Everglades City

The pure Florida of bygone days still exists in the Everglades region. Everglades City, the western gateway to Everglades National Park, is known as the "Stone Crab Capital of the World." Feast on the beloved crustacean at rustic seafood houses along the Barron River during season, October 15 through May 15.

Everglades City and nearby Chokoloskee Island give visitors a glimpse into Southwest Florida's past, with museums and small-town charm. They are favorite launch locations for boaters and paddlers exploring the Everglades Wilderness Waterway and Paradise Coast Blueway. Aside from the famous Everglades National Park, notable parks and preserves in the area include the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Big Cypress National Preserve, the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, Picayune Strand State Forest, Collier-Seminole State Park and nearby Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park.

Signature events in Everglades City include the Everglades Seafood Festival, Swamp Heritage Festival in Ochopee and Calusa Days at Everglades National Park's Gulf Coast Visitor Center.