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11 Best Things To Do In Everglades National Park

October 20, 2020 //  by  Florida Trippers

Florida has some of the best national parks in the country, but do you know about all the cool things to do in the Everglades? If you’ve never braved the swamps, mangrove forests, and trails of the Everglades, you’re in luck.

With over two million acres to explore, the Everglades provide endless recreation in Florida’s most beautiful ecological feature. So grab your bug spray, we’re here to help you take on one of the best national parks in Florida !

What Are The Everglades?

A subtropical ecosystem that spans over two million acres, the Everglades are an expansive set of wetlands and sawgrass marshes. During the wet season, Lake Okeechobee overflows, which releases water into a shallow river known as the “river of grass.”

As the water passes southward, it passes through several habitats. The slow trickle of water moves through cypress swamps, wet praries, and mangroves down to the Florida Bay.

Experiencing a wide range of weather patterns, the Everglades sees frequent flooding in the wet season as well as drought in the dry season. As the largest remaining subtropical wilderness in the country, the area is unmatched in its beauty.

Human life dates back to 15,000 years ago when Native American tribes inhabited the swampland. Its main inhabitants were the Seminoles as well as fugitive slaves. After the First Seminole War, exploration began in the area, as well as construction and maintaining passable trails.

Home to hundreds of animal species, you can find many of Florida’s native animals in the Everglades today. It is not uncommon to see the endangered leatherback turtle, Florida panther, and Burmese pythons. The Everglades are also home to Florida’s alligators and manatees as well!

Where Are The Everglades Located? 

You can find the Florida Everglades at the southern tip of the state. Taking up the entire southern third of the peninsula, the area is largely depopulated. Instead of residents, you’ll find three national parks.

Originating just south of Orlando, the Everglades extends down the Kissimmee River all the way to the Florida Bay at the tip of the peninsula. Also technically included in the Everglades are the Ten Thousand Islands near Naples and parts of the Florida Keys !

How To Get From Miami To The Everglades

There are three entrances to the Everglades: the north entrance at Shark Valley, the south entrance at Florida City near Homestead, or the northwest entrance at Everglades City on the Gulf Coast.

If you’re traveling from downtown Miami, you can expect only a forty-minute drive! You’ll want to go to the Shark Valley entrance! For the quickest route, simply take I-95 North to exit 3A (FL-836 W to FL-825). From there, turn right onto US-41 West until you hit swamp!

For a more scenic route, you can actually just take SW 8th Street through downtown Miami! You’ll pass through Little Havana and see all of the best Miami attractions . While this route takes longer, it is more scenic. This is perfect if you don’t want to take the expressway.

How To Get Around The Everglades

The easiest way to get around the Everglades is definitely by car. In a vehicle, you can cover the most ground in the least amount of time. Most drivers can explore the entire park in one to two days!

Before you go, make sure to pick up a national park pass. It only costs $25 dollars per vehicle for an entire consecutive week!

Many people will tell you boating is the best way to explore the beauty of the ecosystem, but if you’re not an experienced boater, you might run into problems.

Only the most prepared boaters should attempt to navigate the waterways as a recreational activity. It can be easy to become lost or run aground in park waters! If you don’t use navigational aids and marked channels, you can do a lot of damage to your boat and the ecosystem itself.

How Long To Spend In The Everglades

Of course, any stay in the Everglades will depend on how much of the park you want to see. For a quick pass just to see everything, a driver could easily accomplish this feat in one to two days.

However many locals will tell you that simply will not cut it! Especially if you want to tackle the hiking trails, experience an airboat tour, or paddle through the waterways on a kayak, you will need more time.

If you really want to fully explore the park, we recommend a full week to see everything. Depending on your activities planned, you can easily spend three to four days on each coast of the park.

Best Everglades Tours

The Everglades are a big place, and it’s very easy to get overwhelmed. If you’re having trouble deciding what to do in the Everglades, consider checking out a tour, whether it be by foot, by car, or by boat!

Now you don’t have to do any planning of your own! The best part? You’ll still see the best of the beauty of the park in a timely, organized fashion! Taking a tour is certainly one of the best things to do in the Everglades if the idea of going it alone seems daunting.

Everglades Holiday Park

An hour-long narrated boat tour, you’ll learn about the variety of wildlife that inhabits Florida’s famous wetlands. In addition to the boat ride, you will also see a live alligator show and have the opportunity to hold a baby gator!

This is a great comprehensive option, but we recommend attending early in the day, as crowds can dampen the experience! One of the best Everglades tours from Miami, your guide will cover a lot of ground.

Tours operate seven days a week! Boats leave from the park every 20 minutes from 9 AM – 4 PM. Adult tickets cost $35, children’s tickets cost $20, and kids two years and under ride for free!

Shurr Adventures Everglades

If you really want to get the blood pumping, then this three-hour kayak tour of the mangroves of the Everglades is for you! You can spot orchids, birds, and of course alligators as you paddle your way through the mangrove tunnels!

You’ll be led by patient, experienced guides who take the time to educate guests about the ecosystem. Tours depart every day at sunrise, 7:30 and 8:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and sunset. Tickets are $109 for adults and $99 for children.

Shurr Adventures Everglades also offers full-day tours of the mangrove tunnels. You can also take a motorboat tour through the Ten Thousand Islands, among other options.

11 Best Things To Do In The Everglades

Lucky cole’s speakeasy.

The last thing you think about in the Everglades is a bar or restaurant. But for weary travelers willing to do into the depths of the swamps, Lucky Cole is waiting to greet you with open arms.

One of the best things to do in the Everglades, stop by Lucky Cole’s personal home. Off of US 41, about 40 miles from Miami, you’ll eventually see a red mailbox next to old motorcycles and a Lucky Strike sign. You have arrived.

A famed Florida photographer, Cole photographs women with the Everglades as the exotic backdrop. All shoots are directed by his loving wife of many years, Maureen. Together, they advocate women’s empowerment by creating glamorous and sensual photographs of everyday women in various states of undress.

When you visit Lucky Cole and Maureen, expect to be greeted with a smile. You’ll be welcomed with astonishing hospitality, serving cheep beer and homemade venison chili.

Their guests range from locals, Everglades lifers, and anybody that dares to venture this deep into the swamps. Be warned, Lucky only welcomes guests on the weekends. Check his Facebook page to make sure he and Maureen aren’t out on a photoshoot!

Shark Valley

Off of the Tamiami Trail, Shark Valley is one of the best things to do in the Everglades! In the very heart of the Everglades freshwater marks, this is one of the best places to observe Florida wildlife in its natural habitat.

To get there, start at the Shark Valley Visitor Center. Here you’ll find educational displays, a park video, and you can pick up an informational brochure. Inside you’ll find what plants and animals you’re most likely to see!

Next door, you will also find a gift shop where you can pick up essentials and souvenirs. We recommend grabbing bug spray before you head to Shark Valley, and then visiting upon your return. That way you don’t have to lug your souvenirs as you hike!

From the Visitor Center, you can walk or bike along a 15-mile loop trail that leads into Shark River Slough. Halfway up the loop trail is a 65-foot high observation tower!

From the concrete observation tower, you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the sawgrass marsh. See the untouched grounds as it appeared to natives over 300 years ago.

Make sure to bring your binoculars. If you look down, you’ll be sure to see baby alligators learning to walk as well as Red-bellied Turtles! Keep your eyes to the skies to catch glimpses of Red-winged Blackbirds and Double Crested Cormorants.

Wilderness Waterway

Calling all kayakers! If you want a paddling challenge, then the Wilderness Waterway is for you, one of the best things to do in the Everglades!

Over 99 miles long, in Wilderness Waterway, you’ll find a navigable recreational waterway, also known as the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Wilderness. With many interconnecting creeks, rivers, lakes, and inner bays, only the most experienced paddlers should tread these waters.

