We recently traveled down to Everglades National Park in our van and loved every minute of our trip! Spanning a total of 1.5 million acres, the park can feel like a lot of ground to cover. To make it easy on you, we’re wrapping up our Everglades National Park series with this Ultimate Guide to the Everglades. We’ll be breaking down the best things to do here, the best time of year to visit, tips for beating the bugs, and much more to make planning your upcoming trip a breeze!
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Layout of Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park is best reached by car, which is how we chose to explore. There are three entry points to the park, each granting you access to a different area. In total, there are 4 official sections of the park:
- Royal Palm
- Flamingo
- Gulf Coast
- Shark Valley
Except for Royal Palm and Flamingo, which share the same entrance, if you want to travel from one area to another, you must leave where you entered and drive to a new entrance. The map below also shows the 3 different entrances to Everglades National park.
We recommend visiting one area per day (except for Flamingo and Royal Palm, which are doable in one day) to save on driving time. With this in mind, we’ve organized the best things to do in the Everglades into these four areas in the next sections, starting with Royal Palm.
The Best Things to Do in Everglades National Park
The Everglades is huge, so we’ve broken down the best activities by area—Royal Palm, Flamingo, Shark Valley, and the Gulf Coast. Jump down to whichever section matches where you’re planning to explore!
Royal Palm
Royal Palm is the first area you’ll reach from the Homestead Entrance, the most popular entry point. Named after the Royal Palm Tree, which grows abundantly in this area, it’s best known for its abundance of wildlife, some of the most well-known trails in the park, a secret missile base from the Cold War, and more! Here are the top things to do.
1. Visit the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center
The Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center is the perfect first stop in Royal Palm. With educational exhibits, park maps, and up-to-date trail conditions, it’s a great way to get oriented before heading into the park. We stopped in to chat with the park rangers about trail conditions, inquire about any ranger-led programs happening that day, and check out the center’s educational displays.
2. Go Hiking
Royal Palm is home to some of the most accessible and wildlife-rich trails in the Everglades. The Anhinga Trail is a must, offering close-up views of alligators, turtles, and the famous anhinga along an easy boardwalk path. We enjoyed this trail during sunset, and it ended up being our favorite hike in this area of the park!
Our second-favorite hike in Royal Palm was the Gumbo Limbo Trail, which takes you through a lush, shaded hardwood hammock. Both of these hikes are short but packed with wildlife, making them ideal for all visitors. We recommend visiting near dawn or dusk, when wildlife is most active.
🥾 Check out our recent article, Our 9 Favorite Hikes in the Everglades, for a full list of our favorite hiking trails
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3. Spot Wildlife
Royal Palm is one of the best places in the Everglades to see wildlife up close. We’ve spotted alligators, anhingas, great blue herons, turtles, and even the occasional barred owl while walking the trails here. The Anhinga Trail, in particular, is famous for its high concentration of wildlife, especially in the cooler months when water levels drop, and animals gather around the deeper pools. Keep your camera ready—you never know what you might see!
4. Visit the HM69 Nike Missile Base
This Cold War-era missile site offers a glimpse into a lesser-known chapter of Everglades history. The site is hidden down a long and straight road, 15 minutes from the Royal Palm Visitor Center. It is staffed by volunteers who can tell you all about the missiles’ history and purpose. The site is only open on Saturdays from 10 AM – 2 PM, so plan accordingly if you want to visit.
5. Hop on a Ranger-Led Program
For a deeper dive into Royal Pine, consider joining a ranger-led program. From guided walks to wildlife talks, these programs offer expert insight into the park’s ecosystem, history, and conservation efforts.
We joined several throughout the park and were blown away by the value of each experience, especially given that many are 100% free. Check the NPS website or stop by the visitor center to see what’s available during your visit.
6. Explore Main Park Road
Main Park Road connects the Royal Palm and Flamingo areas of Everglades National Park. Beyond being a means to travel between these two park areas, we stumbled upon several trails with gorgeous views and ample wildlife sightings. Here are the ones we went on, with a bit of information on each:
- Pa-Hay-Okee Trail – Quick, 5-minute loop trail that takes you to a gorgeous panorama of the “River of Grass.” Amazing photography spot!
