Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States.
Being the third largest national park, it is full of mangroves and swamps. It is also famous for its wildlife, being the only place in the world to find crocodiles and alligators in the same habitat, as well as unique species of birds, manatees and the Florida panther.
A curious fact is that the Everglades is a very large river, which transports water from Lake Okeechobee towards the Gulf of Mexico.
From the outside, it appears to be a swamp, however, its waters are constantly moving toward the Gulf at an incredibly slow rate.
As it is close to Miami, a day trip is possible. It’s a must-see destination for nature lovers, families who want to explore nature together, and anyone with a sense of adventure.
However, due to its great length, planning is necessary to make the most of your adventure.
The park has two main entrances and 5 visitor centers.
We can divide the park into north and south regions.
South Part: Visitor Center
The southern part is close to Homestead and Florida City and has 3 visitor centers.
To enter the park it is not necessary to stop at the visitor center, only if you need some guidance or to go to the bathroom.
However, an entrance ticket is required, which can be obtained online here.
The main entrance is just past the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center. Address 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead, FL 33034.
Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center
The visitor center is open 365 days a year. Offers educational displays, orientation films and informational brochures. Special collections by local artists are often displayed.
Also insect repellent can be purchased at the adjacent bookstore. The bookstore is open every day from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Visitor center opening hours.
9:00 am – 5:00 pm (April to mid-December)
8:00 am – 5:00 pm (mid-December to March)
Contact by phone
305-242-7700
More information Everglades National Park.
Inside the park, all attractions are well signposted.
Royal Palm Visitor Center
After passing through the entrance, head towards the Royal Palm Visitor Center, which is 6 km from the main entrance.
Royal Palm is one of the most visited areas in Everglades National Park, it has many convenient facilities such as restrooms and parking.
You can park your car and head on one of the nearby nature trails or stop for a picnic between activities. The visitor center is also very pretty, a great place to stop and watch birds and go for a walk.
Above all, it is a great place to see Alligators and many birds. It is worth taking part in several guided trips made by Rangers to see the birds
Guy Bradley Visitor Center (Flamingo)
The Flamingo Visitor Center is about 60 km from the park entrance, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead to make the most of the day.
Along the way there are many short trails that can show you a bit of the Everglades environment, such as Pinelands Trail, Pahayokee Overlook, Mahogany Hammock Trail.
Closer to the visitor center is the West Lake Trail. Snake Bight Trail, Christian Point Trail, Eco Pond Trail, Guy Bradley Trail and Coastal Prairie Trail
The vast majority are short trails with walkways, due to the flooded terrain.
Near the visitor center there are some campsites and a public boat ramp, a store, a marina and trails for hiking and canoeing.
It is also a perfect place to explore the mangroves and nature of the park.
The Visitor Center offers many ranger-led tours, this can be a great way to learn about the Everglades area.
Top Attractions Near Royal Palm Visitor Center
1. Anhinga Trail
This short trail, just 0.7 miles long, is one of the most popular and accessible trails within the park, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the wildlife and natural beauty of the Everglades.
The start is just a few feet from the Royal Palm Visitor Center, an elevated wooden walkway that winds through the marshes and dense vegetation typical of the Everglades.
However, it is a great place to spot a wide variety of water birds, such as herons, ibises and fish eagles, Anhinga, as well as alligators, turtles and a variety of fish.
Because it is short and has a walkway, it is ideal for visitors of all ages and skill levels.
In addition to wildlife viewing, the Anhinga Trail offers stunning views of the open swamps and lush vegetation of the Everglades.
The peaceful and serene environment provides a relaxing and educational experience for visitors.
2. Gumbo Limbo Trail
This super short (600 meters) paved and self-guided trail winds through a small forest of trees, gumbo limbo (Bursera simaruba), royal palm trees (Roystonea elata), ferns and aerial plants.
3. HM69 Nike Missile Base
On the way out it is worth a detour to visit the missile base.
Everglades National Park is home to one of Florida’s best-preserved Cold War relics, a historic Nike Hercules missile site called “Alpha Battery” or “HM69.”
See my trip to the Everglades.
Top Attractions Near the Flamingo Visitor Center
4 . Coastal Prairie Trail
The Coastal Praine trail is a 12 KM walk along an old “road” that was once used by cotton pickers and fishermen. Open prairies of succulent coastal plants dotted with shaded buds surround you as you travel toward the coast of Florida Bay.
It starts at the back of Loop “C” at Flamingo Campground and ends at Clubhouse Beach; a permit is required to camp.
As it is a swamp trail, there is a lot of mud and flooded areas, but during the dry season it can be drier, so it is important to check with the Rangers the situation on the trail, take water and food for the trip there and back, as there is nothing on the trail route.
5 . Backcountry Boat Tour
This tour is not to be missed, taking you along the Buttonwood Canal through Coot Bay and Tarpon Creek to Whitewater Bay, with a guide showing you the unique plant and animal life found in the park, as well as describing the rich history of Flamingo Everglades National Park.
North Part: Visitor Center
The northern part is along Highway 41, known as the Tamiami trail
The most important entrance is Shark Valley Visitor Center.
Shark Valley Visitor Center.
Entry is only permitted while the visitor center is open.
36000 SW 8th Street
Miami, Florida 33194
Opening hours (every day)
Visitor Center: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Shark Valley TRAM Tours: 8:30am – 6pm
Gate and parking: 8:30 am – 6:00 pm
The Shark Valley Visitor Center offers educational displays, a video of the park, and informational brochures.
Books, postcards and other souvenirs are available in the Florida National Parks Association gift shop.
Toilets (accessible) and drinking fountain with water bottle refill station at the 11 kilometer mark next to the tower.
