Florida Everglades trip: I am planning a trip through the Everglades in mid-January. I have researched travel sites but would like input - especially from local nearby residents. I...

rplain1 Loc: Dayton, Oh.

I am planning a trip through the Everglades in mid-January. I have researched travel sites but would like input - especially from local nearby residents. I would like to take US41 but I need to know of places to stay (at a reasonable price). Any help is appreciated. Or should I take I-75. Want the best chance for wildlife but don't want to break the bank. And will need to stay somewhere for one night. Thanks.

twowindsbear

I'll suggest I75 until you're a LOT closer to the Everglades, THEN travel US41

gregoryd45 Loc: Fakahatchee Strand

rplain1 wrote:

I am planning a trip through the Everglades in mid-January. I have researched travel sites but would like input - especially from local nearby residents. I would like to take US41 but I need to know of places to stay (at a reasonable price). Any help is appreciated. Or should I take I-75. Want the best chance for wildlife but don't want to break the bank. And will need to stay somewhere for one night. Thanks.

Us 41 takes you through the Everglades and Big Cypress, rplain1. If you take 75 south to the Marco Island exit and go south for about 4 miles you will hit 41, turn left and Everglades City is about 25 miles. Good Motels and rates somewhere around $125 per night, If you let me know when you will be here, I will be happy to take you to all the good birding sites. I have been here 7 years and know all the good spots

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

Gregory's advise is the best, and I would take him up on his generous offer!

rstipe Loc: S. Florida

If you're going to be here, don't miss the opportunity to visit Clyde Butcher's Big Cypress Gallery in Ochopee.

Tom337

Greg has it right but be sure to make reservations early in Everglade City.

Silverman Loc: Michigan

rplain1 wrote:

I am planning a trip through the Everglades in mid-January. I have researched travel sites but would like input - especially from local nearby residents. I would like to take US41 but I need to know of places to stay (at a reasonable price). Any help is appreciated. Or should I take I-75. Want the best chance for wildlife but don't want to break the bank. And will need to stay somewhere for one night. Thanks.

I-75 would be much quicker than US-41 has a lot of Traffic congestion, especially during the Winter months. If you have a "Smartphone" you are able to plan your whole route, showing detours, traffic congestion, traffic accidents, etc. Also your Hotels will be easier to access and locate. I have never been to the Everglades myself, but if and when I go, I want a "Air-Boat" Everglades tour, see places and wildlife you will never see in your Car. Have a wonderful & Safe trip.
You would most likely have to get off I-75 at some point and take Us-41 when you reach a certain point south of Naples, Florida to get to the actual "Everglades" tourist area.

rstipe Loc: S. Florida

Actually, the traffic's not bad on US 41. It's a very nice drive & if you go too fast you'll certainly miss a LOT of wildlife! I live here.

rplain1 Loc: Dayton, Oh.

Thank you all for your advise - I really appreciate it.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

I shoot often in Shark Valley on Highway 41 West. Wildlife depends a lot on previous weather conditions and I have noticed that during those years when we have had an excess of rain during the summer months that the population of visiting birds is not as plentiful as when the weather has been less aggressive. Hurricanes, I am sure you know are disastrous when it comes to wildlife in the Everglades.
Another part of the Everglades that is also very busy in winter is that part of the park located beyond Florida City to the South of US 1. You will find plenty of hotels in Homestead and Florida City but not around Shark Valley unless you stay in Miami.
The park comprises a huge amount of land which I have not explored. I myself, in spite of living near by could need help exploring other parts of the Everglades.

Silverman Loc: Michigan

rstipe wrote:

Actually, the traffic's not bad on US 41. It's a very nice drive & if you go too fast you'll certainly miss a LOT of wildlife! I live here.

I have been to Fort Myers and Naples, during "Tourist Season" US-41 is very busy + the 4-way turn lights make waiting "forever" to get to your favorite Restaurant, Grocery Store, Drug store, Beach, Etc.
I have friends that live there and they say they "Hate" driving around anywhere from December thru March and even April is busy. A relatively normal 15 minute. drive takes 45 minutes.

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

Silverman wrote:

I have been to Fort Myers and Naples, during "... (show quote)

You are absolutely correct! It's gotten so crowded in SW Florida the last few years we don't go there in the season you mentioned.

gregoryd45 Loc: Fakahatchee Strand

Silverman wrote:

I have been to Fort Myers and Naples, during "... (show quote)

I have lived in the Everglades for the past 7 years, and travel US 41 everyday, as it is the only highway we have. There is only one traffic light between east Naple (951) and west Miami for 80 miles. That light is at US 29 going to Everglades City, we don't have the traffic that Naples and Ft Myers has to our west and the traffic you find in Miami to our east

rstipe Loc: S. Florida

I hardly EVER go to Ft. Myers or Naples. I only take 41 for the scenery & to visit Clyde. I live south of Miami in Cutler Bay, so getting out to Big Cypress & ENP is a relaxing day.

gregoryd45 Loc: Fakahatchee Strand

rstipe wrote:

I hardly EVER go to Ft. Myers or Naples. I only take 41 for the scenery & to visit Clyde. I live south of Miami in Cutler Bay, so getting out to Big Cypress & ENP is a relaxing day.

I am with you rstripe, I live in the Everglades, and just did a show 2 weeks ago in Homestead, piece of cake driving, no traffic untii Krome Ave, and you can't beat the Everglades scenery along 41