I love to go away to see different eco systems and wildlife, but let's not forget the wildlife on our own backyard - the Florida Everglades.
Everglades National Park Everglades National Park, the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, boasts rare and endangered species. It has been designated a World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, and Wetland of International Importance. In a nutshell, it totally rocks - where else can you hike around and be about two feet from an alligator with nothing between the two of you but a sign that is a man feeding a gator with a big red slash across it? Gotta love it!
Admission to Everglades National Park is about $10 but an annual pass is a great deal at $25. I especially like Shark Valley - about a 45 minute drive from Miami Beach - just head west on Tamiami Trail. Shark Valley has a 15 mile paved loop to bike or walk with an observation deck at the halfway point. Bring a camera, because alligators, frigates, hawks, egrets and other species of birds are commonly found. Shark Valley also has an interpretive guide program, a small gift shop, bicycle rentals and a tram tour that will take you through the loop with a guide.
Just across from the Shark Valley entrance is the Miccosukee Restaurant where you can get breakfast or lunch, including a totally rich pumpkin bread served warm that's more like a giant pumpkin pancake.
Still in the everglades, but not in the national parklands are the roadside attractions and airboat rides. I prefer the ones run by Miccosukees but any airboat is worth a try - loud and crazy a pure Everglades tradition.
Further up Tamiami Trail lies the Big Cypress preserve, start of the Florida Trail, which offers miles of hiking. We've spotted wild turkeys, deer and many panther tracks (alas no panthers yet). The hiking is non-technical, but can be wet during rainy season. Remember to watch your footing, keep an isle on the trail blazes, bring water and wear insect repellent.
All in all, The Florida Everglades offers a wild experience without the plane ticket.
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