- Mahogany Hammock Trail – 7-minute loop trail that takes you through a hardwood “hammock” full of gumbo-limbo trees, air plants, and mahogany trees
- West Lake Trail – 7-minute out-and-back boardwalk trail that takes you by mangroves and open water
- Pinelands Trail – 7-minute loop trail that takes you through a pineland forest
🥾 Check out our recent article, Our 9 Favorite Hikes in the Everglades, for a full list of our favorite hiking trails
Flamingo
Flamingo is located 38 miles south of the Homestead entrance, down Main Park Road from Royal Palm. Since both regions share the same entrance, you don’t have to leave the park to get there. Flamingo is the ideal spot for seeing crocodiles and manatees, as well as canoeing, kayaking, and taking boat tours. Here’s everything you can do here.
1. Visit the Guy Bradley Visitor Center
The Guy Bradley Visitor Center is the perfect first stop when you arrive in Flamingo. It’s a smaller center compared to others in the park, but it’s packed with great information about the Everglades’ wildlife and ecosystems, plus maps and exhibits to help you plan your day. We loved getting an overview of the area here and hanging out by the water before heading out on our adventures!
2. Rent Paddles, Canoes, or Kayaks
Flamingo is a prime spot to rent a canoe or kayak and get close to the park’s beautiful waterways. Rentals are available right at the Flamingo Marina, or there are also private canoe rental companies outside of the park for when canoes in Flamingo are sold out.
Popular routes are the Florida Bay, the Buttonwood Canal, and 9 Mile Pond, located a few miles back up the Main Park Road. If you have a bit of paddling experience, you can ask rangers for recommendations of even more routes. If you’re hesitant about paddling on your own, there are guided tours with private companies and park rangers as well.
3. Go on a Boat Tour of the Everglades
If you’re tired from hiking or just want to see more of the Everglades by water without paddling, booking a boat tour is a great option. From Flamingo Marina, you can hop on a guided boat tour through the area’s scenic waterways, including Buttonwood Canal, Coot Bay, and Whitewater Bay.
We found this 90-minute tour led by a naturalist guide who points out wildlife such as birds and alligators and shares fascinating insights into the ecosystem. To ensure you get a spot during the busy season (dry season), we recommend booking in advance.
4. Go Hiking in Flamingo
Flamingo offers several fantastic trails that take you through the park’s diverse ecosystems. Here are three that we did on our last trip. You can find maps for each of these on AllTrails.
- Snake Bight Trail: 1-hour shady out-and-back trail that takes you to Florida Bay
- Coastal Prairie Trail – 3.5-hour out-and-back trail on an old fishermen’s road
- Rowdy Bend Trail – 1.5-hour trail that takes you through shady buttonwoods and an open coastal prairie
🥾 Check out our recent article, Our 9 Favorite Hikes in the Everglades, for a full list of our favorite hiking trails
5. Wildlife Watch at Flamingo Marina
Flamingo is an incredible place for wildlife enthusiasts! We recommend posting up at the marina, where crocodiles and manatees are known to hang out. In particular, keep an eye out for a 14-foot-long crocodile named Freddy after Freddy Krueger. He earned this name when rangers realized he wasn’t just fighting and killing male crocodiles, but females as well, something male crocs don’t normally do!
6. Go on a Ranger-Led Tour in Flamingo
We also recommend checking out Flamingo’s Ranger-led programs either at the Guy Bradley Visitor Center or in advance online. On our last visit, we went on an amazing night hike with Ranger Kenzie to the West Loop Trail and loved it!
She expertly guided us through the terrain, identified the wildlife we heard, and described the stars and constellations we could see above us! The rangers always point out new things that we otherwise would not have seen or known about.
Shark Valley
Shark Valley, located along the northern edge of Everglades National Park, is an area teeming with wildlife, from alligators to wading birds. As it’s roughly an hour’s drive from the Homestead entrance, we recommend exploring it on a separate day from Royal Palm and Flamingo. Here are the best things to do in Shark Valley!
