Compare And Contrast Florida Everglades

Everglades Vs Key West

The state of Florida is a popular southern destination for those looking to travel within the United States. The consistent heat throughout the year and the attractions, events, and nightlife compel people from all over the world to visit the so-called “Sunshine State”. For vacations, Miami and Orlando are typically the first places that come to mind with Miami having a heavy nightlife seen with a long list of clubs and Orlando being close to a lot of the main amusement parks like Disney and Bush Gardens. However, Key West and the Everglades are two options some tourists may consider. The climate, wildlife, sightseer, and outdoor activities all differ, and should be taken into account when trying to decide on the best

The Everglades is home to the American Alligator, American Crocodile, Florida Panther, White Tailed Deer, Wood Stork, Eastern Indigo Snake, Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow, Tree Snail and many more (Diptarka Ghosh, May 2021). The animals in the Everglades have adapted to the swampy areas that Florida has to offer. The terrain is so specific that there are animals that can only be found within certain regions of Florida. The article, “Animals of The Florida Everglades” states, “The mosaic of important habitats that make up the Everglades National Park supports several significant floral and faunal species that are unique to the Everglades region and are found nowhere else on the planet. It has been estimated that about 39 threatened species, 300 fish species, 50 reptilian species, 360 avian species, and 40 mammalian species are found in the Everglades National Park. In addition to these, numerous insects and invertebrate fauna like mollusks, crustaceans, arachnids, centipedes, millipedes, are found here. Notable amphibians like the southern leopard frog and the American green tree frog have also been recorded in the Everglades.” (Diptarka Ghosh, May 2021) (n.p.). Key West despite having a small amount of similar animals, houses some species that are only found within The Keys. Some of these animals include, Lower Keys Marsh Rabbit, Silver Rice Rat, Florida Keys Mole Skink, Lower Keys Striped Mud Turtle, Stock Island Tree

The tourist attractions in the Everglades are more wildlife and nature-oriented than the Florida Keys. There are Alligator Farms, a variety of trails to choose from like the Anhinga or the Pa-hay-okee trail, the Big Cypress National Reserve, and the popular airboat tours (Touropia Editors, 2021). They also have the Flamingo Visitor Center which is near campgrounds and hosts hiking and canoeing trails for those who truly love the outdoors. Key West, however, features an array of museums such as the Key West Lighthouse and Keepers Quarters Museum, the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, the Key West Shipwreck Museum, and the Ernest Hemingway Home Museum. The Keys also have an abundance of festivals and nightlife, a Conch Train Tour that teaches about the history of Key West, the Harry S. Truman Little White House and the Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park for those who have a deep interest in the background of Key West, the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, seaports, beaches, and many more fun activities to participate in (20 Best Things To Do in Key West, March