Everglades National Park: The UNESCO Heritage Site With Its Quiet Beauty

Jul 12, 2024

Last Updated on: Aug 27, 2025

Travel Blog

A river of grass flowing imperceptibly from the hinterland into the sea.” That’s Everglades National Park, a paradise exuding the most pristine and tranquil vibe. 

You know, you always don’t need something out-of-the-box to have an ever-lasting impression. The spiritual ones know that being present in the moment and soaking the energy can be the most fulfilling experience. 

Similarly, Everglades National Park does not need snowclad mountains or glaciers to draw millions of visitors annually. A diverse ecosystem and the conservation of natural lives here thrive amidst the National Park’s quiet hub

President Harry S Truman rightly pointed out, “Here is land, tranquil in its quiet beauty, serving not as the source of water, but as the last receiver of it. To its natural abundance we owe the spectacular plant and animal life that distinguishes this place from all others in our country.” (Source)

So, if you are heading to Florida and want the most immersive experience, plan a trip to Everglades National Park, a swampland just outside Miami. You will have sea turtles, alligators, manatees, Roseate spoonbills, and fish to welcome you. 

Everglades National Park: Know The UNESCO World Heritage Site

Everglades National Park

In the Brief Synthesis of Everglades National Park and its outstanding universal value, the UNESCO World Heritage Convention says, 

Everglades National Park is the largest designated sub-tropical wilderness reserve on the North American continent.

Its juncture at the interface of temperate and sub-tropical America, fresh and brackish water, shallow bays and deeper coastal waters creates a complex of habitats supporting a high diversity of flora and fauna.

It contains the largest mangrove ecosystem in the Western Hemisphere, the largest continuous stand of sawgrass prairie and the most significant breeding ground for wading birds in North America.

There are many other interesting factors adding to the outstanding value of this place. Let’s have a look at them.

  • The Everglades has limestone substrate, which is one of the most active modern carbonate sedimentation areas.
  • It is home to more than 400 species of birds.
  • It is a major migration corridor for birds.
  • Around 20 threatened, endangered, or rare species live in the Everglades.

The Everglades was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Today, various federal, global, local, and tribal governments manage the Everglades, and they work in agreement to restore the sanctity of the place. 

An Encounter With The Most Fascinating Wildlife At Everglades National Park 

Most Fascinating Wildlife At Everglades National Park 

Spanning across 1.5 million acres over Florida’s southern part, Everglades National Park attracted 1,155,193 visitors in 2022 and 810,189 in 2023. Diverse wildlife is the major crowd-puller for this park. 

About the Everglades, the UNESCO World Heritage Convention says,

The mixture of subtropical and temperate wildlife species is found nowhere else in the United States.”

Animals You Will Encounter At Everglades National Park
AmphibiansSouthern leopard frog
Florida cricket frog
Eastern narrow-mouth toad
Pig frog
BirdsRoseate spoonbill
Black-bellied whistling-duck
Eurasian Wigeon
American Wigeon
InsectsArachnids
Mosquitoes
Biting flies
Centipedes
ReptilesLizards
Snakes
American alligators
American crocodiles
MammalsShort-finned pilot whale
Atlantic bottlenosed dolphin
White-tailed deer
West Indian manatees

The biodiversity of the Everglades is very crucial for Flordia’s ecological benefits. The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan has been there since 2000 to restore the ecosystem of the National Park. 

** The table does not furnish exhaustive details of the animals found in the Everglades. Only a few species are mentioned. 

What’s More At Everglades National Park? 

What’s More At Everglades National Park? 

Along with having an encounter with the most diverse wildlife, you can take part in boating, camping, and guided tours at the Everglades. Let’s make the most of it. 

Enjoy Guided Tours & Other Services

Enjoy Guided Tours & Other Services

You cannot help falling in love with the following guided tours at the Everglades.

