Shark Valley Visitors Center
The Shark Valley Visitor’s Center has a 15-mile loop road into the Everglades park and provides a great day trip from Miami since it’s only about a half-hour drive from the turnpike. There’s an observation tower and the road is very scenic. On the way to the entrance you’ll pass by all sorts of touristy things to tempt you…signs for airboat rides, various alligator farms, left over from the days when the alligator was endangered, (not anymore: it’s now so prevalent it’s considered a nuiscance and you can now get a permit to hunt them). The alligator farms do provide a wonderful way for toursits to get up close and learn about these unique creatures that are ever so much a part of Florida’s image and landscape. There’s a tram tour that leaves the visitor center and delves deep into the Everglades. It’s an excellent tour, but if you’d rather stay more private, the tram road is also great for cycling.
