Everglades National Park

A vast subtropical wilderness and UNESCO World Heritage Site spanning 1.5 million acres, famous for its unique ecosystem of mangroves, sawgrass marshes, and wildlife including alligators and manatees. Visitors can explore via airboat tours, kayaking, and scenic drives through this irreplaceable natural wonder.

Things to do

• Airboat Tours — Glide through shallow marshes and sawgrass prairies to spot alligators, manatees, and wading birds on guided high-speed airboat excursions.
• Kayaking in the Ten Thousand Islands — Paddle through mangrove tunnels and coastal waterways teeming with dolphins, manatees, and diverse bird species in this pristine estuarine landscape.
• Anhinga Trail — Walk this accessible 0.8-mile boardwalk loop to observe anhinga birds, alligators, and turtles in their natural shallow water habitat.
• Shark Valley Scenic Loop — Cycle or drive the 15-mile loop road offering panoramic views of the river of grass with frequent wildlife sightings and an elevated observation tower.
• Flamingo Visitor Center & Marina — Explore the southernmost point of the park with boat tours, fishing opportunities, and scenic waterfront dining overlooking Florida Bay.
• Gulf Coast Visitor Center Canoe Trail — Paddle through red mangroves and coastal waterways starting from the Gulf Coast Visitor Center to encounter manatees and wading birds.

Food to try

• Stone Crab Claws — A South Florida delicacy featuring oversized sweet crab claws typically served chilled with mustard sauce at waterfront restaurants near Flamingo.
• Fresh Catch Fish Fry — Local restaurants in nearby Homestead and Florida City serve freshly caught grouper, snapper, and mahi-mahi fried or grilled with traditional sides.
• Gator Tail — A regional specialty featuring tender alligator meat prepared fried or in savory dishes, reflecting the park's iconic wildlife and local hunting heritage.
• Conch Salad — A Bahamian-influenced dish popular in South Florida made with diced raw conch, lime juice, onions, and peppers, reflecting Caribbean cultural ties.
• Key Lime Pie — An iconic Florida dessert made with tart key lime juice, condensed milk, and egg yolks in a graham cracker crust, available at park concessions and nearby restaurants.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Wildlife Distance Rules — Always maintain at least 30 feet from alligators and manatees; feeding wildlife is strictly prohibited and dangerous for both humans and animals.
• Plan for Seasonal Visits — November through April offers the best conditions with cooler temperatures and concentrated wildlife viewing as water levels drop; summer brings intense heat, humidity, and mosquitoes.
• Acknowledge Indigenous Heritage — The Everglades are ancestral lands of the Seminole and Miccosukee peoples who continue to live in the region; respectfully learn about their history and contemporary presence.
• Use Designated Waterways Only — Stay on marked trails and established waterways to protect the fragile ecosystem and prevent damage to nesting areas and sensitive wetland habitats.