Best Things to Do in Everglades National Park

Spanning over 1.5 million acres across southern Florida, Everglades National Park is the largest tropical wilderness in the United States and one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. Famous for its vast wetlands, diverse wildlife, and stunning landscapes, the park is home to alligators, manatees, Florida panthers, and over 300 bird species.

Whether you're an adventurer, wildlife enthusiast, or nature lover, there’s no shortage of amazing experiences to enjoy in the Everglades. From airboat tours and scenic trails to kayaking through mangrove tunnels, here are the best things to do in Everglades National Park.

Explore Shark Valley and Climb the Observation Tower

• Best For: Biking, wildlife viewing, scenic landscapes

• Distance: 15-mile loop (bike, tram, or walk)

• Must-See: 65-foot observation tower with panoramic views

Located on the northern side of the park, Shark Valley is one of the best places to experience the Everglades’ wildlife up close. The 15-mile loop road is perfect for biking, walking, or taking a tram tour, with countless opportunities to spot alligators basking in the sun, herons wading through the marsh, and turtles sunning themselves on the banks.

At the halfway point, visitors can climb the 65-foot observation tower, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the sawgrass prairies stretching into the horizon. On clear days, you can see for miles!

Insider Tips:

✔️ Bike rentals available at the visitor center.
✔️ Tram tours offer a relaxing way to see the loop while learning from expert guides.
✔️ Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to see active wildlife.

Take an Airboat Tour Through the Everglades

• Best For: Thrill-seekers, first-time visitors

• Duration: 30–60 minutes

• Must-See: Alligators, birds, and mangrove forests

No visit to the Everglades is complete without an airboat ride, one of the most exciting ways to explore the wetlands. These high-speed flat-bottomed boats glide over the shallow waters, allowing you to experience the expansive sawgrass marshes and hidden waterways.

Along the way, guides point out alligators, wading birds, and fish while sharing fascinating facts about the Everglades' ecosystem. Some airboat tours even include educational wildlife shows and the chance to see rescued alligators up close.

Insider Tips:

✔️ Choose a tour in the national park to support conservation efforts.
✔️ Bring ear protection—airboats can be loud!
✔️ Sunset tours provide an incredible view of the 

Everglades at golden hour.

Kayak or Canoe Through the Mangrove Tunnels

• Best For: Adventurers, photographers, nature lovers

• Must-See: Mangrove forests, dolphins, manatees

• Difficulty: Moderate (some paddling experience recommended)

For a peaceful and immersive experience, rent a kayak or canoe and paddle through the Everglades’ winding waterways and mangrove tunnels. Unlike airboats, which cover large open areas quickly, kayaks allow for a quieter, more intimate experience with nature.

Popular paddling routes include:
🌿 Nine Mile Pond Canoe Trail – Great for spotting alligators, herons, and fish.
🌊 Hell’s Bay Canoe Trail – A more challenging but rewarding route through dense mangroves.
🐬 Florida Bay – Where you might see manatees, sea turtles, and even dolphins!

Insider Tips:

✔️ Rent a kayak from Flamingo or Gulf Coast visitor centers.
✔️ Bring bug spray—mosquitoes can be intense in warmer months.
✔️ Wear a hat and sunscreen, as shade is limited in some areas.

Visit Flamingo and Look for Manatees

• Best For: Birdwatching, marine wildlife, fishing

• Must-See: Manatees, American crocodiles, coastal waters

At the southernmost visitor center in the Everglades, Flamingo is a fantastic spot for seeing marine wildlife, including gentle manatees, American crocodiles, and a variety of birds. The marina area is a known gathering place for these creatures, and lucky visitors might even spot dolphins swimming in Florida Bay.

Flamingo also offers boating, fishing, and camping opportunities, making it a great place to spend a full day exploring.

Insider Tips:

✔️ Manatees are most active in the winter months (December–March).
✔️ Pack binoculars for spotting birds and marine life.
✔️ Bring snacks and water—Flamingo has limited food options.

Hike the Anhinga Trail for the Best Wildlife Viewing

• Best For: Short hikes, wildlife photography, all ages

• Distance: 0.8 miles round trip (boardwalk trail)

• Must-See: Alligators, turtles, wading birds

The Anhinga Trail is one of the most popular and accessible trails in Everglades National Park. This easy boardwalk hike winds through a sawgrass marsh, offering incredible opportunities to see wildlife up close. Alligators, turtles, anhingas, herons, and egrets are commonly spotted along this trail, making it a must-visit for photographers and wildlife lovers.

Insider Tips:

✔️ Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon when wildlife is most active.
✔️ Winter is the best time to see the most wildlife, as water levels are lower.
✔️ Stay on the boardwalk—alligators may be just below!

Birdwatching at Paurotis Pond and Eco Pond

• Best For: Birdwatchers, photographers

• Must-See: Roseate spoonbills, wood storks, egrets

Everglades National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers, and two of the best spots for birding are Paurotis Pond and Eco Pond.

At Paurotis Pond, you can spot nesting roseate spoonbills, wood storks, and herons during the winter months. Eco Pond, located near Flamingo, is another great spot for spotting wading birds, ospreys, and even bald eagles.

Insider Tips:

✔️ Bring a zoom lens for better wildlife photography.
✔️ Visit during the dry season (December–April) when birds congregate around shrinking water sources.