There are many shallow waterways that are only passable at high tide. One pass known as “the Nightmare” is especially difficult to navigate without damaging submerged natural features.

While difficult, the Wilderness Waterway has its merits. You can see shell mounds build by the Calusa people! You can also see Nauti Buoy Chickee, the last remaining private property within the park.

A full trip along the Wilderness Waterway takes an experienced paddler around eight days to complete. Travelers can however use additional route options to extend or shorten their trip.

Around the banks of the waterway, you’ll find beach, ground, and chickee campsites. Permits are required and may be obtained at the Gulf Coast Visitor Center.

Because many hurricanes have passed through the Everglades in recent years, you should always talk with an experienced ranger before embarking on a trip. They will have the most up-to-date information about best routes for your paddling skill level!

Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center

When you first arrive at the Everglades, you may become overwhelmed by your options. Instead of embarking blindly into the park, make your first stop at the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, one of the best things to do in the Everglades to orient yourself.

Here you’ll get an overview of the extensive offerings in the park. Check the map to get a detailed look at what to do and where to go! A wildlife chronology details the native Florida animals you may see that day.

Inside you’ll find educational displays and informational brochures. Special collections by local artists are usually on display. Don’t forget to stay for River of Life, a 15-minute documentary detailing the ecosystems of the park.

Next door you’ll find the bookstore and a small gift shop to pick up essentials and souvenirs! Here you can buy books, guides, camera film, postcards, and of course, insect repellent.

The Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center also provides guided tours by park rangers. Your guides will have a deep understanding of science and a love of the South Florida area. A ranger’s expertise of the animals, birds, and trees will become the highlight of your trip!

Anhinga Trail

For most visitors, the Anhinga Trail is one of the first glimpses they’ll get of the Everglades National Park. Very close to the Royal Palm Visitor Center, the Anhinga Trail is one of the Everglades’ best attractions.

Just short of a mile, the Anhinga Trail is one of the most accessible in the Everglades, even for novice hikers. Children and dogs are permitted, but parents are encouraged to keep a close eye as predators are nearby.

The Anhinga Trail is one of the best places to see wild alligators . A haven for all Everglades wildlife, you’ll find cormorants, egrets, herons, and roseate spoonbills along the stone wall and trees.

Look for odd-looking clusters of trees! These are pond apple trees that bear fruit. Don’t eat the apples though. They taste like turpentine. If you visit during the summer months, you might see sprays of orchids in the branches.

The path will eventually turn into a boardwalk and later into a larger observation area over the slough. You’ll see alligators drifting through the inky water as well as miles of sawgrass prairies.

Flamingo Visitor Center

At the southern tip of the Everglades, you’ll find a wide asymmetrical building featuring a long breezeway. This breezeway connects two buildings that overlook the Florida Bay.

This is the Flamingo Visitor Center, one of the best things to do when traveling from Miami to the Everglades. Next door, you’ll find a marina. Here you’ll find a great place to see wild manatees playing and sleeping in the water.

If you’re more of the adventurous sort, you can also rent kayaks and boats here. Spray on your bug spray and take to the water!

Open daily from mid-November through mid-April, you can find rangers to provide you with maps and advice should you need it. This is also where you can obtain camping permits as well.

The center itself is currently under construction due to extensive hurricane damage. When the Flamingo Visitor Center reopens completely, you’ll find updated exhibits and even a new restaurant and lodging!

Ten Thousand Islands

One of Florida’s hidden gems , the Ten Thousand Islands are a chain of islands and mangrove islets that can be found near Naples between Cape Romano and the mouth of the Lostman’s River.

Here you’ll find over 230 square miles at the northwest-most corner of the Everglades National Park. With endless swimming and kayaking, a visit to the Ten Thousand Islands is one of the best things to do in the Everglades.

One of the world’s largest mangrove systems, this national wildlife refuge is a paradise for those seeking some peace and quiet. Perfect for experienced paddlers and easy-going tourists, there’s something to do for everyone!

Take a narrated boat tour at the Gulf Coast Visitor Center to learn the islands’ unique environment. The guides will direct your attention to wildlife like bald eagles, hawks, and dolphins playing in the water.

If you love the great outdoors, plan an overnight kayak trip. Choose between Tiger Key or Picnic Key for a view of the brilliant night sky from your own private beach! Sites at the island are limited and must be reserved in advance.

For a more relaxed approach, check out Tigertail Beach on Marco Island, one of the best beaches in Naples. From here, you’ll get a great view of Sand Dollar Island to spy on terns, black skimmers, and sand pipers.

Eat Stone Crabs at Everglades City

At the northwest tip of Everglades National Park, you’ll find a small town of only 500 people. Congratulations, you’ve stumbled across Everglades City, one of the great Florida oddities.

Everglades City was once a popular hub in the late 1970s as part of the marijuana trade. Over the years, after nearly the entire town was indicted in court, the town has found a new item to peddle.

Everglades City is proudly now the Stone Crab Fishing Capital of the world, a much more legitimate way to make a living. Instead of spending a pretty penny on Claws at expensive restaurants in Miami , head to Everglades City for a more casual and authentic experience.

At Grimm’s Stone Crab or Triad Seafood Market, you’ll get stone crabs freshly-fished out of the water. As you dine with the waterfront views of the Everglades, strike up a conversation with a local. We promise you’ll get a great old Florida story.

Especially if you’re visiting the Everglades from the northwest part of Florida, stop off at Everglades City. This is one of the best things to do in the Everglades, especially if you want an authentic meal!

Big Cypress National Preserve

During the rainy season, an expansive canopy of Big Cypress trees covers the Tamiami Trail. This will be the most scenic highlight of your drive through the park! The Big Cypress National Preserve is one of the best things to do in the Everglades.

For those that don’t want to get hot and sticky in the swamp and avoid mosquito bites, you’re in luck. The Big Cypress National Preserve is one of the best places to see the Everglades National Park from the comfort of your own vehicle.

As you drive, you’re likely to see egrets and herons soaring through the sky. Completely untouched, you’ll drive through an old Florida wonderland, seeing firsthand what indigenous people who made there home here once saw.

To get a closer look at the flora and fauna, stop at the Big Cypress Visitor Center. On a boardwalk along a large canal, you’ll see gators sunning and birds flying overhead. Remember never to feed the alligators, lest you want to lose a limb!

Snake Bight Trail

For a true walk on the wild side, brave the Snake Bight Trail. Don’t let the name fool you, while snakes like Burmese pythons and poisonous trees are found in this area, you will be safe as long as you stick to the trail.

We’re warning you now, the five mile trip from Main Park Road to Snake Bight has the worst mosquitos in the park. So make sure to wear lots of bug spray. We warned you!

But no risk, no reward, right? To get there drive north from the Flamingo Visitor Center to park on the grass after the “Rowdy Bend Road” sign. Start at the trailhead to walk or bike through a lush tropical forest.

The trail is very tight as it travels through a tunnel of Cypress trees. Don’t veer from the path as there are poisonous manchineel trees and Burmese pythons lurking in the forest nearby.

The air smells salty from the coast as the path changes into a boardwalk. Look out for the Bromeliads clinging to the buttonwoods!

After two miles, you’ll have reached your destination and reward. At the observation platform, you’ll have a sweeping view of all of Snake Bight and the Florida Bay. If you look closely, you’ll see flamingos perching in the mud if you visit during winter.

Pa-Hay-Okee Lookout Tower

To truly get up close and personal with the marshy ecosystem, try the very accessible trail at Pa-Hay-Okee. Named after the Seminole word for River of Grass, you’ll find a short boardwalk leading to a tall observation tower.

