Everglades National Park
The Everglades National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a sprawling wilderness of sawgrass prairies, mangrove forests, and cypress swamps that stretches across the southern tip of Florida. This unique ecosystem, often referred to as the River of Grass, is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including endangered species like the Florida panther and the American crocodile. Visitors to the Everglades can immerse themselves in the park’s breathtaking landscapes, explore its diverse habitats, and witness the extraordinary wildlife that calls this unique environment home.
Everglades National Park Overview
Exploring Florida is not truly complete without a visit to Everglades National Park, a marshland near Miami where tourists can observe alligators.
Just an hour’s drive from the lively city of Miami, Everglades National Park feels like a different world. Covering 1.5 million acres, the park features a wide range of tropical and subtropical environments, making it one of the most diverse ecosystems globally. In recognition of this unique biodiversity, Congress designated the Everglades as a National Park in 1934. Over time, the park has also earned titles such as an International Biosphere Reserve, a Wetland of International Importance, and a World Heritage Site.
Every year, at least one million visitors from around the globe come to explore the Everglades. The park offers three primary entrances: the Gulf Coast Visitor Center, located closest to Naples and south of Everglades City; the Shark Valley area accessible via US 41 (Tamiami Trail) and the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, serving as the main hub of the park.
Things to do in Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park is a treasure trove of chances for visitors to delve into, uncover, and admire its one-of-a-kind and delicate ecosystem.
Everglades Dark Sky Celebration
The Everglades National Park is famous for its beautiful night skies, where you can see stunning stars and galaxies. Every year, the park holds a Dark Sky Celebration, a several-day-long event filled with fun astronomy activities like stargazing, looking through telescopes, and listening to talks by knowledgeable astronomers.
Ranger-Led Programs
The Everglades National Park offers a variety of ranger-led programs and tours, which provide visitors with the opportunity to learn about the park’s unique ecosystems, wildlife, and cultural history.
Everglades National Park has programs organized by rangers, specifically:
Gulf Coast Ranger-Led Programs
Flamingo Ranger-Led Programs
Royal Palm Ranger-Led Programs
Shark Valley Ranger-Led Programs
Boating
Everglades National Park’s marine waters are famous for activities like boating, fishing, paddling, and birdwatching. Each spot in the park has its own special characteristics and obstacles to navigate. Some areas have winding channels bordered by mud and seagrass, dividing the shallow waters of Florida Bay. Meanwhile, places like the Ten Thousand Islands boast sandy bars and rugged oyster reefs.
Paddling
Everglades National Park has a bunch of cool spots for paddling where you can check out the awesome nature, like marshes, mangrove forests, the 10,000 Islands, and Florida Bay.
You’ve got options for canoe and kayak trips that can be quick day adventures or longer journeys lasting a few days, depending on how much exploring you want to do.
You can either bring your canoe or kayak and start from different spots in the park, rent one there, or even hire a guide who will set you up with gear and show you around. Lots of ways to have a great time on the water!
Fishing
Everglades National Park consists of a diverse ecosystem, with one third of its area being comprised of saltwater habitats such as mangrove forests and coastal marshes. The remaining two thirds of the park is made up of freshwater wetlands, including sawgrass marshes and cypress swamps.
Both saltwater and freshwater areas within the park provide excellent opportunities for recreational fishing, attracting anglers from all over the world. Whether you prefer to fish in the brackish waters of the coastal mangroves or the freshwater streams and lakes of the interior wetlands, Everglades National Park offers a unique and rewarding fishing experience for all levels of anglers.
Biking
Everglades National Park offers five biking paths within its boundaries. These include Shark Valley Tram Road, Snake Bight Trail, Rowdy Bend Trail, Long Pine Key Nature Trail, and the L-67 Canal Road.
Electric bicycles equipped with functional pedals and a motor under 750 watts (equivalent to 1 horsepower) are allowed on trails and roads open to regular bikes. The speed limit is 10 miles per hour on all trails, except for the Shark Valley Tram Road where it is 15 miles per hour. Electric bikes that operate solely on the motor (no pedaling required) are only permitted on public roads, following the same rules as other vehicles.
Hiking
The trails in Everglades National Park provide a chance to explore different habitats. It’s important to have enough water and be mindful of the changing weather. If you hear thunder or see lightning, find shelter right away.
Insects like mosquitoes and various biting flies can be around all year, especially during the hot, humid summer. Be ready for bugs and strong sun by wearing hats, long sleeves, pants, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
There are many land trails in the park for walking, hiking, and biking. Flamingo and Pine Island trails are near the main entrance in Homestead, Florida, while Shark Valley trail is closer to Miami in the U.S. 41.
