Everglades National Park
Explore the 'River of Grass,' a unique subtropical wetland teeming with alligators, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Dry season, fewer bugs, more wildlife
Everglades National Park
Best Time
Dry season, fewer bugs, more wildlife
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the 'River of Grass,' a unique subtropical wetland teeming with alligators, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife.
"Nothing beats seeing alligators sunning themselves just a few feet away. It's wild Florida at its best."
Book Airboat Tours in Advance
Popular tours fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Book ahead to secure your spot!
Rent Bikes at Shark Valley
Easy, flat 15-mile loop with abundant wildlife sightings. Great for all fitness levels.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Shark Valley Tram Tour
Shark Valley Entrance
A 2-hour narrated tram ride revealing abundant wildlife like alligators, birds, and even crocodiles.
Airboat Tours
Various operators outside the park
Experience the thrill of gliding over the 'River of Grass' for close-up wildlife encounters.
Anhinga Trail
Royal Palm Area
An accessible boardwalk offering incredible opportunities to see alligators, turtles, and diverse birdlife.
Flamingo Marina
Flamingo Area
Spot American Crocodiles and enjoy stunning sunset views over Florida Bay.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Embrace the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Airboat Tours in Advance
Popular tours fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Book ahead to secure your spot!
Rent Bikes at Shark Valley
Easy, flat 15-mile loop with abundant wildlife sightings. Great for all fitness levels.
Pack Bug Spray & Sunscreen
Essential for comfort. Mosquitoes can be intense, and the Florida sun is strong.
Don't Feed the Wildlife
It's harmful to animals and can lead to dangerous situations. Keep a safe distance.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Airboat Tours in Advance
Popular tours fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Book ahead to secure your spot!
Rent Bikes at Shark Valley
Easy, flat 15-mile loop with abundant wildlife sightings. Great for all fitness levels.
Pack Bug Spray & Sunscreen
Essential for comfort. Mosquitoes can be intense, and the Florida sun is strong.
Don't Feed the Wildlife
It's harmful to animals and can lead to dangerous situations. Keep a safe distance.
Look for Crocodiles Too!
While alligators are common, keep an eye out for American Crocodiles, especially in Flamingo.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, especially alligators and diverse birdlife. The Shark Valley tram tour and airboat rides are popular highlights, offering unique perspectives of the wetlands. Some visitors noted that the park can be very dry at times, and finding specific tour times or assistance could be challenging.
"A must see. We entered the everglades through the shark valley entrance. You can rent bikes or pay for a tour via trams. We rented the bikes. The land is low there was no elevation. It made for easy biking. There was a nice gift shop and I purchased a Christmas ornament for 6$, good price. You can buy hats, shirts, ice cream, souvenir type things. You can refill water bottles outside of the gift shop. There are bathrooms."
Cristi K
"We had a good experience but soon arrival we didn’t get any help from the people in the small white building. We walked next door to get a boat ride.
Times for boat rides were not easy found. Only saw not saying 8:45. Not sure what that meant.
Second place is pictured. We had a great tour guide Bryan. He was knowledgeable about the Everglades and we enjoyed hearing his stories. We didn’t see any gators due to the water level but still had a great time. We didn’t see a dolphin. Something, we would do again for sure!"
Mandy Johnson
"We visited the week of Easter and to our surprise, it was not very busy. Though we got there as soon as the park opened. The staff were nice and helpful. We purchased the tram ride which was $50 for 2 seniors. The park staff on the tram were friendly and knowledgeable. The tram stopped often to view the wildlife. Lots of gators! It was a 2 hour ride with a stop at an observation area as shown in the picture. I was disappointed though that it was very dry when we visited. Not much water when I thought it would be swampy. I would return."
Debbie Lucido
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Everglades National Park has multiple entrances. The main Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center is accessible via Homestead. The Shark Valley entrance is on US-41 (Tamiami Trail) between Miami and Naples. The Gulf Coast Visitor Center is near Everglades City.
Public transportation options directly into the park are very limited. It's best to have a car. Some shuttle services operate from Miami to specific entrances like Shark Valley.
For wildlife viewing and the tram tour, Shark Valley is highly recommended. For airboat tours and a more immersive wetland experience, look for operators outside the park along US-41. The Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center is good for exploring the southern part of the park.
The drive from Miami to the Shark Valley entrance is about 45 minutes to an hour. The drive to the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center (Homestead entrance) is about an hour and 15 minutes.
No, the park is vast and not all areas are connected by road. You'll need to choose which section you want to explore based on your interests.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is typically $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. Tram tours at Shark Valley are an additional cost, around $50 for seniors. Airboat tours are operated by private companies and have their own pricing.
