Everglades Summer Smart Guide🐊

Beat the Heat × Early Bird Special Edition 🌿 🚗 Just under an hour’s drive from Miami to the Shark Valley Visitor Center (North Entrance). Pro tip: If you’re coming back from Key West, stay overnight at Gateway To Keys and head here in the morning! ⏰ Weekend Warriors Note: Arrive EARLY—parking is super limited, and latecomers face long waits! 🚗💨 Along the way, you’ll spot gator farms (they’re not inside the park, though). While other entrances exist, the tram tour starts at the North Gate. ❤️ Shark Valley Tram Tour ($33/person) 🚍 Book ahead! Same-day slots are rare, especially in off-season (post-May), with only 4 daily departures: 9:30 AM, 11 AM, 2 PM, and 4 PM. 📸 The 2-hour ride includes a stop at Shark Valley Lookout Tower for epic photos + a guide pointing out gators (we spotted 15-20+!). Afterward, explore the swampy trails—just watch your step, gators love sunbathing here! �☀️ 🚴 Alternative options: Rent bikes or hike, but it’s a long trek under the Florida sun. ❤️ Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center (East Gate) 🗺️ Grab maps and ask rangers for top wildlife spots (birdwatchers, this is your paradise!). ❤️ Royal Palm Visitor Center 🚙 Drive-friendly and the oldest visitor center, with two iconic trails starting here: 🌿 Anhinga Trail – The park’s most thrilling boardwalk, teeming with wildlife. 🌳 Gumbo Limbo Trail – A shaded, scenic hike under gumbo limbo trees. ⚡ Airboat Rides (External Operators) 🛥️ Not park-run, but nearby companies offer 90-minute tours (~$48/person). Heads up: They’re LOUD but exhilarating! ⏳ Time Management: 🔹 Full-day adventure? Easy! Explore trails, gator-spot, and soak in the wild. 🔹 Short on time? Tram + a quick walk = still a win! #WorldTravel #HikingTrails #OffTheBeatenPath #TravelTips #Wanderlust #TravelDiaries #GlobeTrotter #TravelGuide #LifeIsBeautiful #USA