One aspect I love most about the U.S. is its National Park system. I am borderline obsessed! I have read Lonely Planet USA's National Parks from front-to-back, and love to daydream about potential National Park trips to take during my work holidays and long weekends.
Florida is home to three (3) U.S. National Parks, which will be the focus of this post.
On a long weekend in January I attended a one-day work conference in Miami, and spent the following two days down south to explore the following:
Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park is 95% underwater, and thus holds the record as the largest marine park in the National Park system. There is a short, paved walkway and boardwalk alongside the water, although to really appreciate the beauty of this park, it is best to get out on the water, whether that be by boat, kayak, paddle board, snorkel or dive. Entrance to this park is free!I spent one day at Biscayne National Park, and took a boat tour to Boca Chita Key. The guides were very knowledgeable and taught us lots of fun facts about the parks' ecosystems, and also about the somewhat dark history of Boca Chita Key and its lighthouse. We were given an hour to walk around the Key and climb the stairs to the top of the lighthouse. The view from the top was amazing! The wind was so strong that it blew my sunglasses off! You could also see the stunning Miami skyline in the distance. I would love to return to this park someday to snorkel/dive the coral reef.
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| View from the Lighthouse - Boca Chita Key - Biscayne National Park Photo taken by Maree Richardson |
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| Top of the Lighthouse - Boca Chita Key - Biscayne National Park Photo taken by Maree Richardson |
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| Miami Skyline from Boca Chita Key - Biscayne National Park Photo taken by Maree Richardson |
Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S. The wetlands cover a large portion of southern Florida, and are home to many plant and wildlife species including the Florida panther, the manatee, and of course, the American alligator and crocodile. Additionally, the Burmese Python, an invasive species, are said to roam these waters.
I took the Shark Valley entrance and spent one day at Everglades National Park. It was Martin Luther King Jr. Day, so entrance was free that day, however it is usually $25 per vehicle. I biked the 15 mile trail and was astonished at the number of alligators sunning themselves on the side of the road. Never had I been that close to wild gators before!
In my opinion, the right-side of the trail (if you're looking at it from the Visitor's Center) was the most scenic with a larger variety of plants and visible wildlife. At the half-way point there is an Observation Tower. Most people returned the same way they came, however I was curious to see what was on the left/opposite side of the trail. I had most of it to myself ... for a reason. This side was long and challenging, with numerous twists and bends. I rode into a strong wind and felt lactic acid building up in my legs. At one point I thought that the Visitor's Center should be around the next corner, however was disheartened to see the mile marker on the road indicating I still had 5 miles to go. Needless to say, I made it to the end, but it certainly tested my physical and mental abilities!
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| Sorry, Mum! Look how close the alligators were to the road. Everglades National Park. Photo taken by Maree Richardson. |
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| Staring Competition! Everglades National Park. Photo taken by Maree Richardson. |
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| Soaking up the Sunshine. Everglades National Park. Photo taken by Maree Richardson. |
Dry Tortugas National Park
I have not yet been to Dry Tortugas National Park, but it is on my list! It is approximately 72 miles offshore, thus is only accessible by boat, ferry or seaplane. A couple of years ago we were in Key West and had planned to take the ferry across, however the weather did not cooperate. Guess I'll have to save it for another day ...
Have you been to any of Florida's National Parks? What was your experience like?
Also, if anyone has any tips for visiting Dry Tortugas National Park, please let me know. 😊
Have a great week!
Maree
