by Bucky McMahon | June 3, 2019
Insider’s Guide to Traveling Ten Thousand Islands
Plan your own adventure to Everglades City (stone crab capital of the world), the Ten Thousand Islands and Everglades National Park when temperatures and mosquitoes cool down in fall and winter
Getting there:
Drive past panther crossings along the fabled Tamiami Trail or fly your own aircraft into Everglades Airport, a small landing strip perfect for Cessnas or helicopters.
Where to Stay:
The iconic Rod and Gun Club is more than 100 years old and has 17 AC-equipped rooms, divided among three buildings.
Pitch a tent on a secluded beach or roll out a sleeping bag on a chickee—wooden platform structures perched over the water. A permit (and knowlege of the area) is required for backcountry camping in the Everglades.
What to Eat:
Enjoy fresh off the boat stone crab and seafood at Triad Seafood Market & Cafe.
Want to read more about the Ten Thousand Islands? CLICK HERE.
What to do:
Everglades National Park:
Explore by kayaks or bike, rented from local vendors. Find referrals for fishing guides, ecotours, airboat rides, and more through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Clyde Butcher Big Cypress Gallery:
Take an Everglades swamp tour or see the environmental works of fine art photographer Clyde Butcher at his gallery, about a 30-minute drive from Everglades City on the Tamiami Trail.
Museum of the Everglades:
Discover 2,000 years of history, as well as stories of the 1920s development by Barron Collier.
Historic Smallwood Store:
Find backcountry essentials and souvenirs inspired by local lore.
Learn more at paradisecoast.com and myfwc.com.
