Everglades
#1
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Join Date: Jun 2004
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Everglades
We would like to visit The Everglades for 2 days before going on to Key West. Ignoring driving time which city is better for us to stay in? Everglades City or Homestead? It appears that Everglade City is closer to the activities we're interested in such as air boats and seeing the various animal species in the Everglades. In addition, is there an air boat company that you can recommend thats above the rest in terms of quality, what you get to see or are they all the same? Thanks in advance.
#2
Join Date: Nov 2007
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I'd recommend staying in Everglades City it may be more tourist friendly. Homestead isn't the greatest of places depnding on the part of it your staying in. It's also not close to much. I'd recommend just staying close to wear ou'll be doing most of your activites.
#3
Join Date: Oct 2005
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If you plan on visiting the main portion of the Everglades NP its a several hours drive from Everglades City. The Homestead/Florida City area is the closest place to stay that is near the Main Entrance to the Park. At persent there is no lodging inside the park. Closed due to storm damage from 2005.
http://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisi...ad/evermap.pdf
http://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/index.htm
http://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisi...ad/evermap.pdf
http://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/index.htm
#4
Join Date: Aug 2003
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If you've not been to the Everglades before I suggest that you will want to include a visit to the Anhenga Trail which is not far from the Main Entrance. To do this, Homestead is a good location. Granted, Homestead is not itself a very attractive destination but there are chain type motels on Route 1 that are easy to use (check Expedia or similar). These will also put you in a good location to continue your trip into the Keys. If you elect to do the Anhenga, and you have the option, it is particularly good just before sunset.
If any in your party are seniors, note that the Everglades Park proper is free with the Golden Age Pass.
Search this site. There have been previous posts about the airboat tours.
If any in your party are seniors, note that the Everglades Park proper is free with the Golden Age Pass.
Search this site. There have been previous posts about the airboat tours.
#5
Join Date: Feb 2006
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With 2 days, you can see the Everglades in good fashion. On the Everglades City side, it's mostly about the water - kayak, take the park boat, but get on the water.
EC lodging is funky and fine for a night. The next day, head across the Tamiami Trail and make your first stop the Clyde Butcher gallery. He has amazing and large black & white photos of the Everglades and Florida landscape.
There are lots of airboats on the Tamiami Trail. Then off to the Florida City entrance to the Everglades. Here, you walk and so can get close to birds, gators, etc.
The Anhinga Trail, as mentioned, is great. Maybe spend this night in Key Largo. That sets you up for the drive to Key West in the day time and you can program in a few stops.
EC lodging is funky and fine for a night. The next day, head across the Tamiami Trail and make your first stop the Clyde Butcher gallery. He has amazing and large black & white photos of the Everglades and Florida landscape.
There are lots of airboats on the Tamiami Trail. Then off to the Florida City entrance to the Everglades. Here, you walk and so can get close to birds, gators, etc.
The Anhinga Trail, as mentioned, is great. Maybe spend this night in Key Largo. That sets you up for the drive to Key West in the day time and you can program in a few stops.