10 Ways to Enjoy Everglades National Park and Surrounding Areas

Exploring the Majestic Everglades National Park

Rich Biodiversity of the Everglades

The Everglades, a unique and ecologically significant region in southern Florida, boasts biodiversity that is unparalleled in North America and recognized worldwide. It’s often referred to as the “River of Grass” because of the expansive system of habitats, including freshwater marshes, cypress swamps, sawgrass prairies, and estuarine mangrove forests. The Everglades are a crucial habitat for countless species living within the park, including more than 350 species of birds, 50 species of reptiles, and 40 species of mammals.

One of the most iconic animals of the Everglades is the American Alligator. Their trek back from near extinction is incredible. There are many endangered animals living in the Everglades, including the Florida Panther, the West Indian Manatee, and several species of fish.

Unique Experiences in the Park

As far as unique experiences go, you can’t beat the Everglades. Even walking around and breathing it in can change your life. From the bustling animals to the vibrant plants and the air so fresh you feel strong enough to take on the world, the Everglades are not to be overlooked.

The Museum of the Everglades covers more than 2,000 years of Everglades history and is a great way to start off your journey of exploration! Having all that knowledge in your head can help you take in the true beauty of the Everglades and have an appreciation that might not have been possible otherwise.

Airboat Tours in the Everglades

Taking a ride on your own airboat is a nice excursion, but one of the best ways to explore the Everglades is through a guided tour on a high-speed airboat with a knowledgeable captain pointing out wildlife, sharing the history of the Everglades and answering questions.

Getting Close to Wildlife: Alligator Spotting

If you have ever wanted to see gators for yourself, Everglades Holiday Park is the place to go. Our gator park boasts many rescued alligators of various shades and sizes that participate in a thrilling show by the Gator Boys. The ecosystem of the Everglades is one of the best things you can experience. It’s thriving with diverse wildlife, some of which are heading towards extinction. Hop on one of our airboats and see the park in all its glory with a guided tour.

The Many Trails of the Everglades (Anhinga Trail, Gumbo Limbo Trail, etc…)

Everglades National Park is the third largest park in the lower 48 states. It’s made up of more than 1.5 million acres! The visitor centers in Everglades National Park, such as the Flamingo Visitor Center, the Coe Visitor Center, and the Gulf Coast Visitor Center, all have information on the best of the many trails. That being said, one of the most beloved parts of the Everglades is the hiking trails. The Anhinga Trail is short, popular, and incredibly stunning. You walk along a wooden boardwalk, crossing over sawgrass marshes, spotting wildlife, and staying in breezy areas that are mostly free of mosquitos.

The Gumbo Limbo Trail is another popular option. It takes you on an enchanting journey through the dense, subtropical forests. It’s filled with indescribable sights such as moss-covered trees, giant ferns, and tangled, weaving trees. Pa-hay-okee Overlook Trail is a beloved, short boardwalk trail that leads to a lookout tower offering amazing views of wildlife and the nearby areas. It’s only .5 miles, but it’s arguably one of the best ways to experience the Everglades as far as hiking trails go.

More Than Just Nature: Activities and Tours

Boating and Tours

There are leisurely ways to enjoy the Everglades if you’re seeking a break from the intense, ranger-led tours. Guided boat tours are perfect for exploring any open area of the Everglades.

The Shark Valley Tram must be added to your list of things to see. The tram takes you up to the Shark Valley observation tower. Shark Valley is one of the best places to view the Everglades that you’ll find! The tram tour will guide you through the Shark River Slough and offer you incredible insight into how and why Everglades National Park is home to such a diverse range of animals.

Camping Under the Stars

You can check “camping” off your National Park checklist on any one of the stunning campgrounds throughout the park. There are spots such as the Flamingo Campgrounds and Long Pine Key, but if you’re looking for something a little more unique, the park offers various chikee spots. A chikee is a wooden platform tent site that sits above the water. It feels like you’re on your own little island. The bulk of these sites are located near the Flamingo Visitor Center.

If you want to experience the Everglades with its true depth of beauty, camping is immersive and thrilling.

What Are the Best Things to Do in Everglades Park (And  The Best Places to Visit )

AIR BOATING

Air boating is, of course, one of the most popular ways to take to the Everglades waters. Airboats are specialized in navigating the shallow waters and various terrains of the Everglades. The best Everglades airboat tours at Everglades Holiday Park are led by expert airboat captains who bring you to the most ideal spots. Airboat tours are the best way to appreciate the Everglades without disturbing the natural habitats. Since the airboats glide across the water, they’re helping to preserve the Everglades for future generations.

BIKING

Grab your bike and hit the trails! Everglades National Park offers plenty of bike trails, safe for bikers, with plenty of views. Popular bike trails in Everglades National Park include Shark Valley and Long Pine Key Nature Trail.

FISHING

We’re always asked, “FAQ: Best way to see the Everglades,” and we always say that fishing in the Everglades is a very popular activity for locals and visitors, and it’s also a great way to see the area up close. Everglades Holiday Park offers bait & tackle, Everglades fishing boat rentals, guided fishing tours, and fishing gear.

