EVERGLADES VACATION PLANNING
The Dry Season in Florida’s Paradise
By Brandon Robinson
This waterfront city is the perfect destination for a family-friendly vacation or even an angler’s dream fishing getaway.
Everglades City, FL is considered part of “Florida’s Paradise Coast”, which consists of Naples, known for shopping and beaches; Marco Island, popular for its resorts; and the Everglades, renowned for its landscapes and wildlife.
With over 1.5 million acres of wilderness, the Everglades teems with life! In the Everglades, freshwater comes from rivers to help nourish its lush grasslands, while alligators roam freely in their natural habitat.
Plan your trip to Florida’s Paradise Coast soon and discover the endless enchantments of the Everglades!
OPULENCE'S EVERGLADES PROPERTY
For maximum proximity to the Everglades hotspots and attractions, the Lostman's Lodge -Everglades City, Sunset View, Pool offers the perfect choice for travelers.
This waterfront property is ideal for traveling families or anglers looking to be near the water and attractions for a fully immersed Everglades vacation.
If you are staying at the Lostman’s Lodge and interested in boat or kayak tours, Opulence has a list of recommendations for guides who can pick you up at the Lostman’s Lodge dock, right off your backyard.
How’s that for an elevated vacation rental experience!
BEST TIME TO VISIT
In terms of the best time to visit the Florida Everglades, that would be during its dry season from November to April.
During these months, temperatures are milder, ranging from the 50s to the 80s°F (10-30°C), and humidity levels are lower, making outdoor activities more enjoyable.
This period also coincides with the dry season, meaning fewer mosquitoes and a better chance to see wildlife as animals gather near shrinking water sources.
Additionally, many park trails and waterways are more accessible, allowing visitors to fully experience the unique landscapes and diverse ecosystems of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
PLAN AHEAD FOR TRAVEL
Seasons on Florida's Paradise Coast are different from other areas in the United States due to its subtropical climate.
Unlike most regions with four distinct seasons, Paradise Coast experiences a wet season and dry season. The dry season runs from November to April and features milder temperatures and lower humidity; this season attracts many visitors.
Conversely, the wet season, from May to October, brings higher humidity, frequent afternoon thunderstorms, and warmer temperatures. This seasonal variation influences outdoor activities and tourism patterns, making it essential for travelers to plan vacations in advance.
"STONE CRAB CAPITAL OF THE WORLD"
The Florida Everglades shines brightly among Florida’s Paradise Coast because it is the “Stone Crab Capital of the World”.
The abundance of stone crab in the Everglades transforms local dining into a culinary experience. Fresh catches are served in season and are enjoyed as a popular highlight and delicacy.
Stone crab season in Florida runs from October 15 to May 15, and during this time, fishermen harvest stone crabs for their claws.
However, Florida law forbids the harvesting of whole stone crabs and the crabs themselves are usually returned to the water after their claws are harvested, enabling them to regenerate new ones.
MUST DO'S IN EVERGLADES CITY NOVEMBER - APRIL
Airboat Tours
Airboat tours provide an exhilarating way to navigate the vast waterways, offering thrilling speeds and opportunities to see diverse wildlife in their natural habitats.
Opulence recommends Everglade’s City Airboat Tours as a great pick for navigating the waters and swamps of the Everglades.
Location: 907 DuPont Street, Everglades City, Florida 34139
Everglades City Airboat Tours offer thrilling adventures through the unique wetlands, allowing visitors to glide over the water and experience the diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes of the Everglades up close.
Fishing Tours
Fishing tours provide an exciting opportunity to explore the stunning waterways while guided by experts, ensuring a memorable experience amidst abundant wildlife.
One highlighted area is Florida’s Ten Thousand Island’s located in the western Everglades.
The Ten Thousand Islands is a paradise for anglers, teeming with tarpon, snook, redfish, permit, pompano, and a variety of other species. It's highly recommended to hire fishing guides to navigate the shallow waters and intricate mangrove islands.
Here are a few fishing charters to explore:
Paddling/Canoeing/Paddle Boarding
Paddling, canoeing, and paddle boarding allow adventurers to glide through serene mangroves and pristine waters, offering a unique perspective on the area's stunning natural beauty.
Here are a few paddling and canoeing options to explore:
Paddling/Canoeing/Paddle Boarding
Paddling, canoeing, and paddle boarding allow adventurers to glide through serene mangroves and pristine waters, offering a unique perspective on the area's stunning natural beauty.
Here are a few paddling and canoeing options to explore:
Bird watching offers a captivating experience, where enthusiasts can observe a diverse array of species, including herons, egrets, and ospreys, in their natural habitats.
Around 200 bird species have been observed in the area, leading to its recognition on the Great Florida Birding Trail.
