Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park, located in the southern tip of Florida, is a unique and diverse ecosystem that spans across 1.5 million acres. It is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States and is known for its exceptional biological diversity.

The park is situated in three counties, namely Miami-Dade, Monroe, and Collier, with its southern boundary adjacent to the Florida Bay. It is renowned for its extensive wetlands, including sawgrass marshes, mangrove forests, and freshwater ponds, all of which provide vital habitats for various species.

Historically, Everglades National Park has faced significant challenges due to human activities and altered water flows. However, in 1947, it was declared a National Park to protect its fragile ecosystem, and subsequent restoration efforts have aimed at preserving its unique wildlife and habitats.

When visiting Everglades National Park, there are plenty of activities to enjoy. One popular option is exploring the park's waterways on a guided airboat tour, providing an up-close experience with the diverse wildlife, including alligators, herons, and turtles. Visitors can also hike along various trails that run through the park, such as the famous Anhinga Trail, where one can spot alligators, turtles, and numerous bird species.

Another way to experience the park is by taking a canoe or kayak trip along one of its many water trails. These allow visitors to navigate through the mangroves and observe the abundant marine life, including manatees and dolphins.

While exploring the Everglades, visitors can also learn about its rich cultural heritage at the Ernest Coe Visitor Center. This center presents exhibits on the park's history, ecology, and efforts to preserve the ecosystem. Additionally, ranger-led programs and educational presentations are available for both children and adults.

Not far from Everglades National Park lies the bustling city of Miami, offering a stark contrast to the park's serene wilderness. Here, visitors can indulge in vibrant nightlife, explore world-class art galleries, and enjoy the diverse culinary scene. The city's beautiful beaches, such as South Beach and Key Biscayne, also provide opportunities for relaxation and water activities.

In conclusion, Everglades National Park is an extraordinary destination offering unparalleled biodiversity and natural beauty. Its unique landscape, wildlife, and cultural significance make it a must-visit location for nature enthusiasts and those seeking an immersive experience in Florida's natural wonders.

Everglades National Park is located in the southern region of the state of Florida, spanning across Miami-Dade, Monroe, and Collier counties. Situated at the southern tip of the Florida peninsula, the park covers an area of approximately 1.5 million acres, making it the largest tropical wilderness in the United States. Its unique geographical location is defined by the convergence of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, making it a critical ecosystem that supports a diverse range of plant and animal species. The park's landscape primarily comprises of wetlands, including the iconic "River of Grass," a vast sawgrass marsh. Its location in close proximity to major urban areas and popular tourist destinations like Miami and the Florida Keys makes Everglades National Park easily accessible to visitors from around the world.

Address & Contact

40001 State Road 9336
Homestead, FL 33034
Driving Directions
Phone: 3052427700
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Everglades National Park would be during the months of January, February, and December. These months offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities with average maximum temperatures ranging from 76°F to 79°F. The average minimum temperatures during this timeframe vary between 58°F and 62°F. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation remains relatively low during these months, ranging from 1.5 inches to 1.9 inches. At the same time, visitor numbers are also lower compared to the peak months of March and November, providing a more serene experience for travelers.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Everglades National Park are: Astronomy Stargazing Food Picnicking Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Hands-On Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs Biking Road Biking Camping Backcountry Camping Car or Front Country Camping Hiking Front-Country Hiking Boating Motorized Boating Canoe or Kayak Camping Fishing Backcountry Hiking Paddling Canoeing Kayaking Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Self-Guided Tours - Auto Boat Tour Group Camping RV Camping Freshwater Fishing Bus/Shuttle Guided Tour Volunteer Vacation Citizen Science Saltwater Fishing Sailing Compass and GPS Geocaching

Topics

Learn about these topics at Everglades National Park: Animals Birds Geology Night Sky Architecture and Building Archeology Arts Native American Heritage Cats (wild) Fish Tortoises and Turtles Fire River and Riparian Trails Water Trails Unique Species Wilderness Colonization and Settlement Military US Army Schools and Education Climate Change Grasslands Natural Sounds Scenic Views Wetlands Artillery Wars and Conflicts Marshes Social Movements Conservation Movement Rare Endangered Coasts, Islands and Atolls Prairies Alligators or Crocodiles Cold War Oceans Estuaries and Mangroves Armories

Visitor Centers

Shark Valley Visitor Center

Shark Valley Visitor Center provides the gateway to a panoramic 15-mile loop trail and observation tower. Open year-round, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. the visitor center also hosts exhibits, park film, and association bookstore, alongside the Shark Valley Tram Tour concessionaire. The GPS address for the visitor center is; 36000 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33194.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Shark Valley Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Everglades National Park

