Fly and Drive: South Florida National Parks Road Trip

South Florida may be best known for its palm trees, world-famous beaches and year-round sunshine, but it also has an untamed side. This ecologically diverse region is home to mangrove forests, coral reefs, freshwater marshes and remote islands.

Fly to Miami and rent a car, then take it slow, stopping along the way for captivating wildlife, fascinating history, fresh-caught seafood and some of South Florida’s best local finds. Let’s go.

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

Start at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, reached by crossing the scenic Rickenbacker Causeway, where views open across sparkling Biscayne Bay. Set on the southern tip of Key Biscayne, this park is home to the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse, one of Florida’s oldest standing structures. Built in 1825, the lighthouse rewards a 109-step climb with 360-degree panoramas from its walk-around platform.

Afterward, head to the park’s pristine 1.2-mile beach, consistently ranked among the nation’s best. Calm, clear waters and gentle waves make it ideal for a swim. Nature trails and a paved multiuse path invite exploration on foot or by bicycle. Beach chairs, umbrellas, cruiser bikes and kayaks are available for rent for a full day of fun.

For lunch, stop at the Lighthouse Cafe for casual beachfront dining of fresh seafood and fan favorites, from grilled mahi to hamburgers and fries. On the park’s north side, linger over a fresh catch and sunset views at Boater’s Grill, tucked beside peaceful No Name Harbor.

Everglades National Park

From Key Biscayne, continue to the Shark Valley entrance of Everglades National Park. Wildlife sightings are common and include alligators, great blue herons and wood storks.

Join a two-hour open-air tram tour with Shark Valley Tram Tours, where a naturalist guide shares insights about the Everglades’ unique ecosystem, wildlife and ongoing conservation efforts. Prefer to explore at your own pace? Rent a bicycle on-site to pedal the paved 15-mile loop or stroll the accessible 0.2-mile Bobcat Boardwalk near the visitor center. Midway around the loop, climb the 45-foot-tall observation tour for views across the seemingly endless River of Grass.

No visit to the Everglades is complete without a fan-propelled airboat ride. Nearby operators, including Everglades Safari Park and Coopertown Airboats, take guests out into the sawgrass marshes in search of alligators and wading birds. On the way out, settle in at Golden Rule Seafood, a South Florida institution known for smoked fish dip, conch fritters, blue crabs and, in season, stone crab claws.

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Biscayne National Park

At Biscayne National Park, turquoise waters, mangroves forests and coral reefs define one of the country’s most distinctive national parks. Nearly 95% of the park lies underwater, making a boat tour or paddling adventure a must to experience this park. Begin at the Dante Fascell Visitor Center in Homestead, where the Biscayne National Park Institute offers guided eco-tours, including kayaking through mangroves, snorkeling over coral reefs and paddling the calm waters of Jones Lagoon.

For many visitors, the highlight is the 3.5-hour boat cruise across Biscayne Bay to explore Elliott Key, Adams Key or Boca Chita Key, a tiny island known for its palm-lined harbor and iconic 65-foot-tall lighthouse. Along the way, naturalist guides share the park’s history and marine ecology.

Afterward, follow the Overseas Highway toward Key West, crossing dozens of bridges with picturesque ocean views. Stop for fresh seafood at Alabama Jacks in Key Largo, Islamorada Shrimp Shack in Islamorada or No Name Pub on Big Pine Key, each a longtime Florida Keys favorite.

Dry Tortugas National Park

Cap off this road trip with a visit to Dry Tortugas National Park, a remote cluster of seven small islands 70 miles west of Key West. Accessible only by ferry or seaplane, the park combines crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life and Fort Jefferson, one of the largest brick forts ever built. Join a ranger-led tour to learn about the unfinished 19^th century fortress, its role in protecting shipping routes, and its connection to Dr. Samuel Mudd, who was imprisoned here for his role in the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln.

After exploring the fort, snorkel among colorful tropical fish, stroll sandy beaches or watch for frigatebirds and sooty terns overhead. Most visitors arrive aboard the Yankee Freedom ferry, a full-day excursion that includes a narrated tour, lunch, snorkeling equipment and time to explore on your own. For unforgettable aerial views, Key West Seaplane Adventures offers full- and half-day trips, with aerial panoramas over the aquamarine waters of the Dry Tortugas.  

Back in Key West, stop for fresh seafood at Half Shell Raw Bar, known for oysters, peel-and-eat shrimp and local fish, or sample Cuban specialties at El Siboney Restaurant. Finish your trip with a slice of key lime pie — or better yet, frozen key lime pie dipped in dark chocolate and served on a stick, made famous by Kermit’s Key Lime Pie Shop.

Plan your Florida Country road trip with a AAA travel advisor and rent your car with Hertz. AAA members can save up to 20% on Hertz rentals.  

Featured image: Biscayne National Park. Courtesy of Visit Florida.