The only subtropical wilderness in America, Everglades National Park is also one of the most important ecological systems in the world. Its list of designations include World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve and Wetland of International Importance. You are almost guaranteed to spot alligators, birds, dolphins, manatees and snakes while visiting. Being a watery world, the best way to see the park and its animals is canoeing or kayaking. Take advantage of ranger-led programs that include tram and boat tours. Rangers are Everglades experts, providing a great resource for sighting animals. The park has four visitor centers: Homestead, Flamingo, Shark Valley and Everglades City. The Everglades is best visited from October to April. Summer months are hot, humid and the mosquitoes are unbearable.
Zoo Miami is the place to see more than 2,000 animals. Some come from far-off lands like Africa while others are native to South Florida. The zoo features exhibits from Australia, the Americas, Africa and Asia. Zoo creatures include the clouded leopards, Himalayan black bears, meerkats, orangutans, rhinos and Komodo dragons. Get interactive with animals with the zoo's behind-the-scenes tours. Zoo Miami has more than 1,200 plant species, a children's zoo, shows and plenty of dining outlets. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. The zoo is open year round.
Part of the larger Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the place for close encounters with underwater creatures. Barracudas, sharks, colorful fish, spiny lobsters and vivid coral reefs offer a kaleidoscope of color and form in the warm waters off Key Largo. Pennekamp was the world's first underwater park. The best way to explore the water is snorkeling or scuba diving the dozen or so reefs. If you want to avoid getting wet or the winter weather is keeping you dry, the park offers glass-bottom boat rides to the reefs for animal viewing. Snorkeling and glass-bottom tours are operated by the park. Scuba diving must be organized yourself or through a private operator.
Think Florida wildlife and you're conjuring images of a gaping mouth revealing gnarled teeth, beady eyes and skin like armor. The Florida alligator is considered a living fossil -- so perfectly designed for its environment it has not needed to evolve for millions of years. Everglades Alligator Farm offers visitors a chance to personally meet these incredible reptiles, as well as crocodiles, snakes and other animals. The farm is a live working alligator farm with feeding programs, a breeding pond and alligator shows. The park also offers airport rides to see these majestic creatures in the wild. Everglades Alligator Farm is open year round, with the exception of Christmas Day.
