Everything is starting to bud and bloom! What are you doing to enjoy this lovely change in weather?

Everything is more fun in the sun, which makes these two national parks in Florida excellent travel destinations. One of them comprises seven small islands far off the coast, while the other protects a delicate ecosystem and provides a variety of leisurely activities.

Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park lies approximately 70 miles off the coast of Key West. It consists of seven small islands and the clear blue waters surrounding them. The park's main attraction is Fort Jefferson, which is the largest masonry structure in the Americas. Dry Tortugas is only accessible by boat and plane, but offers a wide variety of activities like camping, canoeing, and guided tours. You can also take guided fishing or snorkeling trips from one of the local vendors.

Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park is the third largest National Park in the contiguous United States. It is located in southern Florida and was the first national park to protect an ecosystem, rather than to preserve geographic features. Guests can look for some of the endangered wildlife like alligators and Florida panthers while on an airboat tour, or take part in traditional activities like camping, fishing, and hiking.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/L'eau Bleue

Millionaire James Deering commissioned the construction of Vizcaya during the early part of the 20th century. Originally situated upon 180 luxuriant acres abutting Biscayne Bay, the estate was Deering's interpretation of an Italian villa in a subtropical setting; it was where the bachelor spent his winters until his death in 1925.

Nowadays, Vizcaya serves as a public museum and botanical gardens, attracting countless visitors eager to tour the estate's ornate, Mediterranean-inspired architecture and stunning formal gardens. Vizcaya's innovative design explores the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces, and every room within the meticulously preserved estate was designed around artwork and mementos acquired by Deering during his travels abroad.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m daily, except Tuesdays. Arrive early to avoid the crowds.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
3251 S. Miami Ave.
Miami, FL 33129
(305) 250-9133
vizcaya.org
www.yelp.com/biz/vizcaya-museum-and-gardens-miami-2

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Edmund Garman