A friend of mine has lived in Homestead for years.  When I told him I was highlighting Homestead as my Florida Destination of the Month, he said, "WHY?!"  Well, at first glance, Homestead isn't really a top tourist destination, like South Beach or Orlando. But there are actually plenty of interesting things to do!

Homestead is about 40 minutes south of downtown Miami.  There are only 3 National Parks in the state of Florida, and 2 of them are easily accessed from Homestead: Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park. (The 3rd one is Dry Tortugas National Park, about 70 miles west of Key West.)  Frommer's also lists Everglades and Biscayne National Parks on their list of 100 Places to Take Your Kids!



Everglades National Park is the number one spot for ecotourism in Florida.  The Ernest Coe Visitor Center in Homestead is just one of 4 entrances to the National Park, and it’s open every day of the year.  Several good walking, hiking, and biking trails are nearby, including: 

• Anhinga Trail (from Royal Palm Visitor Center, about 4 miles from Ernest Coe) - .8 miles and wheelchair accessible; see an abundance of wildlife
• Gumbo Limbo Trail (from Royal Palm Visitor Center, about 4 miles from Ernest Coe) - .4 miles and wheelchair accessible; see a variety of trees, including the Gumbo Limbo, often nicknamed the "tourist tree" because of its peeling bark
• Long Pine Key Trails (around Long Pine Key Campground, about 7 miles from Ernest Coe) - over 28 miles of connecting trails for hiking or biking.  Not wheelchair accessible.
• Pineland Trail (7 miles from Ernest Coe) - .5 miles, wheelchair accessible; loop through a forest
• Pahayokee Overlook (13 miles from Ernest Coe) - .25 miles, wheelchair accessible; raised observation platform on a boardwalk
• Mahogany Hammock Trail (20 miles from Ernest Coe) - .5 miles, wheelchair accessible; boardwalk trail through a hardwood hammock and lush vegetation

There are also many options for bird-watching, boating, and ranger-led activities.  Note that most of the Ranger Programs take place between December and March, when the weather is the driest, coolest, and most pleasant (read: mosquito-free).  If you're looking for wildlife, you'll be likely to see alligators, many varieties of snakes and lizards, white-tailed deer, and more.  For a complete listing, see the national park's website here.  

If you're traveling with kids to Everglades National Park, be sure to check out the For Kids section of the park's website, where children can complete tasks to become a Junior Ranger and earn a badge! Note that many of the trails listed above are wheelchair accessible; this also means that if you're traveling with kids, those trails are stroller accessible!  

For another unique experience, head about 20 minutes east from Homestead to the Biscayne National Park.  The Dante Fascell Visitor's Center is a good way to get acquainted with this park with a small museum that displays the four ecosystems found in the park.  For kids, there's a touch table and the option to get started on a Junior Ranger badge.  On the second Sunday of each month from January through May, the park hosts Family Fun Fest with hands-on activities for kids.

But remember that 95% of the park is underwater, so the best way to really explore is by getting out on the water!  Between boating, snorkeling, diving, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing, there's no shortage of water-based activities available.  If you don't have your own boat, an outside concessioner runs snorkel trips, boat rides to the Boca Chita Lighthouse, and shuttles to Elliott Key for overnight camping adventures; just be sure to reserve ahead of time to guarantee availability.


And a reminder, no matter which park you choose, don't forget the sunblock and mosquito repellant!