Sawgrass Recreation Park

If you’re planning a trip to Fort Lauderdale, a visit to Sawgrass Recreation Park should be on your itinerary. Nestled in the Florida Everglades, this park offers a unique blend of adventure, nature, and local culture. Known for its exhilarating airboat rides and rich wildlife, it’s the perfect spot for a family outing, a solo adventure, or a fun day with friends. Let's dive into what makes Sawgrass Recreation Park a must-visit destination.

What to Know

Sawgrass Recreation Park is a launching pad to the Everglades, it provides an adventurous airboat ride. This attraction can be enjoyed by all ages and therefore, whether one is traveling with children or going on a singles trip, there will be something to look forward to. The park is open throughout the year, but it is important to bear in mind that the climate is quite warm and rather humid in summer. Wear comfortable clothing and be ready to get a little sunburned. 

How to Get There 

Transportation to Sawgrass Recreation Park from Fort Lauderdale is quite easy. The park is approximately a 30-minute drive from the central business district of the city. If you are not hiring a car, several tour companies provide packages that include transport. There are few options for public transportation, thus, the only way to get to this Everglades treasure is by car. 

Highlights

Airboat Adventure of a Lifetime:

Get ready for the best of Sawgrass – the airboat tours! Float over the meadows and glide through the mangrove forests and get to see alligators, birds, and other animals. It is as if one is walking into a real-life documentary, except that there is no voice-over (unless you have a guide who is a walking, talking encyclopedia!). 

Beyond the Boat:

The Sawgrass Park has other exhibit areas that one can visit. Visit the exhibit areas of the park and discover how the Everglades is as delicate as a piece of butterfly wings. You might even get a chance to see a rescued alligator or snake (though there is always a glass barrier between the viewer and these reptilian actors). 

A Taste of the Glades:

Eat at the Gator Grill after your expedition. This park restaurant features good Floridian cuisine ranging from gator bites (what a name!) to seafood and traditional American cuisine. 

Gator Nights:

Ever wanted to see the Everglades come alive after the sun has set? Sawgrass also provides ‘Gator Nights’ airboat tours that let you travel over the swamp at night. It is the only chance to observe the wildlife at night as well as the sounds of the night in the Everglades. 

Features 

Another attractive facility of the park is the Gator Grill where you could try some of the delicious local delicacies such as alligators. It is ideal for a meal after an airboat ride or before proceeding on a fishing trip.

The park also has private tours for those who would like to tour the park without the company of other people. These tours are self-drive tours that enable you to visit the Everglades on your own while a guide responds to your questions. 

Do not leave the place without visiting the halls with the animals that were saved, such as panthers, leopards, and, of course, alligators. This is a good opportunity to become familiar with the inhabitants of the Everglades area. 

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Sawgrass Recreation Park is during the cooler months of the year, from November to April. During this time, the weather is more comfortable, and the wildlife is more active. However, if you're up for a bit of heat, summer visits can also be enjoyable, especially with fewer crowds.