The Everglades isn’t just a swamp—it’s a wild, untamed paradise brimming with adventure and breathtaking landscapes. Imagine gliding across the waters of Everglades National Park, spotting alligators along Shark Valley, or paddling through the lush mangroves of the Ten Thousand Islands. Every moment here feels like a scene from a nature documentary. But more than just stunning scenery, the Everglades is an experience that stirs the soul and fuels the spirit of exploration. If you’re ready to dive into the heart of Florida’s most captivating wilderness, here are 12 must-do activities and attractions!
Best Places to Visit in the Everglades
Exploring the Everglades? Take an airboat ride through sawgrass marshes, spot alligators along the Anhinga Trail, or kayak through the mangrove tunnels of Nine Mile Pond. Visit Shark Valley for panoramic wetland views, hike Big Cypress National Preserve for wildlife encounters, or boat through the Ten Thousand Islands. Whether you’re here for adventure or nature, the Everglades are one of Florida’s most unique landscapes.
1. Everglades Airboat Tours
Riding an airboat through the Everglades is an adrenaline-filled way to explore Florida’s famous wetlands. These flat-bottomed boats, powered by massive propellers, glide effortlessly over the shallow water, offering access to areas unreachable by foot. As the boat picks up speed, the wind rushes past, and the surrounding sawgrass marshes stretch endlessly. The best part? Spotting wildlife up close. Alligators lurk beneath the surface, wading birds take flight, and if you’re lucky, you might even see a Florida panther in the distance.
Most airboat tours are led by local guides who share insights into the Everglades’ fragile ecosystem. They’ll point out everything from cypress trees draped in Spanish moss to roseate spoonbills wading nearby. I remember being captivated as our guide stopped to let an alligator swim alongside the boat. An airboat ride is an unforgettable way to experience the Everglades’ raw beauty.
2. Anhinga Trail
For an easy yet wildlife-packed adventure, the Anhinga Trail is one of the best spots in Everglades National Park. This short boardwalk winds through a sawgrass marsh teeming with wildlife. Unlike other areas where animals stay hidden, here, alligators, turtles, and a variety of wading birds are often just a few feet away. The trail is named after the anhinga, a sleek black bird that perches on branches with wings spread wide to dry.
One of the best times to visit is early morning when the mist rises off the water, revealing a breathtaking scene of great egrets stalking fish and purple gallinules darting across lily pads. I once counted over a dozen alligators sunbathing along the boardwalk! The Anhinga Trail is a must-visit for up-close wildlife encounters without needing a long hike or boat ride.
3. Shark Valley
If you want panoramic views of the Everglades, Shark Valley offers a unique way to explore—by bike, tram, or foot. The 15-mile loop trail is famous for its abundant alligators, often seen sunning themselves right next to the path. About halfway through the loop, the Shark Valley Observation Tower rises, offering a stunning 360-degree view of the “River of Grass.” From this vantage point, you’ll truly appreciate the vastness of the Everglades.
Biking the trail is an incredible experience, with wildlife appearing at every turn. I once had to stop as a heron casually strolled across the path while an alligator lounged nearby. If cycling isn’t your thing, the guided tram tour provides an informative and comfortable way to explore. Whether you’re pedaling or relaxing on the tram, Shark Valley delivers a front-row seat to the Everglades’ natural beauty.
4. Ten Thousand Islands
For a true backcountry adventure, Ten Thousand Islands offers an unforgettable maze of mangrove islets stretching along the Gulf Coast. The best way to explore is by kayak or boat, weaving through narrow waterways where manatees, dolphins, and ospreys are common sights. The remote setting makes it feel like a world away from civilization, and the wildlife encounters here are unmatched. For a deeper dive into the ecosystem, visit Sandfly Island, an archaeological site revealing remnants of ancient Native American settlements.
Paddling through this labyrinth, I once saw a bald eagle swoop down to catch a fish while dolphins played nearby. The best launch point is from Everglades City, where guided tours help navigate the winding channels. Whether you’re up for a multi-day kayak trip or a few hours of exploration, Ten Thousand Islands is one of the most pristine and breathtaking areas in the Everglades.
5. Gumbo Limbo Trail
For a quick but immersive hike, the Gumbo Limbo Trail is a 0.4-mile loop through a dense tropical hardwood hammock. Named after the Gumbo Limbo tree, known for its peeling red bark, the trail offers a stark contrast to the Everglades’ open marshlands. The towering mahogany trees, ferns, and air plants create a shady escape filled with lush greenery. Informational signs along the way explain the unique plant species and how they thrive in this subtropical environment.
This trail is ideal for spotting butterflies, woodpeckers, and even the elusive barred owl. I once watched a raccoon carefully climb a tree while listening to the distant call of a red-shouldered hawk. Located near Royal Palm Visitor Center, it’s a short but rewarding stop that showcases the Everglades’ diverse ecosystems beyond the wetlands. The cooler, shaded environment makes it a great escape from the Florida heat, especially during midday hikes.
6. Flamingo Visitor Center
At the southernmost tip of Everglades National Park, the Flamingo Visitor Center serves as a hub for some of the park’s best boating, fishing, and wildlife-watching opportunities. From here, you can launch a kayak, join a boat tour, or simply scan the water for manatees and American crocodiles, which are frequently spotted near the marina. The area is also home to the rare flamingo sightings, a unique spectacle in the Everglades.
