National Park

Everglades National Park

National Park★ 4.6
Twisted dead tree silhouettes a sunlit grassland marsh at sunset in Everglades National Park, Florida.

Established in 1947 as the first national park created for its biodiversity, Everglades National Park protects 1.5 million acres of wetland, forest, and marine habitats and the native plants and animals that call it home. With several international designations, the park provides a major source of drinking water for local residents of South Florida and recreational opportunities for all.

Plan your visit

Best Time To Visit
Weekdays and shoulder seasons to avoid peak winter crowds

Highlights

Why Visit
The Everglades is a system-wide hydrological landscape—coast to coast—where water rhythms shape every habitat. Its scale creates a mosaic of mangrove shoreline, sawgrass marsh, and tropical hardwood hammock that supports a unique assemblage of wildlife and ecological processes not found in many other places. The park’s size and connectivity provide a framework for understanding subtropical wetlands at continental scale, with a dynamic interface between land and sea that continually tests the limits of access and management. The vast, low-lying terrain demands disciplined planning and respect for seasonal access, making it a case study in how large-scale freshwater and estuarine ecosystems function in a changing climate. The park’s magnitude and hydrological complexity drive ongoing, high-stakes management decisions that visitors should observe from trailheads, overlooks, and backcountry routes.
Top Things To Do
Shark Valley Tram Tour, Anhinga Trail, Royal Palm boardwalks, Flamingo kayaking/canoeing, Ten Thousand Islands boat access

Areas to plan around

Shark Valley
Observation tower, tram tour, wildlife viewing
Royal Palm
Anhinga Trail, canopy boardwalks, cypress swamp
Flamingo
Coastal marshes, Flamingo Marina, backcountry access
Everglades City / Ten Thousand Islands
Backcountry access, unique estuarine ecosystems, boating opportunities

Getting there & around

Getting There Airports
Miami International (MIA), Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood (FLL)
Getting There Driving Distances
From MIA: ~40–60 miles; From FLL: ~70–100 miles
Getting There Entrances
Homestead (US-1), Shark Valley (US-41/Tamiami Trail), Everglades City (Marjory Stoneman Douglas Visitor Center)
Getting Around Shuttles
No internal park shuttle; external trolley service exists
Getting Around Reservations
Shark Valley Tram Tour requires booking in advance; backcountry camping permits via Recreation.gov; no general park-entry reservations
Getting Around Parking
Winter weekends can congest Homestead and Shark Valley entrances; arrive before 10 AM; carpooling recommended

Where to stay

Where To Stay Inpark Lodging
Long Pine Key Campground; Flamingo Campground
Where To Stay Campgrounds
Long Pine Key Campground; Flamingo Campground
Where To Stay Gateway Towns
Homestead; Florida City; Everglades City

Safety & wildlife

Safety Bear Country
Wildlife includes alligators and crocodiles; maintain distance of at least 15 feet; feeding/harassing wildlife is a criminal offense
Safety Weather
Hot, humid summers; bring water, insect repellent, sunscreen; be prepared for sudden heat and storms
Safety Altitude
Low elevation; flat terrain with wetlands
Safety Leave No Trace
Pack out trash; stay on designated trails; follow backcountry etiquette
Safety Permits Needed
Backcountry camping requires a permit; backcountry permits via Recreation.gov; day-use permits not required
Wildlife Overview
Alligators and crocodiles are common; panthers present but shy; diverse birdlife throughout the park
Wildlife Where To See
Anhinga Trail, Shark Valley observation areas, Royal Palm boardwalks
Wildlife Safety
Observe wildlife from a distance; do not feed; leave wildlife undisturbed

