Visiting the same old cliché places where everybody goes gets boring, but there is something that will never get out of style – exploring the Amazing National Parks and Monuments in Florida.
They offer you peace and have tons of fun-filled activities. Some include snorkeling, boating, hiking, and historical sightseeing.
What Is Florida All About?
Popularly known as the “Theme Park Epicentre of the World,” Florida offers the best hospitality. Out of the ten most visited theme parks globally, Florida has seven of them in its possession.
If you are looking for the titans of the entertainment family, Florida is the place where you can find them- Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld.
Apart from the entertainment world, the national parks in Florida are also considered the immense beauty of Florida.
List of the 11 Amazing National Parks & Monuments in Florida
National parks in Florida are considered treasures of the state. The most amazing fact about them is that they do not fit the traditional definition of a national park.
Here, along with the beauty and peace of nature, on offer are endless fun activities.
Due to the numerous wonderful options available, choosing the best among the national parks in Florida to visit is not a piece of cake. You might need a lot of free days to make that choice!
So, to make your task easier, here is the list of 11 amazing national parks in Florida:
1. Big Cypress National Preserve
Address: 33100 Tamiami Trail E, Ochopee, FL 34141, United States
Big Cypress National Preserve is one of the richest preserved spots in Florida.
Here, you will find a mosaic of plants and animals that flourish in the diverse culture of Big Cypress National Preserve.
Big Cypress is a national park and a national preserve; it protects around 729,000 swamps. Its freshwater supports the southwest coast and the rich discharge of Florida.
For a longer and more amazing program at Big Cypress, they even provide you with special offers for families, individuals, and educational groups.
It is home to wildlife such as American alligators. Other fun activities include biking, birding, hiking, hunting, and many more.
2. Biscayne
Biscayne National Park is one of the most amazing national parks in Florida. It preserves Florida’s coastline and some of its astonishing underwater treasures.
This national park is an incredible home to a spectacular diversity of plants and animals. There are more than 500 species of fish present here.
It is located south of Miami; this unique park is 95% underwater. It offers adventures underwater, near the water, and on the water, making it one of a kind among the national parks in Florida.
Taking advantage of its location, Biscayne provides an incredible visitor center, alluring picnic sites, and fascinating views.
Here, visitors can encounter and explore dazzling scenery, wildlife, history, and other resources.
The national park provides several boat trips to explore as much as you want. The most popular boat tour is to Boca Chita, a famous island with the most magnificent history.
3. Canaveral
Address: S Washington Ave, Titusville, FL 32796, United States
Canaveral National Seashore is a magnificent sanctuary for thousands of plants and animals, commonly known as Canaveral National Seashore Home.
This national seashore contains various cultural resources that reflect Florida’s human history from 2000 BC to the early 20th century Florida settlement.
You will find many endangered and threatened species here, which is considered their prime habitat.
It preserves nesting beaches for several marine turtles, with around 24 miles of pristine beach in its possession.
You can also experience enjoyable activities like canoeing, snorkeling, night sky programs, rocket launches, and turtle watches. Hence, it is an ideal spot for family, educational, or solo trips.
4. Castillo De San Marcos
Address: 11 S Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States
Castillo De San Marcos National Monument is one of the oldest monument that has been fought over for centuries.
Having such a long and rich history gives this place an edge and a liking over others to history buffs.
You will find historical stories in each room while roaming around the long line of rooms here. These tell stories of battles fought. It is located in St. Augustine.
Historic weapon demonstrations and ranger games are special activities you can experience when visiting here. Such activities make the tour interesting and memorable for all age groups.
5. De Soto
Address: 8300 Desoto Memorial Hwy, Bradenton, FL 34209, United States
The De Soto National Memorial dates back to 1539, making it the most historic place to visit in Florida.
This amazing historic site embraces 26 acres of land where the Manatee River joins Tampa Bay.
80 percent of the area is a mangrove swamp with about 3000 feet of coastline.
