Top 5 Things to Do in the Florida Everglades

Last Updated on June 18, 2023

We’re spotlighting the best things to do in the Florida Everglades. Our friends at WUCF covered a lot of historical and interesting facts in their Everglades episode of Florida Road Trip.

In addition, we highlight some of our favorite spots in the Florida Everglades.

The bottom line, no trip to South Florida is complete without a visit to Everglades National Park. The area covers 1.3 million acres of subtropical wilderness.

This area protects numerous rare and endangered species like manatees, American crocodiles, and the Florida panther, to name just a few.

Since Hurricane Ian paid an intensely unwelcome visit at the end of September 2022, we recommend checking with NPS.gov for the latest updates.

Here’s what we know now in the aftermath of Ian:

 Everglades National Park reopened certain areas of the Park, including: 

• Shark Valley entrance (Shark Valley Visitor Center)
• Airboat tour operators along Tamiami Trail 
• The Homestead entrance and the Main Park Road for 25 miles to Paurotis Pond
• Flamingo Visitor Center

These Everglades areas remain closed: 

• Gulf Coast Visitor Center is closed. However, restrooms, parking, and the canoe/kayak launch are available.
• Hog Key on the Gulf Coast is open for camping, but the middle of the key is closed.

If you need Hurricane Ian relief or are interested in helping, please visit: Hurricane Ian Relief & Ways to Help (#FloridaStrong)

5 Top Things to Do in the Florida Everglades

Visit the Roadside Hamlet of Ochopee

Located between Miami on the East Coast and Naples on the West Coast, the town of Ochopee started as a one-family tomato-farming community in the early 1920s. 

A few of the best places to visit in Ochopee include the Smallest Post Office in the USA, Skunk Ape Research Headquarters, and Joanie’s Blue Crab Cafe.

Ochopee Post Office 

By and large, Collier County’s history comes in all shapes and sizes, which is undoubtedly true for the Ochopee Post Office.

Considered the smallest post office in the country, this post office is approximately eight feet high, four inches deep, and seven feet wide.

After a night fire in 1953 burned down the old Ochopee post office and general store, postmaster Sidney Brown quickly repurposed the tomato farm pipe shed on US-41.

Surprisingly, it has been operational ever since and has become a bit of a roadside attraction.

TIPS:

• The post office is open six days a week.
• It runs a 170-mile route sending mail to about 300 people who live on the outskirts (in three different counties).
• Be sure to request the famed Ochopee postmark when you visit!
• In addition to being a mail center, they also sell tickets for Trailways and bus lines.
• There’s usually one mail carrier on duty & it’s a tight squeeze to fit an additional person.
• It makes an excellent photo for your social media pages.

Ochopee Post Office Address: 38000 Tamiami Trail E, Ochopee, FL 34141; Phone number: (239) 695-2099

Skunk Ape Research Headquarters

If you weren’t aware, Skunk Ape is the Bigfoot, Sasquatch, or Yeti of the South East. Whatever you choose to call it, this is a quirky little roadside attraction in Florida you won’t want to miss.

The Skunkape headquarters is located at the Trail Lakes Campground on Highway 41 in Ochopee, 15 miles south of Interstate 75 (old Alligator Alley) and four miles east of Highway 29.

To put it into perspective, it’s 36 miles east of Naples and 60 miles west of Miami.

TIPS:

• The hours of operation are seven days a week from 9 am – 5 pm.
• Interested in a guided tour? Check out www.skunkape.info/tours.
• If camping is your thing, check out: www.evergladescamping.net/.
• Animal Exhibit includes “Goldie,” a 24 ft, 400 lb Python, one of the most giant known snakes in captivity.
• They have an online store worth checking out: https://www.skunkape.info/shop.
• They offer a variety of Everglades tours that can be customized based on your interests.

Skunk Ape Research Headquarters Address: 40904 Tamiami Trail E, Ochopee, FL 34141

Contact info – Phone number: (239)-695-2275; Email: [email protected]

Joanie’s Blue Crab Cafe

NOTE: Joanie’s Blue Crab Cafe traditionally closes in September and reopens sometime in October. By all means, contact them directly before visiting to ensure they are open.

Joanie’s Blue Crab Cafe is known for its funky, rustic atmosphere and for having THE best blue crabs.

In addition, they have incredible She Crab Soup, Crabcake Sandwich & Softshell, Gator Bites, Frog Legs, and Key Lime Pie.

TIPS:

• Soft-shell crabs, or “softies,” are blue crabs that have recently molted their shells. 
• Softshell crabs are harvested before regrowing a new shell. Their skin is soft.
• The entire softshell crab bodies are edible: shells, claws, etc.

