Florida National Parks – The 11 Unforgettable Wonders You Need to Experience

Florida is one of the most unique places in the world. It’s got everything from Disney World and the beaches to epic museums and incredible wildlife. But there’s one aspect of Florida that many people don’t account for: the Florida National Parks.

While Florida isn’t typically known for its National Parks, it’s got eleven great ones! Don’t believe it? In this post, we will take a closer look at Florida National Parks and all of the great things they offer!

If you’re a fan of National Parks, you’re bound to find your fair share of great ones in Florida. Here are the Eleven Florida National Parks you need to see! 

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Map Of Florida National Parks

Florida has 11 National Park Service (NPS) sites, but only three carry the official designation of “National Park”.

The remaining eight sites in Florida are classified under different official categories, such as National Monuments, National Seashores, or National Preserves. By contrast, California has nine sites explicitly designated as official “National Parks”, giving it the highest count in that specific category.

Florida’s 3 Official “National Parks”

• Everglades National Park
• Biscayne National Park
• Dry Tortugas National Park

1. Big Cypress National Preserve

Big Cypress National Preserve is one of the unique national parks in the entire country. Instead of being all serene and tidy, this one’s an actual swamp! This National Park is 729,000 acres of a natural swamp!

It gets its name because it’s filled with Cypress Trees, and that sight alone is pretty remarkable, but that’s not all, the place is suitable for. Visitors can trek through the swamp to take in the unique views.

Viewpoints like the Kirby Storter Boardwalk offer even better views than you could get from below. There are also over 200 species of birds here that you can take a closer look at!

The Kirby Storter Boardwalk

Photo Credit: Big Cypress National Preserve

You can even go canoeing through the whole place and camp on the grounds to get up there! This one is an actual outdoors person’s dream!

Address: 33100 Tamiami Trail E, Ochopee, FL 34141

2. Biscayne National Park

Most National Parks are known for being green and lush, so Biscayne National Park often surprises people – it’s mostly just water!  95% of the entire park is water. It’s also a history-rich park! Evidence of 10,000 years of human history is here, too, from prehistoric tribes to shipwrecks and pineapple farmers to presidents.

Photo Credit: National Park Foundation & Carol McGunagle, Share the Experience

If you like water-based activities, this park will be great for you! Visitors can take in the views from the visitor center and the boardwalk, but the experience is underwater.

They offer scuba diving, canoeing, kayaking, and much more! Those who want to explore Florida’s aquatic life should keep this on their list!

Address:  9700 SW 328th Street, Homestead, FL

3. Canaveral National Seashore

While we’re on the topic of totally out-of-this-world National Parks, we must mention Canaveral National Seashore. This national park is vital to Florida’s survival because it serves as a natural barrier against storms that may approach. Still, it’s got something no other national park has: a perfect view of a rocket launch site.

As it’s right next to the Kennedy Space Center, visitors in the park can easily take an up-close look at rockets being launched. Besides that, there’s the Windy Castle Trail, where you can explore hundreds of different species of birds and animals! A perfect middle ground between nature and cutting-edge technology.

Lastly, it’s home to one of the most scenic shorelines on the East Coast of Florida!

Pro Tip: If you like boating, consider Titusville and find your private island to chill out on!

Address: S Washington Ave, Titusville, FL 32796

4. Castillo De San Marcos National Monument

This national monument protects the 17th-century Castillo, first built during Spanish rule. The structure itself has quite a dark history. They made it specifically to imprison Native Americans, but today it is just a national park that celebrates how this old structure has survived centuries.

On the grounds, visitors can enjoy a tour that takes them through the detailed history, the structure, and a weapons demonstration, where they can shoot cannons right off the roof. Everyone can experience the sheer vibrations from powerful weapons! There’s no better place for history fiends than the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. 

Address: 1 S Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32084

5. De Soto National Memorial

De Soto was one of the prime grounds that indigenous people fought to protect in the 16th Century. Conquistador Hernando de Soto established a base there and ran his operations from there for years.

The memorial offers several tours for visitors. The most exciting thing about the place is the live history demonstrations, which let them immerse themselves in the grounds’ history!

