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Top things to do in the Everglades

The Everglades isn’t just a giant swamp, it’s an adventure waiting to happen. From zooming across the marshes on airboats to spotting wild alligators, there’s a lot to do here. This page is your go-to guide for the best things to do in the Everglades, whether you’re looking for thrills, wildlife, or a family-friendly day out.

Top things to do in the Everglades

Airboat gliding through Everglades with tourists, showcasing Everglades Holiday Park tour.

Airboat tours

Hop on an airboat and cruise through the “River of Grass” at thrilling speeds. It’s the most exciting way to explore the Everglades and spot gators, birds, and more.

Duration: 30–60 mins per ride
Visiting hours: Open daily from 9am to 5pm
Location: Available at Wild Florida, Everglades Safari Park, and Everglades Holiday Park
Accessibility: Limited wheelchair accessibility
Visitor tips: Morning tours offer cooler temps and more active wildlife
Fun fact: Airboats were inspired by WWII aircraft tech and were once powered by airplane engines
Best for: Thrill-seekers, photographers, and families with older kids

Recommended tours:

  • Everglades National Park Airboat Tour
  • From Miami: Everglades Safari Park Airboat Tour
  • From Miami: Everglades National Park Airboat Tour
  • Everglades Private Airboat Tour
Glide onto some airboat action
Expert handling snake at Everglades Wildlife Park.

Wildlife parks

Wander through walkable parks filled with rescued animals, from alligators and snakes to sloths and wild cats. It’s perfect for those with curious kids and animal lovers alike.

Duration: Set aside 1–2 hours
Visiting hours: Most parks are open from 9am to 5pm
Location: Wild Florida, Gator Park, and Everglades Safari Park
Accessibility: Wheelchair and stroller-friendly paths
Visitor tips: Arrive early to avoid midday heat and catch animal feedings
Fun fact: Some parks house animals featured in films or rescued from illegal trades
Best for: Families, animal lovers, and anyone traveling with kids

Recommended tours:

  • 30-min Everglades Airboat Tour with Wildlife Park Ticket
  • 1-Hour Everglades Airboat Tour with Wildlife Park Ticket
More about Everglades National Park
Guests on an airboat tour enjoying the Everglades view in Florida.

Drive-thru safaris

Yes, you read that right. You can do a safari in Florida! Take a self-guided safari drive through open habitats where zebras, giraffes, bison, and more roam freely.

Duration: The loop takes about 1 hour
Visiting hours: Open daily from 9am to 6pm
Location: Wild Florida’s Drive-Thru Safari Park
Accessibility: Suitable for all vehicles
Visitor tips: Roll down your windows slowly and drive at a steady pace for the best views and better pictures
Fun fact: Wild Florida’s safari is home to Florida’s only drive-thru giraffe feeding platform
Best for: Families with small children, animal photographers, and road trip lovers

Recommended tours:

  • Drive-Thru Safari Park
Man interacting with an alligator at Everglades Holiday Park during an airboat tour.

Wildlife shows

Watch live presentations that show gator feedings, snake handling, and fun facts from trained wildlife experts. These interactive experiences are both exciting and educational.

Duration: Shows last 20–30 mins
Visiting hours: Shows are scheduled multiple times between 10am and 4pm
Location: Everglades Holiday Park
Accessibility: Wheelchair seating available
Visitor tips: Check the daily show schedule so you can time your visit around keeper talks or animal feedings
Fun fact: Handlers featured on Animal Planet’s Gator Boys perform at Everglades Holiday Park
Best for: Kids, families, and curious first-time visitors

Recommended tours:

  • From Miami: Everglades Holiday Park Airboat Tour with Wildlife Show
Turtle on grass at Everglades Holiday Park.

Wildlife exhibits

Take your time exploring habitats designed for tortoises, iguanas, exotic birds, and reptiles, many with up-close viewing and photo ops.

Duration: 30–45 mins
Visiting hours: 9am to 5pm
Location: Wild Florida, Everglades Safari Park, and Sawgrass Recreation Park
Accessibility: Stroller-friendly
Visitor tips: Visit right after feeding times to see the animals be more active
Fun fact: The Everglades is one of the only places in the world where alligators and crocodiles live side by side, and you can see both in some parks
Best for: Casual visitors, school-age kids, and those who like to explore at their own pace

Recommended tours:

  • Everglades Airboat Ride with Access to Reptile Exhibits
  • Sawgrass Recreation Park Airboat Tour with Reptile Exhibit

Unique things to do in the Everglades

Group on an airboat during a night tour in the Everglades, surrounded by marshland.