Gulf Coast Visitor Center (Everglades City)
815 Oyster Bar Lane
Everglades City, Florida 34139
(239) 232-0057
Opening hours
The Gulf Coast Visitor Center building is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Canoe/kayak tours and parking are open, however, services are limited.
The Gulf Coast Visitor Center access area serves as a gateway to exploring the Ten Thousand Islands.
Top Attractions Near Shark Valley Visitor Center
6. Shark Valley Tram Tours
This tram ride is one of the park’s main attractions and offers visitors a detailed and comfortable view of the diverse landscape and wildlife.
The tour takes place on a 24-kilometer paved road, where you can spot wildlife.
The Shark Valley observation tower has a panoramic view of the park’s surroundings.
Tips for enjoying the Tram tour.
- Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and snacks (limited snacks available for purchase from Shark Valley Tram Tours).
- Plan to walk, bike, or take a tram ride during your visit; vehicles are not permitted on the trail.
- Stay 10 feet away from all wildlife and do not harass, touch, or feed any wildlife; it is illegal.
- Plan to arrive early or wait in long lines during peak season (November to April).
- Bring your own bike or rent a bike from Shark Valley Tram Tours.
- Stop to catch the tram or government vehicles while cycling.
- Helmets are mandatory for children under 16.
- Be prepared for weather conditions. Shade is very limited along the tram/bike trail and a water fountain at the observation tower (10 km south of the parking lot).
At this entrance to the Everglades Park, you can basically take the tram tour, which can be done by walking, cycling or the most used is the tram tour (a vehicle similar to a little train)
The ticket can be purchased here, or next to the visitor center.
It is advisable to book in advance, especially in the busiest months.
7. Airboat
Another unmissable ride is the airboat, but it is not part of the Everglades National Park but is owned by companies along Highway 41 or in Everglades City.
Near the Shark valley visitor center there are 3 companies
The tour has several time and price options.
During the airboat tour, visitors are taken on a special vessel equipped with a propeller powered by a powerful engine. These boats glide smoothly over the shallow water and through the dense mangroves, providing an exciting way to explore the region.
Typically a guide shares information about the wildlife and ecology of the environment.
Meanwhile you can see alligators, turtles and tropical birds, depending on the time of year and conditions.
Top Attractions Near Gulf Coast Visitor Center
8. Ten Thousands Islands
Ten Thousands Islands is a maze of islands and waterways that stretch into Flamingo and Florida Bay, accessible only by boat.
The 49-passenger boat, with trained guides and occasionally accompanied by Park Rangers.
Visit natural and cultural resources of the Ten Thousands Islands, as well as historic landmarks along the Barron River.
The original Gulf Coast Visitor Center was destroyed by Hurricane Irma in September 2017. The station was destroyed by Hurricane Ian in 2022. Visitor services are limited.
Best time to visit Everglades National park
In the Everglades region we have two distinct seasons: dry season and rainy season.
The dry season runs from December to April and is characterized by little rain and mild temperatures.
However, it is high season and more popular and therefore many more visitors.
I visited in March and had very pleasant weather, but as always I arrived very early to avoid the crowds.
And with that, you can find moments to enjoy the landscape.
The rainy season runs from May to November, when the Everglades receives a lot of rain and very high temperatures. Average highs are around 30°C and humidity can be over 90%.
Unfavorable temperatures and conditions mean that there are fewer crowds and the limitation or unavailability of some guided tours.
For those who like to enjoy and photograph wildlife, April or May are the best times to visit.
This is mating season for crocodiles, so they will be most active and visible.
Winter (December to February):
- This is considered the best time to visit the Everglades. The climate is milder and drier, which makes outdoor activities more comfortable.
- It is the ideal season for bird watching as many migratory species are present.
Spring (March to May):
- During spring, the weather is still pleasant, but it can start to get warmer and more humid.
It’s a good time to watch wildlife and flowers in bloom.
Summer (June to August):
- Summer is the hottest and wettest season in the Everglades. Temperatures can be high and rains are frequent.
- Despite the intense heat, it is still possible to enjoy activities such as boat trips and walks in the morning or afternoon.
Autumn (September to November):
- Autumn marks the beginning of the dry season, with milder temperatures and less rain.
- It’s a great time to visit if you want to avoid crowds and still enjoy favorable weather conditions.
How to get to and around the Everglades.
Everglades National Park is huge and has three entrances separated by many kilometers.
Due to these distances and being remote areas, some areas of the park do not have cell phone coverage.
And so the way to get there and get around is by car.
There are few public transport options, Uber or taxi, but due to the difficulty of coordinating especially in the southern part, the only way to really make the most of the park is by renting a car.
The vast majority of visitors are coming from Miami.
Then the best option is the entrance to the Shark Valley Visitor Center which is located about 64 kilometers west of downtown Miami.
The park’s south entrance is about 50 miles south of downtown Miami in Homestead.
Where to stay to visit the park.
The vast majority of people come from Miami and usually for a 1-day visit.
However, if you have more days, the ideal is to stay in Florida City or Homested to visit the southern part.
To visit the northern part of Shark Valley, it is worth spending a night in Everglades City, which is just a few kilometers from the third entrance to the Gulf Coast visitor center.
How much does it cost?
3 styles and their costs
Backpacker:
Stayed in hostels using shared dormitories, eating your own food and/or local and cheap restaurants.
Daily spending: from US$ 100.00 to 150.00 per day
Intermediary:
Stay in hostels/budget hotels in private rooms, eat in a medium-sized restaurant, go to the main paid attractions, use some taxis and Uber.
Daily rate: US$ 200.00 to 350.00 USD per day.
Luxurious:
Stayed in the best hotels, go to all the attractions, hire more sophisticated packages such as use of a helicopter, etc.
Daily spend: US$400.00 and above per day
