Everglades Uncovered: 10 Usual and Unusual Things You Have to See Before You Leave
- Natalija Ugrina
- Apr 7
- 7 min read
If you think the Florida Everglades are just alligators and airboats, think again. This wild, swampy wonderland is full of surprises—from cryptid creatures and ghost towns to the tiniest post office in America. Whether you’re here for wildlife, history, or the flat-out weird, there are so many things to do in the Everglades that go far beyond the usual tourist trail.
On my recent road trip, I set out to explore both the iconic sights and the quirky, offbeat gems that make this place unforgettable. Spoiler alert: I found everything from a Skunk Ape museum to haunted trading posts.
So if you're planning your first visit—or your tenth—these are the top 10 usual and unusual things to do in the Everglades before you leave.
1. Glide Through the Everglades on an Airboat Ride
Let’s start with the must-do. One of the most iconic things to do in the Everglades is take an airboat ride through the winding mangroves and open sawgrass prairies. It’s loud, it’s fast, and yes—there’s a pretty good chance you’ll spot a gator or two.
I hopped on an airboat tour from Everglades City and loved every second of it. Birds skimmed across the water, gators sunbathed along the banks, and the breeze was the perfect antidote to Florida humidity. There’s something about feeling so small in such a big, wild place—it’s thrilling and oddly peaceful at the same time.
Local Tip: Go early or just before sunset for the best wildlife activity and cooler temps. Some operators even offer private or semi-private tours if you want that extra serene swamp energy.
2. Visit the Smallest Post Office in the U.S.
In the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it town of Ochopee, you’ll find one of the quirkiest things to do in the Everglades: the smallest working post office in the United States. This tiny 61-square-foot structure still delivers mail daily—and it’s ridiculously cute in that “roadside oddity” kind of way.
Fun fact: it used to be an irrigation pipe shed until the original post office burned down in 1953. Locals made do, and it’s been in operation ever since.
I wrote an entire post about it because honestly, it deserves the spotlight. If you haven’t seen it yet, check out my full blog on the world’s tiniest post office here.
3. Explore Everglades City: The Gateway to the Wild - Things to do in the Everglades
Everglades City might be small, but it packs a big punch when it comes to history, local flavor, and access to the park. It’s the perfect jumping-off point for many of the best things to do in the Everglades, including airboat tours, wildlife watching, and fresh stone crab.
This place has serious old-Florida vibes: pastel houses, palm-lined streets, and salty fishermen selling their day’s catch straight from the docks. One thing I loved was how the locals still wave to you when you pass by—like you’re part of their world, even just for a day. Don’t miss the Everglades City Museum if you want to learn about its wild past, from hurricanes to smuggling.
4. Step Into the Past at the Historic Smallwood Store
Just across the causeway in Chokoloskee sits one of my favorite finds—the historic Smallwood Store, a time capsule from 1906. It was once a trading post serving the Seminole people and early pioneers in the Ten Thousand Islands region.
Today, it’s a creaky old museum where you’ll find original merchandise, antique tools, and tales of frontier life. Walking through it feels like stepping into a Florida history book—with a few ghost stories thrown in for good measure. If you’re into offbeat stops that blend history and mystery, this is hands-down one of the most unforgettable things to do in the Everglades. It’s the kind of place where every dusty item tells a story, and every floorboard creak feels like a whisper from the past.
5. Walk Through the Ghostly Past of Chokoloskee
Chokoloskee isn’t just home to the Smallwood Store—it’s also rumored to be haunted. This remote island was completely isolated from the mainland until the 1950s, and its history is filled with legends of smugglers, violence, and unsolved mysteries.
Locals talk about the ghost of Ted Smallwood, the store’s founder, still watching over the shop. Others say they’ve heard voices near the docks at night when no one’s around. I didn’t see anything supernatural myself… but the vibe is definitely eerie after dark. If you’re into haunted travel like I am, don’t skip this stop.
