Article Summary: National Parks in Florida, Florida National Parks Map, How Many National Parks Are In Florida?
Having grown up in Florida, I’ve learned a thing or two about my hometown Florida national parks. Here’s a complete list of the national parks in Florida, including everything you need to begin planning your visit.
All 11 national parks in Florida are some of the most unique in the country. From the diverse Everglades to the historic Castillo de San Marcos, there’s a lot to discover here.
While you’ve probably heard about Florida’s three big National Parks down south, the other eight are definitely worth a visit as well.
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Table of Contents
Map of National Parks in Florida
Click the image below to view or download a larger version of the map.
List of National Parks in Florida
- Biscayne
- Dry Tortugas
- Everglades
List of All Florida National Parks (every site managed by the National Park Service)
- Big Cypress National Preserve
- Biscayne National Park
- Cape Canaveral National Seashore
- Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
- De Soto National Monument
- Dry Tortugas National Park
- Everglades National Park
- Fort Caroline National Monument
- Fort Matanzas National Monument
- Gulf Islands National Seashore
- Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve
National Parks in Florida Road Trip Itinerary
Fly in/out: Orlando
Day 1: Drive from Orlando to Canaveral National Seashore’s Playalinda Beach near Titusville (1-hour drive)
Day 2: Leave Cape Canaveral and head south toward Miami, Homestead, and Biscayne National Park (4-hour drive)
Day 3: Spend the day snorkeling or taking a tour in Biscayne National Park
Day 4: Drive to Key West, taking your time to appreciate the scenery (3-hour drive)
Day 5: Head out to Dry Tortugas National Park for a day trip or an incredible, secluded night of camping
Day 6: Drive to Everglades National Park’s Shark Valley Visitor Center (3.5-hour drive)
Day 7: Spend one day (or more) exploring the many areas of the Everglades: Shark Valley, Royal Palm, and Flamingo
Day 8: Drive to Everglades City, the home of the Everglade’s Gulf Coast, via Big Cypress National Preserve (1-hour drive)
Day 9: Drive to De Soto National Memorial near Tampa (3-hour drive)
Day 10: Drive to Gulf Islands National Seashore, a site shared between Florida and Mississippi (8-hour drive)
Day 11: Relax on the pristine beaches on the Gulf Islands
Day 12: Drive to Jacksonville where you’ll find Fort Caroline National Memorial and Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve (6-hour drive)
Day 13: Enjoy the national parks in Jacksonville and head toward St. Augustine (1.5-hour drive)
Day 14: Visit your two last national parks in Florida, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and Fort Matanzas National Monument, then drive south to Orlando (1.5-hour drive)
Big Cypress National Preserve
Big Cypress National Preserve is so much more than just a swamp.
While it does protect 729,000 acres of wild swampland, it’s also a very important home to creatures such as the American alligator you see above.
The marsh also supports the Florida coastline’s marine estuaries and the park’s neighbor, the Everglades. Keep an eye out for the rare and elusive Florida Panther during your visit.
How to Get There: There are two visitor centers in Big Cypress: Big Cypress Welcome Center (33000 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, Florida 34141) and Oasis (52105 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, Florida 34141).
Map: download here
Things to Do: Biking, birding, camping, canoeing, hiking, hunting, kayaking, off-roading, ranger-led tours, scenic drives, swamp tours, stargazing, swamp buggies
Park Entrance Fee: None, however, some activities do require fees.
Where to Stay: Chickee Cottages, River Wilderness Waterfront Villas, Ivey House
Official Website: click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (239) 695-2000
Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park preserves some of Florida’s best coastline along with underwater treasures. In fact, 95% of Biscayne is underwater. Therefore, the best way to see the park is to snorkel or scuba dive.
In places, the water is so clear you could see some amazing things from a sailboat or kayak.
One of the major highlights is Stiltsville, a colony of old houses on stilts that have been bombarded by storms and hurricanes.
How to Get There: The main visitor center is located at 9700 SW 328th Street, Sir Lancelot Jones Way, Homestead, FL 33033.
Map: download here
Things to Do: Boating, camping, diving, fishing, paddling, snorkeling, swimming
Park Entrance Fee: None
Where to Stay: Hoosville Hostel, Hampton Inn, TownePlace Suites
Official Website: click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (305) 230-1144
Canaveral National Seashore
Growing up, this was the closest national park to my home. I actually had my senior photos taken here in high school! Obviously, the park is special for many reasons beyond my personal connection to it.
