South Florida Isn't Just Beaches — Here Are The Nature Preserves Where Locals Escape On Weekends

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When you think of daily life in South Florida, what are the wildest images that come to your head? School kids doing homework at the beach? Retirees floating in flamingo-shaped inflatables? As a local, I can tell you that I've probably heard it all. People from "Up North," as we say, have often questioned me about what real Floridians get up to. Once, a snow bird asked me whether I'd tried working from a hotel beach cabana. (Not so far!). I was later asked whether my daily routine felt like a perpetual vacation — and surprised the inquirer right back when I wondered how anyone could ever get sick of snow, icicles, and the rest of winter's magic!

The fact of the matter is that life in South Florida is not so different than life in the rest of the U.S. (excluding, of course, the plastic bucket section in the grocery store). Like other Americans, Floridians get bored with their day-to-day lives and want to shake up their routines. Reading at the beach is great, but doing so every single weekend can get repetitive. Instead of hanging out near resorts, many Florida locals prefer to hike, kayak, or fish at one of the many nature preserves that stretch across our part of the state. These destinations might not always be as famous as, for example, Miami Beach, but they are hidden gems at their finest. My favorite spots blend gorgeous flora with the potential to experience Florida's unique side.

Florida may be most famous for its beaches, but more than 31% of the state is covered in wetlands, according to the NOAA. This makes it the wettest state of the lower 48 (via U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) and an incredibly important place for these types of ecosystems. To wade into this side of Florida's natural environment (literally), I recommend scheduling a trip to Big Cypress National Preserve in Ochopee. Every winter, rangers take groups of rubber boot-clad visitors directly into the swamp for a special kind of tour known as a "wet walk." You'll stroll through the water alongside egrets, herons, and green tree frogs. You might even get to see an anhinga spread its wings or an alligator swim by.

While getting that close to nature may seem intimidating at first, it quickly becomes magical as well. I participated in my first-ever swamp walk 20 years ago on a school trip, and my attitude quickly changed from pure nervousness to delight. At the time, I was convinced that wandering into an alligator's natural habitat was just too dangerous to be worth the experience. But, as the rangers began teaching my group about the local fauna, it became clear that we were in good hands. Feeling the cool swamp water, smelling the leaves, and watching the animals float by made me feel like I was a part of the ecosystem. I encourage anyone who loves the wilderness to join this tour.

If you don't want to get your feet wet at Big Cypress National Preserve, I don't blame you. While viewing the local fauna in their true environment can be a peaceful experience for some, it's definitely not everybody's cup of tea. To experience Florida's wildlife from a healthy distance, try hitting Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve in Cape Coral. Rather than encourage visitors to dive into the wetlands, this destination provides them with a 1.25-mile-long boardwalk that winds through a mangrove forest.

Just because the trail at Four Mile Cove does not submerge you in the local ecosystem does not mean that it's any less "wild" than other paths. Raccoons, tortoises, spoonbills, and more all live along the boardwalk, allowing you to view local animals without getting too close. I particularly enjoy exploring this area in the morning before the trail gets too crowded or the weather heats up too much. Grab a cup of joe at Arts & Eats Café, cross the midland bridge, then wander the boardwalks. During the silent morning hours, you'll have a better chance of spotting some gorgeous South Florida animals.

The best part of Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve is that it's fairly accessible. Folks who use wheelchairs will be pleased to know that they'll be able to enjoy most of the trail. Families with small children will also be relieved to know that the preserve is stroller-friendly. Just be sure to leave skateboards and bikes at home.

Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park safeguards the most sizeable strand swamp on the planet, according to Florida State Parks. It is also North America's primary location for wild orchids. To experience it all, I recommend heading to Fakahatchee early in the morning with your bike in tow. While the park is home to a short 2,000-foot boardwalk, one of its most impressive attractions is an 11-mile gravel road that snakes between pine trees and cypress knees. Before noon, this area tends to remain cooler, allowing bikers to soak in the majestic beauty of the trees without worrying about the beating sun.

If you're not a morning person, though, fear not: There are other ways to enjoy Fakahatchee while staying cool. The chilly waters that flow into the park from the nearby Ten Thousand Islands are best enjoyed up close, and you can even sign up for a kayak tour of the park's East River to get acquainted with the area. I personally love kayaking in this area because of the way that the mangrove forests tower above you. They give off this quasi-mystical vibe as their branches stretch and twist into the air. Beyond the scenic element, these mangroves are home to gentle manatees.

