The Florida Everglades is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for peaceful wonder and exciting exploration. Discover the rich ecological history that shapes this area while kayaking gently through the waterways or watching a wide range of birds in their native habitat. A trip to the Everglades is a great way to escape it all and get yourself in a beautiful, diverse ecosystem. This guide provides a comprehensive list of the top 15 things to do in the Florida Everglades activities for a memorable journey.
A wide range of activities are available in the Florida Everglades for anyone who loves nature, photography, or outdoor adventures. You can do things like go on a hike along its trails, feel the excitement of fishing in its waters, or just relax and take in the peaceful beauty that surrounds you.
Table of Contents
Below are the 15 best things to do in the Florida Everglades
1. The Everglades Dark Sky Celebration.
The Everglades Dark Sky Celebration is an annual event that attracts astronomy enthusiasts and nature lovers to observe the night skies over Everglades National Park. This event emphasizes the importance of preserving the dark sky and allows participants to view celestial phenomena without urban light pollution.
Activities include night sky photography workshops, talks by astronomers, and guided stargazing tours. It’s an opportunity where the Milky Way and meteor showers are visible, providing a captivating experience for attendees, whether they are experienced astronomers or just enjoy observing the sky.
2. Shark Valley As Seen on Two Wheels.
Shark Valley offers a compelling way to experience the Florida Everglades via a 15-mile loop accessible by tram or bicycle. The tram tour provides a narrated journey through the landscape, educating visitors about the local ecosystem and wildlife.
For a more personal touch, biking allows for stops at various scenic points ideal for observing native wildlife, such as alligators and herons. The Shark Valley Observation Tower, located at the midpoint, offers broad views of the surrounding wetlands.
3. The Nine Mile Pond Trail.
Paddling the Nine Mile Pond Trail immerses visitors in the Everglades’ distinctive ecosystem on a 5-mile loop that meanders through marshes, mangrove forests, and open ponds.
This water trail is rich in both natural beauty and historical significance, supporting a diverse range of wildlife, including alligators and wading birds. Paddlers can explore at their own pace, experiencing close encounters with the park’s flora and fauna.
4. Join a ranger on an exciting adventure battling through the slough.
Joining a ranger-led slough slogging tour offers an engaging way to explore the Everglades. This off-trail adventure involves wading through wetland waters, allowing participants to delve deeply into the natural habitat of this unique area.
Along the way, rangers share insights into the ecosystem’s wildlife and history, enhancing visitors’ appreciation for wetland conservation. This active experience is designed for those eager to explore nature up close and learn about the ecological dynamics of the Everglades.
5. The Majesty of Mother Nature at the HM69 Nike Missile Base.
The HM69 Nike Missile Base stands as a testament to the Cold War era within the Everglades National Park. This historic site offers visitors a glimpse into the past, where they can explore the remnants of missile bunkers, barracks, and control centers that were once on high alert for Soviet threats.
The preserved facility provides an insightful look into the military history and strategies of the 1960s. Tours are available, allowing you to delve deeper into the site’s operational history and its unexpected juxtaposition against the natural backdrop of the Everglades.
6. Unexpected Trail of the Anhinga.
The Anhinga Trail is one of the most popular paths in the Everglades, offering easy access to a rich display of the park’s wildlife. Named after the Anhinga bird, often seen drying its wings in the sun, the trail is a paved walkway that meanders through a marshy area of the park.
Visitors frequently spot alligators, turtles, herons, and, of course, anhingas along this short loop. The trail’s accessibility and the abundance of wildlife make it a highlight for any visitor looking to experience the Everglades’ natural environment without venturing too far into the wilderness.
7. The Paradise for Birdwatchers.
An airboat tour through the Everglades’ iconic River of Grass provides an exhilarating way to explore this vast wetland. The high-speed journey on a flat-bottomed boat powered by a large fan offers a rush unlike any other.
As you glide over the marshes, your guide will point out wildlife and explain the ecological aspects of this unique ecosystem. It’s a chance to see the landscape from a different perspective, covering large areas in a short amount of time, and to encounter birds, alligators, and other wildlife up close in their natural habitat.
8. A Paradise for Avian Life.
The Everglades serves as a premier destination for birdwatchers, hosting over 350 species of birds in its diverse habitats. From the Roseate Spoonbill to the elusive Snail Kite, the park’s extensive wetlands, forests, and coastal prairies offer abundant opportunities for observing a variety of birdlife.