Nearby Attractions
In addition to the Everglades National Park, the region surrounding the park offers a wealth of other attractions and activities for visitors to explore.
Biscayne National Park: This neighboring national park protects a diverse marine ecosystem, including coral reefs, mangrove forests and the Florida Keys.
Big Cypress National Preserve: This protected area, which borders the Everglades, offers opportunities for hiking, canoeing, and wildlife viewing in a unique cypress swamp environment.
Dry Tortugas National Park: Situated nearly 70 miles (113 km) to the west of Key West is the isolated Dry Tortugas National Park. Covering an area of 100 square miles, this park consists mainly of open water and seven small islands. Accessible solely by boat or seaplane, the park is famous globally for its impressive Fort Jefferson, stunning blue waters, exceptional coral reefs and marine creatures, and the diverse bird species that inhabit the region.
Places to stay in Everglades National Park
When you visit Everglades National Park, you’ll find a variety of places to stay, such as campsites, cabins, and hotels that are situated either inside the park or close by.
Camping
Everglades National Park has a variety of campgrounds where you can fully embrace the natural beauty and wildlife of the area.
At Flamingo Campground, located in the park’s southern region, you can choose from tent or RV sites and enjoy easy access to water activities like kayaking and fishing.
For a more secluded experience, check out Long Pine Key Campground in the central part of the park. It’s surrounded by trees and offers great opportunities for hiking and spotting wildlife.
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider wilderness camping in designated areas that are only accessible by boat or on foot. This option allows you to truly immerse yourself in the remote wilderness of Everglades National Park.
Hotel and Resort
If you’re someone who enjoys more classic lodging options when visiting Everglades National Park, there are plenty of hotels, resorts, and lodges available for you to pick from. These accommodations can be found both inside the park and in the surrounding areas.
Popular hotels in Everglades National Park
Miccosukee Casino & Resort (3-Star)
Miccosukee Casino & Resort is more than just a fantastic hotel for gaming fans; it also offers a lavish accommodation experience. The 302 beautifully crafted guest rooms at the Resort exude sophistication and grace that will appeal to even the most selective visitors. These rooms are designed to refresh and invigorate guests for the upcoming day.
Address: 500 SW 177 Ave., Miami, FL 33194-2800
Price Range: From $118 – $151/night depending on the season and demand
Parkway Motel & Marina
The Parkway Motel & Marina on Chokoloskee was the first fishing camp on the island, established by the Smallwoods. Situated in the midst of the stunning Everglades National Park and the 10,000 Islands, this location is renowned for its fishing, kayaking, sightseeing, history, bird watching, and photography. It is located in the quaint fishing village of Chokoloskee. The Parkway Motel & Marina provides a cozy atmosphere similar to a home in a Boutique Motel, offering Standard and Kitchenette Rooms, along with a variety of unique Cottages and Modular Homes.
Address: 1180 Chokoloskee Drive #26, Chokoloskee, FL 34138-0340
Price Range: From $95 – $120/night depending on the season and demand
Hotels near Everglades National Park
Hampton Inn Key Largo, FL (3-Star)
The Hampton Inn – Key Largo hotel is situated just 59 miles south of Miami International Airport and a mere 500 yards from John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, home to the only living coral reef in North America.
Nestled on Florida Bay, this tropical hotel provides an ideal setting to unwind and admire the sunset. It is conveniently located near various attractions in the Florida Keys like Dolphin Cove, Dolphins Plus, African Queen, Theater of the Sea, Wild Bird Center, Everglades National Park, and Homestead Miami Speedway.
Featuring 100 elegantly furnished guestrooms with a cozy island ambiance, the Hampton Inn – Key Largo offers rooms with either a king size bed or two full size beds.
Address: 102400 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037
Price Range: From $169 – $408/night depending on the season and demand
Holiday Inn Key Largo, an IHG Hotel (3-Star)
Conveniently located near Key Largo Resorts Marina, Key Largo Hotel offers an ideal setting for enjoying the exciting activities of the Florida Keys. Key Largo provides all the amenities necessary for a memorable vacation. Enjoy your time by the ocean under the sunny skies of Florida. Engage in snorkeling, scuba diving, or a romantic sunset cruise, all within a short distance from one of the premier Key Largo Resorts. Explore John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park during the day or interact with marine creatures by swimming with dolphins at Dolphin Plus. Key Largo offers a wide range of activities to keep you entertained.
Address: 99701 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
Price Range: From $189 – $270/night depending on the season and demand
Dining
When you visit Everglades National Park, you’ll find plenty of places to eat, both inside the park and in nearby towns, where you can enjoy delicious meals to satisfy your hunger.
