I am going to Florida for a few days and would like to see a bit of the everglades. I don't want to spend a fortune but would like to find somewhere to stay and perhaps do some boat trips to see and photograph the wildlife.
Does anyone have a suggestion of a place? I would even like a suggestion of the best places to go and would look for accomodations on the road.
I'm off to bed but I know a thing or 2 about the glades. I'm also going down to the keys and away from my computer tomorrow, but you can call me. 305-299-0690
Posted by Mel Ladewig on January 20, 2010 at 3:50 PM
There are two primary entrances in the Everglades.
On the east side of the glades you enter through Homestead, FL Lots of places to stay from the south end of Miami down to Homestead. This is the entrance to drive through the park. There are canoe access areas and hiking options from this entrance.
On the north end there is more limited access and more of the fan boat operations and stuff like that.
Knowing how you want to visit the park will be important in developing further recommendations.
I'm sure Paul can be much more helpful. I grew up in Key West and visited the Everglades relatively often back then.
Mel-
Posted by Scott Anderson on January 21, 2010 at 10:37 PM
The best place for wildlife is on the Anhinga Trail, which is near the Homestead entrance(south Miami). It's an easy trail connected by several boardwalks. The trail is full of birds and gators and tourists. Florida City has many affordable places to stay, and is the gateway town for this part of the Glades. Definitely stop at Robert Is Here for a fruit shake/smoothie if you take this route. You can drive from this entrance to the west end, called Flamingo, and stop at various points along the way. It would only take a couple of hours to get from one end to the other even if you make stops.
Another good spot for wildlife is Shark Valley, which is from a northern Miami entrance. This has a 15 mile foot path with an observation tower along the way.
Paul Marcellini really is the Glades "expert," and could tell you anything you want to know.
If you want to head north a bit you could stop at the Ding Darling park in Sanibel or go to Venice Rookery. I was just there and the birds are starting to build nests and mate. A neat place to shoot EARLY morning. If you go to Ding Darling you'll want to plan the low tide time that is in early morning or later afternnon till sunset. have fun
DO NOT STAY IN FLORIDA CITY...My husband and I were robbed there while in a motel and had about 20,000 dollars worth of fishing/boating stuff stolen. The police were a JOKE...and to all of the people there, the law seemed to be a JOKE. Please, please be very careful....or your expensive camera equipement will be in Key West before you awake. Sharon
Thank you all for your responses and advice. I think I have the jist of it. I was going to stay in Florida City but now I'm not so sure. I carry my gear everywhere. No super long lenses so I can backpack it all. I will be careful however.
Thanks again
Rick T
Florida City isn't middle of nowhere Kansas where you could leave your front door unlocked, but it's not a ghetto either. From the gear we talked about, just don't leave it out in the open in your car. You know, common sense stuff, and you will be ok. It is the best and closest place to get into the Everglades south entrance.
Discussion
8 repliesDoes anyone have a suggestion of a place? I would even like a suggestion of the best places to go and would look for accomodations on the road.
Thanks for any help you can offer.
Rick T
On the east side of the glades you enter through Homestead, FL Lots of places to stay from the south end of Miami down to Homestead. This is the entrance to drive through the park. There are canoe access areas and hiking options from this entrance.
On the north end there is more limited access and more of the fan boat operations and stuff like that.
Knowing how you want to visit the park will be important in developing further recommendations.
I'm sure Paul can be much more helpful. I grew up in Key West and visited the Everglades relatively often back then.
Mel-
Another good spot for wildlife is Shark Valley, which is from a northern Miami entrance. This has a 15 mile foot path with an observation tower along the way.
Paul Marcellini really is the Glades "expert," and could tell you anything you want to know.
Thanks again
Rick T
Florida City isn't middle of nowhere Kansas where you could leave your front door unlocked, but it's not a ghetto either. From the gear we talked about, just don't leave it out in the open in your car. You know, common sense stuff, and you will be ok. It is the best and closest place to get into the Everglades south entrance.
I've carried this stuff all over the world and always keep one eye it. Your comments are reassuring.
Cheers
Rick