Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park protects the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, encompassing 1.5 million acres of a unique ecosystem where freshwater meets saltwater in a vast "River of Grass." This UNESCO World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, and Wetland of International Importance represents one of the most biologically diverse regions in North America. Yet it exists in a state of ecological crisis, serving as both a natural treasure and a stark reminder of humanity's impact on fragile ecosystems.

The park preserves only the southern 20% of the historic Everglades ecosystem, a shallow sheet of water that once flowed unimpeded for over 100 miles from Lake Okeechobee to Florida Bay. Today, this remnant wilderness is home to numerous threatened and endangered species, including the American crocodile, Florida panther, and West Indian manatee. It remains the only place on Earth where alligators and crocodiles coexist naturally, and serves as the most significant breeding ground for wading birds in North America.

Key Highlights

• Anhinga Trail: Premier wildlife viewing boardwalk with guaranteed alligator sightings
• Shark Valley: 15-mile loop with observation tower overlooking the River of Grass
• Flamingo: Gateway to Florida Bay with boat tours and paddling trails
• Ten Thousand Islands: Vast mangrove wilderness accessible by boat
• Nine Ecosystems: From hardwood hammocks to marine environments
• 400+ Bird Species: Including wood storks, roseate spoonbills, and great blue herons
• American Crocodile: Only U.S. habitat for this threatened species
• Manatee Viewing: Best chances in winter months at Flamingo Marina

Getting There

The park's three main entrances are located hours apart, each offering access to different ecosystems and experiences.

Main Entrance (Homestead/Florida City)

From Miami

• Take US-1 South or Florida Turnpike South
• Exit at Florida City
• Follow signs to park entrance
• 45 minutes from downtown Miami

Park Entrance to Key Areas

• Royal Palm: 4 miles
• Long Pine Key: 7 miles
• Flamingo: 38 miles (dead-end road)

Shark Valley Entrance

From Miami

• Take US-41 (Tamiami Trail) West
• 25 miles west of Florida Turnpike
• 45 minutes from downtown
• Look for entrance on north side

Gulf Coast Entrance

From Naples

• Take US-41 East for 35 miles
• Turn south on Route 29 to Everglades City
• Follow signs to visitor center
• 90 minutes from Naples

Transportation Options

Car Rental Essential

• No public transportation to park
• Entrances 80+ miles apart
• Limited services between entrances
• GPS recommended

Tour Options

• Miami-based tour companies
• Airboat tours (outside park)
• Specialized wildlife tours
• Photography workshops

Best Time to Visit

The Everglades has two distinct seasons that dramatically affect wildlife viewing and comfort levels.

Dry Season: December-April

Peak Visiting Season

• Pleasant temperatures (60-80°F)
• Low humidity
• Minimal mosquitoes
• Wildlife concentrated at water sources
• Best bird watching
• Ranger programs in full swing

Considerations

• Peak crowds
• Higher lodging rates
• Parking challenges at popular spots
• Advance reservations essential

Wet Season: May-November

Challenging Conditions

• Hot and humid (80-95°F)
• Daily thunderstorms
• Extreme mosquito populations
• Wildlife dispersed
• Some facilities reduced hours

Advantages

• Fewer visitors
• Dramatic skies
• Active alligator behavior
• Lower accommodation rates
• True wilderness experience

Monthly Breakdown

December-February

• Prime wildlife viewing
• Cool mornings (50-60°F)
• Comfortable hiking weather
• Manatees in warm waters

March-April

• Warming temperatures
• Peak bird nesting
• Wildflowers blooming
• Increasing mosquitoes

May-November

• Hurricane season (June-November)
• Afternoon storms common
• Morning activities best
• Mosquito protection essential

Activities and Adventures

The park offers diverse ways to explore its unique ecosystems, from easy boardwalks to wilderness paddling.

Wildlife Viewing

Anhinga Trail (Royal Palm)

• 0.8-mile boardwalk loop
• Guaranteed wildlife sightings
• Alligators, turtles, birds
• Wheelchair accessible
• Best in early morning

Shark Valley Loop

• 15-mile paved road
• Tram tours available ($25-30)
• Bike rentals ($40/day)
• 65-foot observation tower
• Alligators line the trail

Flamingo Wildlife

• Manatees (winter months)
• American crocodiles
• Dolphins in Florida Bay
• Roseate spoonbills
• Best at dawn/dusk

Paddling Adventures

Nine Mile Pond Canoe Trail

• 5.2-mile marked loop
• 3-4 hours
• Mangrove tunnels
• Protected from wind
• Rentals at Flamingo

Hell's Bay Canoe Trail

• "Hell to get into, hell to get out"
• 3-6 mile options
• Narrow mangrove creeks
• GPS recommended
• Experienced paddlers only

Wilderness Waterway

• 99-mile backcountry route
• 7-10 day expedition
• Permit required
• Chickees (platforms) for camping
• Advanced planning essential

Hiking Trails

Gumbo Limbo Trail

• 0.4-mile boardwalk
• Tropical hardwood hammock
• Shaded canopy
• Royal palm trees
• Educational signs

Pineland Trail

• 0.4-mile loop
• Fire-adapted ecosystem
• Slash pine forest
• Saw palmetto understory

Coastal Prairie Trail

• 7.5 miles one-way
• Flamingo to Clubhouse Beach
• Salt-tolerant plants
• Remote experience
• Bring plenty of water

Ranger Programs

Guided Activities

• Anhinga Ambles
• Starlight Walks
• Canoe Tours
• Bird Watching
• Slough Slogs (wet hikes)

Evening Programs

• Campfire talks
• Night sky viewing
• Cultural presentations
• Wildlife documentaries

Wildlife and Natural Features

The Everglades supports an extraordinary array of life across nine distinct ecosystems.

