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There are several roads for exploring the Everglades: I-75, Alligator Alley; Hwy 41, the Tamiami Trail; or the less developed road (No. 9336) from Florida City. Off all of these roads, you’ll find many opportunities for excursions into the wild (see also The Everglades & The Everglades, across the Tamiami Trail (Hwy 41)).

One of the best of South Florida’s ravishing tropical gardens.

There are any number of companies that will take you deep-sea fishing, while freshwater fishing is good at Amelia Earhart Park or Lake Okee chobee.

Deep-sea fishermen find the Keys to be paradise. With the Gulf Stream nearby, these waters offer the most varied fishing imaginable. Boat trips are easy to come by; try the Key West Fishing Club.

Deep-sea fishing out in the ocean, or the more conventional kind off a jetty or pier – both are readily available. The jetty or Sunshine Pier at First Street Beach on Miami Beach is good, or the breaker area just south of the Lighthouse on Key Biscayne.

Walking through the heart of Downtown Miami is reminiscent of a marketplace you might encounter in Latin America – colorful, brash, rather seedy – and none too safe at night.

These beautiful gardens began life in 1927 as a weekend retreat for the citrus-farming Wray family. The lush botanical gardens and bird sanctuary are worth at least half a day. There’s a “free-flight” aviary, featuring a mass of Florida birds, including the comical roseate spoonbill and, of course, the flamingo. The rare bald eagle has also made a home here.

Looe Key Reef is one of the Keys’ most spectacular coral reefs and is great for snorkeling and diving. Call for information about boat trips to the best spots.

A safe haven for recovering Keys birds of all types. Healed ones are set free, if they like.