10-Day South Florida National Parks Loop with Kids: Everglades, Biscayne, Dry Tortugas + Florida Keys

Last Updated on 2026-04-08

Planning a South Florida road trip with kids and trying to fit in Everglades National Park, Biscayne National Park, and Dry Tortugas National Park, plus the Florida Keys, can feel overwhelming fast. Distances are longer than they look, each park is completely different, and many of the best experiences require a little planning.

This 10-day South Florida National Parks loop is designed to simplify that process. Starting and ending in Fort Lauderdale, this route connects all three national parks with a drive down the Overseas Highway, giving your family a mix of wildlife, beaches, boat tours, and some of the most unique landscapes in the country.

Each stop builds on the last, from alligator-filled wetlands to coral reefs and historic coastal forts. The pace is steady without feeling rushed, with time built in for both activities and downtime. Families will find opportunities for easy wildlife viewing, hands-on learning, and outdoor adventures that work well for a range of ages.

This 10-day itinerary includes Everglades National Park highlights like Shark Valley and the Flamingo area, Biscayne National Park shoreline access and optional boat tours, a full Overseas Highway drive from Key Largo to Key West, and a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park. It also includes time in Naples, Big Cypress National Preserve, and multiple stops throughout the Florida Keys.

This is not a rigid schedule. It’s a framework that shows what’s possible in 10 days, while still leaving room to slow down, skip a stop, or spend extra time somewhere your family enjoys.

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Drive Distances and Travel Times

Day	Route	Distance	Drive Time
Day 1	Fort Lauderdale to Naples (via Alligator Alley)	~110 miles	1.5–2 hours
Day 2	Naples to Everglades City to Homestead	~120 miles	2.5–3 hours total
Day 3	Homestead to Shark Valley to Flamingo (round trip)	~120 miles	2.5–3 hours total
Day 4	Homestead to Biscayne NP to Key Largo	~60 miles	1.5 hours
Day 5	Key Largo to Key West (Overseas Highway)	~100 miles	3–4 hours (without stops)
Day 6	Key West (local travel only)	Minimal	Minimal
Day 7	Key West to Dry Tortugas (ferry/seaplane)	~70 miles (by boat)	2–2.5 hours each way
Day 8	Key West to Marathon/Islamorada	~50–80 miles	1.5–2.5 hours
Day 9	Upper Keys to Miami/Fort Lauderdale	~80–120 miles	2–3 hours
Day 10	Hotel to Fort Lauderdale Airport	~5–20 miles	15–30 minutes

This itinerary is designed to keep drive times manageable while still covering South Florida’s most unique destinations. Distances may vary slightly depending on exact stops and traffic.

Plan Each Stop with These Detailed Guides

This 10-day South Florida road trip connects three national parks and the full Florida Keys, but each stop has its own set of logistics, best activities, and timing considerations. Our detailed guides, based on our travels, break down what to do, where to go, and how to plan each part of the trip so you can make the most of your time.

If you’re short on time, you can also use these guides to build a shorter version of this trip by focusing on just one or two regions.

Day 1: Fort Lauderdale to Naples via Alligator Alley (Your First Look at the Everglades)

Arrival day sets the tone for the trip without trying to do too much. The drive across Alligator Alley gives an early introduction to the Everglades, with wildlife often visible right from the road. This is a travel-heavy day, so the goal is to keep it simple and low-pressure. Settle into Naples, stock up at the local grocery store, and get ready for an early start the next morning. We started the loop from Fort Lauderdale; you can start from Naples or anywhere along the route.

From Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) drive west on I-75 (Alligator Alley)
Watch for birds and wildlife in roadside canals
Optional rest area stops for quick wildlife viewing
Check into your Naples hotel

Day 2: Naples Beaches, Ten Thousand Islands Boat Tour, and Big Cypress Wildlife

This day blends beach time with one of the best wildlife experiences in South Florida. The Ten Thousand Islands area offers dolphins, mangroves, and coastal scenery. We highly recommend a boat tour. The afternoon shifts inland to Big Cypress, where the landscape changes and alligator sightings along the road become more common. Be sure to print the NPS guide to the scenic drive before you go. It’s a full day, but the variety keeps it engaging for kids.

Morning beach time in Naples or Marco Island
Drive to Everglades City
Ten Thousand Islands boat tour (watch for dolphins)
Lunch in Everglades City
Visit Big Cypress National Preserve
Stop at Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center (look for manatees)
Drive portions of Loop Road Scenic Drive
Drive to Homestead and check into the hotel

Day 3: Everglades National Park (Shark Valley and Flamingo Area)

This is the most wildlife-focused day of the trip, and a bit hit for the whole family. Covering the eastern and southern sections of the Everglades, the day starts at Shark Valley which offers some of the best alligator viewing in Florida, especially early in the day. Pay for your tram tickets online and check in at the visitor center 30 minutes before your tour. The second half of the day explores a different side of the park in Flamingo with trails and coastal views. Plan for a full day outdoors with early starts and plenty of sun protection.

Arrive early at Shark Valley
Take the Shark Valley Tram Tour or bike the loop
Climb the Observation Tower
Drive toward the Flamingo area
Walk the Anhinga Trail for close wildlife viewing
Explore Mahogany Hammock Trail
Visit the Flamingo Visitor Area
Look for crocodiles and manatees near the marina
Return to your Homestead hotel

Day 4: Biscayne National Park and Transition to Key Largo

Biscayne National Park creates a change of pace, with most of the park located underwater. This lighter day focuses on shoreline access, short walks, and optional water activities. It also marks the transition into the Florida Keys. Allow additional time if taking a boat tour. By afternoon, the trip shifts into a more relaxed island pace.

