A former fishing village with exquisite natural sceneries, Flamingo started out as a small coastal settlement, named after the wrongly identified roseate spoonbills that hung out here. Located at the eastern end of Cape Sable on the tip of the Florida peninsula, Flamingo faces the gorgeous Florida Bay and offers plenty of opportunities for tourists to soak in the relaxing atmosphere and breathe in a lungful of fresh air.
Although Flamingo isn’t really a place to write home about, nor is it exactly one of the most famous sites in Florida, the city does have a fair share of tourist spots to wow nature lovers. Had it not been tragically trashed by Hurricane Wilma in 2005, Flamingo would still have fully-equipped facilities for travellers. However, the marina and some retail and dining establishments have been restored and are now back in business.
Adventuring tourists can enjoy a number of outdoor pursuits including walking, trekking, hiking, fishing and camping, the latter being one of the most famous activities in Flamingo. Flamingo Gardens boasts a variety of rare, exotic plants, while the renowned Everglades National Park won’t disappoint the active lot or those looking for a close encounter with an alligator. This spacious park is a popular starting point for mind-blowing journeys and features exciting canoeing trails and challenging hiking routes.
Highlights
Flamingo Gardens: this 60-acre garden is a must-visit, unveiling beautiful, exotic native plants with a touch of fascinating history. Take a tour around the citrus groves, the ‘free-flight’ aviary and the Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary.
Everglades National Park: there’s nothing like Everglades National Park, covering more than 1.5 million acres of the Florida peninsula. Be fascinated by a wide range of habitats and enjoy exciting adventures through the rich jungles. Mind the alligators; they look distinctly like plastic toys.
Flamingo Campground: this large campground is perfect for any happy camper. First-class facilities are on offer and there are 64 campsites overlooking fabulous views of the ocean.
Western Everglades: not far from Flamingo are the Everglades, where you can take a boat tour, hike or bike to explore the area. There are many restaurants in Everglades City for hungry hikers.
Flamingo Marina: is a marvelous starting point for fishing expeditions. Located in Everglades National Park, the marina offers fishing trips and nature cruises. If you are lucky, you might get to meet and greet with crocodiles and alligators along the way.