Everglades National Park

Alligators, Manatees, and Endless Wetlands

Florida’s Subtropical Wilderness

Est. 1947

Everglades National Park protects the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States — a vast mosaic of sawgrass prairies, mangroves, and slow-moving “river of grass.” Established in 1947, it is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve, home to rare species like the West Indian manatee, American crocodile, and elusive Florida panther.

This is a park unlike any other. Instead of towering peaks, its beauty is found in open skies, shimmering water, and wildlife at every turn. From gliding silently in a kayak among mangroves to watching an alligator bask along a trail, the Everglades delivers moments of wild Florida you can’t find anywhere else.

Featured Experiences

Exploring the Everglades is best with a guide. They know where to spot manatees, when to watch birds in flight, and how to navigate the park’s watery maze. Guided tours let you relax while you experience the park’s wildlife and culture more deeply.

Suggested Itineraries

The Everglades is not a park you rush. Its rhythms are slow, its landscapes subtle, and its wildlife best seen with patience. Whether you have just one day for highlights or a week to explore the mangroves, marshes, and Gulf Coast islands, these sample itineraries show how to pace your visit and experience the park’s many sides.

1 Day Itinerary

Morning: Start at Shark Valley Visitor Center; take the tram or bike ride to the observation tower.
Afternoon: Drive to Everglades City for an airboat adventure through mangrove channels.
Evening: Watch sunset over sawgrass marshes at Pa-hay-okee Overlook.

👉 Best for visitors who want to see the highlights in a single day.

3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Shark Valley and take a ranger-led walk.
Day 2: Kayak through mangrove tunnels near Flamingo; watch for manatees at the marina.
Day 3: Visit the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, then drive the scenic Main Park Road with stops at boardwalks and overlooks.

👉 Balanced mix of ecosystems, wildlife, and scenery.

Weeklong Adventure

Day 1–2: Shark Valley & Big Cypress National Preserve for wildlife and biking.
Day 3: Canoe the Nine Mile Pond trail near Flamingo.
Day 4: Birdwatching in Mahogany Hammock and Anhinga Trail.
Day 5: Visit Gulf Coast Visitor Center; join a boat tour into Ten Thousand Islands.
Day 6: Explore cultural sites tied to Seminole and Miccosukee history.
Day 7: Return for a sunrise paddle or photography session before departure.

👉 Best for travelers wanting to explore the Everglades’ full range of landscapes and stories.

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The Everglades may look simple on a map, but with its watery wilderness and seasonal access, it helps to plan ahead. Tell us your travel dates and interests, and we’ll design the perfect adventure — from airboats to quiet paddles and wildlife safaris.

Dry or wet, every season offers something unique.

Find tours that match the time of year you’ll be visiting.

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What to Expect Each Season

Wet or Dry, Every Season Shapes the Everglades

The Everglades has two very distinct seasons. Winter (December–April) is the dry season, with pleasant weather, abundant wildlife, and peak visitation. Summer (May–November) is the wet season, with afternoon storms, high humidity, and fewer crowds — but lush, green landscapes.

Dry Season (December–April)
Mild temperatures, lower water levels concentrate wildlife, and ranger programs are abundant.
Best for: Wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and comfortable hikes.

Wet Season (May–November)
Daily rains flood the marshes, mosquitoes thrive, and some trails close. But this is when the Everglades feels most alive and wild.

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Everglades National Park Tours

View All Everglades Tours & Activities

From thrilling airboat rides to quiet kayak trips, tours in the Everglades bring you closer to the unique ecosystems and wildlife that define the park.

Boat Tours

The Everglades is best seen from the water. Whether it’s skimming across sawgrass on an airboat, gliding quietly through mangrove tunnels by canoe, or taking a larger boat into the Ten Thousand Islands, these tours reveal wildlife and scenery you can’t reach on foot. Guides know the best routes for spotting dolphins, manatees, and alligators.

Kayak & Canoe Trips

Peaceful paddles through mangrove tunnels and freshwater sloughs, perfect for spotting manatees and wading birds.

Hiking & Photography Tours

Photographers flock to the Everglades for its birdlife, landscapes, and dramatic light. Guided photo tours help you capture roseate spoonbills in flight, alligators basking along trails, and sunrises that set the marsh aglow. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, these tours combine technical tips with insider access to the park’s best photo spots.

Sightseeing & Stargazing Tours

From boardwalk overlooks to wide-open night skies, sightseeing tours showcase the Everglades’ drama and serenity. Daytime trips highlight alligators, birds, and sweeping marshes. At night, stargazing programs offer some of the darkest skies in South Florida, with constellations reflected in still waters and ranger-led talks bringing the heavens to life.

