Top 10 Things to See or Do in Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is truly a wonderful national park to visit and one of our personal favorite parks which is saying a lot because we did not get to spend a whole lot of time there.  To read about why Karen and I did not get spend much time there and probably have a good laugh click here.  We wish we would have had more time there, but it I just did not work out so that just means we will have to go back.  What we both found so great about Everglades National Park is just how wild of a place it is.  We hope Florida does a good job preserving the Everglades and it’s all important water for future generations. Here is a list of our top ten things to see in Everglades National Park.

Top 10 Things to See or Do in Everglades National Park

10. Ernest Coe Visitor Center

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I know how tempting it can be to just get in the park and go, but make sure you stop by the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center or any of the visitor centers that you come across to get great information about the park.  At the Coe you will have the chance to see a few videos about the park and get information on ranger-led activities, canoe rentals, and boat tours.

9. Mahogany Hammock Trail

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Mahogany Hammock Trail is a short hike through one of 9 distinct ecosystems in the Everglades.  What makes this area so unique is the fact that it is through a dense mahogany rich area of the park, because so much of the Everglades looks like a vast prairie.

8. Airboat Tour

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Getting an up close and personal tour of the Everglades is a once a lifetime experience, and going with an airboat tour group you can see without much effort.  If you are not one that wants to be in charge of your own boat or have to paddle and want to see things off the paved roads this is the option to take.

7. Flamingo

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The end of the road is where you will find Flamingo which is a great place to catch a canoe tour of the everglades or stay for the night.  It is pretty amazing that it is less than two hours away from Miami but it feels like it is the farthest corner from.

6. Gumbo Limbo Trail

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The Gumbo Limbo Trail is a short paved trail that takes its walkers through a jungle-like canopy of gumbo limbo trees.  Make sure you bring you mosquito repellant and apply religiously especially going on this trail. I was there in March and I remember this being the worst area for the little buggers.

5. Eco Pond Trail

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Eco Pond and the short trail that is there is a wonderful birding destination especially early in the morning.  It is just passed the Flamingo Visitor Center like every national park make sure you are careful the animals are wild and so is the area.  The national parks are not zoos.

4. Shark Valley

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The Shark Valley is the northern region of the Everglades.  There is a 15 mile trail that travels into the area that can be either walked, biked, or a tram will take you to the observation deck that is at end of the trail.  It is a wonderful area to see much of the wildlife that calls Everglades National Park home.

3. Pa-hay-okee Trail

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A short boardwalk trail over the watery marsh of the southern Everglades is what you will find at the Pa-hay-okee- Trail.  This is a wonderful place to see wildlife and a great place to understand how vast the Everglade prairies are.

2. Anhinga Trail

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The Anhinga Trail is a half-mile boardwalk over a waterway that has some exceptional views of the Everglade wildlife.  During the dry season birds and reptiles will flock to this area.  Karen and I got to see this area at first light and was one of the most awe-inspiring experiences we have ever had.

1. Canoe Trip

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To really get to know and understand the Everglades one most get out on the water and there is no better way than by canoe.  Without a loud motor the animals will not even hear you coming, and there are dozens and dozens of miles of trails to choose from.  Just make sure you have a good compass, map, or GPS system so you do not get lost in the vast wilderness that is the Everglades.

We hope you enjoyed our list of the top 10 things to see or do in Everglades National Park. Is there anything that you think we left off or if you disagree with our top 10 sound off by leaving a comment.  Happy Travels!