Canaveral National Seashore protects miles of shorelines and barrier islands so remote that there are no roads, something difficult to find in an over-developed state like Florida.
Nearby, the Kennedy Space Center launches rockets and houses a fantastic museum while Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge hosts some unique nature in its own right. A trip to the Space Coast should include all three if you have the time!
How to Get There: There are two entrances to the park, and you cannot drive straight to one end of the Seashore from the other. Rather than addresses, I would recommend using GPS coordinates for the two visitor centers: Apollo Beach in New Smyrna Beach (28.9368, -80.8302; or 7611 S. Atlantic Ave., New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169) and Playalinda Beach near Titusville (28.6450, -80.6834). For more directions, click here.
Map: download here
Things to Do: Canoeing, snorkeling, night sky programs, rocket launches, turtle watch
Park Entrance Fee: $20 per vehicle or $10 per person, valid for 7 days
Where to Stay: TownePlace Suites, Hampton Inn, Riverview Hotel, Night Swan B&B
Official Website: click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (321) 267-1110
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
On the shores of the country’s oldest city sits a massive Castillo that had been fought over for centuries. While walking through the Castillo, you will discover many rooms harboring stories of those who came before us. Each tells tales of different ownership during different times as well as the battles fought here.
Nearby, don’t miss the oldest schoolhouse and the supposed Fountain of Youth. Ponce de Leon discovered Florida while in search of this immortal treasure.
How to Get There: Once you’ve arrived in St. Augustine, the Castillo is difficult to miss. Use the address 1 South Castillo Drive, Saint Augustine, FL 32084.
Map: download here
Things to Do: Castillo, historic weapons demonstrations, ranger programs
Park Entrance Fee: The fee to enter is $15 per person and is valid for 7 days. There is also a $2.50 fee to park in the large parking area in front of the Castillo.
Where to Stay: St. George Inn, Agustin Inn, Spanish Street Inn
Official Website: click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (904) 829-6506
De Soto National Memorial
Conquistador Hernando de Soto landed here in 1539 in search of glory and gold. His quest would lead him on a long journey traversing over 4,000 miles. Subsequently, he and the men with him had a massive role to play in history.
Today, the park aims to provide information on De Soto and the impact he had on the Native Americans here. During your visit, see if any living history demonstrations are scheduled.
How to Get There: Use the address 8300 De Soto Memorial Hwy, Bradenton, FL 34209 to find De Soto National Memorial.
Map: download here
Things to Do: Birding, boating, camping, fishing, hiking, kayaking, living history demonstrations, museum
Park Entrance Fee: None
Where to Stay: SpringHill Suites, Hampton Inn
Official Website: click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (941) 792-0458 x105
Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas is basically the coolest place I’ve ever been to, not to mention the best place I’ve camped.
Fort Jefferson is the center-piece, but this dazzling set of islands off the coast of Key West has so much more to offer.
Definitely bring the snorkel gear along, and don’t forget to book your camping reservations well in advance. Lastly, don’t forget to sign-up for a guided tour of Fort Jefferson.
How to Get There: The park can only be reached by air or sea. Most visitors arrive on the Yankee Freedom ferry from Key West.
Map: download here
Things to Do: Birding, boating, camping, diving, fishing, snorkeling, swimming
Park Entrance Fee: Entrance fees are $15 per person, valid for 7 days. This fee is in addition to ferry tickets and camping fees.
Where to Stay: Seashell Motel & Hostel, Knowles House, Garden House
Official Website: click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (305) 242-7700
Everglades National Park
I may live in Alaska, but I still view the Everglades as one of the prime examples of true Wilderness. While the rest of Florida is extremely over-developed, this nugget of land has remained untouched and preserved.
The animals that call Everglades National Park home are some of the world’s most exotic. The bird-watching opportunities alone are sensational.
If you’re hoping to see this park through the best lens, view it from a kayak or canoe while meandering the mangrove mazes.
How to Get There: There are many visitor centers and entrances to Everglades National Park. For detailed instructions on each one, click here.
Map: download here
Things to Do: Birding, biking, boating, camping, canoeing, fishing, hiking, kayaking, ranger programs
Park Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle or $15 per person, valid for 7 days
Where to Stay: Fairway Inn, Travel Lodge, Super 8
Official Website: click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (305) 242-7700
Fort Caroline National Memorial
To be completely honest, of all the national parks in Florida, this was the one I was most disappointed by.
