Biscayne National Park is just 45 minutes south of Miramar, so you won't have to travel too far to explore this gorgeous stretch of Florida's coast. At this park, you can walk about a mile and a half along the Black Creek Canal and about 10 miles on the Biscayne National Park Walk. Most of the park's best spots, however, are on and under the beautiful waters of Biscayne Bay. The boating, diving, fishing, and snorkeling are world-class here; other popular activities include kayaking, canoeing, and wildlife viewing. Don't forget to take your boat to Boca Chita Key so you can hike on the island's 0.8-mile loop.
The entrance to Everglades National Park is just half an hour west of Biscayne National Park, so you'll probably want to check out the "River of Grass" on your visit. This park's 1.5 million acres contain marshes, mangroves, wetlands, and tropical wilderness areas full of manatees, panthers, alligators, and more. Boating is popular here, so this is a great place to bring your kayak or canoe. You could also take an airboat tour. If you want to set off on foot, you can explore everything from a clearly marked 0.2-mile loop to unmaintained backcountry wilderness areas.
Drive two hours and 40 minutes southwest of Everglades National Park to Key West, and take a boat, ferry, or seaplane to Dry Tortugas National Park. This tropical paradise west of Key West is home to Fort Jefferson, which was built in the 19th century. When you're not touring this historic fort, you can get out on the water with your boat, paddleboard, or kayak. Other favorite aquatic activities here include fishing, swimming, scuba diving, and snorkeling. If you're up for an adventure, you can go snorkeling along Fort Jefferson's moat wall at night with the starfish and octopuses.
On your way down to Key West, you should stop by John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, which is about an hour and 10 minutes south of Miramar, near Key Largo. This state park is another well-known diving destination, so it's an outstanding place to see some of Florida's loveliest coral reefs and marine animals. If you'd prefer to see your fish and other saltwater creatures from dry land, you can visit the park's 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium. Two beaches provide ample venues for swimming and sunbathing, and a couple of trails take visitors through the park's tropical hammocks.
Jonathan Dickinson State Park is roughly an hour and a half north of Miramar in Hobe Sound. This park on the Loxahatchee River is also close to the Indian River and Highway 1. This is Florida's biggest state park, so it contains plenty of interesting attractions, like Hobe Mountain, a beer and food garden, and a pioneer homestead from the 1930s. Whether you want to bring your own watercraft or rent one from the park, you can hit the water with a kayak, canoe, motorboat, or paddleboard. This park also has an excellent off-road biking trail system that has loops for all skill levels, from beginners to black-diamond riders.
About 45 minutes southwest of John Pennekamp is Long Key State Park. This tropical paradise has plenty of great places to go swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and more. Travelers also visit this state park for its fantastic sunrises, so it's an excellent place to greet the sun at the beginning of the day. Afterward, you can hike on a couple of trails that take you through a variety of island environments. There are plenty of birds and local wildlife to view. If all you want to see is the same beautiful ocean tableau changing throughout the day, you can spend all day relaxing on the beach.
How do I properly pack and store my belongings inside a camper van rental, and what storage options are available?
When renting a Class B motorhome from an RVshare owner, there are typically several storage options available for your belongings. You can utilize overhead storage compartments, under-bench storage, and even cabinets for heavier items. When packing your belongings, it's best to use soft-sided luggage or collapsible containers to save on space. Keep items secure while driving by using bungee cords or tension rods to prevent shifting during travel.
Can I drive a camper van rental in Miramar, FL without prior experience, and are there any special driving considerations I should know?
Driving a Class B motorhome rental is typically similar to driving a regular car, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Make sure to adjust your mirrors before setting off and be aware of the height and length of your vehicle. It's also advisable to take a test drive around the RVshare owner's neighborhood to familiarize yourself with the handling and braking of the vehicle before embarking on your trip.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform on the camper van rental during my rental period?
The owner of the RV is responsible for maintenance. Renters should keep the RV clean and handle with care to avoid any damages. You may need to empty the water tanks depending on your agreement with the RV owner.
Do I need to know any weight or height restrictions when driving a camper van motorhome rental in Miramar, FL?
It's important to know the height and weight restrictions of your camper van rental in order to avoid accidents or getting stuck in low clearance areas, especially when traveling on highways or bridges. It's also advisable to check local regulations regarding weight limits when driving on certain roads.
Can I park or store a Class B motorhome rental in a regular parking spot or garage in Miramar, FL, or are there specific requirements for parking and storage?
Parking a Class B motorhome rental in a regular spot or garage can be challenging due to the size of the vehicle. It's important to check local regulations and parking restrictions before setting off on your trip. RVshare owners may also provide guidance on where it is safe to park or store the vehicle.
What fuel efficiency considerations do I need to consider when driving a Class B motorhome rental, and how can I minimize the impact on my fuel costs?
Most Class B motorhomes are relatively fuel efficient, but it's important to be mindful of your driving habits in order to minimize fuel costs. Avoid idling the engine unnecessarily, accelerate smoothly, and avoid excessive speeding. It's also a good idea to plan your route before departing in order to avoid getting lost or taking unnecessary detours.
Are any particular features or amenities available in a camper van rental that may not be found in other RVs in Miramar, FL?
Features and amenities vary depending on the model of the Class B motorhome rental, but some popular options include a built-in microwave, refrigerator, and TV/DVD player. Some models may also include a shower and toilet, while others may not. Check the listing details on RVshare for all of the available amenities for each rental.
How do I correctly set up and use the kitchen and bathroom facilities in a Class B motorhome rental?
Each RVshare owner may have different instructions for using the kitchen and bathroom facilities in their Class B motorhome rental. In the bathroom, there may be a shower and/or toilet that needs to be hooked up to water and sewage sources. RVshare owners will typically provide instruction manuals or walkthroughs of the rental vehicle's features.
Should I bring my entertainment equipment or appliances for the camper van rental, such as a portable grill or music player?
While some Class B motorhome rentals may include entertainment equipment or appliances, such as a grill or music player, it's always a good idea to double-check with the RVshare owner about what amenities are included in the rental. If you have specific entertainment preferences, you may want to bring your own equipment or devices.
Are any specific campgrounds or RV parks in Miramar, FL particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Miramar, FL that are well-suited for Class B motorhome rentals. Some popular amenities include electrical hookups, dump stations for sewage, and picnic tables. It's important to research and reserve a spot in advance to ensure availability during your trip. RVshare owners may also have recommendations for great campsites or RV parks in the area.