1. Visit the Shark Valley Visitor Center
Stop by the Shark Valley Visitor Center to get your bearings. This small but informative center offers exhibits on the Everglades’ ecosystem, a park film, and a helpful staff to answer any questions. You can also find restrooms, a gift shop, and a place to grab water before heading out.
If you’re planning to bike or take the tram down the Shark Valley Trail, this is also where you’ll book your tickets. During the high season (dry season), this section of the park can be booked early. We recommend getting there right when the park opens to guarantee a parking spot.
2. Explore the Shark Valley Tram Trail
The Shark Valley Tram Trail is a 15-mile (24 km) paved loop and the main draw of this region. There are three ways to travel it: by bike, by tram, or by hiking. Here’s a quick breakdown of how to go about doing each:
- Rent a bike – $27 for the day, takes about 3 hours out and back, bikes back by 4 pm
- Tram Tours – $34 ($18 children 3-12) per person for 2 hours, a naturalist guide explains what you’re seeing as you go
- Walking – Free, takes 4-5 hours round trip
We were looking for a shorter hike, so, while we did walk part of the Tram Trail, we mostly explore the nearby Bobcat Boardwalk and Otter Cave Hammock Trail, two quick hikes that let us see tons of wildlife.
3. Climb the Observation Tower
The highlight of Shark Valley Tram Road is the Shark Valley Observation Tower, located at the loop’s halfway point. This 65-foot-high platform offers a rare elevated view of the Everglades’ vast, flat landscape, making it one of the best places to fully appreciate the “River of Grass.” From the top, you can see miles of sawgrass marshes, alligator-filled waterways, and wading birds in the distance.
💡The observation tower is open from 9 am – 5 pm, so be sure to get here on time if you want to climb up!
4. Go on a Shark Valley Slough Slog
We wanted to highlight the ranger-led Wet Walk Tour (AKA the Slough Slog) as it was one of our favorite experiences in the park—and 100% free! Equipped with walking poles, we were guided through the marshlands, cypress domes, and knee-deep waters of the Everglades, giving us a firsthand look at its delicate ecosystem.
The experience is messy but unforgettable, with plenty of opportunities to spot the limestone base, apple snail shells, and bladderwort (a carnivorous plant that traps aquatic insects and eats them for food) up close. For even more ranger-led programs in Shark Valley, check out Shark Valley’s Ranger Programming Page.
💡 Reservation Tip: Make sure to call 7 days before the date of the wet walk, when spots are released, to reserve your spot. This wet walk tends to fill up. Dates and phone numbers can be found here.
5. Visit Big Cypress National Preserve
Just 20 minutes west of Shark Valley, Big Cypress National Preserve offers an incredible up-close look at the cypress dome! We started at the Oasis Visitor Center, where the boardwalk gave us some of our best alligator sightings.
But the real highlight was driving Loop Road Scenic Drive, a slower, quieter alternative to Route 41 that let us take our time spotting alligators, wading birds, and towering cypress trees. It took us over 2 hours to drive the loop since we kept stopping to photograph the amazing wildlife!
If you want to jump out and stretch your legs on a short hike, Kirby Storter Boardwalk and Gator Hook Trail are two great hikes you can do on the way. Keep an eye out for wildlife on these trails as this reserve is teaming with them!
Gulf Goast & Western Everglades
Located in Everglades City, the Gulf Coast area of the Everglades covers the western portion of the park. It’s the least visited portion of the Everglades, primarily used as a pushing-off point for paddling trips.
On top of that, the new Visitor’s Center was being rebuilt when we visited, so we chose not to visit this section of the park. Nevertheless, we did go on an amazing kayak trip nearby and found some other things to do if you’re in the area!
1. Visit Ten Thousand Islands & Neighboring Parks
We came across this 3-hour boat tour offered by Everglades National Park Adventures that pushes off from Everglades City. It’s a great way to explore the Ten Thousand Islands if you don’t have your own boat!
