Travel Florida Florida National Parks You Should Plan To Visit And Explore Learn about the national parks of Florida, which encompass marshes, forts, and beaches. By Southern Living Editors Published on February 11, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Tetra Images/Getty Images The state of Florida is a treasure of complex landscapes, diverse habitats, and a myriad of flora and fauna. Its national parks, memorials, and preserves pay homage to its histories, both human-made and natural. Whether you're looking for a sandy getaway on the Gulf coast, a snorkeling excursion in the Keys, or a trip to a centuries-old fort to learn about the political history of Florida and its past inhabitants, you can find what you're looking for at these national parks. From coastal mangroves on salty shores to dolphin-watching in rivers, there's no shortage of surprises to find in the Sunshine State. Learn about each of the national parks in Florida, and don't be surprised if you're inspired to plan a trip to the Sunshine State soon. 01 of 11 Big Cypress National Preserve Christophe Lehenaff/Getty Images Ochopee, Florida Spanning more than 729,000 acres of beautiful swampland, Big Cypress National Preserve is a natural wonder neighboring the Everglades in South Florida. According to the National Park Service, “The freshwaters of the Big Cypress Swamp, essential to the health of the neighboring Everglades, support the rich marine estuaries along Florida's southwest coast.” It is also a habitat for the state’s wildlife, including the Florida panther. In fact, the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge is close by. Learn more. 02 of 11 Biscayne National Park stockphoto52/Getty Images Elliott Key, Florida Surrounded by water just off the coast of Miami, Biscayne National Park is a coastal treasure of coral reefs and mangrove forests. According to the National Park Service, “Biscayne protects a rare combination of aquamarine waters, emerald islands, and fish-bejeweled coral reefs. Evidence of 10,000 years of human history is here too; from prehistoric tribes to shipwrecks, and pineapple farmers to presidents." It's a popular spot for boating and fishing as well as scuba diving among the underwater wonders. Learn more. 03 of 11 Canaveral National Seashore 6381380/Getty Images Titusville, Florida Known as the longest stretch of undeveloped coastline in the state, Canaveral National Seashore is known for its gorgeous beaches, which, according to the National Park Service, is a barrier island “composed of dune, hammock, and lagoon habitat.” It’s also home to Timucua shell mounds and thousands of species of Florida flora and fauna. Just south is Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center, history-making spots during the 20th century. Learn more. 04 of 11 Castillo de San Marcos National Monument Charles LeRette/Getty Images St. Augustine, Florida Situated in St. Augustine along the western shore of Matanzas Bay, the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument was constructed between 1672 and 1695. It is a masonry star fort, the distinctive shape of which you can see clearly from above. “Built by the Spanish in St. Augustine to defend Florida and the Atlantic trade route, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument preserves the oldest masonry fortification in the continental United States and interprets more than 450 years of cultural intersections,” according to the National Park Service. Learn more. 05 of 11 De Soto National Memorial csfotoimages/Getty Images Bradenton, Florida Here, visitors can experience living history programs, kayak tours, and summer camps, each of which highlight a different aspect of the area’s social and natural history, from the early settlers to the ecosystems of the coastline’s shores, estuaries, rivers, and bays. Named for Hernando de Soto, this national memorial pays homage to the history of the area and also has spots for bird-watching and a nature trail for exploring, complete with signs explaining details of the De Soto Expedition and the area’s flora and fauna. Learn more. 06 of 11 Dry Tortugas National Park Stephen Frink/Getty Images Bush Key, Florida Located in the Gulf of Mexico about 70 miles from Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park is a coastal destination preserving Fort Jefferson, a 19th century fort. It’s a great spot for snorkeling, and visitors laud the area’s clear waters. The park stretches over 100 square miles of blue water and tiny, sandy slips of islands, and you can reach it via a short boat ride across the Gulf. Learn more. 07 of 11 Everglades National Park Tetra Images/Getty Images South Florida The Everglades is one of the most remarkable ecological treasures in the United States. Known as the largest subtropical wilderness in the country, the national park comprises mangrove forest as well as sawgrass marshes and pine flatwoods, There’s lots to do here, including bird-watching and exploring via boat. You can book a guided tour along the waterways to see more of the astonishing area and its diverse wildlife. According to the National Park Service, “Everglades National Park protects an unparalleled landscape that provides important habitat for numerous rare and endangered species like the manatee, American crocodile, and the elusive Florida panther.” Learn more. 08 of 11 Fort Caroline National Memorial Lindsey Martin Webb/Getty Images Jacksonville, Florida This national memorial is located in the Timucuan Preserve near Jacksonville, Florida. The National Park Service describes the history of the site this way, “At the settlement of la Caroline, French settlers struggled for survival in a new world. Many sought religious freedom in a new land, while others were soldiers or tradesmen starting a new life. The climactic battles fought here between the French and Spanish marked the first time that European nations fought for control of lands in what is now the United States.” Today, you can see exhibits, walk a nature trail, take an audio tour, or watch for wildlife on the St Johns River. Learn more. 09 of 11 Fort Matanzas National Monument Paulbr/Getty Images St. Augustine, Florida According to the National Park Service, “Fort Matanzas National Monument preserves the fortified coquina watchtower, completed in 1742, which defended the southern approach to the Spanish military settlement of St. Augustine.” It’s also a great place for a wander. Embark on the Marsh Trail or Nature Trail to see the rest of the area which includes, according to the National Park Service, “approximately 300 acres of Florida coastal environment containing dunes, marsh, maritime forest, and associated flora and fauna, including threatened and endangered species.” Fishing, picnicking among the coastal breezes, and ferrying to the fort round out an experience at Fort Matanzas. Learn more. 10 of 11 Gulf Islands National Seashore James Randklev/Getty Images Pensacola, Florida The Florida Panhandle can be a busy place to vacation, but at Gulf Islands National Seashore, you are more likely to find a bit of peace and quiet on the sands. These stretches of coastline include the sugar-sand beaches the area is known for as well as beautiful Florida marshlands. The national seashore includes Fort Pickens, Fort Massachusetts, and the Florida National Scenic Trail, the last of which is a recreational trail for walkers and cyclists that extends 1,500 miles (no motorized vehicles allowed!). Learn more. 11 of 11 Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve John Hancock Photography/Getty Images Jacksonville, Florida This preserve comprises a stretch of untouched wetlands along the Atlantic Coast. It's a site where you can experience 6,000 years of human history and marvels of the natural world, including, according to the National Park Service, “salt marshes, coastal dunes, and hardwood hammocks.” This area includes Fort Caroline, a historic settlement; Cedar Point; Kingsley Plantation, American Beach, and the Theodore Roosevelt Area, which encompasses 600 acres of hardwood forest and wetlands. Learn more. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit