Florida is home to some of the most unique and breathtaking landscapes in the United States, and among its greatest natural treasures are Dry Tortugas National Park and Everglades National Park. Though vastly different in terrain and atmosphere, both parks offer visitors an unforgettable experience, brimming with history, ecological wonders, and unparalleled adventure.

Dry Tortugas National Park: A Remote Island Escape

Nestled approximately 70 miles west of Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park is an isolated paradise surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Covering about 100 square miles, the park consists of seven small islands, with the most famous being Garden Key, home to Fort Jefferson, one of the largest 19th-century coastal forts in the United States.

Established as a national park in 1992, Dry Tortugas has long been a site of strategic military importance and maritime history. The imposing Fort Jefferson, constructed in the mid-1800s, was originally designed to protect U.S. shipping routes but later served as a military prison during the Civil War. Today, it stands as a testament to the ingenuity of early American engineering, drawing visitors from around the world.

Unlike many national parks accessible by road, Dry Tortugas requires a seaplane or boat ride to reach its shores. This remoteness adds to its allure, offering a true escape from modern life. With an annual visitation of around 80,000 people, it remains one of the least-visited national parks, preserving its pristine waters and diverse marine life.

Visitors can expect warm, tropical weather year-round, though summer brings intense heat and humidity, while winter offers milder, breezier conditions. Snorkeling and diving are among the park’s top activities, as its coral reefs teem with colorful fish, sea turtles, and even shipwrecks that tell tales of the past.

Everglades National Park: A Vast River of Grass

Just a short journey to the east, Everglades National Park presents a completely different but equally mesmerizing landscape. Spanning over 1.5 million acres, the park is a vast expanse of wetlands, mangroves, sawgrass marshes, and cypress forests—home to some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world.

Designated a national park in 1947, the Everglades protect an environment unlike any other in the United States. Historically, the region was considered a wasteland and was nearly lost to drainage projects, but conservationists fought to preserve its importance as a natural filtration system and wildlife sanctuary. Today, the park welcomes over a million visitors annually, offering them a chance to explore one of the most ecologically significant areas on the planet.

The Everglades are famous for their resident alligators, often seen basking along the banks of the park’s many waterways. It is also the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles coexist, making it a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts. Beyond reptiles, the park is a haven for rare and endangered species, including the elusive Florida panther, the gentle manatee, and hundreds of bird species that thrive in its wetlands.

Weather in the Everglades follows two distinct seasons: a wet season (May to November) with heavy rains and high humidity, and a dry season (December to April) when cooler temperatures make hiking, kayaking, and airboat tours more comfortable. The dry season also attracts more wildlife to visible areas, making it the ideal time for photographers and nature lovers.

A Tale of Two Parks

Despite their differences, both Dry Tortugas and Everglades National Parks showcase Florida’s breathtaking beauty in ways few other places can. Whether you’re drawn to the turquoise waters and historic fortresses of Dry Tortugas or the winding waterways and wildlife-rich wetlands of the Everglades, each park offers a unique journey into America’s natural and cultural heritage.

For those seeking adventure, history, and untamed beauty, these two parks stand as living testaments to the power of conservation and the wonders of the wild.