Explore the captivating wilderness of Everglades National Park with our travel guide, filled with essential information on main attractions, activities, accommodations, and travel tips to optimize your adventure. Discover the extensive biodiversity, including alligators, flamingos, and manatees, while hiking, camping, or canoeing through unique ecosystems.
Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park in Florida is a network of wetlands and forests fueled by a slow-moving river flowing out of Lake Okeechobee into Florida Bay. It's known for its large array of wildlife, including alligators, panthers, manatees, flamingos, and an extensive variety of bird species. Here is a travel guide to help you plan your visit to this unique national park.
Where is the Everglades National Park?
Everglades National Park is located in the southern tip of the state of Florida, USA. The main entrance to the park is near the city of Homestead. Miami and Fort Lauderdale are the closest major cities to the park, with their airports being the most convenient for those traveling by air to visit the Everglades. The park spans across Miami-Dade, Monroe, and Collier counties and protects a unique and fragile ecosystem, featuring a mix of freshwater and coastal habitats.
When to Visit
The best time to visit Everglades National Park is during the dry season, between December and April. During these months, the weather is cooler and more pleasant, the mosquitos are less prevalent, and the park’s wildlife is more active and easier to observe. This is also the peak tourist season, so advanced planning and booking are recommended to secure accommodations and tours. Visitors during this period can fully enjoy the range of outdoor activities the park offers, such as hiking, bird watching, airboat tours, and camping, without the discomforts of the humid and rainy conditions prevalent in the wet season.
Getting There
To get to Everglades National Park, you have a few different options, depending largely on where you are traveling from. Here is a basic overview:
From Nearby Cities:
Driving: The most common way to get to the park is by car. If you're coming from Miami or Fort Lauderdale, take the U.S. Route 1 to Florida City and then follow signs for Everglades National Park. The main entrance to the park is near the city of Homestead, Florida.
From Further Afield:
Flying: If you're coming from out of state or internationally, fly into Miami International Airport (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). Both airports have rental car facilities.
Directions to Main Park Entrances:
Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center (Main Entrance):
Address: 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead, FL 33034
From Miami or Fort Lauderdale, take the Florida Turnpike (Route 821) south until it ends, merging with U.S. 1 at Florida City. Turn right at the first traffic light onto State Road 9336 (Palm Drive) and follow signs to the park.
Shark Valley Visitor Center:
Address: 36000 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33194
From Miami, take the Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41/SW 8th St) west to Shark Valley.
Gulf Coast Visitor Center:
Address: 815 Oyster Bar Lane, Everglades City, FL 34139
From Naples, take U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail) east to Everglades City, then turn south on State Road 29 and follow signs to the park.
What to Bring
Clothing: Lightweight, long-sleeved clothing, hats, and sunglasses.
Protection: Sunscreen, insect repellent, and water shoes.
Equipment: Binoculars for bird watching and a camera.
Main Attractions
Anhinga Trail: Renowned for abundant wildlife; offers opportunities to see alligators, birds, turtles, and fish up close, suitable for a brief, immersive experience in the Everglades’ ecosystems.
Shark Valley: Features a tram tour and a 15-mile loop road for biking, walking, and wildlife observation, with an observation tower providing panoramic views of the Everglades.
Flamingo Visitor Center: Hub for tours and rentals with opportunities to see manatees, crocodiles, and flamingos; offers access to Florida Bay for canoeing and kayaking and serves as a starting point for backcountry trips.
Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center: Main visitor center offering maps, information, and exhibits about the park's ecosystems; great place to start your visit.
Royal Palm Visitor Center: Starting point for the Anhinga Trail and Gumbo Limbo Trail, offering ranger-led programs for learning about the park’s flora and fauna.
Pa-hay-okee Overlook: Features a short boardwalk leading to an observation platform with sweeping views of the “River of Grass.”
Mahogany Hammock Trail: Leads through a dense forest home to the largest living mahogany tree in the United States.
Long Pine Key: Offers serene pine forest landscapes, a campground, hiking trails, and fishing opportunities.
Boat Tours: Various tours available, including glass-bottom boat tours for exploring the park’s aquatic environments and spotting marine life and birds.
Activities
Airboat Tours: Experience the unique ecosystems of the Everglades.
Hiking: Explore various trails such as the Pineland Trail and the Pahayokee Overlook.
Bird Watching: The park is home to 350 bird species, including the rare Roseate Spoonbill and the American Flamingo.
Fishing: Rich in both freshwater and saltwater fish, including tarpon and snook.
Camping: Backcountry and front-country camping options are available.
Canoeing and Kayaking: Explore the mangrove waterways and freshwater marshes.
Where to Stay when Visiting the Everglades National Park
When visiting Everglades National Park, choosing where to stay can depend on your preferences, budget, and the activities you plan to do. Here are several options:
Inside the Park:
Flamingo Campgrounds: Located at the Flamingo Visitor Center, offering both tent and RV sites, some with amenities.
Long Pine Key Campground: Offers facilities for tents and RVs and is located near the Long Pine Key Trail and a fishing pond.
Backcountry Camping: For experienced adventurers, there are several backcountry camping sites accessible by boat.
Note: Accommodations inside the park are more rustic, primarily offering camping options, and it’s crucial to book well in advance, especially during peak season.
Near the Park:
Homestead: Close to the main entrance of the park, Homestead offers a range of accommodations, including hotels, motels, and inns, with varied pricing.
Florida City: Located near Homestead, this is another suitable option with a variety of hotels and motels, ideal for those who prefer staying in a town setting.
Miami:
If you prefer more urban and upscale accommodations and don’t mind a bit of a drive, Miami offers a wide range of options, including luxury hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals.
Everglades City:
For those entering the park from the Gulf Coast Visitor Center, Everglades City offers smaller hotels, inns, and vacation rentals, and is closer to the park's western entrance.
Naples:
Located to the west of the park, Naples offers a mix of accommodations, including high-end resorts, hotels, and vacation rentals, with more dining and entertainment options.
Things to Remember
Permits and Fees: Check for any required permits and fees, especially for camping and backcountry access.
Safety: Stay a safe distance from wildlife, particularly alligators and snakes.
Hydration: The climate can be hot and humid, so stay hydrated.
Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash and leave natural and cultural features as you find them.
Plan Ahead: Especially during peak season, plan and book in advance for accommodations and guided tours.