To get there, follow Main Park Road from the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center for 21 miles. Enjoy the scenic drive before turning right at the sign for Mahogany Hammock to reach the trailhead.

Because the entire trail is aboardwalk, Pa-Hay-Okee is very kid-friendly. While the mosquito situation isn’t as bad as other areas like Snake Bight, you’re still going to want to protect yourself. As you walk down the boardwalk, you’ll walk over the gorgeous sawgrass prarie.

When you climb the staircase to the Observation Tower, you’ll ascend past Cypress trees on a small island. From your shaded perch, you will be able to see the incredible vistas across the prarie.

If you look down, you’ll see the only water source for much of the wildlife in the dry season. To get back to your car, simply follow the boardwalk ramp through the Cypress canopy down to the forest floor.

17 Best Things to Do in The Everglades, FL — Top Activities & Places to Go!

By: Author Wyatt Johnson

Posted on Published: March 21, 2021  - Last updated: October 2, 2023

Sitting on a whopping 1.5-million-acre wetland landscape, the Everglades is actually the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States and was declared a World Heritage Site for the treasure trove of life it supports.

Be amazed by the unique experiences the swamps, marshlands, jungles, mangroves, ponds, and rivers offer, and the rare animals you get to encounter in these parts.

If you don’t know what to expect from a 1.5 million-acre network of wetlands, here are the best things to do in the Everglades, FL to convince you to come over.

1. Shark Valley

36000 SW 8th Street Miami, Florida 33194 (305) 221-8776

At the heart of what many call the “true Everglades” is the gem that is Shark Valley, the center of the Everglades’ freshwater ecosystem and haven of wildlife.

Why You Should Go

The best and most famous introduction to the Everglades is always Shark Valley.

Characterized by hardwood hammocks, pinelands, mangroves, freshwater prairie, and so much more weaved by trails, this area teems with alligators, birds, and many other animals.

Hike, bike, or book tours around the area and be prepared for gator sightings galore!

Don’t miss the visitor center for educational displays, videos, and souvenirs.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: EAST Miami

2. Anhinga Trail

Royal Palm Visitor Center Everglades National Park, FL 33034 (305) 242-7700

About four miles from the Everglades entrance, the Anhinga Trail starts at the Royal Palm Visitor Center and winds through a sawgrass marsh.

Anhinga Trail is a half-mile boardwalk where wildlife are also free to roam as they please.

This rustic boardwalk also boasts excellent views of the marsh, mangroves, grasslands, and lily pads — a lovely mini summary to the massive Everglades terrain.

Come by during the dry season to see an abundance of wildlife prowling about.

Prepare your cameras as you hike the boardwalk and capture as many photos you can of the surrounding area’s inhabitants.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Courtyard by Marriott Miami Homestead

Related: Best Things to Do in South Florida

3. Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center

40001 State Highway 9336 Homestead, FL 33034 (305) 242-7700

Located at the Homestead entrance of the Everglades, the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center is the first opportunity for information and assistance at the park.

Being the first visitor center you’d encounter at the park, Ernest F. Coe abounds with fun educational exhibits, films, maps, brochures, postcards, and information about tours.

Even insect repellent is available here!

Jump-start your nature trip to the sprawling Everglades with a visit to Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center.

Everything you see and read indoors is a lovely appetizer to the outdoor wonderland you’re about to explore.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn and Suites Miami-South/Homestead

4. Everglades City Fishing Charters

101 Buckner Ave South Everglades City, FL 34139 (239) 253-9926

The consistently five-star-rated Miss Chief Fishing Charters is run by locals who know the Everglades’ waters by heart.

With the Everglades being defined as an enormous network of wetlands, it comes as no surprise that fishing is quite common in the park.

Among the best fishing excursions is offered by Everglades City Fishing Charters, where you’re assured big catches fast!

Sail with Everglades City Fishing Charters and get ready to catch redfish, tripletail, black drum, sheepshead, pompano, flounder, and a whole lot more!

After the trip, the crew will be more than happy to fillet your catch, and you can enjoy grilling the fillet afterwards.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort and Spa

5. German Tours Everglades LLC

5731 Twin Lake Drive South Miami, FL 33143 (305) 665-7824

German Tours Everglades LLC offers top-rated tours around the Everglades narrated by Germans who fell in love with the park and moved to Miami because of it!

If there’s any of you who’s of German descent, this tour operator can take you around the Everglades for four hours doing a variety of fun activities.

English tours also available, with a bit of cute German accent of course.

Experience a lot of the fun things to do in the Everglades, Florida with German Tours Everglades LLC.

Whether you prefer hiking, canoeing, wetwalking, wildlife viewing, or nightwalking, they’ll string many of these activities along for you!

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Biltmore Hotel

6. Pa-hay-okee Trail

40001 State Road 9336 Homestead, FL 33034 (305) 242-7700

Pa-hay-okee winds for 260 meters in a loop, about 13 miles from Ernest Coe Visitor Center.

If fairy tales were set in subtropical Florida, they definitely would look as beautiful as this.

The Pa-hay-okee Trail and Overlook take you above the river of grass through an old-fashioned boardwalk beneath canopies of trees.

Walk the little trail and take in the Floridian breeze of the Everglades.

Enjoy the sweeping vistas of the watery grass beneath the overlook, and take as many photos as you can of the picturesque landscape.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Gateway To The Keys – Florida City, Homestead, Everglades

7. HM69 Nike Missile Base

Research Road Homestead, FL 33034 (305) 242-7700

Completed in 1965, the HM69 Nike Missile Base houses one of the most interesting things to see in the Everglades: remnants of the Cold War.

The Everglades is actually home to a Cold War relic, dating back to when the nation prepared for a possible Soviet air attack.

The site today still has the three missile barns, a missile assembly building, barracks, two missiles, and many other support elements.

History enthusiasts will enjoy the ranger-led walking tour around the barracks, hangars, and historical buildings, some now converted into offices.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Home2 Suites by Hilton Florida City

8. Florida Outdoor Adventures

815 Oyster Bar Lane Everglades City, FL 34139 (386) 295-1850

Florida Outdoor Adventures consists of local professionals in Florida’s environment, ensuring expert guidance through all the best places to visit in the Everglades.

Florida Outdoor Adventures tours you around the Everglades not just for a day but up to eight days!

Outdoorsy wanderers will be taken on kayaks, through mangrove tunnels, around the wilderness, and so many more exciting landscapes.

See all the attractions in the Everglades and experience life in the wild!

Camp under the stars on chickees, shell mounds, or beaches.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort

9. Mahogany Hammock

The Mahogany Hammock Trail meanders through the Everglades’ jungles in a half-mile loop.

Surrounded by lush vegetation including gumbo-limbo trees, air plants, and the largest living mahogany tree in the US, the Mahogany Hammock Trail is a short adventure through the Everglades’ rich biodiversity.

Looking for free things to do in the Everglades?

Experience this quick but packed hike filled with the Everglades’ trees, birds, butterflies, and possibly gators.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Quality Inn Florida City – Homestead

Also See: DeLand Activities Things to Do in Orlando, FL Things to Do in Altamonte Springs, FL

10. Royal Palm Visitor Center

Route 9336 Everglades National Park, FL 33034 (305) 242-7237

Established in 1916, Royal Palm State Park was the first visitor center for the Everglades.

Extending all the way from Mahogany Hammock, Royal Palm is actually a sprawling area that includes Long Pine Key Campground, a small bookstore, viewing porch, picnic area, gift shop, and all the trails between the Homestead entrance and Flamingo.

Stay for as long as you like at the Royal Palm Visitor Center to get prepared for the journey ahead.

There are vending machines, restrooms, safety information, ranger-led tours and talks available to get you started.

