Location: Ochopee, FL
The freshwaters of the Big Cypress Swamp, essential to the health of the neighboring Everglades, support the rich marine estuaries along Florida's southwest coast. Conserving over 729,000 acres of this vast swamp, Big Cypress National Preserve contains a mixture of tropical and temperate plant communities that are home to diverse wildlife, including the Endangered Florida panther.
Fees: There is no entrance fee for Big Cypress National Preserve
Hours Info: The preserve is open 24 hours a day 365 days a year. The Oasis Visitor Center and the Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center are closed on December 25th. No fee is charged for access to the preserve.
More Info: https://www.nps.gov/bicy/
Location: Miami, Key Biscayne & Homestead, FL
Within sight of Miami, yet worlds away, Biscayne protects a rare combination of aquamarine waters, emerald islands, and fish-bejeweled coral reefs. Evidence of 10,000 years of human history is here too; from prehistoric tribes to shipwrecks, and pineapple farmers to presidents. For many, the park is a boating, fishing, and diving destination, while others enjoy a warm breeze and peaceful scenery.
Fees: The park has no entrance fees.
Hours Info: Park waters are open 24 hours a day, all year.
More Info: https://www.nps.gov/bisc/
Location: St. Augustine, FL
Built by the Spanish in St. Augustine to defend Florida and the Atlantic trade route, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument preserves the oldest masonry fortification in the continental United States and interprets more than 450 years of cultural intersections.
Fees: Individual admission for persons 16 years of age or older.
More Info: https://www.nps.gov/casa/
Location: Bradenton, FL
In May 1539, Conquistador Hernando de Soto’s army of soldiers, hired mercenaries, craftsmen, and clergy made landfall in Tampa Bay. They were met with fierce resistance of indigenous people protecting their homelands. De Soto’s quest for glory and gold would be a four year, four thousand mile odyssey of intrigue, warfare, disease, and discovery that would form the history of the United States.
Fees: The Park and all areas, programs, and events are free of charge.
Hours Info: De Soto National Memorial's trails are open daily from Sunrise to Sunset. The park's restrooms are located on the northern end of the Visitor Center building. Restrooms are open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00pm.
More Info: https://www.nps.gov/deso/
Location: Key West, FL
Almost 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West lies the remote Dry Tortugas National Park. This 100-square mile park is mostly open water with seven small islands. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the park is known the world over as the home of magnificent Fort Jefferson, picturesque blue waters, superlative coral reefs and marine life, and the vast assortment of bird life that frequents the area.
Hours Info: The Dry Tortugas is open 24 hours, 7 days a week. This includes holidays.
More Info: https://www.nps.gov/drto/
Location: Miami, Naples, and Homestead, FL
Everglades National Park protects an unparalleled landscape that provides important habitat for numerous rare and endangered species like the manatee, American crocodile, and the elusive Florida panther. An international treasure as well - a World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, a Wetland of International Importance, and a specially protected area under the Cartagena Treaty.
More Info: https://www.nps.gov/ever/
Location: the Timucuan Preserve; Jacksonville, FL
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.
Fees: We are a free park.
Hours Info: The grounds for Fort Caroline and Kingsley Plantation are open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday; closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. The preserve headquarters is open 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., Monday through Friday; closed on all government holidays. Cedar Point and the Theodore Roosevelt Area are open sunrise - sunset.
More Info: https://www.nps.gov/foca/
Location: St. Augustine, FL
Fort Matanzas National Monument preserves the fortified coquina watchtower, completed in 1742, which defended the southern approach to the Spanish military settlement of St. Augustine. It also protects approximately 300 acres of Florida coastal environment containing dunes, marsh, maritime forest, and associated flora and fauna, including threatened and endangered species.
Fees: There is no fee for visiting any portion of Fort Matanzas. However, the ferry service to the historic fort requires boarding passes. Some tours may be canceled due to changes in staffing levels. Call the park between 9am-5pm on the day of your visit for operational updates: (904) 471-0116
Hours Info: The outdoor areas at the Fort Matanzas Visitor Center Area are open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Public restrooms, nature trails, fishing access, and basic visitor information and orientation services are available. Fort tours are running Wednesday through Sunday on a reduced schedule with limited capacity. Boarding passes are available on a first come, first served basis. Tours may fill up early in the day. No oversized parking is available.
More Info: https://www.nps.gov/foma/
Location: Gulf Breeze, Florida and Ocean Springs, Mississippi , FL,MS
Millions of visitors are drawn to the Gulf of Mexico for Gulf Islands National Seashore's emerald coast waters, magnificent white beaches, fertile marshes and historical landscapes. Come explore with us today!
More Info: https://www.nps.gov/guis/
Location: Jacksonville, FL
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. The Timucuan Preserve includes Fort Caroline and Kingsley Plantation.
Fees: We are a free park.
Hours Info: The grounds for Fort Caroline and Kingsley Plantation are open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday; closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. The preserve headquarters is open 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., Monday through Friday; closed on all government holidays. Cedar Point and the Theodore Roosevelt Area are open sunrise - sunset.
More Info: https://www.nps.gov/timu/