Shark Valley Visitor Center

Despite the name, there are no sharks in Shark Valley. It is a paved and slightly raised 15 mile loop in the southern Everglades in Miami, FL. You can do a 2 hour tram tour (I've never done that). Or you can hike or bike the loop. What makes Shark Valley special is... Well... It's sort of like going to a zoo except the animals aren't in cages. Yes, it's dangerous, but not if you are observant and follow the rules. Stay on the path! Even still, gators may rest near or on the path and you'll have to navigate around them. They are so used to people that they are (in my personal experience: non-aggressive) but always err on the side of caution. The above picture I took... I was on the path, the alligator was about 3 feet away. I will go on record as saying this is not advised. Do your photo ops at a safe distance. (I should mention that I do a lot of work with the non-profit organization "The Everglades Wildlife Alliance". Additionally, birders will love it here. Mama birds feeding her babies, birds on gators, on turtles... It's a memorable place. It's very popular in the winter time, which is why I recommend going in the early Spring. It's the tail end of the dry season, not oppressively hot and the crowds thin out a bit. A couple miles into the loop the crowds also thin out a bit. #springfun #nature #miami #florida #everglades #sharkvalley #aligator #birds #travel #explore #danger #environment #hike #bike #walk #tram
Despite the name, there are no sharks in Shark Valley. It is a paved and slightly raised 15 mile loop in the southern Everglades in Miami, FL. You can do a 2 hour tram tour (I've never done that). Or you can hike or bike the loop. What makes Shark Valley special is... Well... It's sort of like going to a zoo except the animals aren't in cages. Yes, it's dangerous, but not if you are observant and follow the rules. Stay on the path! Even still, gators may rest near or on the path and you'll have to navigate around them. They are so used to people that they are (in my personal experience: non-aggressive) but always err on the side of caution. The above picture I took... I was on the path, the alligator was about 3 feet away. I will go on record as saying this is not advised. Do your photo ops at a safe distance. (I should mention that I do a lot of work with the non-profit organization "The Everglades Wildlife Alliance". Additionally, birders will love it here. Mama birds feeding her babies, birds on gators, on turtles... It's a memorable place. It's very popular in the winter time, which is why I recommend going in the early Spring. It's the tail end of the dry season, not oppressively hot and the crowds thin out a bit. A couple miles into the loop the crowds also thin out a bit. #springfun #nature #miami #florida #everglades #sharkvalley #aligator #birds #travel #explore #danger #environment #hike #bike #walk #tram

Plan a trip to see Shark Valley Visitor Center

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
President Hotel

President Hotel

3.5 out of 5
South Beach
Save 100% on your flight
Price was ￥146,607, price is now ￥83,478 per person
￥83,478
per person
Apr 15 - Apr 18
found 23 hours ago
Roundtrip flight included
Los Angeles (LAX) to Miami (MIA)
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,775 reviews)
Hotel is on a great location and the breakfast is great. It’s a bit dated, but well maintained.

Reviewed on Feb 4, 2026

The Retreat Collection at 1 Hotel & Homes South Beach

The Retreat Collection at 1 Hotel & Homes South Beach

5 out of 5
South Beach
Price was ￥1,998,400, price is now ￥999,150 per person
￥999,150
per person
Apr 15 - Apr 18
found 23 hours ago
Roundtrip flight included
Los Angeles (LAX) to Miami (MIA)
8/10 Very Good! (1 review)
Cavalier Hotel South Beach

Cavalier Hotel South Beach

3.5 out of 5
South Beach
Save 100% on your flight
Price was ￥153,120, price is now ￥83,888 per person
￥83,888
per person
Apr 15 - Apr 18
found 23 hours ago
Roundtrip flight included
Los Angeles (LAX) to Miami (MIA)
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
Prime location within walking distance to all the hot spots. Included are 2 beach chairs with towels per day. Philip at the concierge received us warmly…checking us in early and giving us great recommendations. Room was a great size, A/C, with bathroom amenities. Overall, totally recommend.

Reviewed on Jan 31, 2026

Popular places to visit

Shark Valley Observatory Tower showing an observatory and a garden

Shark Valley Observatory Tower

Explore the great outdoors at Shark Valley Observatory Tower, a lovely green space in Miami. Experience the lively festivals and acclaimed art scene in this vibrant area.

Shark Valley Observatory Tower
EVERGLADES, UNITED STATES - APRIL 8, 2018: Everglades Safari Park in Everglades National Park, Florida

Everglades Safari Park

See the exotic and native animals who call Everglades Safari Park home during your trip to Miami. Check out the casinos and top-notch restaurants in this relaxing area.

Everglades Safari Park

Miccosukee Indian Village

You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Miccosukee Indian Village during your travels in Miami. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Miccosukee Indian Village

ValuJet Flight 592 Memorial

Find out about the history of Miami when you spend time at ValuJet Flight 592 Memorial. Experience the acclaimed art scene and great live music in this vibrant area.

ValuJet Flight 592 Memorial

Gator Park

You can take time to visit Gator Park during your travels to Miami. Check out the casinos and top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.

Gator Park

Big Cypress Gallery

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Big Cypress Gallery during your travels in Ochopee. Stroll along the lakeside or experience the area's art scene.

Big Cypress Gallery

Best Lodging Options Near Shark Valley Visitor Center

Miccosukee Casino & Resort

Miccosukee Casino & Resort

3 out of 5
500 SW 177th Ave Miami FL
Miccosukee Casino & Resort
Candlewood Suites Miami Exec Airport - Kendall by IHG

Candlewood Suites Miami Exec Airport - Kendall by IHG

2.5 out of 5
13600 SW 139 Court Miami FL
Candlewood Suites Miami Exec Airport - Kendall by IHG
Comfort Suites Miami - Kendall

Comfort Suites Miami - Kendall

2.5 out of 5
3901 Sw 117th Ave Miami FL
Comfort Suites Miami - Kendall
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kendall by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kendall by IHG

3.5 out of 5
Miami FL
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kendall by IHG
Courtyard by Marriott Miami at Dolphin Mall

Courtyard by Marriott Miami at Dolphin Mall

3 out of 5
11275 Nw 12th St Miami FL
Courtyard by Marriott Miami at Dolphin Mall
EVEN Hotel Miami - Doral Area, by IHG

EVEN Hotel Miami - Doral Area, by IHG

3.5 out of 5
10770 NW 25th Street Miami FL
EVEN Hotel Miami - Doral Area, by IHG
Aloft Miami Doral

Aloft Miami Doral

3 out of 5
3265 NW 107th Avenue Miami FL
Aloft Miami Doral
Nuvo Suites Hotel

Nuvo Suites Hotel

3.5 out of 5
1750 NW 107th Ave Miami FL
Nuvo Suites Hotel
South River Suites

South River Suites

3.5 out of 5
12484 NW South River Drive Miami FL
South River Suites
See all 1,523 properties in Shark Valley Visitor Center
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.