The Florida Everglades reveal their brightest magic when you experience them up close. They don’t look like much through a car window…but the Everglades are a Wild West wetland, not a play place for man.
Essentially, this is where you go when you want to see a Safari in the US. But further exploration reveals an entire world hidden behind the Cypress trees; Alligators, white and glossy ibises; Strange sounds, and alien flora.
Without taking the proper precautions, these swamps can be dangerous.
Without the right preparation, The Everglades could be a drive-by memory, and you won’t experience their true glory.
Here is your complete guide to The Everglades in Florida:
How to get there
The closest airport to The Everglades is Miami International Airport, about an hour’s drive away.
To save $$$: Fly into the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, which would only add a few minutes to your drive. The Everglades make a great day trip from Miami or Fort Lauderdale.
The Best Time to Visit
Dry Season
The best time to hit the ‘glades is December through April every year, also known as Dry Season. Expect temperatures ranging between 50-70 degrees, reduced numbers of biting insects, lower (but not low) humidity, and a lack of spontaneous downpours during the Dry Season.
Wet Season
While the Dry Season has its rewards, the wetlands are still well worth visiting, even if that visit is during the Wet Season.
In fact, the Wet Season does have one massive advantage: fewer people. It’s much easier to enjoy nature without being disturbed by many other visitors.
Top Things To Do in the Florida Everglades
There are so many ways to experience the South Florida wonderland. Some, but not all, are located in Everglades National Park. If you’re limited on time, budget, or have never been to The Everglades before, here are the best activities to prioritize.
Pro Tip: Like the rest of Florida, the Everglades are humid. Stay strapped.
Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park is massive, one of the biggest in the US.
You can drive through parts of ENP, go on short, paved walks, search for alligators, crocodiles, and manatees, or cruise through with an airboat. Without a boat, you can only visit a tiny bit of the park and for that reason, I suggest an inexpensive, guided airboat tour.
This is the most well-known part of The Everglades. You’ll find gift shops, tours, and other national park-associated goodies. Most of the entrances to the park are roughly 90 minutes from the city of eternal sunshine, Miami.
There are 3 primary entrances to the park in 3 different cities:
- Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center in Homestead is considered the main entrance.
- Shark Valley Visitor Center is about 30 miles west of Miami.
- Gulf Coast Visitor Center, closest to Naples.
If you’re coming from Miami, the first 2 entrances will be the easiest for you to reach. The entrance fee is $39, and the annual pass is $55.
Anhinga Trail
The Anhinga Trail is the thing to see at The Everglades National Park.
And, at just 4 miles from the main entrance to the park, Anhinga is easy to get to. At less than a mile round trip, this paved boardwalk is the perfect place to see alligators and other Floridian nature if you’ve only got a day or less to visit.
Winter through spring are the best times to visit weather-wise, but you will see gators, water birds, turtles, and other creatures pretty much any time of the year.
Notes:
- Pack both sunscreen and strong bug spray… don’t skimp on either.
- To extend your hike, consider the Gumbo Limbo Trail.
- Due to the ease of viewing wildlife, Anhinga Trail is extremely popular – expect crowds.
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
In the heart of the wetlands, just about 30 minutes from Naples, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is home to hundreds of alligators, otters, deer, turtles, and birds.
Corkscrew’s claim to fame is its unspoiled nature and Cypress trees on the boardwalk. The Boardwalk is a 2.2-mile walk through pine Flatwoods, wet prairie, around a marsh, and the largest old-growth Cypress forest in North America.
Let me tell you about these kickass trees
Cypress trees are cousins to the giant California Redwoods, standing about 130 feet tall with trunks spanning 25 feet. They are truly a sight to behold!
A few things to note:
- Online reservations are required. Admission is $17 dollars for adults.
- The Boardwalk is one-way; no food, no pets, and no drones. Be quiet, and stay on the trail.
- You can print a map of the boardwalk before you go.
Shark Alley
Shark Valley is known to be the best spot in the Everglades for animal sightings. Shark Valley is named for a section in the Gulf of Mexico called the Shark River, where the water in the Everglades flows. Despite the name, there aren’t any sharks here, but there are a ton of alligators, birds, and turtles.
Here’s what to do at Shark Valley:
- Shark Valley Visitor Center
- Tram Tours
- The Shark Valley Loop Trail is 15 miles round trip and takes about 2-3 hours to complete via bike. Rent bikes here or walk the trail. About halfway through, you’ll come across the Shark Valley Observation Tower, which has incredible views of the Everglades.
Financial considerations: The entrance is $30 per vehicle. This admission is affordable for visiting the Park at any of its locations within 7 days. The Annual pass is $55, which is well worth it if you plan to return within 12 months.
Big Cypress National Preserve
Larger than the state of Rhode Island, the first National Preserve in the US, Big Cypress, is 729,000 acres of freshwater swamps.
Big Cypress is a wildlife paradise. Look for herons, river otters, bobcats, black bears, and the endangered Florida panther. The air here is one of antiquity; The Seminole and other American Indians have reservations nearby, and their people have lived on these lands since at least the early 1700s.
Notes:
- One big advantage of Big Cypress is that it’s free. Meanwhile, Everglades National Park is $30 per vehicle.
- There are two visitor centers on the preserve, The Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center and The Oasis Visitor Center; both have unique exhibits worth checking out.
- Remember, there are bears and bobcats here, so take appropriate precautions and remain respectfully distant.
Ten Thousand Islands
In truth, The Ten Thousand Islands are actually a chain of a few hundred tiny islands and mangrove islets.
This is your place if you’re looking for an adventure off the boardwalks with fewer people or if you’re super into shelling.
The Ten Thousand Islands area of Everglades National Park is famous yet less visited than the other activities on this list. The mangroves, beautiful coastal scenery, and possibility of spotting bottlenose dolphins (how exciting!!!), manatees (can you imagine?), alligators, and crocodiles make this remote area worth your time.
Shelling is the hobby of looking for shells and other fun stuff that washes up on the beach. The best place for shelling in the Everglades is Ten Thousand Islands, particularly Marco Island. The southern part of Marco Island and the north end of Tigertail Beach are the most popular spots for shelling, but I advise you to take a shelling tour to get the best sites at the best times.
If you’re not into shelling, consider an airboat tour to get a guided, in-depth look at the mangroves (and up your chances of seeing rare wildlife), or rent a kayak.
Airboat Tours
Like most people, I had 0 experience with airboats before visiting The Florida Everglades.
I had, however, been on plenty of other types of water vessels from The Virgin Islands to Oregon. So I assumed that the airboat would be roughly the same as my other boating experiences.
I could not have been more wrong.
The Airboat speeds along the wetlands, making sharp turns and drifting.
The sound and aesthetic of the boat itself are somehow reminiscent of watching Steve Irwin’s animal specials in childhood. With airboats, you’re right up close and personal with nature- the wind whips your face, water will sprinkle your lap on occasion, and there are actual wild animals everywhere.
Do it at Ten Thousand Islands, at Everglades National Park, or do it pretty much anywhere in The Everglades; just make sure you add an Airboat tour to your experience list!
Tips for your Tour:
Keep it dry: I’d recommend a floating, waterproof phone case; A bit of water will splash on you, and with the swift, jarring movements and hairpin turns of the boat, your phone could go flying. I like this $30-dollar case for my phone.
Shield yourself: If you’re outdoors in South Florida, you need to be wearing sunscreen, and the swamps are no exception. I use this one because it doesn’t sweat off or make my skin break out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to visit The Florida Everglades?
It is important to familiarize yourself with the safety precautions suggested by whatever tour or facility you’re visiting in any Florida swamp.
Keep in mind that the Everglades is a wildlife site with actual alligators, and there are real threats here.
Can I camp in The Florida Everglades?
Yes, but you’ll need a permit. Everglades National Park has 2 campgrounds: Flamingo and Long Pine Key.
Both are open year-round, but LPK may be inaccessible in some parts during the wet season (June-November). If there is no availability at either of these campgrounds, there are many hotels available in any of the Miami Neighborhoods a half-hour away.
Can I swim in The Florida Everglades?
Swimming/Snorkeling in any swamp or body of water is prohibited in the Florida Everglades… I really wouldn’t risk this one- some rules are meant to be broken, and then there is potentially swimming with alligators.
Think about it like this: Alligators are aggressive and present in nearly every waterway here. They feed off other animals in the ‘glades and can detect the slightest movement, even in the murky swamp waters.
Ask yourself: is the risk worth the reward?
Are pets allowed in Everglades National Park?
Pets are permitted in the following areas:
- On roadways open to public vehicular traffic
- In particular day spots (Flamingo and Long Pine Key)
- Aboard boats
Are there sharks in The Everglades?
Bull Sharks, one of the most aggressive species of sharks, can live in both fresh and saltwater.
And yes, Bull Sharks are present in the Everglades, though not as commonly seen as alligators and crocodiles. Many of the wetlands are connected to the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, so finding bull sharks here makes sense- meet yet another reason not to attempt swimming.
Do dolphins live in The Everglades?
Yes! Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins are known to live in The Everglades’ largest body of water, Florida Bay. The best way to see them is to take an airboat tour.
What endangered species are in The Everglades?
Several Florida species are listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Some of the best-known are the Florida Panther, American Crocodile, American Alligator, West Indian Manatee, and Wood Stork.
Where to eat in Florida The Everglades?
In Everglades National Park:
You’ll find a limited variety of snacks and drinks sold in the Visitor Center and bookstores, but that’s about it. I highly recommend bringing a reusable water bottle, snacks, and hydration packets.
In other areas of the ‘Glades:
- Miccosukee Resort and Deli: The deli serves sandwiches and salads, perfect for eating on the go. This is also a prime place to learn more about the Miccosukee Tribe’s history.
- Everglades Gator Grill: This casual southern comfort-style diner is ideal for a hearty meal that will stick with you for a long day’s adventure.
- Taqueria Morelia: Here’s a family-owned Mexican joint hidden away at a strip mall in Homestead, just off the main road. If you’re looking for flavor, this is your spot.
What if I have limited time to spend in The Everglades?
You don’t need a whole day. 3 or more days is ideal but not necessary.
If you only have a half-day, definitely do an airboat ride. You’re nearly guaranteed to see alligators, and you’ll get to experience an in-depth tour of the wetlands (plus, cross ‘ride an airboat’ off the old bucket list).
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