Road Tripping Florida’s National Parks

Did you know Florida is home to three national parks and one national preserve?

When most people picture national parks, they imagine the wide-open spaces of the West — Yellowstone, Yosemite, or the Grand Canyon. But tucked away in South Florida are three incredible parks, all within a few hours’ drive of each other — plus the wild and wonderful Big Cypress National Preserve.

I grew up in Florida, yet I never visited these parks until we started full-time RV travel. Don’t make the same mistake I did! The cooler months — from fall through spring — are the perfect time to visit. So pack the car (or RV), grab your camera, and head south for an unforgettable Florida road trip.

Everglades National Park

The Everglades is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States — over 1.5 million acres of wetlands, mangroves, and sawgrass prairies. It’s one of the wildest places in Florida, home to both alligators and crocodiles, along with invasive species like pythons and monitor lizards.

With three main entrances and five visitor centers, it can be a little confusing at first. Keep in mind that these sections are not connected by road, so plan your visit by region:

• West: Gulf Coast Visitor Center (Everglades City)
• North: Shark Valley (off US-41)
• Southeast: Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center & Flamingo area (Homestead)

(Note: As of Fall 2025, the Gulf Coast Visitor Center is still under construction, but boat tours continue to operate from Everglades City.)

The Old Road Across the Glades

US-41, known as the Tamiami Trail, was once the main route across South Florida before I-75 existed. It’s quieter now — lined with airboat docks, panther crossing signs, and roadside gator sightings. This stretch offers a real glimpse into Old Florida.

Stop for a seafood platter at Joanie’s Blue Crab Café, pop into the quirky Skunk Ape Research Headquarters (part gift shop, part reptile encounter), and explore the Miccosukee Indian Village, where traditional demonstrations — including alligator wrestling — share the tribe’s enduring culture. Across the street, hop on a Miccosukee airboat tour for a thrilling ride through the river of grass.

Biking Shark Valley

At Shark Valley, parking is limited — so arrive early or expect to wait. The main attraction is the 15-mile paved loop, open to bikes, walkers, and the park tram. We biked the loop ourselves, and it was incredible!

We spotted snakes, egrets, herons, and so many alligators — we stopped counting after 45. They bask beside the trail, slip into the canal, and occasionally cross right in front of you. At the halfway point, climb the observation tower for sweeping views across the marshland.

From Shark Valley, it’s about a 50-mile drive to the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center near Homestead. Don’t miss the Anhinga Trail, one of the park’s best wildlife boardwalks — crowded at times, but guaranteed gator sightings.

Continue another 40 miles south to reach Flamingo, where a newly rebuilt lodge and restaurant reopened in 2023. The marina here rents kayaks and runs boat tours, and the campground makes an excellent base for exploring.

Flamingo is deep in the Everglades, where freshwater meets saltwater in Florida Bay. Here you might see American crocodiles, manatees, and dolphins all in one day. We spent three nights biking, kayaking, joining ranger-led night programs, and soaking in the serenity of this remote paradise.

Biscayne National Park

Leaving the Everglades via Homestead, it’s just a short drive to Biscayne National Park, where 95% of the park lies underwater.

Start at the Dante Fascell Visitor Center, where you can learn about the park’s fragile coral reefs, mangrove forests, and the shallow waters of Biscayne Bay. Most tours depart from this marina, though a few leave from Coconut Grove or the Deering Estate in Miami.

While we often prefer exploring on our own, Biscayne is best experienced by tour — trust me! The Biscayne National Park Institute offers everything from sunset cruises to snorkel and paddle eco-adventures, and spots often sell out, so book ahead.

We took the Full-Day Snorkel and Paddle Eco-Adventure and loved it. Our small group of six traveled by boat to Jones Lagoon, a pristine area perfect for paddling through mangrove tunnels. We spotted nurse sharks, sea turtles, and an explosion of colorful fish and sponges.

After lunch on a tiny island, we snorkeled the offshore reef (weather permitting) and then a calm bay when the winds picked up — spotting barracuda, parrotfish, and even a curious pufferfish!

The trip wrapped up with a visit to Boca Chita Key, home to a picturesque lighthouse and picnic area before returning to Homestead.

Dry Tortugas National Park

No Florida national park road trip is complete without venturing to Dry Tortugas National Park, a remote island chain 70 miles west of Key West.

Getting there is part of the adventure — you can either splurge on a seaplane flight or take the more affordable Yankee Freedom Ferry. The ferry includes breakfast and lunch, plus a scenic ride across turquoise waters where flying fish leap alongside the bow.

The ferry departs Key West around 8 a.m. (check-in begins at 7). If you want a window seat, arrive early — boarding order depends on your check-in number.

Exploring Fort Jefferson

After a two-hour cruise, you’ll arrive at Fort Jefferson, a massive brick fortress surrounded by crystal-clear water. Visitors get about 4.5 hours to explore, swim, and snorkel.

We grabbed our lunch and ate quietly at the North Swim Beach, listening to seabirds nesting nearby. Then we snorkeled the fort’s outer wall, where coral clings to the submerged bricks and schools of tropical fish dart through the ruins. You can also explore the north and south dock ruins — just watch out for sharp pilings. Check out our mini tour!

Before leaving, tour the fort’s interior to learn about its history and isolation. Standing there, 70 miles from civilization, you can feel the park’s wild remoteness.