  • Shark Valley Tram Tour
  • Everglades Institue Tours
  • Permitted Tour Guides

You can also take airboat tours to Coopertown, Everglades Safari Park, and Gator Park

Are you in for boating tours? Go for Backcountry boat tours, Florida Bay boat tours, and Ten Thousand Islands boat tours

Glamping Everglades Style

Glamping Everglades Style

You cannot just miss “glamping Everglades style” if you visit the National Park between November and April. Enjoy the best of wildlife with modern comfort during your stay in these tents equipped with fans, electricity, and other amenities. 

Did you know that the Flamingo Eco-tents of Everglades National Park, Florida, was featured on the list of Best Glamping Spot of 2022, published by USA Today?

Glamping service here begins at $109 per night.

Enjoy A Serene Boating Experience 

Enjoy A Serene Boating Experience 

Being in the water at the Everglades will offer you the most versatile experience. As you paddle through the water, you will also meet amazing birds and fish. 

Further, when you pass through narrow channels of mud and seagrass cut through the long banks, you will surely catch a whiff of adventure.  

In addition, once you reach Ten Thousand Islands, you will be at a loss for words meeting the oyster reefs and sandbars.

If you are a fan of boating and aquatic pursuits, you can also visit other National Parks in Florida, including  Dry Tortugas National Park and Biscayne National Park.

Stay Safe At Everglades National Park

Stay Safe At Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park has well-chalked safety guidelines, including encounters with wildlife, managing your pets and children, and risks related to mosquitoes and poisonous plants. Don’t forget to check the National Park Service website to know and address safety concerns. 

Further, the park provides detailed safety guidelines regarding your visit to the park in dry and wet seasons.  

Staying Safe In Wet Season

Staying Safe In Wet Season
  • Afternoon downpours and heavy thunderstorms are common
  • Mosquito bites and the attacks of flying bees will be more
  • Weather will be hot (>100-degree F) and humid (over 90%)

Wear loose-fitting, full-sleeved/full-length clothes and remain hydrated to beat uncomfortable heat and humidity. Also, use mosquito nets or repellents to avoid mosquito and insect bites. 

Staying Safe In Dry Season 

Staying Safe In Dry Season 
  • The temperature in the dry season is around 53-77 degrees F.
  • Freezing conditions may occur occasionally.
  • Biting flies and mosquitoes will still be present in some parts of the park.

Bring a warm jacket, head nets, bug jackets, or mosquito repellents to avoid mosquito and insect bites. Also, wear lightweight and comfortable clothes to explore the place freely during the daytime. 

Are You In? 

Everglades National Park, the largest subtropical wilderness, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It stretches over a massive two million acres across central and south Florida. 

It’s a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, with various species coexisting there and contributing to biodiversity. It is also a “noteworthy example of viable biological processes.”

In addition, as one of the oldest national parks in America, it was designated in 1934 by the  U.S. Congress. 

So, are you ready to surf through miles of water and witness how a tranquil wetland can emerge as the goldmine of natural vegetation and wildlife ecstasy? Pack your bag and count me in!   

Everglades National Park FAQs 

Why Is Everglades National Park So Famous?

Everglades National Park is known for its extraordinary wildlife. It is the hub of rare birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, sea turtles, and other aquatic animals. 

It also has Florida Panthers, one of the most endangered mammals. Further, you will meet the endangered West Indian manatee and the most adorable bottlenose dolphin.

The place even has a diversity of vegetation. You will get to see sawgrass, cypress, mangrove trees, and orchids. 

Why Is It Called Everglades National Park? 

The Everglades had vast, grassy fields or glades. If you decipher the name, you will find it to be a combination of two words, “Ever” and “Glades.” Together, these two words mean open grass fields. 

What Is The Best Month To Visit Everglades National Park?

November to April, or the dry season, is the best or the safest time to visit the Everglades. The temperature at this place remains moderate in this season, and there are fewer attacks by insects and mosquitoes. 

Thanks to the lack of rainfall in Florida during this season, you can also explore the wildlife better during this period. 

Who Found The Everglades?

