Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park: America’s River of Grass

Spread across 1.5 million acres of wetlands, mangroves, and sawgrass prairies, Everglades National Park is unlike any other place in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve is the largest tropical wilderness in the United States—an ecosystem so unique and vital that it’s often called the “Amazon of North America.”

Here, water moves slowly like a wide, shallow river, sustaining a rich tapestry of wildlife, rare plant species, and unforgettable landscapes. Whether you’re adventuring by airboat, kayak, or boardwalk, the Everglades offer a wild beauty that feels both ancient and alive.

Why Visit Everglades National Park?

🐊 Unmatched Wildlife Viewing

The Everglades are one of the only places on Earth where alligators and crocodiles live side by side. You’ll also find manatees, dolphins, panthers, otters, turtles, and over 360 bird species—including roseate spoonbills and great blue herons.

🌾 A Landscape Found Nowhere Else

Endless sawgrass plains, cypress domes, tangled mangrove forests, and freshwater sloughs create a living mosaic that changes with the seasons and tides.

🌅 Unforgettable Sunsets and Skies

With wide-open horizons and mirror-like waters, the Everglades deliver some of the most dramatic sunsets and stargazing in the southeastern U.S.

Top Things to Do in Everglades National Park

1. Take an Airboat Ride

Airboats are iconic to the area. Glide over shallow water, spot wildlife, and learn about the ecosystem from local guides.- I recommend going with Captain Mitch's airboat tours.

2. Walk the Anhinga Trail

One of the best wildlife-viewing spots in the park, this boardwalk near the Homestead entrance almost guarantees sightings of alligators, turtles, and birds.

3. Explore Shark Valley

Ride the 15-mile loop by tram or bike for excellent views and an observation tower with panoramic vistas of the River of Grass.

4. Kayak Through Mangrove Tunnels

At the Flamingo or Gulf Coast areas, you can paddle through serene waterways surrounded by dense mangroves—one of the most immersive ways to experience the park.

5. Visit Flamingo

Look for manatees at the marina, search for crocodiles, or launch kayaks into Florida Bay’s quiet backcountry.

Best Trails and Boardwalks

• Gumbo Limbo Trail – Tropical hardwood hammocks and shaded jungle vibes

• Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook – Elevated platform with sweeping wetland views

• Mahogany Hammock Trail – Towering mahogany trees in a dense, prehistoric-feeling forest

• Nine-Mile Pond Canoe Trail – A long but rewarding paddle through sloughs and mangroves

Best Time to Visit

The most popular time to visit is the dry season (December–April), when wildlife is easier to spot, temperatures are pleasant, and mosquitoes are minimal.The wet season (May–November) brings lush landscapes, higher water levels, and fewer crowds—but also more humidity and insects.

Travel Tips for the Everglades

• Bring sun protection — The open wetlands offer little shade.

• Stay hydrated — Heat and humidity can be intense.

• Wear insect repellent — Essential, especially in summer.

• Drive carefully at night — Wildlife is frequently on or near roads.

• Respect wildlife distance — Alligators may seem calm, but they are wild animals.

Final Thoughts

Everglades National Park is a powerful reminder of how delicate—and vital—natural systems can be. With its unique ecosystem, incredible wildlife, and serene beauty, the Everglades invite you to slow down, listen, and reconnect with nature in a way few places allow.

Whether you explore by trail, water, or open road, the Everglades is a destination that stays with you long after the journey ends.