Florida City doesn't have the attractions of Homestead or the historic character of Everglades City, but its location does the work: it's the last mainland town on US-1 before "The Stretch," the roughly 18-mile run to Key Largo and the start of the Florida Keys. That makes it a genuinely convenient base if your trip covers both the Everglades and the Keys.
The Basics
Florida City is a small city, about 13,000 residents as of the 2020 Census, sitting just south of Homestead. Its identity is largely functional: a highway-adjacent stop with a concentrated strip of budget-friendly lodging, making it an easy overnight base without the higher rates you'll find closer to Miami or in the Keys themselves.
Where to Stay
Florida City has the highest concentration of budget and mid-range chain hotels of the three gateway towns, several of them literally branded around the location: Best Western Gateway to the Keys and Quality Inn - Gateway to the Keys both lean into it directly. Other options include Fairfield by Marriott, Tru by Hilton, and Hoosville Hostel for a lower-cost option. If you'd rather camp, Southern Comfort RV Resort is based here. See the full lodging directory for everything else.
Practical, Not Flashy
Florida City's dining and attractions lean practical rather than destination-worthy on their own. Florida Pioneer Museum covers the area's early agricultural and railroad history in a small-town setting, and Tours in the Glades runs guided trips into the park. For food, options range from Florida City Restaurant to JouJou Caribbean Restaurant. Browse the full dining directory for more.
Trailhead Access
Southern Glades Trailhead gives hikers and cyclists direct access to the park's eastern wetlands without needing to drive all the way to the main entrance near Homestead.
Who Should Base Here
Florida City makes the most sense if your trip pairs the Everglades with the Florida Keys, or if you just want the most budget-friendly lodging option within a short drive of the park's main entrance. If you want more dining and attraction variety in the evenings, Homestead, just a few minutes north, offers considerably more.