Go on a night airboat tour

Few parks offer the thrill of an airboat ride after dark. With the stars above and a spotlight scanning the water, keep an eye out for glowing gator eyes, owls, and raccoons. A must-do if you're after something rare and unforgettable.

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Explore the Everglades by moonlight
Crocodile resting on a log in the Everglades, Miami tour.

Watch an alligator feeding show

Many wildlife parks in the area host alligator feeding demos throughout the day. Watch expert handlers toss food and educate guests about these incredible reptiles’ behavior and history.

Watch a one-of-a-kind show

Things to spot at the Everglades

Alligator resting on grass beside water in Everglades National Park.

Catch sunbathing alligators up close

Spot giant American alligators lounging along the banks or gliding just below the surface. These ancient reptiles are the true stars of the Everglades, and they’re not shy about it.

Roseate spoonbill perched on a mangrove in the Everglades, Florida.
Guests on an airboat tour in Everglades National Park surrounded by lush greenery.
Guests feeding giraffe during Everglades Airboat Tour at Wildlife Park.
Eastern diamondback rattlesnake crawling in grass at Everglades National Park.

Visitor tips for things to do & see at the Everglades

  • Try to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to beat both the heat and the crowds, especially during the summer months.
  • Airboat tours are a popular activity in this region. Make sure to book your tours at least 1 week ahead, particularly on weekends or holidays, since spots can fill up quickly.
  • Don’t forget sun protection and sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Between the sunshine and the terrain, you’ll be much more comfortable and safe.
  • Bring a refillable water bottle and stay hydrated, especially if you’re spending time outdoors or walking through wildlife parks.
  • Safety first. Always follow the park’s wildlife rules. Resist the urge to feed or touch animals, even if they come close.
  • Take advantage of combo experiences. Many airboat tours include access to wildlife parks or exhibits, so plan to spend a few extra hours exploring.
  • Check the weather before you go, as tours may be delayed or rescheduled due to storms, especially during the rainy season.
  • If you're visiting with kids, consider starting with the drive-thru safari or wildlife park, there's plenty to see without too much walking.

How to explore the Everglades

The best way to experience the Everglades is by mixing airboat rides with up-close animal encounters, and each park offers something unique. Wild Florida is great for its drive-thru safari and walk-through park, Everglades Safari Park is known for classic airboat rides and wildlife shows, Gator Park delivers big on gators and fun, and Sawgrass Recreation Park is perfect for night tours and quieter wildlife viewing.

Recommended visit duration: 3 to 5 hours
Getting there: All parks are within a 45–60 min drive from Orlando, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale
Family-friendly: Every park has kid-friendly activities and attractions

Frequently asked questions about things to do in the Everglades

What are the best things to do in the Everglades for families?

​Airboat rides with wildlife park access and the Drive-Thru Safari are top picks for families. Kids love the animal encounters and open space to explore.

Are there any Everglades activities that don’t involve boats?

Yes! You can explore the Drive-Thru Safari Park or the walkable Wildlife Park, no boat required.

Are there things to do in the Everglades at night?

Absolutely. You can do 60-min night airboat tour, complete with flashlights to spot glowing gator eyes and nocturnal creatures.

Can I book transportation with my tour?

Yes, many packages include round-trip transfers from Miami including the Everglades Holiday Park Airboat Tour with Wildlife Show, Everglades Safari Park Airboat Tour, and the Everglades National Park Airboat Tour.

Are there private tours?

You can take a private airboat tour private airboat tour at Sawgrass Recreation Park for an exclusive experience.

What’s the best time of year to visit the Everglades?

Winter and early spring (Nov–April) offer cooler temps and better wildlife spotting.

Can I do more than one tour in a day?

Absolutely. Many visitors pair an airboat ride with the drive-thru safari or wildlife park for a full day’s adventure.

More reads

Guests holding a small alligator at Everglades Holiday Park animal encounter.

Photos

Man holding a small alligator during Everglades private airboat tour.

Facts

Guests walking through Hawk Swamp entrance in Everglades wildlife park.

History

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