Dec 2025 – Jan 2026 - Christmas to New Year Trip - Part 2

The next day, Dec 28, 2025, I was ready to check out by 8 am, grabbed a coffee from the hotel bar, and hit the road again. Something I noticed were signs for Florida panthers on the road; at first, I thought they were lions, which I did not think Florida has wild lions on the streets😊. It was almost two hours to the Shark Valley Visitor Center. The drive was long, and there were many things to explore in this part of the region, such as Big Cypress National Preserve and the Everglades Wildlife Management Area, where you can take an airboat tour to explore. However, taking an airboat tour was not my plan.

I arrived at the Shark Valley Visitor Center at Everglades National Park at 10 am. It was extremely busy, and the line to the main gate was very long. People, including me, parked on the main street (SW 8th St) and walked to the gate. I parked my car, changed, and got my backpack ready. The visitor center was very busy, and there was a long line for the rental bikes. My goal was to get to the Shark Valley Observation Tower; however, after walking for almost 3 miles, I decided to turn back (the round trip can take up to 15 miles), and most people either bring their own bike or have a reservation, which I did not have either.

Even though I felt very disappointed for not being able to make it all the way to the Observation Tower, I still enjoyed the walk along the trail, the shallow water, and seeing so many alligators, turtles, and different kinds of birds, including a purple gallinule. This part of the Everglades revealed itself in quiet layers, where water, sky, and wild growth blended into a seamless horizon, with narrow canals dotted with lily pads and so much vegetation. The water opened into a reflective corridor, mirroring the sky. So much nature and so much life beneath the surface. This walk was almost 6 miles, including the Otter Cave Hammock Trail.

 Next was going to Royal Palm, after it was recommended by someone I met on the trail who had already explored the southeast side of the park. Royal Palm was a little over an hour drive from the other side of the park. I also stopped and took a break on the way. Royal Palm was very beautiful and unique. It was my first time seeing something like this in my life, as one of the most popular destinations within the Everglades, known for its exceptional wildlife viewing and diverse ecosystems. It is also considered one of the best places in the park to see alligators, turtles, and a variety of wading birds like anhingas, herons, and egrets. Within a small area, you can experience both the wet sawgrass marsh and the dry tropical hardwood hammock. My walk was 1.41 miles; it was busy, with many people traveling during the holiday season.

While on my way to Christian Point, I stopped at Pinelands Trail (walked for about half a mile) and Mahogany Hammock, where I also walked for about half a mile.

Pinelands Trailhead is a short, easy walk that offers a quiet and unique glimpse into the Everglades’ pine forest ecosystem. Very peaceful atmosphere, educational signs, and a mix of vegetation; more of a quick stop rather than a main destination.

Mahogany Hammock Trail is another short trail, an easy boardwalk that feels immersive and almost jungle-like, with dense vegetation, towering trees, and a shaded, peaceful atmosphere. A very unique and beautiful stop that offers a quick but memorable glimpse into a rare and dense part of the Everglades ecosystem. Accessible, family-friendly, and full of interesting plant life and educational signs.

I arrived at Christian Point at 3:15 pm, and the hike was almost 4 miles, continuing almost until sunset. This trail was rugged and remote, going through the heart of a true wilderness experience with diversity in scenery, starting in mangroves, moving through coastal prairie, and ending near the water. One thing to keep in mind is that the trail is not maintained, and it can be hard to follow, with overgrown vegetation, deep mud, and sometimes standing water along the way. I used all my photography skills and tried to take some good photos. I met a few hikers, including a family, at the very end of the trail by the shallow water; we had a brief chat while listening to the birds and looking at the endless view.

My last destination was Flamingo Campground, where I had already reserved a spot. I checked in with the person standing at the main gate; she gave me a map and more than enough instructions. After I settled in, I went for a walk to watch the sunset at Flamingo Beach.

This was not a typical beach; it felt more like raw wilderness than a coastal spot; no sand, but mud, rocks, and mangroves. I did not see anyone swimming, and there were so many bugs, but overall, I enjoyed my time there. It had a peaceful, remote atmosphere, with a beautiful sunset, birds flying across the view, and people chatting while watching the scenery.

Back at my camping spot around 6 pm, I managed to take a shower at the public shower area, made some food, brewed tea, and immediately got into my tent since there were bugs all over. During the night, I woke up a few times and enjoyed looking at the stars, yet again reminding me of my old life growing up and sleeping on rooftops, enjoying the quiet of nature.

