11 Awesome National Parks in Florida
When most people think of Florida parks, they are more inclined to think of theme parks rather than National Parks or State Parks. But, did you know there are 11 National Parks in Florida? Sure, you probably know about the Everglades, but there are other National Parks, Monuments, Memorials, Seashores, and Preserves in the sunshine state.
Join us as we explore the National Parks in Florida!
Table of Contents
National Parks in Florida
Big Cypress National Preserve
Right next to The Everglades National Park is Big Cypress. National Preserves allow different activities than National Parks- meaning this may be a better option for you than The Everglades. This is THE place to go if you want to do an airboat tour or swamp buggy tour. This is also a really awesome place for a paddle if you’re into kayaking.
Amenities: Boating, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, guided kayak tours, hiking, camping, off-roading, swamp tours
Entrance Fee: Free
Address: 33100 Tamiami Trail E, Ochopee, FL, 34141 (visitor center)
National Park Website for Big Cypress National Preserve
Biscayne National Park
Located south of Miami, Biscayne National Park is 95% underwater! Take the boat tour to Boca Chita, an island with an incredible history. The park is also well known for kayaking and snorkeling (you can even snorkel a shipwreck!).
Amenities: Beach, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, swimming, snorkeling, diving, guided eco-tours, fishing, lobstering, camping
Entrance Fee: Free
Address: 9700 SW 328th St., Homestead, FL 33033
National Park Website for Biscayne National Park
Canaveral National Seashore
Imagine this; 24 miles of pristine, undeveloped beach that serves as a sanctuary for Florida wildlife. That, my friends, is the Canaveral National Seashore. The stunning, secluded park is adjacent to the Kennedy Space Center and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.
Amenities: Beach, Fishing, hiking, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding
Entrance Fee: $20 per vehicle
Address: Various
National Park Website for Canaveral National Seashore
We’ve probably visited Castillo de San Marcos more than any of the National Parks in Florida. The fort is located in the heart of downtown St. Augustine and is the crown jewel of the historic district. I went to college a couple of blocks away from the fort and would sit its walls and study before class.
The Spanish fort dates back more than 450 years and is in impeccable condition. It is definitely worth the visit!
Amenities: Historic site
Entrance Fee: $15
Address: 1 S Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32084
National Park Website for Castillo de San Marcos
Desoto National Memorial
Located on Florida’s west coast, this park is situated on a peninsula where the Manatee River meets the Tampa Bay. Be sure to hit up the quarter-mile beachside trail that explains the story of the indigenous people and the Spanish explorers. If you visit in the winter, you can catch the Living History Camp which features folks dressed in period clothing demonstrating what life was like for the Spanish explorers.
Amenities: Boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, guided kayak tours, hiking, living history camp, beach, fishing
Entrance Fee: Free
Address: 8300 Desoto Memorial Highway, Bradenton, FL, 34209
National Park Website for Desoto National Memorial
Dry Tortugas National Park
This park is one of the most remote areas in the entire United States! The park is 70 miles west of Key West. The park can only be reached by ferry (which is about $175 per person) or by seaplane (around $360 per person).
Since this park is so isolated, it makes it a bit challenging to visit…but it is so worth it! One of the highlights of the park is Fort Jefferson, an impeccable Civil War era structure. This place is also an incredible spot for snorkeling.
Since it is so costly to get there, you may want to consider camping there so you can get the most out of your trip.
Amenities: Historical site, camping, beach, snorkeling, diving, boating, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming
Entrance Fee: $15 per person
Address: The middle of the nowhere
National Park Website for Dry Tortugas National Park
This is Florida’s most well-known natural attraction. The Everglades are huge! They stretch all across the state from the Atlantic to the Gulf. Although the Glades are most known for alligators, you may also see crocodiles, manatees, and countless birds. This is also a great place to do some hiking and kayaking. The Everglades are definitely best experienced when you’re fully engulfed by them, so it’s best to see it by boat!
