Everglades National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest subtropical wilderness areas in the United States. The park covers over 1.5 million acres of wetlands, islands, sawgrass marshes, mangrove forests, and pine rocklands in southern Florida. Take some time to explore, and you might even spot rare and endangered species, including the Florida panther, American crocodile, and West Indian manatee that call this area home.
The history of the Everglades dates back thousands of years to when it was home to several Native American tribes. European settlers arrived in the area in the 1500s, and in more recent years, the ecosystem has been threatened by rapid development, industry, and pollution. In 1947, Everglades National Park was established to protect the unique, fragile ecosystem and its wildlife.
The park welcomes over one million visitors each year. Nature enthusiasts, bird-watchers, fishermen, wilderness experts, and waterway adventurers all flock here to appreciate this massive national park.
First off, you can explore the park by hiking, boating, biking, canoeing, kayaking, or taking a guided tour. The park also offers opportunities for fishing, camping, and wildlife watching. The sense of freedom, the dozens of land and water trails available, and the relative solitude and serenity of this park compared to others make a visit to Everglades National Park one of the most unique experiences you might have.
One of the defining features of the Everglades is its biodiversity. The park is home to over 350 species of birds, including the roseate spoonbill and the great blue heron. Most visitors also try to see alligators and crocodiles in their natural habitat or migrating manatees. The park’s wetlands and marshes provide a vital habitat for many plants and animals, too.
The best time to visit Everglades National Park is usually in the fall and winter months, while the water is still high, the temperature is moderate, and mosquitoes are less of a nuisance. With its close proximity to Everglades City, Miami, and Naples, you’ll be able to integrate adventures in nature with the creature comforts of a city.
With so many things to see and do, you might not know where to begin. So we’ve compiled our list of the absolute best things to do in the Everglades for you. Stick to these fun and unique Everglades bucket list recommendations, and there’s no doubt you’ll have an amazing time exploring this unique and amazing wilderness area in southern Florida!
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15 Fun and Unique Things to do in Everglades National Park
1. Paddle the Ten Thousand Islands
The Ten Thousand Islands are a vast network of mangrove islands, shallow bays, and estuaries stretching along the Gulf of Mexico. And if you’re looking for adventurous things to do in the Everglades, try navigating them by kayak or canoe!
Paddling through the maze of waterways will give you an intimate view of the islands’ diverse wildlife. Manatees, ospreys, dolphins, and all kinds of fish call this ecosystem home.
There are various trails you can choose from, ranging from beginner to advanced. Plus, you can choose from a quick afternoon trip to a multi-day expedition. Just check the tide tables and make sure you’ve got a map before you set out – it’s not unheard of for kayakers to get stranded!
For beginners, we’d recommend the Sandfly Loop Trail, a three-hour round-trip trail, and a stop on Sandfly Island, where you can explore the bays and have a picnic.
One of the best things about the Ten Thousand Islands is that, with so many bays, groves, and islands to explore, you’ll often find yourself in the solitude of nature – a precious commodity in such a popular national park.
2. Learn the Area’s History at the Museum of the Everglades
This small museum is located in Everglades City, and it’s dedicated to preserving the history of the Everglades region. The museum is housed in the former Everglades City Hall, constructed in 1927, now a protected historic site.
The Museum of the Everglades’ exhibits cover a wide range of subjects, including the history of the Calusa and Seminole Native American tribes that have resided in the area.
You’ll also be able to learn about the development of the area’s industries and the natural disasters that have shaped the region through short films and artifacts preserved through the years. The museum is free to enter, and there are always guides on hand. This is one of the most interesting things to do in the Everglades if you want to learn how the Everglades came to be.
3. Walk the Gumbo Limbo Trail
The Gumbo Limbo Trail is a quick, easy boardwalk trail that will take you through the forest hammock of the Everglades. You’ll get an amazing view of the towering gumbo limbo trees and royal palms in the area.
This trail is one of the most popular in the Everglades. It starts at the Royal Palm Visitor Center and is about a half-mile round-trip hike. While on the trail, you’ll be able to enjoy the area’s native flora and fauna – from hanging ferns and ibises to woodpeckers and warblers.
This trail is great if you’re bringing little ones – it’s accessible, with plenty of benches and spots to rest and enjoy the view. Another boardwalk in the Everglades is the Pa-hay-okee Trail. Located a little further out, this place overlooks a large swath of the Everglades’ famed “River of Grass.”
Another approachable boardwalk trail, the Anhinga Trail will take you through a sawgrass marsh, perfect for spotting the local wildlife, including one the park is famous for – alligators!
4. Bike through Shark Valley
A cycling trip through Shark Valley is one of the must-do things in Everglades National Park. If you want to see an alligator in its natural habitat, you have to check out this trail.
