Everglades National Park Guide
QUICK GLANCE
Location: South Florida, United States
Time needed (minimum noted): 1 day
When to Visit: December-May
Activities: Wildlife viewing, walking, bicycling, birdwatching, kayaking, boating
Advanced Reservations Required: No
Lodging Style: Camping, budget, mid-range, and luxury
Where to Stay: In the Parking (Camping and mid-range), Homestead, Florida City, Miami, Everglades City, and Chokoloskee
Fixed Costs: Park Entrance Fee
Transportation: Car required
Road Trip Option: Yes
Accessible Activities: Yes
INTRODUCTION
Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, preserving 1.5 million acres of wetland, forest, and marine habitats that support an extraordinary diversity of plants and animals. Established in 1947, the park protects this globally significant ecosystem and offers visitors opportunities for wildlife viewing, paddling, hiking, scenic drives, and immersive nature experiences in a unique landscape often described as the “River of Grass.” Expect to learn how to plan your visit, key things to do, where to stay, access considerations, and tips for making the most of your time in this remarkable natural treasure.
WHY GO
Everglades National Park is worth visiting because it represents one of the most distinct and biodiverse environments in the world. It is home to iconic wildlife, including alligators, wading birds, turtles, and manatees, all set against a backdrop of vast marshes, mangrove forests, and slow-moving waters. The park’s ecological significance is recognized internationally, and it plays a crucial role in providing drinking water for South Florida communities. Activities range from wildlife-rich boardwalks and scenic drives to boat and kayak tours through coastal mangroves and the Ten Thousand Islands. Whether your goal is birdwatching, photography, canoeing, biking, or simply enjoying a sunset over Florida Bay, the Everglades delivers a nature experience unlike any other.
LOCATION
Everglades National Park is located in south Florida, stretching from just west of Miami through the southern tip of the Florida peninsula. The primary visitor entrances include:
- Homestead/Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center – near Homestead and Florida City, east side of the park
- Shark Valley Visitor Center – along the Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41), between Miami and Naples
- Gulf Coast Visitor Center – near Everglades City and Chokoloskee on the west side
These entrances serve as common starting points depending on the type of experience you want (wetlands, wildlife viewing, canoe/kayak access, or scenic drives).
TIME NEEDED (MINIMUM NOTED)
You need a minimum of one full day in the Everglades. This is enough time to explore one area of the park and take an airboat ride to see wildlife.
Everglades National Park is vast and roads inside the park do not directly connect all areas, so multiple days are needed to see multiple areas of the Park. See the Go Further section for ideas on how to spend several days in the Everglades.
WHEN TO VISIT
Everglades National Park has two primary seasons:
The Dry Season (December–April) is a great time to visit for pleasant weather, lower humidity, and fewer mosquitos. This is also the most popular time to visit, with more wildlife visible around water sources and better conditions for hiking, biking, and paddling.
The Wet Season (May–November), which also overlaps with Hurricane season, provides higher temperatures, humidity, and mosquitos. Afternoon thunderstorms are frequent and common. Water levels are higher, which can benefit boating and kayaking, but weather conditions can be unpredictable.
Overall, the dry season is considered the best time for most visitors, especially those focused on wildlife viewing and outdoor recreation.
BEST THINGS TO DO & MUST SEE
Anhinga Trail & Royal Palm Area
A short, accessible boardwalk trail where visitors can often see alligators, turtles, and wading birds in the shallow waters. This is one of the most iconic wildlife viewing areas in the park. Second to the air boat ride, this was one of our favorite experiences in the Everglades. The Boardwalk is short and easy, and we saw several alligators. It was a bit shocking how close you can get to these creatures.
Take an Airboat Ride
There are a number of Air Boat providers throughout the Everglades. There are also mixed opinions on the harm air boats cause to the surrounding environment. We took an air boat ride on our one day in the Everglades and it was a highlight of the trip. The ride did include education about the Everglades ecosystem, invasive species, and overall as a very enriching experience that helped deepen our appreciation and understanding of the Park.
