Make bd trip Head to Everglades national park the southern tip of Florida and explore the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States.
Fast Facts
Location: Florida, USA
Established: December 6, 1947
Size: Sprawling across 1,542,526 acres of untamed wilderness
Annual visitors: Over 1 million adventurers and nature enthusiasts
Visitor Centers: Embark on your Everglades journey from one of four gateways to paradise: Ernest F. Coe near the vibrant city of Miami, Guy Bradley in the tranquil oasis of Flamingo, Gulf Coast in historic Everglades City, and Shark Valley along the legendary Tamiami Trail highway. Each centre awaits your exploration, open daily to welcome intrepid travellers. For specific hours, consult the respective websites.
Entrance Fee: Dive into the wonders of the Everglades with an admission of $35 per vehicle or $20 per pedestrian/cyclist.
Why you should go to Everglades National Park
Spanning South Florida between Lake Okeechobee and the Gulf of Mexico, the Everglades is one of the world’s largest tropical wetlands, with Everglades National Park covering about 20%. Often likened to a slow, wide river, it flows at just 2.5 miles per day. Despite its “river of grass” nickname, the Everglades boasts diverse habitats including mangroves, hardwood hammocks, and cypress forests. Eve Samples of Friends of the Everglades notes its subtle beauty, best appreciated with a trained eye and mindful presence.
Where to find the best views in the park
Within the Everglades, where the land gently rises from sea level to a modest eight feet, seeking out lofty vistas can be a challenge. Yet, amidst this sprawling wilderness, a few hidden gems offer breathtaking panoramas that defy expectation.
Ascend the 70-foot-high Shark Valley Observation Tower, a futuristic spiral rising above the marshland since its inauguration in 1984. From its dizzying heights, gaze upon a vast expanse stretching up to 20 miles across the Everglades, a sight both mesmerising and humbling in its grandeur.
For a different perspective, venture west along the Main Park Road from Coe Visitor Center to discover the Pa-Hay-Okee boardwalk. Here, an elevated shade shelter invites you to pause and take in a sweeping view across the river of grass, a serene tableau that captivates the soul.
Seeking coastal vistas? Look no further than the second-floor breezeway of the Guy Bradley Visitor Center in Flamingo. From this vantage point, the shimmering waters of the coast unfold before you, a tranquil scene that lingers in memory long after you depart.
In the Everglades, where the landscape dances with subtlety and grace, these unique viewpoints offer a glimpse into the timeless beauty of this remarkable wilderness.
Where to find the park’s best trails
Near Coe Visitor Center, explore the Gumbo Limbo Trail (0.4 miles) and Anhinga Trail (0.8 miles) winding through Royal Palm hammock. Or venture along the 22-mile Long Pine Key Trails to immerse in native pine stands.
For an easy walk, try the 15-mile Shark Valley Trail, where you might spot resting gators amid sawgrass marshes and tropical hardwood hammocks—no sharks, just peaceful Everglades views.
Where to spot wildlife
In the remote enclave of Flamingo village, a hidden oasis awaits, teeming with wildlife at every turn. Nestled beside the marina, ospreys soar overhead, tending to their young nestled atop nesting towers, a heartwarming sight that epitomizes the circle of life in this untamed wilderness. Meanwhile, the tranquil bay and nearby mangrove channels play host to elusive manatees and the occasional sighting of the majestic American crocodile, adding an air of mystery to the serene surroundings.
Venture along the Shark Valley Trail, and be prepared for encounters with the Everglades’ most iconic residents— alligators basking in the sun, their prehistoric forms a testament to the enduring spirit of this ancient land. Keep your eyes peeled for a myriad of bird species, from the eerie elegance of wood storks to the vibrant hues of roseate spoonbills and the sleek silhouette of anhingas, aptly named “snakebirds” for their unique swimming style.
For those craving more wildlife encounters, the nearby Anhinga Trail and Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk in Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park offer prime opportunities to witness gators in their natural habitat and marvel at the diverse avian population that calls this region home.
In Flamingo village and beyond, the Everglades reveal their secrets to those willing to explore, offering a glimpse into a world where nature reigns supreme.
Notable activities and excursions
Explore the Everglades along the Main Park Road, a 38-mile journey through diverse ecosystems. Discover trails like Royal Palm and boardwalks like Mahogany Hammock. Take tram tours at Shark Valley and boat tours from Flamingo and Everglades City. Don’t miss the Museum of the Everglades in Everglades City. Paddle the Wilderness Waterway or Turner River Canoe Trails for an intimate adventure.
Best things to do for families
For family fun, rent bikes and cruise the Shark Valley Tram Trail, or glide through Florida Bay and mangroves by boat. Flamingo Adventures offers canoe, kayak, and pontoon boat rentals. Experience narrated boat tours of Florida Bay or the Ten Thousand Islands, or feel the rush on an airboat ride along the park’s edge.
Kids can become Junior Rangers with activities in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole, including a wild animal scavenger hunt. Plus, the park participates in the Every Kid Outdoors program, providing fourth graders and their families free access for a year.
Where to stay
For a unique stay, Flamingo Lodge offers new waterview rooms, rising from the ashes of a hurricane in 2005. Nearby hotels in Homestead, Doral, Everglades City, Marco Island, and Naples provide alternative accommodations.
Experience the tranquillity of the Everglades from a modern houseboat at Flamingo Marina, equipped with all the comforts of home including a bathroom with shower, indoor galley, outdoor grill, air conditioning, bedding, and fish-cutting tables.
Camping options abound, with Long Pine Key and Flamingo Campgrounds offering bath houses, dump stations, and potable water. Reserve your spot early as these sites fill up fast. For a luxurious camping experience, indulge in Winter Glamping Tents available in Flamingo from November to April.
For the adventurous, wilderness camping is available at selected ground or beach sites or on “chickees,” elevated camping platforms accessible only by water. Remember to secure wilderness permits and make reservations through Recreation.gov.
Here’s what else you need to know
Accessing the Everglades offers diverse entry points for land and water adventurers. Explore the coast via watercraft or enter by land through Everglades Homestead in the east, Shark Valley in the north, or Gulf Coast in the northwest.
Plan your visit wisely: The dry season (December to March) offers ranger programs and optimal wildlife sightings, while the wet season (April to November) is hot, humid, and less serviced.
Each season holds its allure, says ranger Allyson Gantt. Winter boasts terrific weather, while fall and spring offer solitude. Summer is ideal for water activities.
Stay informed: Expect delays due to a multi-year construction project on Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41). Shark Valley parking fills quickly, so arrive early. Check the park’s conditions page for updates on roads, trails, parking, weather, and prescribed burns.
Anglers, take note: Non-residents need a state fishing licence. South of Nine Mile Pond requires a saltwater licence; north requires freshwater.
Swimming and snorkelling are prohibited within the park, and remote control aircraft, including drones, are not allowed.
Are pets allowed?
For the safety of all, pets and service animals are limited to parking lots, boats, and designated areas like campgrounds and picnic spots at Flamingo and Long Pine Key in the Everglades.
How accessible is the Everglades?
Discover the Everglades’ offerings, including seven trails, four visitors centers, developed campgrounds, backcountry campsites, narrated boat tours, and the Shark Valley Tram Tour. For accessibility inquiries, contact (305) 242-7740.