Biscayne National Park. 

Before heading to sleep last night, I was looking into Biscayne National Park, and 95% of this park is underwater and involves water activities. Since I did not have reservations ahead of time and did not do much planning, the only option available was kayaking through the mangroves, which I felt lucky to find a spot for. Other things to do were snorkeling & diving, paddling, boating & sailing, and visiting the islands and beaches, which were also fully booked. Biscayne National Park protects diverse marine life and mangrove habitats, featuring species like West Indian manatees, sea turtles, American crocodiles, and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. The park is a haven for over 600 native fish species, plus numerous birds, sharks, and invertebrates. 

Dec 29, 2025, I was up by 6:40 am. I think I slept well and felt rested. After I unpitched my tent, I was ready to drive, which was a little over an hour. It was Monday, and people seemed to be back to work after the Christmas holidays.

Driving through the Everglades while exiting the park was beautiful. I watched the sun come out, and it was foggy with a beautiful landscape. Driving through the Everglades at sunrise felt quiet and almost unreal. The fog softened everything, blurring the edges of the grass and trees as the sky slowly warmed from gray to orange, like it was holding its breath and waiting for the sun to shine. The light spread slowly, touching the tops of the grass and thin trees while the sun rose low and steady in the distance.

After I stopped for coffee, I arrived at the Dante Fascell Visitor Center in Biscayne National Park right at 8 am. The visitor center was still closed, and the parking lot was almost empty. My kayaking booking was at 9 am.

I spent some time walking around, sipping my coffee, enjoying the beautiful views, and seeing Miami buildings appearing far across the water.

Apparently, people started arriving, and our kayaking captain was ready a little after 9 am. He was from Georgia and had moved to Florida for this job a few years ago. The captain gave us an orientation, and then we were ready to kayak. The group was about 20 people, most on tandem kayaks. Kayaking through the mangroves took almost two hours and about 3 miles, and we saw plenty of wildlife such as pelicans and iguanas.

Something I learned about mangroves is that they are considered Blue Carbon ecosystems; they capture and store massive amounts of carbon dioxide in their flooded soils, helping mitigate climate change. They are also a wildlife sanctuary, providing nesting sites for birds like roseate spoonbills and refuge for endangered species such as manatees and sea turtles.

I was sad I could not reserve a spot for snorkeling or diving. It would have been amazing to see the sea life underwater, something I have never experienced before.

By almost noon, I was ready to drive to Miami, a city I had heard so much about but had never visited.

I had no reservations for Dry Tortugas National Park, but after researching online, the only possible chance was to show up early at the Key West Ferry Terminal and put my name down in case someone did not show up.

The drive from the mainland to Key West was almost four hours, and I was not able to find any hotels for less than $800 a night; so I decided not to risk it and instead plan better next year for another trip to Florida, and to visit the Virgin Islands National Park as well. I realized trips to the mountains are much easier than trips to the ocean and coastal areas.

By 1:40 pm, I was in Miami Beach, though not yet where I was going to stay. Once again, I got lucky and found a hotel for three nights at a reasonable price (Kenmore Village Hotel). I was not able to check in early, so I parked in a residential area (definitely not allowed). I even saw a robot going around 😊, but I still parked there. I took a walk on Miami Beach and had lunch at a Turkish restaurant, Bolu Doner Kebab. 

After I checked in at 4 pm, I went looking for parking. I went to the public parking across the street from the hotel, and there was a sign that said FULL, but for some reason, I kept going. At the gate, an older lady came up and said, Don’t you see the sign? I told her I was staying at the hotel across the street and would not move my car for three days. She was very kind and opened the gate for me. She told me to make sure I parked on the roof. The parking building was at the same location as the Miami Beach Police Department. I felt lucky and safe.

After I was able to rest and settle in, I got ready and went for a walk. By 10 pm, I had walked 8 miles through Mimai Beach area across mainly Collins Park all the way to Lummus Park. Miami Beach offers a seamless blend of high-energy clubs and restaurants, iconic late-night party spots, and sophisticated rooftop lounges. For an all-in-one experience, prioritize places such as Mango’s Tropical Cafe or Sola Miami Beach, both with so many others, which feature live entertainment 24/7. However, for a late dinner, I went to Safron Grill, a Turkish restaurant with outside seating. I was very impressed with the vibrant intersection of light and art and the amount of creativity to attract tourists and get them to pay tips. Businesses in Miami Beach have mastered costumer services skills and reading the minds of people. Thus far, if you like cities and nightlife, Miami must be the best place for vacations.

