10 Things to Do in Everglades City That You Shouldn't Miss

July 25, 2017 Jacquiline Darosa

Everglades City (formerly known as Everglades) is a city in Collier County, Florida, United States, of which it is the former county seat. As of the 2013 census, the population is 402. It is part of the Naples–Marco Island Metropolitan Statistical Area. The Gulf Coast Visitor Center for Everglades National Park is in Everglades City.
Restaurants in Everglades City

1. Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park & Boardwalk

137 Coastline Drive, Box 548, Copeland, FL 34137 +1 239-695-4593
Excellent
59%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 212 reviews

Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park & Boardwalk

At more than 85,000 acres, Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park is Florida's largest state park. More native orchid species, including the rare Ghost Orchid,grow in this wilderness than anywhere else in the United States. The park's wildlife is as diverse as its flora. Rare species such as the American crocodile and West Indian manatee live in the waterways to the south, while Florida black bears, Everglades mink and endangered Florida panthers inhabit orther regions of the park. For many, the most memorable introduction to this wilderness is a swamp walk. strolling through the slow moving slough waters with a Friends of Fakahatchee naturalist. For complete details and required reservations, visit the orchidswamp website.

Reviewed By Allen T

The boardwalk on hwy 41 (west of 29) is worth half an hour to stroll through and appreciate the vegetation and wildlife. It could be improved by replacing the two porta-potties with better facilities.

2. Everglades Adventure Tours

40904 Tamiami Trl E, Everglades City, Fl, Ochopee, FL 34141-2004
Excellent
88%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
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Overall Ratings

5 based on 181 reviews

Everglades Adventure Tours

Everglades Adventure Tours is owned and operated by a 4th generation swamp family.We offer a variety of everglades adventures for all types of travelers.Our tours not only give you insight into the ecology but a true sense of local culture.Our local knowledge of the swamp and the naturalist guides are sure to make your tour of the Glades a memoarable experience.We are the first only company to offer traditional pole boats have been used for centuries by native people here to hunt fish and travel the swamps, they now also offer a quiet way to explore the natural beauty of the florida everglades and experience ecotourism at its best. By providing you with a unique and enjoyable experience, we hope to be the highlight of your vacation while at the same time creating an appreciation and awareness of the importance of preserving our natural resources. All of our tours strive to be as environmentally conscious as possible reaching towards

Reviewed By jasper_eshuis

I took a 3 hour kayaking tour with Everglades Adventure Tours, and Joel was the guide. It turned out to be a wonderful way of experiencing nature in the Everglades. We explored the Turner river. The trip was well organized, and Joel appeared to be an extremely knowledgeable guide. He helped me to see more animals and special plants. I love birds, and Joel responded very well to my interest by paying special attention to birds

3. Captain Mike Merritt's Native Guide Service

Chokoloskee, FL 34139
Excellent
100%
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5 based on 114 reviews

Captain Mike Merritt's Native Guide Service

Fishing Charters in the Everglades National Park. Fishing out of Chokoloskee Island Resort. Fishing the Everglades 10,000 Islands for redfish, trout, snook, tarpon, and cobia. I have 1/2 day and full day fishing charters available year round. $650. Per day, $475, 1/2 day charter. I am a native Floridian, and a 3rd generation fisherman of this area and know how to put you on fish I know if you are a happy client you will recommend me to others so I work hard to make my clients happy.

Reviewed By Larry F - Sarasota, Florida, United States

Our three day trip was full of ups and downs with a great finish. Mornings on the outside were a bust with heavy winds stirring up the wanders. Afternoons were excellent in the back country. Lots of snook and several reds. Three big snook around 36 inches and one red around 15 pounds. Our third try on the outside we spotted a large, happy pod of Tarpon. We jumped three around 70 pounds and got hooked up with a 150 pound monster. With 20 lb test line and 60lb tippit it was not really a fair fight. We got him to the boat several times and got the leader to the rod, but after 1hour and 20 mins, we made a really long distance release. Great fun.

