Top Things to Do in Everglades National Park
Across more than 1.5 million acres in South Florida sprawls Everglades National Park, a wonderland of marshland, sawgrass, and mangroves. Such a vast place can intimidate first-timers; however, knowing how to explore the Everglades can greatly enhance your experience. You can hike, airboat, canoe, kayak, or even travel by tram here, with each mode of exploration providing visitors with a unique impression.
1. Experience All Four Entrances of the Park
To maximize your adventure, it is advisable to visit all four entrances of the park, each offering distinct terrains:
- Shark Valley: Approximately 40 miles west of Miami, this visitor center boasts a famous 15-mile paved Tram Road, perfect for biking and walking, often accompanied by lounging alligators.
- Gulf Coast Visitor Center: Located in Everglades City, this center serves as a hub for boating excursions, including visits to the wildlife refuge of the Ten Thousand Islands, home to thousands of water birds.
- Royal Palm Visitor Center: In Homestead, this center provides access to shorter hiking trails under a canopy of trees, making it an excellent starting point for leisurely strolls.
- Flamingo Visitor Center: Situated approximately 40 miles south of Royal Palm, it offers access to mangrove-draped Florida Bay and canoe trails.
2. Camp on a Chickee
What exactly is a chickee? In the Everglades, it refers to a wooden platform elevated above the water, allowing you to camp in a unique setting. Most chickee sites are located near the Flamingo Visitor Center. You’ll need essential camping gear along with a backcountry camping permit, mosquito repellent, and a canoe. Canoes and kayaks can be rented from several places around the park.
3. Experience Thrills on an Airboat
The airboat serves as the official vessel of the Everglades. Designed to navigate grass- and lily-heavy waters, these flat-bottomed boats are a fun and exciting way to experience the unique landscape. Although there are many airboat operators outside the park, only three operate within its boundaries. Make sure to keep your hands inside while savoring the sights around you.
4. Explore Indigenous Culture at the Miccosukee Museum
Humans have lived in the Everglades for over 15,000 years. To learn about the rich history of the Miccosukee people, visit their museum near the Shark Valley entrance. This venue highlights Miccosukee culture through exhibits of beadwork and photographs, along with ethical alligator demonstrations.
5. Kayak Through Nine Mile Pond’s Mangrove Islands
A popular water excursion is found at Nine Mile Pond, a scenic 5.2-mile paddle through picturesque tree islands and mangrove tunnels. Non-experienced paddlers will find this relatively easy to navigate, thanks to periodic markers that guide the way. Canoes and kayaks can be rented from the Flamingo Visitor Center.
6. Tour the Ten Thousand Islands by Boat
To explore the expansive waters of the Everglades effectively, a boat tour through Florida Bay is essential. The Gulf Coast Visitor Center offers ranger-narrated boat tours that provide insights into the rich ecosystems thriving among the islands.
7. Spot Alligators Along the Anhinga Trail
Located about 50 feet from the Royal Palm Visitor Center, the Anhinga Trail delivers exhilarating views of the Everglades’ wildlife. This short 0.8-mile trail is ideal for spotting not only alligators but also turtles and the unique anhinga bird.
8. Enjoy Birdwatching at Eco Pond and Mrazek Pond
Two of the finest spots for birdwatching in the park include Eco Pond, which teems with wading birds, and Mrazek Pond, particularly lively in winter months when wood storks abound. Both locations are must-visits for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.
Plan Your Trip to Everglades National Park
To ensure an unforgettable adventure in the Everglades, consider the best times to visit and engage in various outdoor activities. Whether you’re hiking, kayaking, or simply exploring, a trip to Everglades National Park promises unique experiences amidst breathtaking natural beauty.
