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
2-Hour Kayak & Canoe Rental in Flamingo
Rent a kayak or canoe for 2 hours from the Flamingo Activity Booth
Private Everglades National Park Boat Tour from Islamorada
Explore the Everglades waterways on a private nature cruise
8-Hour Everglades National Park Fishing Charter
Fish the 10,000 Islands’ bays and backcountry waters
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
Private Sunset & Mangrove Cruise in Key Largo
Explore mangrove waterways and Adams Cut before sunset over Key Largo's waters
Full-Day Everglades Kayak Tour from Homestead
Spend a day outdoors exploring the Everglades with a guide
1.5-Hour Ten Thousand Islands Guided Cruise
Cruise Ten Thousand Islands mangroves while learning about wildlife and local history
Full-Day Backcountry & Inshore Fishing in Islamorada
Cast for seasonal species in the Florida Keys backcountry
Everglades Airboat Ride & Alligator Farm Admission
Ride a 20–25 minute Everglades airboat with alligator farm admission and shows
Everglades National Park Full-Day Fishing Charter
Fish Everglades backcountry waters with the captain you prefer
Full-Day Backcountry Flats Fishing Charter in Islamorada
Explore Florida Keys backcountry waters with light tackle and a captain's guidance
Tarpon & Snook Fly Fishing in Everglades National Park
Team up with a fishing guide with experience dating back to 1990
Everglades National Park Backcountry Boat Tour
Explore Everglades backwaters with a naturalist guide
4-Hour Everglades National Park Fishing Charter
Cast for seasonal inshore fish in the Ten Thousand Islands
2-Hour Everglades Ecology Boat Tour in Key Largo
Explore Florida Bay, mangroves, and an ancient split reef
2-Hour 10,000 Islands Shelling Tour Near Everglades
Cruise to a remote barrier island for shelling in the 10,000 Islands Wildlife Refuge
Islamorada Tarpon Fishing Charter
Target tarpon around Islamorada’s channels, bridges, and Everglades waters
Partial-Day Everglades Kayak Tour from Homestead
Explore the Everglades by kayak with a guide
Everglades National Park Mangrove Boat Tour
Glide through the Ten Thousand Islands' mangrove backcountry with an expert guide
Half-Day Backcountry Fishing Charter in Islamorada
Explore the Keys' backcountry, whether you're new to fishing or an experienced angler
VIP 3-Hour Private Airboat & Alligator Tour in Homestead
Private airboat ride plus behind-the-scenes alligator encounters in 3 hours
4-Hour Fishing Charter in Everglades National Park
Private fishing in the Ten Thousand Islands with your choice of captain
Full-Day Inshore & Backcountry Fishing Charter in Islamorada
Fish the Florida Keys backcountry with guidance for novice and experienced anglers