4. Wooten's Everglades Airboat Tour

32330 Tamiami Trl E, Ochopee, FL 34141-2006
Excellent
81%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

Wooten's Everglades Airboat Tour

Wooten's offers unique airboat rides through 259 acres of private Everglades grasslands, swamp buggy tours through a cypress forest, and an animal sanctuary with panthers, tigers, snakes, crocodiles, and over 100 alligators. We also have hourly live gator shows between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm!

Reviewed By marc d

We booked the Wooten airboat tour and the swamp buggy rides with Captain Jack as a triple package. Really fun! The airboat tours were high speed rides. Capt Steve was THE MAN! Multiple 360° spinouts at high speed was the hit of the tour. Loved it. Would do it again.
The swamp buggy ride was hard to critique because there wasn't much mud, lol. What made the ride interesting as heck...was our guide Shelly. We had about twenty minutes getting to know her alone before other people got there and she was authentic, interesting and knowledgeable. Learned alot about the habitat, history and just plain trivia, which I found interesting. We lucked into seeing a wild bear on the tour. Now, I can see where some people would have questioned the value of the swamp buggy part of the tour. Shelly made it worth the price for me. To be honest, she was the type of interesting person I could share a beer with...not to mention a bear. Anyway, If Shelly wouldn't have been our guide, it wouldn't have been as interesting. Good job

5. Captain Rapps, LLC - Fishing Charters

195 Smallwood Dr, # 333, Chokoloskee, FL 34138-9800
Excellent
99%
Good
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5 based on 180 reviews

Captain Rapps, LLC - Fishing Charters

Thank you so much for your interest in Captain Rapps' Charters and Guides. We have an incredible team of 7 top notch family friendly captains and boats ready to take you and your friends and family out for a memorable day on the water here in the 10,000 Islands of the Everglades National Park, FL. We have two convenient departing locations just south of Naples and Marco Island, from Everglades City and Chokoloskee, Florida. Here at Captain Rapps' Charters and Guides, we cater to men, women, and children of all ages, experienced or not. Between our vast knowledge & experience of the area, and easy going demeanors, I guarantee you will have a great day on the water. We offer 4, 6, and 8 hour trips, with flexible AM and PM departures. The trips are all private charters so you will be the only people on the boat. They book up fast so be sure to make your appointment well in advance. Visit our informative web site where you can book your trip right online 24/7. Thank you so much!

Reviewed By cubby67 - Lake Wallenpaupack, Pa

Yesterday we had the pleasure of fishing with Capt Kurt from Captain Rapps Charters. Despite some strong winds and a significant drop in temperature, Capt Kurt put us on more fish than any other charter we have been on out of Chokoloskee. We caught Redfish, Black drum, sheepshead, Mangrove Snapper, spotted sea trout, spanish mackerel, bluefish, Pompano, pufferfish, jack cravelle, and bonnethead sharks. We fished a variety of areas including the shallow grass flats and also the mangrove and oyster shorelines. We were a crew of 3 old guys and Capt Kurt was very patient and took extra time to make sure we were comfortable and that we were enjoying our day. Thanks so much Captain Rapps charters and Capt Kurt for a easy and memorable experience. See you next month for the next outing.

6. Big Cypress National Preserve

33100 Tamiami Trl E, Ochopee, FL 34141-1000 +1 239-695-2000
Excellent
67%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 421 reviews

Big Cypress National Preserve

Land of biological diversity, measuring 729,000 acres, combines a mix of pines, hardwoods, prairies and mangrove forests along with a variety of wildlife including White-tailed deer and Florida panther.

Reviewed By photoguywisconsin - Oshkosh, Wisconsin

The "Loop and Turner" Roads provide excellent places to see wildlife. We saw lots of birds, gators, fish, turtles, and other stuff. During our visit there was something like 25 alligators in a ditch in front of the Big Cypress visitor center. There is a abundance of wild life here. It's also super cool to see a cypress swamp. My favorite place in the whole are is the Sweet Water Strand. Another neat thing about this area is that there aren't many people around.

7. Smallwood Store Boat Tour

360 Mamie Street, P.O. Bo 367, Chokoloskee, FL 34138
Excellent
89%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
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Overall Ratings

5 based on 110 reviews

Smallwood Store Boat Tour

Explore the 10,000 Islands with a knowledgeable Everglades Boat Tour Eco-Guide. We are a 6th generation family owned business offering 1, 1 1/2 and 2 hour scenic trips thru the Everglades National Park. Expect to see a variety of wildlife including dolphin, manatees, gator,roseate spoonbills and much more. FUN for all ages......BOOK your trip now!!!