• Try the tartar sauce! It’s made with dill pickles and is delicious.
• Check out the restrooms! They’re as funky as the rest of the place.
• Keep your eyes open for alligators.
• If you go and want to share your photos on your social media pages, be sure to use #getcrabby.

Joanie’s Blue Crab Cafe Address: 39395 Tamiami Trl E, Ochopee, FL, United States, Florida

Contact info – Phone number: (239) 695-2682

Take an Airboat Ride through the Heart of the Everglades

One of the best ways to see the Everglades is via one of the many airboat tours. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience to explore the largest subtropical wilderness and unique ecosystem.

Plus, you never know what Everglades wildlife and animal species you will see.

Keep your eyes open for alligators, roseate spoonbill, snakes, and maybe a flamingo or two. It’s a perfect place to create lifelong memories for the whole family.

Remember that an airboat trip looks and sounds a lot more intimidating than it is. If you’ve never been on an airboat ride, this is the easiest way to enjoy the natural beauty of the Everglades.

Buffalo Tiger Airboat Tours Address: 29701 SW 8 St., Miccosukee Indian Reservation, Miami, FL 33196

Contact info – Phone: 786-795-3487

Other Recommended Airboat Tours in the Everglades

Everglades Holiday Park Airboat Tours and Rides
17696 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33194
888-893-4443

Everglades Airboat Expeditions
5334 FL-90, Miami, FL 33185
888-385-8687

Everglades Safari Park Airboat Tour
26700 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33194
305-226-6923

TIPS:

• Use insect repellent and sun protection, including sunglasses.
• Wear comfortable light-colored clothing. Long sleeve shirts and trousers will keep the insects away. 
• Protect your ears. Most airboat tours provide headphones.
• Stay hydrated. Pack plenty of water for yourself and your family/friends.
• Do NOT feed the animals.
• Alligators are more afraid of you than you are of them.

Don’t miss our favorite airboat rides throughout Florida: 12 Best Airboat Rides in Florida.

Shop for the Freshest Florida Produce

There’s no better place to pick up the freshest Florida produce than in nearby Homestead.

Besides the usual staples (citrus, pineapples, watermelons, and mangoes), keep your eyes open for exotic fruits you may not find in your local grocery store.

Carve out a pitstop for cinnamon buns at Knaus Berry Farm, a milkshake at Robert is Here, and a new addition for your home garden at Fruit & Spice Park.

These three places should not be missed regarding great things to do in the Florida Everglades.

Knaus Berry Farm

In 1956, two brothers (Ray and Russell Knaus) began growing strawberries in the Redland of South Florida. They set up a small roadside stand near the current Knaus Berry Farm location to sell their berries.

Over the years, they grew and grew —along with their strawberries. They started making assorted baked goods, including infamous cinnamon buns and bread.

Knaus Berry Farm is known for so much more than just its bakery. People rave about their vegetables and ice cream, too.

Do you know what locals say about South Florida? They say there are two seasons: When the Knaus Berry Farm bakery is open and when it’s closed.

TIPS:

• Bring cash! They do not accept credit cards.
• Knaus Berry Farm is closed during the summer months.
• It’s open every November through mid-April during the Redland farming season in Miami-Dade County, Florida.
• Don’t miss their Cinnamon Rolls, Pecan Rolls, Strawberry Shakes & Herb Bread.
• U-Pick Strawberries & Tomatoes (call for availability)

Knaus Berry Farm Address: 15980 SW 248th Street, Homestead, FL 33031

Contact info – Phone: (305) 247-0668

Robert is Here Fruit Stand

The fruit and vegetable stand that started in 1959 is famous for its incredible selection of delicious and unusual produce, plus remarkable milkshakes.

You can read about “Robert is Here” here: Robert is Here … and Has Been HERE since 1959! (Hear! Hear!)

TIPS:

• Go early – the parking lot is big and fills up fast!
• They specialize in rare and exotic fruits & vegetables. Go beyond your comfort zone and try something new!
• Most of the produce is grown on their farm.
• Robert is Here ships jams, jellies, relishes, hot sauces, and tropical fruits.
• All the shakes & smoothies are delicious!

• Grab a sandwich and buy some lettuce to feed the animals as you walk around. 
• Bring the kids! Animal Farm includes goats, turtles, chickens, iguanas, emu, tropical birds, and more!
• This is a great place to stop for snacks on the way into The Everglades National Park!
• Pick up a copy of the Robert is Here book and ask Robert (and his son) to sign it. You can order it online from Robert is Here.
• Hours: 7 days a week, 9 am – 6 pm.

