The Complete Guide to Visiting Everglades National Park in 2024

Discover the unparalleled beauty and ecological diversity of Everglades National Park. Located in South Florida, this vast natural reserve offers a unique glimpse into a world where wildlife flourishes amidst a backdrop of mesmerizing landscapes. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a solo adventure, or a photography expedition, Visiting Everglades National Park promises an unforgettable experience, teeming with opportunities to explore its rich habitats, engage in thrilling outdoor activities, and witness the serene majesty of its untouched wilderness.

Explore the park’s expansive wetlands, and the vibrant ecosystems play host to a myriad of species, from the elusive Florida panther to the majestic American alligator. With its intricate network of waterways, lush mangrove forests, and pristine prairies,

If you are planning a trip to Everglades National Park and need some help planning your trip, this is our starter guide for visiting Everglades National Park. We often have detailed, in-depth guides reached to Everglades National Park trip planning and will link to these where appropriate to make your trip planning as easy as possible.

The article will discuss all aspects of visiting Everglades National Park, including:

• Maps of Everglades National Park
• General Information about Everglades
• Time to Visit
• How to Make the Most of Your Visit
• Best Things to do in Everglades
• Where to Stay
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Nearby National Parks

Planning to explore the Southeast? Download your free Southeast National Park Checklist HERE.

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Articles about Everglades National Park

Itineraries for Everglades National Park

• Two Days in Everglades National Park

Downloadable Itineraries for Everglades National Park

• Mini 1-Day Everglades National Park Itinerary – Shark Valley
• Mini 1-Day Everglades National Park Itinerary – Royal Palm/Flamingo
• Mini 2-Day Everglades National Park Itinerary
• Mini 2-Day Biscayne & Everglades National Parks Itinerary
• Mini 3-Day Biscayne and Everglades National Parks Itinerary
• Mini 7-Day Florida National Park Itinerary

Other Articles featuring Everglades National Park National Park

• Best National Parks for Spring

Map of Everglades National Park

Click on the Everglades Map above to download the official brochure map. If you’d like a PDF copy of this Everglades Map click here.

Everglades National Park Basics

• Region: Southeast
• State: Florida
• Park Size: 1,508,976 acres (2,357.78 sq miles) (6,106.61 sq km)
• Location: Miami-Dade, Monroe, and Collier counties
• Closest Cities: Florida City and Everglades City, Florida
• Busy Season: November to April
• Visitation: 810,189 (in 2023)
• Funniest 1-Star Review: I was so excited to hit the trails early this morning! We drove all the way to flamingo recreation area and then got out to look around. We have never seen so many mosquitoes in our lives. We ran back to the car and tried the next trail even worse! No seriously attacked by hundreds and we were covered in bug spray. Then we tried the next loop trail and we were attacked by these huge flys ! So sorry to give one star but hey I guess that’s the Everglades. I don’t recommend bringing children here either. They may get carried away by the bugs.
• Official Website: NPS.gov

How much does Everglades National Park Cost?

Everglades National Park costs the following:

• 7-day Passenger Vehicle Pass – $30
• 7-day Motorcycle Pass – $25
• 7-day Individual Pass – $15

Get Free Entrance to the National Parks

Get free admission to all 116 fee-charging National Park Units with the American the Beautiful Pass.

Order Your Park Pass Here

When is Everglades National Park Open?

Everglades National Park is open year-round.

Are dogs allowed in Everglades National Park?

Yes, pets are welcome in Everglades National Park but are limited to developed areas such as roads, parking areas, picnic areas, and campgrounds. Pets are not allowed on the trails or boardwalks in the park. Please review the Everglades Pet Policy before bringing your dog to Everglades.

Where are Everglades National Park’s visitor centers?

• Gulf Coast Visitor Center – Open Year Around
• Shark Valley Visitor Center – Open Year Around
• Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center – Open Year Around
• Flamingo Visitor Center – Open Year Around

Land Acknowledgments for Everglades National Park

The National Park known as Everglades National Park sits on Seminole, Calusa, Miccosukee, Taino, and Tequesta land.

Thank you to the Native Land Digital for making the Indigenous territories accessible to all. They have mapped the known territories to the best of the current knowledge and is a work in progress. If you have additional information on the Indigenous nations boundaries, please let them know.

Native Land Digital is a registered Canadian not-for-profit organization with the goal to creates spaces where non-Indigenous people can be invited and challenged to learn more about the lands they inhabit, the history of those lands, and how to actively be part of a better future going forward together.

When to Visit Everglades National Park

Best Time to Visit Everglades National Park

The best time to visit Everglades National Park is October to April. Everglades is a little cooler during these months, and the water levels are lower, so the wildlife is more concentrated around the deeper water areas. The mosquitos are less prevalent during this time as well. The downside is that visitation is higher during this time, but compared to some other parks, a busy Everglades is like a super slow day in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Everglades National Park Visitation

Everglades National Park Visitation By Month

Everglades National Park Visitation By Year

• 2023 – 810,189
• 2022 – 1,155,193
• 2021 – 942,130
• 2020 – 702,319
• 2019 – 1,118,300
• 2018 – 597,124
• 2017 – 1,018,557
• 2016 – 930,907
• 2015 – 1,077,427

Everglades National Park Weather

How to Get to Everglades National Park

Getting to Everglades depends on where you live and how much time you have for your visit. You are better off driving to the park if you live within 6-8 hours of Everglades National Park. Basically, if you don’t live in Florida and/or have limited time, you should probably fly.

