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Everglades National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an International Biosphere Reserve, and a Wetland of International Importance covering roughly 1.5 million acres at the southern tip of Florida. It protects the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States and is the only place on Earth where alligators and crocodiles coexist in the wild.
The park is not a conventional swamp but rather a slow-moving, shallow river of grass — a sheet of freshwater flowing south from Lake Okeechobee toward Florida Bay. This singular ecosystem supports hundreds of bird species, dozens of reptile species, and rare mammals including the Florida panther and West Indian manatee.
Despite its remote feel, the park is accessible from Miami (roughly 1–1.5 hours by car) and from the Florida Keys, making it a practical day trip or multi-day destination. The park has three main entrance areas — the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center near Homestead, the Shark Valley entrance on the northern edge, and the Gulf Coast entrance near Everglades City — each offering a distinct experience of the ecosystem.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Everglades National Park is located in the United States. Entry requirements depend on your nationality and travel circumstances. For accurate, current visa information, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official US Department of State or US Customs and Border Protection websites.
When to Go
The dry season (November–April) is strongly preferred. Temperatures are mild, mosquito populations are manageable, and wading birds concentrate in shrinking water pools, making wildlife viewing spectacular. The wet season (May–October) brings intense heat, very high humidity, and mosquito densities that can make outdoor activity genuinely unpleasant without heavy repellent. Hurricane season overlaps with the wet season; check forecasts before travel.
What to Pack
- High-SPF sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat — shade is scarce on many trails
- EPA-registered insect repellent (DEET-based is most effective here)
- Lightweight, light-colored, moisture-wicking clothing; long sleeves help against insects
- Waterproof footwear if you plan to wade or kayak
- Sufficient water — hydration is critical year-round
- Binoculars for birdwatching
Park Fees
Admission fees apply; verify current rates and any annual pass options at nps.gov/ever before your visit, as fees are updated periodically.
Getting There
By Car
Most visitors drive. The main (Ernest F. Coe) entrance is approximately 35 miles southwest of Homestead on Florida Highway 9336. From Miami, take the Florida Turnpike south to Homestead, then follow signs. The Shark Valley entrance is on US-41 (Tamiami Trail) and is accessible from Miami going west. The Gulf Coast entrance near Everglades City is reached via US-41 west and then south on SR-29.
Nearest Airports
Miami International Airport (MIA) is the closest major international airport, roughly 50 miles from the main entrance. Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is another option at a somewhat greater distance. Both are well-served by domestic and international flights. Car rental at either airport is the most practical way to continue to the park.
By Bus or Tour
No direct scheduled public bus service connects Miami to the park entrances. Several tour operators based in Miami and the Florida Keys offer guided day trips; verify current operators and schedules locally or through the park's official resources. Shark Valley is the entrance most commonly reached on organized tours.
Getting Around
A personal vehicle is the most practical way to move between areas within the park; the main park road from the Ernest F. Coe entrance runs approximately 38 miles to Flamingo on Florida Bay, passing most major trailheads and overlooks along the way.
Tram Tours
At Shark Valley, a 15-mile paved loop road is not open to private vehicles. Instead, visitors can walk, rent bicycles, or join a narrated tram tour operated by a park concessionaire. Tram tours run on a set schedule; verify availability and booking requirements at nps.gov/ever or with the concessionaire directly, as schedules vary by season.
Kayaking and Canoeing
Water-based travel is central to the park experience. The Wilderness Waterway is a 99-mile canoe/kayak route between Flamingo and Everglades City. Shorter paddling trails are also available. Canoe and kayak rentals are available at Flamingo and in Everglades City through concessionaires — verify current availability before your visit.
Airboat Rides
Airboat concessions operate in areas outside the national park boundaries (notably around Everglades City and along US-41). Airboats are not permitted within the national park itself. These commercial operations vary widely in quality and environmental practices; choose operators carefully.
Where to Stay
Inside the Park
The park operates campgrounds at Long Pine Key and Flamingo (tent and RV sites, with varying hookup availability). Backcountry camping at chickee platforms, beach sites, and ground sites requires a permit, available through the NPS reservation system. Verify current campground status, reservation procedures, and fees at nps.gov/ever, as hurricane and flood damage has periodically affected facilities.
The Flamingo area historically had lodge accommodation operated by a concessionaire. Status has varied after storm damage; confirm current availability before planning to stay there.
Outside the Park
Homestead and Florida City offer the widest selection of accommodation close to the main entrance, including well-known chain hotels and independent motels at a range of price points. Everglades City has a small number of inns and bed-and-breakfasts suited to visitors using the Gulf Coast entrance. Some visitors base themselves in Miami or the Upper Florida Keys and make day trips, which is practical but limits early-morning wildlife viewing opportunities.
