There is no place in the world quite like the Florida Everglades.
“The miracle of light pours over the green and brown expanse of saw grass and of water, shining and slowly moving, the grass and water that is the meaning and the central fact of the Everglades. It is a river of grass. ”
Marjory Stoneman Douglas
The Florida Everglades is 1.5 million acres of saw grass marshes, mangrove forests, and hardwood hammocks dominated by water. Consisting of multiple ecosystems, the Florida Everglades serves as a giant subtropical safe haven for a variety of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.
Fall through Winter Only!!
As a destination for outdoor activity, the Florida Everglades is best enjoyed late fall through early spring. South Florida’s hot temperatures and high humidity make outdoor activities almost unbearable. Other things to consider are the mosquito population during the warmer months and the floods of the summer rainy season.
Everglades National Park
Homestead Entrance
Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center
The best way to begin your adventure in the Florida Everglades is with a stop at the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, located just before the main gate. Here you can pick up a map of the park, reserve a time for the free guided Nike Missile Site Tour, and learn valuable insights on the plant and animal life you will be observing within the everglades, as well as to learn the importance of the Everglades ecosystem as a whole. It will also give you an opportunity to get any questions you may have about the park answered by a park ranger or volunteer.
The main park road is a 38 mile scenic drive from the visitor center to Flamingo and along this drive there are many things to see and do.
The Most Popular Short walks and hikes
Anhinga Trail 
Gumbo-Limbo Trail
Flamingo Visitor Center Area
The main park Road ends just past the Flamingo Visitor Center at Florida Bay. The points of interest below are nearest to the Flamingo area of the park.
Shark Valley
The Shark Valley entrance to Florida Everglades National Park is located on US Highway 41 (Tamiami Trail) 30 miles west of Florida Turnpike exit for SW 8th Street. The physical address is:36000 SW 8th Street Miami, Florida 33194
West Coast
Everglades City Area
Everglades City
Historic Smallwood Store Museum
Chokoloskee – Everglades City
Where to eat in Everglades City
When it comes to getting a good meal, John and I always try to get recommendations from the locals. Our recommendation in Everglades City came from our Airboat Tour Captain, and he suggested Triad Seafood. It is not fancy, but it is authentic, fresh local seafood, and our meal was delicious. Waterfront dining with a view too!! Except for a pop-up rain shower that got us a tad bit wet, our meal was darn near perfect.
