Top Things to do in Everglades National Park
What to do and see in Everglades National Park, Everglades National Park: The Best Things to do Good for Big Groups
Water covers nearly the entire Everglades. So it's best if you have a boat.
1. Florida Outdoor Adventures - Guided Everglades Kayak Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 88 reviews
Florida Outdoor Adventures, Everglades Kayak Tours - 3/5/8-day fully outfitted and guided overnight sea kayak camping tours in the backcountry of Everglades National Park. These trips are low impact nature and wildlife ecotours which allow you to fully experience and appreciate this world famous wilderness. All tours provide a complete adventure vacation for active adults and families. We uniquely offer personal small groups trips with your own private guide. Come kayak, explore and truly experience the REAL Everglades!
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. 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!
4. 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!
5. 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.
6. West Lake Trail
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 58 reviews
Scenic area filled with mangrove trees.
Reviewed By donnabB7841CE - Howell, United States
We walked the boardwalk as far as we could before the hurricane damage made us turn around. Most trees look dead or at least the leaves are stripped off. If you are into viewing spiders, this is the place for you! So many webs with so many different spiders-it was amazing. Saw lots of warblers. Also saw a bunch of American Coot. Heard some alligators bellowing, but did not see them. There are bathroom facilities and a covered area where you can rest and eat a snack if you brought one.
7. 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.
8. Gumbo Limbo Trail
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 216 reviews
Half-mile hiking trail through scenic areas.
Reviewed By thehikingharpist - Boston, United States
This is a great trail to pair with the Anhinga Trail. After seeing wildlife on the Anhinga boardwalks, we headed over to the Gumbo Limbo trail to see the tropical foliage. The Gumbo Limbo trails are amazing. They have reddish colored bark, twisty branches, and lots of above-ground roots. There is also a plaque explaining more about the trees. It was so peaceful walking under the canopy of trees as the sun poked through, and birds flew up above. At the end (or beginning, depending on which way you go), there is a little wooden footbridge. We walked the trail twice because it was so quick.