Trip strategy

Itinerary Strategy
Day 1: Shark Valley loop; Day 2: Royal Palm area; Day 3: Flamingo and Gulf Coast access
Entrance Hacks
Arrive before 10 AM on busy winter weekends; Shark Valley parking fills early; use alternative gates if lines form long
Basecamp Logic
EAST SIDE (Homestead/nearby): easier access, more services; WEST SIDE (Flamingo/remote): longer drives, more backcountry access; split stay if possible
Crowd Calendar
Winter weekends busiest; off-peak periods quieter; plan around weather and water levels
Tips Advice
  • Buy digital pass online
  • Shark Valley Tram Tour requires advance booking
  • Don’t feed wildlife
  • Check road status before travel

More details

Park Code
ever
Tagline
National Park
Entrance Fee
$35.00 - Entrance - Private Vehicle
Quick Facts Entrance Fees
Private Vehicle: $35 (7-day); Motorcycle: $30 (7-day); Pedestrian/Cyclist: $20 (7-day); Children 15 and under free; Annual Pass: $70; Digital passes available; Passes accepted: America the Beautiful, Military, Disability, Senior, and 4th Grade
Nearby Services
Limited services inside park; larger services in Homestead and nearby towns
Family Friendly Notes
Junior Ranger programs available at select centers; check schedules
Accessibility
Limited ADA-accessible trails; check with visitor centers for specifics
Photography Tips
Plan golden-hour shots at Royal Palm and Flamingo; keep clear of roadways; use telephoto for distance wildlife
When To Visit Peak Season
Winter weekends are peak; November–April in general
When To Visit Shoulder Season
April–May, September–October
When To Visit Winter
Winter brings cooler, drier conditions and higher weekend attendance; plan early
When To Visit Road Opening
Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook closed for replacement through Jan 2026; Shark Valley road open 8:30 AM–6:00 PM; US 41 work may add 15-minute delays
Weather Averages
Subtropical climate; warm year-round
Weather Precipitation
Seasonal rainfall with a distinct wet season; humidity high
Weather Info
The climate in Florida is known to be mild and sunny.The average annual temperatures for South Florida and the Keys range from 74° to 77°F (23° to 25°C). There are two seasons at the Everglades National Park: the wet season and the dry season. The wet season runs from Mid-May to November and the dry season runs from December to mid-May.
What To Bring Essential Gear
Water, insect repellent, sunscreen, hat, light rain jacket, map, sturdy footwear
What To Bring Clothing
Lightweight, breathable fabrics; long sleeves for mosquito protection; sun-protective clothing
Review Summary
Expect crowding in winter weekends; plan ahead for tram and backcountry activities; road closures affect access to some areas

Location

A sunset creates a silhouette of a cypress tree with needle-like leaves that is shaped like an 'N'.Two canoes at Nine Mile Pond during sunset.An American Alligator high walks the Anhinga Trail.Two visitors bike along the road in Shark Valley.An aerial view of the landscape transition from Sawgrass to Florida Bay.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a reservation to enter the park?

No general park-entry reservations are required; pay the standard entrance fee at the gate or use a digital pass.

Do I need a permit for backcountry camping?

Yes. Backcountry camping requires a permit obtained through Recreation.gov.

Is Shark Valley tram tour available without advance booking?

Advance booking is required for the Shark Valley Tram Tour.

What are the main access points to the park?

Gates and entrances include Homestead (US-1), Shark Valley (US-41/Tamiami Trail), and Everglades City (Marjory Stoneman Douglas Visitor Center).

Are there pet restrictions?

Pets are not allowed on most trails; check specific areas for allowances and ensure pets are restrained where allowed.

Essential Everglades National Park guides

Use these first for the decisions that affect the whole trip. Every guide is part of this park's planning library.

Shark Valley Tram Trail

15-mile flat paved loop. Alligators, birds, observation tower. Bring water—serious heat exposure.

Anhinga Trail

Gators, birds, flat boardwalk. Winter wildlife show. No elevation, 45 minutes, all accessibility levels.

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Bottlenose Dolphin

The ocean's sharpest acrobat - watch bottlenose dolphins hunt and play from a safe distance.

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All Everglades National Park guides 7 published

Browse the complete planning library, grouped by the decision you are making.

Park strategy

Trails & hiking

Photography & scenery

Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.