Everglades National Park — Anhinga Trail

This half-mile boardwalk loop at Royal Palm is the most reliable gator sighting in the Everglades, sitting over a slough where gators gather year-round, thickest in the winter dry season (December to April) when water levels drop and wildlife concentrates. Go early to beat both heat and crowds. Gators here sometimes rest right beside or on the paved path; give them the full width of the trail and never step around one to get closer. It is illegal to feed or harass wildlife in the park.