There are also several nearby state parks, including Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park (Florida’s largest state park), Collier-Seminole State Park, and Picayune Strand State Forest.
Although these parks are not within Everglades National Park, they are still part of the broader ecosystem that makes up the Everglades. They’re a cheaper alternative to the National Park, as admission is just $6 per car.
2. Visit the Museum of the Everglades
In the heart of Everglades City is the free Museum of the Everglades that tells you the history and culture of the park and the surrounding area. The museum itself is located in what used to be a laundry facility. They open from 9 am – 4 pm Tuesday through Saturday.
3. Go on a Kayaking Tour
We went on Jenny’s Eco Everglades Kayaking Tour which ended up being a real highlight of our time in the Western Everglades. Jenny was professional, well-informed, and an excellent tour guide, leading us through the mangroves.
She provided us with a comprehensive look at the challenges that face the Everglades and what’s being done to help restore this delicate environment. We highly recommend her tour, as she focuses on small groups, which allows for a more intimate experience.
4. Sign up for a Ranger-Led Program
Check the link here to sign up for a discovery kayak tour, a boat tour, or just a ranger talk in the Gulf Coast. Just like the other areas of the park, these offerings come at no cost to you.
How Many Days in Everglades National Park?
How many days you should spend in the Everglades depends on what you’re interested in seeing and the pace at which you prefer to visit. Here’s a breakdown of what you can fit in on a 1-day, 2-day, etc. trip.
- 1 day – Visit one or two sections, take a ranger-led tour, and explore a few short trails. This is a great option for someone who wants to see the highlights!
- 2 days – See Royal Palm, Flamingo, and Shark Valley without feeling rushed. You can see quite a bit during this time, specifically all the shorter boardwalk trails, and get out on the water in the Western Everglades or at Flamingo.
- 3+ days – Enjoy a deeper dive into each section, fit in multiple tours, and explore at a relaxed pace. This is what we would recommend for anyone short on time, but still wants an in-depth experience.
- 1 week+ – Perfect for those wanting to explore all four areas, take several-day hikes or paddling trips, and visit nearby state parks. The best option for the visitor who’s looking for an in-depth experience and wants to experience it all at a slower pace.
🗓️ Check out our article, How to See Everglades National Park in One Day: The Perfect Itinerary, for inspiration on how to spend a day (or two) in the Everglades!
How Much Does a Trip to The Everglades Cost?
Your Everglades budget largely depends on how you explore and where you spend the night. Some of the best ways we generally keep costs low are by:
- Preferencing free ranger-led activities over paid activities
- Camping instead of staying at hotels
- Buying groceries and gas outside of the park
- Preparing our food when possible
That being said, one unavoidable cost is the park entrance fee. We invested $80 in the America the Beautiful Pass for the year, so we didn’t pay any extra for park entrance. Without this card, it costs $30/car, $25/motorcycle, or $15/walker or cyclist.
🎫 Consider investing in the America the Beautiful pass for $80 like we did if you’re planning on travelling to several parks within the year.
How Much We Spent on a Trip to the Everglades
We wanted to go on a private kayaking tour, which is what the majority of our budget went towards. Here’s a full cost breakdown from our 4-day trip.
| Business | Description | Cost |
| Recreation.gov | Flamingo Campground (2 nights) | $80.45 |
| Recreation.gov | Big Cypress Campground at Monument Lake (1 night) | $28.00 |
| Rob is Here Fruit Stand | 1 Guanabana smoothie | $11.99 |
| Jenny’s Eco Tours | Kayaking Tour (for 2) | $294.68 |
| Total: $415.12 |
When to Visit Everglades National Park
There are two seasons in the Everglades—the wet season and the dry season. This affects the temperature, the number of bugs, and the wildlife you’re most likely to see.
We visited in January during the dry season, and while the temperatures were comfortable, we did experience some rain, which made non-boardwalk trails a bit muddy. But despite that, it was still a fantastic time to explore the park!