The major aim of this is to make people aware of De Soto and his impact on the lives of Native Americans. The rich cultural site is again endearing to history buffs.
The activities that will make your historic tour even more impressive are birding, boating, camping, fishing, hiking, kayaking, history demonstrations, and museums.
6. Dry Tortugas
Known for its magnificent Fort Jefferson, breathtaking blue waters, superlative coral reefs, and a vast array of birdlife- Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the spectacular national parks in Florida.
It lies almost 70 miles west of Key West, and this huge national park is about 100 square miles. It is mainly open water with seven small islands under its possession.
The many activities make Dry Tortugas ideal for family vacations or solo trips. Camping is one enthralling experience here, so make sure you pre-book it.
Other activities include- birding, boating, camping, diving, fishing, snorkeling, and swimming, which no one visiting this place would want to miss.
7. Everglades
Everglades National Park is one of the most eye-catching national parks in Florida. Being home to the most exotic animal species, this park sets different and aspirational standards for a national park.
Moreover, it is considered an international treasure and a world heritage site.
Activities you will love to do here are birding, biking, boating, camping, canoeing, fishing, hiking, kayaking, and ranger programs.
These activities will make you want to plan frequent trips, either solo or with friends and family.
8. Fort Caroline
This place is not as huge as other national parks in Florida, but still worth a one-time visit.
Fort Caroline National Memorial holds historical value. The various battles that were fought here marked the European Nations’ first battles to control the land, and now, it is located on the bluffs of St. Johns.
This beautiful historic site tells the stories of French settlers from the past.
You can even spot a miraculous location across the road from the monument, Spanish Pond.
This location even tells some stories about the battle between the French and Spanish. Present-day activities include biking, camping, hiking, paddling, and wildlife watching.
Near this amazing place is the Theodore Roosevelt Area, an incredible place to hike. A beautiful place in itself, you are sure to enjoy yourself here with family and friends.
9. Fort Matanzas
Address: 8635 A1A S, St. Augustine, FL 32080, United States
Fort Matanzas National Monument has some amazing beauty. It is a spectacular hidden gem of Florida that includes an incredible ferry ride to the Fort and is free of charge.
This place preserves the fortified Coquina Watchtower, which was completed in 1742. Once you reach Rattlesnake Island, you do not need much time to see the entire fort.
The fort protects around 300 acres of Florida’s coastal environment, including dunes, marshes, maritime forests, and associated flora and fauna, including threatened and endangered species.
You can even spot Dolphins, wading birdfish, and osprey flying here. Activities that you can experience here are boating, fort tours, hiking, and fishing.
10. Gulf Islands
The Gulf Islands National Seashore is one of the most attractive spots in Florida.
This national seashore’s main purpose is to preserve certain areas possessing outstanding natural, historical, and recreational values for public use and enjoyment.
This park has given its best to preserve this national seashore’s special purpose for around 40 years. The major and spectacular attraction here is the immaculate white sandy beaches.
Some of the best beachside recreations available are biking, birding, boating, camping, diving, fishing, hiking, historic forts, ranger-led tours, sailing, snorkeling, stargazing, and swimming.
11. Timucuan
Address: 12713 Ft Caroline Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225, United States
Timucuan Preserve has around 46,000 acres of salt marshes, coastal dunes, and hardwood hammocks. It is located near Jacksonville.
You learn about the slaves who once lived here; it is believed that the slaves here were treated better than the slaves in the South.
Apart from the history associated with this place, you get the advantage of experiencing the beauty of salt marshes, coastal dunes, and hardwood hammocks.
The Timucuan Preserve also includes Fort Caroline and Kingsley Plantation.
Activities you will enjoy the most are biking, camping, hiking, paddling, plantation tours, and wildlife watching.
Bottom Line
If you want to have a delightful and adventurous experience simultaneously, then national parks in Florida are a perfect choice. Have fun exploring!
Last Updated on by Sathi Chakraborty, MSc Biology
