The Everglades & Keys
 

My husband and I are planning a camping trip to The everglades and the keys this march, and we have three days to spend in each location. We would like to see and do lots of things in each place, but we have limited time. Can anyone make recommendations about particularly important things we shouldn't miss out on? My husband was interested in snorkling and fishing, and I want to visit the state parks in the keys, as well as go to a low-moderately priced restaurant with great fish/seafood. Thanks for any info!

Where are you camping in the Everglades? I ask becuase it will make a difference in terms of the distances you have to travel to do things. Same question for the Keys.

We are camping at flamingo campground (because they have showers of course) and at Fiesta Key KOA (mm 70) (because the bahia honda campgrounds are already totally booked). Thanks for any help you can give me!

At Flamingo campground you're next to Echo Pond which is a great birding place. They have had guided birdwalks in the mornings, and at dusk it's a great place to see the Ibis, etc. taking off in huge flocks to the islands offshore for the night.
Be sure to go to the visitor's center when you arrive to see what activities are scheduled. We've been on a guided canoe trip and a swamp tromp with the park service. It's free but space is limited so you need to sign up right away.
In the Keys, you'll want to go to John Pennekamp State Park for snorkeling.
Have a great trip.

I would suggest renting your own canoe at the Flamingo marina, then taking about half a day to paddle up one of the old canals, then return. If you do it early in the morning, you will see some shore birds and perhaps some 'gators. Take a walk on the Anhinga Trail boardwalk - again, earlier in the morning is better. Also, outside of Homestead, as you approach the Everglades NP entrance, be sure to stop at 'Roberts is Here' fruitstand for the best milkshakes around!

Snorkeling trips leave from Key Largo several times each day. You may want to make a reservation if you want a specific time.

The entrance road to Shark Valley is another good birding spot early in the morning. You can take the tram or ride a bike out to the observation tower if you want. Eco Pond near Flamingo is a great spot birding any time of day and for ibis flying out at dusk. Be sure to bring mosquito repellant. Since it is a national park you aren't allow to kill the little pests. Just kidding.

Plan on a leisurely drive into Flamingo, stopping at several points along the way (particularly Anhingua Trail). Take food and drinks with you as there are no food concessions until you get to Flamingo. Flamingo has a very small general store, a pizza place and another restaurant. Renting a canoe is a great idea. I'm sure you are more savvy campers than I but just in case - - Beware of the raccoons at the campground! Leave nothing out at night (not even bottled water).
At Fiesta Key, be sure to stop at Robbies Marina (mm 77) to feed the wild tarpon. You can rent kayaks and small boats from there, too. If you have to pick just one trip, snorkel out of Looe Key (mm 29) rather than Pennekamp (mm 104). Both are a far drive but Looe Key is the better spot. Maybe combine that with a day at Bahia Honda (mm 45??) or Key West (you can rinse off at the dive shop). Have drinks one night at Morada Bay (mm 82?) around sunset - it's gorgeous. Sand, sun, often music. It does not, however, fall in the low-price category.

Thanks so much to everyone for all the ideas! I will see about renting a canoe and snorkling trips. Are there specific snorkling companies at Looe key that i should try first?

Also, thanks for the info on the coons, I have some great stories about those little rascals! One involves a trail of marshmallows leading into the woods and no s'mores for us kids at the campsite!! To be honest I was more concerned about alligators in the glades than racoons (not to mention the skeeters - LOTS of mosquito repellent will get packed).

I was thinking about going to the park north of the glades one day too, Big Cypress national preserve, Is it worth the drive?
Thanks again!

Big Cypress is going to be quite a drive from Flamingo (remember to allow 1 hour from the park entrance to Flamingo without stops). If you are flying into Miami or Ft. L, you could swing by Big Cypress and/or Shark Valley before you go to Flamingo. Otherwise, I would suggest concentrating on the Flamingo area. Florida City (near the entrance to the Park) has great Mexican food places, by the way. You'll pass Rositas as you drive to the park.
At Looe Key, any of the shops on Big Pine should be fine. Look for coupons in the little tourist magazines.

Strike Zone charters on Big Pine Key does great snorkel and dive trips to Looe Key - went with them several times last year.