Day trip option: Everglades or a Key Biscayne visit
From SLS Brickell you have two straightforward day-trip choices: the Everglades for wildlife, airboat tours, and short hikes (about 45–60 minutes by car), or Key Biscayne for beach time at Crandon Park or Bill Baggs Lighthouse Beach and water sports (roughly a 12–20 minute drive). Pick the Everglades for wildlife and a nature-focused half- to full-day trip; pick Key Biscayne for a shorter, beach-and-water-activity day that gets you back to Altitude Pool & Lounge by late afternoon.
In this guide
Starting from SLS Brickell
SLS Brickell's address is 805 S Miami avenue, Miami, Florida, 33131. Confirm local pick-up or parking plans with the concierge; the hotel offers 24-hour front-desk service and concierge support for day-trip arrangements.
If you’re staying in a guest room type such as Suite, 2 Bedrooms (Lux), Room (Lux), or Studio (Lux), the concierge can suggest tour operators, arrange a rideshare, or advise on driving routes and parking at your destination.
- Hotel contact for travel help: BookResorts agents, 24/7 at +1 (888) 605-1350.
- Free WiFi throughout the property can help you book tours or check maps before you leave.
- Altitude Pool & Lounge on the rooftop is convenient for scheduling an afternoon return.
| Hotel detail | What to ask concierge |
|---|---|
| Address | Confirm pick-up point for tour or rideshare drop-off |
| 24-hour front desk | Ask about recommended tour operators and up-to-date departure times |
| Rooftop pool bar (Altitude Pool & Lounge) | Reserve a cabana or seating for your return time |
Option A — Everglades: what to expect
The Everglades is a broad subtropical wilderness best visited for wildlife viewing, guided airboat rides, and short boardwalk trails like the Anhinga Trail and the Shark Valley paved loop. Expect sawgrass prairie, wetland habitats, and opportunities to see alligators and wading birds.
Drive time from Brickell-area Miami to common Everglades entrances is typically about 45–60 minutes; tour operators often provide transportation if you prefer not to drive yourself.
- Typical activities: airboat tours, guided eco-tours, short hikes and boardwalk wildlife viewing
- Good for: birdwatchers, nature photographers, families who don’t mind a bit of walking
- Time needed: half-day (4–5 hrs) if you take one tour; a full day if combining multiple activities or visitor centers
| Entrance / Area | Why go |
|---|---|
| Shark Valley | Paved loop for wildlife viewing, biking, and an observation tower |
| Homestead / Ernest Coe | Gateway for longer boardwalk trails and many ranger programs |
| Tour operators | Airboat trips and guided tours that include hotel pickup (ask concierge) |
Option B — Key Biscayne: beaches and water sports
Key Biscayne’s main public beaches—Crandon Park Beach and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park—are a short drive from Brickell (roughly 12–20 minutes depending on traffic). These beaches offer swimming, picnic areas, and a calmer bay-side feel compared with South Beach.
Beyond sunbathing, Key Biscayne is a spot for snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding; Hobie Island nearby is popular with windsurfers and kiteboarders.
- Crandon Park Beach: family-friendly with picnic areas and nature trails
- Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park: historic lighthouse and more secluded shoreline
- Water activities: snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and kitesurfing at nearby Hobie Island
| Beach | Best for |
|---|---|
| Crandon Park Beach | Families, shaded picnic spots, nearby facilities |
| Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park | Scenic walks, lighthouse viewing, more natural shoreline |
| Hobie Island | Windsports and active water-sport users |
How to choose: Everglades vs Key Biscayne
Choose the Everglades if you want wildlife-focused time away from the city, are prepared for a longer drive, and prefer guided nature tours or an airboat experience. It’s better as a half-day or full-day outing.
Choose Key Biscayne if you want a shorter trip focused on beaches or water activities, quick access back to the hotel rooftop pool, and an easier schedule for families or travelers who prefer less driving.
- Everglades: longer drive, wildlife, tours, hiking; plan for sunscreen and bug protection
- Key Biscayne: shorter drive, swimming/snorkeling, picnic options; bring towels and water shoes
- If you have limited time: Key Biscayne returns you to Altitude Pool & Lounge or the rooftop pools more quickly
| Trip goal | Better choice |
|---|---|
| See wildlife and unique ecosystems | Everglades |
| Beach time and water sports with short travel time | Key Biscayne |
| Half-day with easy return to hotel | Key Biscayne |
Timing, transport and logistics
Traffic around Miami can affect drive times; Key Biscayne is closer but still subject to peak-hour congestion. The concierge can estimate travel time for your planned departure window and help reserve a rideshare or private car.
If you drive, check parking rules at your destination: state and county parks charge parking fees and may have limited spaces on busy days. Many Everglades tour operators include pickup and drop-off from central Miami locations.
- Driving: Everglades ~45–60 minutes; Key Biscayne ~12–20 minutes (typical estimates)
- Tours: many Everglades tours include transportation—ask the concierge for vetted operators
- Public transport: limited direct service to the Everglades; public transit to Key Biscayne is possible but indirect
| Mode | Practical notes |
|---|---|
| Rideshare / Taxi | Convenient door-to-door; costs vary with demand |
| Self-drive | Gives flexibility; check parking at parks and tour sites |
| Guided tour | Often includes transport and skip-the-line access for airboats |
What to pack and safety tips
For either trip bring sun protection, a refillable water bottle, comfortable shoes, and insect repellent for the Everglades. If you plan water activities on Key Biscayne, pack swimwear, quick-dry clothing, and footwear suitable for sand and rocky spots.
Follow posted rules at natural areas: do not feed wildlife in the Everglades, heed safety briefings for airboat operators, and observe local flags and lifeguard guidance at beaches.
- Everglades: bug repellent, hat, binoculars, closed-toe shoes or sturdy sandals
- Key Biscayne: beach towels, snorkel gear (optional), water shoes, shade options
- General: ID, any necessary medications, and a charged phone for navigation
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Insect repellent | Protects against mosquitoes in wetlands |
| Sun protection | Miami sun is strong year-round |
| Reusable water bottle | Stay hydrated; many parks have refill points |
Returning to SLS Brickell
Plan to return mid- to late-afternoon if you want time to use the rooftop pools or reserve space at Altitude Pool & Lounge. The hotel’s rooftop and poolside bar make a convenient post-trip spot to rest, rinse off, and grab a drink.
If you need storage or shower facilities before check-in or after check-out, ask the front desk about luggage storage and the spa or fitness center availability; the concierge can also time your return to fit dinner or rooftop happy hour.
- Altitude Pool & Lounge offers poolside food and drinks and runs a weekday happy hour from 3pm–5pm.
- Ask concierge about cabana availability and any return-time reservations to ensure space.
- If you’re staying in a Suite, 2 Bedrooms (Lux) or Room (Lux) or Studio (Lux), check in/out times and any late-checkout options with the front desk.
| Service | Ask about |
|---|---|
| Concierge | Shuttle/tour booking, return-time recommendations |
| Spa | Changing-room availability or same-day treatment options |
| Front desk | Towel or luggage storage after a day outing |
