the river of grass
Everglades National Park is located on the southern tip of Florida. The park protects the Marjory Stoneman Douglass Wilderness, the largest subtropical wilderness in America and the largest wilderness east of the Mississippi River.
After Death Valley and Yellowstone, it’s the third-largest national park outside Alaska.
Everglades was the first national park created to protect a fragile ecosystem rather than scenery. Animals that rely on this ecosystem include hundreds of species of birds, as well as alligators and crocodiles.
South Florida is the only place on Earth where the two reptilian species can co-exist. Everglades National Park is the best place to visit if you hope to see both. Furthermore, the park has a stunning human history dating back thousands of years.
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Everglades National Park Overview
Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle, $30 per motorcycle, or $20 per person/cyclist/paddlecraft (valid for 7 days)
Established: December 6, 1947
Location: Florida
Nearby Communities: Miami, Everglades City, Homestead
Park Size: 1.5 million acres
Reservations: While reservations are not required to enter the park, they are required for certain activities, such as camping and guided tours.
Visitor Centers: Ernest F. Coe (Homestead), Royal Palm (Homestead), Shark Valley (Miami), Gulf Coast (Everglades City), Guy Bradley Visitor Center (Flamingo)
Unique Things to Do at Everglades National Park
Ranger-guided tours include wet walks, paddling trips, night sky programs, and more. Check the park calendar to learn about upcoming events and programs.
Spend a night in the backcountry by camping on a chickee, an elevated platform above the waters of the Everglades.
Birdwatching could yield over 350 species that migrate through or call the park home.
Enjoy a fresh meal at the Flamingo Restaurant, where the chef will cook your catch!
Visit Shark Valley for a guided tram tour and climb the observation tower overlooking the river of grass.
Plan Your Trip to Everglades National Park
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How to Get to Everglades National Park
The closest airports to Everglades National Park are Miami International Airport (MIA) and Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).
The closest cities to Everglades National Park are Miami, Homestead, Florida City, and Everglades City. The best way to get to Everglades National Park is by car.
There are three entrances to Everglades National Park. Two are located along the Tamiami Trail (Gulf Coast and Shark Valley) while the other is near Homestead on State Road 9336.
Where to Stay Near Everglades National Park
Campgrounds in the Everglades: Long Pine Key Campground, Flamingo Campground
Camping in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Wilderness: Check out the park’s wilderness trip planner.
Camping Near the Park: Palm Garden RV Park, Southern Comfort RV Resort, Camp Owaissa Bauer
Lodging Inside the Park: Flamingo Lodge, Flamingo Eco Tents, Houseboats
Lodging Near the Park: Hampton Inn, Floridian Hotel, A-1 Budget Motel, River Wilderness Waterfront Villas, Everglades City Motel, Ivey House, Miccosukee Resort, Best Western Plus, Holiday Inn, Courtyard, DoubleTree
Best Time to Visit Everglades National Park
Spring: Visit in spring for fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures. Early spring is best to beat the spring break crowds and summer rains.
Summer: The hottest time of year, this is also the buggiest time to be in the park. Summer visitors should be prepared with bug spray and sunscreen. Don’t forget that hurricane season begins in June.
Fall: Though milder temperatures and fewer rainstorms are appealing, remember that Florida often sees its strongest hurricanes in September and October.
Winter: Winter is the best time to visit the Everglades National Park. You’ll enjoy cooler temperatures and less precipitation. This is also the busiest season.
Everglades National Park Map
Everglades National Park Weather
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Is Everglades National Park Dog Friendly?
Although dogs are allowed in Everglades National Park, there are important factors to consider before bringing your pet along for your trip.
First, remember that the Everglades is home to wild animals that will look at your pet and see lunch. Alligators, crocodiles, panthers, pythons, and more will not pass up the chance to feast on your dog.
For this reason, dogs are not allowed on any trails within Everglades National Park. They are also not permitted inside visitor centers or on guided tours. Due to the heat and humidity, you shouldn’t leave your pets in cars.
When visiting the Everglades with your pet, they are required to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. Owners must promptly dispose of all pet waste. Pets may not be left unattended at any time. Pets are permitted on personal vessels, but please remember the wildlife risks associated with taking animals out on the water.
We would advise leaving your pets behind for this park visit.
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