It’s time to explore the Florida Everglades if you’re looking for a unique summer experience. Florida is often known for its amusement parks and beautiful beaches, but the Everglades offer something entirely different.
This corner of Southwest Florida provides a wide range of activities, from family-friendly nature walks to exciting airboat tours. You can stay right on the water on Chokoloskee Island if you love fishing. It’s the gateway to the most pristine and abundant fishing waters in Florida. Or even expand your palate by trying local favorites like frog legs.
Start planning your unique summer vacation early by checking out locations in Collier County from Everglades City to Chokoloskee Island. It’s your next great family adventure. And the Florida Everglades are the perfect place to start. Below you’ll find a list of vacation favorites for folks exploring the Everglades in summer.
Exploring the Florida Everglades by Boat
Ten Thousand Islands Boat Tour
This two-for-one attraction is perfect for the whole family. The Ten Thousand Islands Boat Tour begins on the Barron River in Everglades City, FL.
You’ll view historic buildings throughout Everglades City before heading into Chokoloskee Bay and the 10,000 Islands. Along the way, you may see wildlife. Manatees, sea turtles, dolphins, and native birds are common sightings during the tour. After the tour, take time to explore the Everglades City Boardwalk.
Pricing varies by age and includes access to both the boat tour and the boardwalk.
Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Everglades City Airboat Tours
This highly recommended family-owned business has been operating since 1982. Everglades City Airboat Tours believes in quality over quantity. That’s why seven of their nine captains are direct relatives of the founder, Captain Doug. Tours take you cruising down the Barron River and zipping through a jungle of mangrove tunnels.
Every airboat tour offers a good time. Everglades airboat tours typically last about an hour. You can visit the souvenir shop after your Everglades adventure. The gift shop area includes, vending machine, picnic tables, and mister fans to help you beat the heat.
Airboat tours run from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Exploring the Trails near Everglades City
Carve out time for a day trip to explore the many trails the Everglades have to offer. The trails are a must for nature lovers and especially photographers.
For botanists, the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is home to the largest remaining section of old-growth bald cypress trees in the world. These relatives of the redwoods can reach up to 130 feet tall and 25 feet wide. The trail itself is an easy 2.25-mile boardwalk.
You can walk alongside modern dinosaurs, too, in the Everglades. Alligators are a big draw for tourists visiting Everglades City, FL. Take time to stop by Big Cypress National Preserve to see alligators in their natural habitat. The preserve works hard to keep this part of Florida wild. You can explore its 729,000 acres by hiking, bird watching, biking, and more. The possibilities are endless.
Other nature trails to note include:
- Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park
- Shark Valley
- Everglades National Park.
Whatever your preference, guided tours like these are sure to be fun and educational as you explore this corner of the Gulf Coast.
Good Eats at Locally Owned Everglades Restaurants
A waterfront vacation means great seafood is a must for visitors trekking to Everglades City. You’ll find fresh catches and Gulf Coast favorites at top-rated, locally owned restaurants.
Triad Seafood Market & Cafe
You will want to stop by Triad Seafood Market and Cafe if you’re looking for a casual dining experience. This waterfront family-owned restaurant has been around since 1984. Triad Seafood gives you the chance to sit back, relax, and enjoy some fresh seafood.
Known for its “all you can eat stone crabs,” their menu includes a wide variety of items. Explore seafood options, burgers, and even the very-Florida fried alligator tail.
The Diving Pelican
For a more lively experience, check out The Diving Pelican. This indoor-outdoor restaurant is a favorite for tourists and locals.
The Diving Pelican side of the restaurant offers traditional seating options like booths, a bar, and tables. If you’re looking for a more relaxed outdoor atmosphere, you’ll want to visit the Gator Hole. The outdoor bar features picnic tables and pool tables. The Gator Hole also features live music on Fridays and Saturdays, along with its own gift shop.
Unique Overnight Gulf Coast Escapes
Venture outside of the city for a unique overnight experience you’ll only find in Florida. Everglades City is only four miles north of Chokoloskee, FL.
The simple Florida island is a haven for anglers looking for the next big catch. Book a waterfront stay at laid-back resorts like Chokoloskee RV Park. The scenic RV resort, formerly known as Chokoloskee Island Resort, is everything you could want in an Everglades escape. Considered a fisherman’s paradise, this RV park has truly got you covered.
There are a few options for staying at Chokoloskee RV Park. You can stay in your own RV and book an RV site. Or rent a fully furnished cottage during your fishing adventure. There are also travel trailers that guests can rent during their stay. Each option offers its own charm, and you cannot go wrong with any of them.
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World Class Fishing Along Chokolsokee Island
No matter where you stay, Chokolosee offers amenities that give a resort feel. You will have access to boat and kayak rentals. Start your fishing journey from the newly renovated marina, which includes boat slips, a fish cleaning station, and beautiful views that make this destination feel like the most magical place on earth.
If fishing is what you have your heart set on, there are plenty of opportunities even if you don’t own a boat.
Guests can visit the front desk upon check-in to inquire about boat rentals and fishing tours. The on-site marina leads directly into the Ten Thousand Islands, creating unforgettable backwater adventures. More experienced anglers can take part in the annual Chokoloskee fishing tournament, held each summer from June 1 through August 31. Cash prizes are awarded based on the total length of seatrout, redfish, and snook, with separate prizes for tarpon.
Chokoloskee RV Park blends adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty, creating an experience that stays with you long after your visit.
Cholokosee Island is a must-see. It’s often called “Florida’s last frontier.”
Need proof? Venture beyond the RV resort to popular attractions like the historic Smallwood Store on Chokoloskee Island. Originally a trading post, Ted Smallwood opened the waterfront store in 1906 for fur traders and farmers.
His granddaughter reopened the store in 1990, and it now serves as an Everglades museum of sorts. Smallwood Store takes visitors into the past and the pioneers who tamed the Gulf Coast frontier. It’s a must-see stop for summer visitors or snowbirds flocking to Everglades City. Start planning your trip now and experience the best of the Florida Everglades past and present.