Things to Do in Everglades National Park
The Everglades is less about dramatic scenery and more about the wildlife encounters — alligators, wading birds, and manatees are visible at close range from easy, flat trails.
Quick Answer
The best things to do in the Everglades are walking the Anhinga Trail, riding the Shark Valley tram to the observation tower, paddling Nine Mile Pond, watching for manatees and crocodiles at Flamingo, and taking a private airboat tour outside the park boundary near Everglades City.
Anhinga Trail
This half-mile boardwalk at Royal Palm is the single best wildlife-viewing trail in the park — alligators bask beside the path, anhingas dry their wings, and herons stalk the shallows, often within a few feet of the boardwalk.
- Half-mile boardwalk loop
- Near-guaranteed alligator sightings
- Great for families
Shark Valley
Despite the name, Shark Valley has no sharks — it's a 15-mile loop through open sawgrass prairie, done by tram tour or bike rental, ending at a 65-foot observation tower with a panoramic view of the river of grass.
Nine Mile Pond And Flamingo
Nine Mile Pond is a popular canoe or kayak route through mangrove tunnels and open marl prairie. At Flamingo, the marina and Florida Bay overlook are good spots for manatee and crocodile sightings, especially at dawn or dusk.
Airboat Tours
Airboat tours are not permitted inside the national park itself but are widely available just outside the boundary near Everglades City and along the Tamiami Trail, and are a popular add-on for a faster, louder look at the sawgrass ecosystem.
Plan And Track This Park
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best trail in the Everglades for seeing alligators?
The Anhinga Trail at Royal Palm is the most reliable spot — alligators regularly bask within a few feet of the boardwalk.
Can you take an airboat tour inside Everglades National Park?
No, airboats are not permitted within the national park boundary. Airboat tours operate just outside the park, particularly near Everglades City and along the Tamiami Trail.
Is the Everglades safe to visit with alligators around?
Yes, if you keep a respectful distance and don't feed wildlife. Alligators along boardwalks and trails are generally unbothered by visitors who stay on the path.
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Itinerary
Everglades National Park Itinerary
Plan an Everglades National Park itinerary with the Anhinga Trail, Shark Valley, Flamingo, and dry-season timing tips.
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Where to Stay Near Everglades National Park
Compare where to stay near Everglades National Park, including Homestead, Florida City, Everglades City, and Miami.