8 Cool Things to do in the Everglades
On the southern tip of Florida is 1.5 million acres designated as Everglades National Park. Surrounded by The Big Cypress Preserve, the Fakahatchee Strand and the Florida Panther Wildlife Refuge, the area offers: sawgrass marshes, cypress swamps, hardwood hammocks, pinelands, mangroves, and estuaries. These diverse ecosystems make for all manner of wildlife, ecotourism and exploration.
The roadside canals are in constant disruption of boils and splashes as whatever lies beneath surfaces for food and air. The skies are also in constant motion from birds of all shapes, sizes, and colors. I am fortunate to have several days to criss-cross in and around the Everglades. While I couldn’t possibly cover it all during this visit here, in no particular order, are some of my favorite curiosities.
Say you were there @ Robert is Here:
Just outside of Everglades Park entrance on State Hwy 9336 is Robert is Here. Billing itself as a fruit stand it is sooo much more. It’s one of those roadside destinations I just love. Of course, there is plenty of fruit to be had before venturing into the Everglades.
But you can also pick up some sandwiches and other treats from the grill. The visit is not complete without getting a fresh fruit smoothie and a $3 bag of animal feed and heading out back. Here you’ll find chickens, turkey, emus, turtles and one rude goat anxious to help you free yourself from the huge bag of food.
Airboat Ride:
The east side of the Tamiami Trail (HWY 41) is a little touristy with more development primarily of air-boat operators, and alligator shows. The south side of the trail offers more commercial venues whereas the north side offers smaller boats operated by the Miccosukees and Seminoles. I am always a sucker for the touristy things and opt to visit the Everglades Safari Park. The admission includes the 35-minute boat ride and an alligator show afterward. On my next trip, I’d opt to support the local tribes and chose the smaller boats and forego the alligator show.
Bike Shark Valley loop:
Bring your own bike or rent one nearby. The 15-mile loop is one unforgettable ride. Besides the usual abundance of birds and plants, you will also see many alligators along this stretch. While a little unsettling at first, the gators really don’t pay you much mind. The observation tower at the turn around point offers a 360-degree view of the Everglades as far as the eye can see. Enjoy the view, the flat roads, and pray you don’t have a flat. For the faint of heart, a guided tram tour is also available for the loop.
Take a walk on the wild side – Swamp Walk:
To experience the beauty and diversity of the Everglades, a Swamp Walk is a must. Several ranger-led options and locations are available. I chose to hunt the elusive Ghost Orchid during a swamp walk in the Fakahatchee Strand. This is a strenuous 1/2 day hike in cool, murky, knee deep water. There is a bit of satisfaction achieved by spending a few hours slogging through a swamp and coming out unscathed to brag about it.
Take a walk on the wilder side – Florida Panther Refuge:
The Panther Refuge located on Highway 29 covers over 26,000 acres and offers a protected range for the once endangered Florida Panther. Believe it or not, there are trails available through the refuge where I saw owls, storks, and an abundance of interesting plants. Panther sightings are rare on the 1.3-mile trail and as such, I did not see any. However, signs warn not to leave valuables in car. I guess panthers, because they are now protected, have developed a pilfering problem.
Gators, Crocs, and Manatees, oh my!
Due to the confluence of freshwater from the Shark River slough and the saltwater of Florida Bay, Flamingo offers a rare opportunity to see Alligators and American Crocodiles in coexistence. I walk into the visitor center and inquire about the location of the crocodiles. The attendant points to the marina and informs me they are all over out there. I walk out on the docks and circle around the marina. I only see a pelican. A little disappointed, I walk the seawall around a rocky shoal. Then a flash and splash. I reel around and see 2 eyes and a snout peering at me. I’m relatively sure it’s a crocodile due to its tannish color and pointed snout. The eyes sink below the water and simultaneously the nostrils of a breathing manatee appear. I know the manatee didn’t eat that croc, but I never see the reptile again.
I watch the manatee as it frolics in the foam along the seawall. It seems to be sucking at the foam like it was a head-on a beer. I follow the manatee as he stops and seems to be making an easy meal of the algae that has formed on the seawall.
Bird Watching:
Since I was a kid sitting in the backyard of grandmothers house identifying robins, cardinals, bluejays, and woodpeckers, I’ve had an affinity for birds. The Florida Everglades is a birders paradise. Everywhere I turn is not only just a new bird to identify, but they are big and colorful birds. The Tamiami Trail is lined by a canal on the Northside. It is just teeming with life and wading birds of all types can be seen. The Wood Stork though a bit awkward looking on ground looks like a 747 on the final approach in the air. The snowy egrets shine like beacons with the marshy thickets and saw grasses as backdrops.
The Anhinga Trail at Royal Palm at the park entrance on 9336 give testament that these ain’t your momma’s sparrows. A sign foretells of damage to vehicles by vultures. The park provides large blue tarps to protect your wiper blades that the vultures have taken a liking to eating.
The Anhinga Trail, true to its name, offers many Anhingas with their wings spread and backs to the sun. Having seen Anhinga many times, the little Purple Gallinule hopping across the water lilies garners most of my attention. The Roseate Spoonbill, a striking pink wader, can often be seen a little further down the road at Paurotis Pond.
Revisit the Cold War:
Back in the 60’s during the Cold War tensions mounted as Russia used Cuba to house nuclear weapons. The Everglades Nike Missile site was the first line of defense for the US. During the height of the crisis, this site had over 20 buildings and 100’s of troops. Today only a few of the buildings remain and 3 of the bunkers serve as reminders of a bygone era. The site has a volunteer on-hand to provide history and details of the site and armament. Though these times are limited and access is blocked otherwise.
Where to find these curiosities:
When not on the road, he helps others fulfill their yearning to travel as a Membership Specialist for Thousand Trails.
coastal waters of West Florida during the late 18th and early 19th century. Since 1904, the city of Tampa annually re-enacts the historic pirate invasion of the city.
Great overview and will come in useful very soon!
Thank you Jo. Hope you have a great Everglades adventure.
Thanks Craig, I really enjoy all that you share with us.
Thanks for traveling along!
Much enjoyed your travel log!
Thank you, Penny!
Great Thank you!
Thank you, Lindsay.
Very interesting. Thank you for the tour and insight.
Thanks stopping by and taking the time to comment, Paula.