Best way to see the Everglades
 

Wondering what my options are for checking out the highlights of the Everglades? I'm thinking a day trip would be great - we're a family of 5, including 3 daughters ages 9 8 and 6.

Where will you be in Florida?

If near Ft. Lauderdale, I recommend Holiday Park located at intersection of US-27 and Griffin Road about a 45 minute drive from FLL.

I have done the tour there many times with family and friends and have not been disappointed. Never sure what wildlife you will see but the airboat ride is fun and afterwards you can pet a baby alligator :)

Last time I was there they offered AAA discounts and had coupons online.

Same question - where are you starting from?

If the east coast (Miami, FLL), go to the Florida City entrance of Everglades National Park and see the Anhinga Trail and other things in that area. If you want to take an airboat ride, go to www.everglades.com

If the west coast, go to either Everglades City and take a boat ride or Shark Valley and the tram. There are airboats on this side too

Either way, plan to pack a lunch. Not many food options in the area.

One thing to know: if you want to view the national park, you absolutely can NOT ride an air boat. Those vehicles are so noisy, and so destructive of the plant life, that they are banned within Everglades NP. In other words, if you are riding an air boat, you are NOT visiting the best of the Everglades.

I agree with Paul. Check out this site: http://evergladesnationalparkboattou....com/index.php

At the Shark Valley entrance to the park, they offer a 2-hour tram ride. It'll cost a few bucks, but it's narrated and is well-worth the money. If something exceptional comes along, they'll stop and let you get a good look. I understand the pythons have ravaged much of the smaller game, though.

Haven't been here. Were I to go, and given the research I've done, I'd probably do a Shark Valley tram ride and walk the Anhinga and Gumbo Limbo Trials.

When I was researching a visit I did to Miami, I looked at the "Everglades Tours" being offered by various companies. Unfortunately, none of these involved Shark Valley or the two trails mentioned above, and it wasn't clear how much of the actual park they visited. Most said they involved an airboat tour and an alligator farm visit. I decided to pass.

Thanks for the responses. I think we'll visit through Shark Valley, as we'll be coming from Fort Lauderdale. The tram ride sounds like fun.

Appreciate all the responses.