Relax at Anne's Beach

Camp along a 3 mile stretch of untouched old Florida. Not only is this the real southernmost point in the continental US (the Keys are islands), but you will most likely have it to yourself. Spot dolphins, bald eagles, ospreys, and a ton of other birds on this awesome over nighter that is great for beginners and experts.Depart from the Flamingo Marina and head west. Hug the shoreline for about ...

Head west from the Flamingo marina and hug the shoreline for about 4 miles (25.130287, -81.039099). Once you see an opening in the mangroves and there is sand visible you have hit your spot.Make sure to time your arrival and departure with the tides or you will get stuck at your campsite for a few hours. This is the closest backcountry campsite in the park, and very easy to find. Great overnigh...

If you only do one thing in the Everglades, I highly recommend canoeing through the mangrove and lake meadows of 9 mile pond. I had thought the Everglades would have been swampy, but they are in fact "glades" or open meadows in a forest.We decided to rent canoes from the concessionaire near the Flamingo Visitor Center. They usually have canoes both at the visitor center and 9 mile pond, but a ...

Sombrero Reef is a coral reef 8 miles offshore from Key Colony Beach. Launch your private boat from the free 33rd Street Public Boat Ramp or book a catamaran tour from Marathon. Tie your boat off on one of the 11 mooring buoys on the South side of the 142 foot Sombrero Key Lighthouse. Get your waterproof camera ready to snap pictures of colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, nurse sharks, and var...

Located a short drive off the main drag to the Flamingo Visitor Centre (and only a few hours from Miami) this short boardwalk through a lush Mahogany and Gumbo-Limbo plants is an easy walk for families.Elevated upon a well-serviced boardwalk this trail passes the oldest Mahogany tree (Swietenia mahogani) in the United States. With dense forest and countless different types of vegetation the wal...

The Everglades National Park is a superb spot for viewing wading birds and alligators off an easy paved path. There are a number of observation decks along the way, off of the main path. The trail begins at the Visitor Center, following Taylor Slough. The Anhinga Trail is one of the best places to see alligators in this part of the Everglades, so be sure to walk to the end of the paved path an...