Things to see and do at the Florida Everglades

The Florida Everglades: America’s Wildest Wetland

Stretching across 1.5 million acres of South Florida, the Everglades is unlike any other place in the U.S. It’s not a swamp—it’s a slow-moving river, wide as a lake and shallow as a puddle, flowing through sawgrass plains, mangrove forests, and freshwater marshes. It’s raw, wild, and teeming with life. And if you think it’s just gators and mosquitoes, you’re missing the bigger picture.

This vast wetland is one of the most unique ecosystems on Earth. Home to hundreds of species—many of them endangered—the Everglades is a living, breathing wilderness. You’ll find American crocodiles (yes, not just gators), manatees, panthers, otters, roseate spoonbills, and some of the best birdwatching in the country. The biodiversity here is staggering, and it all depends on the delicate balance of water, plants, and wildlife that makes the Everglades tick.

But it’s not just about animals. The Everglades is also a place of deep history and cultural importance. The land has been home to the Miccosukee and Seminole people for centuries, and their knowledge and connection to the ecosystem run deep. You can learn about their heritage at sites like the Miccosukee Indian Village or Big Cypress Reservation.

There are many ways to explore the Everglades. The most iconic is by airboat, which skims across the water’s surface with a deafening roar. It’s thrilling, fast, and gives you an up-close look at gators in their natural habitat. But for a quieter, more immersive experience, try kayaking or canoeing through the mangrove tunnels, where the only sounds are dripping water and bird calls echoing through the trees.

If you only have time for a quick visit, the Everglades Elevated Boardwalk is located 32 miles from the Fort Lauderdale Airport on Alligator Alley (Interstate 75) at the Broward County Rest Area.  

Everglades National Park, the largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S., is your gateway to the region. It has multiple visitor centers, trails, and boardwalks that make it easy to explore. The Anhinga Trail is a short, accessible walk that almost guarantees gator sightings, while Shark Valley offers a 15-mile loop trail (you can bike it or ride the tram) with panoramic views from an observation tower.

For a truly wild adventure, head to Big Cypress National Preserve, adjacent to the park. It’s rougher, wetter, and less developed—ideal for off-the-grid hikes, swamp walks, or backcountry camping. This is Florida at its most primal.

But the Everglades is also fragile. Over the past century, drainage, development, and pollution have drastically shrunk the ecosystem. Massive restoration efforts are underway, but it’s a race against time. Visiting the Everglades isn't just about seeing wildlife—it's about witnessing a world that’s fighting to survive.

In a state known for its theme parks and condos, the Everglades offers something rare: silence, space, and the feeling of being somewhere truly wild. It’s not polished or predictable. It’s real, untamed Florida—mysterious, muddy, and completely unforgettable. Whether you're there for a day or a week, the Everglades will change the way you see nature, and maybe even the way you see Florida.

Thinking of visiting? Viator offers numerous tours near the Everglades.  Click here for details. vi.me/RZj8w

For more information on wineries, distilleries, and craft breweries in the area visit https://flbwd.com 

Visitor Center on US Hwy 41 in the Everglades

View of the Everglades

The new Alligator Alley Visitor Center on Interstate 75 at mile marker 35

Statue of Alligator at the Alligator Alley Visitor Center

The Elevated Boardwalk and Observation Tower at the Alligator Alley Visitor Center