National Parks Journal
Photo: NPS / G. Gardner · Public domain
Everglades National Park
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.
Entrance Fees
Getting There
Roads and entrances can close temporarily. Check current conditions on nps.gov (opens in a new tab) before you go.
Entrances
- Directions to Homestead Entrance (Main Entrance) (opens in a new tab)
Homestead Entrance (Main Entrance)Main
Homestead, FL · Open 24 hours year-round; staffed about 8 am–4:30 pm
- Directions to Shark Valley Entrance (opens in a new tab)
Shark Valley Entrance
Miami, FL · Vehicle access about 8:30 am–6 pm daily
Separate area on the Tamiami Trail; no road to the Homestead entrance or Flamingo
- Directions to Gulf Coast Visitor Center (opens in a new tab)
Gulf Coast Visitor Center
Everglades City, FL · Area open 24 hours; visitor center hours vary
Separate Gulf Coast area near Everglades City; no road across the park
Airports
- MIA
Miami International Airport · Miami, FL
ClosestMajor airportFor the park's Gulf Coast area near Everglades City, Southwest Florida International (RSW) in Fort Myers is closer.
Distances are approximate road distances; tap a distance for live driving directions.
Towns to stay in
Everglades City, FLFor the Gulf Coast
Inside the park: Flamingo Lodge · NPS lodging info (opens in a new tab)
Activities
Top Hikes
0.8 mi · 0 ft gain · out & back
The most popular trail in the Everglades, this paved path and boardwalk winds through sawgrass marsh offering exceptional wildlife viewing — alligators, turtles, anhingas, herons, and egrets are commonly seen, especially in winter.
Starts at: Royal Palm Visitor Center
15 mi · 0 ft gain · loop
A flat, paved 15-mile loop through the heart of the 'River of Grass.' Features an observation tower at the halfway point with panoramic wetland views. Excellent for biking or walking with abundant alligator and wading bird sightings.
Starts at: Shark Valley Visitor Center
0.4 mi · 0 ft gain · loop
A short, shaded, self-guided paved trail through a jungle-like tropical hardwood hammock featuring gumbo limbo trees, royal palms, and lush subtropical vegetation.
Starts at: Royal Palm Visitor Center
15 mi · 0 ft gain · out & back
Follow a historic old road once used by cotton pickers and fishermen through open prairies and buttonwood trees to Clubhouse Beach on Florida Bay. Backcountry permit required for overnight camping at trail's end.
Starts at: Loop C, Flamingo Campground
Upcoming Events
Join a naturalist as you explore the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Wilderness. Trips depart hourly and visit either Whitewater Bay via Buttonwood Canal or Florida Bay. Come along on a subtropical adventure! Visit the Marina Activities Booth, reserve online, or call 855-708-2207 to purchase your tickets. Backcountry tours available year-round; Florida Bay tours available November to April.Backcountry tours depart on odd hours (9, 11, 1, 3) and Bay tours depart on even hours (10, 12, 2, 4). Park rangers join the 2 pm Florida Bay tour daily from November 14 – February 26.
Anhinga Amble (Royal Palm)
Interested in seeing wildlife? Take a stroll with a ranger and explore the renowned Anhinga Trail where alligators, wading birds and other wildlife are easily spotted! Meet at the Royal Palm benches. Wheelchair accessible. 0.7 miles, 45 minutes.
Glades Glimpse (Royal Palm)
The Everglades is a place like no other! Sit in the shade as a ranger reveals the amazing wonders of the Everglades. Topics vary daily. Meet at the Royal Palm benches. Accessible. 20 minutes.
Best Time to Visit Everglades
Best time to visit: December–March
The best time to visit Everglades National Park is December–March. Dry season offers mild weather, fewer mosquitoes, and wildlife gathered at remaining water, with full ranger programs.
In those months, average highs are 77–82°F at Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center. February is the busiest month on average.
Monthly averages at Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center (10 ft). Climate normals (1991–2020): PRISM Group, Oregon State University.
Weather & Climate
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.
