This massive national park spans 1.5 million acres of wetlands. There’s no place in the world like it, and it’s within driving distance of downtown Miami. See alligators, cranes, turtles, manatees and even panthers roam their native habitat freely. With three separate entrances, visitors can explore on foot, on a bicycle and via boat. Have you ever zipped to marshes on an airboat? It’s the most exhilarating way to see the Everglades, and now’s your chance.

Traveling in Florida isn’t complete without stopping at the Everglades—a swampland just one -hour outside of Miami. With 1.5 million acres of tropical and subtropical habitat, this park is one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems. Step into a haven amongst the mangroves, immerse yourself in the sense of wonder that surrounds you, and sink deep into the slow, languid pace of life in a swamp.

Imagine speeding over the surface of the water in an airboat, twisting and gliding through mangrove tunnels. The boat skids to a stop and suddenly you see it: a family of hungry alligators lurking in the grasslands. If your kids are intrigued by creepy crawlies and scaly reptiles, take a trip to Florida’s Everglades National Park. Climb to the top of the Shark Valley Observation Tower for a 360-degree view of the glades, then walk, bike, or ride a tram along a 15-mile loop.

This 75-year-old park covers more than 1.5 million acres, stretching from Everglades City to Miami. It’s the largest wetlands area in the world and has nine distinct habitats teeming with wildlife. There are ample ways to explore this place that’s singular on earth—rent a kayak or canoe to see it all from the water, take a guided hike, cruise around by tram, or sleep under the park’s super-starry skies by camping overnight.

Everglades National Park showcases Florida at its wildest. Snakes, alligators, panthers, crocodiles, manatees and more call the country’s largest subtropical wilderness home. Established in 1947, Everglades National Park was subsequently named a World Heritage site, and you’ll find the serene swamps just an hour away from lively downtown Miami.

The wilderness of South Florida is a famous, but misunderstood and imperiled ecosystem. Much of the glades were once drained or diverted to serve the sprawling cities. Luckily, within the past century people have realized the true value of this ecosystem. The vast wetlands, however inhospitable, are indispensable for natural flood control, biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and more. The glades even reveal an exquisite beauty to those who care to look, and exploring on foot is one way to go.

Florida’s Everglades are the largest subtropical wilderness in the US. Covering more than 2 million acres, it’s teeming with grasslands, mangrove swamps and freshwater prairies, and home to species such as manatees and the Florida panther. Everglades National Park makes up around 20 percent of these wetlands, and is best discovered with a guide who can help you make the most of a day trip to this awe-inspiring landscape.

Traveling in Florida isn’t complete without stopping at the Everglades—a swampland just one hour outside of Miami. With 1.5 million acres of tropical and subtropical habitat, this park is one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems. Step into a haven amongst the mangroves, immerse yourself in the sense of wonder that surrounds you, and to sink deep into the slow, languid pace of life in a swamp.