Route Overview
A 2-day Everglades plan focused on wildlife viewing, boardwalks, and the Flamingo area.
Itinerary
Shark Valley Visitor Center
A 15-mile, flat paved loop trail, open year around, and only access to the Shark Valley Observation Tower. Great panoramic views of the Everglades along with wildlife sightings. Open 24-hours a day, year around.
Start with trail info and tram schedule.
Bring water for the paved loop.
Shark Valley Tram Road
A 15-mile, flat paved loop trail, open year around, and only access to the Shark Valley Observation Tower. Great panoramic views of the Everglades along with wildlife sightings. Open 24-hours a day, year around.
Paved loop with alligators and birds.
Bike rentals available if you prefer to ride.
Anhinga Trail
The famous Anhinga Trail is a self-guiding pavement and boardwalk trail winding through and over sawgrass marsh and freshwater slough. A paved path leads you along the water and to a looping boardwalk, providing views into the prairie and the clear waters of the slough. You may see alligators, fish, turtles, anhingas, and many other birds, especially during the winter, when the generally lower waters of the dry season concentrate aquatic wildlife in the slough. This is one th
Boardwalk with close-up wildlife viewing.
Great for birds and gators near sunset.
Pa-hay-okee Overlook
This elevated wooden boardwalk leads to an overlook that offers sweeping vistas of the "river of grass". This raised observation platform provides close up views of dwarf cypress trees, magnolia, air plants and string lillies. The trail is 0.16 miles or 260 meters roundtrip, Wheelchair accessible.
Short boardwalk with wide sawgrass views.
Soft evening light across the wetlands.
Flamingo Visitor Center
Flamingo offers ample birding opportunities along its many trail areas as well as around the visitor center and marina. The mix of mangrove and coastal prairie habitats host a bounty of wading birds, shorebirds and waterbirds throughout the year. Additionally, there is always the chance of seeing tropical marine life close to shore, including crocodiles and manatees.
Gateway to the southern Everglades.
Check boat tour schedules if interested.
Eco Pond
Short walk with bird and wildlife viewing.
Bring binoculars.
Nine Mile Pond Trail
Easy loop through sawgrass and cypress.
Expect mosquitoes outside winter months.
Flamingo sunset area
Sunset over Florida Bay.
Great end-of-day light.
Creates a copy you can customize
2
Days
8
Stops
easy
Difficulty
Best Season
December-April for cooler temps and fewer bugs
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