Travel to Everglades National Park

Explore the River of Grass — where winding waterways, mangroves, and rare wildlife create one of America's most extraordinary ecosystems.

Plan Your Visit

About the Everglades

Discover America's largest subtropical wilderness

Stretching across 1.5 million acres in southern Florida, Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. It's home to alligators, manatees, panthers, and hundreds of bird species — a haven for nature lovers and conservationists alike.

Location

Southern Florida

Area

1.5 million acres

Known For

Wetlands, mangroves, wildlife diversity

Established

1947

Best Season

December–April (dry season)

Top Attractions

Must-see destinations in Everglades National Park

Shark Valley

Shark Valley

Cycle or take a tram for panoramic views from the observation tower.

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Anhinga Trail

Anhinga Trail

Spot alligators and wading birds up close along a boardwalk loop.

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Flamingo Visitor Center

Flamingo Visitor Center

Gateway to boating, kayaking, and backcountry adventures.

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Ten Thousand Islands

Ten Thousand Islands

Explore mangrove islands and calm waterways by kayak.

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Ernest Coe Visitor Center

Ernest Coe Visitor Center

Learn about conservation and park ecology.

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Mahogany Hammock Trail

Mahogany Hammock Trail

A short walk through a lush tropical forest.

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Things To Do

Experience the best of Everglades National Park

Airboat Tours

Glide through the wetlands and spot wildlife. Professional guides share insights about the ecosystem while you navigate through sawgrass marshes and mangrove tunnels.

Kayaking & Canoeing

Paddle through mangrove tunnels and coastal estuaries. Popular routes include the Nine Mile Pond Canoe Trail and the Wilderness Waterway.

Birdwatching

Home to roseate spoonbills, egrets, herons, and ospreys. The Anhinga Trail and Eco Pond are prime birding locations.

Wildlife Viewing

Observe alligators, crocodiles, and manatees in their natural habitat. Shark Valley and the Anhinga Trail offer excellent viewing opportunities.

Camping

Enjoy starlit nights at Long Pine Key or Flamingo Campground. Backcountry camping is also available with permits for a more remote experience.

Everglades Landscape

Travel Information

Essential details for planning your visit

Getting There

Entrances at Homestead, Shark Valley, and Gulf Coast (near Everglades City). Miami International Airport is the closest major airport, about 50 miles east.

Where to Stay

Campgrounds inside the park, eco-lodges, and hotels in nearby Homestead or Miami. Options range from rustic camping to comfortable accommodations with modern amenities.

Best Time to Visit

Dry season (Dec–Apr) offers cooler temperatures and fewer mosquitoes. Wet season (May–Nov) brings higher water levels and more active wildlife but also more insects.

Entry Fees & Passes

$30 per vehicle (valid 7 days). Annual passes available. Fees can be paid online or at visitor centers. America the Beautiful Pass accepted.

Maps & Directions

Navigate Everglades National Park

Safety & Tips

Important advice for a safe and enjoyable visit

Bring insect repellent and sunscreen. Mosquitoes can be particularly heavy during the wet season, and the Florida sun can be intense year-round.

Stay hydrated — heat and humidity are intense. Carry plenty of water, especially when hiking or participating in outdoor activities.

Maintain safe distances from wildlife. Alligators may appear slow but can move quickly when threatened. Never feed wildlife.

Expect rain in the wet season; check weather forecasts. Afternoon thunderstorms are common and can develop quickly.

Watch for signage — cell service is limited in some areas. Download maps and information before entering remote sections of the park.

Nearby Attractions

Extend your Florida adventure

Biscayne National Park

Biscayne National Park

Just east of the Everglades, this park protects mangrove shorelines, clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs. Perfect for snorkeling and boating.

Explore Biscayne
Big Cypress National Preserve

Big Cypress National Preserve

Adjacent to the Everglades, this preserve features cypress swamps, diverse wildlife, and scenic drives along the Tamiami Trail.

Visit Big Cypress
Miami & Florida Keys

Miami & Florida Keys

Experience vibrant city life in Miami or island-hop through the Florida Keys, with beautiful beaches, diving, and unique culture.

Explore Coastal Florida

Plan Your Everglades Adventure

Discover the beauty and biodiversity of Florida's wetlands — where every ripple tells a story of survival and life.

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