Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is the third-largest national park in the contiguous United States, protecting over 1.5 million acres of subtropical wilderness in the southwestern tip of Florida. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and Ramsar Wetland of International Importance — one of only three places on Earth to hold all three designations — the Everglades is unlike any other landscape in North America. Often described as a "river of grass," it is not a swamp in the conventional sense but a vast, slow-moving sheet of freshwater flowing southward from Lake Okeechobee to Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The park was established in 1947 and today is the largest remaining subtropical wilderness in the United States. It shelters critically endangered species including the Florida panther, American crocodile, and West Indian manatee, alongside over 1,000 plant species and an extraordinary diversity of birdlife — ospreys, roseate spoonbills, wood storks, ibises, herons, and egrets among them.

What makes the Everglades distinctive is its deceptive flatness. The terrain shifts dramatically on a scale of mere inches: Dade County slash pine forest occupies the highest ground, yielding to cypress heads a few inches lower, then open swamp prairie, and finally tidal mangrove fringe along the coast. Small tree islands called "hammocks" — hardwood forest rising just above the waterline — break the open marsh. The park encompasses freshwater sloughs, prairies, pinelands, mangroves, and Florida Bay, an almost entirely enclosed marine estuary. Four visitor entry points — Ernest Coe, Flamingo, Shark Valley, and Gulf Coast — each reveal a different face of this ecosystem.

The best time to visit is the dry season, roughly November through April, when wildlife concentrates around shrinking waterholes and trails are accessible without flooding. Winter temperatures are mild, averaging highs of 77°F (25°C) and lows near 53°F (12°C). Summer (June–October) brings the wet season: temperatures climb to around 90°F (32°C) with humidity above 90%, afternoon thunderstorms are daily, mosquitoes are intense, and some facilities close or reduce hours. Hurricane season runs June through November. The park receives roughly 60 inches (152 cm) of rain per year, almost all of it falling in the wet season.

By Plane

The closest major airport is Miami International Airport (MIA), approximately 45–50 miles (72–80 km) northeast of the main Ernest Coe Visitor Center entrance at Homestead. The drive from MIA to the park entrance takes roughly 1 hour via Florida's Turnpike (SR 821) south to US-1, then west on SR-9336. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is approximately 70 miles away and adds about 20–30 minutes to the drive. No shuttle or public transport connects the airports directly to the park; car rental from MIA is the practical option.

By Car / Road

Two US highways approach the park from Miami. US Route 1 (the Overseas Highway) runs south from Miami through Homestead and Florida City, about 45 miles (72 km), where SR-9336 branches west to the Ernest Coe entrance — the primary access point for the main park road and Flamingo (38 miles further into the park). US Route 41 (the Tamiami Trail) runs due west from Miami across the northern edge of the park, providing access to the Shark Valley entrance (25 miles west of the Florida Turnpike/SW 8th Street junction) and continuing to Everglades City and the Gulf Coast Visitor Center. Fill your fuel tank before entering; gas is not available inside the park and is scarce along the approaches. The main park road from Ernest Coe to Flamingo is 38 miles and takes about an hour without stops.

There is no public transportation within the park. A car is essential for visiting the main park road (Ernest Coe to Flamingo), Shark Valley, or the Gulf Coast. The four visitor centers are not connected by any park shuttle service.

Cycling is permitted on the main park road and some trails. Bicycle rentals are available at the Shark Valley Visitor Center (recommended for the 15-mile tram loop to the observation tower; reserve ahead as demand is high) and at the Flamingo Marina. Cycling the full 38 miles from the main entrance to Flamingo is possible but strenuous and not recommended for inexperienced riders.

Boating and canoeing are major ways to explore the backcountry, particularly the Ten Thousand Islands near Gulf Coast and the waterways around Flamingo. Canoe and kayak rentals are available at Flamingo Marina. Boat ramps are located at Flamingo and near Gulf Coast. Backcountry camping by watercraft requires a permit.

The Shark Valley Tram Tour (operated by a park concessionaire) runs 2-hour guided tours along the 15-mile loop road in open-air trams; it is the easiest way to reach the interior observation tower and reliably see alligators. Reservations are strongly advised in peak season.

Anhinga Trail (Royal Palm area) — The single best wildlife-viewing trail in the park, especially in dry season. A 0.8-mile paved loop through a freshwater marsh, named for the anhinga bird that often dries its wings on exposed branches inches from the trail. Alligators are virtually guaranteed. Great blue herons, great egrets, purple gallinules, and turtles are routinely present. Located 4 miles west of the Ernest Coe Visitor Center. Open year-round; free with park admission.

