Florida is the southernmost state in the US and is filled with exciting spots for those who want a coastal escape. But if you’re a traveller who enjoys more adventurous experiences and the thrills of nature, there is no better place than Everglades National Park.
The Everglades is a top choice for travellers who want to experience untouched landscapes and throw themselves into thrilling adventures like airboat rides and kayaking. The park is so rich in wildlife that it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering unparalleled bird-watching opportunities as well as the chance to see manatees and Florida panthers in the wild.
In this article, we explore the 9 best things to do in the Everglades to offer guidance to anyone planning a trip to this part of Florida. We include the best times to visit, where to go in the Everglades and share suggestions on some of the best activities and hiking trails in the park.
The best time to visit Everglades National Park is between December and March. This is the dry season in Florida, when temperatures reach average highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. The summer months are extremely hot, which can make hiking and kayaking very difficult.
The dry season also has lower numbers of mosquitoes so this is a great time to visit the Everglades if you want to avoid bug bites. You should still bring plenty of bug repellent as the waterways are teeming with insects year-round. If you plan on camping, be sure to pack a mosquito net to keep the biting flies at bay.
From July to November there is a high risk of hurricanes in the Everglades, so for your own safety, do not attempt to visit at these times.
One of the best places in the Everglades for adventurous travellers is Big Cypress National Preserve. The 700,000 acres of swamp land is located about 80km from Fort Lauderdale. This was the first National Preserve in the US, established in 1974.
At Big Cypress, you will find many ranger-led tours that take you into the swamps and will give you an up-close experience of the immaculate natural landscape. Rangers will be able to give you a much better understanding of the diverse wildlife as well as point out different temperate and tropical plant species.
Perhaps one of the most unique offerings in the Everglades is the opportunity to try Chickee camping. Chickee’s are raised wooden platforms that rest above the freshwater, allowing you to camp overnight in the heart of nature. The miniature man-made islands are just a stone’s throw from the mangroves and river banks, meaning you’ll be resting up alongside the animals of the Florida Everglades.
You will need to purchase a backcountry camping permit from one of the Visitor Centres dotted around the national park. Likewise, chickees are only accessible via the water so you will need to rent a kayak or canoe to reach your camping site. The platforms are covered but open on all sides, allowing for a refreshing breeze which will keep you cool as you lounge in a hammock on the open water.
You can’t visit the Everglades without going on an airboat tour. One of the park’s most popular activities, these boats with giant propeller fans are a staple of traversing the marshland. They are the best way to navigate the waters and can even get you up close with the alligators that live in the area.
The experience is akin to a speedboat tour and is much more thrilling than a slow boat trip. Feel the wind in your hair and marvel at the magnificent natural surroundings as you speed across the lily-covered waters. There are 3 airboat operators in the Everglades that are certified and offer regular tours of the park.
There are many visitor centres in Everglades National Park that provide a welcome respite for tourists. Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center is located close to the Homestead entrance of the park and is a great starting point for any excursion into the sawgrass prairies.
The centre features educational displays about the ecology of the park and has lots of brochures that provide further information about the local species and activities. There are staff onsite who will be able to help you traverse the park and ensure your visit goes smoothly.
The centre is open year-round and makes for a good stop before tackling the many hiking trails in the vicinity, as it has the only restroom facilities for miles around.
The Everglades is full of hiking trails that are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and the Anhinga Trail is one of the most popular routes. At just 1.3km, the loop is very easy to complete and the raised boardwalk is also wheelchair accessible.
The Anhinga Trail is best accessed from the Royal Palm Visitor Centre, where you can also find vending machines and restrooms.
The route is one of the only places in the Everglades that retains water year-round. Because of this, it has an abundance of wildlife like birds and alligators. It is one of the best places to see the many animals of the Everglades and if you’re lucky you may even get a glimpse of some of the local endangered species in their natural habitat.
