Florida National Parks
Prepare to embark on a journey to the sunshine state – Florida. Where warm, sun-kissed days and cool, balmy nights serve as the perfect backdrop to awaken your soul. Feel the sand between your toes as you stroll along idyllic white-sand beaches while the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean invite you to dive into a world of vibrant marine life teeming with curious sea creatures. Here you can embrace the boundless horizons of possibility as you venture on a journey that enriches your perspective and instills a renewed appreciation for the delicate balance of our natural world. Stepping on this land is not just another escapade, it is an exploration of self-discovery, where each moment deepens your understanding of our precious planet.
To ensure we had the best itinerary and didn't miss any attractions, I turned to my trusty travel companion, Viator! With its invaluable assistance, I found affordable attractions that seamlessly complemented our itinerary.
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Everglades National Park
Your Gateway to Natural Splendor
Immerse yourself in an unparalleled experience as you journey through Everglades National Park—an expansive realm of untamed wilderness, majestic landscapes, and incredible biodiversity stretching over 1.5 million acres of lush wetland preserve. From its awe-inspiring sawgrass prairies to the life-sustaining waters of the Biscayne aquifer, the Everglades holds the key to unlocking sustainable drinking water. As the largest continuous expanse of sawgrass prairie in North America, this mystical ecosystem serves as a vital source of life and energy for countless species of flora and fauna. Venture into the serenity of the Everglades, where you'll find yourself surrounded by a symphony of sights, sounds, and scents that reminds us why we continue to protect Mother nature.
Know Before You Go: The Everglades is a wetland ecosystem making boats, kayaks, or paddleboards the best way to experience the whole park.
DAY ONE:
My fiance and I set out on our journey to the Everglades from Cape Coral, which was nothing short of picturesque. We made several stops along the way, exploring quaint towns and admiring beautiful lookout points. As we traveled through the interconnected wetlands, we finally reached our first destination Shark Valley. A haven for wildlife enthusiasts seeking intimate encounters with nature's creatures. Whether you are a seasoned explorer or a first-time visitor, get ready to get up close and personal with nature like never before.
There was an entrance fee for vehicles ($30) if you wanted to minimize your walking, but if you walked in, there was no fee. I recommend beginning your adventure at the Shark Valley Visitor Center. This will be your ultimate guide to the park's hidden treasures and where you can rent bikes to enjoy all the park offers. With a wealth of information at your fingertips, you'll set off on a 15-mile trail that takes you on a journey through the luscious river grass landscape and the diverse wildlife that inhabits it. At the trail's end, you'll reach the watchtower that provides a panoramic view of the Everglades National Park.
To truly appreciate the beauty of the National Park, take a boat, kayak, or paddleboard out on the water. It was quite windy on the day of our exploration, so we opted for a fantastic airboat tour with Everglades Safari Park. From the airboat, we had beautiful views of Animal habitats and learned much about their natural environment. After the tour, they held a special gator show where we could learn more about these incredible creatures and even get the chance to hold some of the babies. Finally, we ended our Everglades adventure by stepping out of our comfort zone and trying to local special alligator bikes at the park's cafe.
Biscayne National Park
A Tapestry of Land and Sea
Nestled in the northern Florida Keys, Biscayne National Park is a sanctuary where land meets the sea, creating a world of unparalleled beauty and vibrant life. As one of the largest marine parks in the country, Biscayne is home to a unique blend of four distinct ecosystems: the lush mangrove forest, the calm waters of Biscayne Bay, the mesmerizing coral limestone keys, and the awe-inspiring living coral reef. As you embark on the 250 square miles of water and minimal land, you'll find an unusual sense of wonder as you face the only living coral reef in the continental United States. Teeming with vibrant marine life beneath the turquoise waters, Biscayne National Park is a captivating oasis of incredible biological diversity and unparalleled natural beauty.
Know Before You Go: The only way to get to the National Parks islands is by boat. Since Miami is known for its indecisive weather, be prepared to experience unexpected weather challenges like ours.
DAY TWO:
Three port times had passed, and the weather was favorable enough for us to embark on our Boca Chita trip. Seeing as we'd missed the two daily tours at the Biscayne National Park, we added an extra day to our holiday. On the "2nd" morning, we all congregated at the Dante Fascell Visitor Center to board the tour boat. Anxious to get to the island after our third attempt, we were praying that the clouds in the sky would blow away. Thankfully the clouds blew away about 15 minutes into the boat tour. The boat ride there, which takes around 45 minutes, was the perfect opportunity to view Downtown Miami and Stiltsville, a disused community on the Atlantic Ocean.
As we drew nearer to the Boca Chita harbor within the Biscayne National Park, the waters became brighter and even bluer. In less than an hour, our boat trip opened up a world of turquoise-hued waters filled with coral reefs, shipwrecks, dolphins, manatees, green sea turtles, and various bird and fish species. Spanning a surface area of 250 miles of water, this diverse ecosystem is home to coral reefs, shipwrecks, dolphins, manatees, green sea turtles, and numerous species of birds and fish. Accompanying the water is minimal land, including islands, shorelines, mangrove forests, estates, and lighthouses. Once docked in the Boca Chita harbor, our tour guide kindly told us that we were free to adventure all the makes of the island. We began by going up the Ornamental lighthouse built by Mark Honeywell in the 1930s. Afterward, we ventured through the mosquito-infested .6-mile Boca Chita Key Loop trail. Despite the buggy path, we got to experience every inch of the island and discover our perfect ending on a shoreline covered in white seashells.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Soon to be Explored
Stay tuned to embark on the adventure and learn from my experiences
**This post may contain affiliate links. Please check out my privacy policy & disclosure page for more information.**
When you go to these National Parks, don’t forget to share your discoveries with me on my Instagram page @heatherslucentdream and let me know what your favorites are!
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