5 Things to Do in South Florida for Even the Most Experienced Traveler

Let's face it, Florida has its ups and downs. But whether you're a globetrotter or enjoy exploring locally, South Florida has a lot to offer, no matter what your travel style. I chose to visit the Everglades and the Keys because the rising sea level makes me wonder how long they will be around. I sought out to see, touch, and think, meet new people, and enjoy just a little bit of R&R and was not disappointed. Here are my top five recommendations.

1. Visit Dry Tortugas National Park

Is this on your bucket list yet? It should be. It's one of the smallest and least visited national parks, not because it's lacking in beauty, but because the archipelago of coral islands lies 70 miles off the coast of Key West and there are few ways to get there. We opted for a day trip and the ferry, and after two hours of nothing but the open sea, Fort Jefferson emerged seemingly out of nowhere, it's worn old bricks a stark contrast against the turquoise waters it is surrounded by. The sight alone is worth the trip. Snorkeling through the pilings offers a unique experience and exploring the open-air fort inside and out could take all day. If it is solitude you seek and a day trip isn't enough, there are a mere 10 campsites on the main island. I am not big into camping, but had it fit into our plans, this is one over-nighter I would have loved to do.

2. Sleep on a Sailboat

If the sea speaks to you, sleeping on a boat is a must—at least once. And the keys are a great place to check that off your list. Sailboats (any type of boat, really) abound in the keys and plenty are available as vacation rentals. Sleeping quarters may be tight, but there's nothing like waves of the ocean to lull you to sleep. And, if you're lucky, during the day you may even be able to convince your host to take you sailing.

3. Have a brew at Wynwood

Tucked away in the Wynwood Arts District, Wynwood Brewing Company is an intimate space with a laid back crowd and beers that are bursting with flavor. Be sure to check out the Wynwood Walls—an outdoor street art park—while you're there.

4. Explore the Everglades by Car, Boat, and Foot

The Everglades are otherworldly, and are also teeming with swamp sharks and hell-nope ropes (also known as alligators and venomous snakes like the cottonmouth), and because I am not Steve Irwin, I decided a tour would be the best way to explore the area. I am particular about tours, but couldn't pass up this small-group, full-day eco-safari. The tours accommodate up to 12 people, but I was thrilled that we were a party of six that day. After being picked up in Ft. Lauderdale, the day starts with an airboat ride through the sawgrass in Everglades National Park, with one of just three businesses authorized to operate inside the park boundaries. From there, a drive through Big Cypress Preserve affords you the ability to observe the native flora with some stops along the way to catch a glimpse of some large gators from a boardwalk. A walk through the cypress forest precedes an included lunch complete with alligator bites. The last stop before the drive back to Ft Lauderdale is a boat ride through the 10,000 islands. If you're lucky like I was, you'll get to spend time playing with dolphins.

5. Discover the Middle Keys

The reality is, all of the keys are busy. But some are more looked over than others, and those are the ones that you should take the time to explore. The Middle Keys tend to be less touristy than say Key Largo and Key West and offer up some great and lesser known snorkeling spots and low-key eateries.