Big Cypress National Park is a watery, grassy mix of flora and fauna. Essential to the health of the nearby Everglades, the freshwater Big Cypress swamps support estuaries along Florida’s southwest coast. About an hour-and-a-half drive from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Miramar, and Hollywood, Florida, vacationers enjoy relaxing at beach hotels and then making a day or two trip to the preserve, to experience Florida's dynamic nature via trails, bike rides and hikes.
La Quinta Inn & Suites is one of the nearest hotels to Big Cypress, and a comfortable place to spend the night. Guests rooms include king or queen beds and free high-speed Internet access. Guests can enjoy the heated swimming pool and the spa and a free daily breakfast. The hotel also offers 24-hour shuttle service to Ft. Lauderdale Airport and daily shuttle service to Port Everglades, the entry way to the Everglades National Park, which is en-route to Big Cypress National Preserve. Room rates, as of January 2011, start from $95 per night.
La Quinta Inn & Suites Ft. Lauderdale Airport
2620 North 26th Ave
Hollywood, FL 33020
1-954-922-2295
lq.com
An hour-and-a-half drive from Big Cypress, Hampton Inn & Suites offers 122 guest rooms in the urban, beach-front Ft. Lauderdale area. Rooms include either a king or queen bed. For families, the hotel offers rooms with twin beds. The hotel is a short walk from the beach and is near Hollywood Florida and Miami. Room rates, as of January 2011, start from $179 per night.
Hampton Inn & Suites
10990 Marks Way
Miramar, FL 33025
1-954-430-5590
hamptoninn.hilton.com
For a relaxed and fun hotel, the Riptide Ocean front is also reasonably priced for a Florida hotel. Located one hour and 50 minutes from Big Cypress, the hotel is located on the Hollywood boardwalk. Guest rooms are spacious and include a full kitchenette. Guests also have access to courtyard barbecue grills, complimentary bicycles, beach passes, and access to the on-site Tiki bar. Rooms start from $169, as of January 2011.
Riptide Oceanfront Hotel and Tiki Bar
2300 North Surf Road
Hollywood, FL. 33019
(954) 921-7667
riptidehotel.com
While a bit longer from Big Cypress--a two-hour drive--Clewiston offers a more remote Florida community. Located on the southwest shore of Lake Okeechobe, guests at the hotel enjoy the beauty of the area and access to nearby shopping, dining, golfing, jet skiing and fishing. Guest rooms include king or queen beds and free internet access. Guests can also use the heated outdoor swimming pool and sit down for a complimentary breakfast before heading out to explore the national park. Note that the hotel offers group rates and special discounts for AAA members. As of January 2011, rooms begin at $79 per night.
Best Western of Clewiston
1020 W Sugarland Highway
Clewiston, FL 33440-2707
book.bestwestern.com
