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Traveling in and Around Florida's Everglades National Park
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items Explore the untamed beauty of one of Florida’s most iconic destinations! This list features my favorite places, tips, and must-have items for visiting Everglades National Park and the nearby areas. From serene walking trails and boat tours to unique ...
The Tamiami Trail actually runs from Tampa to Miami, but there is plenty to do just from Miami to Naples. Just don't drive it at night, it is safer during the day.
Tamiami Trail (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Reviews)
I have not tried this yet, but it is an audio tour of the The Big Cypress Swamp, The Everglades & Key West. The tour says it never expires, so you can take your time and really explore. Just make sure you do the Everglades trips around December - March only. You don't want to be there during the rainy season or the summer.
Florida Audio Tour Bundle 3 Self-Guided Sightseeing Tours
You could take an airboat ride. I have not taken an airboat ride off the Tamiami Trail yet, but I have taken many in Western Broward County in Ft. Lauderdale Florida.
Best Airboat Tour on Tamiami Trail - Review of Buffalo Tiger's ...
You could do a drive on Loop Road. Check with the Visitor Center first to make sure the road is ok to travel. This is great for Nature Lovers. It is mostly a gravel road with some paved areas. Remember to look around carefully before you step out of your car and explore. I have done this trip once and I thought it was great with all the nature and fauna that we saw. It will be a slow drive so plan for an hour or two or longer if you really want to get out and explore.
Loop Road (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Reviews)
Kirby Sorter Road Side Park is a nice little stop to walk on the boardwalk. Also check to see if they are having a Ranger Led Hike. I did that and they gave us each a walking stick and took us way out and we could not even see our car anymore. It was a great experience and we got to see the different ecosystems. The Ranger led tours are excellent and most are free. You learn so much.
Kirby Storter Roadside Park - Big Cypress National Preserve (U.S. National Park Service)
I highly recommend Ranger Led Tours in the Everglades National Park. They usually have a lot available starting around December - March. Most of them are free too and you learn a lot.
Ranger - Led Programs - Everglades National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
Shark Valley in Everglades National Park. You can bring or rent a bike and cycle through a 15 Mile Loop road near Alligators and all kinds of birds. Their are 3 small hiking trails and an observation tower (with real toilets) only at the tower though.
Shark Valley - Tamiami - Everglades National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
I have biked the loop twice in my life. I think I will just do the tram for the rest of my life lol. The last couple of miles are hard on my back side. But I recommend you try if you can. It is the best way to see the nature all around and have time to explore on your timeline.
I Biked the 15-Mile Loop at Shark Valley in the Everglades National Park - Saw Birds and Alligators
Here is a link to my blog post about my experience.
Experience the Beauty of Wildlife While Biking the 15-Mile Loop at Shark Valley in the Florida Everglades
Luckily you can also take a tram ride along the loop. There is a fee and you are allowed to get out and explore at the observation tower. I have used the tram tour before and it was nice, but I felt like I saw more riding my bike on the Loop.
Shark Valley Tram Tours
Don't forget to check out the Visitor Centers in Everglades National Park
Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center - Everglades National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
Collier-Seminole State Park in Naples is very nice. You can camp there. I did, it was my first time camping on my own with my daughter and her friend. You can watch the Sunset over the Salt Marsh, it was beautiful. We also went on a ranger led hike and at night attended a ranger discussion on the Florida Black Bear and yes, they have been spotted there. I did not see any during my stay though.
Collier-Seminole State Park
Also, you will have to stop and get a famous smoothie at Robert is Here Fruit Stand. This will be on the Miami side.
Robert Is Here Fruit Stand
Next we will travel South down to the Earnest P Coe entrance area. (South in Miami) and you can take a walk on the Anhinga Trail. You will see lots of water birds and gators here. I have walked this a couple of times and love it.
Anhinga Trail - Everglades
The Gumbo Limbo Trail is a short trail off to the side of the Anhinga Trail.
Gumbo Limbo Trail - Everglades
Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook had the most awe inspiring view of sawgrass as far as the eye can see. Check before you go, tto make sure it is not closed. They are working on the boardwalk
Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook - Everglades
We camped at Long Pine Key, I went with a group. It was first come first serve to get a spot. The only water is at the restroom. I had fun, we were around trees, not sawgrass. If you camp in the Flamingo area, you actually can set your tent up right near the bay and it is a nice view. I did not camp there but took a look at the campground while on a little road trip.
Camping - Everglades National Park (U.S. ...
I have not tried this boat tour, but I did want to travel through the bay. Another way to see and learn about the everglades. There are many different boat tours available in the Everglades.
Flamingo Everglades Boat Tours
The 10000 Islands Boat Tour is on my bucket list. I think this would be interesting.
Ten Thousand Islands, Everglades National Park - Book Tours, Tickets, ...
Books on the Everglades
The Everglades: An Environmental History
This is one of my favorite books. It is fictional, but it follows three generations of a family that made it through the Florida wilderness. A Land Remembered was winner of the Florida Historical Society's Tebeau Prize as the Most Outstanding Florida...
A Land Remembered by Patrick D. Smith
Don't forget to try some Gator Nuggets. I have not eaten here before, but it looks like it has good reviews. It is a small place, but they have seating outside. I have tried some gator nuggets in the past after an airboat ride
Order Everglades Gator Grill - Homestead, FL Menu Delivery ...
Alligator Jerky anyone? I have not tried this brand before. I have tried one that I found in a local food store once. It's actually not that bad.
Buffalo Bob's Alligator Cajun Snack Sticks 10 Pack
Hotels near Everglades National Park in case you are interested in visiting and exploring what the glades have to offer.
THE BEST Hotels in Everglades National Park, FL 2025 - Tripadvisor