John Gerard de Brahm, a British surveyor, found the Everglades while mapping the Florida coasts in 1773. He called them River Glades, and it was 1823 when the name “Everglades” first appeared on the map. 

From 1851, everyone started calling it “Ever Glades.”

Is The Everglades Salt Water?

You will have fresh water and saltwater at Everglades National Park. Once you surf through the fresh water for hundreds of miles, you will reach salt water. 

Earlier, this meeting of saltwater and freshwater used to form coastal bodies with partial enclosures. These places were dynamic and had the most productive environments. 

What To Wear In The Everglades? 

You have to pick your outfits and shoes based on the season in which you are visiting the Everglades. If you are at the National Park during summer or the rainy season, you must wear full-length pants and full-sleeve shirts to avoid mosquito bites and contact with poisonous plants. Don’t forget your rain jacket and shoes or boots you wear during rainy seasons. 

In winter, you will need warm jackets, closed-toe shoes and full-length trousers. 

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Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!

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Unique Things To Do In Gaylord, MI: Exploring Michigan In Style

BY  Sibashree May 13, 2025

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BY  Sibashree Apr 10, 2023

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The Taco Stand (Encinitas): View this post on Instagram A post shared by John Rolka (@john_rolka) Service Options Delivery, Dine-In, Takeout Address 642 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024 Phone (760) 230-2061 Hours Monday – Sunday: 10 am – 10 pm  If you are looking for epic tacos in San Diego, then you definitely cannot miss out on The Taco Stand! If you enjoy quesadillas or burritos, then look no further because The Taco Stand makes killer burritos and even better quesadillas. Review By Ryan: Some of the better tacos I’ve had. Couldn’t make up my mind, so I ordered 4 different tacos, and each one was better than the other. Great place to grab a bite. Didn’t realize this was a chain restaurant when I was in there, but they’ve got something going on, and it’s going to take off. Friendly staff and worth the wait! If you’re in the area, stop by and leave happy. 5. 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Old Town Mexican Café (Old Town): View this post on Instagram A post shared by oldtownmexicancafe (@oldtownmexicancafe) Service Options Takeout, Dine-In Address 2489 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110 Phone (619) 297-4330 Hours Monday – Friday: 8 am – 9 pm | Saturday – Sunday: 7 am – 9:30 pm  Old Town Mexican Café serves the best tacos in old town San Diego, and trust us, we are absolute fans! There’s nothing better than fresh handmade tortillas - and Old Town Mexican Café agrees! Review By Yu-Hung Chen: I love the food here. The shrimp taco is ridiculously delicious. I had never had that taste before and have not had comparable taste elsewhere. I wish I could give this restaurant more than 5 stars. Highly recommended! 8. Tocaya Organica View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tocaya Organica (@tocayaorganica) The restaurant is well known for its beautiful atmosphere with a modern twist to traditional Mexican food! The delicious street tacos are a fan favorite while the atmosphere of the restaurant is located in a charming outdoor dining and shopping area. The location was situated quite close to Del Mar beach. The tacos of the restaurant is quite organic with all the ingredients quite organic while the order are customized based on the requirements of the customers. Service Options Lunch, Dinner Address 3725 PASEO PL #1070, San Diego, CA 92130 Phone (858) 386-1030 Hours 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM  Review By Gretapar: Ok, I want to preface this with the fact that I am not a patient wait in line kind of person. I am not a huge fan of ordering my food after waiting in line and then looking for a table. Besides, the standing in line, the food was really good. I ordered the Tocaya salad; my husband did the taco combo (fish) & 2 sides, all the food was beautifully prepared and delicious…” 9. Las Cuatro Milpas View this post on Instagram A post shared by San Diego (@discoveringsandiego) The restaurant is a locals favorite with its Latin and Mexican spread! The restaurant has been there from 1933 and the expertise of the food grabs all the attention. It is located very close to Petco Park!  So before you want to go visit a Padres baseball game, you can stop at Las Cuatro Milpas and gorge for delicious food. The crunchy rolled tacos are one of the favorites of the locals along with their homemake tortilla! Service Options Lunch, Takeout, Seating and Wheelchair  Address 1857 LOGAN AVE, San Diego, CA 92113 Phone (619) 234-4460 Hours 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM  Review By rmagac: Worth It! Best bean burrito I’ve ever had and the hot sauce was amazing!! Homemade everything- line out the door but worth the wait!! 10. Tacos El Gordo  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tacos El Gordo (@tacoselgordo_) You can get Latin, Mexican and Fast Food in the restaurant and is rated 4.5 out of 5 based on 1162 reviews! Wow! Guys, you gotta go check it out because of the amazing service along with delicious food! You can get takeout, dining in, wheelchair accessible along with parking available! If you are craving for some traditional flavors of Mexico, try the Tijuana-style tacos here! You can select the meat based on your choice so it is a perfect lunch location, especially with the delectable options of asada, lengua or al pastor. Service Options Lunch, After Hours, Dinner Address 556 Broadway, Chula Vista, CA 91910 Phone (619) 271-7222 Hours 10:00 AM to 3 AM  Review By Scott S: Hidden gem that has been there for decades Great pork tacos. Everything is clean. Cheapest good food on the strip.waking distance from Resorts world. Bon Appétit! And that’s a wrap on the best tacos in San Diego - what are your thoughts on the places we have mentioned above? If you have already been to San Diego and been to some of the best places for tacos, then feel free to share your experiences, and also, don’t forget to mention the locations - we are always on the go! Read Also: Top 12 Dominican Restaurants In Los Angeles | The Ultimate Guide The Best Places to Visit in February in the USA in 2025! Why You Should Move To San Diego

