Dear Travelers,
Planning a day trip to explore the Everglades region near Marco, Naples, and Fort Myers is an excellent choice and beautiful drive teeming with wildlife, especially during cooler weather or when beach days might not be optimal. If you’re looking to kayak during this time frame, the Turner River is the most sheltered and the warmest place to be in southwest Florida. It is not exposed to the large bays like our Marco Island trip with large chop during this time; the best and safest place to be kayaking is on this river. Here's a comprehensive plan to enjoy this beautiful drive to an amazing place:
Boardwalks on the Drive Down to the Everglades in Order
Marsh Trail 10,000 Island Refuge:Ideal for birdwatching, particularly an hour before and during sunset when birds return to roost. www.fws.gov/refuge/ten-thousand-islands/visit-us/activities/wildlife-watching
Trails Lake Campground and Skunk Ape Research Center:
Offers an animal exhibit, local Bigfoot paraphernalia, gift shop, and gondola-style pole boat tours. (https://www.evergladescamping.net)
H.P. Williams Boardwalk Overlook:
A fantastic spot to observe fish, alligators, and Everglades birds. If you're up for an off-road adventure, taking the gravel road can lead you to a remote area rich in cypress trees and wildlife. https://www.nps.gov/bicy/planyourvisit/hp-williams-roadside-park.htm
Kirby Storter Boardwalk:
Offers an up-close view of the majestic cypress trees and an alligator pond at the end of it.
Kirby Storter Roadside Park - Big Cypress National Preserve (U.S. National Park Service)
Inside Fun for History Buffs.
Everglades City Museum:
Provides insights into the area's history, showcasing artifacts and stories of the Everglades community.
Smallwood Store Museum: A historic general store-turned-museum offering a glimpse into the region's past with a beautiful view of the Everglades National Park's 10,000 islands. They offer boat tours of the 10,000 islands that we recommend for our kayak and motorboat Everglades combo trip. These tours can take you to less exposed places and provide protection by weaving in and out of the Everglades National Park's 10,000 islands.
Smallwood Store, Est 1906, Southwest Florida Historic Site
Rod and Gun Club: A historic spot where past presidents stayed; explore its interiors and dine along the historic Barron River.
Outdoor Activities list in order
Shurr Adventures Kayak Tours
Start or end your day with an exciting kayak tour exploring the famous Turner River, witnessing wildlife,orchids,big cypress forest and navigating mangrove tunnels. These tours are sheltered from winds, ensuring warmth even on cold days. We offer two-hour and three-hour trips and provide the smallest groups on the water. Feel free to text or call us at (239)248-3833
Everglades City for Stone
Crabs:Indulge in fresh Stone Crabs, a local delicacy, at restaurants in Everglades City. You can get them to go or order them for lunch or dinner.
Dining in Everglades City: Offers a variety of options. Some favorites include Island Cafe (lots of inside seating if it's cold), Camellia Street Grill, Everglades Fishing Company, and the Havana Cafe.
https://www.shurradventures.com/restaurants
Everglades Fishing Company: Discover local fishing tips, a vast selection of fishing gear, and a great restaurant and coffee spot.
Experience Historic Sites: Wander through museums and sites like the Smallwood Store Museum, Everglades City Museum, and the historic Rod and Gun Club, offering glimpses into the region's rich history and culture. Check out the native Gladesmen culture and learn about the local Bigfoot at the Trails Lake Campground research center.
This itinerary promises an adventurous and educational day, immersing you in the beauty of the Everglades while savoring local delicacies. Considering the weather, bugs shouldn't be as bothersome, but we recommend bringing bug spray. This day trip offers a mix of indoor and outdoor activities, allowing you to explore a rare gem in Florida that's often missed by many.
Sincerely,
Allison and Justin Shurr
Owners of Shurr Adventures