The Shark Valley Trail consists of a 15-mile-long paved road, perfect for biking or walking. It’s located in the heart of the Everglades, so you’ll be surrounded by freshwater marshes and wildlife.
If you’re specifically hoping to see the area’s famed alligators, we’d recommend going early in the morning while the gators are sunning themselves. Keep an eye out for rare birds, too! For those who don’t want to bike, there is a guided tram tour that runs through the trail, so you can just sit back and watch for the wildlife.
If you don’t have the time to tackle the 3-hour trail, you can always head to the Shark Valley Visitor Center and the loop road and get a view from higher up.
5. Try Alligator at Gator Grill
A classic Everglades bucket list item is to try out a local specialty: gator meat. Don’t be too freaked out. This homegrown protein has been used in regional Southern cuisine for ages.
All the meat served in the restaurant is farmed (check out #7 on this list if you want to see an alligator farm in action). Everglades Gator Grill is one of the few restaurants you’ll find that grills, rather than fries, their meat.
This family-owned restaurant has been a mainstay for locals and visitors to the Everglades since 1980. The ambiance is no-frills, and the portions are generous. Menu highlights include gator bites, frog legs in white wine and garlic butter, and conch fritters. If you want to experience the region’s local cuisine, this is one of the top Everglades attractions.
6. Boat and Fish around the Southern Everglades
Boating is a classic Floridian activity, given the long coastline and many lakes and marshes in the area, especially near the Everglades, which borders the Gulf of Mexico. Relatedly, the Everglades are also famed for their fishing spots, where you might find species like goliath grouper, tarpon, snook, and even sharks.
If you’re looking for a boat rental, look no further than Flamingo Adventures, where you’ll be able to book full and half-day rentals, along with any other watercraft you might be interested in.
If you plan on boating in the Everglades, remember to take the free online course for licensing. Flamingo Adventures also operates regular boat tours, which will take you through some of the most scenic routes in the Everglades.
7. Visit the Everglades Alligator Farm
Part farm, part tour, a trip to the Everglades Alligator Farm is a whole-day affair and one of the coolest things to do in the Everglades for anyone interested in Florida’s iconic reptiles.
You’ll be able to see the Everglades from a whole new perspective on an airboat tour before being treated to a show and live feeding demonstration. Plus, you might opt to hold a baby alligator!
This is probably one of the most unique Everglades attractions because you’ll actually be able to hang out with the gators and feed them if you’d like. It’ll be an unforgettable photo op.
It’s not just alligators that you’ll find on this farm, either. You’ll also be able to meet giant turtles, boas, and birds! Everglades Alligator Farm is definitely worth considering for the nature lovers in your party. And if you’re traveling with kids, they’ll love interacting with creatures they’d normally only see from afar.
8. Time Travel at the HM69 Nike Missile Base
The HM69 Nike Missile Base is a decommissioned military base located in Everglades National Park. It’s now a historical site and museum operated by the National Park Service, offering a fascinating peek into history.
This was one of many Nike Missile bases built across the country during the Cold War era to defend against potential Soviet nuclear attacks. The base was operational from 1965 to 1979 and housed soldiers and their families who were trained to operate the Nike Hercules missile system, designed to intercept and destroy incoming enemy aircraft or missiles.
After the base was decommissioned, it was abandoned and left to decay for several years. Luckily, in recent years, efforts have been made to preserve the base as a historical site and museum. Visitors can now tour the site and see the missile bunkers, barracks, mess hall, and other buildings that were once part of the military base.
9. Go on a Pole Boat Tour through the Shallow Marshes
Everglades Adventure Tours offers the only pole boat tours that go through the Everglades. This is one of the most unique things to do in Everglades National Park, and a can’t-miss eco-tour.
Pole boats were the traditional method of travel used by the Native Indian tribes in the area. It was ideal for hunting and fishing, especially in the shallow waters of the swamps.
You’ll be able to tour Everglades National Park or the Western Everglades, depending on your preferences. These gondola-style eco-tours are led by experienced naturalists who can give you a unique understanding of the area.
You should also check out the ever-popular airboat tours (just make sure it’s an eco-friendly one!) or a kayaking tour, depending on your preferences. No matter what, you’re sure to get a stunning view of the Everglades and the area’s wildlife.
10. Visit the Manatees on a Guided Tour
Everglades National Park is famously home to the West Indian manatees, who make their way here in the winter months. Spotting a manatee in the wild is a must on any Everglades bucket list!
