A tropical climate, a unique mixing of heritages, cultures, and cuisines—as well as an inviting contrast of large swathes of untouched nature and some of the country’s most famous cities—make South Florida worthy of any traveler’s bucket list.

Here are four attractions you should not miss out on when visiting there, each with a helpful tip for a safer and more relaxing stay.

Everglades National Park

No visit to South Florida would be complete without a day or two spent in the third-largest national park in the continental US. The park protects the fascinating wetlands ecosystem of Florida’s southernmost tip while offering tourists a chance to see gators, egrets, softshell turtles, and other wildlife while touring the sprawling swamp in an iconic airboat.

Remote parts of the Everglades have spotty phone service; some are covered only by one carrier. You’ll want to use an eSIM service to set up a flexible plan that lets you switch carriers without having to use a separate physical SIM, so you can always reach out for assistance. To find the best eSIM for your South Florida trip, check out esimgeek.

 

Fort Lauderdale

While it’s as good a place as any in SoFlo for boat rides, beach vacations, and key lime pie, you won’t want to miss Fort Lauderdale if you’re a connoisseur of culture and history. 

The city boasts a formidable assortment of museums and historical sites, no matter your interest. The Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is a trifecta of architectural and artistic heritage, cultural significance, as well as natural beauty. The NSU Art Museum is a haven for contemporary artists, and the Museum of Discovery and Science is self-explanatory. And these are just the top three!

Parking in Fort Lauderdale can cost you an arm and a leg. Look for lots that let you pay by phone or hire an Uber if you want to get around without worrying about fees. 

South Beach, Miami 

The things you can do in South Beach, let alone Miami, wouldn’t fit in an article four times the size of this one, so here are the cliff notes. Interested in art and architecture? The Art Deco Historical District is the place to be. Want to experience vibrant nightlife and diverse cuisine? Ocean Drive has got you covered! Need to get some shopping done? Lincoln Road offers everything from curio shops to a fabulous mall. Oh, and there’s also the world-renowned beach itself for when you want to sunbathe, swim, or enjoy water-sports.

Cafes and fine dining establishments offer complimentary Wi-Fi, which is easy to hack or imitate and isn’t secure. Before using such a service, turn on a trustworthy VPN to encrypt your connection. Besides, VPNs have many benefits, like thwarting hacking attempts and protecting your anonymity.

Lion Country Safari, Loxahatchee

Finally, here’s the perfect day trip destination for the whole family – a drive-through Safari! All the zebras, giraffes, rhinos—and, of course, lions will make you think you took a wrong turn somewhere and wound up in Africa. Once you’re done admiring them from the safety of your vehicle, you can treat the kiddos to some mini-golf or have them cool off in the Splash Zone.

Remember not to feed the animals and dress appropriately for the time of year. While it’s called the Sunshine State for a reason, Florida is no stranger to sudden downpours. Bring light jackets, just in case.