Exploring the Everglades? Discover the top things to do in the Everglades, from airboat tours to wildlife spotting. This guide has you covered for an unforgettable adventure.
Key Takeaways
- Everglades National Park has multiple unique entrances, each providing diverse ecosystems and activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
- Airboat tours and canoeing offer thrilling and peaceful ways to experience the Everglades, allowing close encounters with wildlife and stunning landscapes.
- Visitors can delve into local culture and history by exploring Miccosukee Village and historic sites and enjoying fresh seafood offerings in Everglades City.
Explore the Unique Entrances of Everglades National Park
One of the first things you’ll notice about Everglades National Park is its multiple unique entrances, each offering a different slice of paradise. These entrances provide a gateway to the park’s diverse ecosystems and a variety of activities. Whether you’re hiking, camping, biking, or paddling, each entrance has something special to offer.
From the panoramic views at Shark Valley to the nature hikes at Royal Palm and the extensive camping options at Flamingo, each entrance provides a gateway to unique experiences and unforgettable adventures. Each entrance offers unique experiences, making them ideal starting points for your Everglades journey.
Shark Valley Entrance
Located 30 miles west off the Tamiami Trail, Shark Valley is a must-see for its scenic tram tours and bike rentals. The highlight is undoubtedly the 70-foot observation tower, offering panoramic views that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Gliding past alligators on a two-hour tram tour or pedaling along shorter trails, you’ll find Shark Valley to be an immersive experience of the Everglades’ shallow waters and abundant wildlife.
Royal Palm Entrance
Accessible through Homestead in South Dade, the Royal Palm Entrance is renowned for its ranger-led programs and nature hikes. The famous Anhinga Trail, known for its abundant wildlife, starts here, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts.
The Gumbo Limbo Trail, a wheelchair-accessible half-mile path, winds through a shaded hardwood hammock and offers a serene escape into the heart of the Everglades.
Flamingo Entrance
The Flamingo Entrance is the perfect spot for those looking to immerse themselves fully in the wilderness. It offers various camping options, including campsites, RV sites, and safari-style eco-tents, catering to all types of adventurers.
The area is also a hotspot for activities like boat tours, canoeing, kayaking, and bike rentals. Additionally, it’s a prime spot for wildlife sightings, including crocodiles, making it a crucial stop on your Everglades itinerary.
Glide Through the Waters on an Airboat Tour
Nothing screams “Everglades adventure,” quite like an airboat tour. These thrilling rides, powered by powerful engines designed for swamps, are a quintessential part of the Everglades experience. As you glide through the shallow waters, you’ll feel the rush of excitement and the wind in your hair, all while being surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Everglades.
Airboat tours vary in duration, from quick 30-minute jaunts to more extensive 90-minute explorations. During these tours, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including alligators, birds, and even manatees. It’s a fantastic way to cover more ground and get up close and personal with the diverse fauna of the region.
Making reservations, particularly during peak tourist seasons, will help you get the most out of your airboat tour. Many operators also provide ear protection due to the loud noise produced by the engines. An airboat ride through the Florida Everglades, whether for a day trip or an extended adventure, is an unforgettable experience.
Camp in the Wilderness
Camping in the Everglades is an adventure in itself, offering a chance to connect deeply with nature. Whether you prefer campgrounds or wilderness campgrounds, there’s something for everyone. The Everglades provide a unique backdrop for camping, with diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife, making it a paradise for nature lovers.
Before you head out, make sure to obtain the necessary permits, especially for backcountry camping, which is recommended for highly experienced kayakers and campers. Bringing essential gear like hiking shoes, water, and sunscreen will ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Here are some of the camping options available in the Everglades.
Chickee Camping
For a truly unique camping experience, try Chickee camping. A ‘Chickee’ is a wooden platform built above the water, providing a safe and dry spot for tent camping. These platforms are primarily located near the Flamingo Visitor Center, making them accessible yet remote enough to offer a sense of solitude and adventure.
This offers an extraordinary way to experience the Everglades’ marshy landscape.