READ MORE mountains of kenya

Explore The Beauty Of The Mountains Of Kenya!

BY  sagnika Aug 11, 2023

Want to learn more about the mountains of Kenya? A geographically and topographically diverse country, the Republic of Kenya has beautiful mountains that are more than just a geographical feature! Please read this article to learn about the features of the mountains, their cultural significance, as well as their beauty. There are almost 3888 mountains, out of which 3856 are named mountains. Mount Kenya is the highest peak of all these mountains, with an elevation of 5199 meters. It is one of the second-highest mountains in Africa and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kenya is located in the eastern part of Africa, more towards the southern horn of Africa, with diverse geographical features ranging from towering alpine peaks to mangrove swamps. The mountains' beauty adds to the country's natural features, making it a perfect place to visit! Explore The Beauty Of The Mountains Of Kenya! As a country with a topographical contrast, Kenya is located in the eastern section of Africa. The equator crosses the country across Nanyuki, Maseno, and Timboroa. These features highlight Kenya as a stunning destination that many wish to visit! Being a topographically diverse country where the forests offer diverse wildlife, it is perfect to visit if you love taking safaris. There are also coasts and grasslands, making the location more diverse. The nation is also highly agricultural, with diverse produce, including vegetables, fruits, and animals, even though the location is remote and can be difficult for regular travel. An African safari holiday is a dream for every hodophile, and Kenya offers the perfect backdrop. With spectacular wildlife, astounding landscapes, and a melting pot of culture, Kenya ranks at the top of the travel list of everyone! Moreover, the beautiful mountains play an important role in making Kenya a fascinating place! The country borders nations such as South Sudan, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, and Somalia. So want to know more about the up-warped giants of the earth? Read along! Highest Mountains Of Kenya The total area of Kenya is 586,000 square kilometers, with high-rising regions such as high plateaus, mountains, arid deserts, and low-lying coastal areas, including islands and coral reefs. 7 freshwater and salt lakes are creating the Great Rift Valley cutting the country in half! Kenya has two of the tallest mountains on the continent. There are several other mountains, most inactive or extinct volcanoes. The landscape is diversified, yet the mountains are as beautiful as ever! Read more on some of the noteworthy mountains in Kenya. Mount Kenya The highest mountain in Kenya is Mount Kenya, located in the center of Kenya, approximately 100 miles northeast of the Capital, Nairobi. The mountain has several summits. Nelion, Lenana, and Batian are some. Bastian is the highest, with 17,058 feet, indicating the mountain's peak. The mountain formed about 3.5 million years ago. A well-known tourist destination, the Mount Kenya National Park surrounds Mount Kenya at the base. You can see elephants, buffalo, as well as colobus monkeys in the park. You can trek the mountain's peak of Lenana Summit as it is feasible without any mountaineering expertise. The rock kente is only available on Mount Kenya as well as the Antarctic, situated at the South Pole. The Spiritual Connection Of Mount Kenya Riuki is found on Mount Kenya, which in a spiritual context is considered the symbolization of the throne of God. Riuki is regarded as the pathfinder by the Gikuyu medicine men. They also believe it therapeutic as they put pebbles at risk as seers. The history of Mount Kenya is interconnected with the Egyptians, Jews, and Ethiopians. Mount Kenya is called Ta-Neteru by the Egyptians, which means the abode of the gods. The God Hapi or lotus, the gods of the Nile Floods, lived on the mountain. The farming communities that settled in Egypt in 7000 BC before the inundation of the Nile corresponded with "Isis," the heliacal