Shark Valley Observation Tower — A 65-foot tower at the midpoint of the 15-mile loop road offering a panoramic view across the sawgrass prairie. Reachable by the tram tour, bicycle rental, or on foot (allow 3–4 hours round trip on foot). Alligators line the road throughout the loop, particularly in dry season.

Florida Bay — Approximately 85% of this shallow marine estuary lies inside park boundaries. Accessible by boat from Flamingo, Florida Bay is home to American crocodiles (those "floating logs"), bottlenose dolphins, manatees, and abundant sea birds. Over 200 mangrove islands ("keys") dot the bay.

Ten Thousand Islands — A labyrinthine maze of mangrove islands and tidal waterways accessible from the Gulf Coast Visitor Center in Everglades City. Kayaking or taking a boat tour here is one of the premier wildlife experiences in South Florida — dolphins, osprey, roseate spoonbills, and raptors are common.

Paurotis Pond and Mrazek Pond (Main Park Road) — Seasonal freshwater ponds along the road between Royal Palm and Flamingo that attract extraordinary concentrations of wading birds in dry season. Roseate spoonbills are regularly seen at Mrazek Pond; timing arrival at dawn or dusk maximises the spectacle.

Long Pine Key — Dade County slash pine forest with an understory of saw palmetto and over 200 plant species. A network of hiking trails (up to 7 miles) crosses this area, which is one of the best spots for scrub-habitat birds and, at night, the characteristic sound of the barred owl.

Wildlife watching is the park's signature activity. Dry season is overwhelmingly the best time — alligators, wading birds, and other wildlife concentrate predictably around permanent water sources. Bring binoculars; a telephoto lens is worth the weight. Dawn and dusk are peak times.

Ranger-led programmes run year-round at all four visitor centers, ranging from guided walks on the Anhinga Trail to evening campfire talks. Check the schedule at each visitor center on arrival; programmes vary by season and are free with admission.

Canoeing and kayaking the backcountry — The park contains some of the finest wilderness paddling in the eastern United States. The Wilderness Waterway, a 99-mile marked canoe route between Everglades City and Flamingo, is a multi-day adventure requiring advance backcountry permits and careful planning for tides and weather. Shorter day paddles depart from Flamingo (Nine Mile Pond, Hells Bay, Noble Hammock canoe trails) and Gulf Coast (Turner River, Halfway Creek). Canoe and kayak rentals are available at Flamingo Marina; guided paddling tours can be arranged through park concessionaires and local outfitters in Everglades City.

Fishing is excellent throughout the park — bass in freshwater, snook, redfish, and tarpon in coastal waters. A Florida fishing license is required; check current regulations with the park for any species-specific rules. Guided fishing charters operate from Flamingo and Everglades City.

Bird watching — The Everglades is on every serious North American birder's list. Peak season is December through March, when migratory species join residents. Highlights include wood storks (endangered), snail kites, short-tailed hawks, Cape Sable seaside sparrows, and the chance of a smooth-billed ani near Flamingo.

Tram tour at Shark Valley — The 2-hour narrated tram tour is one of the most effective ways to see the interior, particularly for visitors without bicycles or who prefer a guided experience. Operates daily; book in advance online or by phone, especially October through April.

Stargazing — The park's remoteness from city light pollution and its flat open terrain make it one of the better stargazing sites in South Florida. Flamingo campground and the main park road offer unobstructed horizons.

Food options inside the park are deliberately minimal. The only dining facility within the main park (Ernest Coe side) is a food truck at Flamingo, open seasonally during peak months with a limited menu of sandwiches, wraps, and snacks. The marina store at Flamingo carries basic provisions. There are no sit-down restaurants inside the park.

Visitors should bring food and sufficient water for the day, particularly when heading south to Flamingo. The nearest restaurants and grocery stores are in Homestead and Florida City, approximately 10–15 miles east of the main entrance:

• Robert Is Here (19200 SW 344th St, Homestead) — a legendary local fruit stand serving fresh tropical fruit smoothies and milkshakes with unusual Florida flavors (key lime, mango, mamey, black sapote). A pilgrimage stop for decades of Everglades visitors; cash preferred, closed in summer.
• Rosita's Restaurant (199 W Palm Dr, Florida City) — casual Mexican-American diner popular with locals; inexpensive plates of enchiladas, tacos, and Cuban-influenced dishes.
• Farmers Market Restaurant (300 N Krome Ave, Florida City) — a reliable breakfast and lunch spot near the park entrance, serving hearty American diner food.