Photo Credit: Fredlyfish4 /Wikipedia Commons

Address: 8300 Desoto Memorial Hwy, Bradenton, FL 34209

6. Dry Tortugas National Park

A personal favorite of the Florida National Parks of mine, and a park that anyone visiting Key West should consider. This unique national park is so remote that it’s accessible only by boat or seaplane. It’s a long boat ride to get to it, but well worth it. Or, splurge on a charter seaplane to get there in less than an hour.

Dry Tortugas is almost 70 miles west of Key West and about 100 miles north of Cuba. This is the most remote National Park, comprised of seven tiny islands spanning 100 square miles.

Dry Tortugas National Park is 99% water. And the beaches here are impeccable.  There are tons of wildlife above and underneath the water for everyone to visit. Visitors can camp on one of the seven islands, swim, kayak, snorkel, and more!

Fort Jefferson

Construction of Fort Jefferson began in 1846 and continued for over 30 years. The fort contains over 16 million bricks, making it the largest brick building in the western hemisphere. And, despite being the largest, it was never actually finished. 

Address: Florida – Dry Tortugas National Park

7. Everglades National Park

Perhaps the most well-known of Florida National Parks, maybe even the most famous, is the Everglades. People from all over the world visit to catch a glimpse of an alligator.  If you are in the Everglades National Park, your trip won’t end without seeing one!

There is plenty to see and do across the national park’s over 1.5 million acres. Visitors can hike, go trekking on a boat, take a tram tour, or go birdwatching throughout the park’s impeccable locations!

The Everglades is about 40 minutes from Miami, and day trips here are popular among people taking cruises.

Address: Florida, Everglades National Park

8. Fort Caroline National Memorial Park

Fort Caroline National Memorial Park pays homage to the French and Spanish presence that dominated the area in the 17th Century. Those who want to know more about how armies try to take over territories would love to visit the place.

It’s where the French tried to build a settlement but ultimately failed. The entire national park serves as a reminder that even the most powerful forces sometimes fail! Tours around the monument are great for kids and adults!

Photo Credit: NPS Photo/Stankiewicz

Address: 12713 Fort Caroline Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225

9. Fort Matanzas National Monument

Fort Matanzas was built in 1672 by the Spanish to protect themselves from British troops who wanted to run them out. There are over 300 acres to explore. Throughout it, visitors can visit the wetlands, the infamous watchtower, and the maritime forest, to name a few.

The fort alone is a great place to visit for adults and kids. Tours through the area will give the visitors a rundown of everything that’s happened to the site since it was first built in 1742. Afterward, you can even walk along the nature trail to see all the local wildlife and flowers that make the place a beautiful wonder!

Address: 8635 A1A S, St. Augustine, FL 32080

10. Gulf Islands National Seashore

The Gulf Islands National Seashore is a destination people call one of the most magical places in the world. That’s because it’s so serene that it doesn’t even look real! The park is split into 12 different areas, each offering a unique experience! Located in Florida’s Panhandle, this northern stretch of islands is divine.

There are many activities for visitors here, including bird watching, fishing, swimming, kayaking, and exploring many beaches! Overall, it makes for a great day spent on your own or with your whole family!

Address: 1400 Fort Pickens Rd, Gulf Breeze, FL 32561

11. Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve

The Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preservation is one of the largest Florida National Parks. It spans 46,000 acres and offers activities to bring visitors closer to the world around us and the world we left behind.

The main attractions of this park are the visitor center,  Kingsley Plantation, and Fort Caroline.

Photo Credit: National Park Service

Address: 12713 Ft Caroline Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225

FAQs About Florida National Parks

Closing Thoughts

Florida is a place anyone can enjoy, and what better way to spend quality time with your family than by visiting some of the most amazing National Parks in the state?

How many of Florida’s national parks have you visited?

Throughout this post, we’ve looked at the great things each of the Florida National Parks offers, so whenever you plan your trip, you can go to the ones that appeal to you the most! So get on out there and explore the natural beauty of Florida!

Looking for more inspiration? Start here:

• 11 Cheap Ways to Visit National Parks
• Ca’ d’Zan – The Ringling Museum and Mansion
• Inside Magnolia Plantation – South Carolina
• Solomon’s Castle, Ona, Florida
• The Howey Mansion – Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida
• The Wonder House – Bartow, Florida
• Silver Glen Springs, Florida

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