6. Search for the Skunk Ape at the Research Headquarters
This might just be the weirdest of all the things to do in the Everglades—but also one of the most fun. At the Skunk Ape Research Headquarters in Ochopee, you’ll find exhibits dedicated to Florida’s version of Bigfoot. According to believers, the Skunk Ape is a foul-smelling creature that roams the swamps and leaves behind massive footprints.
Whether you’re a skeptic or a total cryptid nerd, it’s worth a stop. The museum is quirky, the stories are wild, and they even have live snakes and gators out back. And yes, I bought a Skunk Ape sticker.
Want the full scoop? Check out my deep dive into the Skunk Ape Research Headquarters here.
7. Birdwatch on the Anhinga Trail
If you prefer feathered creatures to mythical ones, head to the Anhinga Trail in Everglades National Park. This short, easy boardwalk is one of the best spots for birdwatching in the entire region.
I saw anhingas (of course), egrets, herons, and even a few curious gators sunning themselves just feet away. The best part? It’s all right off the main road, so you don’t have to hike for miles to feel immersed in nature. Bring your camera and a good zoom lens—you’ll want to capture everything.
8. Visit the Cold War-Era Nike Missile Base
Here’s a plot twist: one of the most unexpected things to do in the Everglades is tour a Cold War missile site. Hidden in the park is Nike Missile Site HM-69, built during the Cuban Missile Crisis to protect the U.S. from potential attacks.
Now abandoned, it’s open seasonally for ranger-led tours. The decaying bunkers and radar towers give off serious Stranger Things vibes—and the history is fascinating. It’s a cool reminder that even in a natural paradise, history leaves its mark.
9. Taste the Everglades: Stone Crab and Gator Bites at Gator Hole Bar
Foodies, don’t skip this one. Everglades City is famous for its stone crab, and during season (October to May), you can find it freshly cracked and served chilled at local joints.
I stopped at Gator Hole Bar, and let me just say—it hit the spot. I ordered the gator bites (how could I not?) and they were spicy, crispy, and surprisingly addictive. It’s the kind of snack that says, “Yes, I’m doing Florida right.” The bar itself is casual and full of character, with the kind of laid-back vibe where you feel like a regular even if it’s your first time.
10. Catch a Sunrise at Flamingo—and Stay a Little Longer
Located at the southern tip of Everglades National Park, Flamingo is peaceful, remote, and totally worth the drive. I didn’t camp here (though it’s popular for it!), but I made sure to catch sunrise over Florida Bay—and it was pure magic.
Even if you’re not the camping type, you can stay in nearby Homestead or opt for Flamingo’s eco-tents if you're craving a little wilderness without sacrificing all your comforts. It’s the perfect place to slow down, listen to the birds, and let the stillness of the Everglades sink in.
Bonus Chapter: Echoes from Lake Okeechobee
If you’ve been following my adventures, you may have caught my post about Lake Okeechobee’s legends and the underwater ghost town. What I love is how closely the Everglades and Okeechobee are tied—both ecologically and mystically.
Lake Okeechobee actually feeds the Everglades, creating the famous slow-moving "River of Grass." But it’s not just water that connects them—it’s mystery. From the sunken skeletons of Okeechobee to the ghost stories in Chokoloskee and the Skunk Ape lurking in the swamps, this part of Florida is soaked in strange history.
Whether you’re chasing legends or just soaking up the scenery, these places share a wild, untamed energy that’s impossible to resist.
Final Thoughts: What Will You Discover?
The Everglades are so much more than just a swamp. They’re a living, breathing world filled with strange creatures, rich history, haunting tales, and jaw-dropping natural beauty.
So whether you’re mailing a postcard from the smallest post office in America, hunting for the Skunk Ape, or savoring stone crab by the water—these are the things to do in the Everglades that you truly don’t want to miss.
🎥 Want to See It All in Action?
Watch my full Everglades road trip on Instagram, TikTok, and find more Florida travel gems on my blog.
Have you done something totally wild in the Everglades? I’d love to hear about it in the comments—or tag me in your stories so I can live vicariously through your adventure!
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