Everglades National Park
Nicknamed as the "River of grass", the Everglades are home to some of the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises anywhere. The area is known for its "copper sunsets". Aside from the incredible wildlife, sunsets, sunrises, and starry skies are an additional gift the natural landmark bestows upon its visitors. Nocturnal wildlife themselves depend upon natural light from the moon and the stars to navigate during the night - in search of food or shelter or to even hide from predators.
The Park is open 24 hours so you won't get locked in overnight. The Pa-hay-okee Trail located here is an ideal place to watch sunsets and sunrises. It is a short hike and an ideal place to also get a feel for the unique landscape of the Everglades. The trail and boardwalk pass through a cypress dome and provides a panoramic view of the Everglades landscape. The cypress dome adds to the convenience. Go early in the morning if you want to avoid bugs. Always keep bug sprays handy while visiting the Park. The benefit of the Pa-ha-okee trail is that you can take in much of the wild landscape of the region with this short, easy hike.
The winter dry season is the best time for wildlife viewing in the Everglades. Weather conditions are generally pleasant during the winter and standing water levels are low, causing wildlife to congregate at central water locations. Some of the trails and ponds are good for viewing wading birds, alligators, and similar wildlife. The Anahinga Trail for example is a great place for sightseeing and is located near the Ernest Coe Visitor Center that is situated here. The Nine Mile Pond located here is another ideal setting for viewing wildlife.
If you wish to enjoy all that the Everglades has to offer from the convenience, ease, and safety of a guided tour, then the Everglades Airboat Adventure Tour with Transport from Miami is a great option. You can book this tour here. All attractions booked via Viator allow for free cancellation prior to 24 hours of the event.
The Florida Keys
In my humble estimation, the Florida Keys is the only destination within the United States in which you can experience the natural landscape of the Caribbean without going to the Caribbean. Key West is an amazing destination located at the tip of the chain of islands connected by some very beautiful bridges. If you google map it, you will notice that it is about the same distance to Havana, Cuba that it is to Miami! Its only about 90 miles to Havana as the crow flies. The short distance to Miami makes for an incredible day trip if you are pressed for time.
A perfect choice for a thoroughly enjoyable day trip is the Key West Day Trip from Miami with Activities that can be booked here. The activities are optional add-ons. This day trip includes motor coach round-trip transport from your hotel, so you can enjoy a stress-free ride without worrying about navigating through a new area. Plus, you’ll have plenty of free time to plan solo explorations, and multiple upgrade options are available for add-on activities. Enjoy around five hours of free time in Key West to explore independently.
The waters off Key West contain some of the largest coral reefs in the world and make for some great snorkeling. If you know how to swim and are interested in some thrilling snorkeling with professional lessons provided, then the Key West Sail and Snorkeling with Transportation from Miami Included is a great choice for you.
You can book this combo bus transportation from Miami to Key West plus the snorkeling activity here. Sail away on board a spacious 50-foot catamaran vessel to your snorkeling site. Jump into the water off the coast for a snorkeling session above a coral reef with 600 different species of marine life. Professional snorkeling instruction are provided.
