Florida may be known as a popular spring break destination with its subtropical climate, gorgeous beaches, and its reputation as a hot spot for young partiers. What most people don’t consider is the extensive amount of biodiversity within this state and the many places tourists can go to view the unique flora and fauna that call the Sunshine State home. With eleven national parks in Florida, there are plenty of ways nature enthusiasts can get a firsthand glimpse at the wildlife and leave with a newfound appreciation, as well as lifelong memories. Florida resident Jeff Kamikow Livingston offers a sampling of a few favorite National Parks in Florida, all of which are well worth the trip.
Dry Tortugas
Ready to find some buried treasure? Located seventy miles west of Key West is Dry Tortugas National Park. Only accessible by boat, this cluster of islands offers visitors many ways to experience wildlife and biodiversity. Because it’s known for its marine life, be sure to throw on some diving or snorkeling equipment to catch a glimpse of the extensive coral reefs and colourful fish. Bird watchers are also welcome, as Dry Tortugas is also loved for its avian life, with a long list of birds that frequent these islands.
Want an even more unique and in-depth experience? Grab your camping gear and hop on the ferry, as campers are encouraged to set up tents on the park’s shores. Here you can enjoy a star-filled sky, accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of ocean waves.
Big Cypress
With a healthy and vast mixture of subtropical and temperate plant life, there are many ways to enjoy this national park and return home having had the experience of a lifetime. Big Cypress National Preserve is not to be overlooked, with over seven hundred twenty thousand acres of land to explore and gain new experiences. This park is frequented by all sorts of nature lovers, from bird watchers to seasoned campers.
If your aim is to see the largest variety of wildlife that Florida has to offer, then Big Cypress is your top choice, with thousands of species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals calling this park home. See alligators from the safety of an airboat. Spot birds such as the Anhinga through a pair of binoculars. And if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of the elusive Florida panther, which also calls this large national park home.
The Everglades
Perhaps the best-known national park in the state, Everglades National Park once covered over a third of the state of Florida. Today, its size has shrunk dramatically and continues to diminish, the unfortunate result of many negative human interactions. However, if you have not experienced this national treasure, it's highly recommended that you come visit and see it in all its glory.
One of the largest subtropical wetlands in the world, there are so many ways to enjoy and witness the extensive plant and wildlife found within this park - safely and respectfully, of course. Whether you prefer to stick to the trails, go out in a kayak, or even cycle through Shark Valley, this park truly offers something for every kind of nature lover.
Canaveral National Seashore
Dubbed a scenic and scientific gem, this twenty-four mile long shoreline in central Florida is the largest in the state. This park is smaller than other national parks within the Sunshine State, but offers an equally unique experience. The biodiversity here is remarkable with over 1000 species of plantlife and over 300 species of bird that frequent this park, making it a haven for birdwatchers.
Located on the Atlantic side of the state, Canaveral National Seashore offers so many ways for tourists to indulge in its wonders, including fishing, boating, hiking, swimming, canoeing, and so much more. Even if you’re simply looking for a great place to sunbathe or surf, this location is a gem you shouldn’t miss.
Biscayne National Park
Just a short distance from downtown Miami, Biscayne’s treasure trove of biodiversity offers visitors everything from crystal clear waters, emerald islands, as well as coral reefs teeming with marine life. This park is particularly popular with divers, as ninety-five percent of the park is water. This gives tourists a rare and memorable opportunity to view some of Florida’s most spectacular wildlife, including the manatee and the endangered Hawksbill sea turtle.
Within the park also resides an extensive Mangrove forest, unique to this location’s climate. Under the water lies vast seagrass meadows, unlike anywhere else within this state. Once again, there are quite a few ways wildlife enthusiasts can catch a glimpse of the flora and fauna here. The most popular methods include boating, diving, snorkeling, and camping.
Though most people who visit the Sunshine State are looking to enjoy the beaches, the warmth, and partying, this state has so many natural gems that visitors can experience. Whether it’s the vibrant coral reefs, the towering Cypress trees, the pristine waters, or the vast biodiversity, the national parks of Florida offer something for everybody to take home and cherish for a lifetime.
