Getaways to the authentic Florida
I’ve driven the Tamiami Trail, linking Miami and Naples through the Everglades, dozens of times. Here are the best stops to get close to alligators and Everglades scenery. The Tamiami Trail links Miami and Florida’s and offers outstanding stops along the way.
Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, near Everglades City, is the biggest state park in Florida. After three years, the preserve’s Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk has fully reopened after hurricane destruction. Now you have take a 2.3 mile boardwalk hike and pass through a rare original slice of ancient cypress forest.
One of the best ways to see Florida’s Everglades is via the Tamiami Trail to the Shark Valley entrance, home to a terrific bike trail and abundant wildlife. Visitors have been reporting outstanding wildlife viewing during holiday visits.
Big Cypress National Preserve offers excellent Everglades experiences. It’s adjacent to the famous national park, is free and has spectacular scenery.
In the wild and watery world of southwest Florida, Collier-Seminole State Park near Naples draws people who love the natural Florida for camping, hiking and paddling.
Halfway Creek is a well-marked kayak trail just off the Tamiami Trail. It’s good for short or long paddles, taking you to a wild green world thick with airplants.