rising of the star. It was after the water from the Nile flooding receded, leading to rich dark silt across the Central African countries and highlands. The land is called "Kemet," which is fertile land ready for planting. They consider the lands around Mount Kenya as one of the fertile lands. It also believed that the goddess Isis hid her son, her husband Horus, to raise him from the dead. They say the mountain has medical properties, and the locals consider it amazing. They pray to the mountains for protection and safety. Communities such as Maasai and Samburu are semi-nomadic people who use the northland of the mountain as a paying ground. Mount Elgon The second tallest peak in Kenya is Mount Elgon, located on the country's western side, closer to the Kenya-Uganda border. The mountain has distinguishing characteristics, such as having one of the largest volcanic craters. The top of the mountain is a flat-topped plateau made of basalt. The total height of the mountain is 13,852 feet, with lava tube tunnels across the mountain. Elephants and buffaloes often visit the lava tube tunnels. A national park surrounding Mount Elgon also has rhinos, eagles, leopards, and duikers. Mount Longonot Mount Longonot is an inactive volcano that last erupted in the 1860s but is not completely extinct. The height of the mountain is 9108 feet, and the mountain's slopes are filled with ridges. Mount Longonot is a mountain in Kenya. A park nearby has plenty of wildlife, such as zebras and giraffes. The mountain is situated approximately 60 kilometers northwest of Nairobi. Travelers can visit the park by car, and the base of Mount Longonot has a lot of forest, even around the top crater. Compared to many stony mountains, this one is thickly wooded across the slopes and the summits. Satima Mount Satima is also "Ol Donyo Satima," which roughly translates to "Mountain of the bull calf." It is one of the Kenya mountains! It is the highest mountain across the Aberdare range, with a height of 13,127 feet, and is located on the northern side of the mountain range. The mountain has tussock grass and rocks in some areas and rainforests. There are bamboo forests and Moorland across a section of the mountain. The mountain has a collection of 150 species of plants, such as Podo and Cedar. The mountain is part of the water catchment area for both the Sasumua and Ndakaini dams. The two dams for Nairobi City are the primary source of water. Kinangop Kinangop is a dormant volcano in the Great Rift Valley and the west of the Kinangop Plateau. It is also situated in the Aberdares, with extensive bamboo forests across the mountain in the lower portion. The height of the mountain is 12815 feet. Moreover, the higher sections of the mountain are covered with tussock grass. The top of the mountain is rocky with open moorlands. The top of the mountain is quite chilly and turns freezing at night. Ngiro Mount Ngiro is located in the northern region of Kenya, with a height of 9344 feet. The mountain is part of the Great Rift Valley to the west overlooking the Suguta Valley. The upper slopes have forests, while the mountains is popular for cultivating bees. The mountain falls under the territory of the Samburu people, while the Lmasula phratry performs bee cultivation. The clan claims exclusive rights to the water and the land. Several other mountains and hills are situated in the nation, creating an exciting place for vacationing. If you are a hiking person, Kenya is the perfect place to visit as there are several advantages. There are enough mountains in Kenya for you to go hiking, as well as trails. It is a perfect spot to share holidays as well as weekends with your hiking partners. Some of the tallest mountains are situated in East Kenya. Kulal The mountain Kulal is identified as a biosphere reserve with lava fields, and the origin of the mountain is a volcano. The moisture in the biosphere leads to rain as well as mist, providing hydrological services to the people in northern Kenya. The mountain is located in the middle of East Africa, with steep slopes while deep canyons go across the