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One Day in the Everglades

By Joshua Lawrence Kinser, author of Moon Florida Gulf Coast
Image of boat and swimming alligator in calm waters reflecting bright blue sky and puffy white clouds.
Everglades National Park. Photo © Allouphoto/Dreamstime.

For this trip, you’ll want strong bug spray, plenty of water, sunglasses, shoes you don’t mind getting wet or muddy, comfortable clothes (preferably quick-dry lightweight pants and a long-sleeved shirt), and a hat to protect you from the sun.

Morning

Image of mangrove trees lining a waterway
A mangrove forest in The Everglades. Photo © Betsy Kristianna Lee Verb/Dreamstime.

Start the morning off with breakfast at HavAnnA Café, and then take a sunrise paddle through Everglades National Park. It’s a wonderful place to observe birds, alligators, and other native wildlife . Then do something a bit more thrilling and take an airboat ride with Everglades City Airboat Tours. The tours are offered on a first-come, first-served basis . Be cautious around wildlife when adventuring in the Everglades, and do not feed the alligators!

Afternoon

Image of large white bird with yellow beak perched on a tree branch
A Great Egret in Big Cypress National Preserve. Photo © Dimitrios Timpilis/Dreamstime.

Drive to Turner River Road in the Big Cypress National Preserve (3 miles east of the Big Cypress Welcome Center, U .S . 41) and spend the rest of the afternoon spotting wildlife and enjoying the scenery . Return to Everglades City and have lunch at Triad Seafood Market and Cafe.

Evening

Stay the night at the Ivey House Everglades Adventures Hotel, a relaxing inn that’s beautifully landscaped and has an excellent screened pool and waterfall area. Have dinner at the waterfront Rod and Gun Club Restaurant.

Related Travel Guide

Joshua Lawrence Kinser

About the Author

Joshua Kinser is a Florida native, veteran travel writer, and professional drummer who has explored every mile of the Gulf Coast for more than two decades. A longtime contributor to Moon Travel Guides, he brings insider knowledge of the region’s best beaches, hidden gems, fresh seafood (especially gumbo), and live music spots. When he’s not writing or performing and touring with bands, you’ll find him kayaking, fishing, boogie-boarding, or chasing the perfect sunset over the Gulf. He lives in Gulf Breeze with his family.

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Image of mangrove forest with text One Day in the Everglades
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