10 Must Do Things In The Florida Everglades
The Florida Everglades. What an amazingly unique and diverse ecosystem. It truly is something you need to see for yourself to really appreciate it.
I recently made a return trip to this amazing US National Park, as it had been quite some time since I visited. As in my past visits, it did not disappoint.
The Everglades National Park is home to a variety of wildlife including the Florida Panther, Bobcats, Bears, Osprey, Bald Eagles, Alligators and so many shore and migrating birds, I’m afraid I’ll leave some out if I try to list them all.
From airboat rides to wildlife encounters. From hiking to kayaking. Birding trails to camping, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this beautiful and expansive national park.
Thank you for reading this post. Don't forget to subscribe! This way you never miss an update, travel deals, discounts and more!! Subscribe to the right------>
It was very hard to limit to these, but below are10 must-do things in the Florida Everglades that will make your visit unforgettable.
There will be many articles to follow as I get them written, so be sure to bookmark this page, especially if you are planning a trip to the beautiful and wild Florida Everglades.
1. Take an Airboat Ride Or Boat Tour
One of the most popular activities in the Florida Everglades is taking an airboat ride. These flat-bottomed boats are powered by a large fan and can glide over the shallow waters of the Everglades, giving you a unique and thrilling experience.
One after another would depart from the various boat ramps, filled with folks wanting an up close view of the waters and wildlife. I chose a boat tour this time around, but definitely if you have not been on an airboat, make it a point to do that in the Everglades.
During the boat tour or airboat ride, you will see a variety of wildlife, including alligators, birds, and fish. You can choose from a variety of tour companies that offer airboat rides, and some even offer private tours for a more personalized experience.
2. Go on a Wildlife Encounter
The Florida Everglades is home to a diverse range of wildlife, and one of the best ways to experience it is through a wildlife encounter.
Shark Valley on the western side of the Florida Everglades has a trolley tour you can enjoy. It will take you to the Observation Area where you can overlook the swamps and wetlands of the Everglades.
This gives you the opportunity to see and learn about the different species that call this National Park home, and some even offer the chance to hold and interact with animals like alligators and snakes.
3. Explore the Everglades by Kayak or Canoe
If you are comfortable kayaking or canoeing, consider exploring the Everglades this way. There are many designated water trails throughout the park that are perfect for paddling.
Traveling by air and not bringing your own equipment? You can rent equipment from various locations within the park.
As you paddle through the calm waters, you will have the chance to see a variety of wildlife and take in the stunning views of the Everglades. I have a pic of the gallinule you see above, but it doesn’t show the colors as well as the photo I chose.
This funny little bird literally walks on top of the lily pads in the water. Definitely a site to see.
4. Visit Shark Valley
Shark Valley is a must stop destination. You can take a tram tour through the area, which is known for its abundance of alligators and other wildlife.
You can also choose to rent bikes and ride along the 15-mile loop trail, which offers stunning views of the Everglades and the opportunity to see wildlife up close.
I do want to mention, though, that this part of the Everglades has a very small parking lot. For good reason. It is meant to protect the ecosystem from too many visitors at one time.
Get there early OR allow yourself plenty of time. Once at capacity, it is one car in for one car out. We were there mid-morning and had about an hour wait time.
5. Attend a Ranger Program
The Florida Everglades offers a variety of ranger-led programs that are both educational and entertaining. These programs cover a range of topics, from wildlife and conservation to the history and culture of the Everglades.
Think a ranger program is for kids only? Absolutely not. There are programs where a ranger will guide you deep into areas off the beaten track that many will not visit.
Attending a ranger program is a great way to learn more about the park and its inhabitants, while also supporting the preservation efforts of the Everglades.
6. Camp in the Everglades
For a truly immersive experience in the Everglades, consider camping in the park. This is exactly what my friend and I did this trip.
There are several campgrounds throughout the Everglades that offer a range of amenities, from primitive sites to RV hookups. This time around, we chose Glamping at Flamingo Campground. You can get info here: Everglades Glamping
What a wonderful experience! Camping in the Everglades allows you to fully disconnect from the outside world and immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of the park.
7. Take a Guided Tour
If you prefer a more structured and informative experience, I recommend you sign up for a tour. There are many tour companies that work with the National Park Service to provide amazing tours.
These tours are led by knowledgeable guides who can provide insight into the history, ecology, and wildlife of the Everglades, making it a great way to learn more about the park.
The boat tour I took, departed from Everglades City and went into the Everglades National Park system on the water. Viator provides a list of several you can choose from. Check the options here: Everglades Boat Tours
8. Visit the Gulf Coast
The Florida Everglades is not just about the wetlands; it also includes the beautiful Gulf Coast, as mentioned above. What I saw on my boat tour on the Gulf were white sand beaches on the islands, but the water was murky.
My understanding, from the boat tour guide, is that the color is from the red mangrove trees that line the shores. There are a variety of outdoor activities you can enjoy on the Gulf of Mexico, such as fishing, boating, and birdwatching.
You can also take a boat tour to explore the mangrove forests and see dolphins and manatees in their natural habitat.
9. Hike the Trails
So many trails, so little time. I was in the Everglades almost four days and didn’t even touch on the many trails available.
You will find a variety of hiking trails, some boardwalks that are easy to walk on as well as ADA compliant. The trails range from short and easy walks to longer and more challenging hikes, and they offer the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife and vegetation.
BUG SPRAY! I cannot repeat this point enough. Be sure to bring plenty of water and bug spray, and always stay on designated trails to protect the fragile ecosystem of the Everglades. I choose to use DEET in my bug spray.
10. Watch The Sunrise and Sunset
One of the most magical experiences in the Florida Everglades for me was watching the sunrise over the Florida Bay. Breathtaking.
Then as the sun dips below the horizon, the sky is painted with vibrant colors, and the peacefulness of the Everglades is truly felt. Note: I was in the Flamingo area, and it was difficult to see a water sunset, but it was still spectacular.
You can watch the sunset from various locations within the park, but some popular spots include Shark Valley, Flamingo, and the Gulf Coast.
Be sure to bookmark this page as I will continue to add other information to help you plan the best trip to the Florida Everglades. From airboat rides to wildlife to hiking trails and more, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this unique and diverse ecosystem.
Be sure to add these 10 must-do things to your itinerary for an unforgettable experience. The links below will help you plan the trip best for you:
Disclosure: I earn a commission if you make a purchase through my links at no additional cost to you! I would never recommend anything I don’t personally use, and the income goes to keeping this site updated and free for everyone!
Upcoming Trip?
I like to use Booking for booking not only my hotels, but my tickets and rental cars as well. Makes life so much easier with only having to log into one location for my information.
Be sure to grab my travel tips to save you time and money. You’ll also be entered into the weekly drawings.
Register here: Get 100 Travel Tips EVERY traveler should know PLUS entered into the weekly drawing.
About Denise
Denise Sanger lives a life split between her love for fitness and her passion for travel particularly to the BEACH. Denise also has a love of marketing and lives in beautiful Suwannee County, Florida. You can find out more about Denise here: About Denise