<p>So we are flying to Miami next week. We plan to spend 2 days there, 1 day somewhere in the Everglades and then drive down to Key West. I have places to stay, mostly, but I need some suggestions on what to do in Miami and how to spend our one day in the Everglades (as either a day trip from Miami or spending one night). I’ve just been too busy to do my usual organized itinerary. Can you help?</p>
<p>The national historic landmark Vizcaya, an opulent old mansion with gardens, is a nice place to visit in the Miami area.</p>
<p>The Everglades Alligator Farm in Homestead offers a very close up look at the habitat and a chance to see some of the high profile wildlife very close up. We visited there about 2 years ago and were delighted with close up access to the gators at all phases of growth from tiny to enormous. I was hesitant to take the airboat ride because of the noise, but found it surprisingly fun.</p>
<p>^^^I agree, if you are feeling adventurous, take one of those airboat/eco tours of the Everglades. It’s a lot of fun, plus something really unique to the area.</p>
<p>Everglades national park and the Alligator farm are great places. Another good one is Biscayne National park. They have canoe and kayak rental and also a day snorkel trip. Also, the visitor center is a great place to get all kinds of info about the local ecosystem and there is an art exhibition currently running through November called ‘Biscayne: A Different Perspective.’ I know the artist personally; He’s my father :)</p>
<p>If you want more of a city vibe go to South Beach and check out the art deco district. Miami Spice, a city wide food festival, is going on through the end of September (I think) with prix fixe menu specials at participating restaurants. You can check it out at the miami spice website.</p>
<p>Key West is a fun town but there is much to see along the way on your drive, such as John Pennekamp State Park, Robbie’s Marina where you can hand feed giant Tarpon, Bahia Honda State Park, Pigeon Key. My favorite restaurant in KW is Seven Fish on Olivia and Elizabeth Streets.</p>
<p>Have fun!</p>
<p>Shark Valley … Shark Valley … Shark Valley. (No, I don’t get get a cut of the entrance fee.)</p>
<p>[Shark</a> Valley Home page](<a href=“http://www.angelfire.com/fl3/SharkValley/]Shark”>Shark Valley Home page)</p>
<p>BTW, I second the suggestion of Vizcaya!</p>
<p>Yea! Someone mentioned Shark Valley! Yes, Shark Valley! I was a marine biology major at UMiami in the late 70s, early 80s, and this was one of our “easier” field trips. A trail you can walk or ride a bike. It is so awesome! You will see gators off the trail the whole way. There’s a lookout tower in the middle of the park that you go up and see awesome water birds and fish in the pond below. Saw so many species of birds on the trip.</p>
<p>Another fun thing we did when we returned to Miami years later for a wedding was drive all the way down Highway 1 just to go to Key West to see the Hemingway Mansion. I love Hemingway,and even more, love cats! We stopped on the side of the highway occasionally to get out and get our feet wet in the ocean/bay just steps from the road. And you can’t beat those polydactyl felines at Hemingway’s place. </p>
<p>The water down Highway 1 was crystal clear and shallow very far out. You will be amazed to see barracuda just hanging out right off the shore. Make sure you take your jewelry off before you go in. They love shiny objects! I used to call them German Shepherds with fins.</p>
<p>And thanks to the above poster with the tarpon feeding info. I would love to do that! </p>
<p>Have a great time and bring your binoculars!</p>
<p>See if there is a play at the Biltmore Hotel near Miami.</p>
<p>I like lunch at The Fish House in Key Largo.</p>
<p>Anybody been to the Parrot zoo recently></p>
<p>In KW, I always visit The Secret Garden, loaded with orchids and parrots and owned by an amazing woman.</p>
<p>Where are you staying in KW?</p>
<p>We spent one night at the Flamingo Lodge in the Everglades, however when I just googled for it, I was dismayed to find out it was destroyed by hurricanes in 2005. Flamingo is a beautiful place - sunrise or sunset are quite nice, but bring your bug spray. We also did a boat tour (not air boat) into the Everglades from there, which was great. </p>
<p>Huge 2nd for the Fish House in Key Largo. We often go the Keys for diving and this is a must stop. </p>
<p>Take your time driving down Rt 1 in the Keys. Once you get south of Islamorada it opens up and the views are great. The 7 mile bridge at the southern end of Marathon has a nice park to stop & tour. We stayed at Hawks Cay resort several times (now very pricey) and they have dolphins.</p>
<p>The Fish house is closed until Oct. 1, but The fish house Encore next door is open.</p>
<p>I went to high school right next to Vizcaya. It is indeed lovely and wortht he effort.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the suggestions! We leave in 2 days and I am busy incorporating your ideas.</p>
<p>The coolest thing about Shark Valley is the name. Because there are no sharks and no valley.</p>
<p>It is so named because there are some sharks sort of near there, but of course they are out in ocean where sharks belong. And “valley” because the elevation there is only 6 feet above sea level instead of 12 feet like it is in Miami or Naples on either side of it. So in Florida a 6 foot drop and rise again in elevation spread over 200 miles constitutes a valley.</p>
<p>Another restaurant we like was Herbies in Marathon FL. Very much a local place - it doesn’t look like much from the outside, but the fish is amazing. You can even bring your fish straight from the boat and they will cook it for you. No website.</p>
<p>[Herbie's</a> Restaurant, Marathon - Restaurant Reviews - TripAdvisor](<a href=“http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g34347-d821752-Reviews-Herbie_s_Restaurant-Marathon_Florida_Keys_Florida.html]Herbie’s”>http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g34347-d821752-Reviews-Herbie_s_Restaurant-Marathon_Florida_Keys_Florida.html)</p>
<p>I suggest you try Nicaraguan food while you are there. I suggest El Novillo, which is located on Bird Road in Miami. Try the chursaco steak.</p>