Explore the Great Outdoors at These State Parks in South Florida

Give yourself a break from the fast-paced culture of South Floridawith a visit to a state park. You don't even have to leave the city to enjoy these glimpses of pristine Florida landscape! Here are two Florida state parks that you're sure to enjoy.

Oleta River State Park
Oleta River State Park is the biggest urban park in Florida. Here you can hit the beach or enjoy the more traditional park services like camping, fishing, and hiking. Take a dip in the saltwater lagoon before sitting down to lunch at The Blue Marlin Fish House restaurant. Oleta River State Park is also a popular destination for mountain bikers, as it provides more than 10 miles of challenging trails.

The Barnacle Historic State Park
The Barnacle Historic State Park is located right within the city limits of Miami. The park is one of the few places that remain where you can see South Florida's natural landscapes as they were before the area was developed. Built in 1891,The Barnacle was once the home of Ralph Middleton Munroe, a renowned yacht designer, seafarer, and photographer. Enjoy a picnic on the park grounds after you take a tour of what was once his home.

Craving Adventure? Check Out These National Parks in South Florida

Southern Florida is home to some of the few tropical national parks in the country. Travel to one or both of these neighboring areas to enjoy all the beauty they have to offer.

Big Cypress National Preserve
Big Cypress National Preserve lies 45 miles west of Miami and neighbors the Florida Everglades. This tropical national preserve is home to the Big Cypress Swamp, a truly unique natural environment. Take an airboat tour through the trails of the swamp to spot unique vegetation and wildlife, or go off-roading on an airboat of your own. If you prefer something a bit more relaxing, the preserve also offers a wide variety of traditional park activities like camping, hiking, and canoeing.

Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park accounts for 20% of the Florida Everglades. It was the first national park established to protect a complex ecosystem, and it's home to many endangered species like the manatee and the Florida panther. Visit the park year-round to enjoy activities like canoeing, fishing, and hiking, or spot an alligator along one of the airboat tours. The park, which is the third largest in the contiguous US, offers a wide array of activities that are suitable to nearly anyone.

Unplug and Unwind at These National Parks in South Florida

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.

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