is home to three national parks and several national monuments, from the world-renowned Everglades to some lesser-known gems like historic Spanish forts. Here are five spots that are worth checking out on your epic Florida road trip.

Florida is like a whole other world sometimes, and it’s a state where you can see some sights found nowhere else on earth. Vast wildernesses, history galore, and endangered species make a trip to Florida’s national parks one to remember.

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Everglades National Park

Location:

Miam

Naples

, and

Homestead

, Florida

Hours of operation: 24 hours, year-round

Admission price: $15 per person, $30 per vehicle (good for seven consecutive days)

Entrances: The

Main

and

Gulf Coast

entrances are open 24 hours a day, while the

Shark Valley

entrance is open daily from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm. The

Chekika

entrance is closed indefinitely.

What makes Everglades National Park special

The

Everglades National Park

is located at the southern tip of Florida. Occupying a staggering 1.5 million acres of singularly unique landscape, it’s simply a must-see for anyone in the area.

As America’s largest subtropical wilderness, the Everglades are home to numerous endangered and rare species, including manatees, the American crocodile, and the Florida panther.

The Everglades is an international treasure as well. It has been designated as a World Heritage Site, an International Biosphere Reserve, and a Wetland of International Importance.

What to do in Everglades National Park

There is an

abundance of activities

to enjoy in Everglades National Park, and there is sure to be something that everyone can enjoy. Here are a few highlights:

Hiking: There’s a wide variety of

hiking trails

available of all distances and terrain types. Some trails are paved, and some are rougher and not maintained due to the presence of endangered species. Feel like getting up close and personal with the ‘Glades? Get your feet wet (and maybe see some rare species) with a

slough slog

Kayaking and Canoeing: With hundreds of miles of waterways to choose from, you can plan a

kayaking or canoeing

journey for a few hours or several days. Keep your eyes peeled for critters!

Birdwatching: Everglades National Park is home to more than 300 species of birds, and

birdwatching

is one of the park's most popular and rewarding activities. See Egrets, Herons, Red-winged blackbirds, the iconic Roseate spoonbill, and more.

Geocaching: Tap into your inner explorer by participating in a

real-world treasure hunt

in a singularly amazing landscape. It’s sure to make some incredible memories.

There are also numerous kinds of

guided tours

and

ranger-led programs

available. They are a wonderful way to get an insider’s look at all the wonderful things the park has to offer!

The Everglades are home to biting insects year-round, so repellant is a must-have. Be prepared for outdoor adventure with water, sunscreen, a hat, pants, and a shirt with long sleeves.

When to visit Everglades National Park

The Everglades have only

two seasons

: wet and dry. The wet season typically lasts from May to November, and the dry season runs from December to April.

The

dry season

is the busiest time of the year, as the warm winters attract countless species of birds and other animals, and biting insects and intense heat are not huge factors. The

wet season

is hot, humid, and can be intensely buggy. Because there are typically fewer visitors at the park during this time, many ranger-led programs are not available.

Pro Tip If you’re
traveling with pets
, be aware that they’re not allowed in most areas of Everglades National Park, including hiking trails or unpaved roads.

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Dry Tortugas National Park

Location:

Key West

, Florida

Hours of operation: 24 hours, year-round (visitors center and fee booths closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas)

Admission price: $15 per person (good for seven consecutive days)

What makes Dry Tortugas National Park special

Dry Tortugas National Park

has fairly low visitation due to the fact that it’s a bit hard to get to. A cluster of seven islands about 70 miles west of Key West and accessible only by

ferry

seaplane

, this one-of-a-kind park is well worth the journey.

Fort Jefferson, one of the nation’s largest Civil War Forts, makes for an impressive centerpiece perched among crystal blue waters and abundant sea life.

Diverse birdlife, gorgeous coral reefs, and stunning natural beauty make this park a truly unique place to visit.

What to do in Dry Tortugas National Park

Once you’ve made it to Dry Tortugas, you’ll definitely want to spend some time and take full advantage of all the park has to offer.

Fort Jefferson: Take a guided tour of this massive

Civil War fort

, which was built to protect one of the most strategic deepwater anchorages in North America.

Snorkeling and swimming: Bring your swimsuit! Less than 1% of this amazing national treasure is on dry land, so the best way to experience it is by

getting in the water

Camping: It’s remote and rustic, and you need to plan ahead and be well-prepared, but

camping

is a fabulous way to experience the park. Bonus? The

night sky

is something to behold.

Wildlife viewing: Sea turtles, brilliant coral reefs, and an abundance of birdlife make Dry Tortugas heaven for

wildlife

and nature lovers.

When to visit Dry Tortugas National Park

The subtropical location of the park means that the

seasons

are reduced to summer and winter. In the winter months of November through April, things are colder and strong winds make for poor snorkeling conditions, but there will be fewer visitors and the opportunity to see some unique bird species blown in on the wind currents.

The summer months of May through October are warmer with no winds and much better for snorkeling and camping, but it’s also peak hurricane season.

