Check out my blog post on What to Bring When Visiting A National Park here.
This blog post was updated in August of 2024
Shark Valley Visitor Center
When thinking of Everglades National Park images of swamps and alligators conjure up, but did you know the Everglades is actually a river? Because the Everglades river moves very slowly, it is a perfect habitat for many types of trees, animals, reptiles and birds that thrive in this unique environment. There are three entrances to get into Everglades National Park. To locate the closest entrance to where you are, follow this link. (There is a $30 entrance fee) Everglades National Park contains 1,509,000 acres of land!!!!! There are no shuttle services, therefore, driving a car is essential, especially if you would like to explore a lot of this park.
I have to admit, I was intimidated about the wildlife I could come across while visiting this national park. So, after researching what to do in the Everglades, I came across Shark Valley Tram Tours at the Shark Valley Visitor Center, located less than an hour from Miami, which provides tram tours that provide a safe environment to explore the park. These tram tours fill up fast, unfortunately, I learned that the hard way. Therefore, plan ahead and make a reservation way in advance. We were not able to reserve a tram tour because they were already sold out for the one day we were planning to visit the park, therefore, we rented bikes at the Shark Valley Visitor Center for a self-guided bike tour on the 15 mile flat paved road. Be sure to get to the park early for they can sell out (the best time to visit the park is in the morning before it gets too hot.) Bikes are rented on a first come/first serve basis. On average, this ride takes 2 - 3 hours. You can find the bike rental area behind the Shark Valley Visitor Center.
Shark Valley Visitor Center is a one stop shop. It is a visitor center complete with restrooms, water fountains, a souvenir shop, bike rental, educational displays and, last but not least, park rangers to ask any questions you may have about where to go and what to do in Everglades National Park. Be sure to visit my blog post about what to bring to a national park. At Everglades National Park be sure to carry plenty of water, and wear sunscreen and bug spray. Also, I would recommend visiting this park from fall through spring. If visiting in the summer, I would recommend visiting during the early morning hours. It can get very hot in the summer months and mosquitos are very problematic.
Shark Valley is home to many local animals. You will definitely see alligators, and possibly a Cottonmouth Snake, Barred Owl, and many birds. (Thank goodness I didn't see a snake!)
As you can see in the above photo, the road is very flat, smooth, and paved. I thoroughly enjoyed our two hour bike ride through the Everglades. At the half-way point there is an observation tower where you can get panoramic views of the Everglades. We did see many alligators in the channel that runs parallel to the road.
Located at the visitor center are two brief trails, the Bobcat Boardwalk and the Ottercave Trail. The Bobcat Boardwalk spans 0.2 miles and offers a simple fifteen-minute stroll on a boardwalk above swampland. The Ottercave Trail is an easy 0.3-mile unpaved path. Upon entering, we spotted a baby alligator and a white ibis.
Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center
During our return trip to Miami, we chose to return to this vast park to discover a few additional trails near the Royal Palm Visitor Center, which is located four miles (6 km) from the main park entrance at the Ernest Coe Visitor Center. Furthermore, we opted for an airboat tour to explore the Everglades up close, providing a highly recommended perspective of the area.
The Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center is located approximately one hour southeast of Miami and just over an hour's drive from the Shark Valley Visitor Center. At this visitor center, you have the opportunity to meet a park ranger to plan your visit, use the restroom, explore educational exhibits, buy books, bug-spray, and more.
Anhinga Trail
Located at The Royal Palm Visitor Center, which is located just a short distance from the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, are several enjoyable and short trails where visitors can observe wildlife and admire the wetlands of the Everglades.
We had enough time to discover two of these paths, including the serene Anhinga Trail. Walk along the brief 0.8 miles (1200 meters) round trip trail and observe anhingas, turtles, alligators, and more. Exploring it was so fun and suitable for families.
Gumbo Limbo Trail
Explore the Gumbo Limbo Trail located adjacent to the Anhinga Trail. This paved trail, which you can navigate on your own, winds through a shaded, jungle-like hammock filled with gumbo limbo trees, royal palms, ferns, and air plants.
You will definitely need the mosquito repellent on this walk! In the images below find a gumbo limbo tree on the far left.
Airboat Tour with Everglades Safari Park
When visiting the Everglades, an airboat tour is a must! I went to Everglades Safari Park, close to the Shark Valley Visitor Center, for one of the most enjoyable boat rides I've ever had. Situated in the national park, this 40-minute boat tour takes you through the Everglades, allowing you to explore the expansive wetlands.
We witnessed Herons in flight and alligators lurking as we explored the area on an airboat. With a bird's-eye view, the operator and guide could quickly identify alligators. We observed many of these fascinating reptiles up close from the safe vantage point of the boat. The guide took us on an extensive journey, pausing briefly to discuss the Everglades and its vital ecological significance.
Upon coming back from our boat tour, we were treated to a wildlife presentation featuring alligators and snakes. The presenter shared fascinating information about the creatures residing in the Everglades and their ability to thrive in their natural habitat.
Following the performance, we decided to walk along the nature trail in search of additional wildlife. Specifically, we were excited to spot alligators!!!!
I truly never thought I would visit this amazing and massive park, but I'm certainly glad I did. Before visiting Everglades NP we visited Biscayne NP, just an hour away. Read my blog post about visiting this great national park here. If you are feeling adventurous and would like to visit Florida's third national park, Dry Tortugas NP, read my blog post on how to visit this park.
See you later alligator!
Robert is Here
While visiting the Everglades or Biscayne National Parks take the opportunity to visit the fruit stand, Robert is Here!
The fruit stand is fantastic! It offers a wide variety of unique and exotic fruits to purchase. The standout feature is their delightful smoothie and shake counter. You can select from a diverse range of fruits to blend into heavenly nectar. We savored our drinks alongside some homemade guacamole and salsa at the picnic tables nearby. It was a wonderful way to relax and indulge in a tasty treat. Additionally, there is a large animal park located behind the fruit stand. Imagine encountering lizards, goats, ducks, and more. This local gem is a delight for both children and adults.
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