If you brought a car along, the center provides you free tarps to keep your cars protected from vultures while you’re away.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: TownePlace Suites by Marriott Miami Homestead

11. Osceola Panthers

Tamiami Trail Miami, FL 33194 (786) 503-5701

Osceola Panthers is an airboat tour company owned by Native Americans who settled in the Everglades since the 1920s to escape European-American settlement pressure.

The Miccosukee Tribe takes you around the breathtaking landscape they call home as you glide with them via airboats.

Expect an educational adventure filled with lessons about nature and cultural history.

Acquaint yourself with the Everglades through the lens of the real natives of Florida.

Make sure your cameras are juiced up for the adventure as you’ll be seeing a wealth of wildlife along the ride!

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Provident Doral At The Blue

12. Gator Grill

36650 SW 192nd Avenue Homestead, FL 33034 (786) 243-0620

When it’s raining or cold at the heart of the Everglades, adventurers head over to the Gator Grill, an interesting all-American restaurant in downtown Homestead , right outside of the Everglades.

How does the Everglades cuisine look like considering the wildlife available in the million-acre area?

Of course it’s gonna involve freshwater fish, gator meat, and frog legs!

Don’t miss the surprisingly tasty chance to try alligator and frog meat!

It’s time to accept the fact that cuisine is relative to a locality’s available resources.

If you have nothing to do this weekend, trying out the Everglades cuisine could make unforgettable memories.

Also See: Things to Do in Port St Lucie, FL Things to Do in Vero Beach, FL

13. Flamingo Visitor Center

1 Flamingo Lodge Highway Homestead, FL 33034 (239) 695-2945

While the Royal Palm Visitor Center connects the Everglades to Homestead at the north, Flamingo Visitor Center is the park’s jump-off point for the southern area.

Despite the name, Flamingo Visitor Center no longer sees the titular pink birds in the vicinity, but it is currently home to a bevy of saltwater crocodiles, manatees, hawks, and snakes.

The building is as pink and long-legged as its namesake too.

There’s actually a lot of fun stuff to do at Flamingo.

Check out their amazing educational displays, public boat ramp, and marina store, or explore the hiking and canoeing trails.

You can also camp here if you like.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Atlantic Bay Resort

14. Ten Thousand Islands

The Everglades is also home to the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, a labyrinth of islands and mangroves.

The archipelago of Ten Thousand Islands at the southern portion of the Everglades covers over 35,000 acres of mangroves and wilderness, offering an abundance of stunning sights and wildlife.

Looking for things to do in the Everglades for couples?

The Ten Thousand Islands actually afford a lot of privacy and fun activities for outdoorsy lovers, from kayaking to swimming, stargazing to birdwatching.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Marco Island Lakeside Inn

15. Marco Island

50 Bald Eagle Drive Marco Island, FL 34145 (239) 389-5000

Marco Island is the largest and only developed island among the Ten Thousand Islands.

Marco Island flaunts its size through ideal tropical activities and family-friendly destinations.

Resorts, beaches, pristine parks, picnic grounds, and trails abound, as well as native wildlife.

Many of the top things to do in the Everglades with kids can be found at Marco Island because of its relaxing beaches, kiddie pools, and entertainment centers.

The trademark Everglades wetland landscape, on the other hand, is still present and explorable here.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Marco Beach Ocean Resort

16. Paurotis Pond

Just along the road is Paurotis Pond, a popular nesting site for many bird species.

Need a short stop to stretch your legs and take in the fresh air?

Paurotis Pond is a scenic point along the Main Park Road that simply offers marvellous views, various birds, and picnic tables.

Once you drive by this spot, just park and pop out of your car, bring out the picnic basket, have a snack, and watch congregations of birds fly by.

Watch out for white ibis, roseate spoonbill, anhinga, wood stork, egret, and more.

Best if you’re looking for cheap yet quality stops.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Fairway Inn Florida City Homestead Everglades

Related: Best Things to Do in Cocoa Beach

17. Big Cypress National Preserve

33100 Tamiami Trail E Ochopee, FL 34141 (239) 695-2000

Big Cypress National Preserve was established in 1974 as the United States’ first national preserve.

Bordering the prairies of the Everglades to the south, Big Cypress is a vast freshwater swamp ecosystem whose water supports Florida’s rich estuaries.

This 720,000-acre preserve hosts a plethora of the best things to do in the Everglades, FL too.

Big Cypress isn’t for the faint of heart!

Wade through the swamps with rangers, go boating, and discover the preserve through trails as you meet nonvenomous snakes along the way.

If you’re looking for the best things to do in the Everglades tonight, choose from among the park’s eight campgrounds and gaze at the night sky.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Everglades City Motel – Everglades Adventures Inn

Also See: Seminole, FL Things to Do Things to Do in Melbourne, FL Things to Do in Cape Canaveral, FL

Map of Things to Do in The Everglades

Everglades Things to Do: The 17 Best Activities for [currentyear]

• Shark Valley
• Anhinga Trail
• Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center
• Everglades City Fishing Charters
• German Tours Everglades LLC
• Pa-hay-okee Trail
• HM69 Nike Missile Base
• Florida Outdoor Adventures
• Mahogany Hammock
• Royal Palm Visitor Center
• Osceola Panthers
• Gator Grill
• Flamingo Visitor Center
• Ten Thousand Islands
• Marco Island
• Paurotis Pond
• Big Cypress National Preserve

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Last updated: January 11, 2024

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Visiting the Everglades? Top Ten Things to Know Before You Go

1. Where is the Everglades and how big is it?

It’s bigger than you think and just half its original size!

Good question. You want to know where you’re going before you go there.

What most people think of as “ America’s Everglades ” is limited to Everglades National Park, 1.5 million acres of subtropical wilderness in South Florida. But the River of Grass is close to 3 million acres, double the size of the park, and it encompasses the park, three water conservation areas and Big Cypress National Preserve. The greater Everglades ecosystem is even larger and originally encompassed 6 million acres extending all the way from the Kissimmee River basin near Orlando, south to Florida Bay and the Florida Keys.

The original “River of Grass” was almost twice its current size before we “drained the swamp” for agriculture and development in one of mankind’s biggest reclamation efforts.

2. How’s the weather?

That depends. South Florida and America’s Everglades have what is known as a “tropical savanna” climate, meaning there are only two seasons – wet and dry.

The “wet” season, which coincides with hurricane season, lasts from April to November; the “dry” season, which is the best time to visit and see wading birds and other wildlife, is from December to March.

3.What is there to see?

One of the largest wetlands in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Besides offering world-class fishing and bird watching, America’s Everglades is home to more than 2,000 species of plants and animals, including 78 that are threatened or endangered.

This is the only place in the world where you can see alligators and crocodiles living together, and where birds like the roseate spoonbill, white ibis and Everglade snail kite feast and raise their young. While much of the Everglades is covered in razor-sharp sawgrass, the region also encompasses tropical hardwood hammocks (island forests), mangrove swamps, cypress and pine forests, and freshwater prairie..

4. I know alligators live there, but how does the Everglades benefit people?

For starters, it’s the source of water for 9 million people.

Without the Everglades, life would not be sustainable in South Florida. That’s because the Everglades supplies most of the drinking water for the 9 million (and growing) residents of South Florida and countless visitors. For example, all the drinking water for Miami-Dade and Broward counties comes from the Biscayne Aquifer, which is continually replenished by the Everglades.

5. In addition to supplying drinking water, is it good for anything else?

The Everglades fights climate change

When healthy, the Everglades wilderness serves as a “carbon bank” that continually sequesters massive amounts of carbon. It is estimated that the mangroves in Everglades National Park alone hold enough carbon to heat more than 19 million homes, while the water conservation areas in the central Everglades store the equivalent carbon emitted by 131.5 million passenger vehicles over an entire year.