We used Air Boat Ride Cooper Town America (22700 Southwest 8th Street Miami, FL 33194) and a had a great experience.
Shark Valley
A 15-mile loop ideal for biking or the tram tour, with an observation tower offering panoramic views of the “River of Grass.”
Flamingo & Florida Bay
The Flamingo area is located at the far southern tip of Florida. The area offers boat tours, fishing, paddling, kayaking, and scenic views of Florida Bay making it a great spot for sunset photography.
Ten Thousand Islands
A labyrinth of mangrove islands accessible by boat or kayak, offering authentic backcountry exploration and wildlife watching. (Note: Boat tours and launches are available through park partners in Everglades City.)
Backcountry Wilderness Campsites
For experienced outdoor adventurers, wilderness camping permits allow overnight stays at remote sites accessible by canoe/kayak or boat.
ACCESSIBLE ACTIVITIES
Everglades National Park includes a range of accessible facilities and programs designed for visitors with mobility needs:
- Accessible boat tours (assistance required to get in and out of boat)
- Paved boardwalks and short trails (e.g., portions of Anhinga Trail, boardwalk sections is a great accessible trail that facilitates wildlife viewing)
LODGING STYLE AND WHERE TO STAY
Camping:
- Frontcountry campgrounds include Long Pine Key and Flamingo Campground, with basic amenities. Reservations are recommended during the busy dry season.
- Backcountry wilderness camping is available with permits and offers a more immersive outdoor experience.
Park Lodging / On-Site Accommodation:
- The new Flamingo Lodge & Restaurant opened in 2023 and the place received quite the makeover. The original lodge was built in 1966 and was a motel with 60 rooms. This old lodge was destroyed in 2006 by Hurricane Katrina. The new Flamingo Lodge has a variety of accommodation types ranging from hotel style rooms that include kitchentts, houseboats, camping, summer glamping, and winter glamping. In addition to dining, you can also book a range of activities such as boat tours, kayak rentals, and bike rentals. While we haven’t stayed here, this looks like a great option if you want an immersive Everglades experience and don’t want to have to do a lot of driving. Checkout their website at Flamingo Lodge – Flamingo Everglades for full details. (This is not sponsored and we have no affiliation to this establishment.
Nearby Town Lodging:
Several large and mid-city cities are nearby and serve as great jumping off points. Options include Homestead, Florida City, Miami, Everglades City, and Chokoloskee that offer a range of budget, mid-range, and luxury hotels outside the park boundaries.
FIXED COSTS
Entrance Fee (per vehicle): Approximately $35 – valid for 7 days.
Pedestrian/Cyclist Fee: Around $20.
Annual Pass and Other Passes: Options available; check NPS pricing.
Camping Fees: Modest cost (additional to entrance fee) depending on site and season.
TRANSPORTATION
A car is needed to access and navigate this large Park.
ROAD TRIP OPTIONS
The Everglades fits naturally into a South Florida road trip, and can easily be combined with Florida Keys itineraries, Big Cypress National Preserve, or Biscayne National Park.
TIPS
Plan for Mosquitoes year-round, and especially during the wet season, bring repellant and protective clothing.
Reserve “must do” activities like an air boat ride in advance.
Afternoon storms in summer are common. Start early to minimize disruptions and maximize outdoor time.
On your way to or from the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, stop at Robert is Here Fruit stand for milkshakes and smoothies. We ordered the key lime milkshake and it was delicious!
Address: 19200 SW 344th St, Homestead, FL 33034
GO FURTHER
With 2–3 days in the everglades you can experience multiple regions, including coastal areas like Flamingo, scenic trams or bike tours, paddling excursions, and ranger programs.
With 4 days you can engage in a deeper adventure including backcountry paddling, day trips into the Ten Thousand Islands, extended wildlife viewing, and sunset boat tours.