Fishing Trips

The Everglades is a world-class fishing destination. Anglers come for tarpon, snook, redfish, and largemouth bass in waters that shift from freshwater marshes to saltwater flats. Guided fishing charters provide boats, gear, and local knowledge — letting you focus on the thrill of the catch in one of the most unique fisheries in North America.

Start your journey with expert advice.

Stop at a visitor center for maps, ranger tips, and seasonal updates.

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Visitor Centers At The Park

Think of visitor centers as launch pads into the Glades. Each one orients you to a different ecosystem and offers ranger advice, maps, and exhibits.

Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center

Main entrance near Homestead. Exhibits on park history and ecosystems, plus maps and rangers for orientation.

Tip: Stop here first when entering from Miami.

Shark Valley Visitor Center

Features a 15-mile paved loop with tram tours and bike rentals, leading to an observation tower.

Tip: Arrive early for bikes — they sell out quickly in dry season.

Gulf Coast Visitor Center

Located in Everglades City. Launch point for boat tours into Ten Thousand Islands.

Tip: Best spot for dolphin and manatee sightings.

Flamingo Visitor Center

On Florida Bay, with kayak rentals, marina, and ranger programs.

Tip: Check the marina for manatees, especially in winter.

Get a better picture of your travel plans.

VIEW PARK MAPS

Visiting On Your Own

The Everglades is open year-round, but planning is key. In the dry season, crowds peak, so book lodging early. In the wet season, be prepared for mosquitoes, rain, and limited trail access. Private vehicles are essential; distances between entrances are long.

Permits are required for backcountry camping and certain boating routes. Cell service is limited, so download maps in advance.

Tip: Start your days early — wildlife is most active in the morning and evenings are perfect for sunsets.

Park Information & Details

Food & Drink

Food options inside the park are limited to small cafés at Flamingo and Shark Valley. Homestead and Everglades City have more variety — from Cuban cafés to seafood restaurants.

Tip: Pack water, snacks, and a picnic before entering the park.

What to Bring

Light clothing, rain gear in summer, sun protection year-round, insect repellent, binoculars, and waterproof shoes for wet trails.

Tip: A dry bag for electronics is invaluable on boat or kayak trips.

Safety Tips

Stay on marked trails and boardwalks — wildlife is everywhere. Keep your distance from alligators and never feed animals. Summer lightning storms are frequent; seek shelter when thunder is near.

Tip: If mosquitoes are bad, wear long sleeves and pants — repellent alone won’t be enough.

Shuttle / Transport Info

The park has no internal shuttle system. Personal vehicles are necessary to move between visitor centers. Guided tours often include transportation from gateway towns.

Tip: Distances are deceptive — Shark Valley and Flamingo are more than two hours apart.

Accessibility For All

The Everglades works hard to make its wonders available to all visitors. Many of the park’s best wildlife viewing areas are connected by boardwalks, paved trails, and tram routes.

Shark Valley: A fully paved 15-mile loop, accessible by tram, bike, or wheelchair. The tram has space for mobility devices and makes regular stops for wildlife viewing.

Anhinga Trail (Royal Palm): A short, paved and boardwalk loop that offers some of the best alligator viewing in the park.

Pa-hay-okee Overlook: A wheelchair-accessible boardwalk leading to a raised platform with sweeping views of the “river of grass.”

Gumbo Limbo Trail: A shaded, paved walk through hardwood hammock forest, excellent for hot days.

Visitor Centers: All main centers (Ernest Coe, Shark Valley, Gulf Coast, Flamingo) have accessible parking, restrooms, exhibits, and ranger desks.

Boating: Some concessioner-run boat tours can accommodate mobility devices with advance notice.

Tips:

Dry season (December–April) is best for comfortable accessible touring — less heat, fewer mosquitoes, and more active wildlife.

If you’re traveling with mobility needs, cluster stops: Shark Valley tram ➝ Anhinga Trail ➝ Pa-hay-okee can all be enjoyed in one day without strenuous walking.

Everglades Heartbeat

Learn all about the ecosystem and it’s history

Restoration Of The Everglades

Clean and protect the water sources

Dreaming of the Everglades

What do you see in the grassy waters?

Draining Pa-Hay-Okee

Development and flood control systems

Resilient Everglades

Look what the efforts have created

The Park Indepth

Detailed history of how and why the system works

Maps Of The Park & Region

The Everglades covers 1.5 million acres, so maps help orient you to entrances, visitor centers, and trails.

Water Flow Map Of The Park

Everglades Detailed Park Map With Waterflow

South Florida Parks Map

Park Map

See the Everglades your way.

From birding walks to boat tours, browse all options in one place.

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Park Gateway Towns

The Everglades is surrounded by a mix of fishing towns, beach resorts, and major Florida cities. Each gateway offers its own way to experience the park — whether you want rustic charm, cultural flavor, or upscale comfort. From Everglades City’s airboat docks to Miami’s vibrant neighborhoods, these towns shape how you’ll enter and explore the “river of grass.”