When subjected to drought, however, overdried areas of the Everglades catch fire, turning this enormous ecosystem in to a massive carbon emitter. Everglades restoration will keep the ecosystem hydrated during South Florida’s dry months, thereby protecting it against drought and wildfires. A healthy and wet Everglades will maximize the carbon sequestration capacity of the ecosystem.

6. How else does the Everglades help us?

The Everglades provides a buffer from hurricanes and protects our shoreline.

During the worst of hurricane season, the Everglades has historically provided an essential “buffer” that slows storms’ intensity, providing protection for populated areas throughout South Florida. Mangroves close to the coast also help stabilize the shoreline, reducing flooding from storm surge and protecting wildlife habitats.

Everglades restoration will reinstate a freshwater flow to keep mangroves healthy so they can continue their many beneficial natural functions, including protecting Florida’s coastline.

7. Does the Everglades really impact the economy?

The Everglades is critical to Florida’s clean water economy

Tourism and real estate are Florida’s top economic engines. These industries drive our 21st century economy. Florida’s tourists and residents come here for the environment and water – the beaches and springs, the world class fishing, the boating, the biodiversity. When beaches are closed and fishing is restricted because of blue-green algae or red tide, Florida’s economy takes a major hit.

Everglades restoration will move Lake Okeechobee’s polluted water south and clean it, reducing algae blooms and protecting Florida’s iconic environment upon which tourism and real estate depend. For every $1 invested in Everglades restoration, $4 is returned to Florida in the form of greater economic growth.

8. Why does the Everglades even need to be restored?

Everglades restoration is about moving freshwater from Lake Okeechobee south through the Everglades to Florida Bay, where it would naturally go.

In the early 1900’s, the River of Grass’ natural southern flow of water from the Kissimmee River to Florida Bay was significantly altered to accommodate the agricultural industry. Unfortunately, the Everglades was drained and freshwater was redirected east and west to the coasts. This manmade environmental redesign resulted in significant harm that continues to hurt the ecosystem and the urban communities that rely on clean freshwater to flourish.

Everglades restoration’s goal is to restore a more natural southward flow of water from Lake Okeechobee to the Everglades and Florida Bay. Today, more than two-thirds of the freshwater that used to flow south into Florida Bay is being flushed to the coasts. This water is laden with “nutrients” (fertilizers and agricultural waste) that feed toxic blue-green algae and red tide causing environmental and economic harm to the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee estuaries.

Instead of wasting freshwater, restoration activities will ensure that lake water is stored in reservoirs, cleaned through manmade wetlands, and then sent south to the Everglades. Everglades restoration will significantly reduce the harmful discharges of water to the east and west coasts by storing, cleaning, and sending freshwater south to the Everglades and Florida Bay where it is desperately needed to protect the ecosystem, drinking water, and local economies.

9. Who is restoring the Everglades? How long will it take?

Everglades restoration is the biggest environmental restoration project in history and it relies on partnership

“Everglades restoration” refers to the suite of more than 68 public works projects that aim to restore the natural southerly flow of freshwater from Lake Okeechobee through the Everglades and into Florida Bay. The projects for the largest environmental restoration project ever attempted by man were outlined in legislation signed into law in 2000 called the “Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan” – or “CERP.”

The implementation of CERP depends on a 50/50 partnership between the federal and state governments to pay for construction of all the projects. Those who advocate for America’s Everglades have engaged in a concerted effort to secure the necessary funding and progress is finally being made. CERP is supposed to be completed by 2030, though funding has been limited in the past, The Everglades Foundation is leading to advance funding at both the state and federal levels.

10. How can I help?

That’s easy. Join us.

You’re at the right place. For more than 25 years, The Everglades Foundation has been the premiere organization fighting to restore and protect America’s Everglades through science, education, and advocacy.

You can sign up to learn more, follow us on Facebook , Instagram , and Twitter and, of course, we will appreciate any amount you can afford to give to support our mission at https://www.evergladesfoundation.org/giving

• Visiting The Everglades

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Everglades city.

Everglades City , 36 miles south of Naples on Florida’s Southwest Coast , is a small community where visitors can truly get away from it all and the perfect staging point for a family-friendly Everglades vacation or Gulf-Coast fishing getaway.

The charming waterfront city’s proximity to Everglades parks and wild Gulf islands make it an outdoor adventurer’s paradise. Fish Ten Thousand Islands , kayak the Paradise Coast Blueway , check out the Gulf Coast Visitor Center at Everglades National Park , and choose from a host of companies offering excursions to the Everglades, fishing charters, airboat tours, swamp buggy tours, and eco-tours. Some of Florida’s most iconic preserves and parks, including Big Cypress National Preserve , Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge , Picayune Strand State Forest , and Collier-Seminole State Park , are all within easy reach of Everglades City.

Culinary offerings here range from fresh-from-the-water seafood to cafe fare and Cuban-American cuisine. Everglades City is known as the “ Stone Crab Capital of the World,” and visitors can get this delicacy at local eateries and fish sellers during stone crab season, which runs from Oct. 15 until May 1. The 100-year-old Everglades Rod & Gun Club is a historic local gem where visitors can eat in the same club where several presidents have dined, stay at the resort , and dock at the marina .

Ochopee, a 10-minute drive from Everglades City, is where visitors can find Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery and see the famous black-and-white works of Florida’s best-known photographer. Quirky, family-friendly attractions, including the The smallest post office in the U.S. and Skunk Ape Research Headquarters , are also nearby. The Smallwood Store , four miles from Everglades City on Chokoloskee Island , is full of Florida pioneer history and rumored to be haunted.

Plan your trip to the Paradise Coast .

Explore the parks, spot dolphins on an eco-tour, the area’s family-friendly attractions.

• Skunk Ape Research Headquarters
• More kid-friendly experiences

MUSEUMS, ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Visit the museum and local attractions.

• Museum of the Everglades
• Big Cypress Gallery
• Attractions

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Book a fishing charter, airboat tour, or swamp buggy tour, and explore the area’s many parks and preserves.

• Gulf Coast paddling trails
• Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
• Big Cypress National Preserve
• Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge
• Picayune Strand State Forest
• Collier-Seminole State Park
• Everglades National Park
• Wellness retreats and eco-tours
• Airboat tours
• Fishing, charters, and more

Take a drive to visit the beaches of Naples and Marco Island.

• Naples and Marco Island beaches

ACCESSIBILITY

Visit the area’s accessible attractions.

• Everglades National Park accessibility information
• Everglades City Boardwalk

Enjoy fresh seafood, Cuban-American cuisine, and more.

• Taverns and grills

Pick up essential supplies, gifts, and seafood to go.

• Glades Haven General Store
• Historic Smallwood Store
• Grimm’s Stone Crab, Inc.
• More places to shop

PLACES TO STAY

Book a stay at a hotel, motel, fishing lodge, resort, or campground.

• Hotels and motels
• Vacation rentals

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Best access to old Florida swamp life.

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• Everglades Air Park
• Marco Island Executive Airport

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19 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Florida

Written by Lana Law Updated Mar 20, 2024

Beaches, amusement parks, national parks, and an array of unique tourist attractions make Florida one of the most visited states in America. Families flock to Orlando to thrill the kids with visits to the theme parks, while sunseekers head to the coastal cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and a string of cities along the southern Gulf Coast.

In summer, visitors from around Florida and surrounding states often escape the heat and head to the cooling breezes and brilliant white-sand beaches of the Florida Panhandle.

If you're looking for a taste of island life there is nothing quite like the Florida Keys , where life runs at a slower pace. Places like Key West and its cast of characters, seem a world away from the mainland.

Spread across the state are a long list of must-see sights and things to do, from the Kennedy Space Center right through to the Dayton 500. This is a state that lends itself to return visits, and you can plan your next trip with our list of the top tourist attractions in Florida.