Another trail that is perfect for less experienced hikers is the Mahogany Hammock Trail. The trail is a short 800m walk that showcases some of the incredible plant life native to the Everglades.
Located 32km from Ernest F. Coe Visitor Centre, you will need a car to reach it. The trail is self-guided so there is no risk of getting lost and it will only take around 10 minutes, so it’s a great option for families with young children.
The boardwalk loop explores the hardwood hammock, which is one of the distinct ecosystems of the Everglades. The elevation of the hammock allows plants that can’t survive in water to flourish, resulting in a rich ecological environment that stands out from other areas of the Everglades. On the trail, you will see one of the largest living mahogany trees in the US as well as other interesting flora like strangler figs.
Just off the southwest coast of Florida lies the Ten Thousand Islands, a 35,000-acre expanse of waterways, mangroves and small islands. It’s a stunning spot for a day trip from Miami or Everglades City.
This hidden gem is one of the best places to kayak in the Everglades and you can spend hours exploring the maze of mangroves. Larger islands like Sandfly are easily reached by kayak or canoe and provide a wonderful setting for an afternoon picnic and jungle adventure.
Likewise, the National Wildlife Refuge is home to a marvellous array of animals like turtles, otters and bottlenose dolphins. To make the most of your visit, consider hiring a local guide who will be able to help you traverse the natural labyrinth.
Paddling through the water, you can get up close with the animals for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. However, be sure that you don’t feed any wildlife as this is prohibited. You should also be aware that some areas of the Ten Thousand Islands can be very shallow which could damage your boat, so remain cautious while on the water.
At the very end of the Florida Peninsula, you will find Flamingo. This was once a fishing village but is now one of the last outposts in the Everglades National Park. It is a great place to visit if you plan on spending 2 or 3 days in the park and has some wonderful opportunities for adventure.
The Flamingo Visitor Centre is a hub for activities as it features camping sites, boat rentals and exquisite fishing trips. The centre also has a shop onsite where you can pick up any necessary supplies for excursions into the Everglades, making it a great starting point for hikes and walks.
The Flamingo Marina is a main departure point for boat tours into Florida Bay and also has a resident manatee population. If you have your heart set on seeing these majestic creatures in the wild, this is one of the most reliable places to do so.
Just 1.6km west of the Marina is Eco Pond. This is a relatively small body of water but is a bird watcher’s paradise. In the winter months, all sorts of species can be seen on the water like ospreys, pelicans and storks.
Last but certainly not least, Shark Valley is one of the best things to do when visiting the Everglades. Just an hour’s drive from Miami, Shark Valley is truly the heart of the national park.
From the Visitor Centre, you can take a 2-hour tram tour led by an experienced guide who can provide you with details about the local ecology. The open sides of the tram give you unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape and is a very relaxing way to discover Shark Valley.
There is only one main trail here, but it is one of the best biking trails in the Everglades. The 24km paved loop is the perfect place to enjoy a bike ride and is very easy to traverse without a guide. You can bring your own bike or purchase a rental from the visitor centre, but they often run out quickly so be sure to arrive early or make a booking ahead of time!
The wildlife in the area is very used to the presence of visitors, so you will likely find alligators and snakes on the path. Rangers will be able to give you warnings of any obstructions or concerns, but it is wise to remain cautious and alert.
Another great feature of the trail is the Shark Valley Observation Tower. This is the highest viewing point in the Everglades, providing unparalleled views of the swamps and marshes. It is definitely worth visiting, especially on a clear day.
When you explore the Everglades, you will be mesmerised by the magic of one of the most beautiful natural escapes. Uncover the secrets of one of North America’s most unique ecosystems with guided ranger tours and educational exhibits, or find your own way along the excellent hiking and boating opportunities.
There is so much to do in Everglades National Park, whether you’re planning on a day trip or want to camp in the wilderness. The natural wonder of the park is truly inspiring and promises an unforgettable experience.
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