South Florida National Parks
South Florida National Parks are different than any other parks you will visit. They are a perfect compliment to the many attractions and things to do in Miami!
Quick Reference
Everglades National Park
Welcome to a unique ecosystem. The "Everglades" is truly one of a kind. It is home to many rare and endangered species of wildlife and plants. The Everglades National Park boundaries only protect one-fifth of the original Everglades ecosystem. The "River of Grass" provides a constant source of fresh water to the flora and fauna of this subtropical environment. The Everglades is made up of several smaller ecosystems which makes it such a scientific wonder.
Location: Borders the greater Miami metropolitan area to the south.
Everglades National Park
Everglades Photography Gallery
Interesting Everglades Facts
The Florida Everglades
Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park borders Miami but you would never know it. The park provides visitors with an opportunity to see a spectacular environment. Biscayne is a combination of prisitine water, emerald islands, and coral reefs. The park protects four separate ecosystems. The mangrove forest on the mainland, the northern most islands of the Florida Keys, the coral reef system, and the shallow waters of Biscayne Bay. Diving, snorkeling, fishing, sightseeing, kayaking, and camping are all available in the Biscyne National Park.
Location: Borders the greater Miami metropolitan area to the west.
Dry Tortugas National Park
The Dry Tortugas lie 70 miles west of Key West Florida, a little over 200 miles from Miami. The Tortugas consist of seven separate islands. The islands are home to an amazing array of bird and marine life. The islands have their own spot in history. Fort Jefferson was built in the mid 19th century as a means to protect the shipping channel from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. Later, it became a prison. It's most famous inmate was Dr. Samuel Mudd (the doctor who set the leg of John Wilkes Booth). He was incarcerated here from 1865 to 1869. Of the South Florida National Parks, The Tortugas require either a boat or seaplane to explore.
Location: Approxiamtely 210 miles south west of Miami. Miami to Key West is 150 miles and Key West to the tortugas is 70 miles (across the water).
Big Cypress National Preserve
The Big Cypress National Preserve protects over 720,000 acres. The Big Cypress Swamp is essential as it helps provide freshwater to the neighboring Florida Everglades. The fresh water also helps supply the marine estuaries along the southwest coast of Florida. The preserve is home to a mixture of tropical and temperate plant life. It also homes a variety of wildlife including the endangered Florida panther. This area offers some great hiking and conoeing for those interested in exploring the preserve at a more personal level.
Location: Approximately 40 miles west of Miami on US Highway 41 or Interstate 75.
The South Florida National Parks are unlike any others. Be sure to allow yourself some time to visit on your next trip down!
Information Source:
National Park Service
nps.gov
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