Walt Disney World

Kennedy space center, universal studios, miami beach and the art deco historic district, everglades national park, daytona 500 international speedway, seaworld orlando, busch gardens tampa, manatee viewing, dry tortugas national park, duval street in key west, st. augustine's historic district and the castillo de san marcos national monument, edison and ford winter estates, the ringling, salvador dalí museum in st. petersburg, beaches of naples, the great florida birding and wildlife trail, pensacola beach and the gulf island national seashore, weeki wachee spring and live mermaids show, best time to visit florida.

For the ultimate amusement park experience, there's no place quite like Disney World in Orlando. The magic of Disney has not worn off over the decades as millions of visitors come here each year to enjoy the Magic Kingdom and the many other attractions of this mega amusement park.

The number of things to do and see here has grown over the years and now includes an extensive list that reaches far beyond the traditional theme parks. If you're looking for more ideas, consider checking out the water parks of Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, the exotic animals of Animal Kingdom Park, or Disney Hollywood Studios.

You'll also find exceptional dining experiences, shopping areas, and shows, some of which are target to adults only.

Official site: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/

The Kennedy Space Center is one of Florida's most exciting, fascinating, and educational attractions. Located on Florida's Space Coast, this huge complex is where space exploration has made history. Today, you can see rockets and the Space Shuttle Atlantis, meet an astronaut, and learn about missions to space.

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is divided into mission zones, each of which features interesting displays and interactive exhibits focused on specific themes. Displays are designed with all ages in mind, making this an engaging experience for adults or families.

The Behind the Gates Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour takes you to restricted areas for a look at historic launch sites and other facilities with limited access to the public. This is included with your daily admission. Each area takes time to see, and you should expect to spend a full day at the Kennedy Space Center.

Many people visit the Space Center on day trips from Orlando , which is about an hour away if you don't hit traffic, but if you want to stay closer to get an early start at the Space Center, you can find quality chain hotels in Titusville.

Official site: https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/

Universal Studios in Orlando is a fantastic experience, and for many visitors, it often tops a visit to Walt Disney World. This huge amusement park offers all kinds of fantastic rides and recreated sets based on popular movies and shows. It's one of the best places to visit for families traveling with older children or teenagers.

Unbelievable 3D- and 4D-simulator rides; thrill rides; and wet and wild rides at the newest theme park, Universal's Volcano Bay , are some of the highlights. You can also find tamer rides for younger children to enjoy.

One of the most popular and impressive attractions is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter , where you can board the Hogwarts Express, wander through Hogsmeade Village, or, of course, hop on the Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts ride.

Official site: https://www.universalorlando.com/

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Orlando

Although time spent lounging on the beach on a hot day is a must, Miami Beach is about much more than just the glorious, wide stretch of golden sand that lines the Atlantic. One of the things that makes Miami Beach so unique among Florida's beach destinations is the Art Deco Historic District. Beautifully restored buildings, mainly from the 1930s and early 1940s, reflect the city's vibrant history and create an ambience like you won't find in other cities.

Today, many of these buildings are high-end hotels, condominiums, and restaurants. Along Ocean Drive , the legendary oceanfront street overlooking South Beach, you'll find several outstanding Art Deco buildings, including the Hotel Breakwater South Beach, The Carlyle, and the Park Central Hotel (now part of the new Celino Hotel complex).

Collins Avenue is another street in the area worth strolling along, with more classic buildings. The Delano South Beach and the National Hotel Miami Beach, an adults only resort, are both standout Art Deco properties along Collins Avenue.

• Best Beaches in Miami
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Everglades National Park protects 1.5 million acres of marsh and swamp, an important and fragile ecosystem that supports alligators, American crocodiles, Florida panthers, deer, turtles, egrets, manatees, river otters, and many other species. It is one of the largest parks in the country and offers a unique opportunity to see some of these creatures in the wild.

The entire area is a wide, shallow river that flows from Lake Okeechobee to the Bay of Florida. The bottom of this river is porous limestone over the top of a bedrock base called the Tamiami Formation. It catches rainfall and acts as southern Florida's main water reservoir.

Airboat rides are the best way to see the Everglades and catch a glimpse of alligators and other wildlife. Half-day tours from Miami will take you from your hotel to the Everglades.

Official site: http://www.nps.gov/ever/index.htm

The Daytona 500 race is one of the most famous and most important in the NASCAR Cup Series, kicking off the racing season each February. It is held in Daytona Beach at the Daytona International Speedway, and it attracts huge crowds every year.

The Speedway was built in 1959 to move auto racing off the beach. Previously, races and land-speed competitions were held on the hard-packed sand of Daytona Beach. If you can't make the race itself, you can still take a tour to explore the Speedway.

Official site: http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Daytona Beach, FL

Much like Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando is a mega amusement park that has long been an important part of family vacations to Florida. The complex features its classic dolphin and whale shows, as well as acts featuring a cast of unexpected characters, from cats and ducks to otters and sea lions.

Other highlights include the Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin display and a host of other aquarium exhibits offering opportunities to see all kinds of marine life. Thrill rides, like the high-speed Mako roller coaster, which reaches speeds of up to 73 miles per hour, and the Journey to Atlantis water coaster ride are also a big part of the SeaWorld experience.

Busch Gardens is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Tampa area. This African theme park is home to all kinds of exotic animals and proudly claims to be one of the largest zoos in North America.

You can see lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes, gorillas, and much more. Safari style tours in open-air vehicles offer an opportunity to see some animals, like giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and ostrich roaming freely.

Other tours take you behind the scenes and offer a chance for close-up encounters with penguins, or a closer look at tigers and elephants. Live animal shows, featuring an unusual combination of characters, are another popular family activity.

Beyond the animal encounters, Busch Gardens also features all kinds of thrill rides, both wet and dry. While the wild and fast roller coasters get most of the attention, you can find rides for smaller children.

Official site: https://buschgardens.com/

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Tampa

These gentle, slow-moving giant sea creatures were once supposedly mistaken for mermaids by Christopher Columbus on his famous voyage to the Americas. When you see them up close in person, you may wonder if old Christopher had been at sea for just a bit too long.

Manatee viewing is a great family outing between November and mid-April, and fortunately Florida has several good spots to see these creatures. One of the most popular (and free) places to see manatees is at the Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center at the Big Bend Power Station in Apollo Beach . As the waters in the surrounding bays cool with the winter weather, the manatees come into the lagoon by the plant to luxuriate in the warm water used to cool the power plant.

Another great spot for those with a bit more of a taste for adventure is Crystal River . Here, you can actually get in the water and swim with the manatees as they enjoy the warm-water springs.

Over on the West Coast in Riviera Beach, another good spot is the Manatee Lagoon and FPL Eco-Discovery Center . The viewing platforms are an ideal spot to see the manatees enjoying the warm waters below. In addition, it's a great place to educate the kids on not only manatees, but the wider Florida ecosystem.

Dry Tortugas National Park is home to the impressive Fort Jefferson , built by the US Government in the 1800s. Although this is the key attraction of the park, the beautiful reef islands, seven in total, that make up the Dry Tortugas are themselves worth the trip. You can tour the fort and spend the rest of the day enjoying the soft-sand beaches and snorkeling in the clear, shallow waters.

Located 70 miles west of Key West, these islands are not accessible by car. Catamaran boat trips from Key West bring visitors here for a full day, some of which includes a tour of the fort, time for beaching and snorkeling, and breakfast and lunch.

You can also camp here and, once the tourists have left for the day, you can have your own desert island experience. Access is via private boat or the public ferry that carries a maximum of 10 campers.

