Miami stopover
Hi all,for our trip in the end of October to South America we have a stopover of two days in Miami. Now we are planing a small trip to everglades and want to ask if you can give us a recommendation therefore. Including a central hotel between airport and everglades. We are backpacker and don't need a 5 stars hotel - should be clean and save.
Thankx and best regards from Germany
Paul Bossenmaier
www.bossenmaier.de
2
Also, do you want to see any of Miami? Technically, you can do a day trip to the Everglades. It's only about an hour away. Tropics Hotel & Hostel in South Beach is in a good location for exploring the tourist area and you don't need a car there.You have the option of renting a car to go to the Everglades on your own or doing it via an organized tour from South Beach.
3
Find the city or town closest to where you want to go in the Everglades...and check for motels there...Florida is very tourist oriented...every town has a motel...
Getting an early start is key on a short layover ...Lots of birdwatching in the Everglades bring your telephotos... Alligators are almost as common as squirrels...they are everywhere... There are some poisonous snakes so stay out of the higher grass...
Nothing in America is "Central"...its all spread out everywhere... Buildings in America out of the central city are mostly 1 or 2 stories high...not like in Europe...
5
Hello Paul,Have you looked into www.airbnb.com for lodging in Miami. As far as an easy access location, I recommend either South Beach in Miami Beach, FL (anywhere from 5th street to like 17th street from west of Ocean Drive to like almost east of Alton Road. The northern part of Miami Beach too (from 56th street to like 84th street, they are touristy to working class apartments, very safe) has more cheaper hotels (no hostels there). You can easily rent a car at Miami International Airport too. If going to the Everglades, it may be good to book a hotel in Homestead, Florida or Everglades City, Florida preferably along U.S. 1 (South Dixie Highway). But from Miami Beach to the Everglades, at bad traffic, it is like a 2-hour drive; you can hop on U.S. 1 South near the Venetian Causeway in Miami Beach and take that to the road U.S. 1 south to leading to Everglades National Park. In October it may still be bit hot and humid with mosquitos. I recommend roll-on mosquito repellent when in the Everglades and light long sleeves and light pants with sunblock. I recommend either walking along the Anhinga Trail or the Gumbo Limbo Trail in Everglades National Park. You may also enjoy a tour of the Nike Missile site in Everglades National Park. I personally loved driving across South Florida on the Tamiami Trail and hiring a guide to go canoeing (I feel safer in canoes because of Alligators; they just follow you out of curiosity but will not attack unless provoked) on the Turner River near Big Cypress reserve, near the Everglades. You might want to go snorkeling in John Pennekamp State Park in Key Largo, FL or drive down to Key West, FL.
I am an a 32-year resident of Miami. Feel free to ask me more questions.
Check these links out:
http://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/anhinga-trail.htm
http://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/gumbo-limbo-trail.htm
http://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/nike-missile-tours.htm
http://www.paddleflorida.net/big-cypress-turner-river-paddle.htm
http://www.pennekamppark.com/
http://www.sharkvalleytramtours.com/biking.html
I personally find air boat rides in the Everglades scare all the incredible birds and other wildlife though. I prefer doing hikes and canoeing in the Everglades.
Do a Google Images search for these locations for a better idea on what to expect.
Sincerely,
Adolfo
