Within sight of downtown Miami, yet worlds away, Biscayne 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, including pirates and shipwrecks. Outdoors enthusiasts can boat, snorkel, camp, watch wildlife…or simply relax in a rocking chair gazing out over the bay.

Biscayne National Park is 95% water so the best way to see it is by boat or in the water. We went snorkeling on a cold and windy day. Our pictures are grainy because of the silt that is being stirred up.

The best time to go is summer. So we may try this again some summer and include Dry Tortuga National Park in the lower keys of Florida.