Everglades National Park has consistently been ranked as one of the top national parks. It is one of the prime locations for wildlife viewing- after all, where else can you see alligators, crocodiles, dolphins, manatees, turtles, birds, and fish? There’s more to do at the Everglades National Park than just scope out the awesome wildlife, it’s also a great place to hike, paddle, camp, and take a boat tour.
The Everglades is a true American treasure! So much so that it is also a World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve.
One of the most exhilarating ways to experience the park is on the water. The swamp is full of narrow mangrove tunnels making parts of the Everglades impossible to explore unless you’re in a kayak.
If you’re feeling slightly less adventurous, you can also book a boat tour.
The park is massive and there are no public transportation options. You’ll definitely want to make sure you have access to a vehicle. Since the park is so large, it is hard to see all of it in one day so if you’re limited to just one day, you’ll have to pick and choose what you want to do. It is smart to plan your day based on the park entrance you’re closest to. Everglades City is to the west, Homestead is to the south, and Miami is to the northeast.
What is there to do at Everglades National Park?
There is no shortage of adventure in this 2,400 square mile park! Popular activities include:
- Hiking
- Biking (rentals are available)
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Tram tours
Park Highlights
- Shark Valley – This section is prime gator country. You’re pretty much guaranteed to see alligators, turtles, snakes, and birds here. There is a 15-mile paved loop trail where you can walk, bike, or take a tram tour. There is a 45-foot observation tower that you don’t want to miss. Bike rentals are available at the Shark Valley Visitor Center. (Accessible via the Shark Valley Visitor Center).
- Snake Bight Trail- This 1.6 mile (one way) trail follows a canal through a tropical hardwood hammock. The boardwalk is great for bird watching. (Accessible via the Flamingo Visitor Center).
- Long Pine Key Trails- Hike or bike a system of 22 miles of trails. (Accessible via the Ernest Coe Visitor Center).
- Flamingo Marina- Here you can rent canoes, kayaks, or bicycles. You can also book a boat tour or enjoy a hike. (Accessible via Flamingo Visitor Center).
Camping in the Everglades
There are two drive-in campgrounds accessible from the Homestead entrance of the park. Long Pine Key and Flamingo Campground both accommodate tents and RVs. Flamingo Campground accepts reservations for some sites during the winter months. Long Pine Key is first-come, first-served.
The Flamingo Campground offers eco-tents for a glamping experience. Availability is limited so be sure to book these well in advance, especially during peak season.
Primitive camping is available throughout the park and requires a permit.
Airboat Tours
One of the best ways to experience the Everglades National Park is by booking an airboat tour. You definitely won’t regret it! There are three authorized airboat businesses that offer tours inside Everglades National Park. These tours take you deep into the Everglades for an up-close and personal visit with the wildlife. The expert guides know exactly where specific animals (such as alligators) tend to hang out.
When is the Best Time to Visit?
November to May is the best time to visit. Not only does the humidity dip down a little bit, but the mosquito population also drops. Since it is dry season, the animals tend to gather around water holes making them easier to see.
The “Wet Season” is from June to October. Afternoon thunderstorms are basically an everyday occurrence due to the high humidity. Temperatures skyrocket to 100 and mosquitos, yellow flies, and other biting bugs are prevalent.
Visiting the Everglades National Park
The park is so massive that it has several different entrances. Shark Valley Visitor Center and Gulf Coast Visitor Center are located on the north end of the park. Ernest Coe Visitor Center and Flamingo Visitor Center can be found on the south end.
The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle and is good for 7 consecutive days. Other fees: $15/cyclist, $25/motorcycle
How to Visit the Park For Free
Although some National Park sites are free, some of them require a fee to enter. This fee ranges from $5 per vehicle to $35 per vehicle whereas some charge up to $20 a person.
The National Parks offer Free National Park Days where you can access the park for free! Learn more about these days.
If you have a fourth-grader, you can get an annual pass that grants you access to all of the parks for free! Every year, starting on September 1st, all fourth-grade students are eligible for an Every Kid Outdoors Pass. The pass grants free access to the entire family! Fill out the form at www.everykidoutdoors.gov
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