Flamingo Restaurant
Experience an amazing dining adventure at the recently opened Flamingo Restaurant and seasonal food truck, where you will be delighted by a fantastic variety of delicious dishes. Engage in the tastes available there, enhancing your culinary journey and making lasting memories at Everglades National Park.
Address: 1 Flamingo Lodge Hwy, Homestead, FL 33034, United States
Open time:
Breakfast: 7:00 AM -10:00 AM
Lunch & Dinner: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Prices range: $9 – $40
Nely’s Corner
Nely’s Corner features dining outside, convenient parking on site, complimentary off-street parking provided, TV available for entertainment, serves alcoholic beverages, table service offered, and a family-friendly dining experience.
Address: 203 Collier Ave, Everglades City, FL 34139
Open time: 07:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Prices range: $10 – $20
Diving Pelican Restaurant & Bar
Diving Pelican has fresh air with outdoor seating available. Indulge in delicious cocktails that are sure to impress. Delight in a variety of vegetarian dishes that will satisfy your taste buds.
Address: 901 Copeland Ave. Approx., Everglades City, FL 34139
Open time: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Prices range: $10 – $40
Planning Your Trip to Everglades National Park
Visiting the Everglades National Park requires careful planning and preparation to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience.
Visiting Time
The Everglades National Park is open all year round, offering different experiences depending on the season you choose to visit.
During the high season, which typically runs from December to April, the weather in the park is mild and dry, making it a popular time for visitors. This period is ideal for those who prefer comfortable temperatures and lower chances of rain.
In contrast, the wet season in the Everglades falls between May and November, bringing higher temperatures and increased rainfall. Despite the weather conditions, this time of year can be rewarding for wildlife enthusiasts as the park’s diverse animal species are more active and easier to spot.
Ultimately, the best time to visit the Everglades National Park depends on your preferences and interests, whether you prioritize weather conditions, wildlife sightings, or crowd levels. Each season offers unique opportunities to experience the beauty and biodiversity of this iconic natural destination.
Transportation
When visiting Everglades National Park, there are multiple transportation options available for visitors to choose from based on their preferences and needs.
One option is to use private vehicles, allowing visitors the flexibility to drive around the park and explore its various roads and trails at their own pace.
For those looking for a more convenient way to navigate the park, shuttle services are available. These shuttles connect different access points and visitor centers within the park, making it easier for visitors to move around.
Another option is to join tour buses that provide guided tours of the park. These tours offer a comprehensive overview of the park’s key attractions and highlights, giving visitors a deeper understanding of the area.
Some visitors prefer to explore the Everglades’ waterways by taking boat tours. These tours can be guided or visitors can rent their own vessels to navigate the park’s unique ecosystem and observe its diverse wildlife up close.
Everglades National Park Map
Conclusion
The Everglades National Park is an incredibly special and extraordinary natural gem, a vast expanse of sawgrass meadows, mangrove jungles, and cypress wetlands that houses a wide variety of plant and animal species. With some thoughtful planning and selecting the perfect activities, you can maximize your visit and craft lasting memories. Therefore, grab your bags, embrace your spirit of adventure, and prepare to discover one of the most distinctive national parks in the United States!
Everglades National Park Photos
Q&A for Everglades National Park
The Everglades National Park is a sprawling wilderness in the southern tip of Florida, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is known for its unique ecosystem, often referred to as the “River of Grass,” which consists of sawgrass prairies, mangrove forests, and cypress swamps.
The Everglades National Park is home to a variety of unique features, including the “River of Grass,” extensive mangrove forests, cypress swamps, and a rich diversity of wildlife, including endangered species like the Florida panther and the American crocodile.
The Everglades National Park offers a wide range of activities for visitors, including guided ranger-led programs, boating and paddling, fishing, biking, hiking, and opportunities to observe the park’s diverse wildlife, such as the Anhinga webcam.
Visitors to the Everglades National Park have several accommodation options, including camping in the park’s campgrounds, as well as hotels, resorts, and lodges located both within and near the park boundaries.
The Everglades National Park is open year-round, but the best time to visit can vary depending on your interests and preferences. The park’s high season is typically during the winter months (December to April), when temperatures are mild and dry. The summer months (May to November) bring the park’s wet season, but this can also be a good time to see the park’s diverse wildlife.
Visitors to the Everglades National Park have several transportation options, including driving their own vehicles, using the park’s shuttle services, joining guided tour buses, or exploring the park’s waterways by boat.
In addition to the Everglades National Park, the region surrounding the park offers a wealth of other attractions and activities for visitors to explore, including Biscayne National Park, Big Cypress National Preserve, and the Florida Keys.