Florida is known for its beautiful beaches, warm weather, and vibrant culture, but the state is also home to some of the most unique and diverse natural landscapes in the country. From the subtropical wilderness of the Everglades to the underwater world of Biscayne Bay, Florida’s national parks offer visitors the opportunity to experience the state’s natural and cultural heritage in a truly unforgettable way.
In this article, we will explore the eleven (11) national parks in Florida and what makes each one so special. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or simply looking for an adventure, Florida’s national parks have something for everyone.
National Parks in Florida
- Everglades National Park
- Biscayne National Park
- Dry Tortugas National Park
- Big Cypress National Preserve
- Canaveral National Seashore
- Gulf Island National Seashore
- Fort Matanzas National Monument
- Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve
- De Soto National Memorial
- Fort Caroline National Memorial
- Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park is a vast natural area located in South Florida. The park covers 1.5 million acres and is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including alligators, panthers, and manatees, as well as a diverse array of plant life.
The main attraction of Everglades National Park is its wetlands, which can be explored by hiking, biking, kayaking, or taking a guided tour. The park has several nature trails that wind through the surrounding forests and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also explore the park’s waterways by taking an airboat tour or paddling a canoe or kayak.
In addition to its wetlands, Everglades National Park is also home to several historic sites, including the Nike Missile Site, which was built during the Cold War to defend against potential attacks. The park also has several visitor centers and museums that offer educational programs and exhibits on the local ecology and wildlife.
Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park is a unique natural area located in South Florida. The park covers 172,000 acres and is named after Biscayne Bay, which is home to coral reefs, shipwrecks, and a variety of marine life, including dolphins, sea turtles, and colorful fish.
The main attraction of Biscayne National Park is its underwater world, which can be explored by snorkeling, scuba diving, or taking a guided tour. The park’s coral reefs are home to a diverse array of marine life, and visitors can see everything from tiny seahorses to massive groupers.
In addition to its underwater world, Biscayne National Park is also home to several islands, including Elliott Key and Boca Chita Key, which offer visitors the opportunity to explore the park’s natural and cultural history. The park has several hiking trails that wind through the surrounding forests and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is a remote and stunning natural area located 70 miles west of Key West, Florida. The park covers 100 square miles and is named after the Dry Tortugas, a group of seven small islands that are home to a variety of wildlife, including sea turtles, birds, and other marine life.
The main attraction of Dry Tortugas National Park is the historic Fort Jefferson, which is located on Garden Key, one of the Dry Tortugas islands. The fort was built in the 1800s and is the largest masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere. Visitors can take a guided tour of the fort and learn about its history and significance.
In addition to the fort, Dry Tortugas National Park is also home to a variety of natural habitats, including coral reefs, seagrass beds, and sandy beaches. The park has several nature trails that wind through the surrounding forests and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Big Cypress National Preserve
Big Cypress National Preserve is a natural area located in South Florida. The preserve covers 720,000 acres and is home to a variety of wildlife, including panthers, black bears, and alligators, as well as a diverse array of plant life.
The main attraction of Big Cypress National Preserve is its wetlands, which can be explored by hiking, biking, kayaking, or taking a guided tour. The preserve has several nature trails that wind through the surrounding forests and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also explore the preserve’s waterways by paddling a canoe or kayak.
In addition to its wetlands, Big Cypress National Preserve is also home to several historic sites, including the Monroe Station, which was once a trading post and gas station along the Tamiami Trail. The preserve also has several visitor centers and museums that offer educational programs and exhibits on the local ecology and wildlife.
Canaveral National Seashore
Canaveral National Seashore is a natural area located along the east coast of Florida. The seashore covers 57,000 acres and is home to a variety of wildlife, including sea turtles, manatees, and a diverse array of bird species.
The main attraction of Canaveral National Seashore is its beautiful beaches, which can be explored by hiking, swimming, or simply relaxing on the sand. The seashore has several nature trails that wind through the surrounding forests and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
In addition to its beaches, Canaveral National Seashore is also home to several historic sites, including the Eldora State House, which was once a trading post and community center for local fishermen. The seashore also has several visitor centers and museums that offer educational programs and exhibits on the local ecology and wildlife.
