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Flamingo-Everglades National Park
© 2004 Bonita Productions Inc.
Flag of Florida
Flamingo-Everglades, Florida,
National Park
By Nancy S. Tardy
Take a trip back in time to the Flamingo Lodge and Marina, an outpost at the watery end of the road that runs through Everglades National Park.This national park, established for its biology rather than its scenery, covers more area than the state of Delaware. It is located in southern Florida, bounded by Florida Bay on the south and the Gulf of Mexico on the west. The nearest major airport is Miami International, about 50 miles away; and access by car is via Highway 1 southwest of Miami near Homestead and St. Rd. 9336. A 38 mile drive through the park with stops available at various overlooks, trails, and an informative visitor center allows a slow immersion into this unique world.
While campsites are available in the Park, most visitors stay at the Flamingo Lodge, family cabins, or on their personal boats at the marina. The Flamingo Lodge is a 1950s- style 2-story, air-conditioned motel built on the water of Florida Bay. Book a 2nd floor room for the best views.
Surrounded by water on three sides, the Park encourages you to be as active as you wish. Fish, canoe, kayak, search for unique wildlife and plants, or relax and gaze at the ever-changing display of clouds and sea. Even in high season, the rhythms seem slower in this sub-tropical wilderness.
Check out the marina on arrival; it has almost everything you will need. Kayaks, canoes, fishing skiffs, and houseboats can be rented; though you will want to reserve ahead for a houseboat. Want someone else to drive the boat and take you to the best fishing holes? Sign up for a half-day or full-day charter. Didn’t bring your fishing gear? The marina rents them. If you don’t care to fish, and kayaking isn’t your thing, don’t miss a sightseeing cruise on Florida Bay; one of the most colorful and enjoyable is the sunset cruise aboard the large sailing yacht, the Windfall. Need snacks, sandwiches, pizza, drinks, sun screen, or extra mosquito repellant? Again, think of the marina store.
Sunset from the deck of the sailing yacht, Windfall
Though not located in the motel building, Flamingo offers two options for dining. Buttonwood, open only during winter months, is a small café with an outside patio. Upstairs is the Flamingo Lodge Restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The food is excellent, especially the fresh seafood, and the view is memorable.
Excellent trails lead you through different areas of the Everglades Park. Since water predominates, many of the trails are along waterways and are designed for boats and canoes. However, landlubbers may check out the numerous biking and hiking paths. Some trails, such as the Anhinga and Gumbo Limbo Trails near the Royal Palms Visitors Center, are short nature walks designed to educate visitors and offer opportunities to see alligators, turtles, herons, and egrets; also unusual plants such as orchids, Royal Palms and gumbo limbo trees can be viewed. Another short trail, the Pahayokee Overlook Trail, leads to an observation tower providing a 360° view of the saw grass marsh. Called “river of grass”, it became the title for Marjory Stoneman Douglas’ best-seller.
Birders will find much activity throughout the Park, especially during early morning or evening hours. One favorite spot is the Eco Pond near the cabins of Flamingo Lodge. An observation deck provides a good view of the pond, and a trail with benches encircles it for close-up observation.
Birding at Eco Pond
You’ll find another favorite birding spot along the main road at Mrazek Pond. Wading birds are often seen, and on rare occasions, hundreds are perched in the overhanging trees and feeding in the shallow pond.
Mrazek Pond
While Everglades National Park is open year around, the peak season for wildlife viewing and mosquito-avoidance is during the dry, winter months-December through March. But, remember, mosquitoes are a natural part of this ecosystem. Try to avoid outdoor activities in the early morning and evening hours; wear long pants and long sleeves, a head cover and use insect repellant.
You will never forget your time spent at Flamingo in the Everglades.
For more information:
Everglades National Park 305-242-7700 www.nps.gov/ever
Flamingo Lodge 1-800-600-3813 www.flamingolodge.com
High season rates range from $95/night for Lodge rooms to $135/night for cabins.
Nancy is a healthcare professional who travels alone, booking most of her trips on-line. She has a passion for reading and writing about faraway places.
Real Travel Adventures International Magazine
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