Happy birthday National Park Service! In celebration of NPS’s centennial, Florida National Parks are hosting a statewide paddle challenge. Grab a canoe, kayak or paddleboard to conquer the 100 mile challenge. This is an amazing opportunity to explore the wildlife and history that Florida National Parks have to offer.
Big Cypress: Ochopee, FL
This swampy preserve spans across 729,000 acres on the southwest coast of Florida. Big Cypress is home to many plant and animal species. Many Native American tribes such as the Calusa, Miccosukee and Seminoles have settled in this land. Be at one with nature by setting up camp in the preserve. There are no hotels in these parts. Kirby Storter Boardwalk is a great walking trail, and there are also many more wild trailheads along the route for more experienced hikers. As you make your way into Big Cypress, you will see pull-offs on the side of the road that will make for Instagram-worthy snapshots of the swamp and wildlife. Beware of Florida panthers.
Biscayne: Key Biscayne, FL
If aquatic life is more your appeal, Biscayne Preserve should be the destination of your next excursion. The Maritime Heritage Trail is a haven for scuba divers and snorkelers. Six shipwrecks are located in the nearby turquoise water. During your dive, you will see some of the 500 species of fish as well as the beautiful corals and manatees. Canoeing, fishing and kayaking is also available. The Dante Fascell Visitor Center Gallery shows the works of contemporary artists who create art from their inspiration of the preserve.
Canaveral: Titusville and New Smyrna Beach, FL
Canaveral Preserve has remained true to the land. The beaches are undeveloped and also hold the longest shoreline in Florida. Skilled enough to rough it? Primitive camping is available at Apollo Beach. Activities are offered every month such as group canoeing and learning how to catch bait. Or hike on the on self-guided trails. Hunting in Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge is allowed.
Castillo de San Marcos: St. Augustine, FL
History buffs will love Castillo de San Marcos Preserve. Located in the oldest city in America, this fortress is building is 321 years old. Hunter-gatherers occupied this land at least 12,000 years ago. After them, Castillo de San Marcos and its 18th-century cannons was home to many other groups of people such as Spaniards, British and finally Americans. Don’t forget a visit to the Colonial Spanish Quarter Museum.
De Soto: Bradenton, FL
This preserve will give visitors a first-hand look into the life of Hernando De Soto as he and his men settled in Tampa Bay. Bird-watching, camping, fishing are some activities offered. There are also ranger-led kayak tours that go through historic waterways; these tours are free with all equipment provided. People can walk through nature trails or go to Camp Uzita, a living history camp where rangers dress up in clothing from the period and re-enact De Soto’s arrival to the beaches of Tampa Bay, providing demonstrations of what life was like in the 16th century. Indoor activities include exhibits in the Visitor Center that displays weapons and historic armor that guests can try on.
Dry Tortugas: Key West, FL
Collectively made up of seven bodies of dry land, Dry Tortugas is located 70 miles west of Key West. This preserve houses Fort Jefferson, the largest all-masonry fort in the US. With no nearby buildings, the preserve boasts amazing night sky views. Learn about the five different sea turtle species. Species of coral, fish and birds are also popular attractions for visitors.
Everglades: Miami, Naples & Homestead, FL
Established in 1947, Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the country. The Everglades has many walking trails to choose from and many ranger-led expeditions including bike tours and bird watching. All visitors must experience an air boat tour through the swampland. This national park is home to the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center Gallery, which has monthly exhibits highlighting the park’s natural and cultural resources.
Timucuan: Jacksonville, FL
The Timucuan Preserve is another great vacation spot for history enthusiasts. Holding over 6,000 years of human history, this area has many attractions that will satisfy everyone’s interests. Kingsley Place offers house tours of the plantation that enslaved many during the 18th and 19th centuries. The plantation-style Ribault Club on Fort George Island is available for rent.
Fort Caroline: Jacksonville, FL
Located within the Timucuan Preserve, Fort Caroline was the first French colony established in the United States. Fort Caroline hosts many activities every month such as free summer lunch for kids. The beautiful gates in front of the fort make for great photo-ops and the view from the St. Johns River will keep your family entranced for hours.
Fort Matanzas: St. Augustine, FL
“The place of many slaughters,” as the English translation of Fort Matanzas goes, is a fort that dates back to the Spanish era of Colonial America. This national park is located on the Rattlesnake and Anastasia Islands, home to a forest, beach, marsh and coastal scrub. Fort Matanzas feature a critter of the month to highlight the extensive ecosystem. Closely located to the Castillo de San Marcos, Fort Matanzas carries much history that can be experienced by all visitors. Park Rangers will take you through the fort and explain the events that transpired hundreds of years ago. Guests can walk through the half-mile nature trail or sit on the dock and enjoy the view.
Gulf Islands: Gulf Breeze, FL
Gulf Islands National Shoreline spans across the northwest gulf of Florida but also goes into Mississippi. This area played an important role during wars; it served as an anchoring area for ships. Over 80 percent of this park is covered with water and is inhabited by gopher tortoises. There is a variety of camping grounds available that will accommodate tents and RVs. Perdido Key, Fort Barrancas, Naval Live Oaks, Fort Pickens, Santa Rosa Opal Beach, andOkaloosa Day Area are located nearby.
Gullah/Geechee: Jacksonville, FL
Established in 2002, this Cultural Heritage Corridor occupies North Carolina, South Caroline, Georgia and Florida. This name originates from the enslaved group of Africans that were forced to work in plantations upon their arrival to America. Guided tours through Yulee, Fernandina, Nassauville and American Beach are great for learning the history of the slaves. Customized itineraries are available from the Gullah/Geechee Nation, which includes tours, meals and workshops.