Everglades National Park

Florida, United States

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Everglades National Park in Florida is a vast, subtropical wilderness unlike anywhere else in the United States. Spanning over 1.5 million acres, it protects the southern 20% of the original Everglades ecosystem—a slow-moving “river of grass” teeming with life and shaped by water, time, and resilience.

Designated a national park in 1947, it was the first created to preserve a fragile ecosystem rather than a scenic landmark. The park is home to the largest mangrove ecosystem in the Western Hemisphere and serves as a critical habitat for rare and endangered species like the Florida panther, American crocodile, and West Indian manatee.

It also supports over 350 species of birds and is a vital breeding ground for tropical wading birds. Visitors can explore the park through a network of trails, boardwalks, and waterways. Popular spots include the Anhinga Trail for wildlife viewing, Shark Valley for panoramic vistas from its 70-foot observation tower, and the Ernest Coe Visitor Center for orientation and exhibits.

Adventurers can kayak through mangrove tunnels, take guided boat tours, or even camp under the stars in this UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve.