When most people think of Florida, they picture beaches and palm trees—but just an hour south of Miami lies a landscape that feels like it belongs on another planet. Welcome to a place where the river moves slow, the trees grow sideways, and the silence is often broken by the bellow of an alligator. Everglades National Park isn’t just a national treasure—it’s a living, breathing, waterlogged wonder unlike anywhere else in the U.S.
Spanning over 1.5 million acres, this subtropical wilderness is a haven for wildlife lovers, nature photographers, paddlers, hikers, and curious visitors looking to step into Florida’s wilder side. Whether you’re paddling through mangrove tunnels, cruising on an airboat, or walking a boardwalk trail that ends with a croc sighting, the Everglades offers an unforgettable blend of peace, thrill, and awe.
What We Love
Airboat Rides With A Side Of Adrenaline
There’s no better way to experience the “River of Grass” than skimming across it on an airboat. Hang on tight as you zip past sawgrass and cattails while guides point out alligators, turtles, and rare birds in their natural habitat.
Trails That Get You Eye-to-Eye With Wildlife
From the paved Anhinga Trail (where you’ll likely spot gators just feet from the boardwalk) to more rugged paths like the Gumbo Limbo Trail, the park offers a mix of easy, scenic, and just-wild-enough walks through hardwood hammocks and marshy wonderlands.
Birdwatching Paradise
Over 360 species of birds call the Everglades home, and they’re not shy. Roseate spoonbills, egrets, herons, and even bald eagles can be seen soaring, nesting, or wading as you explore. Don’t forget your camera—or at least your phone in portrait mode.
Ranger-Led Adventures And Junior Ranger Fun
Free ranger talks and tours give you insider insights on ecosystems, animal behavior, and the park’s complex history. Kids can complete activities to earn a Junior Ranger badge—perfect for families with curious minds and energy to burn.
Canoe Trails And Kayak Routes
Glide silently through mangrove creeks or wide-open sloughs. The Nine Mile Pond Canoe Trail is a favorite, offering a winding route through cypress stands and sawgrass flats where wildlife sightings feel like part of the journey.
Atmosphere & Setting
The Everglades is both quiet and alive. One moment you’re walking through a breezy, open prairie, the next you’re in a dense, sun-dappled jungle of strangler figs and ferns. Dragonflies hum, herons flap overhead, and the occasional grunt of a gator adds a little thrill to the mix. The vibe is raw but peaceful, wild yet accessible. Early mornings and evenings are especially magical, when golden light cuts across the wetlands and everything feels just a bit more mysterious.
Value (Is It Worth It?)
Absolutely. A $30 vehicle entrance fee (good for 7 days) unlocks access to a vast, varied, and one-of-a-kind national park. Boat tours, rentals, and concessions are extra but well worth it depending on your pace and interests. Whether you’re dropping in for a half-day visit or planning a full weekend of exploration, the experience delivers far more than its price tag. Great for couples, families, solo explorers, and anyone looking to escape the city and connect with the wild side of Florida.
Other Considerations
Start at the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center in Florida City for maps, advice, and an intro video. Dress for humidity with lightweight clothing, sturdy shoes, and sun protection. Bug spray is a must, especially during wet season (May–October). Most trails are flat and accessible, though some may flood after heavy rains. Bring water, snacks, and don’t count on cell service everywhere. There are restrooms, water refill stations, and shaded areas at key trailheads.
For those craving fresh air, unexpected encounters, and a bit of ecological wonder, the Everglades offers it all—untamed, unforgettable, and right there waiting beneath a canopy of cypress and sky.
Everglades National Park
📍 40001 State Road 9336, Florida City, FL 33034-6733