Pro Tip No matter what season you visit, make sure you stay well-informed of what the weather is doing when planning your visit to Dry Tortugas.

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Biscayne National Park

Location: Miami,

Key Biscayne

, and Homestead, Florida

Hours of operation: Dante Fascell Visitor Center is open seven days a week from 9 am to 5 pm, and Convoy Point Grounds is open daily from 7 am to 5:30 pm. Navigable waterways are open 24 hours.

Admission price: Free

What makes Biscayne National Park special

Biscayne National Park

is another wonder that is mostly underwater, so get ready to get your feet wet!

Natural history: Sparkling turquoise waters, lush green islands, and colorful coral reefs make this park a feast for the senses.

Human history: Over 10,000 years of human history can be seen in the park, from prehistoric tribes to shipwrecks to abandoned

stilt houses

What to do in Biscayne National Park

Whether you want to adventure in the outdoors or just sit in a comfy chair with a cool drink and enjoy the breeze, you can make it happen at Biscayne National Park.

Guided Eco-Adventures: Take a

guided tour

to snorkel in coral reefs, explore a shipwreck, or take a boat cruise to Boca Chita Key.

Fishing and lobstering: Get a fishing license and spend a tranquil afternoon fishing the clear waters of Biscayne Bay.

Canoeing and kayaking: Get out

on the water

to see rays, jellyfish, schools of bright tropical fish, and wading birds.

When to visit Biscayne National Park

Biscayne National Park is sunny all year round, with highs of about 68 in the winter and 82 in the summer. Summer brings more heat, humidity, and a chance of thunderstorms, while the winters tend to be mild and drier.

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

Location: St. Augustine, Florida

Hours of operation: 9 am to 5 pm, every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas

Admission price: $15 per person

What makes Castillo de San Marcos National Monument special

The oldest masonry fortification in the continental United States, the

Castillo de San Marcos

was built by the Spanish in the mid-to-late 1600s.

A site of many battles and a key point in the sometimes bloody clash of cultures that accompanied the European expansion into the New World, the fort is an impressive historical and cultural artifact.

What to do in Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

The Castillo de San Marcos is designed to be a self-guided experience, so you can do as little or as much as you like!

Explore the fortress: Take a stroll through the fort’s rooms and take in the various exhibits and artifacts. Self-guided tours are available via the park’s app.

Experience living history: Park employees in period dress are on the grounds to pose for pictures, answer questions, and share stories about the lives of the people that lived in the fort.

Engage with park rangers: Staff is on hand to answer any of your questions, and formal presentations are given throughout the day.

When to visit Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

The park is very popular, but visitation is lowest from mid-September through mid-November. Expect more crowds around school breaks and on the weekends, and school groups are common from October through November and February through May.

Fort Matanzas National Monument

Location: St. Augustine, Florida

Hours of operation: 9 am to 5 pm, every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas

Admission price: Free

What makes Fort Matanzas National Monument special

This hidden gem is not only free, it also involves a ferry ride to a historic fort on a beautiful islet.

Completed in 1792, the coquina watchtower defended the Spanish military settlement at St. Augustine from assorted invaders from the south.

Today, the fort watches over 300 acres of beautiful coastal Florida environment, with an abundance of flora and fauna—including several endangered species.

What to do in Fort Matanzas National Monument

Fort Matanzas may be on the smaller side compared to Castillo de San Marcos, but it has lots to offer and can be easily enjoyed in a day.

Nature trails: Choose from several trails and explore the shaded tree canopy, sparkling waters, and diverse wildlife in the area.

Ferry ride to the fort: This is the one way to get to the fort, with departures every hour from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Relax on the beach: Take in St. Augustine’s lovely beach views from the Atlantic Ocean and the Matanzas River. Dolphins are sometimes spotted in the waters!

When to visit Fort Matanzas National Monument

Fort Matanzas is on the east coast of Florida, so winters are cool and mild while summers are hot and humid. Spring and fall are generally more temperate, with temperatures in the 70s and 80s. Make sure to bring sunscreen and stay hydrated if visiting in the summer months.

Pro Tip Thunderstorms are common during the summer months, and ferry service is suspended when there is a risk of lightning.

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How to prepare to visit Florida’s national parks

Before you hit the road to any of Florida’s stunning national parks, start your journey off right with these tips from car insurance super app Jerry:

Look into an annual

America the Beautiful nationwide pass

if you’re planning to visit more than one park—or if you want to visit multiple times.

If you’re planning on any scenic or off-road drives, make sure

your car’s maintenance

is up to date and it meets the clearance requirements of the park.

Check your tires

, too!

Update your car insurance

before any major road trip to make sure you’re fully prepared for the unexpected.

Jerry

has that last one taken care of. Download the insurance super app today and find out why it’s rated number one when it comes to shopping for

car insurance

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On average, Jerry users save $887 a year on their car insurance. That could buy you all the swimsuits, sunscreen, and insect repellant you need to explore Florida’s wonderful national parks!

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