Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park, located in southern Florida, is a unique and vital ecosystem, often referred to as the “River of Grass.” Spanning over 1.5 million acres, it is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States and home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, including alligators, manatees, and the endangered Florida panther. The park’s vast wetlands, mangroves, and sawgrass prairies support a delicate balance of life, making it a haven for birdwatchers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, and Wetland of International Importance, the Everglades also plays a crucial role in providing fresh water for millions of Floridians. Visitors can explore the park through airboat rides, kayaking, hiking, or guided tours, experiencing the beauty and ecological importance of this extraordinary landscape.
Park Information Quick Facts
Location: South Florida
Park Size: 1,509,000 Acres
Time Needed: 1-2 days
Best Season: December – April
Must Do: Guided Tours
Pro Tips: Everglades National Park is best to plan your visit during the dry season. Temperatures are cooler, mosquitoes are less prevalent, and wildlife is more concentrated.
Visitor Centers
Everglades National Park features several visitor centers that serve as key starting points for exploring its vast and unique ecosystems. The Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, located near Homestead, is the park’s main entrance and provides an excellent introduction to the Everglades. Here, visitors can view educational exhibits, watch orientation films, and speak with rangers to plan their visit. The center also offers maps, brochures, and information on current conditions, such as trail closures or wildlife activity. Nearby, the Anhinga Trail is a popular destination, known for its high concentration of wildlife, including alligators and wading birds. This visitor center is ideal for first-time guests seeking a comprehensive overview of the park’s natural and cultural significance.
At the western entrance near Everglades City, the Gulf Coast Visitor Center serves as the gateway to the park’s watery wilderness. This center is a hub for activities like kayaking, canoeing, and boat tours, offering visitors the chance to explore the Ten Thousand Islands and mangrove forests. It provides information on water trails and permits for backcountry camping, making it a perfect stop for adventurers. Another key facility is the Shark Valley Visitor Center, located along Tamiami Trail, where visitors can access tram tours or rent bikes to explore a 15-mile paved loop that offers incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. Each visitor center is uniquely positioned to highlight different aspects of the Everglades, ensuring that every trip to the park is both educational and unforgettable.
Plan Your Everglades Adventure Today!
Planning a trip to Everglades National Park involves considering the best time to visit, activities you’d like to experience, and the park’s unique environmental conditions. The dry season, from November to April, is the most popular time, offering cooler temperatures, fewer mosquitoes, and better wildlife viewing opportunities. Start by choosing your entry point—such as the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center near Homestead for hiking trails or the Gulf Coast Visitor Center for water-based activities like kayaking and boat tours. Be sure to pack essentials, including sunscreen, insect repellent, water-resistant footwear, and plenty of water, as the park’s subtropical environment can be challenging. For an immersive experience, consider joining ranger-led programs, guided tours, or renting equipment to explore the waterways and trails. Planning ahead ensures a safe and enjoyable visit while allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty and ecological importance of this unique landscape.
Getting There
How to Travel to Everglades National Park
Traveling to Everglades National Park is straightforward, with multiple entry points accessible by car and nearby airports for visitors coming from farther away. The park is located in southern Florida, just a short drive from major cities like Miami and Naples. The Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center near Homestead is the most popular entry point and is easily reached via U.S. Highway 1, making it ideal for visitors exploring the South Florida region. For those traveling to the western part of the park, the Gulf Coast Visitor Center near Everglades City can be accessed via Interstate 75 (Alligator Alley) or U.S. Highway 41 (Tamiami Trail). If you’re flying, Miami International Airport (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) are the closest major hubs, with rental car services available for the drive to the park.
Once you arrive, having a vehicle is essential for exploring the park, as it covers over 1.5 million acres and offers limited public transportation. The main road, State Road 9336, runs through the park from the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center to Flamingo, providing access to several key trailheads, campgrounds, and scenic spots. The Tamiami Trail (U.S. Highway 41) is another important route for those visiting Shark Valley or the Gulf Coast Visitor Center. Consider mapping out your destinations in advance, as cell service is limited in many areas of the park. For eco-friendly travel within the park, biking is a popular option, especially at Shark Valley, where visitors can rent bicycles or join tram tours.
For water-based adventures, traveling by kayak, canoe, or boat is the best way to explore the park’s extensive waterways, particularly in the Ten Thousand Islands area. Boat tours and equipment rentals are available at the Gulf Coast Visitor Center, or you can bring your own. For those looking to camp or venture into the backcountry, permits are required and can be obtained in person or online. Planning ahead, whether by securing permits, renting equipment, or familiarizing yourself with park regulations, ensures a smooth and enjoyable journey into the heart of the Everglades.
