South Florida boasts numerous sightseeing attractions, including the Everglades Holiday Park where tourists can get close up views of alligators and other Everglades wildlife via airboat tours. Experience cultural sightseeing in Miami's Little Havana section or hike through the swamps of the Big Cypress Nature Preserve. Canoeing and guided ranger tours of the area are also available.
Big Cypress swamp contains freshwater necessary to the life of the neighboring Florida Everglades. It also supports Florida estuaries along its southwest coast. The Big Cypress National Preserve protects over 720,000 acres of the swamp and is home to diverse wildlife and vegetation including the Florida panther and tropical plants. Explore the preserve with guided ranger tours, hikes on the over six mile, one way Florida Trail, three- to seven-hour canoe trips and additional activities. Wildlife sightseeing generally includes alligators, wading birds, fish and turtles. Campground facilities are available though they may be closed seasonally or for repairs.
Big Cypress National Preserve
33100 Tamiami Trail East
Ochopee, Florida 34141
239-695-1201
nps.gov/bicy/index.htm
Experience the Hispanic culture of Little Havana and enjoy Cuban coffee, colorful murals, watching cigar rollers at work, art galleries, colorful storefronts and music. Munch on Cuban sandwiches, roast pork or the traditional flan. The last Friday evening of every month is "Viernes Culturales" when many art studios open their doors to the public. A shuttle bus takes visitors between the sites. Maximo Gomez Park, or Domino Park, is one of the main meeting places in Havana and daily Cuban locals, usually men, gather for games of chess. El Credito Cigar Factory is the oldest cigar factory in the United States and tours run Monday through Friday.
Take in the Florida Everglades by airboat in the Everglades Holiday Park in Fort Lauderdale. Enjoy views of tropical birds flying overhead and alligators only feet from the boat. Guided tours are available seven days a week and are an hour long. The airboats feature covered passenger compartments so tours can be taken in any weather. Camping facilities include 100 RV spaces available and 36 tent sites. All spaces include access to gas, laundry, showers, restrooms, convenience store, ice and groceries. Fishing boats are available for rental and there is a fully stocked supply store on premise. Rentals include tackle and bait.
Everglades Holiday Park
21940 Griffin Rd.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33332
954-434-8111
800-226-2244
evergladesholidaypark.com
