A natural preserve with one-and-a-half-million acres of subtle tropical beauty and adventure.

by Contributor

In Short
Covering the western half of Miami-Dade County, the one-and-a-half-million-acre Everglades preserve provides water and recreational outlets for the region's five million residents. The park abounds with more than 1,000 species of plants, 125 species of fish, 300 species of birds, as well as deer, marsh rabbits and even the occasional eight-foot alligator. Visitors can stroll along hundreds of miles of nature trails, ride an airboat through the sawgrass or enjoy glass-bottom boat tours.

Bask in the abundant scenery at North America's third largest park and only subtropical preserve.

by Katie Heffernan

In Short
Covering the southern tip of the Florida peninsula and most of the Florida Bay, this 1.5-million-acre park has temperate and tropical communities and an environment defined by water. Here, alligators and crocodiles coexist and various birds and mammals live in the mangrove swamps, sawgrass marshes, jungles and prairies. Home to many endangered species like the Florida panther and manatee, the park provides trails, rents bikes and charters boats for optimal wildlife viewing.

01/19/04

Fun Place

by nitsuga

If your a northern princess from the city stay in the mall, this is all about nature lots of it. very educational for the kids and the millions of you yanks that move down here to florida every week.

a must see.

• Pros: Nature, Animals, Peace & Quiet
• Cons: out of state tourists

02/10/03

It sux

by kluzzey

No the everglades are fun for I dont know who, there is plenty of other stuff to do in Miami than go out in the middle of nowhere to pretend is cool.

11/29/02

Holiday Gator Park

by tgreene73

the everglades were incredibly beautiful, great birds reptiles, all sorts of wildlife,granted holday park seems a bit touristy but they did everything they promised -got us closer to gators than most people feel comfortable being,taught us a lot about the habitat, had a very knowledgable staff.all for 15 bucks granted the gator wrestling was a bit of a gimmick but oh well

• Pros: saw gators, great wildlife

08/11/02

River of tranquilty & grass!

by flyer920

Seren and peaceful. Go during the week and it will also be quiet. Great large mouth bass fishing. Try Holiday park in Broward

07/26/02

Wild

by gtravieso

this is real outdor fun. With activities for each member of the family. Quiet and wild. Great combination.

07/24/02

The Great Outdoors

by KathyCr

How can you come to Florida and not see the most unique thing about this State! Admittedly, you will see much more during the dry months of January, February, and even into March. But even in the summer months, I've seen alligators, turtles, herons....and even crocodiles and manatees down at Flamingo Lodge! Don't expect Disney's Jungle Cruise...you'll need binoculars to see much of the wildlife.

• Pros: natural wonders, guided tours, unique to Florida
• Cons: unpredictable, seasonal

07/23/02

My Passion

by curtandmo

There is nothing like seeing the Everglades through the eyes of someone who's never been. Constantly changing, there's always something new to see. Bring lunch, mosquito repellant, and plenty of water. Kids and elderly enjoy it the same.

05/17/02

Save the Manatees

by nathanstull_citysearch

It's actually kind of sad how the everglades environment is getting hit hard by development and pollution. I loved the scenery and the wildlife. It's interesting to see the after effects of a 1958 hurricane depicted in the trees' damage in some areas. Overall, a great weekend trip.