Is The Florida Everglades Area Worth Visiting?
Wondering If The Everglades Are Worth Visiting On Your Trip To South Florida?
As a former South Florida resident (I lived in Palm Beach County), I visited the Everglades a number of times (anytime family or friends visited), so I can give you an honest opinion on what really does make this unique natural area worth visiting as well as a few downsides to consider before planning a day (or more) to the Everglades.
🐊 Why The Everglades Are Worth Visiting
While it can be quite hot, deathly humid, overly touristy, and a bit of a drive from major cities, the Florida Everglades are still worth visiting for many reasons and a must-see for any lovers of nature, wildlife, and the outdoors.
Gators!
The most popular residents of the Florida Everglades are definitely gators (one of the main draws of this natural area), and though there’s no guarantee of seeing them, they’re pretty common all throughout this vast area.
Increase Your Odds Of Spotting Gators By:
- visiting during summer when they’re typically more active and visible
- specifically visiting in April, May, or June when they’re more active (and more aggressive) because of mating season
- visiting in the morning (generally the best time of day to see them)
- going on a sunny day because they like to sunbathe on the banks
- listening for a hissing sound (coming from the gators)
- looking for two consecutive bumps in the water (the tip of the nose and the top of the head)
- searching close (from an airboat) in the grass and leaves where they like to camouflage
- thinking small because many gators won’t be massive in size (most that I saw swimming around were maybe somewhere between 7 to 10 feet)
Other Florida Wildlife
The Everglades are worth visiting not only to see the famed alligators, but also lots of other local Florida wildlife that call this natural area home, including 13 endangered and 10 threatened species, like:
- Crocodiles
- Iguanas
- Manatees
- Frogs
- Snakes
- Fish
- Bull Sharks
- Panthers
- Sea Turtles
- Frogs
- Birds
- Insects
Unique Florida Nature
At first glance the Florida Everglades might look flat and boring (no hills or waterfalls of any kind), but it’s actually a very unique subtropical preserve and the largest continuous stand of sawgrass prairie in North America, commonly referred to as a swamp, but in reality it’s a large marsh or grassland river.
In short, the Florida Everglades are an incredibly unique natural area, unlike anywhere else on this planet and they’re definitely worth exploring on any trip to South Florida.
*️⃣ Tip: if you’re into historical sites, beautiful grounds, and beautiful architecture, don’t miss the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens while visiting the Miami area
Variety Of Ways To Explore
Though airboat tours are the best, the cheapest, and the most convenient way to get close to gators and see the Everglades, they can be a bit touristy (especially the gator shows afterwards), but the great thing about the Everglades is that there are many ways to explore and experience them:
- Typical Everglades airboat tours that pickup in the city (very convenient for those visiting Miami or Fort Lauderdale)
- Post airboat tour gator shows that often support Everglades conservation efforts (like the Gator Boys that were able to remove Alligators from the endangered list)
- Full day Everglades Biologist led WET walk and airboat tours
- Going on your own and exploring areas on foot like Flamingo, Shark Valley, Anhinga Trail, the Royal Palm Center, or the Blue-Orange Trail
- Driving through and spotting gators (I’ve seen lots on the side of the road) along Highway 41 (Tamiami Trail), Interstate 75 (Alligator Alley), or Ingraham Highway (dead ends in Flamingo)
*️⃣ Tip: Everglades airboat tours are typically smooth (no need to worry about seasickness) and you won’t typically get wet (unless it rains), but they are very noisy so earplugs or headphones can be super helpful for those with sensitive ears
Fairly Convenient Location
Whether you have the time to spend the night or just visit on a day trip, the Florida Everglades are worth visiting, especially because of how close they are (due to its vast size) to other popular destinations like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Orlando, Venice Beach, or even Key West.
*️⃣ FAQ: The route out Tamiami Trail is the closest Everglades entrance to Miami at about 30 to 40 miles or around 45 minutes
If you’re visiting the Miami or Fort Lauderdale areas without a car, an Uber or taxi to and from the Everglades could get quite expensive, so an airboat tour with roundtrip transfers included is the easiest and cheapest way to experience them.
❌ Why The Everglades Might Not Be Worth Visiting
While I personally think the Everglades are worth visiting at least once because of their unique natural landscapes and abundant Florida wildlife, there are a few things that might make some think otherwise:
- Gators are more active when the weather is at its most unpleasant (when it’s really hot and humid out during the summer months)
- Airboat tours and gator shows can be pretty cheesy and touristy (but they are the best way to get a closer look at gators and typically the cheapest way to visit outside of driving yourself)
- There’s no guarantee you’ll see gators or other wildlife (especially the extremely endangered Florida panthers)
- It gets very crowded during busy season (the cooler, drier winter months when lots of snowbirds and vacationers come down)
- It’s a little far to Uber or taxi for those visiting without a car or that don’t want to take a tour
*️⃣ Tip: If you’re into eco-friendly, sustainable, and adventurous activities, try a sailing adventure with Salty Miami during your South Florida visit
🔁 Sum Up: Is The Everglades Area Worth Visiting?
As one of the most unique natural areas on this planet, the Florida Everglades are definitely worth visiting (on an airboat tour, hiking, or just driving through) not only for its one of a kind natural beauty, but also for the chance to see local (and endangered) Florida wildlife. It’s pretty conveniently located near major cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or even Orlando, so it’s perfect for a day trip, a quick tour, or even overnight camping.
