Top Things to do in Everglades National Park
The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Everglades National Park, Everglades National Park
Water covers nearly the entire Everglades. So it's best if you have a boat.
1. Slough Slog
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
This 100-mile long river is actually the Everglades.
Reviewed By GoBlueTeacher - Ann Arbor, United States
According to the NPS website, this is only offered by request, but in fact, we spoke with the rangers at the Ernest Coe Visitor's Center and it is available every day, and it is totally free! This was one of the most unique and incredible experiences we had in our 4 days at the park, and I highly recommend it! You'll need to be prepared with shoes that can get wet/dirty and pants that dry quick, but otherwise, you just walk into the water and it feels magical, exploring parts of the Everglades most people never see or experience.
2. Anhinga Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,417 reviews
A half-mile boardwalk along a man-made canal with striking views.
Reviewed By 646lorit - Dawsonville, United States
We visited in late January during the dry season, and were able to watch up-close the reptiles and birds that dominate the everglades. Because the Anhinga Trail wanders through an area that is filled with water year-round, it is actually an oasis with a high concentration of wildlife during the dry winter months. The trail starts at the Royal Palms visitor center and winds through the glades via well maintained boardwalks and paved walkways. We saw alligators sunning right beside the sidewalk. We saw a cormarant catch a fish, and then have it stolen by a great blue heron. We saw turtles, anhingas, and so much more. Helpful hint: take the free ranger-led walk to learn so much about the everglades ecosystem and see even more animals thanks to the many eyes of the group looking. The ranger pointed out a red shouldered hawk in a tree directly overhead that I would have missed because I was looking at the alligators. This trail is not to be missed!
3. Long Pine Key
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Area in Everglades National Park that offers camping facilities.
Reviewed By Sarracenia - Norman, United States
This is a beautiful and small campground in the Everglades National Park. The park has two campgrounds and this is the smaller one. Closer to the main entrance to the park. Very quiet, no reservations taken, no electricity but there are water spigots, showers, trash cans and picnic tables at every site. The sites are well spaced and if the place is not full it is a great place to camp. Two weeks max stay. A bit warm in summer but less crowded. Mosquitos can be an issue in the warmer times of the year. If you have the federal land senior pass it is half price. Beautiful place and very convenient to be inside the park rather than to have to commute from the closest hotel area.
4. Shark Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,086 reviews
Located in the Everglades, this trail is a great way to explore the Florida landscape.
Reviewed By JSchill - Johns Creek, United States
Great tour! Brought my 82 year old dad who has been to many, many National Parks with us through the years. Tram tour is a wonderful way to explore the park without a lot of walking - guides are quick to point out birds of interest, alligators, snakes, tracks and much more. They are aware of those trying to photograph the wildlife and offer plenty of time for that. There is a :20 stop at the tower which is well worth the walk up. Rangers were extremely knowledge on all the creatures and eco-system of the park. Thankfully FL and the Army Corp of Engineers are making progress protecting this area for years to come. Highly recommend the park and the Shark Valley Tram tour - you will see lots of alligators! ???? Enjoy!
5. 99 Mile Wilderness Waterway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
A 100-mile marked inside water route that winds through creeks, rivers and open bays from Everglades City on the Gulf of Mexico to Flamingo on Florida Bay.
6. Nine Mile Pond Canoe Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By kmatson105 - Rochester, United States
I believe that this is called the "canoe the wilderness" tour on the Everglades website. It requires a reservation that can be made up to 7 days in advance. It is FREE!! This was one of the most amazing things we did on our vacation. We met at 7:45 am at 9 mile pond, and a ranger led us on a 3 hour canoe trip through the pond. We watched the sun come up over the everglades. There was plenty of wildlife! We are not expert canoe people, and we had a few struggles to figure it out, but it was fun and so worth it! We had a lovely day in the park, and this was a stellar beginning.
7. Mrazek Pond
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By Lovtorun
We were driving past here on our way to Flamingo and got a glimpse of a lot of birds! On the way back we stopped and saw hundreds of migrating water birds including ducks, herons, egrets, a herd of white pelicans and lots more. That same day the Everglades posted that it was just the right conditions here for a huge bird feeding. We did see one alligator cruising the shoreline as well. What a lucky and fun spot to see! There was pull off parking on both sides of the road.
8. Paurotis Pond
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By Teresa199010 - Wadsworth, United States
This was our last stop on our way north out of the Everglades on a short day trip. We got to the Pond just in time to see a Roseate Spoonbill take flight, along with a couple of Wood Storks!! We had been in search of the Roseate throughout our day and were delightfully rewarded by stopping here! This is a very quiet, peaceful spot even in the busy season of January.
9. Mahogany Hammock
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 192 reviews
Area of dense jungle-like plant life.
Reviewed By 971ginaa - Dallas, United States
Beside the beautiful Mahogany and other trees, we saw a baby Barred Owl and other birds as well as an Eastern Rattlesnake. Wonderful area to explore.
10. Pa-hay-okee Trail
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 195 reviews
Boardwalk trail through the "watery grass".
Reviewed By ananda6 - Springfield, United States
We stopped here as we left the park. It is only about .2 miles and the vista is breathtaking. There are no bathrooms. The walk is on a boardwalk that is easy to traverse. My 11 year old was unimpressed but I think that was because he was exhausted from kayaking earlier in the day.
