If you are a nature lover:
In the Everglades NP off The Tamiami Trail (RT 41) you can take the tram or walk around "Shark Valley". It is a loop that getds you out into the glades.
At the Southern end just go in about five miles and walk the short "Annhinga trail" It is a must. You will get up close to all the shore birds as well as gators turtles and gar fish.
Unless you are a fisherman or a kayaker, don't go all the way to Flamingo. It is a long drive, and when you get there, you only have the boat basin to look at.
In the Keys when you get to Big Pine Key, seeing the rare miniature Key deer is a must. To be guaranteed to see one; heading south go right at the only traffic light and then immediately bear left on to Key Deer Blvd. Go about three miles and take a left on Gulf Blvd, (there is a large green concrete utility box on the corner. Just drive slow, and before you get to the end of the road you should see some in the peoples yars or in the middle of the road.
Bahia Honda State park has the best beaches on the Keys
Don't be fooled by the Name "John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park".
The only way you can see the reef from there is to take a dive or tour boat
I could list all the tourist traps, and eateries, but others will do that.
Jack L
Jack & Nanci
