As people increasingly look for safe outdoor activities, national parks have become a prime choice. Even with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Park Service recorded about 237 million visitors to American national parks in 2020. Although numbers were down, many parks continued to attract enthusiasts eager to reconnect with nature.
For those residing in Port St. Lucie, Florida, a variety of national parks are conveniently located nearby, providing diverse wildlife and expansive natural landscapes. Here are the top five national parks closest to Port St. Lucie, complete with information on distance, travel time, and visitor statistics from 2020.
Biscayne National Park
- Distance: 111 miles
- Driving Time: About 2.2 hours
- Founded: June 28, 1980
- 2020 Visitors: 402,770 (Ranked 36th among national parks)
- Area: 172,971.11 acres
Everglades National Park
- Distance: 135 miles
- Driving Time: Approximately 3.3 hours
- Founded: May 30, 1934
- 2020 Visitors: 702,319 (Ranked 25th)
- Area: 1,508,938.57 acres
Dry Tortugas National Park
- Distance: 235 miles
- Driving Time: Roughly 5.1 hours
- Founded: October 26, 1992
- 2020 Visitors: 48,543 (Ranked 55th)
- Area: 64,701.22 acres
Congaree National Park
- Distance: 452 miles
- Driving Time: Around 7.9 hours
- Founded: November 10, 2003
- 2020 Visitors: 119,306 (Ranked 51st)
- Area: 26,476.47 acres
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Distance: 610 miles
- Driving Time: Close to 12.0 hours
- Founded: June 15, 1934
- 2020 Visitors: 12,095,720 (Ranked 1st)
- Area: 522,426.88 acres
These parks offer not only a journey into diverse habitats but also emphasize the necessity of preserving such natural treasures. Spanning environments from coastal waters to lush forests, each park presents unique attractions and adventures.
Prospective visitors should refer to each park’s official website for any pandemic-related guidelines before traveling. The National Park Service stresses the importance of staying informed about health and safety protocols to ensure a safe outing.
With the convenient proximity of these parks, residents of Port St. Lucie have ideal options for experiencing the great outdoors, whether for a brief escape or a deeper exploration.
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