Robert is Here Address: 19200 SW 344th St, Homestead, FL 33034

Contact info – Phone: (305) 246-1592

Redland Fruit & Spice Park

The Fruit & Spice Park is a 37-acre subtropical paradise nestled in the heart of the historic Redland community just 35 miles south of Miami. 

In addition to the gardens, the Park also maintains and showcases two original historic structures: the original one-room Redland Schoolhouse built in 1906, and a coral rock building built around 1913 as a laboratory for citrus canker research. 

Upcoming Events: 

• June 25, 2023: Summer Fruit Festival
• August 27, 2023: Proper Pruning 
• September 24, 2023: Intro to Tropical Fruit
• October 29, 2023: Backyard Beekeeping

TIPS:

• Wear your walking shoes!
• Check the weather before you go! The Park is an outdoor experience, with plenty of walking.
• Guided tours happen daily at 11 am, 1:30 pm, and 3 pm, weather permitting. Make reservations in advance.
• Bring lunch! Picnic tables are available in the garden, but no grilling or coolers are permitted.
• You can eat anything that falls off the trees.
• Hours: 7 days a week 10 am-4 pm

The Fruit and Spice Park Address: 24801 SW 187th Ave, Homestead, FL 33031

Contact info – Phone: (305) 247-5727

Experience Old Florida at The Wonder Gardens

The Wonder Gardens

In 1936, the Piper family established The Reptile Gardens as a roadside attraction along the newly built Tamiami Trail from Tampa to Miami.

As the animal and botanical exhibits grew, the attraction’s name was changed to the Everglades Wonder Gardens.

Everglades Wonder Gardens captures old Florida’s nostalgia, history, and wonder, augmented with tropical flora and fauna worldwide.

Today, The Wonder Gardens inspires, educates, and engages the community and visitors with a unique experience.

The botanical gardens are home to over 300 rehabilitated, unreleasable birds & reptiles.

TIPS:

• Closed-toed shoes are required.
• Plan to spend 2 or 3 hours walking through the lush gardens.
• Book ahead! Animal Encounters must be booked in advance, with a minimum party of two / a maximum of 6 (book online)
• Animal Encounters: Meet and feed Sulcata Tortoises and Lorikeets!
• Wild Wonders Encounters take place daily at 11 am.
• Must be five or older to participate / 14 and under with an adult.

• Alligator Interaction Experience: Feed American Alligators and enjoy fantastic photo opportunities in this fun.
• Alligator Interactions take place at 12:30 pm daily.
• Alligator Interactions must have a minimum of 2 participants and a MAXIMUM of 10 participants. Book ahead online!
• Check out the small lake where flamingos and ibis congregate! Buy food and feed them from your palm!
• Stop by the gift shop to purchase unique Florida gifts and artwork.
• They have offered yoga at the Wonder Gardens in the past, so keep your eyes open for its return.

The Wonder Gardens Address: 27180 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs, FL 34135

Contact info – Phone: (239) 992-2591

Explore Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Property

The Big Cypress National Preserve should be on everyone’s bucket list. Add the photographer Clyde Butcher’s experience to kick it up a couple of notches.

Clyde Butcher has an art gallery, several Everglades tours, and two unique places to stay in the Florida Everglades on this property in Big Cypress.

No trip to the Everglades is complete without at least a visit to the art gallery. His breathtaking photography shows his love for the Florida Everglades for the past 40+ years.

Butcher has completed six Public Broadcasting programs on the environment of Florida, three of them award-winning documentaries.

Much of Clyde Butcher’s work can be seen in his numerous books. You can order special limited editions on his website.

You can learn more about Clyde Butcher in this Authentic Florida article: Meet the “Ansel Adams” of Florida, Photographer Clyde Butcher.

TIPS:

• Big Cypress Art Gallery featuring Clyde Butcher’s photography is free. 
• All Tours (Swamp Tours, Private Guided Tours, Photography Tours) should be booked in advance.
• Info on the Bungalow & Cottage Rentals can be found in Explore Big Cypress.
• Overnight guests receive a 20% discount on Swamp Tours.

Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Property Address: 33100 Tamiami Trail E. Ochopee, FL 34141

Contact info – Phone: (239) 695-2000

Southwest Florida has made a tremendous comeback since Ian. Please check out these articles:

• A Road Trip to Southwest Florida’s Best Shell Destinations
• Top 10 Best Beaches in Southwest Florida
• Let’s Shellebrate Shelling in Southwest Florida!
• The Best Florida Girls’ Getaway Adventure in Southwest Florida
• 11 U.S. National Parks in Florida You’ll Love
• Ultimate Guide to Naples, Florida 2023
• https://authenticflorida.com/a-beginners-guide-to-identifying-floridas-most-common-seashells/