Amenities: Guided tours, hiking, bicycling, boating, kayaking, canoeing, camping, fishing
Entrance Fee: $30 per car
Address: Multiple entrance points
National Park Website for Everglades National Park
This memorial is a replica of a fort that once served as a stronghold for the French’s short reign in Florida. The fort is built at a one-third scale of the original. Fort Caroline is known as the Atlantis of Florida because nobody knows where its actual location truly was.
This is one of our favorite places to go for a hike with our pups. Our kids love pretending to storm the fort and exploring the wooden structure. Fort Caroline is a must-see if you find yourself in our hometown of Jacksonville. Thanks to its proximity to home, is our second most-visited of the National Parks in Florida.
Amenities: Historic site, hiking trails
Entrance Fee: Free
Address: 12713 Fort Caroline Road, Jacksonville, FL 32226
National Park Website for Fort Caroline National Memorial
Fort Matanzas is truly a hidden gem. It is located 14 miles south of Castillo de San Marcos and is accessed via ferry. After a short ferry ride across the Matanzas River, you’ll arrive at the old Spanish fort.
Amenities: Historic site, beach, nature trail (boardwalk), marsh trail, fishing
Entrance Fee: Free
Address: 8635 A1A S, St. Augustine, FL 32080
National Park Website for Fort Matanzas
Gulf Islands National Seashore
This national park follows the Gulf Coast from the Florida panhandle to Mississippi. It is home to some of the best beaches in America and some pretty awesome forts. One of the highlights is Fort Barrancas which dates back to the late 1700s.
Amenities: Historic sites, hiking trails, beach, bicycling, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, camping, fishing, boat tour, swimming, snorkeling, diving
Entrance Fee: $25 per vehicle
Address: Various
National Park Website for Gulf Islands National Seashore
This park is near and dear to our hearts because it’s literally in our backyard. The Timucuan Preserve has 46,000 acres of salt marshes, coastal dunes, and hardwood hammocks. Nestled in this iconic Floridian landscape, you’ll find Kingsley Plantation, a plantation home dating back to the 1700.
Amenities: Historic site, hiking trails
Entrance Fee: Free
Address: 11676 Palmetto Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32226
National Park Website for Timucuan Preserve
Check Out National Parks in Nearby States
What Should I Take With Me?
When you’re hiking, please remember to leave no trace! This means to pack out everything that you pack in and if you see trash, pick it up.
Backpack– to store all of your belongings
Dry Bag– to keep your electronics and wallet safe, in case of rain (or kayaking)
Trail GPS– the Garmin Oregon handled GPS works offline. You can view maps, waypoints, tracks, and trails even if you don’t have a signal.
First-Aid Kit– this ultralight, watertight medical kit is a must if you’re hitting the trails!
Sunscreen- yes, you can get sunburned in the forest.
Insect Repellant
Water Bottle– Always pack more water than you think you’ll need!
Snacks
Hammock– I honestly pack a hammock on most hiking trips. Psh, I even bring them along with me when we go on cruises. There are plenty of spots in the forest to put up a hammock and chill out for a bit.
If you’re traveling with your pup, like we often do, be sure to bring along their leash, poop bags, a water dish (this one is collapsible), extra water, food, and snacks.
How to Visit the Parks for Free
Although some National Park sites are free, some of them require a fee to enter. This fee ranges from $5 per vehicle to $35 per vehicle whereas some charge up to $20 a person.
The National Parks offer Free National Park Days where you can access the park for free! Learn more about these days.
If you have a fourth-grader, you can get an annual pass that grants you access to all of the parks for free! Every year, starting on September 1st, all fourth-grade students are eligible for an Every Kid Outdoors Pass. The pass grants free access to the entire family! Fill out the form at www.everykidoutdoors.gov
While you’re exploring the south, be sure to check out the national parks in Georgia.
Other National Park Resources
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