Top Things to do in Everglades National Park
The 10 Best Things to do in Everglades National Park, Everglades National Park
Water covers nearly the entire Everglades. So it's best if you have a boat.
1. 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!
2. 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!
3. Royal Palm Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 296 reviews
The original center of the National Park with an abundance of trees and nature.
Reviewed By Kizambo - Portland, United States
Small visitor center with restrooms and exceptional accessible walking trail. Short trail but give yourself at least an hour to gawk at the creatures. You will see alligators, plenty of fish, large birds and maybe some turtles. Watch yourself along the beginning of the pathway - gators hang out just on the left of the "barrier". Watch out for the sun here - limited shade along the trail. Bring a visor and some sunscreen!
4. Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 321 reviews
Reviewed By 646lorit - Dawsonville, United States
This visitor center is on the park entrance road before you actually get to the entrance gate. This visitor center is a good place to stop and find out what activities are happening during the day, get a map and directions, view a movie about the park, look at the educational displays, and collect souveniers from the large gift shop. We did not see much wildlife around this visitor center, but there is a pleasant covered porch with rocking chairs to relax and look out over a pond. Helpful hint: for good wildlife viewing, travel 15 minutes into the park to the Anhinga Trail at the Royal Palms Visitor Center.
5. HM69 Nike Missile Base
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
Reviewed By PAboyinFL - Ocala, United States
The missile base is only open a portion of the day inside Everglades NP. It was open from 10 AM - 2 PM the day we were in the park. If you make arrangements ahead of time, you can get a ranger led tour of the area. This did not seem necessary to us since there is only one open building (and there were two volunteers there who told us all about the area and its history and its operations). There are informative signs like you would find at stops in other National Parks giving you information about other closed buildings in the small compound. It is not a lengthy ride, but it was a bit hard to locate as the park map doesn't make it clear how to get there and it is not listed on any of the brown directory signs. So do this to find it, turn onto the Anhinga Trail and look for small signs by the side of the road on your right. That will get you there. If you reach the end of Anhinga Trail, you've gone too far. It is an interesting little side spot to visit, and it makes the Cold War and the seriousness of it much more meaningful.
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. 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.
8. 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.
9. Flamingo
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 467 reviews
Small village that is the tourist area, and offers lodging, tours, dining and shopping.
Reviewed By somerj - Upper Arlington, United States
This drive is fun with multiple stops. Each stop has a nice trail that you may spend 5 minutes on or 45 minutes depending on your interest and available time.
10. Flamingo Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 225 reviews
Visitor center in the village of Flamingo.
Reviewed By FrequentTraveler1225 - Wesley Chapel, United States
The visitors center and restrooms are under construction but there are restrooms located next door in a trailer and behind the marina. On property there is a small marina and a store. You can rent different types of boats and get fuel if needed. There was plenty of parking, a lot of people where causally eating lunch throughout the area. We were able to walk around the marina and were pleasantly surprised in what we were able to see. Manatees floating around, a 14 foot crocodile sitting on a log and a large osprey nest with the mommy bird perched up there! Some of Florida’s finest in their natural habitats was awesome. We also enjoyed the short walk down to the bay and took in the beautiful water views. This stop was the highlight of our day.
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