Drive to Biscayne National Park
Visit Dante Fascell Visitor Center
Explore exhibits and watch the park film
Walk Convoy Point Jetty Trail
Optional boat tour or snorkeling excursion
Drive to Key Largo
Stop at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Visit the aquarium and relax at the beach
Check into Key Largo hotel

Day 5: Overseas Highway Drive from Key Largo to Key West

This scenic drive is a popular route and one of the highlights of the trip. Breaking the route into multiple stops keeps it manageable and more enjoyable since there are so many activities to do and see. Expect a mix of wildlife encounters, unique stops, and beach time along the way. Plan to arrive in Key West by late afternoon.

Drive the Overseas Highway (U.S. 1)
Stop in Islamorada at Robbie’s Marina (feed tarpon)
Continue to Marathon
Visit the Turtle Hospital
Relax at Sombrero Beach
Cross the Seven Mile Bridge
Watch for Key deer on Big Pine Key
Arrive in Key West and check into hotel

Day 6: Exploring Key West

After several driving days, Key West offers a break with a walkable layout and relaxed pace. Families can explore a mix of history, attractions, and waterfront areas without needing a car. The day is flexible, making it easy to adjust based on interests and energy levels.

Use the Duval Loop shuttle to get around
Visit the Southernmost Point Buoy
Tour the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
Explore the Key West Shipwreck Museum
Walk along Duval Street
Optional stops like the Butterfly Conservatory
Attend the Mallory Square Sunset Celebration

Day 7: Dry Tortugas National Park Day Trip

This is one of the most unique national park experiences in the United States. The journey by ferry or seaplane is part of the adventure getting to Dry Tortugas. Once there, families can explore the historic fort and enjoy clear, shallow water for swimming and snorkeling. This is a full-day experience that requires planning months in advance.

Early departure via ferry or seaplane from Key West
Arrive at Dry Tortugas National Park
Explore Fort Jefferson
Walk the fort walls
Snorkel around the moat or nearby beach
Relax on the beach
Return to Key West in the afternoon

Day 8: Key West to Marathon or Islamorada

This is a slower-paced day with a shorter drive. The return trip through the Keys allows time to revisit favorite stops or enjoy more beach time. It’s a good reset day before heading back toward the mainland.

Sleep in and enjoy a relaxed morning
Drive north on the Overseas Highway
Stop at Bahia Honda State Park
Swim and relax at the beach
Optional repeat stops along the route
Check into a Marathon or Islamorada hotel

Day 9: Upper Keys to Miami or Fort Lauderdale

This transition day brings you back to the mainland. Keep plans flexible depending on travel timing. It’s a good opportunity for one last stop in the Keys before heading back home or to the airport.

Easy morning in the Keys
Optional stop in Key Largo
Visit John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park if time allows
Drive to Miami or Fort Lauderdale for the night
Enjoy one last beach night

Day 10: Returning home

The final day is kept simple to make travel easier for families. If flying out, staying near the airport helps reduce stress, especially with early flights. If you have the flexibility to schedule a later flight or start your drive home later, sunrises on the beach are spectacular.

Southern Florida Road Trip Map

How to Shorten This Florida National Parks Road Trip

This 10-day itinerary is designed as a full loop, but it can easily be adjusted based on your time, travel style, and how your family likes to explore. As you know from my other articles, I like to build road trip loops, starting and ending in the same city while covering multiple regions along the way. This keeps the route efficient and avoids backtracking. If you enjoy this style of travel, explore our national park road trip loops designed for families.

If you don’t have 10 days, here are a few ways to shorten this trip while still experiencing the highlights.

3-4 Days: Florida Keys Only

Drive from Fort Lauderdale or Miami to Key Largo, then continue to Key West
Spend time at beaches, marinas, and scenic stops along the Overseas Highway
Explore Key West, including Duval Street and the sunset celebration
Optional stop at Bahia Honda State Park on the return drive
See our guide for visiting the Keys

5-6 Days: Everglades + Florida Keys

Follow Days 1–3 for Everglades National Park and Big Cypress
Drive to Key Largo and continue to Key West
Skip Naples or shorten beach time to reduce drive time
Focus on one or two key stops along the Overseas Highway

7 Days: Full Loop Without Dry Tortugas

Follow the full route from Fort Lauderdale through the Everglades and Keys
Skip the Dry Tortugas day trip to save a full day
Add extra time in Key West or along the Overseas Highway instead

8-9 Days: Shortened Version with Fewer Stops

Reduce time in Naples or skip Marco Island beach stops
Limit stops along the Overseas Highway to 2–3 key locations
Shorten time in the Upper Keys on the return drive

Quick Ways to Adjust This Itinerary

Eliminate a stop in Naples or skip Marco Island beach stops
Limit stops along the Overseas Highway to 2–3 key locations
Shorten your time in the Upper Keys on the return drive
Remove the day trip to Dry Tortugas

This route is flexible by design. Whether you have a long weekend or a full 10 days, you can adjust the pacing and stops to create a trip that fits your family without feeling rushed.

Where to Stay in Southern Florida with a Big Family

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