Dry Season (December – March)
This is the best time to visit if you want to avoid mosquitoes and enjoy lower temperatures. The dry season offers:
- Lower temperatures (average highs in the 70s–80s°F)
- Fewer bugs
- Better wildlife spotting opportunities (as animals gather near water sources)
- Less rain and fewer afternoon storms.
However, this period is also the most popular, meaning more visitors. If you’re planning to visit during the dry season, be sure to book your accommodations and activities in advance.
Wet Season (April – November)
The Wet Season isn’t the ideal time to visit the Everglades, as temperatures are much higher. In addition, many tours, ranger programs, and even Long Pine Key Campground close. As far as the weather goes, you can expect:
- High humidity (up to 90%)
- Frequent afternoon thunderstorms
- An insane amount of mosquitoes
- Higher Temperatures
The heat and rain can make outdoor activities uncomfortable, but for those who don’t mind the humidity, you’ll find fewer crowds and more availability.
Where to Stay in Everglades National Park
If you’re planning to stay overnight in the Everglades, you have a few great options—whether you prefer camping under the stars, cozying up in your RV, or staying at a comfy hotel with all the amenities. Here’s a breakdown of each!
Camping in the Everglades
- Long Pine Key Campground (Open November–April): Reserve in advance at this campground! It has about half as many spots as Flamingo, offers more privacy, and is close to the town of Homestead.
- Flamingo Campground (Open year-round): Located about an hour from the main entrance, this campground offers both tent and RV sites, plus eco-tents for added comfort. Reserve here if possible, although the campground itself doesn’t tend to fill up.
- Backcountry Camping: For the adventurous, there are remote wilderness sites accessible by kayak, canoe, or hiking trails. You’ll need to apply for a backcountry camping permit to be able to reserve one of these spots.
- Big Cypress National Preserve: If you’re looking to save a bit of money or be closer to Shark Valley, Big Cypress has several campgrounds at a lower cost than those inside the Everglades. We stayed at Monument Lake and loved the quiet setting and wildlife views.
⛺ For those interested in camping, check out our recent article—How to Camp in the Everglades: RV + Tent-Camping Guide
Hotels Near the Everglades
If camping isn’t your thing, stay in Homestead, Florida (closest to the park’s main entrance) or Everglades City, Florida, which is perfect for exploring the western side of the park. There’s also the Lodge in Flamingo for a comfortable stay right within the park.
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How to Reach Everglades National Park
The best way to explore the Everglades is by car. Driving gives you the freedom to visit different entrances, stop for wildlife sightings, and explore various areas in one day. Plus, driving through the Everglades is an adventure in itself!
- By Car – The park has multiple entrances, with the Homestead entrance (near Royal Palm and Flamingo) and Shark Valley entrance being the most popular. If you don’t have a car, we recommend renting one.
- By Plane – The closest airports are Miami International Airport (MIA) (1-hour drive) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) (1.5-hour drive). Car rentals are available at both.
- By Bus – While there are no direct public buses into the park, some tours from Miami and Fort Lauderdale offer day trips that include transportation.
- By Train – There are no direct train routes to the Everglades, but Amtrak serves Miami and Fort Lauderdale, where you can rent a car or join a tour.
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Everglades Packing Essentials
Below is everything we would bring with us on a trip to the Everglades. The first section are items that, although optional, really helped us have a comfortable trip. If you’re able to get your hands on them, they’ll definitely be put to good use.
Optional Everglades Packing Items
- Bug head net – You may look silly, but we really appreciated having a bug head net in this park.
- Strong bug spray – In addition to your head net, a strong bug spray will make your visit much more pleasant.
- Water-friendly clothes – If you plan on kayaking in the park, having some clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting wet is a must.
Hiking Essentials
Read next: Hiking Gear for Beginners!
Sun Protection
Safety Essentials
Related Articles
- Our 9 Favorite Hikes in Everglades National Park
- The 5 Visitor Centers of the Everglades: Decide Which is Right For You
- How to Camp in the Everglades: RV + Tent-Camping Guide
- How to See Everglades National Park in One Day: The Perfect Itinerary
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