My husband and I ditched the cold in DC this winter and escaped to Florida. Due to the pandemic, we avoided the airport and road-tripped South along the Eastern Seaboard. What was supposed to be a one month trip turned into two, and a newfound appreciation for the Sunshine State. Below is Part 1 of a list of places and recommendations* from our trip to Canaveral and the Everglades.
*Note that due to the pandemic, we wanted to remain outdoors for all activities and restaurants, so this list is reflective of those specifications.
Canaveral
Before we reached Hillsboro Beach, the final destination of our trip, we stopped to catch the sunset at Canaveral National Seashore. Canaveral is one of 10 national seashores of the U.S. National Park System. It’s located right after Daytona Beach, outside of Orlando, and also home to the John F. Kennedy Space Center.
While there are many things to do on Canaveral, we only had time for a taste of its wonder. Upon reaching and driving along the seashore, we stumbled upon the Turtle Mound Site. This prehistoric archaeological site is comprised of oyster shells and other waste from a local Native American tribe, and is a beautiful, jungle-like place to watch the sunset. (Unless you’re camping, just be sure to get there before closing!).
Everglades
One weekend of our trip we opted for a day trip to the Everglades National Park. The Park is an UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest wetlands in the world. There are several entrances to the Park. We went for the Northern Entrance of the Park, since it was the closest, highest rated entrance, a ~2 hour drive from Hillsboro.
What to do?
There are plenty of outdoor activities in the Park. We wanted to spend the day outside, doing something active on the water, so we decided on a kayak day trip. We went with Tour The Glades because they were the only day trip option I could find that included a private guide for a reasonable cost. More below on this and other kayak tour recommendations from my research.
- Tour The Glades is one of the top rated kayak tour companies in Everglades City. You can choose to start your tour with them anytime in the morning between 7-9 AM or in the afternoon. We met our guide Kalen at the Big Cypress Welcome Center on the Tamiami Trail at 9 AM. It was nice having our own guide for the tour, instead of going with a large group (the other tours I found match you with a group). We each had our own kayak as Kalen led us through the windy mangrove tunnels of the Big Cypress Swamp in the Park, and recited stories of growing up in the Everglades wrestling alligators & giggin’ frogs. (His family was one of the first non-native settlers in the region & his grandfather was notoriously involved in Operation Everglades!). The trip lasted ~3 1/2 hours and Kalen was able to point out several alligators (both near & far) and other wildlife along the way. It was a beautiful, exciting & informative trip, to say the least! A great option for a quick, active, guided day trip in the Everglades. Tour the Glades also offers airboat, hiking & other tours if kayaking isn’t your thing.
- Everglades Adventures Kayak & Eco Tours is another highly rated option in case Tour the Glades is unavailable. Alternatively, you can rent your own kayaks or canoe through Everglades Florida Adventures & go out on your own. (*I wouldn’t recommend this option as the Everglades’ mangroves can be confusing & it’s nice to have a local guide with you who knows the way & can spot wildlife!).
- Florida Outdoor Adventures is a premium option for anyone who wants to spend a few or more days experiencing camping the backcountry of the Everglades. They offer 3, 5 and 8 day kayak & camping trips. The costs start at $700 USD for a 3 day trip, but this includes everything from the guide to the camping equipment to food and more. If you can afford it and have the time, I’d recommend this option, as it was highly rated & professional based on my research!
- A final option if you’d like to camp for only 1 or 2 nights, have your own equipment, or are on a budget, is to hire a private guide to take you out. Call Tour the Glades and ask for the owner Tod who does this or he can recommend another local guide. We want to try this option next time we’re in town!
After our kayak tour, we drove around and stopped at a couple nearby boardwalks in the Park, to check out more alligators and wildlife. One recommended trail is the Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk in the Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve, located within the Fakahatchee section of the Everglades.
Where to eat?
There are several restaurants for lunch in Everglades City, if you choose to eat out. Below is a list of recommendations from our local kayak guide and my own research. We chose Camelia Street Grill (more below). However, if we were to do it again, we’d pack a lunch and enjoy at one of the many picnic areas throughout the park.
- Camelia Street Grill – Quaint, local seafood restaurant and cafe on the water. I ordered frog legs (fun fact: frogs are local eats in the Everglades – see giggin’ frogs) and Florida stone crab claws (another local delicacy Everglades City is known for, in season from October 15 to May 15). My husband ordered a fried fish sandwich. We sat outside on their backyard patio by the water.
- Triad Seafood Market & Cafe – Another seafood stop nearby Camelia Street Grill, where you can buy seafood to take home & cook yourself, or eat there. Looks like they have all you can eat stone crab when they’re in season.
- Island Cafe – A diner-like joint frequented by locals, best for breakfast, sandwiches, burgers, and fried seafood.
- Havana Cafe – Top-rated restaurant in Everglades City, enjoyed by tourists & locals alike for its Cuban and seafood specialities.
Stay tuned for more from our trip to Florida in Part 2: Miami, Pompano, Deerfield & Hillsboro Beach!