Campsites
Campsites at Everglades National Park provide a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the park’s diverse ecosystems and stunning landscapes. The park offers two main front-country campgrounds, Long Pine Key and Flamingo, both accessible by car. Long Pine Key, located near the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, is surrounded by pine forests and offers a peaceful atmosphere with easy access to hiking trails. Flamingo Campground, situated along Florida Bay, provides waterfront views and opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and wildlife spotting, including manatees and crocodiles. Both campgrounds accommodate tents and RVs and include amenities such as restrooms, picnic tables, and grills. For the adventurous, the park also offers backcountry camping in remote areas like the Gulf Coast’s chickees, raised platforms over water, or beach campsites along the Ten Thousand Islands. Permits are required for backcountry camping, and visitors should be well-prepared for the park’s subtropical conditions and wildlife.
Front-Country Campgrounds
Long Pine Key Campground
- Located near the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center.
- Offers a quiet, wooded area with tent and RV camping.
- First-come, first-served during the off-season; reservations recommended during peak season.
Flamingo Campground
- Situated near Florida Bay, at the southern end of the park.
- Offers tent and RV sites, some with electrical hookups.
- Features incredible views of the bay and opportunities for birdwatching, kayaking, and fishing.
Backcountry Campsites
Chickee Sites
- Raised wooden platforms over water, accessible by boat. Examples include:
- Pearl Bay Chickee
- Shark River Chickee
- North River Chickee
Ground Campsites
- Located on dry land, often near water. Examples include:
- Darwin’s Place
- Hell’s Bay Canoe Ground
- Lard Can
Beach Campsites
- Located along the coast in the Ten Thousand Islands area, offering picturesque beachfront camping. Examples include:
- White Horse Key
- New Turkey Key
- Rabbit Key
Here are three essential tips for camping at Everglades National Park:
1. Plan and Prepare for Permits
If you’re planning to camp in the backcountry, ensure you obtain the required permits, which can be reserved in advance or issued in person. Familiarize yourself with the park’s rules for backcountry sites like chickees, beach campsites, or ground sites, and plan your route carefully. For front-country camping at Long Pine Key or Flamingo, making reservations during the peak season (November to April) is recommended to secure your spot.
2. Pack for the Environment
The Everglades’ subtropical climate requires careful packing. Bring insect repellent and protective clothing to guard against mosquitoes, especially during the wet season. Prepare for varying temperatures, as nights can get chilly even in warm months. Pack sufficient water, as potable water may not always be available at remote sites, and store food securely to avoid attracting wildlife.
3. Be Wildlife and Weather Aware
The Everglades is home to diverse wildlife, including alligators, snakes, and raccoons. Practice safe camping habits, such as keeping a respectful distance from animals and properly disposing of food waste. Check weather conditions regularly, as sudden storms or high winds can be dangerous, especially in exposed backcountry sites like chickees or beach campsites. Always have a backup plan and know your escape routes in case of emergencies.
Popular Hiking Trails
Flamingo Area Trails
Anhinga Trail
- Distance: 0.8 miles (round trip)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Elevated boardwalk with abundant wildlife like alligators and wading birds.
Gumbo Limbo Trail
- Distance: 0.4 miles (loop)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Shady walk through a hardwood hammock.
Guy Bradley Trail
- Distance: 1.0 mile (one-way)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Scenic views along Florida Bay near Flamingo Visitor Center.
Coastal Prairie Trail
- Distance: 7.5 miles (one-way)
- Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
- Highlights: Remote trail with views of salt flats and mangroves.
Homestead/Ernest F. Coe Area Trails
Pinelands Trail
- Distance: 0.4 miles (loop)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Explore the unique pine rockland habitat.
Mahogany Hammock Trail
- Distance: 0.5 miles (loop)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Dense tropical forest featuring the largest mahogany tree in the U.S.
Pa-hay-okee Overlook Trail
- Distance: 0.2 miles (loop)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Boardwalk trail with panoramic views of the sawgrass prairie.
Shark Valley Tram Road
- Distance: 15 miles (loop)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Paved trail with excellent wildlife viewing and an observation tower.
Hiking Trails in Everglades National Park
Hiking trails at Everglades National Park offer visitors a chance to explore the park’s unique ecosystems up close, from vast sawgrass prairies to dense tropical hammocks. One of the most popular trails is the Anhinga Trail, a short and accessible boardwalk near the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center. This trail provides an excellent opportunity for wildlife viewing, with frequent sightings of alligators, turtles, and a variety of wading birds. Nearby, the Gumbo Limbo Trail takes visitors through a shady hardwood hammock, showcasing the diversity of plant life, including the distinctive gumbo limbo tree. These trails are perfect for families or first-time visitors looking for an easy yet rewarding introduction to the Everglades.
