Everglades Stories

When we first started exploring the national parks, the Everglades was nowhere near the top of my list. I pictured it as a giant swamp full of mosquitoes and humidity, definitely not my idea of a fun vacation. But I was totally wrong. From the moment we arrived, we realized how incredible this place is. The Everglades is unlike any other park in the United States, a vast river of grass stretching across southern Florida that teems with wildlife and surprises around every corner.

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Today on Exploring the National Parks, we are sharing some of our top experiences while visiting the Everglades. 

While it wasn’t a park that was at the top of our list of parks we wanted to visit, we were surprised at how much we enjoyed it. Every time we go back, we try something exciting and new! So join us as we dive into our adventures and misadventures inside this unique and beautiful national park. 

Join us as we cover: 

• Our confusing tram ride through Shark Valley
• The somewhat scary airboat tours in the Everglades
• The surprising Nike Missile Base 
• How we discovered that we enjoy eating alligator nuggets
• Our adventures watching wild manatees
• The dolphins in Everglades City 
• Birdwatching in the area
• The adventure that we are looking forward to going on

Whatever type of adventure you’re looking for, you’ll find it in the Everglades! We hope you enjoyed this conversation and can have some adventures of your own! 

Ready to make your trip to Everglades a reality? Use the Ultimate Everglades Trip Planning Guide!

First impressions of the Everglades

I used to think of the Everglades as a swamp, but it’s actually a slow-moving river that flows from Lake Okeechobee down to Florida Bay. This unique ecosystem is home to hundreds of animal species, including the American crocodile, manatees, and countless species of birds. It’s one of the largest remaining subtropical wilderness areas in North America and is managed by the National Park Service as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a wetland of international importance.

When we first arrived, we took the Anhinga Trail near the main entrance. Almost immediately, we spotted an alligator basking in the sun. It didn’t take long for the Everglades to completely change my mind. I went from dreading the bugs and the heat to being completely captivated by the park’s beauty, shallow waters, and wildlife.

Shark Valley: Alligators everywhere!

Shark Valley ended up being the highlight of our trip. It’s one of the most popular spots in the park, and it’s easy to see why. The Shark Valley Tram Tour takes you along a 15-mile loop through freshwater marshes and sloughs, ending at the Shark Valley Observation Tower with panoramic views of the surrounding river of grass.

We arrived early to beat the crowds and joined the first tram of the morning. The first half of the ride was quiet, just some wood storks and cool morning air, but once we reached the observation tower, it was like a switch flipped. Alligators were everywhere! On the return trip, we saw dozens lounging on the banks, floating in the water, and even crossing the trail. It reminded us of seeing bears in Jasper National Park. At first, you’re thrilled to see one, and then you realize there’s another around every corner.

Families often bike the Shark Valley loop, and that’s what we plan to do next time. The trail is flat and easy, and biking gives you more freedom to stop, take photos, and spend time with the alligators safely from a distance.

Airboat tours: Iconic but intimidating

No trip to the Everglades feels complete without an airboat ride. They’re loud, fast, and totally iconic. Authorized operators run airboat tours in designated areas of the park to minimize environmental impacts. The fan-powered boats glide over shallow water and sawgrass marshes, offering a thrilling way to see the Everglades up close.

I’ll admit, I was a little nervous. Before our first airboat ride, I read too much about accidents and environmental controversies. So while John was having the time of his life, I was quietly holding onto our son and trying not to panic. The airboats move faster than you’d expect, and the captains love to throw in a few spins and slides for fun. But once I relaxed, it was amazing to see how these boats can skim across water only a few inches deep.

If you’ve never done it, you absolutely should, just don’t overthink it like I did. Pick a licensed tour company, bring ear protection, and enjoy the ride through this incredible landscape.

A Cold War surprise: The Nike Missile Base

One of the most unexpected things we found in the park was the Nike Missile Base, a relic from the Cold War. Built after the Cuban Missile Crisis, this base housed surface-to-air missiles designed to protect southern Florida from potential attacks. Walking around the site with its massive missiles and old launch barns was surreal, especially surrounded by tropical hardwood hammocks and mangrove forests.

Volunteers run the tours, and they’re fantastic, many have personal connections to the history of the site. It’s a great stop if you love history and want to experience another side of the Everglades beyond the wildlife.

Eating local at the Gator Grill

Just outside the park in Homestead is the Gator Grill, a quirky roadside restaurant serving up local specialties like fried alligator and frog legs. I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure I could eat a frog leg, but I gave it a try. The alligator nuggets were surprisingly delicious, tender, a little chewy, and not too gamey. The frog legs? Slimy and unsettling, but an experience we still laugh about years later. Eating at the Gator Grill is one of those classic Everglades memories you’ll never forget.

Manatees, birds, and dolphins

At the southern tip of the park lies Flamingo, one of the best areas for spotting manatees. The marina there is often full of these gentle giants, slowly surfacing for air in the calm, murky water. We spent nearly an hour just watching them breathe, their noses breaking the surface before they slipped back underwater.

Seeing manatees in the wild was magical. They’re one of the most beloved species in the park, and while many people call them “sea cows,” John has officially declared that name off-limits. He prefers “whale beavers,” arguing that it sounds more exciting and gives them the respect they deserve. Whatever you call them, they’re incredible creatures that make the Everglades feel even more special.

On another trip, we headed to Everglades City for a ranger-led boat tour through the Ten Thousand Islands. This area looks completely different from the rest of the park, a maze of mangrove islands stretching toward the Gulf of Mexico. We learned about how mangrove forests protect the coast and support countless animal species, including endangered birds.

The highlight of the trip was when a pod of dolphins started following our boat, leaping in the wake as we cruised through the water. The kids got to take a turn steering the boat, and it was pure joy. Some of these islands were built up centuries ago by Native Americans using shells, adding another layer of fascinating history to the landscape.

Even if you’re not a dedicated birder, the Everglades might turn you into one. Great blue herons, roseate spoonbills, and anhingas are everywhere. We once spent half an hour watching a pelican catch fish, tossing them into the air before swallowing them whole. The variety of bird species is one of the reasons this park is such an important refuge in the western hemisphere.

Hiking trails and boardwalks

While the Everglades is best known for its water adventures, there are a few short hiking trails that offer a completely different experience. The Gumbo Limbo Trail winds through dense tropical forest, while the Mahogany Hammock Trail features towering old-growth mahogany trees. Both are short boardwalk loops, perfect for getting a closer look at the park’s plants and animals without getting your feet wet.

We saw snakes, lizards, and plenty of birds on these trails. Every step feels like walking through a prehistoric world, with giant cypress trees and tangled vines. It’s humid and a little eerie, but also incredibly peaceful.

A musical end to our trip

Our Everglades adventure ended on a high note, literally. After flying into Miami, we discovered a Spanish radio station that kept playing one irresistible song: Canción Bonita by Ricky Martin and Carlos Vives. We listened to it the entire week, singing along even though we had no idea what the lyrics meant. That song became the soundtrack of our Everglades trip, blending perfectly with the vibrant culture, food, and sunshine of South Florida.

Every time we return to the Everglades, we find something new to love, alligators, manatees, dolphins, or just the feeling of being in one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. If you’ve ever thought the Everglades was just a swamp, think again. This place is alive, wild, and unforgettable.

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Links mentioned in this episode:

• Shark Valley
• Airboat Tours
• Nike Hercules Missile Site
• Everglades Gator Grill
• Flamingo
• 10,000 Islands
• Marco Island
• Gumbo Limbo Trail
• Mahogany Hammock Trail
• Canoe and Kayak Trails
• Canción Bonita

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