I recommend weighing the time you have versus the costs before deciding to fly vs. driving.

Where is Everglades National Park Located?

Everglades National Park is located in the southern tip of Florida and spans from the Miami suburbs to Naples.

Flying to Everglades National Park

Closest Airports to Everglades National Park

• RECOMMENDED: Miami International Airport (MIA)
• Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
• Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)
• Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)
• Key West International Airport (EYW)

Use Skyscanner to get the best prices on your flights.

Driving to Everglades National Park

There are three main entrances to Everglades National Park.

• Homestead Entrance: This is the main entrance and is located near where Florida Turnpike (Route 821) south merges with U.S. 1.
• Miami Entrance: This entrance is off U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail / SW 8th St.).
• Everglades City Entrance: This entrance is located on State Road 29.

Driving Time from Various Popular Florida Cities

• Miami – 1 hr – 41 miles
• Fort Meyers – 1 hr 27 mins – 83 miles
• St. Petersburg – 2 hr 52 mins – 192 miles
• Tampa – 3 hr 3 mins – 207 miles
• Key West – 3 hr 8 mins – 134 miles
• Orlando – 3 hr 56 mins – 231 miles
• Dayton Beach – 4 hr 44 mins – 295 miles
• Jacksonville – 5 hr 36 mins – 379 miles
• Tallahassee – 6 hr 51 mins – 473 miles
• Panama City – 8 hr 25 mins – 574 miles

Driving to Everglades National Park from Major US Cities

Public Transport to Everglades National Park

The only public transport in the Everglades is the Homestead Trolley to the National Parks. The trolley operates free guided tours to the park on weekends from January to March. Reservations are required.

It is possible to use Miami-Dade County Public Transportation to Homestead, but you will need a vehicle or Trolley reservation to get to the park.

What kind of rental car do you need for an Everglades Visit?

Any rental car will do for a visit to Everglades National Park.

I book most of my rental cars through RentalCars.com. They have a great selection of rental cars from most major agencies and the best prices – check prices here.

How Much Time Should I Spend Visiting Everglades National Park?

If you have one day in Everglades National Park, drive from the Homestead Entrance to Flamingo. Stopping to explore Royal Palms and the Anhinga Trail. At Flamingo, look for American Crocodiles. Stop at Robert is Here for a fruit milkshake.

If you have two days in Everglades National Park, take an airboat tour, then bike or take the tram tour of Shark Valley. If you have extra time, head to Big Cypress National Preserve and enjoy a few short hikes.

Check out our detailed Two Days in Everglades National Park Itineary.

If you have three or more days in Everglades National Park, rent a kayak and kayak in the Flamingo area or one of the canoe trails on the drive from Homestead.

Drive to the Gulf Coast Visitor Center and take a boat tour, or rent a kayak and explore the Ten Thousand Islands region.

Does Everglades Trip Planning Leave You Feeling Overwhelmed?

Jump right into booking your Everglades National Park trip with our expertly designed, pre-made, downloadable National Park itineraries.

Get Yours Today!

Things to do in Everglades National Park

Hiking in Everglades National Park

• Anhinga Trail – 0.8 miles (round trip) – Flat – Walk along a slough before heading out on to a boardwalk. Great trail for wildlife viewing.
• Pineland Trail – 0.4 miles (round trip) – Flat – A short path through a forest of pines, palmettos, and wildflowers. There are longer trails in the area to hike.

Canoe Trails in Everglades National Park

• Nine Mile Pond Canoe Trail – 5.2 miles (round trip) – Paddle through a grassy marsh with mangrove islands.
• Hells Bay Canoe Trail – 6-11 miles (round trip)-This trail weaves through the mangrove creeks and ponds to some small bays; there are several turn-around points.

Best Things to Do in Everglades National Parks

• Slough Slog / Wet Walk
• Nike Missile Silo Tour
• Shark Valley Tram Tour
• Ten Thousand Islands Boat Tour

Best Things to See in Everglades National Parks

• Pond Apple Willow Marsh
• Pa-hay-okee Observation Deck
• Shark Valley
• Ten Thousand Islands
• Mahogany Hammock
• Royal Palm

Best Guided Tours of Everglades National Parks

Must-See Everglades National Park Wildlife

• American Alligator
• American Crocodile
• Roseate Spoonbill
• Florida Panther
• Snail Kite
• Great Egret

Where to Stay in Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park Hotels

Hotels inside Everglades National Park

• Flamingo Area
  • Flamingo Adventures is the newly reopened lodge located within the park. Rooms start at $300/night. Book Direct.
  • Flamingo Glamping is a comfortable safari-style tent with a fan and electricity. Rooms start at $109/night in winter and $50/night in summer. Book Direct.

