10-Day Florida National Parks Road Trip!

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Podcast Episode Overview

Sunshine, salty breezes, and three incredible Florida national parks in one unforgettable road trip: Everglades, Biscayne, and Dry Tortugas. Ready to chase wildlife, island-hop through the Keys, and discover Florida’s wildest surprises in these national parks?

Welcome to our 10-day Florida national parks road trip! 

In this episode, we cover:

• A full 10-day road trip that visits Everglades, Biscayne, and Dry Tortugas National Parks
• Wildlife-packed trails, guided boat tours, and quiet corners of the Everglades you might miss
• Snorkeling, lighthouses, and the island-party energy of Biscayne and Boca Chita
• Epic journeys through the Florida Keys on your way to Dry Tortugas
• The very best spots for manatees, alligators, dolphins, and key lime pie

Your task for today: Tell us which park on this Florida road trip you are MOST excited to explore (Everglades, Biscayne, or Dry Tortugas) over on the @DirtInMyShoes Facebook or Instagram page!

Planning your own Florida adventure?

• Everglades podcast episodes:
  • Episode 6: Everglades Favorites: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/episode-6-everglades-favorites/ 
  • Episode 7: Everglades Fun Facts: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/episode-7-everglades-fun-facts/ 
  • Episode 8: Everglades Stories: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/episode-8-everglades-stories/ 
  • Episode 9: Everglades Trip Planning: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/episode-9-everglades-trip-planning/ 
• Dry Tortugas podcast episodes:
  • Episode 58: Exploring Dry Tortugas: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/exploring-dry-tortugas/ 
  • Episode 59: Dry Tortugas Fun Facts: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/5-fun-facts-about-dry-tortugas-national-park/ 
• Master Reservation List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/list/
• National Park Checklist: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-parks-checklist/ 
• Trip Packing List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/pack/

Days 1 to 4: Everglades National Park

After flying into Miami, head straight to Everglades National Park, where boat tours through the 10,000 Islands reveal dolphins, mangroves, and quieter corners of the park. Move east to Shark Valley for unmatched alligator viewing along the 15-mile loop before settling into Homestead. Then explore the heart of the park by driving from Homestead to Flamingo, stopping at popular trails, overlooks, and the always-amazing Flamingo Marina manatees.

Interested in diving deeper into learning about Everglades National Park and planning your trip? Make sure you listen to all our podcast episodes that go over everything you need to know!

• Episode 6: Everglades Favorites
• Episode 7: Everglades Fun Facts
• Episode 8: Everglades Stories
• Episode 9: Everglades Trip Planning

Days 5 and 6: Biscayne National Park

Just minutes from Homestead, Biscayne is almost entirely water. Guided tours are essential here, whether you choose the Heritage of Biscayne boat tour, snorkeling, island visits, or kayaking. Without a tour, you’ll mostly enjoy the visitor center and short shoreline walk, so plan ahead.

Days 7 and 8: The Florida Keys + Key West

Drive the island chain from Homestead to Key West, stopping for beaches, seafood, and key lime pie. Spend a relaxed day exploring Key West’s history, live music, and waterfront views before your Dry Tortugas adventure.

Days 9 and 10: Dry Tortugas National Park and Return to Miami

Travel by ferry or seaplane to Garden Key and Fort Jefferson. Explore the massive 19th-century fort, snorkel in bright blue water, and enjoy one of the most remote and impressive national parks in the system.

We share all the trip planning details and fun facts about Dry Torutgas in Episodes 58 and 59 of the podcast!

• Episode 58: Exploring Dry Tortugas
• Episode 59: Dry Tortugas Fun Facts

And just like that, the road trip is over on day ten! Drive back through the Keys to catch your flight home, ending a warm and wonderfully varied national park getaway.

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Links mentioned in this podcast episode:

• Everglades National Park NPS Website
• Biscayne National Park NPS Website
• Dry Tortugas National Park NPS Website
• Everglades authorized airboat companies listed on the NPS website
• Biscayne National Park Institute guided tours
• Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
• Triad Seafood in Everglades City
• Blonde Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory
• Shark Valley tram tours
• Dry Tortugas ferry and seaplane options

Are you hoping to visit all of the national parks? Sign up for your FREE NATIONAL PARKS CHECKLIST so you can easily see where you’ve been and where you still need to go!