When March hits, we’re all craving warmer weather and sunshine. For my family, it felt like the perfect time to plan a Florida national parks trip and check a few warm-weather parks off our list. With just five full days, we explored all three of Florida’s national parks, Biscayne, Everglades, and Dry Tortugas, while also spending time in the Florida Keys. Florida’s national parks are astonishingly diverse, and this itinerary is ideal for families or travelers who want a well-rounded taste of each park.
We flew into Miami and based ourselves in Homestead, which isn’t the most exciting town but is conveniently located between Biscayne and Everglades National Parks. After two days of exploring these Florida parks, we road-tripped through the Keys to Key West, where we indulged in plenty of key lime pie and used the island as our jumping-off point for Dry Tortugas National Park. After a relaxing beach day, we flew home from Key West- skipping the long drive back to Miami and ending our Florida national parks trip on an easy, stress-free note.
Florida National Parks Trip at a Glance
- Length: 5 days
- National Parks Visited: Biscayne, Everglades, Dry Tortugas
- Best For: Families, first-time visitors, warm-weather trips
- Best Time to Visit: March–April
- Starting Airport: Miami (MIA)
- Ending Airport: Key West (EYW)
Day 1: Biscayne National Park — Sunshine & Boat Tour
Biscayne National Park is often overlooked, largely because nearly 95% of the park is underwater. Despite that, it plays a crucial role in protecting coral reefs, marine life, and historically significant sites throughout Biscayne Bay. Whether you’re interested in boating, snorkeling, paddling, fishing, or simply relaxing in the sunshine, Biscayne National Park offers a great start to your Florida itinerary.
We arrived at the Biscayne National Park Visitor Center around 10 a.m. after grabbing a quick breakfast at Loly’s Restaurant in Homestead. The drive from Homestead to the visitor center is only about 20 minutes, making it an easy and convenient base for visiting both Biscayne and Everglades National Parks. Biscayne offers a variety of ranger-led and concession tours—including snorkeling trips, paddling tours, and heritage boat tours—and these experiences often sell out, so booking in advance is highly recommended.
Before our 1:30 p.m. Heritage Boat Tour, we spent time exploring the Jetty Walk Trail and the visitor center. With time to spare, we headed over to La Playa Grill at Homestead Bayfront Park for a casual lunch and some downtime reading in the sun. If I were to plan this day again, I’d pack sandwiches and enjoy a picnic right along the Jetty Trail instead.
Biscayne National Park Heritage Boat Tour
The Heritage Boat Tour is a 3.5-hour experience and one of the best things to do in Biscayne National Park if you want a relaxing mix of history and scenery. The tour includes an hour on the iconic Boca Chita Key. Be sure to bring sunscreen, water, snacks, and layers- the boat ride can be breezy, even on a warm day.
As we cruised through Biscayne Bay, the captains shared stories about the people who once lived and farmed in what is now protected parkland. Their knowledge and storytelling made the journey to Boca Chita just as enjoyable as the destination itself!
While on Boca Chita Key, we explored the famous lighthouse, walked a short nature path, and kept an eye out for wildlife in the crystal-clear water. Spotting a large, vibrant starfish was one of the highlights and a reminder of just how much life Biscayne National Park protects beneath the surface.
After returning to the mainland, we wrapped up the day with burgers at Black Point Ocean Grill before heading back to rest up for another busy day on our Florida national parks trip.
Day 2: Everglades National Park — Gators, Airboats & Boardwalks
Although Everglades National Park is close in distance to Biscayne, it couldn’t feel more different. Swapping open water for vast wetlands, this stop on our Florida national parks trip introduced us to the wild, swampy side of South Florida- complete with alligators, sawgrass, and endless boardwalks.
Everglades Alligator Farm
You can’t visit the Everglades without seeing alligators, and the Everglades Alligator Farm delivered. Home to over 2,000 alligators, the farm offers educational experiences that provide a closer look at these iconic reptiles. We participated in the alligator encounter, which included a guided tour and insight into how the animals are cared for. Yes, we even got to hold small alligators, which was both exciting and educational!
