Pine trees and low vegetation in Everglades National Park, Florida, photographed on 9 October 2009. Photo: Niagara66 · Everglades National Park 01 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized.
Florida is much more than theme parks: you can see alligators in the Everglades, manatees in a winter spring, a real space shuttle and a 17th-century Spanish fort, often in the same trip. Winter (December to April) is the best time for wildlife and the most comfortable for outdoor sights.
This guide was researched on 5 November 2026 using National Park Service, Kennedy Space Center and Florida State Parks information. Prices change, so check before you go.
Five ideas at a glance
Swipe or scroll horizontally to see the full table.
| Idea | Cost | Best time |
|---|---|---|
| Everglades National Park | $35 per vehicle (7 days) | December–April |
| Manatees at Blue Spring State Park | $6 per vehicle | November–March |
| Kennedy Space Center | $77 adults, $67 children (3–11) | Year-round |
| Castillo de San Marcos, St Augustine | $15 adults; under-16s free | Year-round |
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Park fee plus ferry or seaplane | Calmer seas in spring |
Non-US residents aged 16 and over pay an extra $100 per person at national parks such as the Everglades, unless they hold an annual pass. National park sites do not accept cash.
1. The Everglades
Everglades National Park, shown at the top of this page, is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States and home to alligators, wading birds and, in coastal waters, crocodiles and manatees. Entry costs $35 per private vehicle for seven days. The dry season, from about December to April, is the best time to visit: wildlife gathers around the water, and there are fewer mosquitoes.
From the Miami side, the easiest introduction is Shark Valley, where a two-hour narrated tram tour follows a 15-mile loop with an observation tower halfway. In the south of the park, short boardwalk trails near the Royal Palm area are good for seeing alligators up close.
2. Manatees at Blue Spring
Between November and March, hundreds of manatees shelter in the warm water of Blue Spring State Park, north of Orlando near Orange City. Viewing platforms along the spring run make it easy to see them, especially on cold mornings. Entry costs $6 per vehicle (two to eight people). Swimming is not allowed during manatee season, and the park can reach capacity on winter weekends, so arrive early.
3. Kennedy Space Center
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, about an hour east of Orlando, is a full day out. A one-day ticket costs $77 for adults (12+) and $67 for children aged 3–11, and includes Space Shuttle Atlantis, displayed as if in flight, and the Shuttle Launch Experience. A two-day ticket costs $91. If a launch is scheduled during your trip, launch viewing is sold as a separate ticket.
4. St Augustine
Founded by the Spanish in 1565, St Augustine on the north-east coast is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the United States. Its star-shaped Castillo de San Marcos, built of coquina stone in the late 17th century, costs $15 for adults (valid for seven days) and is free for children under 16. Combine the fort with a walk through the old town's narrow streets.
5. Dry Tortugas
Dry Tortugas National Park, almost 70 miles west of Key West, is a group of seven small islands with clear water and coral reefs. Its centrepiece, Fort Jefferson, is one of the largest 19th-century masonry forts in the United States. You can only get there by ferry or seaplane from Key West, so book well ahead; bring snorkelling gear, water and sun protection, as services on the island are very limited.
For more ideas, see our USA travel guide.
When to go
December to April is dry, warm and the best time for the Everglades and manatees, but it is also the busiest season. Summer is hot, humid and stormy. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November, peaking in September; if you travel then, buy flexible bookings and check forecasts.
Florida: FAQ
When can you see manatees in Florida?
Mainly from November to March, when they gather in warm springs such as Blue Spring State Park.
How much does Kennedy Space Center cost?
A one-day ticket costs $77 for adults and $67 for children aged 3–11.
What is the best time to visit the Everglades?
The dry season, from about December to April.
Sources and planning checks
Prices were checked on 5 November 2026 against the National Park Service, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and NOAA's National Hurricane Center. Blue Spring details, the Shark Valley tram price, the Dry Tortugas fee and ferry prices could not be confirmed on official pages and should be checked before you go. Recommendations are editorial judgments.
Affiliate note: Photos4Travel may earn a commission if you book through the hotel link in this article.
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