Homestead Hotels (Homestead Entrance / Miami Entrance)

• Hilton Garden Inn Homestead is an upscale hotel with an outdoor pool. Rooms start at $165/night. Book on Hotels.com.
• Courtyard by Marriott Miami Homestead is a nice mid-range hotel with pool and onsite restaurant. Rooms start at $125/night. Book on Hotels.com.
• Budget Host Inn is a basic hotel with modern rooms and a pool. Rooms start at $52/night. Book on Hotels.com.

Marco Island Hotels (Gulf Coast Entrance)

• Olde Marco Island Inn and Suites A nice riverfront hotel with an outdoor pool. Rooms start at $277/night. Book on Hotels.com.
• Staybridge Suites Naples – Marco Island, an IHG Hotel A modern hotel with an adjacent golf course and a pool. Rooms start at $195/night. Book on Hotels.com.
• Conty’s Motel A quaint budget friendly hotel. Rooms start at $89/night. Book on Hotels.com.

Everglades Airbnbs and Vacation Rentals

Homestead Vacation Rentals (Homestead Entrance / Miami Entrance)

• Private Paradise! A cozy residential home. Sleeps 10. Starting at $322/night. Book on VRBO.
• Family Home A new construction family home. Sleeps 6. Starting at $153/night. Book on VRBO.
• Hidden Cottages in The Redland A quaint cottage near the park. Sleeps 6. Starting at $150/night. Book on VRBO.

Marco Island Vacation Rentals (Gulf Coast Entrance)

• Top Floor Pristine Cozy Beach Condo A stunning condo with ocean views. Sleeps 6. Starting at $306/night. Book on VRBO.
• Marco Island Guest Suite A private apartment with a kitchette. Sleeps 3. Starting at $/night. Book on VRBO.
• Peaceful condo A tropical condo with a bool and beach access. Sleeps 4. Starting at $76/night. Book on VRBO.

Everglades National Park Camping

Campground in Everglades National Park

• Homestead Entrance
  • Long Pine Key Campground
  • Flamingo Campground

Campground near Homestead Entrance / Miami Entrance

• Goldcoaster RV Resort

Campground near Gulf Coast Entrance

• Sun Retreats Naples
• Sun Retreats Naples East

Where to stamp your National Parks Passport Book in Everglades National Park?

The National Park Passport Book is the BEST and cheapest National Park souvenir. Every National Park Obsessed person should have one of these books.

IMPORTANT: Do NOT stamp your government-issued passport.

There are 12 official stamps for Everglades National Park. Here is the list of National Park Passport Stamps you can get in Everglades National Park:

• Coopertown
• Everglades City, FL
• Everglades Safari Park
• Flamingo, FL
• Gator Park
• Gulf Coast, FL
• Homestead, FL
• Nike Missile Base
• NPS Centennial
• Royal Palm, FL
• Shark Valley
• Shark Valley, FL

Bonus Stamps

• Image Of Anhinga
• Image Of Belted Kingfisher
• Image Of Bittern
• Image Of Deer
• Image Of Doe
• Image Of Dolphin
• Image Of Egret
• Image Of Florida Panther
• Image Of Gallinule
• Image Of Great Blue Heron
• Image Of Killdeer
• Image of Manatee
• Image Of Panther Paw Print
• Image Of Pelican Flying
• Image Of Rail (Perched)
• Image Of Rail Landing
• Image Of Soft Shell Turtle
• Image Of Swallow-Tailed Kite
• Image Of Swallow-Tailed Kite (Perched)
• Junior Ranger
• Southernmost Mainland

Everglades National Park Passport Stamp Locations

Here are all the locations to find the Everglades National Park Passport Stamps. Not every stamp is available at every location.

• Coopertown Airboats – Gift Shop
• Ernest Coe Visitor Center
• Everglades / Dry Tortugas HQ – Front Desk
• Everglades Safari Park – Gift Shop
• Flamingo Visitor Center
• Gator Park Airboat Rides – Gift Shop
• Gulf Coast Visitor Center
• Nathaniel P. Reed VC
• Nike Missile Base
• Royal Palm Nature Center
• Shark Valley Visitor Center

National Parks Near Everglades National Park

National Park Service units within a 4 hours drive

• Big Cypress National Preserve
• Biscayne National Park
• Dry Tortugas National Park
• De Soto National Memorial
• Canaveral National Seashore

National Park Service units within an 8 hours drive

• Fort Matanzas National Monument
• Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
• Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve
• Fort Caroline National Memorial
• Cumberland Island National Seashore
• Fort Frederica National Monument
• Fort Pulaski National Monument
• Andersonville National Historic Site
• Jimmy Carter National Historical Park

Final Thoughts on Everglades National Park

Do you have any questions about Everglades National Park, let us know in the comments below or need help planning your National Park trips. Let me know in the comments or join me in my National Park Trip Planning Community!

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