Before perfectly-curated white sand beaches dotted Florida's shore, there were wild mangrove forests, emerald-green rivers, and sandbars overflowing with sand dollars and starfish. If this nostalgic image appeals to you in the slightest, then you must head to the Ten Thousand Islands Aquatic Preserve just outside of Everglades City, Florida. Unlike most nature preserves which protect land, Ten Thousand Islands focuses on water. 

The best way to explore the park is via an ecological boat tour that whisks you away from the shoreline and deep into clear waters where dolphins roam and manatees meander beneath the waves. The last time that I signed up for a boat tour in this area was just after the pandemic, and I was amazed at the sea life. Dolphins jumped in the wake of the boat to say "hello." Stingrays hovered below the water's surface. Bands of tiny raccoons scrambled for shellfish at some of the protected islands. I felt like I was in an episode of "National Geographic."

I was also enchanted by the legendary Cape Romano Dome House, a three-bedroom, three-bathroom architectural gem originally built on land. Because of Florida's hurricanes, the last 20 years has seen this structure migrate deep into the sea. Now it stands as an eerie white trio of domes that pokes out from the waves. The image is a sight to behold, and I really recommend viewing it for yourself.

If you're interested in visiting an aquatic preserve that's a little easier to access via land, I highly recommend Estero Bay Preserve State Park. Founded in 1966, this destination was actually Florida's first-ever aquatic preserve. Luckily for us, its founders were sure to make the land components of the preserve as walkable as possible, allowing today's visitors to enjoy its beauty without a water vessel. Thanks to the Estero River Scrub Trails, hikers can tackle miles of wide, natural paths. I prefer to stroll there in the morning because the weather is cooler, and the local fauna is more active. Large gopher tortoises emerge from their holes, adorable bunnies hop beneath the brush, and birds swoop through the air.

As Estero Bay Preserve State Park is a waterside preserve, it can be nice to boat through the area. To do so, you can rent a larger vessel at Fort Myers Beach and drive it into the bay — although I much prefer exploring the area by kayak. Simply head to the nearby Lovers Key State Park (one of Florida's best state parks) just outside the bounds of the aquatic preserve and sign up for a kayak or canoe rental. You can then paddle your vessel northward and guide it between the protected isles of Estero Bay. I'm always in awe of just how vast the bay seems beneath blue skies and a bright sun.

Lovers Key is not the only access point for folks interested in checking out the waters of Estero Bay Preserve State Park. Koreshan State Park in Estero, Florida, is actually the starting point for a kayaking trail that links the area's vast waterways and preserves. Begin your journey in the narrow corridor of the Estero River, where you'll see baby alligators, moss-covered trees, and plenty of fish. Then, as the path winds down toward the Estero Bay Preserve, watch as the waterways open up and the swampier atmosphere is replaced with a more oceanic area inhabited by dolphins, manatees, and oyster reefs.

As of the publication of this article, kayak rentals are not available at Koreshan State Park, and the boat ramp is closed. However, if you're interested in embarking on this type of aquatic adventure, you can head a few yards up the Estero River to Estero River Outfitters. This small local business doesn't just rent kayaks but also organizes tours for folks who are looking to get to know the area with a guide. I've never personally gone on one of its tours, but I'm a huge fan of all things Estero River and encourage anyone to explore it in the way that makes them feel safest. My favorite thing to do in the area is following the aforementioned kayaking trail.

If Mound Key Archaeological State Park is one of the most underrated state parks in Florida, it's because getting there is tricky. Located on an island in the center of Estero Bay, this nature preserve is completely isolated from land. There are no roads, bridges, or footpaths that lead there. The only way to access Mound Key is by boat, which is why kayaking there is so special. You can paddle your way to Mound Key from Lovers Key State Park or, if you're up to the challenge, from Koreshan State Park. Surrounded by pelicans, dolphins, and manatees, this journey is spectacular.

Once you arrive at Mound Key, pull your kayak up onto shore. On land, you'll find a mile-long walking trail that will lead you across the land that was once considered an important cultural center by the Calusa Native Americans. Stroll along the great seashell mounds that the region's first inhabitants built hundreds of years ago. Pause to read the informational plaques that tell the history of the Calusa people. I really love this spot, as it provides deep insight into a part of Florida's history that I never learned about in school. While I'm kayaking toward Mound Key through Estero Bay, I can't help but wonder what it was like to travel between the area's islands before the eras of colonization and mass development.