Flamingo Campground
Flamingo Campground is a more conventional camping option, featuring 274 campsites that cater to both tents and RVs. The campground is well-equipped with amenities such as solar-heated showers, picnic tables, and an amphitheater for ranger-led programs.
Located at the southern tip of the park, it offers easy access to various hiking trails and water activities, making it a perfect base for exploring the Everglades.
Paddle Through Mangroves and Water Trails
Canoeing or kayaking through the Everglades provides a peaceful and intimate encounter with its natural beauty. Unlike the louder airboat tours, paddling allows you to quietly observe the wildlife and navigate through the serene mangrove tunnels. The Nine Mile Pond Canoe Trail, despite its name, is a 5-mile loop that’s perfect for both canoes and kayaks, offering a scenic and manageable route for paddlers of all levels.
Canoes can be rented at the Flamingo Visitor Center for around $45, and the trail is well-marked with numbered signs to guide you through the mangrove islands and sawgrass areas. Depending on your pace, the full route can take about four hours, but a shorter version can be completed in two.
For those wanting to explore the Everglades’ waterways at their own pace, this paddling adventure is a must-do.
Discover Indigenous Culture at Miccosukee Village
A visit to the Miccosukee Village offers a deep dive into the rich cultural heritage of the Miccosukee Tribe. The village features a museum that showcases the tribe’s unique history and traditions through artifacts and documents. With rotating and permanent exhibits, visitors can learn about Native American life and the tribe’s connection to the Everglades.
The village also features demonstrations of traditional crafts and alligator shows, creating an interactive and educational experience. The gift shop is a great place to find handmade crafts and jewelry made by Miccosukee artisans, making for a perfect souvenir to remember your visit.
Wildlife Watching Adventures
The Everglades is a wildlife enthusiast’s dream, offering countless opportunities to observe animals in their natural habitats. Each entrance of Everglades National Park provides distinct wildlife viewing experiences, whether on land or water. Guided tours at Everglades Safari Park are recommended, as knowledgeable guides can highlight and explain the diverse flora and fauna.
Specific areas like the Anhinga Trail and Eco Pond are particularly renowned for their wildlife sightings. These locations offer prime opportunities for wildlife photography and observation, from alligators basking in the sun to various bird species.
Here are some of the key hotspots.
Anhinga Trail
The Anhinga Trail is one of the most popular trails in the Everglades, and for good reason. This short 0.8-mile loop is teeming with wildlife, including alligators, turtles, and numerous bird species. This accessible trail offers a fantastic glimpse into the vibrant ecosystem of the Everglades, making it a must-visit for any nature lover.
Eco Pond and Mrazek Pond
Eco Pond is a premier destination for birdwatchers, attracting a variety of bird species, including wood storks, ducks, and wading birds. The tranquil setting and abundant wildlife make it a perfect spot for birdwatching enthusiasts and photographers alike.
Mrazek Pond enhances the rich tapestry of wildlife viewing in the Everglades with its excellent birdwatching opportunities.
Take a Scenic Boat Tour
Scenic boat tours are another fantastic way to explore the vast waterways of the Everglades. Whether you choose an airboat ride, a ranger-led catamaran tour, or a kayaking adventure, each offers a unique perspective on this incredible ecosystem. Boat tours often focus on wildlife viewing and exploring the unique habitats of the Everglades, making them a great choice for nature lovers.
Your interests, such as wildlife viewing or fishing, can guide you in selecting the perfect boat tour. These tours can range from thrilling airboat rides to more serene canoe trips, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Here are some of the best boat tour options available in the Everglades.
Ten Thousand Islands Boat Tours
Ten Thousand Islands boat tours offer a unique opportunity to explore one of the most picturesque areas of the Everglades. Departing from locations like Naples, Marco Island, Everglades City, and Chokoloskee Island, these tours take you through Chokoloskee Bay and the Ten Thousand Islands.
A 90-minute backcountry boat tour explores the Buttonwood Canal and connects with Whitewater Bay, providing a comprehensive look at this stunning region.
