also features many classic Southern options that are not seafood or fish.
3. Biscayne National Park
Top Things To Do in Biscayne
With two main islands to visit, there is plenty to do in Biscayne National Park.
Boca Chita Key
Boca Chita is the most visited island in the park. It does offer boat docking if you are planning to drive or rent a boat.
- Take a guided boat tour of the island to learn about the history of the iconic lighthouse.
- Take a half-mile hike to the south side of the island for some beautiful scenery.
- Visit the 65-foot-high observation deck on the lighthouse for an aerial view of the water and surrounding islands.
Elliott Key
The largest island in the park has several activities.
- Hike the Spite Highway 6 miles roundtrip to see the maritime forest.
- Use the BBQ grills to have a picnic near the beautiful marina.
- Take a wildlife-watching tour.
- Fish on the south side of the island if you have a permit.
How to Get Around Biscayne
Once you get to Biscayne, you can travel by boat between the islands. You will need to park in the lot at Dante Fascell Visitor Center, and then boats will take you to the other areas.
How Much Time to Spend in Biscayne
Most people find that spending one day on each of the islands is enough time for tours, boating, and kayaking. So, you will need to plan for 1-2 days, depending on if you want to visit both keys or just one.
Where to Stay in Biscayne
Budget— Elliott Key and Boca Chita Key both have campgrounds. Boca Chita has indoor toilets but no showers, while Elliott Key has full showers and sinks. There are grill facilities where you can bring your own food at both. Make sure to bring drinking water since neither campground has any.
Mid-range— Hilton Garden Inn Homestead is close to the Miami Speedway and the Homestead Air Force Base. They have an amazing outdoor swimming pool, a 24-hour front desk, and many different suite options to fit your traveling needs.
Luxury— Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay is close to Biscayne Bay and downtown Miami. They have an outdoor pool, an on-site restaurant, and a 24-hour fitness center. From here, you can easily get to all of Miami’s attractions and Biscayne National Park.
Where to Eat in Biscayne
Boater’s Grill has fresh-caught seafood with a Latin flair. Try the lobster asopado, stone crab, and tostones with shrimp. They also have amazing drinks and wine.
Novecento is an Argentinian restaurant that has incredible plates with large portions. Make sure to order the beef tenderloin, croquetas, or salmon rosado. They also have ample vegetarian options and an extensive wine list.
Florida National Monuments & Memorials
Florida is home to some beautiful national monuments and memorials.
- Fort Caroline National Memorial was the first site of contact between American Indians and the Spanish settlers. It’s located near Jacksonville, a large city on the east coast of Florida, close to all the best beaches. At Fort Caroline, you can go hiking, see cannon firings, and visit historical exhibits.
- De Soto National Memorial is in Bradenton. Take a ranger-led kayaking tour to learn about the history of De Soto and his exploration of Tampa Bay. It’s a great historical tour of Florida and how colonization has shaped the state.
- Fort Matanzas was originally built in 1742 to defend Florida. It’s located in St. Augustine. Take a walking guided tour of the fort and then go hiking on some of the nearby trails.
- Castillo de San Marcos is located in St. Augustine. The Spanish empire built it in as they ruled Florida for over 300 years. They have live demonstrations of cannon firings. They also have do guided and self-guided tours to help you learn more about the history of Florida and Spain’s cultural influences on the area.
Best States Parks in Florida
While Florida is home to some amazing national parks, they also have quite a few state parks to check out. If you have extra time, make sure to head to some of these places:
- Silver Springs State Park: Take a glass bottom boat tour to see all the marine life. You can also go kayaking through the small canals. This state park is located in Ocala, north of Orlando.
- Anastasia State Park: Located in St. Augustine, this state park is a barrier island with some of the best beaches in Florida. They also have over 100 campsites for tents and RVs.
- Lake Kissimmee State Park: Head here if you want to go paddleboarding through many different lakes and rivers. They also have a nice campground where you’ll hear the bobcats and wild turkeys roaming around at night.
When to Visit the National Parks of Florida
The best thing about Florida is that the weather is warm all year. Visiting the national parks of Florida during the peak seasons isn’t ideal since the parks are often quite overcrowded.
Try to avoid the national parks in June, July, and August. The months of December and the beginning of January also tend to be very busy.
Florida’s National Parks are Waiting For You!
The national parks of Florida are the easiest and best way to explore the state of Florida and get out of the hustle and bustle of the cities. They offer sights that are uniquely Florida and well worth seeing.
All the national parks have opportunities to canoe and kayak, great ways to get outdoors and enjoy nature. You can also experience the best wildlife and swim in crystal clear waters, making them a real treat.
You Might Also Like
- The Ultimate Guide to Disney for Adults
- A Local’s Guide to the Top 11 Things to Do in Orlando Besides Disney
- 11 Best Day Trips from Orlando You Won’t Want to Miss
- Where to Stay in Orlando: Best Areas & Accommodations
- The Best Southeast USA Road Trip: Orlando, Savannah, and Charleston
- Best 7 Things to Do in St. Augustine—America’s Oldest City
- The 25 Top National Parks in the US That You Must See
- Fun Things to Do In Miami You Won’t Want to Miss
Like it? Pin it!