Here are a few bird watching places to browse:
Hiking offers stunning trails that immerse visitors in diverse ecosystems, showcasing the unique flora and fauna of this remarkable region.
Here are a few hiking places to explore:
Ranger-led swamp walks offer an immersive experience, allowing participants to explore the unique wetlands while learning about the ecosystem's diverse wildlife and plant life.
Here are a few ranger-led swamp walk options:
The boardwalks offer an easy way to explore the wetlands, providing stunning views of the unique ecosystem while allowing visitors to observe wildlife up close.
Here are a few scenic boardwalks to explore:
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FLORIDA EVERGLADES
Location: 815 Oyster Bar Lane, Everglades City, FL 34139
Everglades National Park in south Florida is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States.
Everglades National Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and rich wildlife.
*A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a natural or cultural site that has been deemed to have "Outstanding Universal Value" and has also been inscribed on the World Heritage List by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
Location: 105 Broadway Ave W, Everglades City, FL 34139
The Museum of the Everglades offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's history, culture, and ecology, showcasing artifacts and exhibits that highlight the unique heritage of this remarkable area.
Location: 33100 Tamiami Trail E, Ochopee, FL 34141
Big Cypress National Preserve features a stunning landscape of swamps and hardwood forests, providing a vital habitat for diverse wildlife and offering numerous recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery
Location: 52388 Tamiami Trail E, Ochopee, FL 34141
Clyde Butcher's Big Cypress Gallery showcases stunning black-and-white photographs of Florida's natural landscapes, celebrating the beauty of the Everglades and inspiring conservation efforts in the region.
Ochopee Post Office- “The Smallest Post Office of the U.S.”
Location: 38000 Tamiami Trail E, Ochopee, FL 34141
The smallest post office in the U.S. is located in Ochopee, FL (34141), covering just 61.3 square feet.
Originally a storage facility for irrigation pipes from a nearby tomato farm, it was converted into a post office in 1953 following a fire that destroyed the previous post office and general store.
Skunk Ape Research Headquarters
Location: 40904 Tamiami Trail E, Ochopee, FL 34141
The Skunk Ape Research Headquarters in Ochopee, Florida, is dedicated to exploring the legends of the elusive Skunk Ape, featuring exhibits, artifacts, and informative displays about this intriguing cryptid and its sightings in the Everglades.
Ten Thousand Island National Wildlife Refuge
Location: 21004 Tamiami Trail E, Naples, FL 34114
Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge is a stunning coastal ecosystem that provides vital habitat for diverse wildlife, including migratory birds, and offers visitors opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and wildlife observation.
Location: 20200 Tamiami Trail E, Naples, FL 34114
Collier-Seminole State Park features lush landscapes and diverse ecosystems, offering visitors a range of recreational activities such as hiking, biking, and canoeing.
Local Festivities During Dry Season
Location: 102 Copeland Ave, Everglades City, FL 34139
Date:
Friday, February 7-Sunday, February 9
Enjoy the 55th Annual Everglades Seafood Festival where attendees will experience three days of live country music, carnival rides, arts, crafts, and tantalizing seafood. All of the annual fun takes place in the “Stone Crab Capital of the World”.
Location: 33100 Tamiami Trail E, Ochopee, FL 34141 (Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center Festival Grounds in Ochopee, Florida within the Big Cypress National Preserve)
Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024
The Swamp Heritage Festival is an annual celebration in Everglades City that highlights the area's rich cultural history and traditions, featuring live music, local crafts, food vendors, and family-friendly activities. This year is the 50th Anniversary Swamp Heritage Festival celebration!
Everglades Fishing
Fishing in the Everglades is best during the cooler months, from November to March, when species like tarpon, snook, redfish, and trout are most active. Anglers can enjoy public areas, such as Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve, or private charters that offer guided trips for a more personalized experience.
Whether anglers are casting from the shore or heading out on a boat, the Everglades provides abundant opportunities to reel in a variety of sought-after fish.
Learn more about Everglades City fishing and boating regulations HERE.
Book your Florida Everglades Getaway
With a captivating area spanning around 1.5 million acres, its no wonder that the Florida Everglades offer the perfect vacation for outdoor enthusiasts.
With endless excursions and attractions at your fingertips, our travel guide helps you navigate the Everglades’ hotspots when you visit Florida.
Remember, there’s only three simple takeaways from this blog: Plan Ahead, Stay Dry, and Have Fun!
Brandon Robinson
MEET OUR BLOGGER
Brandon Robinson is an enthusiastic blogger based in Statesboro, GA, juggling multiple roles with flair.
By day, he serves as a Secretary to Directors at the Bulloch County Board of Education.
With a Bachelor’s of Arts in Economics and a minor in Philosophy from Emory University, Brandon is passionate about storytelling and connecting with people.
When he’s not immersed in work or writing, he loves to explore new destinations and discover hidden gems in the vacation rental scene.
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