Numerous designated birdwatching areas throughout the park, such as Paurotis Pond and the Mahogany Hammock Trail, provide prime spots for setting up with binoculars and cameras. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a casual observer, the Everglades offers a rewarding birdwatching experience with its year-round residents and seasonal migrants.
9. An Evening Under the Milky Way.
Camping in the Everglades offers a unique overnight experience, allowing you to sleep under a blanket of stars. The park provides various camping options, from well-equipped front-country sites to remote backcountry spots accessible only by boat.
Whether you choose to set up camp at a drive-up site like Flamingo Campground or venture further into the wilderness areas, you’ll enjoy the sounds of nature and maybe even spot some nocturnal wildlife. Nighttime in the Everglades is especially mesmerizing with the minimal light pollution, enhancing the visibility of the night sky.
10. Trail of Gumbo Limbo.
The Gumbo Limbo Trail offers a shaded, easy hike through a dense hammock of gumbo limbo trees and other tropical plants. This short loop trail is less than a mile long but provides a cool retreat from the Everglades’ often intense heat and sun.
Named after the native gumbo limbo tree, known for its peeling red bark, the trail showcases a variety of other tropical flora and provides opportunities to see birds and small wildlife. The trail’s accessibility makes it suitable for all ages and fitness levels, making it a pleasant walk for families.
11. The Snake Bight Trail is a Bicycle Path.
Cycling the Snake Bight Trail allows you to explore a less-visited part of the Everglades on a flat, scenic route that leads to a picturesque bay. The trail is about 1.6 miles one way, and biking offers a chance to quietly observe the park’s birdlife and other wildlife without the disturbance of motorized vehicles.
The trail ends at a platform overlooking Florida Bay, where you might see flamingos and other wading birds, especially during low tide. It’s a perfect activity for those looking to combine light exercise with wildlife watching.
12. Kayak Alongside Manatees.
Kayaking in the Everglades provides an intimate way to explore the park’s waterways and come face-to-face with its aquatic residents, including the gentle manatees. These majestic sea creatures are often seen in the clearer waters of the park during the cooler months.
Paddling quietly alongside manatees offers a serene and unforgettable experience, allowing you to observe them in their natural habitat without disturbing them. Several guided kayak tours are available, which ensure safety and provide educational insights into the lives of these amazing animals.
13. Nature preserve animals at the Flamingo Tourist Center.
The Flamingo Visitor Center serves as a gateway to the southernmost part of Everglades National Park. It provides essential information, maps, and resources to help visitors plan their activities in the area. The center also offers educational exhibits about the park’s wildlife and ecosystems.
Nearby, you can find boat ramps, walking trails, and opportunities to rent kayaks and canoes to explore the surrounding waters. The visitor center is a good starting point for various ranger-led programs, which can enrich your understanding of the park’s unique environment.
14. By way of the Tamiami Trail.
Driving the Tamiami Trail offers a captivating journey through the diverse landscapes that make up the Everglades. Stretching across Florida from Miami to Tampa, this historic roadway provides numerous opportunities to observe wildlife, stop at informative visitor centers, and access walking trails.
Along the way, you’ll encounter scenic overlooks and boardwalks that delve into lush wetlands and dense mangroves. The drive itself showcases the vast beauty and quiet solitude of the Everglades, making it a must-do for those who appreciate natural scenery.
15. Explore the Wilds of Big Cypress National Preserve.
Adjacent to Everglades National Park, Big Cypress National Preserve protects over 729,000 acres of swampland and forest. This area supports the rich biodiversity of the Everglades ecosystem, including the endangered Florida panther and a variety of other wildlife.
Visitors can enjoy hiking, bird-watching, and guided swamp buggy tours. The preserve offers two main visitor centers, the Oasis Visitor Center and the Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center, each providing educational displays and information about the preserve’s wildlife and conservation efforts.
FAQs
Due to nutrient pollution, algal blooms occur, which deplete the water of oxygen and kill off many aquatic organisms.
Everglades National Park has many lodgings. Flamingo Lodge, 38 miles south of Homestead, now offers overnight stays.
The Everglades’ wildlife is famous worldwide. Over 360 bird species live in Everglades National Park.
From December through April, the region enjoys more pleasant weather with reduced humidity and less rain.
