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 Full-Day Guided Safari From Miami
Explore the Everglades by airboat, boat, and wildlife drive with a naturalist guide
4-Hour Bike Rental in Homestead
Rent a beach cruiser for 4 hours, with adult and kid bikes available
6-Hour Everglades Inshore Fishing Charter
Fish the 10,000 Islands and Everglades National Park on a private charter
Native-Guided Mangrove Eco Tour in Everglades National Park
Explore mangrove forests and coastal islands with chances to spot dolphins and birds
Explore Everglades National Park by Boat & Kayak
Reach remote Everglades National Park areas by boat, then kayak and walk with your guide
Birding Boat Tour in Everglades National Park
Explore remote Everglades waters by quiet power boat
Full-Day Inshore & Backcountry Fishing in Islamorada
Cast for seasonal backcountry species with light tackle, whatever your experience level
Guided Alligator Feeding Encounter in Homestead
Hold alligators and feed the breeding pond from a VIP area
Half-Day Inshore & Backcountry Fishing in Islamorada
Cast for seasonal backcountry species with light tackle in the Florida Keys
Everglades National Park 6-Hour Fishing Charter
Explore 10,000 Islands bays on a private fishing charter
Half-Day Backcountry Flats Fishing Charter in Islamorada
Fish the Florida Keys backcountry with live bait, spin, or fly techniques
Half-Day Backcountry Fishing Charter in Islamorada
Try light-tackle fishing for seasonal species in the Florida Keys backcountry
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
Everglades National Park Mangrove Boat Tour
Glide through the Ten Thousand Islands' mangrove backcountry with an expert guide
Everglades National Park Eco Tour with Native Guides
Discover mangrove islands and look for wildlife along the Gulf of Mexico
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
Native-Guided Eco Tour in Everglades National Park
Explore mangrove forests and Gulf Coast islands with Native guides
3-Hour Guided Swamp Walk in Fakahatchee Strand
Explore cypress swamps and Everglades ecology with a naturalist guide
4-Hour Skiff Rental in Everglades National Park
Take the helm of a Yamaha-powered skiff with six rod holders
Everglades National Park Eco Tour with Native Guides
Discover mangrove forests and island wildlife with Native guides
10,000 Islands Dolphin & Shelling Cruise
Search for dolphins and birds, then shell a remote barrier island
Full-Day Skiff Rental in Everglades National Park
Explore Everglades waters by skiff with a 40HP Yamaha outboard