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Everglades National Park occupies the southern tip of Florida and protects the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an International Biosphere Reserve, and a Wetland of International Importance, it is widely recognized as one of the most ecologically significant landscapes on Earth.
The park covers roughly 1.5 million acres and encompasses a mosaic of sawgrass prairies, mangrove forests, freshwater sloughs, coastal marshes, and pine rocklands. This is not a conventional park with dramatic peaks or canyons — its character is defined by flatness, slow-moving water, immense sky, and an extraordinary density of wildlife.
More than 360 bird species have been recorded here, making it a premier destination for birdwatchers. American alligators and American crocodiles both inhabit the park — one of the few places on Earth where these two large reptiles coexist. Florida panthers, West Indian manatees, and bottlenose dolphins are present but rarely seen.
The park has three main entry points with distinct character: the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center near Homestead in the east, the Shark Valley area accessed from US-41 (Tamiami Trail) to the north, and the Gulf Coast area near Everglades City to the northwest. Visitors should plan to spend time in more than one area to appreciate the park's diversity.
Before You Go
Seasons matter significantly here
The Everglades has two seasons: a dry season (roughly November–April) and a wet season (May–October). The dry season brings concentrated wildlife around shrinking water sources and is the recommended time for most visitors. Temperatures are mild, mosquito populations are more manageable, and hiking trails are accessible. The wet season brings intense heat, humidity, afternoon thunderstorms, and mosquitoes in numbers that can be genuinely overwhelming — insect repellent becomes essential.
Entrance fees
The park charges an entrance fee per vehicle, individual, or motorcycle. Fees are subject to change; check the official National Park Service website at nps.gov/ever for current rates. The America the Beautiful annual pass covers entry to all US national parks and is worth considering if you plan to visit multiple parks.
What to bring
- High-SPF sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat — shade is scarce
- Insect repellent (DEET-based is most effective here)
- More water than you think you need
- Binoculars for wildlife and bird observation
- Waterproof footwear if you plan to wade or kayak
- A paper or downloaded offline map — cell coverage is unreliable throughout the park
Health considerations
Mosquito-borne illnesses are a real concern during wet season. The park service may issue alerts about conditions; check before arrival. Snakes — including several venomous species — are present; watch where you step on trails and near water.
Getting There
By air
The closest major airport is Miami International Airport (MIA), approximately 35–40 miles from the Ernest F. Coe entrance near Homestead. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is a comparable alternative, roughly 50 miles away. Naples Airport (APF) is the closest option to the Gulf Coast entrance.
By car
A personal vehicle or rental car is the most practical way to reach and move through the park. From Miami, the main eastern entrance is reached via Florida's Turnpike south to Homestead, then via SR-9336. The Shark Valley entrance is accessed from US-41 (Tamiami Trail) west of Miami. The Gulf Coast entrance near Everglades City is reached via US-41 west then SR-29 south. Distances between the three main areas are significant — driving from the eastern entrance to the Gulf Coast entrance takes roughly two hours via roads outside the park.
No public transit
There is no scheduled public bus or rail service into the park. Some guided tour operators depart from Miami and the Keys; verify availability and pickup points locally or with your accommodation.
Getting Around
Inside the park, a personal vehicle is the primary means of getting around. The main road from the Ernest F. Coe entrance, called the Main Park Road, runs approximately 38 miles south and west to Flamingo on the Florida Bay, passing trailheads, overlooks, and the Royal Palm area.
Cycling
The Shark Valley area has a popular 15-mile paved loop road that is flat and well-suited to bicycles. Bikes can be rented at the Shark Valley Tram Tour concession (verify current availability and hours on-site or via nps.gov/ever). Cycling is also permitted on the Main Park Road, though distances are long and there is no shade.
Tram tours
The Shark Valley tram tour is a narrated two-hour open-air tram ride around the loop road and is one of the most accessible ways to see wildlife without walking long distances. Trams are operated by a concessionaire; book in advance during peak season as they fill up.
Boating and kayaking
Water-based travel is central to experiencing the park's backcountry and Gulf Coast areas. Kayak and canoe rentals are available at Flamingo and the Gulf Coast area — verify current operators and availability at nps.gov/ever. A system of marked canoe trails includes the 99-mile Wilderness Waterway between Flamingo and Everglades City, intended for experienced paddlers.
Where to Stay
Inside the park
Lodging options inside the park are limited. The Flamingo area at the southern tip has a campground and, as of recent years, glamping-style accommodations have been introduced by a concessionaire — verify current availability and booking at nps.gov/ever or through the park's official concessionaire. The Long Pine Key campground near the eastern entrance is another option. Backcountry camping by permit is available for experienced wilderness visitors.
Near the park
Homestead and Florida City, just outside the eastern entrance, offer a range of motels, hotels, and guesthouses catering to park visitors across several price points. Everglades City, near the Gulf Coast entrance, has a small selection of lodges and inns. Naples, about 35 miles north of the Gulf Coast entrance, offers a wider selection of accommodation including upscale hotels.
