Gretchen Stuppy Carlson
The 3 Florida National parks all offer different experiences, but their proximity means that they call all be visiting in one vacation. Ideally you will take more time on your trip, but if time is a factor, it is possible see all 3 parks in the 4 days. In this Florida National Parks Itinerary we’ll explain how to see all the parks in one visit.
We did this trip during late April and found it a good time to see the parks. There are a few things (specifically the ferry to Dry Tortugas and the tour in Biscayne that should be booked well in advance.
You can get all my best tips for visiting the National Parks, join our newsletter.
A Quick Overview of the 3 Parks
Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park protects a vibrant marine ecosystem just south of Miami. Over 95% of the park is water, making it a haven for snorkeling, boating, and exploring underwater shipwrecks along the Maritime Heritage Trail. You can kayak through mangrove shorelines, spot dolphins and sea turtles, and take boat tours to remote islands like Boca Chita Key with its scenic lighthouse. It’s a unique park that celebrates the beauty and biodiversity of South Florida’s subtropical coastline.
Learn more about Biscayne
Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, covering over 1.5 million acres of wetlands, sawgrass prairies, and cypress swamps. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its incredible biodiversity, including alligators, manatees, panthers, and over 350 bird species. Explore the park via airboat, bike, kayak, or on foot, with popular trails like the Anhinga Trail offering up-close wildlife viewing.
Learn more about visiting Everglades.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park lies 70 miles west of Key West and is only accessible by boat or seaplane. Centered around historic Fort Jefferson, a massive 19th-century coastal fortress, the park includes seven remote islands surrounded by crystal-clear waters and coral reefs. It’s a snorkeling paradise, with colorful fish, shipwrecks, and sea turtles just offshore. The isolation of the Dry Tortugas makes it one of the most unique and pristine national parks in the U.S., offering a rare chance to experience history, nature, and the open sea in one unforgettable place.
Explore Dry Tortugas National Park
Itinerary for How to see Biscayne, Everglades and Dry Tortugas in 4 days
There are several ways to do a Florida National Parks Itinerary and you can do this in the reverse order easily, or truly in any order. This is exactly how we planned and did this Florida National Parks Itinerary. This itinerary assumes you are spending the first night in Homestead (you can also spend the night in Miami
Day 1 – Biscayne
Get an early start in Biscayne National Park. It’s best to visit early as afternoon winds often make the water more rough. Start with a quick look in the visitor center and then join one of the many tour options from the Biscayne National Park Institute. We did a half day snorkel trip, but there are many other options that all offer something slightly different. We did a private tour and had a great trip and guide.
After returning to shore, take a short walk on the Jetty Trail. This short trail takes you out on a jetty with mangroves.
After exploring Biscayne, hop in your car and head south through the Florida Keys. This is a lovely drive and there are many places to stop and eat or explore along the way. We drove straight through to Key West as there will be time to explore on the way north.
Spend the night in Key West. We spent the night at the Marriot in Key West. Make sure to get out for dinner and explore the town.
Day 2 – Dry Tortugas
Catch the early morning ferry to Dry Tortugas. This should be booked months in advance as there is only one ferry that runs a day. Book tickets on the Yankee Freedom.
The ferry departs by 8 am although you will need to be there around 7 am to check in. The ferry takes about 2.5 hours and includes both breakfast and lunch. You can see more about how to visit Dry Tortugas and what to do on the island.
Explore the Park
- Tour the historic 19th-century fort.
- Swim, snorkel, and relax on pristine beaches.
- Snorkeling highlights include coral, sea turtles, and old pilings.
You will have about 4 hours on the island which goes by quickly but is a good amount of time to explore the fort, have a picnic lunch and get in some time at the beach.
The ferry arrived back around 5:30 PM. You can either spend another night in Key West, or drive north along the keys and stay in Marathon. You can find a lot on options at various budgets in Marathon and it’s a bit cheaper than Key West.
Day 3 – Drive up the Keys
Drive north through the keys and enjoy the day exploring. Your final destination is Homestead for the night.
There are plenty of things to do in the Florida Keys. We stopped at a few beaches along the way and enjoyed a slow drive up to homestead.
Here are some of the highlights:
Key Largo
- Snorkel or Dive at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
– America’s first underwater park, famous for its coral reefs and the Christ of the Abyss statue. - Glass-Bottom Boat Tour
– Great for non-divers to see marine life without getting wet. - Kayak or Paddleboard Through Mangroves
– Peaceful and full of wildlife.
