Miami & Everglades: Small Group City Tour with Local Expert

Summary

Wander Miami’s Art Deco streets, cruise the Everglades, meet locals

You’ll ride through Miami’s wild Everglades with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story, wander pastel Art Deco streets on South Beach, and catch ocean breezes at South Pointe Park. Expect spontaneous moments—like sharing jokes with your guide or catching glimpses of daily life in Coconut Grove—that stick with you long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The morning started off with me nearly missing the pickup—I swear I read the time wrong. But our guide, Joe (who’s apparently been doing this for over a decade), just grinned and said it happens all the time. He handed me a cold bottle of water before we set off toward the Everglades. The air out there is thick—like you can taste the green—and when we stopped along Tamiami Trail, I caught this earthy smell that reminded me of wet grass after rain. We watched an egret pick its way through sawgrass while Joe pointed out alligator tracks in the mud. I’d seen photos of the Everglades before, but nothing really prepares you for how alive it feels.

Back in Miami, we rolled down Ocean Drive with neon signs flickering even though it was daylight—pastel buildings everywhere, like someone spilled a box of sidewalk chalk. Joe kept tossing out little stories about each hotel: which one showed up in movies, where Versace used to live (I tried to snap a photo but totally missed it). We wandered through South Beach and then took a quick walk at South Pointe Park. The wind picked up and I could smell salt from the ocean; you get this wild view of Fisher Island and all of South Beach laid out below. Honestly, I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic back home.

I didn’t expect to care much about Coral Gables or Coconut Grove—luxury neighborhoods aren’t really my thing—but driving under those giant banyan trees felt like stepping into another world. In Coconut Grove, Joe talked about the Bahamian families who built up West Grove ages ago. He waved to a woman selling mangoes by the road; she waved back like they actually knew each other (maybe they do?). There was this old wooden church tucked between two newer houses—paint peeling but still standing proud. Kind of made me want to know more about everyone who’s lived here.

We ended up in Wynwood for street art—Joe insisted on showing us some alley murals big buses can’t reach. The colors were so bright it almost hurt my eyes for a second. Someone was blasting salsa from an open window nearby and a couple kids zipped past on skateboards yelling in Spanish. By then my phone battery was dying but honestly? It felt better to just look around instead of snapping more pictures.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Everglades and Miami city highlights

• Travel to Everglades National Park
• Drive along Tamiami Trail
• Cruise Ocean Drive and Art Deco District
• Explore Art Deco Historic District buildings
• Visit South Pointe Park photo spot
• Drive through Coral Gables and Gables Estates
• Drive through Downtown Miami and Brickell
• Stop at Miami Circle archaeological site
• Drive through Coconut Grove neighborhood
• Drive through Wynwood street art district
• Drop off at hotel or meeting point

Top questions

How long does the Miami & Everglades tour last?

The tour covers both Miami city sights and the Everglades in one day; plan for several hours including travel between locations.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, hotel or meeting point pickup is included as part of your day trip from Miami.

What neighborhoods are visited during the Miami city tour?

You’ll see Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, Wynwood, Brickell, Downtown Miami, South Beach, and South Pointe Park.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries.

Are entry fees or taxes included in the price?

All fees and taxes are included in your booking—no hidden costs during your day trip.

How big are the groups on this small group tour?

The experience is designed for small to medium-sized groups so everyone can ask questions comfortably.

Will there be opportunities to take photos during the tour?

You’ll have plenty of chances for photos at places like South Pointe Park and along Ocean Drive’s Art Deco Historic District.

Is lunch provided on this Miami & Everglades day trip?

The description doesn’t mention lunch being included; consider bringing snacks or asking your guide about stops along the way.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel or meeting point in Miami, all entry fees and taxes covered up front so you don’t have to worry about extra costs later on, an air-conditioned vehicle for comfort between stops—even when it gets humid—and a Florida expert as your guide sharing stories plus insider knowledge throughout both city sights and Everglades nature stops. You’ll also get a 10% discount if you want to book another tour later; just ask by email after your trip.