Road to Flamingo or Everglades City

Question

We are traveling from South Beach, Miami to Key Largo and plan to spend one night near the Everglades NP before going to Key Largo. I’m not sure if we should stay in FloridaCity/Homestead (and head towards Flamingo) or Everglade City. Which of the two areas of the Everglades is better to explore? We would like to hike and take a guided boat tour. We can’t kayak right now because my husband had shoulder surgery not too long ago. We want to see the best of the nature. Thank you.

Answer

Both Florida City/Homestead and Everglades City are great starting points for exploring Everglades National Park, and each offers a unique experience. The decision largely depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for and what parts of the park you want to explore. Here’s a breakdown of both options to help you decide:

Florida City/Homestead (Flamingo Area)

Proximity to Everglades National Park (Flamingo) - Florida City and Homestead are closer to the southern entrance of Everglades National Park, particularly the Flamingo area, which is known for its vast landscapes and wildlife. This area provides a more expansive view of the Everglades, including wetlands, mangroves, and coastal ecosystems.
Activities - From Florida City, you can head towards Flamingo and explore a variety of hiking trails, such as the Anhinga Trail and the Gumbo Limbo Trail. You’ll also have easy access to guided boat tours that can take you into the heart of the Everglades for wildlife viewing (alligator, bird watching, etc.). Flamingo is also a good spot for viewing the sunset over Florida Bay.
Accessibility - Florida City is more developed than Everglades City and has more options for accommodations, dining, and services. It's a good base for exploring the southern Everglades area if you're looking for more amenities and a wider selection of places to stay.

Everglades City

Proximity to the Gulf Coast - Everglades City is located on the western side of Everglades National Park, closer to the Ten Thousand Islands and the Gulf Coast. This area offers a unique opportunity to explore the saltwater ecosystems of the Everglades, with mangrove islands, tidal waters, and coastal wildlife.
Guided Boat Tours - Everglades City is known for its boat tours, which provide access to the more secluded areas of the park. These tours often explore the Ten Thousand Islands area, where you can see an abundance of wildlife, including manatees, dolphins, and a variety of bird species. You may also find some boat tours that cater to people with limited mobility or physical restrictions, so this could be a great option considering your husband’s recent shoulder surgery.
Activities - In addition to boat tours, Everglades City has a few short nature trails and offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife photography. The area is less developed than Florida City, providing a more tranquil, natural setting. It's a great place to immerse yourself in the Everglades' more remote, wild side.
Atmosphere - Everglades City is much smaller and quieter than Florida City. It offers a more rustic, off-the-beaten-path experience, but accommodation options are more limited, and dining options are fewer compared to Florida City.

Recommendation

If you're primarily interested in hiking and boat tours, both locations offer excellent options, but here's a quick guide:

If you prefer a more developed area with more amenities and a greater variety of hikes and boat tours: Stay in Florida City or Homestead and head towards Flamingo. You'll have access to more infrastructure and can easily explore the Flamingo area of the park, which offers diverse hiking trails and boat tours.
If you're looking for a more secluded, quieter experience and a focus on wildlife and coastal ecosystems: Everglades City may be the better choice. It’s more remote and offers a more rustic experience with boat tours into the Ten Thousand Islands, where you can explore the coastal areas of the Everglades.

In either case, you’ll be able to explore beautiful landscapes and unique wildlife, but the atmosphere will differ depending on where you stay. Enjoy your trip, and I hope you and your husband have a wonderful time exploring the Everglades!