Nestled near Florida’s southern tip, Everglades City is a gateway to natural wonders, rich history, and culinary delights, making it a must-visit during your Marco Island vacation. In this post, we will explore the town’s unique history, its contributions to art, culture, gastronomy, and its plethora of outdoor activities. 

When you are staying in Marco Island vacation rentals, a day trip to Everglades City promises adventure, delicious seafood, and a glimpse into Florida’s bygone days.

About Everglades City

Located southeast of Naples, near Florida’s southern tip, Everglades City is often termed the gateway to Ten Thousand Islands. This designated trail town is an essential hub for several renowned paddling trails, including the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. The town, infused with natural beauty, offers diverse activities. 

Visitors can canoe through the mangrove tunnels, embark on fishing excursions, and hike through the Big Cypress National Preserve. Furthermore, the annual Everglades Seafood Festival in February offers a unique taste of traditional Florida, providing a lively and laid-back atmosphere alongside sumptuous seafood.

History

Originally inhabited by the Calusa over 2,000 years ago, the area has seen transformation through centuries, with modern-day settlement beginning after the Civil War by William Smith Allen. Upon his demise in 1889, George Storter Jr. acquired the land for a mere $800, a stark contrast to its value today as the gateway to the legendary Florida Everglades and the Stone Crab Capital of the World.

Barron G. Collier, a millionaire who became Florida’s largest private landowner in the 1920s, significantly influenced the town’s evolution. His contribution to completing the Tamiami Trail linked Everglades City, then known as Everglade, to Tampa and Miami, fostering connectivity and development. The town, which served as the Collier County seat until 1961, underwent a name change to Everglades City in 1965 post the impact of Hurricane Donna.

Historical landmarks like the Rod & Gun Club, established in 1925, have seen the likes of Ernest Hemingway and Dwight D. Eisenhower echoing tales of hunting and fishing excursions. The Museum of the Everglades, housed in the town’s old laundry building, and the Historic Smallwood Store Museum on Chokoloskee Island offer glimpses into the lives of the Native Americans and pioneers who thrived in this unique ecosystem.

From its early days as a modest fishing village to its status as a vibrant hub for nature enthusiasts, seafood lovers, and history buffs, Everglades City stands as a testament to the resilience and diversity of its landscapes and people. Whether you’re drawn to its historical charm, the allure of the nearby Everglades City, Florida, or the promise of unique experiences, Everglades City offers a rich tapestry of memories waiting to be explored.

Things to Do in Everglades City

Here’s a quick list of some of the top things to do in Everglades City while staying at one of the premier Marco Island vacation rentals.

Visit Everglades National Park

Just an hour’s drive from the urban jungle of Miami, Everglades National Park offers a tranquil escape into 1.5 million acres of diverse ecosystems. Renowned globally, it’s a National Park, an International Biosphere Reserve, a Wetland of International Importance, and a World Heritage Site. With three main entry points offering distinct experiences, visitors can explore the unique habitats, spot alligators, and immerse themselves in the mesmerizing landscapes that make this park a must-visit.

Take An Airboat Tour

Experience the thrill of Everglades City airboat tours during your next visit to Marco Island. Navigate through cypress forests on a swamp buggy and encounter wild alligators, diverse birdlife, and more. These tours offer a unique perspective of the Everglades, ensuring safety, comfort, and an educational adventure for friends and family. Don’t miss the opportunity to hold a baby alligator and take home unforgettable memories and gifts!

Go to the Museum of the Everglades

Journey through history at the Museum of the Everglades. Originally a commercial laundry, this National Register of Historic Places-listed building is a testament to Everglades City’s vibrant past. Explore the museum’s exhibits chronicling over 2,000 years of human history in the region, and learn about the tenacious settlers of “Florida’s Last Frontier.” Located conveniently from Naples and Miami, it’s a leisurely drive across the “River of Grass” to this historical treasure.

Take An Eco Tour

For a more intimate encounter with the Everglades, join a kayak eco-tour. Limited to small groups, these tours offer a serene paddle through the majestic mangrove forests, providing a unique chance to observe the awakening wildlife. 

Whether watching birds take flight or spotting alligators, every tour is a mystical experience. Sunrise tours are especially recommended during summer, allowing guests to experience the Everglades in the cool morning ambiance. All essentials are provided, ensuring a hassle-free adventure.

Restaurants in Everglades City 

After exploring the Everglades, you will surely be hungry, and what better food to eat than seafood? Here are some of the best options for winding down after a day of adventure. 

City Seafood

Nestled in the quaint fishing village of Everglades City, just half a mile off Highway 29 on Begonia Street, City Seafood offers a dining experience enriched with panoramic views of Florida’s unique wildlife – from pelicans and seagulls to manatees, tarpon, and even alligators frolicking in the Barron River. 

Visitors can choose between the vibrancy of indoor dining or the tranquility of outdoor seating, all while savoring the freshest seafood and stone crabs sourced directly from the restaurant’s fishing and Stone Crab boats. The recently opened Beach Bar adds a splash of spirited enjoyment to the mix, serving a variety of liquors. 

In addition to the dining experience, City Seafood boasts a Seafood Market where patrons can purchase an array of fresh seafood, including grouper, scallops, gator meat, oysters, Gulf shrimp, frog legs, mullet, Florida Lobster tail, Stone Crabs, and softshell Blue Crabs. With plenty of ice, guests can bring coolers to transport their seafood treasures home.

Triad Seafood Market

Established in 1984, Triad Seafood Market is a family-owned and operated gem on the historic Barron River. Renowned for its commitment to freshness, quality, and friendly service, Triad Seafood has garnered a devoted clientele who frequent the establishment and form the cornerstone of its enduring success. 

The introduction of “All You Can Eat” Stone Crabs in 2007 has become a crowd-pleaser, inviting diners to test their appetites against the delectable crustaceans. The restaurant’s screened deck extends over the water, providing a serene setting for guests to relax and immerse themselves in the picturesque surroundings, observe passing fishing boats, and watch birds and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Triad Seafood is more than a restaurant; it’s a place where customers become friends, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of the community.

Book Your Marco Island Vacation Rentals With Clausen Properties

Seeking a homely alternative to hotels for your getaway? Consider Clausen Properties’ Marco Island house rentals, offering a harmonious blend of private and communal spaces, perfect for creating lasting memories with your loved ones. Whether with family, friends, or your furry companion, these homes are spacious with amenities like fully-equipped kitchens to cater to your every need.

For over 35 years, the Clausen family has been at the forefront of providing luxurious vacation properties, as well as pet-friendly vacation properties, in Marco Island and Naples, priding themselves on excellent customer service. Whether you are exploring rental options or considering listing your property, Clausen Properties is your go-to for premium real estate in the area.

Get in touch today, and let Clausen Properties turn your Marco Island stay into an extraordinary vacation experience, with the best of the island waiting to be discovered right at your doorstep.