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Day trip to Everglades

We will be in Naples and want to meet family from Fort Lauderdale in the Everglades for lunch and air boat ride. Looking for recommendations.

The Everglades offer a unique experience with wildlife, airboat rides, and scenic waterways, and meeting halfway between Naples and Fort Lauderdale can make for a convenient day trip. The drive from Naples to central Everglades locations like Everglades City or Shark Valley is about 1.5–2 hours, while Fort Lauderdale to the same spots is roughly 1.5–2 hours as well.

For a day trip that combines an airboat ride and a nice lunch spot, there are several good options:

  • Everglades City Airboat Tours: Located on the western side of the Everglades, this area offers airboat rides that give a true wilderness experience. After your ride, you can have lunch at a local seafood spot such as Camellia Street Grill or City Seafood Market.
  • Everglades Safari Park (near Homestead): Closer to Fort Lauderdale than Naples, this location provides guided airboat tours through sawgrass marshes and mangroves. They have a café on-site for a casual lunch if you prefer convenience.
  • Miccosukee Indian Village Airboat Tours: Located near the Tamiami Trail (US-41), this location allows a cultural experience along with an airboat ride. They also offer light lunch options and gift shops for souvenirs.

Consider coordinating meeting times and locations so that both parties drive roughly equal distances. If your goal is a scenic airboat adventure with lunch, Everglades City is a popular choice for a quieter, more natural setting, while the Homestead area is more accessible from Fort Lauderdale.

Tips:

  • Book airboat tours in advance, especially for weekends.
  • Check the weather, as the Everglades can be very hot and humid or rainy depending on the season.
  • Bring sunscreen, hats, and insect repellent for a comfortable experience.

With this plan, both families can enjoy a memorable Everglades adventure without spending too much time on the road, and you’ll get a mix of wildlife, scenery, and a casual lunch together.

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