Book well in advance for visits between December and March, especially around US holiday weekends. Verify all rates and availability directly with properties or booking platforms.
Things to See & Do
Wildlife viewing
Wildlife observation is the park's primary draw. The Anhinga Trail at Royal Palm (near the eastern entrance) is one of the most productive short wildlife walks in any US national park — anhinga birds, great blue herons, purple gallinules, and alligators are regularly visible at close range. The Mrazek and Eco ponds near Flamingo attract large concentrations of wading birds in the dry season.
Hiking
The park has a network of mostly flat trails ranging from short boardwalk loops to longer backcountry routes. Notable trails include:
- Anhinga Trail (0.8 miles, Royal Palm) — outstanding wildlife, fully accessible boardwalk
- Gumbo Limbo Trail (0.4 miles, Royal Palm) — hammock forest environment
- Pineland Trail (0.4 miles) — pine rockland ecosystem
- Pa-hay-okee Overlook Trail (0.4 miles) — elevated platform over sawgrass prairie
- Coastal Prairie Trail (7.6 miles round trip, Flamingo) — for experienced hikers only in dry season
Airboat tours (outside the park)
Airboat rides are not permitted inside Everglades National Park but operate extensively in adjacent areas including Big Cypress National Preserve and private lands along the Tamiami Trail. These tours offer a different — and loud — perspective on the ecosystem and are popular with visitors.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted in designated areas with a valid Florida fishing license. The park is known for tarpon, snook, redfish, and largemouth bass. Regulations change; verify current rules at nps.gov/ever before fishing.
Ranger-led programs
The park service offers guided walks, talks, and canoe programs, particularly during peak season. Check the current schedule at visitor centers on arrival.
Food & Drink
Dining options inside the park are very limited. There is a small café concession at the Flamingo Visitor Center area, but availability and hours vary by season — do not rely on it as your primary food source. Shark Valley and the Gulf Coast visitor centers have no significant food service.
Bring your own food and plenty of water for any day in the park. Reusable water bottle fill stations are available at some visitor centers.
In Homestead and Florida City, you will find a broad range of casual restaurants, fast food chains, and some family-owned places serving Cuban and Floridian cuisine reflecting the area's multicultural community. Everglades City has a small number of local restaurants, several of which specialize in fresh seafood — stone crab, grouper, and mullet are local staples when in season. Verify seasonal hours locally, as some small establishments may keep reduced hours outside peak months.
Practical Information
Cell coverage and connectivity
Cell service is unreliable throughout most of the park. Download offline maps and any NPS materials before you enter. The park's visitor centers have Wi-Fi in some cases — verify on arrival.
Visitor centers
The main visitor centers are Ernest F. Coe (eastern entrance), Royal Palm, Flamingo, Shark Valley, and Gulf Coast (Everglades City). All provide maps, ranger assistance, and current conditions information. Opening hours vary by season; confirm at nps.gov/ever.
Accessibility
The Anhinga Trail and several other short boardwalk trails are wheelchair accessible. The Shark Valley tram tour accommodates mobility-limited visitors. The park's backcountry and paddling areas require significant physical capability. The NPS website has detailed accessibility information.
Pets
Pets are permitted in the park but must remain on a leash no longer than six feet at all times. They are not allowed on most trails, in backcountry areas, or in watercraft concession areas. Given the presence of alligators and other wildlife, exercise extreme caution with pets near water.
Emergencies
The park has ranger stations, but response times in remote areas can be lengthy. Carry a charged phone and consider a satellite communicator device if venturing into the backcountry. For emergencies, contact park dispatch via the visitor centers or by calling the park's main line — verify the current number at nps.gov/ever. Dial 911 for life-threatening emergencies.
Safety
Wildlife
Alligators are abundant and should never be fed — it is illegal and makes them dangerous to humans. Maintain a respectful distance from all wildlife. Do not swim in freshwater areas; alligators may be present even where not immediately visible. Crocodiles inhabit the saltwater and brackish areas near Flamingo and the Gulf Coast.
Water and heat
Dehydration and heat exhaustion are genuine risks, particularly in warmer months. Carry significantly more water than you expect to need. Start hikes early in the morning to avoid peak afternoon heat. The park environment offers almost no shade on open trails.
Lightning
Afternoon thunderstorms are frequent and can be severe during the wet season. If you see lightning or hear thunder, seek shelter immediately — open prairies and elevated platforms offer no protection.
Getting lost
The landscape is flat and visually repetitive. Trail markers exist but GPS devices and downloaded offline maps add a meaningful safety margin, especially for kayakers and backcountry hikers. Always tell someone your planned route and expected return time before entering backcountry areas.
Sun
UV exposure is intense at this latitude. Sunscreen, protective clothing, and a hat are not optional — they are necessities.
