You might not already know this, but within the state of Florida, there are 11 National Parks. That’s right, we said 11! While some states are lucky to have a handful, we are lucky to have that and more, some of which are little hidden treasures that many might not even know exist! The next time you’re looking for somewhere to explore in the Sunshine State and don’t quite know where to go, start with this list of some truly stunning places in nature - these 11 Florida National Parks.
1. Big Cypress National Preserve - Ochopee, FL
Just 45 miles west of Miami you’ll find the Big Cypress National Preserve. This giant cypress swamp is unusual in that the water within the swamp is rainwater rather than any lake or river offshoot. This National Preserve protects over 700,000 acres of beautiful Cypress Swamp in Florida.
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Address: 33100 Tamiami Trail E, Ochopee, FL 34141
2. Biscayne National Park - Miami, FL
If you’ve ever been to the area just east of Downtown Miami, then you likely entered into this wonderland of water. Biscayne National Park protects more of the marine life within Florida, from beautiful islands to the clean ocean water and rare coral reefs. Visitors can boat their way through this National Park, which is quite rare, or take a guided eco-tour and snorkel their way through!
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Address: Florida
3. Canaveral National Seashore - New Smyrna Beach, FL
Canaveral National Seashore is a beautifully protected area from New Smyrna Beach to Titusville that is composed of dunes, hammocks, and lagoons. This stunning barrier island highlights an undeveloped shoreline, as well as preserves ancient Timucua Native American mounds. Did we mention you can catch the roar of a rocket into space from this seashore?
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Address: 7611 S. Atlantic Ave (2,449.20 mi) New Smyrna Beach, FL
4. Castillo de San Marcos National Monument - St. Augustine, FL
The Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States and was declared a National Monument in 1924. The history of this fort dates back to 1672 when it was built, and after 251 years of continuous military service was officially deactivated in 1933. Visitors can still enjoy a dose of history with a trip here.
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Address: 1 S Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32084
5. De Soto National Memorial - Bradenton, FL
The De Soto National Memorial is special because it commemorates the landing of Hernando de Soto back in 1539. Visitors to this National Memorial will be able to learn about the four-year, 4,000-mile journey that led De Soto to the discovery that would eventually help shape the history of the United States.
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Address: 8300 Desoto Memorial Hwy, Bradenton, FL 34209
6. Dry Tortugas National Park - Key West, FL
Visiting Dry Tortugas National Park is an adventure unto itself. Not only do you need to take a ferry ride on the Yankee Freedom III, which takes around two hours, but you’ll also be able to explore an old 19th Century Fort! Extend your day trip even further as you snorkel your way along the nearby coral reefs enjoying all of the tropical marine life this area holds.
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Address: 901 Caroline St, Key West, FL 33040
7. Everglades National Park - Homestead, FL
Everglades National Park is likely one of the most popular National Parks within the state of Florida. This park was created in order to protect the rare ecosystems and endangered species that call this park home. The Everglades National Park is truly a unique treasure within the state, and as the largest subtropical wilderness in this country, it houses some of the most diverse flora and fauna across the globe.
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Address: 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead, FL 33034
8. Fort Caroline National Memorial - Jacksonville, FL
The Fort Caroline National Memorial honors the French presence that was short-lived in the state back in the 16th-century. The Spanish seized the colony and built their own fort in its place, to which the French then burned and rebuilt again. This memorial highlights the attempt as a French colonial settlement.
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Address: 12713 Fort Caroline Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225-1299
9. Fort Matanzas National Monument - St. Augustine, FL
The Fort Matanzas National Monument in St. Augustine was designated as such in October 1924. The monument is an old Spanish Fort from the 1700s, which was called Fort Matanzas, plus surrounding salt marshes and barrier islands. This fortified coquina structure defended St. Augustine, the Spanish military settlement, and can still be visited today.
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Address: 8635 A1A S, St. Augustine, FL 32080
10. Gulf Islands National Seashore - Gulf Breeze, FL
The Gulf Islands draw in millions of visitors every year. There is so much to do here from Gulf Breeze all the way to Ocean Springs, Mississippi, from the pristine beaches, the turquoise water, a tour of an old fort, or simply camping for a weekend near the water.
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Address: 1801 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563
11. Timucuan Ecological & Historical Preserve - Jacksonville, FL
This National Preserve is made up of 46,000 acres of land, which includes waterways, marshes, wetlands, and more. As one of the last unspoiled coastal wetlands on the Atlantic Coast, visitors will be able to discover 6,000 years of human history here, not to mention exploring the beauty of nature, too!
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Address: 12713 Ft Caroline Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225
How many of these Florida National Parks have you visited already? Share with us in the comments section about your experiences! Or if you have any other recommendations for Florida parks that might not be designated as national parks but should be, make sure to shout them out, too.
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