Things to do in Everglades National Park
A vast subtropical wetland park of sawgrass prairie, mangrove coast, hardwood hammocks, pinelands, marine bays, and extraordinary wildlife.
Best months: December, January, February, March
What is worth your time in Everglades National Park
Anhinga TrailDo not miss
This short boardwalk is the best first stop for close views of alligators, turtles, fish, and wading birds.
Hike · 1.1 hr4.8
Pa-hay-okee OverlookDo not miss
The short boardwalk gives a sweeping, elevated view over sawgrass prairie and the River of Grass.
Viewpoint · 33 min4.8
Shark Valley Tram RoadDo not miss
The 15-mile loop is one of the strongest wildlife corridors in the park, with tram, bike, and tower views across the River of Grass.
Wildlife · 3 hr4.6
Flamingo MarinaDo not miss
The marina area is a reliable place to look for manatees, crocodiles, birds, and Florida Bay conditions.
Wildlife · 1.1 hr4.5
Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center
The main visitor center is the best indoor orientation stop for exhibits, conditions, maps, and ranger advice.
Ranger Program · 45 min4.7
Florida Bay Boat Tour
A boat tour from Flamingo gives broad views of Florida Bay, birds, mangroves, and marine wildlife without self-navigation.
Water Activity · 2 hr4.7
Ten Thousand Islands Boat Tour
The boat tour is the easiest way to experience the mangrove islands, dolphins, birds, and Gulf Coast side.
Water Activity · 2 hr4.7
Gumbo Limbo Trail
This short shaded hammock loop contrasts beautifully with the open sawgrass at nearby Anhinga Trail.
Hike · 33 min4.6
Mahogany Hammock Trail
The boardwalk enters a dense tree island with giant mahogany trees and lush tropical vegetation.
Hike · 33 min4.6
Nine Mile Pond Canoe Trail
The marked canoe route gives a classic Everglades paddle through mangroves, open ponds, and wildlife habitat.
Water Activity · 4 hr4.6
Long Pine Key Nature Trail
This longer pineland trail shows the fire-shaped pine rockland habitat away from boardwalk crowds.
Hike · 2.8 hr4.5
Gulf Coast Visitor Center
The visitor center orients travelers to Everglades City, Ten Thousand Islands, paddling, permits, and Gulf Coast wildlife.
Ranger Program · 45 min4.4
West Lake Trail
This short boardwalk crosses mangrove forest to brackish water habitat on the Flamingo road.
Hike · 33 min4.4
Guy Bradley Trail
The paved bayside trail links Flamingo services with open Florida Bay views and easy walking or biking.
Hike · 1.1 hr4.3
And 4 more, which the planner picks between based on your dates, pace and what you are into.
Worth knowing
- Everglades is famous for alligators, crocodiles, manatees, wading birds, the River of Grass, Shark Valley, Flamingo, and the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States.