Gulf Coast Visitor Center
The Gulf Coast Visitor Center is a hub for adventure in the Everglades, where visitor centers offer a 90-minute ranger-narrated boat tour aboard a catamaran, providing insights into the unique ecosystems and wildlife of the area.
For those looking for a more active experience, the center also offers four-hour ranger-led kayak and canoe tours, allowing visitors to paddle through the scenic waterways and get up close with nature.
Visit Historic and Cultural Sites
The Everglades are not only about natural beauty but also rich in history and culture. Visiting historic and cultural sites provides a deeper understanding of the area’s heritage. Boat tours often start from the Barron River, showcasing historic Everglades City and its significance. The Miccosukee Indian Reservation also offers a blend of cultural experiences with a resort, casino, airboat rides, and an Indian Village.
Visiting these sites allows visitors to connect with the past and learn about the people who have called the Everglades home for centuries. Here are two of the most notable historic sites in the Everglades.
Museum of The Everglades
The Museum of The Everglades is a treasure trove of local history, showcasing artifacts and exhibits that span 2,000 years. Housed in a building that originally served as a commercial laundry, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, covering everything from Native American cultures to the early pioneers of South Florida.
Smallwood Store Trading Post & Museum
Located on Chokoloskee Island, the Smallwood Store Trading Post & Museum is a significant historical site established in 1906. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, the museum reopened in 1990 and now showcases artifacts from both Florida pioneers and Native American cultures.
It’s a must-visit for history buffs looking to explore the rich heritage of the Everglades.
Experience the Beauty of Big Cypress National Preserve
Just a stone’s throw from Everglades National Park, Big Cypress National Preserve offers a different, yet equally mesmerizing, natural experience. Known for its lush landscapes and diverse wildlife, Big Cypress features a variety of hiking options, from short walks to full-day hikes. Bird watching, joining a ranger-led hike, or taking a guided canoe excursion all offer excellent ways to explore this natural wonder.
One of the standout features of Big Cypress is its stunning night skies, virtually free from light pollution. Camping here is an experience like no other, with eight campgrounds available for visitors who wish to stay overnight. Its beauty and tranquility make the preserve an ideal complement to the bustling activity of the Everglades.
Enjoy Fresh Seafood and Local Cuisine
No trip to the Everglades is complete without indulging in the local cuisine. Everglades City is renowned for its variety of seafood restaurants, where you can savor fresh catches like shrimp, grouper sandwiches, and fried seafood platters. Many of these dining establishments offer scenic views, adding to the overall experience.
Several restaurants in the area cater to dietary restrictions, offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking to try something new, the culinary offerings in Everglades City are sure to delight your taste buds.
Summary
The Everglades is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be explored. From the unique entrances and thrilling airboat tours to the serene paddling routes and immersive cultural sites, there’s something for everyone in this diverse and vibrant ecosystem. Whether you’re camping in the wilderness, discovering indigenous culture, or enjoying fresh seafood, the Everglades promises an adventure like no other.
As you plan your trip, remember to take full advantage of the variety of activities and sights available. Each visit to the Everglades is a chance to create lasting memories and connect with the natural world in a profound way. So pack your bags, prepare for adventure, and get ready to experience the unforgettable magic of the Everglades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Everglades worth a trip?
Absolutely, the Everglades are worth a trip! Just a short drive from Miami, you’ll find a peaceful escape filled with unique wildlife and stunning wetlands.
What is the best time to visit the Everglades?
The best time to visit the Everglades is from November to April, during the dry season, when it’s cooler and you’ll see more wildlife. You’ll have a much better experience exploring the park then!
Do I need a permit for camping in the Everglades?
Yes, you need a permit for backcountry camping in the Everglades, which you can get online or at the Flamingo Visitor Center. Make sure to grab one before you head out!
Can I rent a canoe or kayak in the Everglades?
Absolutely, you can rent canoes and kayaks at the Flamingo Visitor Center in the Everglades, typically for about $45 for a double canoe. It’s a great way to explore the incredible waterways!
Are airboat tours safe for children?
Airboat tours can be safe for children, but be sure to equip them with ear protection since the engines can be quite loud. It’s a good idea to check with the tour provider about age restrictions and safety measures.