Must-See Natural Wonders in the Everglades

Did you know there are more than a million acres of untouched landscape near Greater Miami & Miami Beach? In Everglades National Park, the flora and fauna are the stars of the show. Waterways and trails lead the way to unforgettable natural experiences in this pristine wetland. For the cost of an entrance pass, ranging from $20 to $80, there are many experiences to discover and enjoy.

Anhinga Trail

Take a leisurely stroll along this intriguing trail. Conveniently located near the Royal Palm Information Center and Bookstore at the main Homestead entrance of the park, Anhinga Trail is a mile-long loop that features a paved path and a boardwalk. This trail is appropriate for all fitness capabilities and is wheelchair accessible. Don’t miss the panorama of the sawgrass plain and the picturesque slough.

Mahogany Hammock

Are you in the mood for a self-guided boardwalk trail? Mahogany Hammock is a great half-mile path for you. Located only 20 miles from the main park entrance and the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, this trail treats visitors to a dense hammock of gumbo-limbo and mahogany trees and air plants. Due to its remote location, this trail is excellent for stargazing. It is wheelchair accessible, and the whole family can enjoy it.

Nine Mile Pond & Hell’s Bay

Grab a picnic table and take in the beautiful water view at Nine Mile Pond, with a five-mile loop for canoeing and kayaking. It’s about 10 miles past Mahogany Hammock along Main Park Road. The waterway includes grassy marshes and mangroves to manage while paddling. In this backcountry, watch for alligators, wading birds and birds of prey like eagles and hawks. Nearby Hell’s Bay is a twisty waterway trail marked by PVC trail makers, like Nine Mile Pond, to make traversing the 13.5-mile round-trip easier. Enjoy the creeks, bays and ponds inhabited by dolphins, blacktip sharks and nesting birds like pelicans and egrets. Check out the two historic campsites along the route, known as chickees. Proper planning and navigation are key to managing this challenging route.

Flamingo & Florida Bay

Drive along Main Park Road to the southernmost tip of the Florida peninsula for an all-inclusive outdoor experience. Flamingo Adventures offers a variety of lodging and tour options. Accommodations include houseboats, eco- and glamping tents and a modern lodge. The company offers a variety of recreational activities on the bay. Boat slips and launch ramps make it easy to get out on the water for canoeing, kayaking and boat tours. Enjoy backcountry or Florida Bay boat tours to view the rich plant and animal life in the area. Flamingo Restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Shark Valley & the River of Grass

The Shark Valley area of Everglades National Park, located 30 miles west of Downtown Miami on Tamiami Trail (US 41), exposes visitors to the natural beauty of freshwater marsh, swaying sawgrass canopy and islands of trees. The subtropical climate is home to many animals, including alligators, deer and turtles – but not sharks – the area’s name derives from nearby Shark River and Little Shark River. Shark Valley Tram Tours offers a two-hour Everglades tour in an open-air vehicle, complete with a midpoint stop at the observation tower. This is the highest accessible point in the valley, offering views for miles. Bring your own bike or rent one from the tram operators to explore the 15-mile paved road. Allow up to three hours to cycle it all.

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