Nine Mile Pond

If you only do one thing in the Everglades, I highly recommend canoeing through the mangrove and lake meadows of 9 mile pond. I had thought the Everglades would have been swampy, but they are in fact "glades" or open meadows in a forest.We decided to rent canoes from the concessionaire near the Flamingo Visitor Center. They usually have canoes both at the visitor center and 9 mile pond, but a ...

Located a short drive off the main drag to the Flamingo Visitor Centre (and only a few hours from Miami) this short boardwalk through a lush Mahogany and Gumbo-Limbo plants is an easy walk for families.Elevated upon a well-serviced boardwalk this trail passes the oldest Mahogany tree (Swietenia mahogani) in the United States. With dense forest and countless different types of vegetation the wal...

Camp along a 3 mile stretch of untouched old Florida. Not only is this the real southernmost point in the continental US (the Keys are islands), but you will most likely have it to yourself. Spot dolphins, bald eagles, ospreys, and a ton of other birds on this awesome over nighter that is great for beginners and experts.Depart from the Flamingo Marina and head west. Hug the shoreline for about ...

Paddle 7.5 miles across Florida Bay to Clubhouse Beach, a primitive sand-and-marl beach backed by lime-green coastal prairie and mangrove forests in Everglades National Park. This 15-mile roundtrip is the closest backcountry campsite to Flamingo Marina—rangers recommend it for first-time backcountry paddlers—but "beginner-friendly" doesn't mean effortless. Wind, tide, and shallow mudflats turn ...

Park at the trailhead and hop onto the boardwalk trail. Its very short--just 0.2 miles, so take your time to enjoy the scenery and wildlife. Partway through the hike there is a lookout tower which is great for getting a high vantage point to enjoy the landscape from. Be aware of wildlife around you and respectful of the space you share with them.

The Everglades National Park is a superb spot for viewing wading birds and alligators off an easy paved path. There are a number of observation decks along the way, off of the main path. The trail begins at the Visitor Center, following Taylor Slough. The Anhinga Trail is one of the best places to see alligators in this part of the Everglades, so be sure to walk to the end of the paved path an...