The next day, Dec 30th, 2025, was an easy day. I woke up late and, around noon, went for breakfast at Wanderlust Café. While having my coffee and enjoying every sip, I chatted with the server. It was a quiet place, not too busy, and the server sat beside me, and we kept talking about life while looking out at the street and people passing by.

We talked about Miami as a place that causes culture shock due to its intense, fast-paced blend of Latin American influences. Most people here speak Spanish, or even other international languages, due to being such a heavy tourist destination. It’s a city that often feels deeply superficial and focused on wealth; the experience is unique, but not for everyone.

Later, I took a walk and went to the beach for a long nap. The weather was nice, though a bit chilly. I tried Azteca South Beach twice so far; it was right across the street from the hotel with a super nice atmosphere and outdoor seating. One thing I have always enjoyed is watching passersby while enjoying my food or drink.

At night, I went for a few drinks at Mango's Tropical Café. I concluded that these people must have read every psychological book about how to keep people entertained while targeting their wallets or credit cards in every possible way. A simple Corona beer was $15; they even sell things in the bathrooms, and the guy giving you napkins expects tips.

Dec 31st, 2025, the last day of the year and my last day in the crazy city of Miami. Around noon again, I went for coffee at the hotel bar. Then I rented a bike from 305 Tours and Rentals Bikes & Segway. I was very happy to find a good bike.

I rented it for a few hours and went for a ride along the ocean on the Miami Beach Boardwalk Trail for about 21 miles. I took my speaker with me, and the music was up all the way. So far, this was the best part of the Miami trip. I really enjoyed the ride and the whole experience.

At night, I went to an outdoor bar at The Clevelander Bar. Midnight arrived quickly, and the streets were full of people, but the beach was closed. I enjoyed the fireworks and walked back and forth along the famous Ocean Drive St for about 7 miles until I was exhausted. Then, straight to bed.

The next day, Jan 1st, 2026, around 9 a.m., I checked out and went to get my car from the parking garage. It was the same lady who had helped me three days earlier, and guess what, their system was down. I didn’t pay a penny for three nights of parking in Miami. I got lucky twice with this lady.

Drove to Bayfront Park and walked around for about two miles to snap some photos. Then I drove to my next destination, Atlanta. The drive was about 10 hours and 38 minutes. By 8:30 p.m., I was in Atlanta. I only stopped for breakfast in Fort Pierce at Waffle House, plus a few gas and bathroom breaks along the way.

I checked in at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Atlanta Downtown a little before 9 p.m., then went out for some food and a drink at Vanity Restaurant and Bar. I met a real estate agent and a basketball player from New York, an interesting, tall older man. The bar was nice, but I didn’t have a great experience with the food. I should be pickier and more careful about what I order.

I learned new things about Georgia, which is known as the “Peach State” and for its agricultural leadership in peanuts, pecans, and blueberries. It is also renowned for Southern hospitality, the historic city of Savannah, and Atlanta, home to the Georgia Aquarium and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park.

Next day, Jan 2nd 2026, I woke up around 8 a.m. and went down to the breakfast area. I was shocked by how busy it was; likely the end of the holiday season with people traveling everywhere. I was able to grab a coffee, checked out, and went downtown for a photo session walk (about two miles).

A photo session (my own definition) means walking around, exploring the city, and taking photos of buildings and places that I see are interesting; also called urban photography. It involves capturing architecture, history, art, and other man-made structures. The Hard Rock Cafe sign was very interesting. Something else I noticed was the number of driverless cars in this city; they were everywhere.

Next place to visit was Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, which includes the King Center, Freedom Hall, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Fountain, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and the birth home of Martin Luther King Jr.

Visiting this place was emotional, educational, and inspiring; it felt like walking through history. While listening to MLK’s speeches and seeing the legacy he built, knowing that everything started here and ended here brought deep sadness. I felt goosebumps throughout my body countless times, especially while standing in front of the graves of MLK and his wife, Coretta Scott King, their final resting place. It was a moment filled with respect, pride, and solemn reflection.

I also visited Historic Fire Station No. 6. After grabbing some gifts from the America's National Parks Store, I walked almost two more miles through the surrounding neighborhoods, taking photos of buildings and beautiful murals.

