Make it a day trip – or longer! For plant lovers, RF Orchids offers garden tours showcasing spectacular orchids year-round. At Miami Tropical Bonsai, discover the Japanese art of growing ornamental dwarf trees. Wildlife fans can see alligators, snakes and other critters and take an airboat ride through the river of grass at Everglades Alligator Farm. At Monkey Jungle, a wildlife park in a subtropical forest, visitors experience close encounters with wild monkeys.

History lovers will find lots of reasons to explore. Historic Downtown Homestead is home to charming buildings like the newly restored Seminole Theatre and the Historic Homestead Town Hall Museum, plus art galleries, antique shops and cafés and restaurants. Cauley Square Historic Village is a 1903 pioneer railroad village, now a collection of shops, galleries and restaurants. Another historic attraction is Coral Castle, created single-handedly by one man moving tons of rock.

Don’t forget about local foods! The family-owned Capri Restaurant has been serving fresh seafood and Italian dishes since 1958. Robert Is Here Fruit Stand is headquarters for tropical fruits, shakes and Florida foods. Finish your day at Schnebly Redland’s Winery & Brewery for wines and beer made from local fruits in a stunning tropical setting.

Find out more: Tropical Everglades Visitor Association