Homestead, FL

Closest city to the main park entrance. Affordable hotels, Cuban cafés, and fresh fruit stands line the way.

Everglades City, FL

Western gateway and home to airboat tours and stone crab season. Rustic, charming, and deeply tied to the Glades’ history.

Florida Fort Lauderdale Skyline And Intracoastal Waterway

Fort Lauderdale, FL

An easy launch point from South Florida, Fort Lauderdale combines big-city amenities with direct routes into the park. It’s also a hub for tours that blend Everglades wildlife with coastal cruises.

Florida Miami Beach City With High Luxury Hotels And Condos

Miami, FL

The closest major city to the park and a natural starting point for most visitors. Miami mixes cultural richness — Cuban cafés, Little Havana music, art deco history — with easy access to the Ernest Coe and Shark Valley entrances.

Goodland, FL

A quirky fishing village near Marco Island, Goodland is known for its Sunday “Mullet Festival” gatherings, seafood joints, and laid-back charm. Kayak tours often launch from here into Ten Thousand Islands.

Islamorada, FL

Part of the Florida Keys, Islamorada is famous for sport fishing and water sports. It’s a scenic base if you’re combining the Keys with an Everglades side trip.

Key Largo, FL

Closest of the Keys to the park, Key Largo offers a blend of diving, snorkeling, and eco-tours into mangroves. It’s a great hub for visitors who want both the marine world and the Everglades wilderness.

Naples, FL

Upscale and polished, Naples brings boutique shopping, art galleries, and fine dining to the Everglades gateway experience. Its proximity to Gulf Coast access points makes it popular for travelers who like adventure by day and luxury by night.

Ochopee, FL

A tiny outpost famous for the “world’s smallest post office,” Ochopee sits along the Tamiami Trail and offers quirky character plus direct access to Big Cypress and Shark Valley.

Florida Aerial Panorama Of Chokoloskee And The Island Florida

Chokoloskee, FL

A historic fishing village at the end of the road, Chokoloskee is deeply tied to Everglades culture. It’s the launch point for boat trips into the remote Ten Thousand Islands.

Hollywood, FL

Just north of Miami, Hollywood is a beach town with a famous boardwalk, resorts, and dining. It makes a comfortable base if you want to blend a beach vacation with Everglades day trips.

Not sure what fits your style?

We’ll help match you with the right Everglades adventure.

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What Visitors Say About The Park

We drove down from Miami for the day and saw more alligators than we could count on the Anhinga Trail.

Visitor from Florida

Kayaking through mangroves near Flamingo was incredible. We spotted a manatee right beside our boat.”

Visitor from New York

The Shark Valley tram ride was perfect for our family. Coming from Chicago, it felt like stepping into another world.

Visitor from Illinois

Watching the sunset at Pa-hay-okee was a highlight of our trip to Naples. The colors across the sawgrass were unforgettable.

Visitor from Florida

As birders from Pennsylvania, we came for the spoonbills and herons. We left amazed at the sheer variety of wildlife.

Visitor from Pennsylvania

Our airboat ride out of Everglades City was the thrill of the trip. Seeing dolphins and gators on the same day blew our minds.

Visitor from Georgia

From airboats to eco-paddles, the Everglades has something for every traveler. Let us help you plan — find tours, secure permits, and build your perfect experience.

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Everglades National Park

Florida’s Subtropical Wilderness

Featured Experiences

Suggested Itineraries

1 Day Itinerary

3 Day Itinerary

Weeklong Adventure

Book-open Book-open Let Us Help Plan Your Vacation

Dry or wet, every season offers something unique.

What to Expect Each Season

Ready to explore the River of Grass?

Everglades National Park Tours

Boat Tours

Kayak & Canoe Trips

Hiking & Photography Tours

Sightseeing & Stargazing Tours

Fishing Trips

Start your journey with expert advice.

Visitor Centers At The Park

Visiting On Your Own

Park Information & Details

Food & Drink

What to Bring

Safety Tips

Shuttle / Transport Info

Accessibility For All

Everglades Heartbeat

Restoration Of The Everglades

Dreaming of the Everglades

Draining Pa-Hay-Okee

Resilient Everglades

The Park Indepth

Maps Of The Park & Region

Water Flow Map Of The Park

South Florida Parks Map

Park Map

See the Everglades your way.

Park Gateway Towns

Homestead, FL

Everglades City, FL

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Miami, FL

Goodland, FL

Islamorada, FL

Key Largo, FL

Naples, FL

Ochopee, FL

Chokoloskee, FL

Hollywood, FL

Not sure what fits your style?

What Visitors Say About The Park

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