Everglades planning
#1
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Everglades planning
I am tentatively planning a trip to southern Florida in late November/early December.
What I am looking at now is:
Flying in from Europe to Miami or Ft. Lauderdale. First night at airport hotel or a bit further out, depening on time of flight arrival.
Day 2, driving to Homestead and touring Everglades. First question: Is there enough to do here to spend two nights? That would be 1 1/2 to 2 full days there.
Day 3, driving to Key West, for two nights.
Day 5, driving back north to Sweetwater area, stopping at evey thing along the way on the keys that look interesting. Or is Homestead a better choice?
Day 6, visit Shark Valley and go on to Everglades City. Two nights there, or one? Are there short walks availabe there, and guided tours? If not,then one night would be plenty.
Day 7 plus -- a few days on th Gulf in the Naples area
Next to last day: head east to Sawgrass Mills, hotel ?? Fly home next day.
Tips and suggestions very welcome!
As to us, we are both late 50's (oh crap, I will be 60 by then!) and want to see the nature, not the cities.
Thanks!
What I am looking at now is:
Flying in from Europe to Miami or Ft. Lauderdale. First night at airport hotel or a bit further out, depening on time of flight arrival.
Day 2, driving to Homestead and touring Everglades. First question: Is there enough to do here to spend two nights? That would be 1 1/2 to 2 full days there.
Day 3, driving to Key West, for two nights.
Day 5, driving back north to Sweetwater area, stopping at evey thing along the way on the keys that look interesting. Or is Homestead a better choice?
Day 6, visit Shark Valley and go on to Everglades City. Two nights there, or one? Are there short walks availabe there, and guided tours? If not,then one night would be plenty.
Day 7 plus -- a few days on th Gulf in the Naples area
Next to last day: head east to Sawgrass Mills, hotel ?? Fly home next day.
Tips and suggestions very welcome!
As to us, we are both late 50's (oh crap, I will be 60 by then!) and want to see the nature, not the cities.
Thanks!
#2
Join Date: Dec 2005
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Day 2 does not require 2 nights (awkwardly put, but you know what I mean).
Add a night to Key West.
Get a really good road map and pay attention to the side roads for interesting diversions, often not marked by highway signs. We found a wonderful beach on one of the Keys, almost totally deserted, in this way.
If you have not been to Miami, I would urge that you fly into and out of there, costs being equal. It is a wonderful city with much character.
Congratulations on going to Everglades City ( and presumably neighboring Chokoluskee). Be sure to go to the museums ( in the store in Chok) in each place. They have incredible histories, old and much more recently.
Add a night to Key West.
Get a really good road map and pay attention to the side roads for interesting diversions, often not marked by highway signs. We found a wonderful beach on one of the Keys, almost totally deserted, in this way.
If you have not been to Miami, I would urge that you fly into and out of there, costs being equal. It is a wonderful city with much character.
Congratulations on going to Everglades City ( and presumably neighboring Chokoluskee). Be sure to go to the museums ( in the store in Chok) in each place. They have incredible histories, old and much more recently.
#3
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Thanks!
So for day 2, it would be enough time to see everything at the park, take a boat tour and drive to Flamingo and back on the same day we drive down from Miami?
Will have to look and see if there is enough to do in Key West for an additional day/night.
Anyone know of any beach-front NON-highrise places on the Gulf in the Naples area? We could go further up towards Ft. Meyers. We could also just spend the time in Ft. Lauderdale, but I feel like we would be more in nature on the Gulf Coast -- plus my husband has never seen the Gulf or the Gulf Coast. But we really don't want to stay in a high-rise!
So for day 2, it would be enough time to see everything at the park, take a boat tour and drive to Flamingo and back on the same day we drive down from Miami?
Will have to look and see if there is enough to do in Key West for an additional day/night.
Anyone know of any beach-front NON-highrise places on the Gulf in the Naples area? We could go further up towards Ft. Meyers. We could also just spend the time in Ft. Lauderdale, but I feel like we would be more in nature on the Gulf Coast -- plus my husband has never seen the Gulf or the Gulf Coast. But we really don't want to stay in a high-rise!
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#6
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Be sure to stop in everglades city fl their are many things to do. One of the sleepy towns of the south. Lots of fish houses turned in to seafood grill on the water. Commercial fish boat are still on the river working. Museums such as Ted Smallwoods general store , the city hall is the original county seat and The rod n gun club. Many boat tours and airboat rides are in the area - evergladesnationalparkgulfcoast.com leaving from the ranger station and everglades airboat rides such as evergladesrides.com. Our kids loved both rides. mitch
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#10
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Call in at Robert is here http://www.robertishere.com and have a dragon fruit milkshake (you won't be sorry!)
The Keys are so beautiful but don't restrict yourself to Key West.
We just loved every bit of Florida
http://demansersintheusa.blogspot.co...alligator.html
The Keys are so beautiful but don't restrict yourself to Key West.
We just loved every bit of Florida
http://demansersintheusa.blogspot.co...alligator.html
#11
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We have made a few changes in teh plans. Will be spending several nights at Marathon, and none in Key West. Then one day only (sigh) at the Everglades, and anotehr three or 4 days at Cocoa Beach.
Will have to look in the Dry Tortugas. We neither fish nor snorkel, actually....
Will have to look in the Dry Tortugas. We neither fish nor snorkel, actually....