A clean double-queen hotel room with white bedding and a bright window, ideal for Everglades travelers.

Everglades Rod & Gun Club

Fresh Gulf seafood, Old Florida atmosphere, and key lime pie worth the detour.

(695)
$$$$Everglades City, FL

About

The Rod & Gun Club has been here since the 1850s, and it feels like it. The main clubhouse is packed with old mounts, fishing photos, and relics that actually belong there. It's not staged nostalgia. It's just a place that never stopped being itself.

The restaurant is the main event for day visitors. Seafood comes in fresh from the Gulf, and the preparation is straightforward in the best way. Get the key lime pie. Seriously. People drive out here just for that slice, and they're not wrong to do it. The deck overlooking the river is where you want to sit when the weather cooperates.

Everglades City sits on the Gulf Coast side of the park, about 35 miles from Naples and a world away from the main Everglades entrance near Homestead. If you're doing the Ten Thousand Islands, Fakahatchee Strand, or the backcountry paddling routes, this is a natural stop. The marina connects you to local captains running fishing charters and water tours.

Families are welcome, dogs too. The vibe is relaxed in a way that's genuinely hard to find. Lunch and dinner service, dine-in or takeout. The property also has cottages and a pool if you're staying overnight, which makes it a solid base for a few days on the Gulf Coast side of the Everglades.

Amenities

Dine-In

Reviews (695)

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4.2

695 reviews

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The Rod & Gun is truly one of a kind! We’ve visited several times over the past eight years, including a memorable Thanksgiving stay with our two adult sons. Each trip has been a joy, and the memories we’ve created there mean so much to us. Sometimes we head out on the water with a local captain to fish; other times we simply stay a night or two to soak in the atmosphere—the inviting pool, excellent restaurant, charming town, and the tranquility that surrounds it. Its fascinating history, from tales of drug running to hosting U.S. Presidents, adds even more character! You'll enjoy learning all about that, and reading old newspaper articles that are posted on the walls in the entry way. I always leave feeling completely relaxed, grateful for its authentic “Old Florida” charm. The rooms, while unpretentious, are consistently clean, comfortable and attractive. We’re especially fond of Taylor, one of the family members who helps run the property. She makes an incredible fish “Roxie,” which we look forward to eating every time we visit! And if you’re a fan of stone crab, Everglades City proudly claims the title of Stone Crab Capital of the World! There’s so much to appreciate there—discover it for yourself! Its understated beauty is what makes it such a gem!

Ryan Boone
Ryan Boone

6 months ago

Had an excellent dinner at the restaurant. We both had seafood which was very fresh and perfectly prepared. Service was also excellent! The key lime pie was the absolute best we’ve ever had and worth a stop just for that. Definitely will be back. Can’t speak to the hotel or rooms, however, the lobby is super cool.

Jason Brick
Jason Brick

6 months ago

Absolutely freaking love this place. Its such a chill spot to relax and just be. The main building, clubhouse with a great restaurant and bar is like stepping back in time, with old mounts, reliks, and photos since the beginning of its time. Its a great home base for exploring, fishing, and all the other things things the Everglades has to offer, then come back to your cottage and sit around the fire and grill with your friends . Looking forward to our stay next year already 🤙

Eric
Eric

7 months ago

Set your watch back to the bygone era of Old Florida, and luxuriate in the surroundings of a well worn lodge. Complete with original furnishings and super comfortable rooms for dining, drinking amd sharing tales about the fish that got away. The friendly and funny proprietress Patty and her lovely daughter Taylor (who doubles as Head Chef), make guests feel as if they are all part of the family. The pool area is zen, out back on the great lawn is the perfect spot to relax and watch the water flow, and the numerous birds as they take flight over this magnificent property. Rooms are cozy and spotless. The menu is filled with local grouper and crabs. Burgers well seasoned and seared in vintage cast iron pans. And Denise and Slade are incredibly hospitable. All in all, the kind of experience you just can’t find anymore. As someone lucky enough to have stayed in fishing/hunting lodges around the world, The Everglades Rod & Gun Club is in a class by itself! Hope this 1864 treasure is around another 162 years!

Jonathan Knowles
Jonathan Knowles

4 months ago

We came for dinner and it was delightful. Food and service were very good. The old world charm and view from the deck were what really made it special. Add in the history and local feel and it is definitely worth a visit.

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