The Gulf Coast area (Everglades City) has several casual waterfront seafood restaurants; stone crab claws (in season October–May) are the regional specialty.

Fresh drinking water is available at all four visitor centers and at Flamingo campground, but carry more than you think you need, especially in summer. Dehydration is a genuine risk in the heat and humidity. The park fountain water is potable.

There are no bars or cafés inside the park. The Flamingo marina store carries canned soft drinks and water. The nearest coffee shops, bars, and grocery stores are in Homestead and Florida City. Everglades City has a handful of casual restaurants with beer service.

Backcountry campers must treat or filter all water obtained in the field; no natural water sources in the park are safe to drink untreated.

Camping within the park is the most immersive way to overnight here. There are two drive-in campgrounds:

• Long Pine Key Campground (near Ernest Coe entrance) — 108 sites in a pine forest setting, tents and RVs, fire rings, potable water, flush toilets. Open year-round. Reserve via Recreation.gov; around $20–25/night.
• Flamingo Campground — 235 sites at the southern tip of the park road, divided between electric hookup sites and primitive sites. Flush toilets, cold showers. Views over Florida Bay. Prone to mosquitoes June–October. Around $20–35/night.

Backcountry camping is available at designated chickee (elevated platform) and ground sites along the Wilderness Waterway and other paddling routes; permits are required ($15 permit fee plus $2/person/night) and must be obtained in advance from a visitor center.

Budget: Everglades International Hostel (20 SW 2nd Ave, Florida City) — a well-regarded budget option just outside the park, with dormitory and private rooms; roughly $30–60/night; organises canoe tours and shuttles into the park.

Mid-range: Hampton Inn & Suites Florida City (124 E Palm Dr, Florida City) — clean, reliable, near the park entrance and local restaurants; roughly $120–180/night depending on season.

Upscale: The closest upscale property is in Homestead or the greater Miami area. Within the Everglades region, the Ivey House Boutique Hotel (107 Camellia St, Everglades City; roughly $180–280/night) is a comfortable inn adjacent to the Gulf Coast entrance, popular with paddlers and birders, and run by a highly regarded paddling outfitter.

The Everglades is a national park, not a shopping destination. Small gift shops and bookstores operate at the visitor centers (Ernest Coe, Flamingo, Shark Valley, Gulf Coast), selling field guides, nature books, maps, postcards, and basic supplies including insect repellent. The Flamingo Marina store carries basic camping and boating supplies. There are no markets, artisan shops, or significant retail within the park boundaries. Stock up on supplies, snacks, and any specialty gear in Homestead, Florida City, or Miami before arriving.

• Key West (~110 miles / 2.5 hours south via US-1 through the Florida Keys) — The southernmost city in the continental US, famous for Hemingway associations, sunset celebrations at Mallory Square, coral reef diving, and a lively Old Town with restaurants and bars.
• Biscayne National Park (~40 miles / 1 hour northeast of Flamingo, or accessible from Homestead) — The most accessible coral reef ecosystem in the eastern United States, protecting Biscayne Bay, mangrove shoreline, and the northernmost Florida Keys; excellent snorkelling, glass-bottom boat tours, and kayaking.
• Big Cypress National Preserve (~adjacent, northern boundary) — Wild, roadless cypress swamp straddling the Tamiami Trail north of the park; permits off-road vehicle use and primitive camping; excellent for solitude and wading bird observation.
• Miami (~45 miles / 1 hour northeast) — Art Deco South Beach, world-class dining in Wynwood and Brickell, Little Havana's Cuban food culture, and the Pérez Art Museum Miami make the city an easy day trip or overnight base.
• Naples (~75 miles / 1.5 hours northwest via US-41) — An upscale Gulf Coast city with white-sand beaches, boutique shopping on Fifth Avenue South, and easy access to the Gulf Coast entrance of the Everglades.
• Dry Tortugas National Park (~70 miles west of Key West, accessible only by ferry or seaplane) — A remote archipelago of seven small islands crowned by the massive 19th-century Fort Jefferson, with pristine snorkelling, nesting sea turtles, and the clearest water in Florida.