Whether you are based out of Miami or want to get away from the crowds in Orlando, South Florida has a lot to offer. With two National Parks and fantastic snorkeling there is truly something for every outdoor adventurer. Visiting Everglades National Park should be top of your list.
You can make it part of a bigger road trip that also includes Biscayne National Park and the Florida Keys or as a day trip from Miami. If it is your first time visiting this area, it’s a good idea to have a plan if you only have one day, because there is a lot of park to see and things to do, from going on one of the kayak tours to hiking a short trail, like the 0.8 mile round-trip Anhinga Trail.
Everglades National Park history facts
The largest subtropical wilderness in the United States and the third largest park in the contiguous United States after Death Valley and Yellowstone. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, a Wetland of International Importance, and a special protected area under the Cartagena Treaty.
Both invasive plants and wildlife are a constant threat to this subtropical wonderland. The two biggest wildlife threats being the lionfish and the Burmese python. The python was introduced into the park due to both accidental and intentional release of captive pet animals. And they have done well in this environment. A little too well.
Their presence is devastating native wildlife populations with their voracious appetite. Various groups are working hard to try to bring this invasive species under control, but success has been limited. The Everglades is such a special place and there is so much to see and enjoy I hate seeing its spectacular wildlife devastated by these invasive species.
Best time for visiting Everglades National Park
The best time to visit the Florida everglades is during the dry season, though the park is open year-round. Really you can visit at any time of year, though you may want to avoid hurricane season and peak season in the summer.
Getting there
Located around 1 hour from Miami by car, it is easily accessible, with the main entrance (and most popular entrance) being the Ernest F. Coe visitor center and entrance area. Another popular entrance point is to the Shark Valley Area with the Shark Valley Visitor center being a popular stop before entering that area of the park.
Entrance fees
Standard park entrance fee ranges from $20 – $35 depending on the vehicle (bike vs. car)
The America the beautiful national parks pass is also an option if you plan to visit multiple national parks or national forests in a year
Wildlife in Everglades National Park
There are many endangered species that call the Florida everglades home and it is a great place to go on a wildlife tour. Some of the endangered species include the manatee, sea turtles, and the Florida panther. It is also one of the best places to see other more abundant wildlife, like the American Crocodiles and Great Blue herons.
Everglades National Park in my opinion has some of the most unique bird watching and wildlife viewing opportunities in the US. Just a few of the bird species I saw during my time there were the Snowy Egrets, Anhinga and American purple gallinule.
It is considered the most significant breeding area for wading birds in North America with habitat for over 400 different species. But its not just a site for wading birds it’s also a stopover on the migration of the critically endangered Yellow-throated warbler.
With rising sea levels and the other significant impacts of climate change, many of these species are at risk of extinction, making the Everglades an important resource to protect.
Walk with the Everglades National Park Alligators
We all know that Everglades National Park is home to a surprising number of gators. But let’s clear one thing up first. What’s the difference between an alligator and a crocodile, in case you ever come face to face with one of these beasts.
There are a couple key features. Alligators have a wider U-shaped snout whereas crocodiles have a more pointed snout. When their great jaws are shut, crocodiles look like they are giving you a toothy grin. Finally, crocodiles generally live in saltwater habitats, while alligators prefer freshwater marshes and lakes.
Ok, now that we have that cleared up, there are places where you can walk or bike along a waterway, with alligators basking right alongside you. It’s a bit unnerving but kind of awesome to be able to see these animals up close and in their natural environment. Just don’t get too close. They are still a wild animal after all.
Gator show
Before heading out on an airboat tour, make sure to check out the gator show. This is where you will learn the fun facts about alligators I described above. They will also bring out gators for demonstration and little baby ones for photo opportunities.
Make sure you wash your hands after handling the baby gator though, they still carry things like salmonella. Don’t listen to the show hosts who say these are the cleanest animals you will ever encounter. It doesn’t matter how they are cared for; they still poop in the same water they swim in.
Airboat rides in Everglades National Park
An airboat tour is probably the best way to really see the everglades. It’s a great way to up get close to the mangrove forests, birds, alligators and plant life that makes the everglades magical.
There are lots of options for airboat tours with different companies, making it easy to find the tour that fits you best.
Robert is Here
Before really heading into the park and taking in all it’s amazing natural glory, make sure to stop at Robert is Here. This farm stand is just on the outskirts of the park and has the best passionfruit smoothie I have ever tasted.
Make sure to also pick up some boiled peanuts while you are there. Their salty goodness will turn your fingers into prunes and make your taste buds happy.
Concluding Thoughts
The Everglades is bursting with biodiversity and a must visit national park. You can also make it a combined trip of the Everglades National Park, Biscayne National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park if visiting all of the US National Parks is on your bucket list.
Continuing on past the Everglades you will start to enter the Florida Keys. The first of the keys being Key Largo, a great spot to go snorkeling. There is a great reef just a short boat ride away bursting with life. You will be surrounded by barracudas, tangs, and many other tropical fish all hanging out around the garden of corals. So, make sure to plan a longer visit to south Florida, because you wouldn’t want to miss this wildlife hotspot.
