State guide
Florida's national parks
Florida's three national parks all sit in the state's far south, and all three are defined by water: the vast subtropical wetland of the Everglades, the coral reefs and mangroves of Biscayne, and the remote island fort of Dry Tortugas. This guide compares all three.
Short answer
Everglades is the headline for its vast subtropical wilderness and easy access, followed by Biscayne for its offshore reefs and Dry Tortugas for its remote island fort. All three are best in the cooler, drier winter months, roughly December through April, when heat, storms, and mosquitoes ease.
How Florida's parks were ranked
- Scenic payoff and how distinctive each park's landscape is.
- Ease of access, since two of the three are largely on the water.
- Range of activities, from boardwalks to snorkeling and paddling.
- Seasonal window, since the dry winter season is far more comfortable.
Recommended parks
Each pick links to the full park guide with season tables, logistics, packing, and route context.
The subtropical headlineEverglades
- Best for
- Boardwalks, paddling, and wildlife from the Anhinga Trail
- Watch
- The winter dry season is far more comfortable, since summer brings heat, storms, and heavy mosquitoes.
Everglades is the most accessible and iconic of the three, a vast subtropical wetland with boardwalks, paddling routes, and reliable wildlife that you can reach by car from Miami or Naples.
Open the Everglades guide
The underwater parkBiscayne
- Best for
- Snorkeling, boating, and the coral reefs offshore
- Watch
- Most of the park is only reachable by boat, so plan a tour or bring your own vessel, and check conditions before heading out.
Biscayne is mostly water, protecting coral reefs, mangrove coast, and islands just south of Miami, with snorkeling and boat trips as the main way to experience it.
Open the Biscayne guide
The remote island fortDry Tortugas
- Best for
- Fort Jefferson, snorkeling, and clear Gulf water
- Watch
- Access is by ferry or seaplane only, trips book out, and there are no services on the island, so come prepared.
Dry Tortugas sits about 70 miles west of Key West, pairing the massive brick Fort Jefferson with some of the clearest water and best snorkeling in the country.
Open the Dry Tortugas guidePlanning notes
Visit in the dry winter season
December through April is the comfortable window for all three. Summer brings heat, afternoon storms, and heavy mosquitoes, especially in the Everglades.
Base around Miami and the Keys
Everglades and Biscayne are both day trips from the Miami area, while Dry Tortugas requires a trip down to Key West for the ferry or seaplane.
Book the Dry Tortugas trip first
The ferry and seaplane to Dry Tortugas have limited daily capacity and sell out well ahead, so lock that date before planning the rest of the trip.
Frequently asked questions
How many national parks are in Florida?
Florida has three national parks: Everglades, Biscayne, and Dry Tortugas. All three sit in the state's far south and are defined by water, from subtropical wetland to coral reefs to a remote island fort.
What is the best national park in Florida?
Everglades is usually ranked first for its scale, accessibility, and wildlife. Biscayne and Dry Tortugas are more water-focused and harder to reach, but both reward the effort with reefs, snorkeling, and a historic island fort.
When is the best time to visit Florida's national parks?
The cooler, drier winter months from about December through April are best. Summer brings heat, afternoon storms, and heavy mosquitoes, which are especially intense in the Everglades.
Pack and plan this trip
Gear keyed to what these parks are for, the tools to size your days and budget, and explainers worth a read before you go.
What to pack
Plan with our tools
More trip planning paths
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