Wild and Wonderful – Travel Florida Part 2
The Everglades National Park, the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, offers endless opportunities of hiking, canoeing, and bicycling. If you are wondering where to start exploring this unique place, here are a few ideas.
We loved our self-guided bike tour at the Shark Valley Visitor Center. Renting a bike is very easy, and the trail is nicely paved. You will squeal with joy when you spot many alligators and all kinds of birds. The picturesque wetland meadows are so beautiful under a big sky. There’s also a 2-hour tram tour that will teach you about the unique ecology of this place.
The other trail we really enjoyed is the Anhinga Trail which starts at the Royal Palm Visitor Center. The trail is a fabulous boardwalk over a freshwater saw grass marsh, the perfect place to marvel at all the wildlife and unique plants that resides in this interesting habitat.
A great website which I found very helpful is floridahikes.com. If you visit in late spring or summer, start early in the day when all the wild life is more active, so you can fully appreciate the mysterious beauty of this swamp landscape. Always bring water, hat, and THE MOST essential thing – mosquito sprays!
In case you missed it, click here‘ for part 1 of the trip about where to taste some amazing tropical fruits right outside the Everglades!
What an encounter! The only gators we saw when visiting were standing still in the water – they looked like floating logs. I am not sure I would have been able to keep my self-control if one of them had decided to go for a stroll on tarmac 😉 I enjoy visiting your blog also because of the variety of posts and balance between DIY and travel: a real pleasure. Enjoy the new week!
there are always those unplanned perfect moments in nature right? have a great week! =)
Hi! I know I have mentioned this before- I am absolutely in love with your photos! You do such a wonderful job!
so glad you enjoy them amy! =)
Wow, these photos are fantastic! I love the one of the alligator in the road!
thank you meredith! that was a super fun moment!
Fantastic pictures and post! Great blog!
thank you dear anna!!
Your pictures are awesome.. Can’t believe you saw that alligator.. OMG
oh marni we were so lucky!! =)
We come to Florida every year, but strictly go to Disney. I almost forget there is so much else to do there.
hi robin, well, i need to go to disney next! =)
looks very peaceful…. 😀
that vast meadow is so peaceful!
Looks like a great trip. Love the photos of you on your “about” page!
thank you maureen for visiting! =) x
I can’t wait to visit the Everglades this fall when we go! These photos look amazing!
have a super fun time Cathy!!
Such a fantastic place! Thanks for the tips! Do alligators bite tourists? =)
according to the rangers, they are afraid of people because of height! still i would not pet them! =)