From hiking to biking, camping, canoeing and gliding on an airboat, explore the very best of the Everglades Area.
The Everglades are home to one of the most pristine landscapes in the world. This is one of the most fascinating places in all of Florida, where lush, subtropical wetlands cover 1.5 million acres with sawgrass prairies, hardwood hammocks and saltwater marshes, as well as a diverse population of wildlife. Animal species that call the Everglades Area home include bald eagles, white-tailed deer, bobcats, panthers and, of course, the Florida alligator.
It’s easy to discover everything the Everglades has to offer on a daytrip, whether you’re hiking, biking, canoeing or gliding through the “River of Grass” on an airboat. Choose your own adventure inside Everglades National Park with two main entrances situated roughly an hour from Downtown Miami.
At Shark Valley, due west from Miami, embark on a ranger-led tram tour around a 15-mile paved loop, or rent bikes to explore. At Flamingo, to the south, you’ll find trailheads ranging from the roughly one-mile-long Anhinga and Gumbo Limbo to Long Pine Key’s 22 miles of trails for discovering native flora and fauna. Winter and the shoulder seasons of early spring and late fall are popular times to visit this area – both due to the large numbers of native and migratory birds that visitors can see, as well as lower water levels that make more areas of the park accessible.
Airboat tours are hands-down one of the most popular ways to experience the Everglades. Set on parks and farms throughout the area, the aquatic excursions often include on-land educational wildlife shows, alligator demonstrations and exhibitions to round out your day. For a taste of the ‘glades, make a pit stop at Everglades Gator Grill, where adventurous eaters can sample the grilled gator sandwich, plus other regional fare.
For a truly immersive Everglades experience, the Flamingo Adventures campgrounds are located at the southernmost tip of the Florida Peninsula on Florida Bay’s backcountry, where you can camp out in an eco-tent or houseboat. It’s an oasis for birders, fishermen and anyone who loves the great outdoors.