The history of the manatee mirrors the development of Florida’s conservation efforts. After decades of hunting and boat collisions, the manatee almost went extinct in the 1970s. Now, with the establishment of protected places, like Everglades National Park, and much-improved environmental regulations, there are now an estimated 7,500 manatees in Florida.
You might get lucky and spot the “sea cows” in the park’s shallow waterways. The marina at the Flamingo Visitor Center is another popular area, but we think the best way to see them is on a boat tour.
Check out Manatee Sightseeing & Wildlife Boat Tours for tours that will take you past Port of the Islands, for beautiful views of the area, along with a chance to see turtles, dolphins, and bull sharks. Plus, if you don’t see a manatee, you’ll be able to go on another tour free of charge!
11. Canoe the Nine Mile Pond Trail
If you’re looking for the perfect day loop in the shallow part of the Everglades with lake views, alligators in the water, and marshy mangroves and reeds, the Nine Mile Pond Trail is one of the most fun things to do in the Everglades.
This trek will take you around 5 hours to complete, stretching over 5.5 miles of waterway. There are guided tours, but experienced canoers might prefer to paddle out on their own.
The trail is well marked, though it is still easy to get lost without navigation experience. Some sections provide a fun challenge, like the mangrove tunnels.
We’d recommend taking the shortcut back if you’re mainly there to sightsee. The first half of the trail is prettier, while the second is more difficult and laden with cattails.
This trail is impassable during early spring (from February to March), and in summer, the waterways will be teeming with mosquitos, so keep that in mind as you plan your trip.
12. Camp in Flamingo
Flamingo is a popular destination for camping enthusiasts. The park offers a variety of camping options, including backcountry camping, front country camping, and group camping.
Front country camping is offered at Flamingo and Long Pine Key campgrounds year-round. Campgrounds include amenities like restrooms, hot showers, picnic tables, and grills to make it a comfortable experience.
The campsites are located in a grassy area near the water, with easy access to hiking trails and waterways in the area. We recommend reserving your space in advance since camping is quite popular during peak season.
For more adventurous types, you’ll also be able to do wilderness camping. These sites allow visitors to explore the remote areas of the park, including the coastal prairies, mangrove swamps, and bays along the 99-mile Wilderness Waterway.
You can camp on designated ground sites, beach sites, or on elevated chickee platforms. Bring food and water, as amenities near wilderness sites are scarce.
Camping out is easily one of the most unique things to do in Everglades National Park and an excellent experience that will bring you closer to the natural beauty of the area and provide ample opportunity to observe the unique animals that call the park home.
13. Go On a Day Trip to Naples City
A 3-hour drive from Everglades National Park and quieter than Miami, Naples is the place to go if you need to add a bit of luxe to your trip to the Everglades.
The town of Naples is known for its beautiful beaches, upscale shopping, and luxurious golf courses. Over the years, the city has seen significant growth in both population and economic development.
When you’re visiting Naples, you have to check out the Waterside Shops and the Village on Venetian Bay. These are beautiful waterfront shopping districts – a great place to have lunch and find that perfect souvenir to bring home.
You might also enjoy a visit to the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra, the Naples Players community theater, or the Naples Museum of Art.
14. Dine on All-You-Can-Eat Stone Crabs at Triad Seafood
Did you know that Everglades City’s local specialty is stone crab? Try it for yourself at Triad Seafood, a little restaurant right on the Everglades City riverfront.
With a cozy mom-and-pop feel, this restaurant is another one of the must-do things in the Everglades if you’re a seafood fan. The country’s freshest stone crab can be found here, but the rest of the menu is worth checking out, too.
All the seafood here is sourced fresh from local suppliers – one menu highlight is the grouper, or if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, try the frog legs and gator.
Triad Seafood has been around since 1984 and remains a mainstay in the city for locals, park rangers, and visitors to the area. The riverfront is a lovely area where you can watch the birds and passing boats as you enjoy your meal.
15. Enjoy the Bustle of Downtown Miami
Given that Miami is only an hour away from Everglades National Park, we had to mention it! This is the place to go if you want a little bit of big-city excitement to round out your trip.
Miami has a (well-deserved) international reputation as a party city, so if that’s what you’re into, downtown is the place to go. Hit up a cute tapas place like NIU Kitchen, bar hop, and dance the night away.
Miami also has an amazing art scene to match its wild side. The Rubell Museum houses one of the largest private collections on the continent, and it’s a must-visit if you have any interest in contemporary art – Miami’s specialty.
Everglades National Park has endless waterways to explore, but if you just want to lounge on the beach for an afternoon, it’s hard to beat Miami’s white sand shores. South Beach is the most iconic spot, while Virginia Key Beach is much quieter.
There you have it! The 15 best things to do in the Everglades. What’s your favorite thing to do in Everglades National Park?
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