Everglades National Park Planning Guide & Strategy

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