While the alligator farm isn’t technically inside Everglades National Park, it’s a popular addition for families and first-time visitors looking to learn more about the wildlife before heading into the park itself.
Everglades Airboat Ride
One of the highlights of the day was the airboat ride, which I highly recommend when planning an Everglades National Park itinerary. We spotted alligators lounging in the water at both the beginning and end of the ride, then zipped across the wetlands once the boat picked up speed. The spins were exhilarating- and yes, we definitely got wet. It was a fun, high-energy way to experience the Everglades.
Robert Is Here
What we expected to be a quick lunch stop turned into one of our favorite surprises of the day. Robert Is Here is more than just a fruit stand, it’s a lively roadside stop with food trucks, a petting zoo, outdoor seating, and an impressive variety of tropical fruits. I opted for a smoothie and tacos, and we picked out some new fruits to try. It was the perfect pit stop before heading into Everglades National Park.
Easy Boardwalk Hikes in Everglades National Park
After stopping at the visitor center to grab a park map, we chose four short hikes to explore. All of these trails are easy, mostly boardwalks, and ideal for a half-day visit—making them perfect for families or anyone looking for accessible ways to experience the Everglades.
- Anhinga Trail was my personal favorite, with the most wildlife sightings, including alligators and birds.
- Gumbo Limbo Trail was short and scenic, winding through gumbo limbo trees and located right next to Anhinga Trail.
- Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook is a quick 0.2-mile walk to a raised boardwalk overlooking the iconic river grass.
- Mahogany Hammock Trail features a shaded boardwalk through dense forest and is home to the largest living mahogany tree in the United States.
The Everglades are truly wild and unforgettable. March was an excellent time to visit during our Florida national parks trip—warm but not overly buggy (though we still relied heavily on bug spray and sunscreen). With more time, renting bikes and exploring Shark Valley would be at the top of my list for a return visit.
Day 3: Road Trip to Key West
Day three of our Florida national parks trip was all about the journey through the Keys. The drive from Homestead to Key West takes about three hours without stops, but the key is allowing some extra time to explore along the way. We made a stop at the Rain Barrel Artisan Village in Islamorada which was quirky, colorful, and a fun place to stretch your legs—before continuing along the iconic Overseas Highway, with bright blue water stretching out on both sides for miles.
By the time we arrived in Key West, we were fully ready to switch into island mode- a feeling that was immediately confirmed when we spontaneously decided to get henna tattoos right after arriving.
After settling into our Airbnb, we headed to the Historic Seaport for dinner at Bistro 245, where we timed things perfectly for sunset views over the water. We ended the evening wandering through Mallory Square, listening to live music and soaking up the lively, laid-back Key West atmosphere. No first day in Key West is complete without key lime pie, so we stopped by the Key Lime Pie Bakery before calling it a night.
Key West has a completely different vibe from the national parks we had visited earlier on our Florida national parks trip. It’s more colorful and carefree, packed with bars, restaurants, and shops, and it was the perfect place to slow down before our bucket-list day at Dry Tortugas National Park.
Day 4: Dry Tortugas National Park — A Bucket-List Day
Visiting Dry Tortugas National Park was the experience I looked forward to most on our Florida national parks trip, and it was also the one that required the most advance planning. Located 70 miles west of Key West and only accessible by ferry or seaplane, Dry Tortugas is remote, unforgettable, and absolutely worth the effort!
Tips for Planning Your Dry Tortugas National Park Visit
- Plan far in advance: Ferry and seaplane tickets can sell out months ahead, especially during peak season. As soon as you know your travel dates, book your transportation. Most visitors reach the park via the Yankee Freedom Ferry, though seaplanes are another popular option.
- Pack light but smart: You’ll want essentials like sunscreen, a towel, sunglasses, a swimsuit, and reef-safe sunscreen, but avoid overpacking. Everything you bring must travel with you and be carried around the island.
- Know what’s included: If you take the ferry, breakfast, lunch, and snorkeling gear are included. The crew also provides helpful snorkeling recommendations once you arrive.
Ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park
The day started early, with the ferry departing at 8:00 a.m. from Key West. We grabbed much-needed caffeine at Cuban Coffee Queen, conveniently located near the ferry terminal, before boarding. The ferry ride to Dry Tortugas National Park takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes, and breakfast is served onboard. My sisters and I spent most of the ride on the front deck, watching the deep blue water stretch ahead and looking out for wildlife.
Exploring Fort Jefferson & Snorkeling
Upon arrival, we were greeted by Fort Jefferson, the massive 19th-century fort. Once used as a military base and Civil War-era prison, the fort is fascinating to explore on your own, with amazing views from the top. An optional guided Fort Jefferson tour is also included with the ferry experience for those who want more historical context.
After lunch, which was also provided with the ferry ticket, we grabbed our snorkeling gear and headed into the water. While the ocean was a bit chilly in March, we saw plenty of fish swimming near the underwater structures. We spent the rest of the afternoon alternating between snorkeling, wandering the fort, and soaking in the sense of isolation that makes Dry Tortugas National Park so special.
In total, the ferry allows for nearly five hours on the island, which felt like just enough time to experience the highlights without feeling rushed.
For a deeper dive into logistics and packing tips, you can read The Ultimate Guide to Dry Tortugas National Park.
Return to Key West
The ferry gets you back right in time for dinner, so we spontaneously went to Onlywood Grill in the Historic Seaport for some pizza. Naturally, I had to try the key lime martini as well.
Day 5: Key West — Brunch & Beach Time
By the final day of our Florida national parks trip, we had already explored all three Florida national parks, but we weren’t ready to leave just yet. We slowed things down with a relaxing day in Key West, focused on great food and beach time.
Blue Heaven
We started the morning with brunch at the iconic Blue Heaven. I ordered the banana pancakes and grapefruit juice, and both were incredible. The outdoor seating, eclectic art, and laid-back vibe make it a true Key West staple.
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach
For our beach day, we headed to Fort Zachary Taylor State Park Beach. We arrived around noon and were able to find parking despite some traffic at the entrance. The afternoon was spent reading, swimming, and soaking up the sun. If you have extra time, the historic fort nearby is worth a quick walk-through.
After a bit too much sun (don’t forget sunscreen), we cleaned up and headed to Duval Street for dinner at Blackfin Bistro. We wrapped up the night wandering through shops and grabbing ice cream at Kilwins before finally calling it a night.
Spending an extra day in Key West after our Dry Tortugas visit was the perfect way to unwind and close out our Florida national parks trip.
Travel Day
With our flight not departing until 3 p.m. from the Key West airport, we squeezed in one last morning adventure to wrap up our Florida national parks trip. We grabbed breakfast at The Breakfast Club Too, where I ordered the Green Turtle smoothie bowl with mango- it was fresh, filling, and the perfect send-off meal.
Before heading to the airport, we stopped by the iconic Books & Books and picked up a signed Judy Blume copy of Summer Sisters, a souvenir from our time in the Keys.
Is a 5-Day Florida National Parks Trip Worth It?
Yes, a 5-day Florida national parks trip is absolutely worth it. Five days is the perfect amount of time to visit all three parks while still enjoying time in Key West. The itinerary is fast-paced but doable, making it a great option for first-time visitors and families.
That said, this trip does require advance planning, especially for a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park, where ferry and seaplane reservations can sell out quickly. Planning ahead makes all the difference- and if you’re reading this post, you’re already on the right track!
Tips & Lessons Learned
Our itinerary gave us a great introduction to each Florida national park and the Florida Keys, but if I were to plan this trip again, there are a few things I’d change or do differently:
- Biscayne National Park: I would book a snorkeling excursion in advance. Since most of the park is underwater, snorkeling is one of the best ways to truly experience it.
- I’d also pack a lunch for Biscayne, as food options nearby are very limited.
- Everglades National Park: I would set aside extra time to rent bikes and explore Shark Valley, which we didn’t get to but comes highly recommended.
- Key West: I wish we had planned a night out- either a karaoke bar or a drag show. After our packed days, we were usually too tired to stay out late.
- Dry Tortugas: Bring playing cards or a book for the ferry ride to help pass the 2.5 hours.
- Arrive early for the Dry Tortugas ferry check-in. If you want a good seat for the ride, being among the first to check in makes a big difference.