Islamorada
- Visit the Florida Keys Brewing Company
– A colorful, laid-back brewery with local beer and a fun beer garden. - Feed Tarpon at Robbie’s Marina
– Iconic Keys stop—buy a bucket of fish and hand-feed massive tarpon right from the dock. - History of Diving Museum
– Fascinating collection of diving gear and deep-sea exploration history.
Marathon
- Swim with Sea Turtles at The Turtle Hospital
– Take a guided tour of this rehabilitation center for injured sea turtles. - Walk or Bike the Old Seven Mile Bridge to Pigeon Key
– A scenic stretch of history and stunning views over the water. - Visit Sombrero Beach
– One of the best beaches in the Keys—quiet, sandy, and family-friendly.
Big Pine Key & Lower Keys
- Spot Key Deer in the National Key Deer Refuge
– Endangered and adorable, these tiny deer are native to the Keys. - Kayak at Bahia Honda State Park
– Gorgeous beaches, clear water, and one of the best views of the old railroad bridge. - Stargazing or Sunrise at Bahia Honda
– A peaceful spot for both early risers and campers.
Day 4 – Explore the Everglades
On your final day of this itinerary, explore the Everglades. You should plan to get an early start in the Everglades: both for the heat and the crowds. The Everglades is a massive park so you will want to start at the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center and the Road to Flamingo – making stops along the way. Then drive north to Shark Valley and do an airboat tour and possibly visit the obervation tower.
This itinerary focuses on the main park road and Shark Valley, and excludes the Gulf Coast region (add a day if you want to include it). Start early to beat the heat and increase your chances of seeing wildlife. You can follow the route as described or in reverse.
Begin at the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center around 8 AM for orientation and continue along the 38-mile scenic drive to Flamingo, stopping at several key locations. Highlights include:
- Anhinga Trail: A short boardwalk loop and one of the best spots for spotting alligators and birds.
- Pa-Hay-Okee Lookout: Offers views of the Shark River Slough (note: may be closed).
- Mahogany Hammock Trail: A lush boardwalk through large mahogany trees.
- Paurotis Pond and West Lake: Quick, worthwhile stops for birdwatching and views.
At the end of the road, Flamingo Visitor Center is a hub for wildlife (look for manatees and crocodiles) and water-based activities, including ranger-led boat tours and the Guy Bradley Trail.
After Flamingo, drive to Shark Valley (about 1.5 hours away), a prime area for wildlife viewing. Walk, bike, or take a tram tour along the 15-mile loop: book in advance. Nearby, enjoy a thrilling airboat tour with a licensed company outside the park. While airboats aren’t allowed in the park proper, they’re a fun and educational way to explore the surrounding wetlands: especially popular with kids.
You can see more details of how to spend 1 day in the Everglades.
After exploring for the day, you can head on your way, back to Miami/Homestead. We caught a late night flight home.
Best Time to Visit & Things to Know
Best Time to Visit Florida’s National Parks
The best time to explore Biscayne, Everglades, and Dry Tortugas National Parks is during the dry season (November through April). During these months, you’ll enjoy:
- Milder temperatures, perfect for outdoor adventures and water activities.
- Lower humidity and fewer mosquitoes, making hikes and boat trips more comfortable.
- Better wildlife viewing, especially in the Everglades, as animals gather near remaining water sources.
- Clearer skies and calmer seas, which are ideal for snorkeling in Biscayne and visiting Dry Tortugas by boat or seaplane.
The wet season (May to October) brings intense heat, afternoon storms, and heavy mosquito activity. While the parks are still open, some trails may flood, wildlife is more dispersed, and weather conditions can affect boat and ferry service to remote areas like Dry Tortugas.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Park Access:
- Everglades has multiple entrances; this itinerary focuses on the Homestead (main) entrance and Shark Valley.
- Biscayne is mostly water-based, book a guided tour or boat/snorkel trip in advance.
- Dry Tortugas is only accessible by ferry or seaplane from Key West, reserve tickets well ahead of time.
- Entrance Fees:
- Everglades : $30/vehicle (valid for 7 days). You can also purchase a America the Beautiful Pass.
- Dry Tortugas: Included in ferry/seaplane price, or $15 if arriving independently. (you also get a discount with a park pass.
- Start Early: Morning hours are best for avoiding heat and spotting wildlife, especially in the Everglades.
- Bring Essentials:
- Plenty of water, sun protection, bug spray, and snacks or meals (services are limited inside the parks).
- Snorkel gear is useful in Biscayne and Dry Tortugas.
- Cell Service: Often unreliable, download maps and confirm reservations before you go.
- Weather Cancellations: Ferries to Dry Tortugas and boat tours in Biscayne are weather-dependent—have a flexible plan if possible.
- Time Management: You’ll cover a lot of ground, organize your days carefully and allow time for travel between park locations.