For the park entrance, it's generally not required to book in advance, but it's wise to check the official NPS website. For popular activities like the Shark Valley tram tour or airboat rides, booking ahead is highly recommended.
The park is generally open 24 hours a day, but visitor centers and specific facilities have operating hours, typically from 9 AM to 5 PM. Always check the official NPS website for the most current information.
Yes, there are various passes available, including an 'America the Beautiful' annual pass which covers entrance to all national parks. Discounts may also be available for seniors, military, and persons with disabilities.
Park entrance fees are for access to the park and do not guarantee wildlife sightings. Activities like tram tours or airboat rides may have their own refund policies.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Shark Valley tram tour and Anhinga Trail are excellent for seeing alligators and birds. Airboat tours offer a thrilling way to spot wildlife in the wetlands. Early mornings and late afternoons are prime viewing times.
You can see American alligators, American crocodiles, numerous bird species (herons, egrets, ibis), turtles, manatees, and if you're very lucky, even a Florida panther. Burmese pythons are also present.
Yes, there are several hiking trails, ranging from short boardwalks like the Anhinga Trail to longer backcountry trails. The Shark Valley loop is also popular for biking and walking.
Swimming is generally not recommended due to the presence of alligators and crocodiles. Stick to designated swimming areas if available, but be aware of your surroundings.
Wear light, breathable clothing that covers your skin to protect from the sun and insects. A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes are essential.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are limited dining options within the park. The Flamingo Lodge and Restaurant offers meals, and there are snack bars at some visitor centers. It's advisable to pack your own food and drinks.
Restaurants are more plentiful in nearby towns like Homestead, Florida City, and along US-41. You can find everything from casual eateries to seafood restaurants.
Yes, picnic areas are available at various locations throughout the park. It's a great way to enjoy a meal surrounded by nature.
Dining within the park can be pricier due to limited options. Eating in nearby towns generally offers more affordable choices.
Yes, water bottle refill stations are available at some visitor centers and picnic areas. Staying hydrated is crucial in the Florida heat.
📸 📸 Photography
Anhinga Trail, Shark Valley, and Flamingo Marina offer fantastic opportunities for wildlife and landscape photography. Sunsets over Florida Bay are particularly stunning.
A telephoto lens is highly recommended for capturing wildlife from a safe distance. A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on water.
Yes, but always maintain a safe distance. The Shark Valley tram and Anhinga Trail offer opportunities to photograph them up close from safe vantage points.
The 'golden hours' – early morning and late afternoon – provide the best light for photography, enhancing colors and creating dramatic shadows.
While not always advertised as 'photography tours,' many guided tours, like the Shark Valley tram, are led by knowledgeable guides who can point out photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The Anhinga Trail boardwalk is also very accessible and provides close-up views of wildlife. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as food options are limited. Make sure everyone has hats and sunscreen, and consider bringing binoculars for extra wildlife spotting fun. Consider an airboat tour for an exhilarating experience, but be aware they can be loud. Many operators offer family-friendly tours. Emphasize to children the importance of respecting wildlife and maintaining a safe distance. The park's educational programs can also be engaging for younger visitors.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Look for airboat tour operators outside the park that might offer more competitive pricing than those directly affiliated with visitor centers. Weekday visits can also mean fewer crowds and potentially better deals. Consider camping if you plan an extended stay to reduce accommodation expenses.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset provide the most dramatic lighting, particularly at Flamingo for bay views. Remember to protect your gear from humidity and potential splashes, especially on airboat tours. A polarizing filter can be useful for cutting glare on water surfaces. Be patient; wildlife photography often requires waiting for the perfect moment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Everglades: Getting Around
For those seeking a more adventurous experience, consider renting a kayak or canoe to explore the mangrove tunnels and waterways. Airboat tours, while not technically within the national park boundaries, are a popular way to experience the 'River of Grass' and are readily available from operators along US-41.
Remember that the park is not fully connected by roads, so you'll need to decide which section best suits your interests before you go. Wildlife Encounters: What to Expect
Birdwatching is exceptional, with opportunities to see herons, egrets, ibis, roseate spoonbills, and many other species. Keep an eye out for turtles, fish, and even manatees in the waterways. While seeing a Florida panther is rare, the park is their habitat. Burmese pythons are an invasive species present in the park, and while sightings are not guaranteed, they are sometimes seen.
+1Conservation and the Miccosukee Tribe
Visitors can learn more about the tribe's history and their relationship with the Everglades at various cultural centers and through educational programs. Supporting conservation efforts and respecting the natural environment are key responsibilities for all visitors to this unique national park.
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