Hike Your Way Through

There are so many trails on the grounds that you can spend days exploring new terrain. Hiking is a combination of fresh air, exercise, and stunning views that you won’t want to miss! There are tours along some of the trails, but you can also move at your own pace, working through the Everglades and camping as you go.

The adjacent Big Cypress National Preserve isn’t part of the park, but the contrast between Big Cypress and the Everglades is worth exploring. While the Everglades are made up of mostly grass prairies, the preserve is almost entirely Big Cypress Swamps, hence the name.

Canoe and Kayak: Paddling Through the Glades

Kayaking and canoeing are two of the most popular ways to explore the park without a park ranger guiding the way. There are trails, such as the Nine Mile Pond, that are perfect for self-guided floats down the shimmering Everglades waters. You’ll likely spot unique animals and vegetation, as well as little places in the Everglades that you otherwise wouldn’t see.

BOATING

FAQ: The best way to see the Everglades is boating. Most of the park is only accessible by water, which makes boating an easy way for Everglades adventurists to tour the terrain. Everglades Holiday Park offers its own entry into the glades, with Jon boat rentals or guided tours.

BIRD WATCHING

Bird enthusiasts can find thousands of birds throughout Everglades National Park.

CAMPING

Everglades National Park has many prime camping destinations, including Long Pine Key and Flamingo campgrounds, where campers can enjoy direct access to the water, picnic tables, grills, restrooms, showers, and electric hookups.

GROUP RETREATS

Why spend a day in a stuffy building when you could enjoy a corporate retreat outdoors in the fresh air? Everglades Holiday Park is a great place for Everglades corporate events or group events in South Florida, offering plenty of room for activities, a full-service café, and a staff of Everglades experts who can assist with your group activities.

WILDLIFE VIEWING

Those who are simply interested in wildlife viewing can find tons of animals in Everglades National Park. This park is home to hundreds of different animal species, some endangered, some exotic and even invasive, some on land, in the air, and underwater. Everglades Holiday Park offers interactive animal encounters, a live alligator show, and a guided alligator tour on our state-of-the-art airboats, perfect for wildlife viewing.

FAQs

What is the best way to see the Everglades?

Everglades National Park is a wetland preserve spanning 1.5 million acres across central and southern Florida. This massive, slow-moving river is comprised of various terrains and ecosystems, all working together to sustain thousands of plants and animals and provide life to South Florida. Floridians and visitors to the Sunshine State often seek ways to explore Everglades National Park in a safe and comfortable setting but may not be sure where the best entryway to this 1.5-million-acre park would be. The National Park Service website is full of information on entrances, helpful contact information, and more.

Is the Everglades worth visiting?

Thousands of visitors head to Everglades Holiday Park each year for a chance to embark on Everglades airboat voyages, famous for providing a thrilling and educational *hour-long tour across the Everglades. Everyone knows Everglades Holiday Park provides the best alligator shows, the most exciting airboat tours, and interactive animal encounters, but you may be surprised to find out that there are plenty of additional activities you can do to enjoy South Florida’s natural attractions as well! With over 1.5 million acres spanning across central and southern Florida, there’s no shortage of adventurous activities for adults and kids of all ages.

How is Big Cypress National Preserve connected to the Everglades?

The adjacent national preserve isn’t part of the park, but the contrast between Big Cypress and the Everglades is worth exploring. While the Everglades are made up of mostly grass prairies, the preserve is almost entirely Big Cypress Swamps, hence the name.

How large is Everglades National Park?

It’s made of 1.509 million acres that stretch over Southern Florida.

How Many Visitors’ Centers Are There?

Five: Royal Palm Visitor Center, Gulf Coast in Everglades City, Shark Valley Visitor Center is about 40 miles West of Miami, the Flamingo Visitor Center is in the same part of the park as Ernest Coe, which is the final visitor center.

Are there guided tours available at Everglades Holiday Park?

Yes! We offer 60-minute* airboat tours guided by our knowledgeable and experienced captains. You’ll learn interesting facts and spot wildlife, all from the shady comfort of a speeding airboat ride.

What kinds of wildlife can I expect to see in the Everglades?

The American Alligator is what everyone strives to see, but other wildlife you might see include, but is not limited to, the Roseate Spoonbill, the Florida Gar, the Banded Water Snake, and the White-tailed Deer, and many other animals. Within the Everglades lives the vast majority of the few remaining Florida Panthers, as well as several other species of endangered animals that you may see if you’re lucky. This vast diversity is part of why it’s so crucial to protect the Everglades for the future.

When is the best time to visit the Everglades?

December through March is the most amiable time to plan your vacation to the Everglades. Temperatures are low, as well as mosquitoes. The other months of the year typically include hot, humid weather, many mosquitoes, and, from July to November, you run the risk of encountering a hurricane.

Fun Things to Do in the Everglades

Another thing we are always asked is “Is the Everglades worth visiting?” and the answer is there are plenty of ways to enjoy Everglades National Park. Come spend a day at Everglades Holiday Park, where you can participate in all these activities and see all the fun things you can do in the Everglades!