Everglades National Park
- WD - Home
- Sep 16
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 5
National Park Travel Guide
Imagine a landscape that resembles less a postcard and more a living, breathing ecosystem. The Everglades National Park isn't about jaw-dropping peaks or desert arches—it's about water, sawgrass, alligators, and some of the rarest wildlife in North America. Covering 1.5 million acres, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is nicknamed the "River of Grass" for its slow-moving sheet of freshwater that flows from Lake Okeechobee down to Florida Bay. It's a haven for birders, paddlers, and anyone curious about what a true subtropical wilderness feels like.
A slow-moving river of grass sustains one of the most unique ecosystems on Earth.
How to Get There
The Everglades are surprisingly accessible. Miami International Airport (MIA) is approximately 40 miles from the park's main entrance in Homestead, and Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL) is another option. Rent a car, because there's no public transit to the park. Three main entrances—Shark Valley, Gulf Coast, and Homestead—each offer different experiences. Many visitors pair a trip here with a Florida Keys road trip or a Miami cultural getaway.
Know Before You Go
The park is mostly water, so your Everglades adventure is less about hiking boots and more about kayaks, canoes, and airboats (though the latter are mainly outside official park boundaries). Summer brings heavy rains, high humidity, and mosquitoes—lots of them. Winter (the dry season) is the sweet spot, with fewer bugs and better wildlife viewing. Please note that cell service can be spotty, and lodging options within the park are limited.
Best Time to Visit
The dry season (December–April) is prime. Water levels are lower, wildlife is more concentrated, and the weather is mild. Summer brings afternoon thunderstorms, hurricane season, and heat indexes that soar past 100°F, making it more challenging but still lush and wild for adventurous types.
Best Things to Do
Wildlife viewing: Alligators, manatees, crocodiles, and more than 350 bird species call the Everglades home.
Airboat rides: Although not located within the official park, nearby outfitters in Everglades City and Miccosukee offer thrilling airboat rides.
Ranger programs: Join guided canoe tours, bird walks, and slough slogs (wet hikes through the swamp).
Paddle trails: The Wilderness Waterway stretches 99 miles from Everglades City to Flamingo—an epic multi-day paddle for seasoned explorers.
Best Hikes
Anhinga Trail (0.8 miles): The park's most famous boardwalk, near Homestead, with up-close wildlife viewing.
Shark Valley Tram Road (15 miles): Walk, bike, or take a tram tour past alligators and wading birds, with a 65-foot observation tower at the halfway point.
Gumbo Limbo Trail (0.4 miles): Shady respite through a tropical hardwood hammock, great on hot afternoons.
Where to Stay
Flamingo Campground: Tents, RVs, and eco-tents (canvas glamping) near Florida Bay.
Everglades City: Quaint motels and fishing lodges, perfect if you're launching a paddling trip.
Miami & Homestead: A wide range of hotels if you want urban comfort with day-trip access.
Where to Eat
Robert Is Here (Homestead): A legendary fruit stand blending fresh milkshakes with tropical fruits like key lime and guava.
Triad Seafood (Everglades City): Known for stone crab claws in season.
Little Havana (Miami): Grab Cuban sandwiches and cafecitos before or after your swamp explorations.