Reviewed By Bill K - Mantorville, Minnesota

An array of flora and fauna await you in the Ten Thousand Island area. The best way to see them is on this tour. The boat captains are knowledgeable and able to answer questions about dolphins manatees, pelicans, osprey, fish, mangrove trees, oysters, and just about anything else you might encounter. Take this tour and prepare to be amazed.

8. Smallwood Store

360 Mamie St., Everglades National Park area, Chokoloskee, FL 34138 +1 239-695-2989
Excellent
57%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 270 reviews

Smallwood Store

*Est in 1906 The Smallwood Store is now a museum open 7 days a week. At the Historic Smallwood Store you will learn the story of the pioneers who tamed this vast wilderness also known as "Florida's Last Frontier". Learn about the Calusa Indians and later the Seminole and Miccousukee Tribes that traded at the Trading Post. Visit the Tigertail gift shop located inside the Smallwood Store Museum. You will find books & DVD's related to Southwest Florida History, authentic Seminole crafts & carvings, artwork & photography from local artist, alligator heads, t-shirts and much more.

Reviewed By Jim0 - Switzerland

Don't miss this one. So much to see and wonder about. Even $1 coke in bottles. Want to know about the indans in the Everglades? Mr. Watson ? What was in a general store? or Postoffice? This is the place. If you go outside and stand and watch the water ---you might see dolphins. Spend some time
Oh, I forgot...there are at least 10 step UP not for handicapped

9. Museum of the Everglades

105 West Broadway, Everglades City, FL 34139 +1 239-695-0008
Excellent
58%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
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Poor
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4.5 based on 303 reviews

Museum of the Everglades

Escape Naples' dazzling pace of development for a day and spend a lazy afternoon exploring the history of nearby Everglades City. Once accessible only by boat, this remote frontier trading town took an ambitious new turn in 1923 as the hub of Barron Collier's personal Southwest Florida real estate empire - with a population of fewer than twelve families. First opened in 1927 as a commercial laundry, today's Museum of the Everglades dates back to a time when construction of the famous Tamiami Trail was well underway and the tiny settlement of Everglades served as the first County seat. The museum's permanent and rotating exhibits provide visitors with an in-depth look at over 2,000 years of human history in the area and tell the story of those adventurous enough - and stubborn enough - to settle Southwest Florida's lush "River of Grass." Faithfully restored to its original, 1920s Collier-era appearance, the museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is located 35 miles east of downtown Naples.

Reviewed By dandyrick - Orlando, Florida

Now owned by the County, this small museum is very well done. We enjoyed the exhibits, giving us a sense of the history of this remote outpost, the jumping off spot for construction of Alligator Alley construction from there to Miami. Fascinating to learn how local heroes fought to stop killing of beautiful rare birds for their feathers. Don’t skip this very informative museum.

10. Captain Ray Culver Fishing Charters

1150 Hamilton Ln, Chokoloskee, FL 34138
Excellent
100%
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5 based on 13 reviews

Captain Ray Culver Fishing Charters

Captain Ray Culver Fishing Charters is a fishing charter company that runs out of Ft Myers, Naples, Everglades National Park, and Pine Island. Having a 22ft Pathfinder we are able to do both inshore and offshore trips with targets snook, tarpon, redfish, cobia, along with several species of grouper. Also we offer sunset cruises and dolphin cruises. Also can view my photos of our most recent catches on instagram searching captrayculver. When you come fishing with Capt Ray you are getting an experienced native with over 35 years of experience on the water, along with a trip you will never forgot.

Reviewed By Jake W

I went out with capt Ray and I was just expecting to go out and catch some redfish and snook. But the charter I experienced was completely different we were able to catch,around 15 redfish and 10 snook within the first couple hrs, after we were done with that we caught around 25 tripletail and on top of that jigged for trout later in the afternoon and limited out of that. If you want constant action and a captain that will work till the day is over trying to get you fish, you need to go with capt Ray

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