Things to See & Do
Wildlife Viewing
The Everglades is one of the premier wildlife-watching destinations in North America. Alligators are commonly seen year-round, often very close to walking paths and roadside pullouts — maintain a safe distance at all times (the NPS recommends a minimum of 15 feet, and more is better). Wading birds — roseate spoonbills, great blue herons, wood storks, snowy egrets — are abundant during the dry season. Bottlenose dolphins and manatees are frequently spotted in Florida Bay near Flamingo.
Hiking
The park has numerous short to moderate trails accessible to most fitness levels. The Anhinga Trail (near the Royal Palm area) is one of the most popular in the US park system for close wildlife encounters and is paved and flat. The Gumbo Limbo Trail nearby passes through a tropical hardwood hammock. Pa-hay-okee Overlook provides a panoramic view over the sawgrass prairie. Longer backcountry hiking routes require advance planning, permits, and self-sufficiency with water.
Birdwatching
Over 360 bird species have been recorded in the park. The dry season concentrates wading birds dramatically, but migratory shorebirds and raptors are also a draw. Eco Pond near Flamingo is a reliable birding spot. The park is on the Great Florida Birding Trail.
Fishing and Boating
Florida Bay and the backcountry waters offer saltwater and freshwater fishing. A Florida fishing license is required; verify current regulations with Florida Fish and Wildlife or the NPS, as rules change and some areas have restrictions. Boat-in-only campsites make multi-day expeditions possible for experienced paddlers.
Ranger Programs
The NPS offers ranger-led walks, talks, and canoe programs at various times throughout the year, particularly during the dry season. Check the current schedule at nps.gov/ever.
Food & Drink
Food options inside the park are very limited. The Flamingo area has historically had a restaurant and camp store operated by a concessionaire, but services have changed following hurricane damage; verify what is currently available at nps.gov/ever or by calling the park directly before your visit.
The nearest full range of restaurants, grocery stores, and fast-food options is in Homestead and Florida City, just outside the main entrance. These towns have a variety of casual restaurants, including several known for local seafood and Latin American cuisine reflecting the area's demographics. Everglades City, near the Gulf Coast entrance, has a small cluster of restaurants and is well-regarded locally for stone crab (in season, typically October through May) and other Gulf seafood.
Plan to carry ample water and snacks into the park regardless of your visit length. There are no water sources on most trails, and heat and humidity deplete energy quickly even in the cooler months.
Practical Information
Cell Service and Connectivity
Cell service is unreliable to nonexistent in large portions of the park. Download offline maps (such as the NPS app's offline feature or a dedicated mapping app) before entering. Let someone outside the park know your itinerary if going into the backcountry.
Emergencies
In an emergency within the park, contact a ranger station or call 911 where cell service permits. The NPS emergency dispatch for the park can be reached through the visitor centers. Carry a physical map; GPS signal can be inconsistent in dense vegetation.
Leave No Trace
The Everglades ecosystem is fragile and still recovering from decades of water management disruption. Pack out all trash, stay on designated trails, do not feed wildlife (it is illegal and harmful), and avoid disturbing nesting birds or resting reptiles.
Accessibility
Several paved trails, including the Anhinga Trail, are accessible for wheelchairs and mobility devices. The Shark Valley tram tour is accessible. Check nps.gov/ever for a current accessibility guide.
Pets
Pets are permitted in the park but only in developed areas, on paved roads, and in campgrounds. They are not allowed on trails, in the backcountry, or in public buildings. Given the presence of alligators and other wildlife, keep pets on a leash at all times.
Safety
Wildlife Hazards
Alligators are the most visible hazard. They are wild animals capable of moving very quickly and should never be approached, fed, or provoked. Maintain distance at all times, supervise children and pets closely near water, and treat every body of water as potentially occupied. American crocodiles are present near Flamingo and Florida Bay — similar precautions apply.
Venomous snakes, including the eastern diamondback rattlesnake and Florida cottonmouth, are present. Watch where you step and where you place your hands, particularly near rocks and brush. The park is also home to the Florida panther, though encounters are very rare.
Insects
Mosquitoes can be overwhelming during the wet season and even in transitional months. Apply repellent before entering any outdoor area. Biting midges (no-see-ums) are common near coastal areas at dawn and dusk.
Heat and Sun
Heat-related illness is a genuine risk, even in winter for visitors unprepared for Florida's sun intensity. Hydrate frequently, rest in shade during peak sun hours, and recognize symptoms of heat exhaustion.
Water
Do not drink untreated surface water. Carry all potable water you will need. Swimmers should be aware that freshwater areas may harbor both alligators and the Naegleria fowleri amoeba; the NPS advises against swimming in warm freshwater in the park.
