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📝 1. Overview
The Everglades Region is Florida’s wild heart—a vast subtropical wilderness teeming with life. Known as the “River of Grass,” this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to gators, manatees, and rare birds. Whether you’re gliding over sawgrass on an airboat or hiking through cypress forests, the Everglades offer untamed beauty you can’t find anywhere else.
🌟 2. Highlights
🐊 Everglades National Park – Largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S.
🚤 Airboat Tours – Thrilling rides through alligator country
🦜 Birdwatching Paradise – Over 360 species from roseate spoonbills to eagles
🌊 Shark Valley & Anhinga Trail – Easy, wildlife-rich walking paths
🌴 Big Cypress National Preserve – Remote forests, swamps, and scenic drives
🦦 Manatees in Winter – See these gentle giants near Homestead or Crystal River
🗺️ 3. Sub-Zones in Everglades Region
| Sub-Zone | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Shark Valley (Miami area) | Easy trails, bike paths, gator sightings |
| Homestead / Flamingo Area | Boat tours, paddling, remote adventures |
| Big Cypress Preserve | Scenic drives, off-grid experiences |
| Everglades City / Chokoloskee | Airboats, seafood, Old Florida charm |
| Fakahatchee Strand & Picayune | Deep nature, panther habitat, orchids |
🎟️ 4. Tickets & Passes – Popular Attractions
| Attraction | Price (Adult) | Opening Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Everglades National Park Entry | $30 per vehicle | 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (some areas 24h) |
| Shark Valley Tram Tour | $29 | 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Everglades Airboat Ride (various) | $30–$60 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Big Cypress Visitor Center | Free | 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Clyde Butcher Gallery (nature photography) | Free | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
✳️ America the Beautiful Pass covers park entry here
💡 5. Tips
🦟 Bring strong bug spray—mosquitoes are fierce in wet season
🧴 Sunscreen & sun hat essential even in cooler months
📸 Early morning = best time for wildlife and light
🛶 Kayaking is peaceful but requires basic outdoor skill
📍 Download offline maps—cell service can be unreliable
🍽️ 6. Must-Try Foods in the Everglades Region
🦐 Everglades Frog Legs – Local delicacy at airboat stops
🐟 Fresh Catfish or Gator Bites – Crunchy and flavorful
🦀 Stone Crab (in season) – Sweet, sustainable, and local
🍊 Citrus Everything – Juices, pies, and slushes
🍤 Old Florida Seafood Platters – Fried favorites with hushpuppies
🏨 7. Hotel Areas (Why Stay Here?)
- Homestead / Florida City
→ Great base for eastern Everglades, Miami access - Everglades City / Chokoloskee
→ Old-school charm, close to airboat docks - Naples (west coast access)
→ Comfortable hotels + nature day trips - Eco-Lodges / Glamping Sites
→ Stay inside the wild with minimal impact
✳️ Book early for peak season (winter) when wildlife is most active.
🚗 8. Access
📍 From Major Cities
- Miami → Shark Valley: ~1 hour
- Naples → Big Cypress area: ~45–60 min
- Homestead → Flamingo Marina: ~45 min
- Everglades City → Naples/Miami: 1.5–2 hours
📍 Getting Around
🚗 Car essential—remote areas have no transit
🚲 Biking popular in Shark Valley and paved areas
🚤 Airboat tours operate throughout the region
🌐 9. Contact / Info
🔗 Everglades National Park
📞 Info Line: +1-305-242-7700
📍 Visitor Centers: Shark Valley, Ernest Coe, Flamingo, Big Cypress Oasis