Everglades National Park, located in southern Florida, is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States and a World Heritage Site unlike any other national park.

Spanning over 1.5 million acres, the park protects a vast and slow-moving river of grass, wetlands, mangrove forests, cypress domes, and coastal estuaries. This ecosystem is home to iconic wildlife like alligators, crocodiles, manatees, dolphins, and the elusive Florida panther.

The park’s standout features include Shark Valley, where a 15-mile loop trail offers excellent biking and wildlife viewing, the Anhinga Trail, one of the best spots for close-up views of birds and alligators, and Flamingo, the southernmost visitor area where you can kayak among mangroves and explore the backcountry.

Everglades is divided into several main access points, including Shark Valley (west of Miami), the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center (near Homestead), and Flamingo. Each area offers distinct landscapes and experiences, from paved trails and observation towers to remote wilderness waterways best accessed by canoe or kayak.

While the park is open year-round, the dry season (December through April) is the best time to visit. Lower humidity, cooler temperatures, and fewer mosquitoes make for a more enjoyable experience. Wildlife is also more active and visible during these months. We visited in early May and had almost no bugs but there were very dry conditions.

Due to its size and diversity, planning ahead is key to making the most of your Everglades adventure.

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Highlights of Everglades National Park

• Shark Valley Observation Tower: Offers sweeping panoramic views of the Everglades’ “River of Grass.” Accessible by a 15-mile paved loop popular with cyclists and tram tours.
• Anhinga Trail: A short, accessible boardwalk trail known for abundant wildlife sightings including alligators, herons, and turtles.
• Flamingo Area: Located at the southern tip of the park, this remote area features opportunities for kayaking, boating, birdwatching, and access to Florida Bay.
• Pa-hay-okee Overlook: A scenic boardwalk and overlook providing views across the vast, sawgrass prairie—especially stunning at sunrise or sunset.
• Gumbo Limbo Trail: A shaded loop through a tropical hardwood hammock filled with gumbo limbo trees, ferns, and epiphytes.
• Mahogany Hammock Trail: A short boardwalk trail that winds through a dense jungle-like forest and passes the largest living mahogany tree in the U.S.
• Ten Thousand Islands: A labyrinth of mangrove islets perfect for paddling, wildlife watching, and exploring remote backcountry campsites by canoe or kayak.
• Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center: The park’s main visitor center near Homestead, offering educational exhibits, maps, and ranger-led program information.
• Eco Pond: Near Flamingo, this small pond is a prime spot for spotting wading birds, especially at sunrise and sunset.
• Canoe and Kayak Trails: Numerous marked water trails—like the Nine Mile Pond and Hell’s Bay Canoe Trail—offer immersive experiences in mangrove tunnels and freshwater sloughs.

Travel Guides to Everglades National Park

How to Plan a 1 Day Itinerary to Everglades National Park

Things to Know About Visiting Everglades National Park

Best Time of Year to Visit Everglades National Park

The best time to visit Everglades National Park is during the dry season, which runs from November through April. This time of year offers lower humidity, fewer mosquitoes, comfortable temperatures, and abundant wildlife viewing—especially birds and alligators—as water levels drop and animals gather near waterways. It’s also the peak season for ranger-led programs and guided tours.

Summer (May through October) marks the wet season, bringing high heat, humidity, daily thunderstorms, and a significant increase in mosquitoes. While the landscape is lush and green, some areas may flood or be less accessible. Wildlife is more dispersed, and fewer ranger programs are available.

How to Get to Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park has multiple entrances, each offering access to different regions of the park. There is no road that runs through the entire park, so plan your visit based on the area you want to explore.

• Main Entrance (Homestead): This entrance leads to the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center and Flamingo, offering access to popular trails, canoe routes, and boat tours. It’s about an hour southwest of Miami and is best for exploring the southern portion of the park.
• Shark Valley (Miami): Located off U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail), this entrance is ideal for biking, tram tours, and spotting wildlife along the Shark Valley Loop Trail. It’s roughly 30–40 minutes west of Miami.
• Gulf Coast Entrance (Everglades City): This area provides access to the Ten Thousand Islands, perfect for boating, kayaking, and fishing. The Gulf Coast Visitor Center is about 90 minutes west of Miami.

The nearest major airports are Miami International Airport (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). From there, you’ll need a car to reach the park entrances, as public transportation is not available.

How Much Time do you Need in the Everglades

The Everglades is a huge park. If you are planning to see one or two parts of the park, you can easily do this with just 1 day. If you want to visit all the entrances, you will need at least 1.5 days.

Need to Know about the Everglades

Timed-Entry System: There is currently no timed-entry system for Everglades National Park. However, it’s best to arrive early in the day, especially during the busy dry season (November to April), to enjoy cooler temperatures, catch wildlife at its most active, and avoid crowding at popular areas like Shark Valley and Anhinga Trail. Always check the official National Park Information page for updates.

Permits and Fees: A park entrance fee is required and can be paid at any of the main entrances. Additional permits may be required for backcountry camping, boating, or wilderness access. The America the Beautiful Pass is accepted and can save you money if you’re visiting multiple national parks.

Leave No Trace: Help protect the Everglades’ fragile wetland ecosystem by following Leave No Trace principles. Stay on designated boardwalks and trails, never feed wildlife, pack out all trash, and respect the habitat of the park’s many endangered and sensitive species.

Lodging near Everglades National Park

If you are visiting Flamingo in the East and Shark Valley, the best place to stay is in Homestead. There are lots of hotel and restauarant options and you can book it through booking.com.

Looking for more guides on Visiting US National Parks? Make sure to check out:

• The Ultimate Guide to Planning a National Parks Trip
• All our National Park Guides