Official site: http://www.nps.gov/drto/index.htm

• Read More: Top-Rated Beaches in Key West

Most people touring the Keys make Key West their main destination due to its location at the end of the chain of islands. And fortunately, a leisurely stroll along Duval Street in Key West is one of the highlights of the Florida Keys. Shops and restaurants with outdoor patios, many in beautifully restored old buildings, line the street. There is always a lively vibe, regardless of the time of year, but even more so on days when cruise ships come to port.

Key West has a distinctly Caribbean flare, making it unique from other destinations around the state. In addition to Duval Street, there are lovely residential areas for walking and a number of interesting attractions, including the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum and the Southernmost Point in the continental USA .

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Key West, FL

Known for being one of the oldest settlements in Florida, although Pensacola would beg to differ, St. Augustine's historical sites and charming old architecture definitely make it worth a visit. At the top of the list of things to see is the late 19th-century Flagler College , one of the most photographed buildings in the city. It was originally built as a hotel by railroad magnate Henry Flagler.

Also not to be missed is the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument , famous for being the "oldest masonry fort in North America," according to the National Parks Service. Built in the 17th century, it is remarkably well preserved and an impressive sight, even for those with little interest in history. The view over the coast is also quite spectacular.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in St. Augustine, FL

These adjacent, oceanfront mansions in Fort Myers offer a glimpse into the lives and livelihoods of inventor, Thomas Edison, and the founder of the Ford Motor Company, Henry Ford. You can tour the homes and outbuildings, see where Edison conducted experiments, wander through the palm-lined grounds, and learn about Edison's famous botanical experiments. Once you reach the seashore, you'll quickly understand why these two men chose to spend winters here instead of up north.

The Edison Botanical Research Lab , one of the most impressive portions of the tour, is a designated National Historic Chemical Landmark.

Address: 2350 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, Florida

Official site: http://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org

This outstanding, Venetian-inspired property, built mainly in the mid-1920s, consists of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Circus Museum, the Ca' d'Zan, and gardens.

The Circus Museum celebrates the history of this unique form of performance. It displays all kinds of circus costumes, props, posters, and other memorabilia, and features exhibits on the history of the famous Ringling Bros. One of the highlights is a massive scale model of the circus as it approaches, sets up, and leaves a location.

The Ca' d'Zan was the residence of John and Mable Ringling. Their inspiration for this waterfront Venetian-style mansion came from their travels in Europe and the great palaces of Venice. The 36,000-square-foot home was completed in 1926 and is an architectural masterpiece in southern Florida.

A visit to the art museum, housed in a stunning pink palace, is almost jarring after you view all the relatively low-brow circus memorabilia. It showcases the Ringling's extensive art collection, which includes classic pieces by Velazquez, El Greco, Van Dyke, Veronese, and Rubens. It may seem to the casual visitor like John and Mabel Ringling were trying to overcompensate for their humble beginnings by collecting and showcasing these pieces.

Address: 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, Florida

Official site: https://www.ringling.org/history-ca-dzan

The Salvador Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg is located on the city's impressive waterfront and housed in a unique modern building designed to match the creativity of the artist himself. Curving glass appears to envelope the otherwise box-like structure, giving the building a very striking appearance.

Inside, the museum showcases pieces from throughout Dalí's career, providing a complete overview of his development as an artist. Even those with little knowledge of his mind-bending art will find this museum interesting and thought provoking.

Address: One Dalí Blvd, St. Petersburg, Florida

Official site: https://thedali.org/

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in St. Petersburg

The beaches on Florida's Gulf Coast are some of the best in the entire United States. Unlike their counterparts on the Atlantic Ocean, the water here is warm, generally calm, and often shallow. Beach resorts along this section make popular holiday destinations.

Of all the beach areas up and down this coast, some of the finest are located in Naples. Powdery sand, crystal-clear waters, and lots of room to set up your umbrella and chair are what you can expect. One of the liveliest areas is right near the historic Naples Pier, where you'll find volleyball courts and the greatest concentration of sunseekers.

Naples' beaches have a laid-back atmosphere and are rarely crowded outside of holidays. You can access the main stretches of beach from town, or for a more natural experience, visit one of the state or local parks up and down the coast. Just back from the beach area is the delightful city of Naples , with exceptional dining and high-end shopping.

Florida's unique ecosystems, with the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, The Everglades, and the swamps and bayous of its northern portion, attract a wide assortment of birds. One of the best ways to check off species on your bird "to see" list is to follow the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.

Starting in Pensacola, and winding its way all across the state, the trail lists 510 birding hot spots, divided into four regions: East, Panhandle, South, and West. Many of the sites are located in state, county, local, or national parks and are always identified with a distinctive brown sign with a bird flying through a stylized O.

Official site: https://floridabirdingtrail.com/

One of Florida's hidden gems, Pensacola Beach and the Gulf Island National Seashore are home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the state. Blindingly white soft, squeaky sand is lapped by the green-blue crystalline waters of the Gulf of Mexico. You may bring a bestseller to read under your umbrella, but chances are you'll just end up gazing out at the amazing view.

Unlike beaches along Florida's East Coast, the beaches here are protected in many areas by the Gulf Island National Seashore Park. As a result, they have limited development, allowing for you to experience the seashore in its natural environment.

That isn't to say they are all natural. Pensacola Beach is one of the Panhandle's top beach destinations for its fun vibe, great restaurants, and affordable accommodations. While you are visiting, if you hear a roar in the sky, it's the Navy's Blue Angels aerial acrobatic team performing death-defying maneuvers.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Pensacola

Florida wouldn't be Florida without its weird and wonderful assortment of tourist attractions. Ask yourself, where else in the world can you go and see a live mermaid swimming in a freshwater spring?

Although it may seem a bit over the top, the show is actually quite entertaining and well worth a visit. Mermaids have been performing here for over 60 years, and a trip to Weeki Wachee is almost a rite of passage for many tourists. Grab one of the 400 seats in the underwater theater, and settle in for a show unlike anything you've ever seen.

The mermaid show is actually located in Weeki Wachee Springs State Park . Other things to do include slipping and sliding on the waterslides at Buccaneer Bay, or taking a river boat tour.

Official site: https://www.floridastateparks.org/WeekiWachee

Wondering when it's best to go south? Depending on where you're headed (i.e. the Florida Panhandle and northern, cooler part of the state or the sunny Florida Keys) and what you're hoping to do during your vacation (i.e. soak up warm rays or ride roller coasters), the best time to visit Florida is twofold: between February and May and October and December .

If you've ever been unlucky enough to be in Florida when it snowed (yes, that's actually happened), you'll understand why it's important to get your vacation timing right. Let's face it, most of us head to the Sunshine State for, well, sunshine. And we're not looking for that cold bright sun that sometimes peaks from a winter cloud. We're talking about luxuriously hot rays that warm our bodies from the outside in. With that in mind, the best month to visit Florida is any month between February and May. At this time, you'll avoid the coldest months of the year (November through January), as well as those which are so stifling you'll wish for a blizzard (namely July and August). Oh, you'll also miss out on hurricane season, which runs from June to November (peaking between mid-August and mid-October). Here's a rundown of why you should visit during these months:

February: This early month sees highs that average around 75 degrees Fahrenheit in Miami and its lows dip to about 61. These temperatures will, of course, get warmer the farther south you go and colder for those heading north. The sun will shine on average for eight hours a day, and the sea temperature will be a refreshing 75 degrees. Rain only falls about six days of the month, so it's pretty dry and mild in February.

March : The highs are higher during this popular travel month, hitting about 77 degrees with lows of 64. Again, you won't see much rain, but you'll get an extra hour of sunshine over that found in February. Tourist numbers are on the up and up during this Spring Break month, which means you'll see more crowds. The popularity of March vacations in Florida also means you should be prepared for higher prices on everything from flights to hotel rooms to restaurants to attractions, especially if you're visiting during a school break.

