A Norwegian traveler heading to Florida for a work trip recently asked Reddit for advice on how to spend six free days exploring South Florida solo. His rough itinerary included Naples, the Everglades, the Florida Keys, and Miami. Florida locals were more than happy to help — and they were surprisingly united on a few key points.
The biggest piece of advice? Don’t spend the night in the Everglades in July. As a Floridian, I have to agree.
While the Everglades are absolutely worth seeing, locals overwhelmingly warned that summer conditions can be miserable between the heat, humidity, and mosquitoes. The consensus was to take an airboat ride, spot some gators, enjoy the scenery, and then continue on toward the Keys or Miami before nightfall.
“Camping in the Everglades in the summer sounds like a version of hell for native Floridians. Do you like sweating balls with relentless 24/7 bug bites?”
Another common Florida travel recommendation was to skip Alligator Alley and drive the Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41) instead. It’s slower, but you’ll get a much better look at the Everglades and can stop at places like Shark Valley, Big Cypress, and Clyde Butcher’s famous photography gallery along the way.
When it came to the Keys, locals largely agreed that Key West is worth the drive — but not without making stops along the Overseas Highway. Popular suggestions included feeding tarpon at Robbie’s Marina, snorkeling at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, visiting Bahia Honda State Park, and, of course, eating plenty of Key lime pie.
The thread also highlighted a divide familiar to many Florida residents: Key Largo versus Key West. Key Largo is all about the water, snorkeling, diving, and nature. Key West offers more nightlife, history, restaurants, and quirky attractions like the Hemingway Home. Most commenters felt first-time visitors should make the trip all the way south if they have the time.
A few hidden gems repeatedly popped up as well, including Robert Is Here Fruit Stand in Homestead, Coral Castle, Dry Tortugas National Park, and several Seminole and Everglades cultural sites that many tourists overlook.
One final piece of advice that every Floridian can get behind: bring sunscreen, bug spray, sunglasses, and more water than you think you’ll need. South Florida in July is beautiful, but it’s not exactly gentle.
If you’re visiting for less than a week, the locals’ verdict is simple: experience the Everglades, spend plenty of time on the water, drive the Keys, and save the camping trip for literally anywhere else.