Gulf Islands National Seashore
Gulf Islands National Seashore is a stunning natural area located along the Gulf of Mexico in Florida and Mississippi. The seashore covers 160 miles and includes barrier islands, sparkling white sand beaches, and crystal-clear waters.
The main attraction of Gulf Islands National Seashore is its beautiful beaches, which can be explored by hiking, swimming, or simply relaxing on the sand. The seashore has several nature trails that wind through the surrounding forests and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
In addition to its beaches, Gulf Islands National Seashore is also home to several historic sites, including the Fort Pickens, a historic fort that was built in the 1800s to protect Pensacola Bay. The seashore also has several visitor centers and museums that offer educational programs and exhibits on the local ecology and wildlife.
Fort Matanzas National Monument
Fort Matanzas National Monument is a historic site located near St. Augustine, Florida. The site covers 300 acres and is named after the Matanzas Inlet, which is located nearby.
The main attraction of Fort Matanzas National Monument is the historic fort, which was built in the mid-1700s to protect St. Augustine from foreign invasion. The fort is a small, yet impressive structure made of coquina stone, a type of limestone that is unique to the area. Visitors can take a guided tour of the fort and learn about its history and significance.
In addition to the fort, Fort Matanzas National Monument is also home to a variety of natural habitats, including salt marshes, estuaries, and beaches. The park has several nature trails that wind through the surrounding forests and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Fort Matanzas National Monument is also a popular spot for wildlife viewing, as the park is home to a variety of bird species, including herons, egrets, and pelicans. Visitors can also explore the nearby Matanzas Inlet, which is a popular spot for fishing and boating.
Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve
Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve is a beautiful natural area located in Jacksonville, Florida. The preserve covers over 46,000 acres and is home to a variety of wildlife, including alligators, black bears, and a diverse array of bird species.
The main attraction of Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve is its natural beauty, which can be explored by hiking, biking, or kayaking. The preserve has several nature trails that wind through the surrounding forests and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also explore the preserve’s waterways by paddling a canoe or kayak.
In addition to its natural beauty, Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve is also home to several historic sites, including the Kingsley Plantation, which was once a large plantation that produced sea island cotton. The preserve also has several visitor centers and museums that offer educational programs and exhibits on the local ecology and wildlife.
De Soto National Memorial
De Soto National Memorial is a historic site located in Bradenton, Florida. The memorial covers 30 acres and is named after Hernando de Soto, a Spanish explorer who landed in Florida in 1539 and began a journey through the Southeastern United States.
The main attraction of De Soto National Memorial is its historic significance, which can be explored by hiking, biking, or taking a guided tour. The memorial has several nature trails that wind through the surrounding forests and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also explore the memorial’s historic sites, including a replica of a 16th-century Spanish village and a statue of Hernando de Soto.
In addition to its historic sites, De Soto National Memorial is also home to several natural habitats, including salt marshes and mangrove forests. The memorial has several nature trails that wind through the surrounding forests and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Fort Caroline National Memorial
Fort Caroline National Memorial is a historic site located in Jacksonville, Florida. The memorial covers 138 acres and is named after Fort Caroline, a historic fort that was built by the French in the 16th century.
The main attraction of Fort Caroline National Memorial is its historic significance, which can be explored by hiking, biking, or taking a guided tour. The memorial has several nature trails that wind through the surrounding forests and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also explore the memorial’s historic sites, including a replica of Fort Caroline and a statue of French explorer Jean Ribault.
In addition to its historic sites, Fort Caroline National Memorial is also home to several natural habitats, including salt marshes and forests. The memorial has several nature trails that wind through the surrounding forests and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is a historic site located in St. Augustine, Florida. The monument covers 20.5 acres and is named after the Castillo de San Marcos, a historic fort that was built in the late 1600s to protect St. Augustine from foreign invasion.
The fort is made of coquina stone, a type of limestone that is unique to the area. Visitors can take a guided tour of the fort and learn about its history and significance. The fort features several exhibits, including displays of historic weapons and artifacts, as well as a film that tells the story of the fort’s construction and use.
In addition to the fort, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is also home to a variety of natural habitats, including salt marshes, estuaries, and beaches. The park has several nature trails that wind through the surrounding forests and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is also a popular spot for wildlife viewing, as the park is home to a variety of bird species, including herons, egrets, and pelicans. Visitors can also explore the nearby Matanzas Inlet, which is a popular spot for fishing and boating.
