The lucid waters, coral reefs, and mangrove shorelines of Florida’s Biscayne National Park are preserved as public lands thanks to a family of Black farmers. At the turn of the 20th century, philosopher and preacher Israel Jones and his wife Mozelle built their homestead on an island in south Florida, then became some of the most successful lime producers in the state. Today, the Jones Porgy Key homesite is accessible via shallow-draft vessel.

Despite being in sight of downtown Miami, Biscayne National Park feels like another world with amphibians and birds roaming the land and colorful coral and fish lurking just below sea line. Biscayne offers two campsites, Elliott Key and Boca Chita Key, both of which are on islands and, therefore, only accessible by boat. You’ll need to bring your own drinking water, but toilets are available. As for showers, those will have to wait until you’re back home.

Within sight of downtown Miami, yet worlds away, Biscayne is a watery wonderland that protects a rare combination of aquamarine waters, emerald islands, and fish-bejeweled coral reefs. Here too is evidence of 10,000 years of human history, from pirates and shipwrecks to pineapple farmers and presidents. Though most of the park is covered by water, a short 1/4-mile jetty trail is available at Convoy Point.

Most of Biscayne National Park can only be seen by boat, but the exception is the Jetty Trail near the visitor center. This coastal boardwalk provides views of mangrove trees and shellfish communities at the water’s edge. Look over the ocean to see many kinds of birds, and perhaps even fish or dolphins. Whether or not you board a vessel to explore more of the park, you can enjoy a glimpse of Biscayne’s natural environment here.

Sure, 95 percent of Biscayne National Park is underwater, but it’s free to visit. The visitor center is home to movies, art galleries, museum exhibits, walking paths, boat tours, and a porch with rocking chairs where you can relax and enjoy the views of Biscayne Bay.

“Water world” is an apt description of this south Florida park, as 95 percent of it is underwater. Slip beneath the surface, though, while snorkeling and you’ll discover a realm of rainbow-hued coral reefs swarming with fish. Beginning snorkelers can sign up to explore coral ledges, while those who don’t like to get wet can take a glass-bottom boat tour to peer into the park’s marine life. Families can also hop into a canoe or kayak and drift through mangrove swamps and lagoons.

“Water world” is an apt description of this south Florida park, as 95 percent of it is underwater. Slip beneath the surface, though, while snorkeling and you’ll discover a realm of rainbow-hued coral reefs swarming with fish. Beginning snorkelers can sign up to explore coral ledges, while those who don’t like to get wet can take a glass-bottom boat tour to peer into the park’s marine life. Families can also hop into a canoe or kayak and drift through mangrove swamps and lagoons.

Just a few miles from hip and bustling downtown Miami, a park teeming with a different kind of life — native marine species from manatees, to sea turtles, to corals — offers a glimpse into the fabulous diversity of this slice of America. Winter is the busy season, but locals can visit year-round. Whenever you come, be sure to plan ahead before visiting this true “waterpark” — 95% of the park is water.

Located within sight of downtown Miami, popular activities at Biscayne National Park include boating, snorkeling, camping, and wildlife watching. Within the park, which is over 90 percent water, enjoy the extensive mangrove forest along the shoreline, a portion of the world's third-longest living coral reef, and the northernmost Florida Keys. And don’t miss out on scuba diving or snorkeling along the Maritime Heritage Trail, where you can explore the remains of six shipwrecks.