Covering 1.5 million acres of southern Florida, the Everglades National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, from pythons to panthers. The fragile ecosystem here is protected as an International Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site, and at only a short driving distance from Miami, a road trip to the Everglades is a great way to escape the city and immerse yourself in nature for the day.
## Highlights of an Everglades Adventure
* Embark on an unforgettable journey gliding through the majestic Everglades on a thrilling airboat ride.
* Ascend to new heights and gain a breathtaking, bird’s-eye view of the expansive Everglades from a towering 45-ft observation tower.
* Take an immersive drive along the scenic Loop Road, winding your way through the heart of Big Cypress National Preserve.
* Encounter a fascinating array of diverse wildlife, including the iconic alligators, playful otters, and gentle turtles that call this unique ecosystem home.
Before embarking on today’s exhilarating adventure, it is crucial to be well-prepared. Pack a delightful picnic lunch to enjoy amidst the natural beauty, generously apply sunscreen to protect your skin from the Florida sun, and ensure you have ample insect repellent to ward off any unwanted buzzing companions. Also, a full tank of gas is very important. Eating options are quite limited within the park itself, so bringing your own sustenance is highly recommended. A cooler packed with lunch, snacks, and an abundance of water will keep you refreshed and energized throughout your explorations.
Your journey begins as you set out along the historic **Tamiami Trail** (US 41) from the vibrant downtown core of Miami. As you venture approximately 20 miles westward from the city center, near Krome Avenue, you will encounter the Miccosukee casino, a landmark signaling your imminent arrival into the heart of the ‘glades.
Arguably, one of the most exhilarating and immersive ways to experience these remarkable wetlands is through an airboat tour. Due to extensive preservation efforts aimed at protecting this fragile environment, airboat tours are forbidden in the majority of the park. However, three reputable airboat companies have been authorized by the National Park Service to operate within designated areas. We highly recommend Coopertown, and you’ll find all three companies clustered conveniently before the visitor center at the main northern entrance to the park.
These thrilling **Airboat tours** typically last approximately 40 minutes, taking you on an unforgettable ride across the shimmering waters of the wetlands. As you glide along, your knowledgeable guide will expertly point out the abundant alligators and other fascinating wildlife that inhabit this remarkable ecosystem. Prepare to be amazed by the sheer diversity of life that thrives in the Everglades!
**(Image of airboat over wetlands with caption: Take an airboat over the wetlands)**
Continuing your adventure, approximately 20 miles further along the **Tamiami Trail** lies the **Shark Valley Visitor Center**, marking the official entrance to the park (a fee of $30 per vehicle applies). Among the three primary park entrances, Shark Valley stands out for its incredible abundance of wildlife, making it one of the premier spots for animal viewing.
The Tram Road offers a fantastic opportunity to explore this remarkable area. On this 15-mile trail, you’re practically guaranteed to encounter turtles basking in the sun, a variety of colorful birds soaring overhead, and of course, the ever-present alligators lurking in the waters. The choice of how you traverse this path is entirely yours – you can opt for a leisurely walk, a refreshing bike ride, or a relaxing tram tour.
Approximately halfway along the Tram Road, you’ll discover a magnificent 45-ft observation tower. Ascend to the top and be rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views that stretch for 20 miles in every direction, showcasing the truly impressive and awe-inspiring surroundings.
**(Image of observation tower overlooking the Everglades with caption: Look out over the Everglades from this observation tower)**
This flat, paved loop is ideally suited for biking and generally takes between 2 and 3 hours to complete, including time for brief stops to admire the scenery. You can conveniently rent bikes at the Visitor’s Center for $9 per hour. Along the way, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore a number of shorter, unpaved trails that branch off from the main road. Please remember the importance of bringing your own drinking water, as there are no refill stations available along the route.
Alternatively, you can opt for the 2-hour round-trip open-air tram tour, which offers a relaxing and informative way to experience the area. However, it’s crucial to remember that tickets for the tram tours often sell out, so advance booking for a specific time slot is highly recommended. The tours operate on an hourly basis from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and are expertly guided by park naturalists who can provide fascinating insights into the local wildlife and the intricate workings of the ecosystem as a whole.
For those who prefer a more active approach, you can certainly choose to walk a portion of the trail. However, we do not recommend attempting to walk the entire length, as it would consume a significant amount of time that you might want to allocate to the other exciting stops on your itinerary.
**(Image of alligator sunning on bike path with caption: Alligator sunning himself on the bike path at Shark Valley)**
Take a well-deserved break for lunch at one of the conveniently located picnic benches near the Visitor’s Center. Once you’ve refueled your energy reserves, continue your journey approximately 20 minutes further west along the **Tamiami Trail** to reach the turnoff for the **Loop Road** (also known as County Road 94; an easy-to-miss left turn from the **Tamiami Trail** at Monroe Station) which meanders through the heart of the **Big Cypress National Preserve**.
As you traverse this less-traveled loop off the main road, you’ll likely encounter a variety of wildlife, including alligators, deer, and even the elusive otter. However, it’s important to note that this detour is best avoided during the summertime, as sections of the gravel road can become completely submerged due to seasonal rainfall.
At approximately mile 5 of the **Loop Road**, be sure not to miss **Sweetwater Strand**, a particularly picturesque area known for its beautiful setting characterized by deeper water and majestic cypress trees. Further along, at mile 15.6, you’ll find the entrance to the short (⅓ mile) **Tree Snail Hammock Trail**. Take a leisurely stroll and hunt for the distinctive shells of the tree snail, which can often be found clinging to the leaves of the hammock trees.
For those seeking a more challenging adventure, there are several longer hiking trails available with trailheads located along the **Loop Road**. However, be forewarned that these trails are not for the faint of heart, as they often involve ‘slough slogging’: a wet and muddy hike through ankle- or even knee-deep water. If you decide to venture down any of these trails, be sure to come prepared with appropriate footwear and clothing.
**(Image of Sweetwater Strand on Loop Road with caption: Sweetwater Strand on Loop Road)**
Upon reaching the junction with the **Tamiami Trail** at approximately mile 24 of the **Loop Road**, you’ll find yourself just a pleasant 60-minute drive back east along US 41 to the vibrant heart of Miami.
**Have more time?**
Consider heading further south to the **Flamingo Visitor Center**. Here, you can embark on guided kayak tours out to the stunning Florida Bay, providing you with a unique opportunity to observe gentle manatees and the elusive American crocodile in their natural habitat.
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