The name is very misleading, as Fort Caroline no longer exists. However, it did once stand here. Now, the park is best known for the trails that serve hikers and trail runners alike.
There are also living history demonstrations and a visitor center. Fort Caroline is managed together with Timucuan Ecological & Historic Reserve, a separate park with a unit across the street.
How to Get There: You can use the address 12713 Fort Caroline Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32225 to find the visitor center.
Map: download here
Things to Do: Biking, camping, hiking, paddling, wildlife watching
Park Entrance Fee: None
Where to Stay: Amelia Schoolhouse Inn, Hampton Inn, Amelia Hotel and the Beach, Residence Inn
Official Website: click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: Call 904-641-7155
Fort Matanzas National Monument
While much smaller than nearby Castillo de San Marcos, Fort Matanzas has its own charm. Its location was crucial for securing a Spanish victory over the French in 1565.
The required ferry ride to the Fort adds a special feeling to your visit. You don’t need much time to see the entire Fort once you arrive on Rattlesnake Island.
As of 2022, ferries are only running Wednesday through Sunday on an extremely limited basis. For updates, visit the official website or call the number below.
How to Get There: Visit the visitor center at 8635 A1A South, Saint Augustine, FL 32080 to retrieve boat tickets to reach Fort Matanzas.
Map: download here
Things to Do: Boating, fort tours, hiking, fishing
Park Entrance Fee: None; ferry tickets are also free, but reservations are required and can only be made in person at the visitor center.
Where to Stay: St. George Inn, Agustin Inn, Spanish Street Inn
Official Website: click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (904) 471-0116
Gulf Islands National Seashore
Gulf Islands National Seashore includes barrier islands in Florida and Mississippi.
The Florida unit includes Pensacola Bay, Fort Barrancas, Fort Pickens, Perdido Key, portions of Santa Rosa Island, and the Naval Live Oaks Area.
The major attraction here is the absolutely pristine white sandy beaches. Some of the best beach-side outdoor recreation in Florida can be done here on these islands.
How to Get There: For directions to Florida’s Fort Barrancas Visitor Center, click here.
Map: download here
Things to Do: Biking, birding, boating, camping, diving, fishing, hiking, historic forts, ranger-led tours, sailing, snorkeling, stargazing, swimming
Park Entrance Fee: $25 per vehicle or $15 per person, valid for 7 days
Where to Stay: Hampton Inn, Surf & Sand, New World Inn
Official Website: click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (850) 934-2600
Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve
My favorite part of my visit to Timucuan was the ranger-led tour of the Kingsley Plantation, pictured above.
The park ranger presenting the tour was excellent, and we learned a great deal about the slaves who once lived here. They were treated better than most slaves in the South.
Timucuan is best known for protecting 6,000 years of human history alongside its diverse ecological resources. The official website has a wonderful itinerary for a great day in the park.
How to Get There: You can use the address 12713 Fort Caroline Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32225 to find the visitor center that serves both Fort Caroline and Timucuan.
Map: download here
Things to Do: Biking, camping, hiking, paddling, plantation tours, wildlife watching
Park Entrance Fee: None
Where to Stay: Amelia Schoolhouse Inn, Hampton Inn, Amelia Hotel and the Beach, Residence Inn
Official Website: click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: Call 904-641-7155
Pin National Parks in Florida
Wow! Such a beautiful explanation of the National Parks in Florida! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you!
It’s really interesting that you consider Everglades a true wilderness, even when compared to Alaska. I always think of Florida as super developed, so it is awesome to hear that the state is full of pockets of natural beauty and biodiversity!
Fab post Riley! <3
Most definitely! It’s a different kind of wilderness, but undoubtedly wild all the same.
Wow! This is a great list of national parks in Florida! I’m definitely going to have to add a few to my list!
I hope you do!
Wow, this is so helpful! I’m planning a trip to Florida soon and I had no idea there were so many national parks in the state. Can’t wait to explore them all and enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife. Thank you for updating the list for 2024, it’s been super helpful! ️
Great post! The updated list for 2025 is super helpful, especially with all the stunning natural beauty Florida has to offer. I can’t wait to explore some of these parks this year!