List Of 11 Best National Parks in Florida

There is a complete list of Florida’s national parks, including everything you need to start planning your visit. All 11 best national parks in Florida are among the most unique in the country. From the diverse Everglades to the historic Castillo de San Marcos, there is much to explore.

While you’ve probably heard of Florida’s three major national parks in south Florida, the other seven are worth a visit. But there’s one aspect of Florida that many people don’t consider, the national parks.

While Florida isn’t typically known for its national parks in Tampa Florida, it does have eleven great ones! Don’t you believe it?

List of 11 Best National Parks in Florida

In this blog, you’ll know about the list of 11 best National parks in florida.

1. Big Cypress National Preserve

Big Cypress National Preserve is much more than a swamp. While it protects 729,000 acres of wild swampland, it’s also a very important home for creatures like the American alligator seen above. The marsh also supports the Florida Coastal estuary and the park’s neighbor, the Everglades.

2. Biscayne National Park  

Biscayne National Park conserves some of Florida’s best coastline along with underwater resources. 95% of Biscayne is underwater. Therefore, the best way to see the park is to go snorkeling or diving. In places, the water is so clear that you can see amazing things from a sailboat or kayak.

One of the main locations is Stiltsville, a colony of old houses on stilts that have been bombarded by storms and hurricanes.

3. Canaveral National Seashore

This place is the best national park in the Florida Panhandle. Canaveral National Seashore protects miles of coastline and barrier islands so remote that there are no roads, something that is hard to find in an overly developed national state park in Florida.

The nearby Kennedy Space Center launches rockets and houses a fantastic museum, while the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge offers unique wildlife.

4. Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

On the shores of the country’s oldest city stands the mighty Castillo, which has been fought over for centuries. As you walk through the Castillo, you will discover many rooms that hold the stories of those who came before us. Each tells stories of different ownership at different times as well as the battles that took place there.

5. De Soto National Monument

Conquistador Hernando de Soto landed at this point in 1539 in the exploration of glory and gold. His quest would take him on a long journey of over 4,000 miles. Subsequently, he and the men with him would play a huge role in history.

Today, the park aims to provide information about De Soto and his influence on Native Americans here. Check to see if there are any living history demonstrations scheduled during your visit. How to get there: Use the address 8300 De Soto Memorial Hwy, Bradenton, FL 34209 and look for De Soto National Memorial.

6. Dry Tortugas National Park

The Dry Tortugas is pretty much the best place I’ve ever been, not to mention the best place I’ve camped. Fort Jefferson is the centerpiece, but this dazzling set of islands off the coast of Key West offers much more.

Be sure to bring your snorkeling gear and make sure to book your campsite well in advance. Finally, don’t forget to sign up for a guided tour of Fort Jefferson.

7. Everglades National Park

Viewing the Everglades as one of the prime examples of true wilderness. While the rest of Florida is extremely developed, this nugget of land has remained untouched and preserved.

8. Fort Caroline National Monument

To be completely honest, of all the best national parks in Florida, this one disappointed me the most. The name is ambiguous as Fort Caroline no longer exists. But he once stood here. Now the park is best known for the trails that serve both hikers and runners.

9. Fort Matanzas National Monument

Although much smaller than the nearby Castillo de San Marcos, Fort Matanzas has its charm. Its location was crucial in securing the Spanish victory over the French in 1565.

The required ferry ride to the fort adds a special feel to your visit. Once you arrive at Rattlesnake Island, you don’t need much time to see the entire fort.

10. Gulf Islands National Seashore

The Gulf Islands National Seashore includes the barrier islands of Florida and Mississippi.

The Florida unit includes Pensacola Bay, Fort Barrancas, Fort Pickens, Perdido Key, parts of Santa Rosa Island, and the Naval Live Oaks area.

The main attraction here is the completely untouched white sandy beaches. Some of the best outdoor beach recreations in Florida can be had right here on these islands.

11. Timucuan Ecological and Historical Reserve

The Timucuan Ecological and Historic Conservation Area are one of the largest in the country. Spread across 46,000 acres, it offers activities that 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.

Conclusion

Florida is one of the best exclusive places in the world. It has everything from Disney World, beaches, epic museums, and incredible wildlife. All the best parks are mentioned above.

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