By 1 p.m., I was ready to leave and hit the road again. The next destination was Nashville. By around 2:40 p.m., I entered Tennessee, and the most notable thing was the number of gun signs everywhere. After looking it up, I found out that Tennessee is one of the states with the highest gun ownership rates, and its laws permit carrying guns without a permit since 2021, including in public locations such as state parks.

By almost 5 p.m., I checked in at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Nashville MetroCenter Downtown. I took a short rest and later went out for food at The Henry.

Next day, Jan 3rd, 2026, I checked out a little before 10 a.m. and drove downtown for a walk and another photo session. I didn’t expect to walk this long, but it ended up being almost 6 miles.

Downtown Nashville was beautiful. The city is known as “Music City”, famous for its vibrant nightlife centered around Broadway, live country music, restaurants everywhere, and its rich musical history. Key attractions include the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Ryman Auditorium, Bridgestone Arena, and the National Museum of African American Music.

I also enjoyed the scenic walk along the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, which offers panoramic views of the skyline, along with nearby Riverfront Park and Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. Nashville also has some interesting skyscrapers and tall buildings that stand out in the skyline.

I ended my walk around 1 p.m., and as I started driving out of the city, I noticed some unusual sounds coming from my tires. After checking, I found a large nail ☹️. The nearest tire shop was Robin Hood Tires. They fixed it quickly while I chatted with the owner, who was originally from Jordan.

It was interesting to see how the city landscape changes abruptly from wealthy to lower-income areas. Wealthier neighborhoods usually feature better infrastructure, green spaces, and well-maintained buildings, while historically disinvested neighborhoods often have higher density, fewer trees, and are closer to industrial sites and highways. This contrast was noticeable while driving through North Nashville, Bordeaux, and parts of East Nashville.

My next destination was St. Louis to visit the Gateway Arch National Park. The drive was almost five hours. Along the way, I stopped at a Waffle House in Calvert City (my first meal of the day), then continued driving through Illinois until I arrived at Tru by Hilton St. Louis Downtown.

This was actually my second time staying at this hotel. A few years ago, when I took a trip to Cincinnati to visit my cousin, I stayed here for a night. After checking in, I took a short walk downtown, but it felt like a ghost town on a Saturday night. Most restaurants were closed even though the map said they were open, and police cars were blocking both sides of some streets.

I ended up going to a local restaurant, Pop's Kitchen Downtown. There was a police car parked right in front with three officers standing outside. Everything felt a bit depressing; I called it “post-holiday disorder.” When I asked someone at the restaurant what was going on, the guy said, “Yeah, man, there have been so many robberies recently.” Then, I quietly took my food back to the hotel, ate, and went straight to bed. I am better to stay safe.

Next day, Jan 4th, 2026, I checked out at 10 a.m. after having some breakfast, then drove to Gateway Arch National Park. Even though I had been to St. Louis before, this was my first time visiting the Gateway Arch. In fact, I didn’t even know it was a national park until recently. I also didn’t know you could go to the top; not until this morning.

The Gateway Arch is a 630-foot (192 m) stainless steel monument, recognized as the tallest monument in the United States and the world’s tallest arch. It serves as a symbolic “Gateway to the West,” commemorating the vision of Thomas Jefferson and the westward expansion of the United States. Nearby is also the historic Old Courthouse. The area has a lot of open green space, which is always refreshing to see.

After walking around the Arch from different viewpoints, I went into the museum and booked a ticket to go to the top. The museum features six galleries that explore more than 200 years of history, from the founding of St. Louis in 1764 to the completion of the Arch in 1965. I am always impressed by the level of design, layout, and creativity in museums.

The tram ride to the top took about 45 minutes in total. The experience included a pre-boarding audiovisual presentation and a short time, about 10 minutes, at the observation deck, where visitors can view the city through 32 small windows measuring about 7 by 27 inches. It was pretty tiny at the top, so the short visit time felt just right.

The rotating capsules were very interesting; it almost felt like going into space 😊 during the four-minute ascent. Overall, this mechanical innovation was very impressive.

I left around 12:30 p.m. and hit the road toward Lincoln, home sweet home. I only stopped for gas, snacks, and bathroom breaks. I arrived home by 7 p.m. The drive was smooth (almost seven hours). Yet again, the sunset that day was beautiful. I enjoyed it with music and poetry, reflecting with gratitude for being healthy and alive.