I am in the beginning stages of planning and I'm competely overwhelmed. DH and I are mid-30's and travel to visit nat'l parks. We are flying into ft. lauderdale, renting a car, and planning to see Biscayne nat'l park, everglades and Dry Tortugas nat'l park.

I'm trying to decide where to stay while visiting everglades and biscayne. Our budget is around $250/night. I've stayed on south beach only once before 2 years ago. Should we stay there for a central location, or maybe further south near Coral Gables? I'd like to have a view of the ocean at least part of the trip. We don't have to stay at the same place every night.

Of course, we'll be staying in key west when we visit dry tortugas, so at least that part is easy.

I'm just overwhelmed by all of the options in Miami and would appreciate any advice. Thanks!

I stayed on South Beach in 2006 when I went to the Everglades. It wasn't a long drive. The only part of the Glades I went to was on the edge and did an airboat tour.

Pianogirl,

Have you thought about spending the night/camping on Dry Tortuga. Have you read about John Pennecamp State Park. Your statement about traveling to visit NP's is pretty much how our family feels.

I'm not a South Florida expert, but we too stayed in South Beach and made a day trip to the Everglades. It wasn't a bad drive. I suppose if you want more than a day trip, accommodations closer to the park will be better.

Bulldog, when we did a different florida trip 2 years ago we went to John Pennecamp, Bahia Honda, etc. We were also completely insane, because it was the middle of July and we camped at both places (in a tent)!! I'm sure dry tortugas would be nice camping this time of year, but I may never want to camp again after that last one, LOL!! I've never seen mosquitoes like that.

We could stay at south beach, but I wondered if we could stay somewhere that would be more central to the everglades and dry tortugas. There are just sooooo many hotel options. I guess I just need to narrow down an area and go with it.