Iconic Species

American Alligator

• Keystone species
• Creates "gator holes"
• 200,000+ in park
• Visible year-round
• Most active in morning

American Crocodile

• Threatened species
• Coastal areas only
• Lighter color than alligators
• V-shaped snout
• 400-500 in South Florida

Florida Panther

• Fewer than 200 exist
• Rarely seen
• Most active at night
• Primary habitat north of park

West Indian Manatee

• Winter visitors
• Flamingo Marina area
• Gentle herbivores
• Protected species
• Boat strike victims

Bird Life

Wading Birds

• Wood storks
• Roseate spoonbills
• Great blue herons
• White ibis
• Tricolored herons

Raptors

• Osprey
• Snail kites (endangered)
• Red-shouldered hawks
• Barred owls

Ecosystems

Freshwater Sloughs

• "River of Grass"
• Sawgrass prairies
• Slow water flow
• Primary habitat

Hardwood Hammocks

• Tree islands
• Tropical species
• Wildlife refuge
• Higher elevation

Mangrove Forests

• Largest in hemisphere
• Storm protection
• Nursery habitat
• Three species

Marine/Estuarine

• Florida Bay
• Seagrass beds
• Coral reefs
• Sport fishing

Lodging and Camping

Limited in-park accommodations require advance planning, especially during peak season.

In-Park Lodging

Flamingo Lodge

• Only hotel in park
• 24 rooms/suites
• Bay views
• Restaurant on-site
• $200-300/night
• Book months ahead

Wilderness Camping

• Backcountry permits required
• Chickees (platforms over water)
• Ground sites on beaches
• No facilities
• Advanced planning essential

Campgrounds

Long Pine Key

• 108 sites
• No hookups
• $25/night
• First-come, first-served
• November-May only

Flamingo

• 274 sites
• Some electric hookups
• $30-45/night
• Reservations accepted
• Year-round operation

Gateway Communities

Homestead/Florida City

• 10 miles from main entrance
• Hotels from $80-200
• Restaurants and services
• Walmart for supplies

Everglades City

• Near Gulf Coast entrance
• Small lodges
• Seafood restaurants
• Old Florida charm

Essential Information

Park Fees

• Vehicle Pass: $30 (7 days)
• Motorcycle: $25
• Individual: $15
• Annual Pass: $55
• America the Beautiful accepted

Safety Warnings

Wildlife Hazards

• Never feed alligators
• Maintain 15-foot distance
• Panthers avoid humans
• Venomous snakes present
• Fire ants common

Environmental Dangers

• Lightning strikes frequent
• Heat exhaustion risk
• Dehydration common
• Sun exposure extreme
• Hurricane evacuation plans

Water Safety

• No swimming (alligators)
• Saltwater paddling only
• Tides affect water levels
• GPS essential for paddling
• File float plans

What to Bring

Essential Gear

• Insect repellent (DEET)
• Long pants and sleeves
• Sun protection
• Plenty of water
• Binoculars
• Rain gear

Seasonal Items

• Winter: Light jacket
• Summer: Cooling towels
• Wet season: Head nets
• Dry season: Dust masks

Visitor Centers

Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center

• Main park entrance
• Orientation film
• Exhibits
• Bookstore
• Open daily 9-5

Flamingo Visitor Center

• Southern terminus
• Marine focus
• Boat tour tickets
• Limited hours

Shark Valley Visitor Center

• Tram tour tickets
• Bike rentals
• Small exhibits
• Restrooms

Gulf Coast Visitor Center

• Boat tour departure
• Ten Thousand Islands info
• Canoe/kayak launches
• Tide information

Special Considerations

Mosquito Protection

• Worst May-October
• Dawn/dusk peaks
• Wear light colors
• Avoid perfumes
• Consider head nets

Cell Service

• Limited throughout park
• Best at visitor centers
• No service in backcountry
• Download offline maps
• Satellite communicators recommended

Environmental Threats

• Pythons (report sightings)
• Mercury in fish
• Harmful algae blooms
• Altered water flow
• Climate change impacts

Everglades National Park offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience one of the world's most unique ecosystems. This "River of Grass" flows with stories of resilience and fragility, where prehistoric alligators cruise beneath soaring wood storks, and where the fate of an entire ecosystem hangs in the balance of human decisions. Whether gliding through mangrove tunnels, walking the Anhinga Trail at dawn, or watching the sunset from Flamingo, visitors witness both the majesty of wild Florida and the urgent need for conservation. Come prepared for mosquitoes and marvel at manatees—this is a landscape like no other on Earth.