Most Exciting 1-Day Everglades National Park Itinerary: 10 Things You Must Do
Everglades National Park is something truly magical.
I remember my first visit vividly — surrounded by the raw beauty of nature, the chorus of wildlife ringing all around me and the adrenaline rush of skimming across the water on an airboat.
It was something I’d never encountered before, and immediately I became enamored by the wide-open wetlands and the sprawling wildlife.
That day, I learned something about Everglades National Park that became a treasure and even inspired me to share this place with others.
So I’m writing this article to help you maximize your day in this unique park.
But if you only have 24 hours, it’s daunting trying to navigate how to hit all the highlights. But with some preparation, you can turn it into an unforgettable experience.
This guide covers everything from airboat rides to scenic hikes, plus the best places for spotting wildlife and how to do all of that.
By the time you’re done with this, you’ll be able to get the most out of your days so that you walk out with memories of a life-time.
Now, let’s get into the ultimate 1-day itinerary for Everglades National Park!
Morning: Wake up with the sun
1. Shark Valley Visitor Center
And the best way to start your day in the Everglades is by going to the Sharks Valley Visitor Center.
It’s well-placed and provides accessibility to one of the park’s most famous hikes.
When I first went, I rented a bike, but you can also catch a ride on the Shark Valley Tram.
This 15-mile loop provides an excellent overview of the park’s distinctive landscape, and the observation tower at the midway point offers simply breathtaking views.
As you cycle or drive the loop, be on the lookout for wildlife.
I saw a number of alligators sunbathing along the trail, along with herons and even faraway bobcats.
The observation tower is a highlight and offers a bird’s-eye view of the Everglades’ expansive wetlands.
It’s the ideal way to launch your morning with a sense of the park’s scale and diversity.
2. Have a Ride On the Tram or Cycle Instead to Shark Valley Observation Tower
For bike lovers, the necessary ride from bike park lot to observation tower offers a peaceful yet thrilling experience.
The Shark Valley Tram, by contrast, is a more leisurely experience, with guided commentary to give you a better sense of the park’s ecosystem.
Is that the observation tower, which is what makes this opportunity so special.
From the height of the viewing point, you can look down for miles to see the wetlands, unspoiled land, part of this special environment.
I stood there soaking it all in, feeling truly at one with nature.
The slow-moving waters and teeming life of the wetlands is hypnotizing from this viewpoint.
It’s also a prime place to spot wildlife, with alligators, birds and turtles all commonly seen from the tower.
3. Anhingas Are Fish-Eating Birds of the Swamps
Next, head to the Royal Palm Visitor Center to walk the Anhinga Trail, one of the best wildlife viewing areas in the entire park.
It’s a short 0.8-mile trail, but don’t let the distance fool you — this place is teeming with wildlife, especially during the cooler parts of the day.
They’re all up close as you walk the boardwalk, along with alligators, turtles and various birds, including the trail’s namesake, the anhinga.
It’s ideal for first-timers, and it’s a photographer’s dream.
I’ve seen alligators gliding a few feet from the trail and birds perfectly posed for photos.
It’s also quite serene in the early morning, with nature’s sounds all around you.
If you want to begin your day with an authentic shot of the wildlife of the Everglades, the Anhinga Trail is a can’t-miss.
Late Morning: Airboat Adventure
4. Sawgrass Airboat Ride
And no visit to the Everglades is complete without an airboat ride.
It’s the archetypical Everglades experience, which combines the excitement of speed with the calmness of gliding through the sawgrass marshes.
We still had a lot of fun on my first airboat ride, gliding at 50 mph across the water, spotting an alligator swimming next to us.
To experience this adventure to the fullest, be sure to reserve with an airboat tour operator, licensed by the park, just outside it.
It’s a unique experience, and one involving speed and wildlife spotting.
Your guide will lead you out deep into the wetlands, where you’ll spot swamp creatures of all kinds, from alligators to manatees, as well as myriad birds.
There’s something magical about being out on the water, surrounded by the “River of Grass” and its many inhabitants.
It’s a thrill, but it also provides you with a close view of this unique ecosystem.
Lunch: Pick Up Something Fast or Pack a Picnic
5. Lunch at Everglades City Seafood Depot or Bring a Picnic
After your airboat adventure, you’re probably ready for lunch, so it’s time for a well-deserved break.
You have a couple of solid options here, depending on what you want.
For local seafood, visit the Everglades City Seafood Depot.
They’re famous for their fresh catches, and you can’t go wrong with the stone crabs or conch fritters.
It’s a nice place to recharge before returning to the park.
Or take a lunch with you, if you’re more into picnics, and find a quiet corner in the park to eat.
I prefer the picnic spot by the Flamingo Visitor Center or the Pa-hay-okee Overlook.
Both locations boast beautiful views, and it’s an easy way to enjoy the tranquil beauty of the Everglades.
