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Maritime-Related National Parks in Florida

 

Biscayne National Park

  • Within sight of downtown Miami, yet worlds away, Biscayne protects a rare combination of aquamarine waters, emerald islands, and fish-bejeweled coral reefs. Here too is evidence of 10,000 years of human history, from pirates and shipwrecks to pineapple farmers and presidents. Outdoors enthusiasts can boat, snorkel, camp, watch wildlife...or simply relax in a rocking chair gazing out over the bay.

Canaveral National Seashore

  • Since ancient times, this barrier island has provided sanctuary to both people and wildlife. Many threatened animals find refuge here, including sea turtles who nest on its shores. Like Indians and early settlers, you too can find tranquility. Swim in the ocean. Fish in the lagoon. Stroll down a wooded trail. Or reflect on the longest expanse of pristine shore in Florida—the way it used to be.

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

  • A monument not only of stone and mortar but of human determination and endurance, the Castillo de San Marcos symbolizes the clash between cultures which ultimately resulted in our uniquely unified nation. Still resonant with the struggles of an earlier time, these original walls provide tangible evidence of America?s grim but remarkable history.

De Soto National Memorial

  • In May 1539, Conquistador Hernando de Soto?s army of soldiers, hired mercenaries, craftsmen, and clergy made landfall in Tampa Bay. They were met with fierce resistance of indigenous people protecting their homelands. De Soto?s quest for glory and gold would be a four-year, four-thousand-mile odyssey of intrigue, warfare, disease, and discovery that would form the history of the United States.

Dry Tortugas National Park

  • Almost 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West lies the remote Dry Tortugas National Park. The 100-square mile park is mostly open water with seven small islands. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the park is known the world over as the home of magnificent Fort Jefferson, picturesque blue waters, superlative coral reefs and marine life,?and the vast assortment of bird life that frequent the area.

Everglades National Park

  • Everglades National Park protects an unparalleled landscape that provides important habitat for numerous rare and endangered species like the manatee,?American crocodile, and the elusive Florida panther. It is an international treasure: a World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, a Wetland of International Importance, and a specially protected areas under the Cartagena Treaty.

Fort Matanzas National Monument

  • Coastal Florida was a major field of conflict as European nations fought for control in the New World. As part of this struggle, Fort Matanzas guarded St. Augustine's southern river approach. The colonial wars are over, but the monument is still protecting—not just the historic fort, but also the wild barrier island and the plants and animals who survive there amidst a sea of modern development

Gulf Islands National Seashore (also in MS)

  • What is it that entices people to the sea? Poet John Masefield wrote, "I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied." Millions of visitors are drawn to the islands in the northern Gulf of Mexico for the white sandy beaches, the aquamarine waters, a boat ride, a camping spot, a tour of an old fort, or a place to fish.

Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor (also in GA, NC, SC)

  • Designated by Congress in 2006, the Corridor extends from Wilmington, North Carolina, in the north to Jacksonville, Florida, in the south. It is home to one of America's most unique cultures, a tradition first shaped by captive Africans brought to the southern United States from West Africa and continued in later generations by their descendents.

Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve

  • Visit one of the last unspoiled coastal wetlands on the Atlantic Coast. Discover 6,000 years of human history and experience the beauty of salt marshes, coastal dunes, and hardwood hammocks. The Timucuan Preserve includes Fort Caroline and Kingsley Plantation.

 

Are you interested in other historic maritime resources in Florida? We have information about historic life-saving stations and historic lighthouses and light stations.