2 minute read
A walk in the park
E X P LO R E G R EAT E R M I AM I A N D T H E B EAC H ES’ NATURAL TREASURES: ITS NATIONAL PARKS.
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Greater Miami hosts two spectacular national parks, a national preserve and another national park sitting a couple hundred miles southwest of town. There is no better time than now to enjoy them.
Everglades National Park
At 11,000 square miles, this vast, lush landscape provides an important habitat for tropical plants, birds and numerous rare and endangered species like the American crocodile, Florida panther and West Indian manatee.
The Everglades has many adventures to offer kids of all ages. Visitors can take a short walk on the Anhinga Trail to spot abundant wildlife, climb atop Shark Valley’s 65-foot observation tower for a bird’s-eye view of the glades, or take a boat tour of Florida Bay for a chance to glimpse a crocodile or two. Explore the pinelands by bike, paddle among the mangroves on NineMile Pond or tour the historic Nike Hercules missile base. From hiking and biking to camping and kayaking, the possibilities for an unforgettable family adventure in the Everglades are virtually endless.
Biscayne National Park
The 172,000-acre park preserves Biscayne Bay and its offshore barrier reefs, which provide a fascinating underwater home to mangroves, coral reefs and tropical fish.
Visitors can take advantage of diving and snorkeling opportunities in its protected waters. During winter and spring in the park’s high season, guided boat tours depart from the Dante Fascell Visitor Center on select Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Hop aboard Miami-Dade Parks’ Pelican Skipper, an ADA-accessible 45-foot power catamaran, for a family-friendly excursion to the park’s most popular island destination, Boca Chita Key. Get ready to enjoy the beautiful scenery while learning about the history, wildlife and ecosystems of the park. Each tour lasts approximately two-and-a-half hours and gives visitors an opportunity to explore the beach and historic lighthouse.
Greater Miami also offers access to a national preserve and another national park, which sits a couple hundred miles to the southwest.
Big Cypress National Preserve encompasses 729,000 acres of vast swamp, a mixture of tropical and temperate plant communities and wildlife, including the Florida panther.
Dry Tortugas National Park is home to Fort Jefferson, a massive 19th-century fort. Here families will experience picturesque blue waters, coral reefs and a vast assortment of bird life.
Getting There
Thanks to initiatives like the Homestead National Parks Trolley, Greater Miami’s national parks are easy to explore. The trolley offers free transportation between the City of Homestead and Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park every weekend during the winter and spring high season. Ferry service runs to Dry Tortugas National Park daily from Key West, and US Highway 41 connects Miami to Big Cypress National Preserve.
