Day 4: Everglades

Tips:

• Bring sunscreen and insect repellent as there’s very little shade and mosquitos can be an issue – especially during the warmer months in Miami.
• Prioritise Shark Valley if you’re visiting the Everglades and keen to see alligators.
• December through to March is typically the best times to visit, as temperatures and mosquito levels are typically lower.
• The wet season begins in June – when summers are hot and humid, and in the afternoon thunderstorms are likely.
• It’s best to rent a car to drive to the Everglades, as public transport is limited and will restrict your schedule.
• The food options in the Everglades are very limited – bring packed lunch if spending the day and be sure to pack plenty of snacks.

The Everglades can seem like an overwhelming large area, considering it’s over 1.5 million acres of watery grassland and one of the largest national parks in America. However, it is possible to explore the park in one day with proper forward-planning.

It’s a haven for lovers of the great outdoors with tons of nature experiences from trails for hikers, canoeing for watersport fans and boat trips for adrenaline junkies.

Shark Valley is just over 1 hr drive from South Beach, Miami. Look to plan your day properly and factor in starting here as this is the best place to begin your wetlands visit.

Directions: Shark Valley Visitor Center is located on Highway 41 (Tamiami Trail / SW 8th St.),  from Miami take exit 25A (from the north) and exit 25 (from the south).

Located at the northern border of the park, Shark Valley is a looped road with access to over 15 miles of the Everglades. Park up at the visitor centre and from here you can hop on a guided tram tour, rented bike or airboat.

It’s one of the best spots in the Everglades for animal spotting. Here you have the opportunity (if you’re lucky) to spot an abundance of turtles, birds and alligators, making it an exciting trip – keep your eyes peeled.

The best way to spot wildlife is to travel into the heart of the swampland. However, there are very conflicting views about airboats because, as part of the Everglades restoration project, airboat rides have been banned in the majority of the park. However, in some areas companies operate in conjunction with the National Park service. About 14 min drive from Shark Valley is a recommended company, Everglades Safari.

Most tours last around 45 mins and during the ride your driver/guide will provide an insight into what it’s like to live and survive in the Everglades. They’ll also be on watch to spot alligators resting in shallow water – be sure to have your cameras ready.

The boat is propelled by a giant fan, so there are no propeller blades sitting in the water. It’s a thrilling race through natural wetland, tall grasses and a swamp-like environment.

Once you’re finished exploring the Everglades, head back to South Beach, stopping off along the way at Sunset Harbour to drop into Insta-friendly Dreamer Miami. The tropical plant and flamingo themed decor provide instantly good vibes and the detox smoothies are worth a try if you’re after a healthy afternoon boost – “it’s so Miami.”

For the evening, it’s time to squeeze in a Mexican street-food experience. Bodega Taqueria y Tequila has become a foodie hotspot in Miami, making a name for itself for taking the Mexican bar and street food concept to a whole new level.

Merging a speakeasy vibe with a laid-back trailer design, it looks like a taco joint up-front, but the real secret is knowing there is a hidden bar behind.

Clue: look for the meat locker or “bathroom” doors to enter the secret bar.

You don’t need to book, as it hosts a speedy service with counter-top ordering. Although it is a popular joint, so you might have to queue. Yet it is worth it to sample its delicious tacos, served out of a shiny converted Airstream trailer and stuffed with everything from Philly steak to Beyond Meat and Veggie options. The menu also features burritos, tortas, chips and salsa, quesadillas and guacamole and happy hour every day from 6-8pm.

Once you’ve had your fill of Mexican fare, head to the ‘secret’ bar to explore the “tequila” part of Bodega Taqueria y Tequila. Enter through hidden doors, on the way to the bathroom bar, it’s a hipster place with R&B tracks and Mexican-inspired cocktail menu.