Big Cypress National Preserve

"This was a great surprise stop on a drive back from a cruise. We attempted to get into Everglades but the park was extremely full at shark Valley. Made this stop and It was not as busy with an even larger parking lot! The entire stretch of road was full of wildlife and alligators everywhere. The visitor center was a nice small one with a smaller store. The kids where able to get there junior ranger badge and passport stamp. Will definitely be making another stop at this preserve."

"This is a vast area and a unique ecosystem. The things to do are somewhat limited, but the visitor centers provide a good orientation on the preserve, things to do, and wildlife viewing. What I found interesting was how the preserve, reservation, Everglades National Park, and the various state parks and preserves all exist really as one continuous environment."

"Not much to see from highway exit, but other people have great pics. Good rest stop with dog park. Birds are fun as they try to steal morsels of food!!!"

"This place is big! Lots of wildlife to see and lots of different areas to drive and hike through. Still pretty wet in a lot of places. Definitely do the Kirby Storter boardwalk which is about .5 miles one way. Saw alligators at the Oasis Visitor Center boardwalk and H P Williams roadside park. The drive to the Tree Snail Trail was cool, that’s a short little loop with a ton of bugs, so be sure to bring the bug spray. Free as well!!"

"wonderful! with four or five different stops each with very short and easy to traverse trails. Alligators, birds, and beautiful cypress trees - absolutely worth the one and a half hour drive from Miami! I highly recommend stopping at one of the visitor centers for a map, and any insight from the Rangers on site, they had very good advice on sightseeing."