Everglades National Park

The Everglades National Park, covering much of the southeastern tip of Florida, is more than a big swamp full of alligators. True, you will see alligators - lots of them - but this unique subtropical wilderness also supports such creatures as American crocodiles, bottlenose dolphins, manatees, snowy egrets, bald eagles and ospreys. And amid the mangroves, cypress, hardwood hammocks and miles of sawgrass, there are endless opportunities for hiking, bicycling, canoeing, kayaking, or taking an airboat ride. You can book Everglades tours departing from Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Fort Myers in addition to Orlando.

Spot alligators on a day-trip along the Tamiami Trail or take a two-hour tram tour in Shark Valley. When hunger pangs set in, stop in Everglades City for a plate of gator nuggets and frog’s legs. The visitor center at Big Cypress National Preserve has great exhibits for kids and an outdoor, water-filled ditch popular with alligators.

The best time to visit Everglades National Park is during the dry season - from December to April - when the weather is mild and pleasant and the wildlife is out in abundance. In summer wet season - May through November - it’s hot and humid and there are frequently afternoon thunderstorms.

The Everglades National Park is easily accessible from Miami via the Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41), which travels east-west, parallel to the more northern Alligator Alley (I-75), because you can see alligator. The animals disperse, but the bugs don’t. The one upside to the wet season is that you won’t be sharing your experience with as many tourists.

There are three main entrances: one along the southeast edge near Homestead and Florida City; at the central-north side on Tamiami Trail; and a third at the northwest shore, past Everglades City. Tours into the park depart from Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Fort Myers as well as Orlando.