No matter where you land, take a moment to recharge, as the afternoon brings even more adventures.
Midafternoon: Getting More Into the Park
6. Discover the Pa-hay-okee Overlook
It’s time, after a long leisurely lunch, to head further into the belly of the Everglades.
One of my favorite places to record the spirit of the Everglades’ landscape is at the Pa-hay-okee Overlook.
It’s a short boardwalk path up to a raised platform that grants expansive, panoramic views of the vast field of sawgrass.
The first time I set out on that platform, everything in sight was nature, and it felt like it went on forever in each direction.
It is not a long stop, but a potent one.
There’s something soothing about standing there, out of the crowds, surrounded only by the sounds of the Everglades.
If you’re interested in photography, this is among the best places in the park to photograph the wide-open landscapes, especially in the afternoon light.
It’s also a great place to sit and just think about how nice your day is going.
7. Canoeing or Kayaking on Nine-Mile Pond
If you’re feeling a little adventurous, make the trek to Nine Mile Pond to do some canoeing or kayaking.
This is one of the more intimate ways to experience the Everglades, bringing you up close to the mangroves and fauna that can’t be reached by foot or tram.
I’d never paddled here before the first time I did, and I couldn’t help but notice how still the water was and how quiet the world felt around me.
As you navigate the shallow waters, you’ll make your way past mangroves and may catch a glimpse of alligators, fish and various species of birds.
If paddling isn’t your thing, no worries — boat tours from Flamingo Marina offer a similar experience without the sweat.
Either way, it’s a peaceful way to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Everglades’ waterways.
8. Hammock Birding at Mahogany Hammock
If you’re a bird lover, or even if you’re not, stop at Mahogany Hammock.
This lofty boardwalk leads you through a dense forest, providing you shade and tranquil escape from the heat of the sun.
The hammock shelters a variety of species of birds and is especially good for birdwatching during migration season.
I’ve spotted egrets, ibis and even wood storks here.
It’s not only the birds that make Mahogany Hammock special.
It is also home to one of the largest mahogany trees in the U.S., and the vibe out here is a little otherworldly: quiet, shaded, alive with the sound of birds singing in the trees.
It’s a slower-paced activity but one that bonds you more closely with the natural world surrounding you.
Mid Afternoon: Ending the Day
9. Sunset at Flamingo Visitor Center
As the day begins to fade, I can hardly think of a better place to end your adventure than the Flamingo Visitor Center.
With 180-degree views over Florida Bay, it’s an ideal setting for watching the sun dip below the horizon.
There is something spellbinding about the way the light plays here, transforming the sky into palettes of pink and orange that dance off the water.
As you take a leisurely walk along the shore, you might see manatees or dolphins if you’re lucky swimming in the water.
It’s a quiet, contemplative way to conclude your day in the Everglades, giving you a final chance to take in the park’s beauty before heading out.
10. Evening Wildlife Cruise
For a lifelong posse ending to your day, book a night wildlife cruise from your Flamingo Marina.
I did this on one of my visits, and it was the perfect way to end the day.
And the golden light of sunset makes for phenomenal wildlife viewing, and the boat slips easily through the water, providing opportunities to see manatees, dolphins and even crocodiles.
At sunset, the Everglades become a whole different experience and one you’ll want to see in real life.
The tranquility of the water, the hues of the sky and the opportunity to see more wildlife make this the ideal last activity of your day.
Additional Must-Know Tips
And remember a few important tips before you go to ensure that your day goes smoothly.
First, the dry season (November to April) is the ideal time to visit, featuring cooler temperatures and better opportunities to see wildlife.
Pack sunscreen, insect repellent, water, comfortable walking shoes, a camera and binoculars.
These basics will enhance the experience greatly, and you’ll want to be prepared for the ubiquitous Florida sun.
If you will be visiting more national parks this year, look into the America the Beautiful Pass, which gives you access to all U.S. national parks for one year.
It’s a bargain if you’re an avid adventurer.
Finally, everything you learned in Wilderness 101 applies here, so stay away from the wildlife — alligators do not appreciate being approached — and stay on the trail so you don’t inadvertently damage the park’s ecosystem.
So, there you have it — a day well spent in the Everglades.
By this time, you’ve enjoyed a full day packed with much of what makes Everglades National Park so great.
From exhilarating airboat rides to serene boardwalk walks, and from seeing alligators to catching a beautiful sunset over Florida Bay, you’ll have an unforgettable adventure in the Everglades.
I always come away from this park, enthused, inspired, and in awe of the natural beauty.
And don’t worry if after one day you’ve only scratched the surface.
There’s so much more to see, and every visit is an opportunity to discover something different, whether it be a change of season or a park area that you haven’t yet visited.
So, pack in the picnics, fill the water bottles, and above all, take your time: Everything here is beautiful and unique in its own right.
Believe me, you’ll return for seconds.