It's impossible to talk about Florida's best nature preserves without mentioning Everglades National Park. With 1.5 million acres of protected land, the Everglades stand as one of the best destinations in the United States to spot alligators and other wildlife. But, since the Everglades are so huge, it can be tricky to know where to begin. As a Florida local, I recommend starting your journey at the Flamingo Marina. Located about two hours from central Miami and three and a half hours from Naples, this destination is one of the few nature preserves that is most accessible from the eastern side of the state.

What really draws local visitors is the wide range of activities in the area. Hikers (like yours truly) will find tons of walking trails near Flamingo Marina. My favorites include the wheelchair accessible West Lake Trail, which is comprised of a boardwalk that meanders through 0.5 miles of red, black, and white mangrove forests. The Bear Lake Trail is a 3.2 mile out-and-back adventure that will take you over white sand pathways bursting with butterflies and flowers. I've never gone boating in the area but have heard fantastic things about local oceanside tours. The fisherfolks in my life also swear that Flamingo Marina is the best departure point for anyone looking to reel in a sizable catch.

Miami boasts world-class art and neighborhoods with European vibes, but, in my humble opinion, the city does have one major flaw: It's not as close to nature as the rest of South Florida. The good news, though, is that Miami residents only need drive down to the Florida Keys for a weekend in the great outdoors. And while popular spots like Key West can get chaotic during tourist season, the Keys are full of hidden secrets where natural wonders abound. My top pick is Islamorada, a municipality located less than two hours away from Miami by car. Despite its proximity to the land of Art Deco and fishbowl drinks, this destination is bursting with spectacular outdoor spaces, primarily Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park.

Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park was originally used as a quarry, but these days visitors go there to view striking samples of fossilized coral and sea creatures. The first time I visited this spot, I was probably about 10 years old and instantly captivated by these remnants from ancient times. To check them out, you can wander 1.5 miles of sand-covered pathways that will bring you past massive pieces of conserved reef. Families will find that there are plenty of educational activities for their kids to enjoy at the environmental education center, while folks looking for quiet might simply relax at one of the many benches or picnic tables. 

It took me a few years to work up the courage to go to the CREW Land and Water Trust in Naples, Florida. Although my friends had always spoken very highly of this location, their stories of sharing trails with suntanning alligators made me a bit hesitant to actually take the plunge. But, a couple years ago, I decided to take my bicycle to this popular local nature preserve and was not disappointed. I took the Bird Rookery Swamp trail, a grassy 12-mile path that guides you deep into the local swamp. While gators and snakes definitely love this trail, I went in the morning before peak reptile sunbathing hours. I also felt safe on my bicycle, although many of the people I know prefer to hike with their boots on the ground.

While my personal experience at CREW is limited to the Bird Rookery Swamp trail, there are actually a whopping 40 miles worth of paths to explore. And, if you aren't a huge fan of hiking or biking, you can always try your hand at horseback riding at one of the horse-friendly trails. I do recommend the Bird Rookery Swamp trail, though, for wheelchair accessibility. Even though most of the trail is too grassy to be accessible, it does begin with a 1,500-foot boardwalk and 0.25 mile crushed shell trail that are absolutely stunning.

Sanibel Island has long been known as the Florida destination for people in search of relaxing sands, but the beach is far from the island's only attraction. Sanibel is actually home to about 10 miles of nature trails, including the gorgeous Shipley Trail at Bailey Homestead Preserve. This 2.5-mile out-and-back trail is the perfect place to wander after a long afternoon of shelling at Sanibel Beach. Shaded by wide palm fronds, this path provides tranquil greenery and a sense of serenity.

As many visitors to the island know, Sanibel has worked hard to maintain a nostalgic taste of Old Florida. At the Shipley Trail, the crushed shell pathways and wild palm trees are reminiscent of another era. During my childhood, it was common to walk on crushed shell paths at places like public playgrounds or the grocery store parking lot. Even my elementary school used them to connect buildings! As the years have gone by and development in Florida has increased, these traditional old trails have been paved over or even replaced with boardwalks. Now, the Shipley Trail is an awesome place to get a taste of the Florida that many locals remember fondly.