"Shark Valley off Tamiami Trail" Top 5 Page for this destination The Everglades Tip by Homanded

By far, the best section of the Everglades in my opinion for tourists to get a feel for the "River of Grass" experience.

Here, you can walk a short distance from the visitor center and be up close and personal with huge alligators, often sunning on the banks. Be careful when walking around these creatures, especially in the late spring/early summer months.
It is their breeding season and some females prove to be territorial.

The clarity of the water and how shallow it is in the streams which border the W. end of the park afford you the opportunity to see the underwater cycle in action.
You will see many fish - both native and non native, being chased by Allgator Gars, as well as the many varieties of heron and egrets fishing within feet of you, totally ignoring your precense.
During breeding season (March through May), wildlife photographers will have plenty of opportunity to photograph active nests in the mangroves and rookeries across the narrow gulch.
Long lenses are not necessary as the birds are highly visible and the nests that near!

Once you've tired of photographing there, you may take the tram or rent a bicycle and ride the 7.5 miles to the observation tower.
Once there, you can climb to the top and have an amazing view of the entire park, giving you an appreciation for how big this river of sawgrass truly is.
Additionally, at the observation tower, directly beneath, are a series of gator holes where alligators gather by the dozens, especially in the dry winter/spring season.
Tram runs about every 2 hours, total length of interpretive trip: 2 hours from start to finish given by a park ranger.

Once you've finished in the park, there are various "Alligator farms" and Airboat tours directly outside the park run by individual concessionaires.
They're all basically the same, each one touting to be the "oldest" and the "best".
Very touristy but, worth it if you're a first time visitor.
Outside the main gate to the park is the Mikosoukee Restaurant, offering local favorites and BBQ. Pricey, as you might expect for a convinient 'right-ouside-the-main-tourist-attraction" restaurant but, if you have a hankering for fried alligator tail, it might be something to consider.

Address: Shark Valley Loop Rd, Miami, FL 33196
Directions: From the Florida Turnpike:
Exit on S.W. 8th Street (Tamiami Trail) and head West.
Go past Krome Avenue (S.W. 177th) Continue on Tamiami to the park. Entrance will be on your left (South Side).
Phone: (305) 221-8455
Website: http://www.sharkvalleytramtours.com/