Florida National Parks
Within 30 minutes of each other, you can visit two of Florida’s national parks: the Everglades and Biscayne. Both are epic in their own way. The Everglades is a sprawling landscape of wetlands, marshes, and forests that serves as a sanctuary for an array of wildlife, including alligators, crocodiles, manatees, and a variety of bird species. Not too far away is the tropical paradise of Biscayne. This national park is home to a vibrant marine ecosystem within its crystal-clear waters that is home to colorful fish, sea turtles, and the occasional manatee. Above the water, you can explore the scenic islands and mangrove forests.
Everglades National PARK
Everglades National Park has four different visitor centers across their 1.5 million acres. We were able to stop by three within one day at the park. So what can and should you do with one day to visit the park? Well, start off by visiting Shark Valley Visitor Center, which is also the location for the tram tour. The tour is about two hours long. While aboard learn about the history of the park and stop for wildlife viewing. As you head back towards Homestead, stop to take an airboat tour. There are multiple tour companies along the highway. We opted to experience the unique opportunity of exploring the waterways with Everglades Safari Park. Next, make your way down to the southern end of the park Check out the educational displays at Ernest Coe Visitor Center before driving further to Flamingo Visitor Center. Since Flamingo is the most southern point in mainland Florida, you are in the right spot to *hopefully* find a manatee (unlike us). There are a number of hiking trails in the southern part of the park, including Mahogany Hammock, Gumbo Limbo, and Anhinga. Since it was so late in the evening, we only stopped by the visitor centers.
Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park is 95% water, so the best way to take it all in is on a guided tour (or two). There are three locations tours begin, with Homestead having the most options. We planned on doing the Jones Lagoon Paddle Tour in the morning but, the weather was too rough for that adventure. Luckily, it cleared up in the afternoon for our Heritage of Biscayne Cruise. As we cruise across the bay, we learned about the history of Biscayne and visited Boca Chita Key. All guided tours are offered through the Biscayne National Park Institute. Beyond paddle boards and boats, you can scuba, snorkel, sail, and kayak the park.
Sometime during your trip, head to Dante Fascell Visitor Center to get your book stamped, walk the boardwalk, and learn more about the park with one of their movies. We watched a film on Stiltsville since we did not have enough time to make our way up north for a tour.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Come back soon…
Feeling hungry?
From fresh fruit you would probably never find at home, Cuban sandwiches, smoothies/milkshakes, all the way to fresh coconut water… Robert has it all!
At the farm shop you can find lots of baked goods including the GREATEST cinnamon rolls you will ever eat; no glaze needed. Keep in mind, they are closed during the summer season.