April : This beautiful month offers warm temps (a high of 82) and even less rain (about 5 days) than its two predecessors. It's a busy travel month due to Easter, but once that's over, you'll see the crowds and inflated prices dissipate.

In terms of tourists, you won't have to fend them off since this is a shoulder month (a.k.a. that time between peak and off-peak seasons). In the case of Florida, the shoulder seasons can be found between April and May and September through November .

May : If you're looking for warmth, soak it up with the average highs of 87 degrees during this low-key month. You can enjoy low prices, lots of hotels to choose from, and much shorter lines at attractions, not to mention plenty of unimpeded space to stretch out on the silky soft beaches.

More on Florida

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Skunk Ape Research Headquarters

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Royal Palm Visitor Center

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Drive to the hamlet of Ochopee (population about four)…no…wait…turn around, you missed it! Then pull over and break out the cameras: Ochopee’s claim to…

Miccosukee Resort & Casino

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Pa-hay-okee Overlook

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Kirby Storter Roadside Park

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Downtown Homestead

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September 10, 2024

This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

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What's really 'fueling' harmful algae in Florida's lake Okeechobee?

by Florida Atlantic University

Lake Okeechobee is the largest lake in Florida and the second largest in the Southeastern United States. Over the past two decades, blooms of blue-green algae (Microcystis) have emerged in the lake and have been flushed into nearby urban estuaries, causing serious environmental and public health issues.

Excess nutrients from industries, agriculture and urban development—particularly nitrogen and phosphorus—are well-known causes of harmful algal blooms worldwide. Historically, Lake Okeechobee has only been considered to be impaired for phosphorus, leading to targeted efforts aimed at reducing phosphorus runoff from agricultural sources in the watershed.

Now, new research marks a groundbreaking step in understanding and preserving this crucial ecosystem. Researchers from Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute have conducted the first comprehensive sampling across the Lake Okeechobee Waterway in South Florida, which extends from the St. Lucie Estuary on the east coast to the Caloosahatchee River Estuary on the west coast.

To determine what's causing recent cyanobacterial blooms, researchers conducted two research cruises across the Lake Okeechobee Waterway and three sampling events of these blooms. They measured nitrogen isotopes in phytoplankton to see if human waste or fertilizers were involved.

Results of the study, published in the journal Harmful Algae , reveal that combating harmful algal blooms in Lake Okeechobee requires managing both phosphorus and nitrogen, and that human waste played a role in influencing these Microcystis blooms. Findings also underscore the importance of rainfall and extreme rainfall events in driving these big blooms.

Inorganic nitrogen levels were elevated in urbanized estuaries and the Kissimmee River, which extends north through the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes to the greater Orlando area, and its water flows into Lake Okeechobee. Furthermore, the expanding urbanization in Orlando was identified as a contributing factor to the increasing prevalence of these blooms in Lake Okeechobee.

"Based on our study findings, strategies focused only on reducing phosphorus aren't sufficient," said Brian Lapointe, Ph.D., senior author and a research professor at FAU Harbor Branch.

"To tackle toxic cyanobacterial blooms, we need to cut back on both nitrogen and phosphorus. Managing both nutrients is crucial because of their combined impact, which often lead to more severe and persistent harmful algal blooms. In urban areas like the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee River watersheds, human waste is a major source of these nutrients."

Findings show key changes in Lake Okeechobee's algal conditions over the years. Nitrogen-to-phosphorus ratios, microcystins, and Microcystis cell counts in the lake are now higher than in previous decades. Phosphorus levels increased from 50 micrograms per liter in the mid-1970s to more than 100 micrograms per liter by the late 1990s. This rise in phosphorus supported the growth of harmful cyanobacteria like Dolichospermum, which began to outcompete other algae.

Sampling occurred from 2018 to 2021 and the cruises took place in 2019 and 2020. This approach provided a detailed, unified snapshot of conditions throughout the entire waterway at a single point in time or over a defined period, rather than isolated or sporadic sampling.

After the hurricanes of 2004–05, which led to significant losses in aquatic plants and fish, toxic Microcystis became more dominant in the lake during the warm, wet season from May to October. Similar major blooms occurred during 2013, 2016 and 2018. Because the research cruises took place in 2019 and 2020, which were relatively dry years, researchers did not observe any major Microcystis blooms in the St. Lucie or Caloosahatchee estuaries.

"It is during these rainfall events when major nitrogen loading occurs, which we now realize happened in 2013, 2016 and 2018," said Lapointe. "Big blooms appeared in the lake and estuaries following these extreme rain events."

Findings also show that the higher nutrients in the urbanized Caloosahatchee River Estuary and St. Lucie Estuary enhanced bloom formations in those locations. The nutrients—ammonium, nitrate and phosphate—are highly reactive, which is why the researchers observed thick "scum" on the water's surface in those estuaries.

"When water and Microcystis is released from Lake Okeechobee into the estuaries, the growth response is like 'Miracle Grow,'" said Lapointe. "We found the highest concentrations of ammonium, nitrate and phosphate in the estuaries. These nutrients are commonly associated with human waste. Specifically, we observed elevated nitrogen isotope levels, indicating that human waste is a significant source of this nitrogen."

Researchers also found significant variation in water conditions across different locations, affecting the spread and intensity of algal blooms. The biggest blooms were observed in the Pahokee Marina and Cape Coral, which were strongly affected by human waste .

"Evidence from the Florida Keys shows similar trends of nitrogen enrichment, and our research indicates that such changes may be happening throughout the entire watershed," said Lapointe.

Previously, water from the Lake Okeechobee watershed naturally flowed southward through the Everglades. However, changes to the water management system led to the creation of the Lake Okeechobee Waterway, which redirects lake water periodically. It is channeled eastward into the St. Lucie Estuary via the C-44 canal and westward into the Caloosahatchee River and Estuary through the C-43 canal.

"Microcystis blooms and their toxicity in Lake Okeechobee and the St. Lucie Estuary are influenced by nitrogen levels, and our study shows that nitrogen enrichment is increasing. It's crucial to reduce nitrogen to control harmful algal blooms along the lake's waterway and in the estuaries downstream," said Rachel Brewton, Ph.D., co-author and an assistant research professor at FAU Harbor Branch.

"Given the high nitrogen load from the Upper Kissimmee River, cutting these inputs should be a top priority. Although Lake Okeechobee doesn't have a Total Maximum Daily Load established for nitrogen as it does for phosphorus, the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee estuaries do, and recent plans for the lake's tributaries aim to address nitrogen reductions."

The impact of these blooms varies based on the size of the watersheds and the specific conditions of the receiving waters, such as their hydrology and chemistry.

"In the lab, we measured chlorophyll a, microcystins, and amounts of Microcystis and other phytoplankton by analyzing their cell concentrations and pigments in water samples," said Malcolm McFarland, Ph.D., co-author and an associate research professor at FAU Harbor Branch.

"We used flow cytometry on water samples on board the research vessels to allow for analysis of live algal cells and avoid losses caused by preservation and storage."

Large lakes, rivers, estuaries and coastal areas are increasingly affected by these blooms, raising concerns that the growing frequency of harmful algal blooms and their associated toxins could further threaten drinking water supplies, recreational activities, tourism and fisheries in the future.

"These blooms don't only impact Florida's vital water resources but also have national implications for public health, environmental quality and economic well-being," said Lapointe. "Understanding these changes helps us address the challenges of safeguarding our waters and ensures clean, safe water for communities across the country."

This research supports the need for improved wastewater treatment and water storage north of Lake Okeechobee including the Lake Okeechobee Watershed Restoration Project and the Lake Okeechobee Component A Reservoir project spearheaded by the South Florida Water Management District.

The study's co-author is Nicole Stockley, a former research engineer at FAU Harbor Branch.

Provided by Florida Atlantic University

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