Florida National Parks

Florida national parks are a diverse ecosystem of mangroves, sloughs, pinelands, magnificent coral reefs and seashores making home to beautiful and endangered wildlife. Historic forts and monuments tell the history of early exploration of this land and the efforts to protect it.

Visit These Florida National Parks:

Big Cypress National Preserve: "Big" refers not to the tree’s size but to the swamp’s extent of more than 2,400 square miles in subtropical Florida. "Swamp" is a misnomer, for the land consists of sandy islands of slash pine, mixed hardwood hammocks (tree islands), prairies, cypress domes and stands, marshes, and estuarine mangrove forests. Still, "swamp" somehow fits.

Big Cypress Weather

Biscayne National Park: In most parks land dominates the picture. But Biscayne is not like most parks. Here water and sky overwhelm the scene in every direction, leaving the bits of low-lying land looking remote and insignificant. This is paradise for marine life, water birds, boaters, anglers, snorkelers, and divers alike.

Biscayne National Park: Florida Keys and Biscayne Bay: The builders of the Florida Keys were billions of coral animals, each not much larger than a period or a dot on this page. Together these animals built a 150-mile-long chain of coral reefs. When these reefs later emerged from the sea, they became the islands of the Florida Keys.

Biscayne National Park Underwater: Dive into the undersea realm of the coral reefs, and you will discover a feast for the eyes. It is a living kaleidoscope of gaudy colors, bold patterns, intricate designs, and peculiar shapes. Alien, yet inviting, the life of the coral reefs excites and mystifies snorkelers and scientists alike.

Biscayne Weather

Canaveral National Seashore: No buildings or seawalls disturb this Protected wilderness beach on Florida’s east coast in the US National Parks. On these barrier islands, at the national seashore and wildlife refuge, nature affirms its spirit and lives in harmony with human technology and endangered species thrive.

Canaveral Weather     Canaveral Ratings

Castillo De San Marcos National Monument: A monument not only of stone and mortar but of human determination and endurance, the Castillo de San Marcos symbolizes the clash between cultures which ultimately resulted in our uniquely unified nation.  Still resonant with the struggles of an earlier time, these original walls provide tangible evidence of America's grim but remarkable history.

Castillo De San Marcos Weather

De Soto National Memorial: On a swelteringly hot day in May 1539, Spaniard Hernando de Soto splashed ashore at Tampa Bay intent on capturing the riches of La Florida by any means necessary. His army was alternately welcomed and opposed by Native American tribes throughout what is now the Southeastern United States in a four year, four thousand mile odyssey of intrigue, warfare, disease, and discovery.

De Soto Weather

Dry Tortugas National Park: Almost 70 miles (112.9 km) west of Key West lies a cluster of seven islands, composed of coral reefs and sand, called the Dry Tortugas. Along with the surrounding shoals and waters, they make up Dry Tortugas National Park. The area is known for its famous bird and marine life, its legends of pirates and sunken gold, and its military past.

Dry Tortugas Weather

Everglades National Park: Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. The area boasts rare and endangered species, such as the American crocodile, Florida panther, and West Indian manatee. It has been designated an International Biosphere Reserve, a World Heritage Site, and a Wetland of International Importance, in recognition of its significance to all the people of the world.

Everglades Weather

Fort Caroline National Memorial: 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.  It would not be the last time.

Fort Caroline Weather

Fort Matanzas National Monument: Coastal Florida was a major field of conflict as European nations fought for control in the New World. As part of this struggle, Fort Matanzas guarded St. Augustine's southern river approach. The colonial wars are over, but the monument is still protecting—not just the historic fort, but also the wild barrier island and the plants and animals who survive there amidst a sea of modern development.

Fort Matanzas Weather

Gulf Islands National Seashore: Island beaches, sparkling waters, bayous, historic forts and recreational opportunities are plentiful in Gulf Islands National Seashore, the nation's largest. Open year-round, the Seashore is in Mississippi and Florida.  Gentle breezes, tides and hurricanes constantly reshape this dynamic landscape.

Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve: Visit one of the last unspoiled coastal wetlands on the Atlantic Coast. Discover 6,000 years of human history and experience the beauty of salt marshes, coastal dunes, and hardwood hammocks.

Timucuan Weather