Discover Everglades City
From the deck of the Nautical Mile
Tucked away at the western edge of the Everglades, Everglades City, Florida, is a place unlike any other. With its unique blend of history, nature, and charm, this small city offers an authentic experience of Florida’s wild side. From its roots as a pioneer settlement to its role as a gateway to the famed Everglades National Park, Everglades City has long captured the imagination of visitors, filmmakers, and adventurers alike.
A Storied Past
Everglades City was founded in the late 19th century but came into prominence in the early 20th century when it became the headquarters for the construction of the Tamiami Trail—an ambitious road project linking Tampa to Miami. Before that, it was little more than a rugged fishing village surrounded by mangroves, marshes, and the seemingly endless expanse of the Everglades.
Barron Collier, a wealthy advertising magnate, played a pivotal role in the city’s development. In the 1920s, Collier chose the area as the base of operations for building the Tamiami Trail, and the town soon flourished with new infrastructure and housing. It was officially incorporated as a city in 1923.
Despite its early growth, Everglades City has always remained small in population but large in personality. Over the years, it weathered hurricanes, economic ups and downs, and even a drug smuggling scandal in the 1980s that put it on the national map for all the wrong reasons. Yet through it all, the city retained its rugged charm and natural beauty.
A Nature Lover’s Paradise
Today, Everglades City is best known as the western gateway to Everglades National Park and the Ten Thousand Islands—a maze of mangrove islets and tidal creeks that extend southward toward the Gulf of Mexico. The area is a dream destination for kayakers, bird watchers, fishermen, and eco-tourists.
The Gulf Coast Visitor Center for Everglades National Park is located right in town, serving as a launching point for boat tours and backcountry camping adventures. Canoe trails wind through mangrove tunnels, and sightings of manatees, dolphins, and a wide array of bird species—including roseate spoonbills and bald eagles—are common.
Just outside town is Big Cypress National Preserve, another jewel in the region. Here, visitors can explore cypress swamps, hardwood hammocks, and pine forests teeming with wildlife like panthers, black bears, and alligators. The preserve is also home to some of the best scenic drives in Florida, including Loop Road and Turner River Road.
Famous Places and Landmarks
One of Everglades City’s most iconic landmarks is the historic Rod & Gun Club. Originally built in the 1860s as a trading post, it evolved into a hotel and social hub over the decades. Famous for its Old Florida charm, the Rod & Gun Club has hosted presidents, movie stars, and adventurers. The club still operates as a restaurant and lounge, with taxidermy-lined walls and photos of its many famous visitors.
Another must-visit spot is the Museum of the Everglades, housed in a restored 1920s laundry building. The museum offers an insightful look into the city’s past—from Native American history and early settler life to the construction of the Tamiami Trail and the drug smuggling era of the 1980s.
Everglades City is also famous for its stone crab industry. The Stone Crab Festival, held each October, celebrates the start of the harvesting season and draws thousands of visitors who come to enjoy fresh seafood, live music, and local culture.
Lights, Camera, Everglades
Thanks to its untouched landscapes and timeless ambiance, Everglades City has served as the backdrop for several films and television productions. Perhaps most famously, scenes from the 1995 crime thriller Just Cause, starring Sean Connery and Laurence Fishburne, were filmed here. The movie made use of the area’s mysterious waterways and moss-draped trees to enhance its moody atmosphere.
The rugged terrain and isolated beauty of the Ten Thousand Islands and Big Cypress Preserve have also been featured in nature documentaries, including several produced by National Geographic and PBS. The city’s rustic charm and scenic surroundings continue to make it a favored location for filmmakers seeking authenticity.
Notable Visitors and Local Legends
Over the years, Everglades City has attracted a diverse range of visitors from politicians and movie stars to adventurers and conservationists.
Former presidents including Harry Truman and Dwight Eisenhower visited the Rod & Gun Club, drawn by the promise of world-class fishing and Southern hospitality. Ernest Hemingway is rumored to have passed through during his Florida travels, though concrete evidence is sparse.
More recently, Everglades City has become a favorite stop for celebrity chefs and travel personalities. Anthony Bourdain, in his Parts Unknown series, featured the area’s seafood and rough-hewn culture in a segment that emphasized the uniqueness of Florida’s Gulf Coast. Renowned chefs like Emeril Lagasse and Andrew Zimmern have also visited, exploring the city’s culinary offerings and traditional crab shacks.
The city is also home to its own share of legends. One such figure is Totch Brown, a local fisherman, author, and Everglades philosopher who became known for his storytelling and deep connection to the swamp. His book Totch: A Life in the Everglades remains a cult classic among fans of regional history and folklore.
A Community That Endures
Though it has seen its share of challenges, Everglades City remains a tightly knit community. Hurricanes, especially Hurricane Irma in 2017, have left their mark, flooding homes and disrupting lives. Yet each time, residents have rebuilt, driven by a fierce love for their town and its surroundings.
Tourism, fishing, and eco-guiding are the economic lifelines of the city today. While it may lack the gloss of more commercialized Florida destinations, that’s exactly what makes it special. Visitors are drawn to its authenticity, its warm and welcoming locals, and the sense that time moves just a bit slower here.
Everglades City is a place where the wild heart of Florida still beats strong. It’s a haven for those seeking adventure, solitude, and a touch of the old world. Whether you’re exploring the mangroves by kayak, enjoying a sunset seafood dinner, or simply wandering the quiet streets, you’ll find that this little city offers something rare—a genuine connection to nature and history that is increasingly hard to find.
For anyone wanting to experience Florida beyond the theme parks and beaches, Everglades City offers an unforgettable journey into the soul of the swamp.
