Things to do nearEverglades National Park
Everglades National Park in Florida is a vast subtropical wilderness celebrated for its sawgrass prairies, diverse wildlife, and ancient mangrove ecosystems.
Everglades National Park was established in 1947 and covers more than 1.5 million acres, making it the largest tropical wilderness in the United States and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unlike most national parks built around mountains or canyons, the Everglades is defined by its flatness and its water, a shallow sheet of freshwater flowing south from Lake Okeechobee toward Florida Bay. This subtle hydrology supports an extraordinary range of habitats, from cypress domes and pineland ridges to coastal mangroves and open marine waters. The park is home to numerous threatened and endangered species, including the Florida panther, West Indian manatee, American crocodile, and the iconic roseate spoonbill.
Visitors can explore the park along the main park road, which runs from the Ernest Coe Visitor Center near Homestead all the way to Flamingo on the coast, with trailheads, observation platforms, and canoe launches along the way. The Shark Valley area on the northern edge offers a popular tram tour and a tall observation tower with panoramic views over the river of grass. Rangers lead interpretive walks and boat tours that provide context for the ecology and the ongoing conservation efforts to restore natural water flows.
Dining options within the park are limited, so most visitors stock up in Homestead or Florida City before entering. The park's atmosphere is one of patient, unhurried nature, where the rewards come to those willing to sit quietly and watch the water.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Everglades National Park
Visit during the dry season, roughly November through April, when wildlife concentrates around shrinking water sources and mosquitoes are far less intense.
Try the Anhinga Trail near the Royal Palm area for reliably close encounters with anhingas, herons, and alligators along a short, paved boardwalk.
Bring insect repellent and sun protection year-round, as the open landscape offers little shade and bugs can be heavy even in cooler months.
Rent a canoe or kayak at Flamingo to explore the backcountry waterways, where you may spot manatees, dolphins, and roseate spoonbills in the calm tidal creeks.
Arrive at Pa-hay-okee Overlook near sunset for a sweeping view across the sawgrass prairie as the light turns golden and bird activity peaks.
Top tours & experiences near Everglades National Park
Everglades Airboat Ride & Alligator Farm Admission
Ride a 20–25 minute Everglades airboat with alligator farm admission and shows
VIP 3-Hour Private Airboat & Alligator Tour in Homestead
Private airboat ride plus behind-the-scenes alligator encounters in 3 hours
Guided Alligator Feeding Encounter in Homestead
Hold alligators and feed the breeding pond from a VIP area
Everglades National Park Backcountry Boat Tour
Explore Everglades backwaters with a naturalist guide
2-Hour Kayak & Canoe Rental in Flamingo
Rent a kayak or canoe for 2 hours from the Flamingo Activity Booth
4-Hour Bike Rental in Homestead
Rent a beach cruiser for 4 hours, with adult and kid bikes available
Ride a Bike in Everglades National Park
2-hour beach cruiser bike rental for adults and kids ages 5+
Everglades National Park Starry Night Boat Tour
Cruise the Everglades after dark for stargazing and nocturnal sounds
Private Everglades Boat Tour
Discover Florida Bay, mangroves, and Everglades ecology by private boat
Marco Island Dolphin & Shelling Cruise
Search for dolphins, birds, and shells on a naturalist-led island cruise
2-Hour 10,000 Islands Shelling Tour Near Everglades
Cruise to a remote barrier island for shelling in the 10,000 Islands Wildlife Refuge
Explore Everglades National Park by Boat & Kayak
Reach remote Everglades National Park areas by boat, then kayak and walk with your guide
Key Largo Sunset Cruise
Explore mangrove waterways and Adams Cut before sunset over Key Largo's waters
2-Hour Everglades Ecology Boat Tour in Key Largo
Explore Florida Bay, mangroves, and an ancient split reef
Everglades National Park Full-Day Fishing Charter
Fish Everglades backcountry waters with the captain you prefer
4-Hour Fishing Charter in Everglades National Park
Private fishing in the Ten Thousand Islands with your choice of captain
Birding Boat Tour in Everglades National Park
Explore remote Everglades waters by quiet power boat
Everglades National Park 10,000 Islands Wildlife Cruise
Explore Everglades National Park’s 10,000 Islands coastal ecosystems by boat
Everglades 2-Hour Birding & Wildlife Boat Tour
Quiet power-boat access to seldom-reached Everglades birding areas
3-Hour Guided Swamp Walk in Fakahatchee Strand
Explore cypress swamps and Everglades ecology with a naturalist guide
8-Hour Everglades National Park Fishing Charter
Fish the 10,000 Islands’ bays and backcountry waters
1.5-Hour Ten Thousand Islands Guided Cruise
Cruise Ten Thousand Islands mangroves while learning about wildlife and local history
4-Hour Everglades National Park Fishing Charter
Cast for seasonal inshore fish in the Ten Thousand Islands
4-Hour Skiff Rental in Everglades National Park
Take the helm of a Yamaha-powered skiff with six rod holders
Full-Day Skiff Rental in Everglades National Park
Explore Everglades waters by skiff with a 40HP Yamaha outboard
17' Skiff Rental in Everglades National Park
Navigate Everglades waters with GPS, rod holders, and a 40HP Yamaha
4-Hour Kayak & Canoe Rental in Everglades National Park
Kayak or canoe through Everglades National Park waterways
8-Hour Kayak & Canoe Rental in Everglades National Park
Choose Your Kayak or Canoe for Everglades Waterways
4-Hour Pontoon Rental in Everglades National Park
Self-Operate a 20-Foot Pontoon in Everglades National Park
20' Pontoon Rental in Everglades National Park
Take the helm of a pontoon in Everglades National Park
24-Hour Kayak & Canoe Rental in Everglades National Park
Paddle Everglades waterways in a kayak or canoe sized for your group
Everglades National Park 17' Skiff Rental
Navigate Everglades waters in a 40HP skiff with GPS and fishing-ready rod holders
17' Skiff Rental in Everglades National Park
Explore Everglades waters aboard a 60 HP Mako Pro Skiff
Full-Day Skiff Rental in Everglades National Park
Take the Helm of a Mako Skiff in Park Waters
3-Hour Guided Kayak Tour in Everglades National Park
Paddle the 10,000 Islands with a Florida Master Naturalist guide
10,000 Islands Dolphin & Shelling Cruise
Search for dolphins and birds, then shell a remote barrier island
Manatee & Wildlife Tour in the 10,000 Islands
Quiet power-boat wildlife viewing through the 10,000 Islands
Everglades National Park 6-Hour Fishing Charter
Explore 10,000 Islands bays on a private fishing charter
Everglades National Park Florida Bay Wildlife Cruise
Cruise Florida Bay with a naturalist and watch for coastal wildlife
Islamorada Tarpon Fishing Charter
Target tarpon around Islamorada’s channels, bridges, and Everglades waters