Everglades National Park protects an unparalleled landscape that provides an important habitat for numerous rare and endangered species, such as manatee, American crocodiles, and the elusive Florida panther. It’s also known internationally as a World Heritage Site, an International Biosphere Reserve, a Wetland of International Importance, and for its specially protected areas under the Cartagena Treaty. Here are the top 5 things to do while visiting one of Americas last unexplored wilderness areas.

Explore Cape Sable and Florida Bay by Boat

Cape Sable is a wild, desolate beachscape at the very bottom of the peninsular Florida, but you’ll need a boat to explore it! If trade winds are light, exploring by canoe will put you in proximity to terns, gulls, wading birds, shorebirds and pelicans, particularly at low tide. Snake Bight and Frank Key are easy, bird-rich day trips to do in a canoe.

Take in the Shark Valley Panorama

At the northern entrance of the Everglades National Park, lies Shark Valley on the Tamiami Trail. There’s a 15-mile loop road that will lead you to an observation tower that offers the best panorama of the Everglades. It’s also an excellent place to watch for alligators, turtles, wading birds and possibly snail kites. The loop itself can also be done during a leisurely 2-hour bike ride, which is best in the mornings when deer are grazing in the marsh and otters are playing in the water.

Hike through Big Cypress National Preserve

The Oasis Visitor Center on the Tamiami Trail is the starting point for hiking this preserve. There’s more than 40 miles of trails that extend north to Alligator Alley and south to Loop Road. Be sure to look for wading birds in the roadside canal and while hiking through the pinelands, look for red-cockaded woodpecker colonies, bluebirds, and brown nuthatches.

Dive for Coral

Florida’s coral necklace is the third longest in the world and the first undersea preserve in the United States. The John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the easiest way for visitors to reach the park, which covers 175 acres of land and 75 square miles of ocean. There’s more than 40 species of coral and 600 species of fish that call this coral reef home. If diving isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the natural beauty, such as a glass-bottom boat tour.

Collect Seashells

The national wildlife refuge is on the northern end of Sanibel Island, where visitors can visit the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum. The museum is both a research facility for the serious conchologist and a mecca for the casual beach stroller. The museum also exhibits one of the finest shell collections on the planet. It’s no surprise that Sanibel island’s beaches are also known to offer the best shelling in the United States. Chances are, you won’t leave the beach without finding a few beautiful shells.

Bonus Tip

After a long day in the sun, be sure to stop at Homestead’s famous “Robert is Here” for some homemade custard, fresh fruit, and homegrown preserves. With your shake in hand, make sure to check out the back, where there are a variety of farm animals roaming around!