River of Grass: A Three-Day Exploration of Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park in Florida offers a vast wilderness of wetlands and wildlife, known for its unique ecosystem and as a sanctuary for a wide range of flora and fauna, including several endangered species. This subtropical paradise provides unparalleled opportunities for bird watching, boating, and immersing in nature. Here’s a three-day itinerary to help you explore the diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity of the Everglades.

Embark on an adventure through Everglades National Park, a vast network of wetlands that offers a unique glimpse into a vibrant, water-filled world. This three-day journey will take you through the heart of the park to experience its incredible wildlife, scenic waterways, and lush landscapes.

Day 1: Shark Valley and Wildlife Watching

Morning: Start your visit at the Shark Valley Visitor Center. Rent a bike or hop on the tram tour that takes you along a 15-mile loop road. This path offers fantastic opportunities to see alligators, wading birds, and possibly even a Florida panther.

Afternoon: Continue exploring the trails around Shark Valley. The observation tower at the midway point of the loop provides panoramic views of the Everglades, often referred to as the “River of Grass.”

Evening: Return to your accommodation near the park. Enjoy a quiet dinner at a local restaurant, sampling some fresh seafood or Cuban cuisine.

Day 2: Boat Tour and Everglades City

Morning: Drive to Everglades City and join a guided boat tour through the Ten Thousand Islands. This maze of water and mangroves is home to dolphins, manatees, and an array of birdlife. The boat tour is an excellent way to learn about the area’s ecology and history.

Afternoon: After the boat tour, visit the Gulf Coast Visitor Center to learn more about the park’s marine environment. Enjoy a casual lunch in Everglades City, known for its stone crab.

Evening: Explore the small town or take a sunset kayak trip to experience the quiet beauty of the park as the day winds down.

Day 3: Anhinga Trail and Flamingo

Morning: Head to the Anhinga Trail near the Royal Palm Visitor Center. This short walk is one of the best spots in the park for wildlife viewing, especially early in the morning. The trail is famous for sightings of anhingas, herons, egrets, and alligators.

Afternoon: Drive down to Flamingo, the southernmost point in the park. Rent a canoe or kayak to explore the mangrove-lined waterways or take a hike on one of the nearby trails.

Evening: Wrap up your trip with a visit to the Flamingo Visitor Center and enjoy your last sunset over the Everglades. Reflect on the unique experiences and sights you’ve encountered in this vast and vibrant ecosystem.


This three-day itinerary for Everglades National Park offers a comprehensive exploration of its diverse habitats, from the dry pinelands to the wet and wild mangrove forests. Each day is filled with activities that allow you to connect with the park’s natural beauty and discover the abundant wildlife that makes the Everglades a world-renowned destination for nature lovers.

“This post, it’s itineraries, and the accompanying artistic images were crafted with the assistance of AI technology, blending human creativity with artificial intelligence to explore new possibilities in travel and visual storytelling. While these images evoke the essence of their real-world counterparts, they are the result of artistic imagination, designed to transport you to places both familiar and fantastical. For a deeper understanding of our use of AI in creating these elements and its implications, please refer to our comprehensive AI statement linked here.”

The Author

An aggressive goal to visit all 50 states during my 60th year, but here we are! I share a few other things on the sites below as well!

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