Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
glades National Park, particularly in the area between Ernest Coe and Flamingo Point,
but they're useless off the highway. In addition, the road shoulders in the park tend to be
dangerously small.
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Around the Everglades
Coming from Miami, the gateway town of Homestead on the east side of the park can
make a good base, especially if you're headed for the Keys.
Biscayne National Park
Just south of Miami (and east of Homestead), this national park is only 5% land. The
95% that's water is Biscayne National Underwater Park ( 305-230-1100; www.nps.gov/
bisc ) , containing a portion of the world's third-largest coral reef, where manatees, dol-
phins and sea turtles highlight a vibrant, diverse ecosystem. Get general park information
from Dante Fascell Visitor Center ( 305-230-7275; www.nps.gov/bisc ; 9700 SW 328th St;
8:30am-5pm) . The park offers canoe/kayak rentals, snorkel and dive trips, and popular
three-hour glass-bottom boat tours; all require reservations.
Homestead & Florida City
Homestead and Florida City don't look like much, but they have some true Everglades
highlights. Don't miss Robert Is Here ( www.robertishere.com ; 19200 SW 344th St,
Homestead; 8am-7pm Nov-Aug) - a kitschy Old Florida institution with a petting zoo,
live music and crazy-good milk shakes.
The Homestead-Florida City area has no shortage of chain motels along Krome Ave.
For a seriously good hostel experience, consider the Everglades International Hostel (
800-372-3874, 305-248-1122; www.evergladeshostel.com ; 20 SW 2nd Ave, Florida City; camping
$18, dm $28, d $61-75, ste $125-225; ) . Rooms are good value, the vibe is very
friendly, but the back gardens - wow. It's a fantasia of natural delights, and the hostel
conducts some of the best Everglades tours around. For a more personal touch than the
chain hotels, book a room at the historic Redland Hotel ( 800-595-1904;
www.hotelredland.com ; 5 S Flagler Ave, Homestead; r $100-140; ) . Homestead's modestly
quaint main street, along Krome Ave, is the central restaurant and shopping district.
 
 
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