One of my favorite moments here was watching a roseate spoonbill wade through the shallows as a manatee surfaced nearby. If you’re into fishing, this is one of the best places to cast a line for snook, redfish, and tarpon. The visitor center also offers helpful rangers, maps, and updates on water conditions, making it the perfect starting point for Everglades exploration. Nearby, you’ll also find campgrounds and hiking trails, making it a great base for an overnight stay.
7. Royal Palm Visitor Center & Slough Slog
For an immersive Everglades experience, head to Royal Palm Visitor Center, home to some of the park’s best trails and ranger-led activities. The Slough Slog is a standout—a guided off-trail adventure where you wade knee-deep through a cypress dome. It’s a rare opportunity to step directly into the Everglades’ watery landscape, surrounded by ferns, air plants, and towering trees while spotting turtles and tiny fish moving beneath the water.
I’ll never forget the eerie stillness of the swamp, broken only by the distant calls of limpkins and tree frogs. Along with its boardwalk trails like Anhinga Trail, which is teeming with alligators, turtles, and wading birds, this visitor center offers an up-close look at the Everglades’ ecosystem. If you’re up for a little adventure, the Slough Slog is one of the most thrilling ways to experience the wetlands firsthand.
8. Pa-hay-okee Overlook
For one of the best panoramic views in the Everglades, Pa-hay-okee Overlook offers a short, elevated boardwalk that looks out over an endless expanse of sawgrass prairie. The name comes from the Seminole word for “grassy waters,” and from the platform, you get a true sense of the Everglades as a vast, slow-moving river. Clouds reflecting on the water make for a surreal, dreamlike scene.
Sunrise and sunset are particularly breathtaking, with golden light stretching across the landscape and herons, egrets, and hawks soaring above. I once spotted a deer moving cautiously through the grass, a rare but memorable sight. This overlook is one of the best places for photographers, birdwatchers, or anyone who wants a peaceful moment surrounded by nature. If you’re looking for an easy but stunning stop in the Everglades, Pa-hay-okee should be on your list.
9. Mahogany Hammock
One of the most unique spots in the Everglades, Mahogany Hammock features an elevated boardwalk that winds through a dense tropical hardwood forest. The star of the trail is the largest living mahogany tree in the U.S., surrounded by gumbo limbo, ferns, and orchids. The contrast between the towering trees and the open prairies surrounding them makes this a fascinating and unexpected part of the park.
Walking along the boardwalk, I was amazed by the sheer variety of plant life and the deep shade that made it feel like a hidden jungle. If you’re quiet, you might spot a barred owl or a tree snail clinging to the trunks. The cool, shaded environment makes this a refreshing stop, and it’s a perfect place to appreciate the Everglades’ biodiversity beyond its wetlands and open water.
10. Eco Pond
A hidden gem near Flamingo Visitor Center, Eco Pond is one of the best places in the Everglades for birdwatching and wildlife photography. This tranquil freshwater pond is surrounded by lush vegetation, attracting a variety of species, including roseate spoonbills, great egrets, and wood storks. The calm water reflects the sky beautifully, creating a peaceful atmosphere perfect for nature lovers looking to escape the busier park areas.
I arrived here just after sunrise and was rewarded with the sight of an osprey diving for fish, while an alligator lurked at the water’s edge. The short walking loop around the pond offers multiple vantage points for spotting wildlife and capturing stunning photos. If you’re a photographer or simply enjoy quiet moments in nature, Eco Pond is a fantastic stop that showcases the Everglades’ rich biodiversity and peaceful charm.
11. Nike Missile Site
One of the most unexpected attractions in the Everglades, the Nike Missile Site HM-69 offers a fascinating glimpse into Cold War history. This decommissioned military base, built in response to the Cuban Missile Crisis, once housed nuclear-capable missiles aimed at deterring Soviet threats. Today, guided tours take visitors through the launch area, control centers, and even show a preserved Nike Hercules missile.
Walking through the site, I was struck by the eerie contrast between the Everglades’ natural beauty and the stark remnants of this high-security military facility. The ranger-led tours provide insightful stories about the soldiers who lived here and the tense atmosphere of the Cold War. If you’re a history buff or just want a break from wildlife-focused activities, the Nike Missile Site is a must-see in the Everglades.
12. Loop Road Scenic Drive
For a classic backcountry experience, Loop Road Scenic Drive offers 24 miles of gravel roads winding through remote swamplands, cypress forests, and old Florida homesteads. This less-traveled route, running parallel to Tamiami Trail, is one of the best ways to explore the Big Cypress National Preserve without hiking. Along the way, you’ll see plenty of alligators sunning on the roadside, great blue herons wading in the shallows, and barred owls perched in the trees.
I took this drive on a misty morning, and the stillness of the cypress groves was mesmerizing. There are several pull-off spots where you can get out, stretch your legs, and admire the Everglades’ untouched beauty. If you want a scenic, off-the-beaten-path experience, Loop Road Scenic Drive is one of the coolest ways to witness the Everglades up close.
