News | Port St. Lucie

Discover the Nearest National Parks to Port St. Lucie

March 2, 2025
6:43 pm

The resurgence in interest for national parks has become evident as travel stabilizes following the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, national parks welcomed around 237 million visitors, reflecting a 28% drop due to temporary shutdowns. Still, they remain a favored choice for those craving outdoor adventures.

For residents and tourists in Port St. Lucie, Florida, there are several accessible national parks, each showcasing distinct natural landscapes and opportunities for exploration.

Biscayne National Park, Florida

Biscayne National Park, located 111 miles from Port St. Lucie, is reachable in about 2.2 hours by car. Officially established on June 28, 1980, this national park encompasses over 172,971 acres. In 2020, it drew 402,770 visitors, ranking it 36th among U.S. national parks by visitations. The park is renowned for its vibrant marine ecosystems and recreational offerings such as boating, snorkeling, and diving.

Everglades National Park, Florida

Situated 135 miles away, Everglades National Park is approximately a 3.3-hour drive from Port St. Lucie. This iconic park, enacted on May 30, 1934, spans a significant 1,508,939 acres and welcomed 702,319 visitors in 2020, ranking it the 25th most frequented park. The Everglades is celebrated for its unique wildlife, including alligators and numerous bird species.

Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

For those venturing 235 miles, roughly a 5.1-hour drive, Dry Tortugas National Park awaits exploration. Founded on October 26, 1992, it saw 48,543 visitors in 2020, ranking 55th among the parks. The park is famed for Fort Jefferson and its coral reefs, attracting both history aficionados and marine life enthusiasts.

Congaree National Park, South Carolina

A journey to Congaree National Park takes travelers about 452 miles or approximately 7.9 hours driving. Established on November 10, 2003, the park drew 119,306 visitors in 2020, ranking it 51st among national parks. It conserves the largest area of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest left in the U.S.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee

For those ready for a more extended expedition, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park lies 610 miles away, approximately a 12-hour drive. Chartered on June 15, 1934, it ranks as the most visited national park with 12,095,720 visitors in 2020. Covering 522,427 acres, this park presents breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and a vibrant history.

Additional National Park Options

Other parks accessible from Port St. Lucie include New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia (748 miles), Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky (762 miles), and Shenandoah National Park in Virginia (788 miles).

Travelers should verify pandemic-related safety protocols and specific park restrictions at www.nps.gov/coronavirus to enjoy a secure and enriching visit.