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Everglades trip

Where is best place to visit The Everglades from?

We will be in Miami...Key West...Fort Myers and Clearwater in March.

The Everglades are a vast subtropical wilderness in southern Florida, so the “best” place to visit depends on your base, interests, and how much time you have. Since your itinerary includes Miami, Key West, Fort Myers, and Clearwater, the most practical access points vary by location.

From your listed destinations:

  • Miami / Everglades National Park (Shark Valley, Gulf Coast Entrance, and Flamingo Visitor Center):
    • Shark Valley: About a 40–45 minute drive from Miami. Ideal for short visits, biking trails, tram tours, and spotting wildlife like alligators and birds.
    • Flamingo Visitor Center: Located at the southern tip of the park (~1.5–2 hours from Miami). Offers boat tours, canoe/kayak rentals, and ranger-led programs. Best if you want water access and more wildlife diversity.
    • Everglades tours from Miami: Numerous guided airboat tours depart from the western outskirts of Miami near Everglades City. These are typically 1–2 hour excursions, offering a quick way to see alligators and the unique wetlands.
  • Fort Myers:
    • Closest access is via Everglades City or Chokoloskee. About 2–2.5 hours from Fort Myers.
    • Offers guided airboat and swamp buggy tours, as well as boat tours into the Ten Thousand Islands area. Good for a half- or full-day trip.
  • Key West:
    • Driving to the Everglades from Key West is long (~3–4 hours one way), so it’s usually not recommended as a day trip. Consider skipping Everglades excursions from Key West unless staying an extra night nearby.
  • Clearwater:
    • Everglades are too far for a day trip from Clearwater (~5–6 hours drive). Focus on local beaches, wildlife parks, or consider visiting other nearby state parks instead.

Tips for visiting the Everglades:

  • Morning visits are best for wildlife spotting; cooler temperatures attract more animals near water.
  • Bring sunscreen, hats, and insect repellent.
  • Guided tours (airboat or kayak) offer the best chance to see wildlife safely and learn about the ecosystem.
  • Check park hours and entrance fees; some areas require reservations for tram tours.

Given your itinerary, the most practical Everglades visit is from Miami, either at Shark Valley for a shorter trip or the Flamingo area/Everglades City for a longer, more immersive experience.

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