mountain. It is also one of the driest places in Africa. There are forests across the mountain, a habitat for black rhinoceroses and elephants. Marsabit Mount Marsabit is surrounded by Mt. Marsabit National Park and Reserve, with a height of 1703 meters above sea level. The mountain has many craters, while the hills around it highlight the mountain. Across the mountain are many low-lying arid plains with elliptical shapes 70 km long on the northeast-southwest as well as 45 km wide on the northeast-southwest. The mountain comprises weathered lava flow. Mogila Mogila is one of the mountains of Kenya with a height of 1698 meters. A local relief of 300 meters, steep slopes, and a small summit area characterize the mountain. Moreover, it is located in the Turkana, creating the Great Dividing Range. Namanga Hills The mountain is in the southern part of Kenya. It is located on the borders of Tanzania, with the highest point being 2548 meters. The Great Rift Valley has four peaks: Suswa, Paka, Namarunu, and Menengai. The hills have a collection of hyenas, zebras, ostriches, as well as Antelopes. Cultural Relations Of The Mountains Of Kenya According to the Kikuyu tribe, they say the local Kikuyu god, N'gai resides at the summit of Mount Kenya. Mount Kenya is one such place that the local cultures worship. They consider these mountains the home of spirits as well as gods. Mount Kenya is a spiritual mountain, as the local communities think of it as the residence of God. Ethiopians also consider it the home of God and revered in its presence. The belief gains further confirmation because of the snow at the top of the mountain. The mountain is very close to the equator. Hence, it is quite surprising that there is snowfall at the top. There are thick forests around the mountain, and initially, the military dug the woods to flush the Maumau freedom fighters. According to the traditional version of Mount Kenya in Kikuyu, a star fell on the ground with a bang and formed the mountain. The mountain has volcanic ashes and oozing magma which forms the Kenyte. Mount Longonot has its Masai name, "Oloonong'ot," meaning "mountain with many spurs." The mountains are important as well as are traditional sites for worship by the local populations. Some vow in the mountain's name, while some send prayers based on cultural traditions. Both visitors and the natives join in collaborative activities such as mountain climbing and hiking. Are The Mountains Of Kenya A Cult? The high places in Kenya, especially mountains with snow caps, high mountain ranges, and island mountains, are cults. There are psychological roots of the communities who believe that mountains act as a heavenly ladder. Besides the spiritual connection for the community, mountains are also helpful natural elements for humans as they bring rain, while they also have volcanoes. Volcanoes have a fiery side to them, representing the element of earth. According to the myths based on the world's origin, mountains are the first natural element from ancient water. The indigenous people believe mountains are a great phenomenon of the earth, symbolizing cosmic connection. The local communities consider the mountains as shrines or altars for the Gods and worship them. For example, people in Africa often blame an earth deity when there is an earthquake. They also consider snakes to be culprits, a belief that their cult teaches in the cultural practices of Africa. Conclusion Did you notice something unique about the mountains of Kenya? Most of these mountains have physical features giving an Alpine appearance. There are many ridges across the mountains, giving it a ragged nature. So now you know about the beauty of the mountains, especially when it comes to the cultural aspect of it. People worshiping mountains is one tradition that integrates respect and protection of the natural elements. People from different cultures in Kenya believe in spirituality and offer prayers to the mountains. Let us know in the comments below if you see any culture where people worship mountains too! 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