For those seeking a more immersive experience, longer trails like the Coastal Prairie Trail and Pinelands Trail offer a deeper look into the park’s habitats. The Coastal Prairie Trail, near Flamingo, stretches over 7 miles and leads hikers through salt flats and mangroves, ending with views of Florida Bay. The Pinelands Trail, on the other hand, provides a glimpse into the rare pine rockland habitat, home to unique flora and fauna. These trails allow visitors to experience the quieter, less-traveled parts of the park, where the solitude and natural beauty create a sense of connection with the environment.
In the Shark Valley area, the Shark Valley Tram Road and Bobcat Boardwalk highlight the park’s wetlands and offer incredible opportunities for wildlife observation. The Shark Valley Tram Road, a 15-mile paved loop, is ideal for biking or walking and features an observation tower with panoramic views of the Everglades. Meanwhile, the Bobcat Boardwalk is a shorter, shaded trail perfect for spotting smaller wildlife and appreciating the wetland ecosystem. These trails showcase the diverse environments of the Everglades, making hiking a must-do activity for visitors of all experience levels.
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Must-Do Activities
Explore the Everglades by Boat or Kayak
One of the best ways to experience the Everglades’ vast and intricate waterways is through a boat tour or kayaking adventure. The Ten Thousand Islands, accessible from the Gulf Coast Visitor Center, offers a labyrinth of mangrove forests, tidal creeks, and open bays that are perfect for exploring. Guided boat tours provide insights into the park’s ecology and history, while kayakers can paddle through quiet, narrow channels for an up-close view of wildlife like manatees, dolphins, and wading birds. For a more adventurous experience, follow the Hell’s Bay Canoe Trail to discover secluded backcountry areas and unique chickee campsites.
Walk the Iconic Anhinga Trail
The Anhinga Trail, near the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, is a must-visit for its accessibility and incredible wildlife viewing. This short boardwalk trail (0.8 miles round trip) winds through the sawgrass marsh, offering close encounters with alligators, turtles, and a wide variety of birds. The trail is particularly active during the dry season when wildlife gathers around the remaining water sources. With its abundant photo opportunities and interpretive signs, the Anhinga Trail provides an excellent introduction to the park and its ecosystems, making it ideal for families and first-time visitors.
Bike or Tram Ride Through Shark Valley
Shark Valley, located along the Tamiami Trail, offers one of the most unique experiences in the Everglades. Visitors can bike or take a guided tram tour along the 15-mile loop trail that runs through the heart of the park’s wetlands. This area is teeming with wildlife, including alligators, herons, and egrets, and the Shark Valley Observation Tower provides breathtaking 360-degree views of the expansive “River of Grass.” The tram tours, led by knowledgeable guides, offer fascinating insights into the park’s history and ecology, making it a highlight of any visit.
Everglades National Park History
The history of Everglades National Park is a story of transformation, conservation, and the recognition of a unique ecosystem’s importance. For centuries, the region was inhabited by Indigenous peoples, including the Calusa and later the Seminole, who adapted to its challenging conditions and relied on its natural resources. By the late 19th century, as settlers moved into South Florida, efforts to drain the Everglades for agriculture and development began in earnest. Canals, dikes, and other modifications drastically altered the landscape, leading to the loss of wetlands and a decline in wildlife populations. The ecological importance of the Everglades was largely overlooked during this period of expansion.
In the early 20th century, a growing awareness of the Everglades’ unique ecosystems sparked efforts to protect it. Advocates like naturalist Marjory Stoneman Douglas played a crucial role in bringing attention to the Everglades’ environmental value through writings and activism, emphasizing its role as a “River of Grass.” These efforts culminated in the establishment of Everglades National Park in 1947, making it the first national park created to protect an ecosystem rather than specific scenic features. Despite its designation, the park initially covered only a portion of the original Everglades, and efforts to restore and preserve the region continued for decades.
Today, Everglades National Park stands as a testament to the importance of conservation. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an International Biosphere Reserve, and a Wetland of International Importance. Ongoing restoration projects aim to reverse some of the damage caused by decades of drainage and development, including the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), a long-term initiative to restore the natural flow of water through the ecosystem. The park not only preserves critical habitats for numerous plant and animal species but also serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human activity and the natural world.