Flamingo Campground

The Flamingo campground is one of two drive-in campgrounds accessible from the Homestead entrance of the park. It offers solar-heated showers, two dump stations, picnic tables, grills, and an amphitheater for seasonal Ranger programs. Flamingo has several hiking trails and canoe trails, and opportunities for saltwater fishing are plentiful. Check at the visitor center for a daily schedule of Ranger guided programs.
Fees (US$): 50.00 (Flamingo Campground- RV with electric hook-up (Monday - Thursday, per site per night)), 60.00 (Flamingo Campground- RV with electric hookup (Friday - Sunday, per site per night)), 33.00 (Flamingo Campground- tent and non-electric RV (Monday - Thursday, per site per night)), 38.50 (Flamingo Campground- tent and non-electric RV (Friday - Sunday, per site per night)), 60.00 (Flamingo Campground- group site (per night per site))
Total Campsites: 274
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: Free - Year Round
Potable Water: Yes - year round

Long Pine Key Campground

Long Pine Key campground is open seasonally November-May. It is one of two frontcountry camping options run by the “Flamingo Adventures'' concession. Reservations are available for RV’s and tents along with first come first serve sites. If sites are booked, more camping may be available further down the Main Park Road in Flamingo.
Fees (US$): 33.00 (Long Pine Key Campground- tent and non-electric RV (Monday - Thursday, per site per night)), 38.50 (Long Pine Key Campground- tent and non-electric RV (Friday - Sunday, per site per night)), 60.00 (Long Pine Key Campground- group site (per night per site))
Total Campsites: 108
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: Free - Year Round
Potable Water: Yes - year round

Hotels within or near Everglades National Park

Quality Inn Florida City-Florida Keys Area

Located in Florida City, Quality Inn Florida City-Florida Keys Area is in a national park, a 1-minute drive from Prime Outlets Florida City and 8 minutes from Homestead-Miami Speedway. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 333 SE 1st Ave, Florida City, Florida 33034
Web: Link

Days Inn by Wyndham Florida City

A stay at Days Inn by Wyndham Florida City places you in the heart of Florida City, steps from Prime Outlets Florida City and a 4-minute drive from Homestead Town Square. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk. Planning an event in Florida City? This hotel has 467 square feet (43 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 124 E Palm Dr, Florida City, Florida 33034
Web: Link

Travelodge by Wyndham Florida City/Homestead/Everglades

When you stay at Travelodge by Wyndham Florida City/Homestead/Everglades in Florida City, you'll be in a national park, within a 5-minute drive of Prime Outlets Florida City and Homestead Town Square. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 409 SE 1st Ave, Florida City, Florida 33034
Web: Link

Best Western Gateway to the Keys

With a stay at Best Western Gateway to the Keys in Florida City, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Prime Outlets Florida City and Pioneer Florida Museum and Village. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 411 S Krome Ave, Florida City, Florida 33034
Web: Link

Fairway Inn Florida City / Homestead / Everglades

A stay at Fairway Inn Florida City / Homestead / Everglades places you in the heart of Florida City, a 1-minute drive from Prime Outlets Florida City and 7 minutes from Homestead-Miami Speedway. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 100 SE 1st Ave, Florida City, Florida 33034
Web: Link

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Florida City, an IHG Hotel

With a stay at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Florida City, an IHG Hotel in Florida City, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Prime Outlets Florida City and Pioneer Florida Museum and Village. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 35200 S Dixie Hwy, Florida City, Florida 33034
Web: Link

Home2 Suites by Hilton Florida City, FL

With a stay at Home2 Suites by Hilton Florida City, FL in Florida City, you'll be within a 10-minute walk of Prime Outlets Florida City and Pioneer Florida Museum and Village. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and express check-in. Event facilities at this aparthotel consist of a conference center and a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 77 NE 3rd Street, Florida City, Florida 33034
Web: Link

Hoosville Hostel

Located in Florida City, Hoosville Hostel is in a rural location, within a 5-minute drive of Prime Outlets Florida City and Pioneer Florida Museum and Village. Featured amenities include multilingual staff, microwave in a common area, and refrigerator in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 20 SW 2nd Ave, Florida City, Florida 33034
Web: Link

TRU BY Hilton Florida City

With a stay at TRU BY Hilton Florida City in Florida City, you'll be within a 10-minute walk of Pioneer Florida Museum and Village and Prime Outlets Florida City. Featured amenities include a business center and a 24-hour front desk.
Address: 217 N Krome Avenue, Florida City, Florida 33034
Web: Link

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Homestead Florida City

Located in Florida City, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Homestead Florida City is within a 5-minute drive of Prime Outlets Florida City and Pioneer Florida Museum and Village. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 60 SW 352nd Street, Florida City, Florida 33034
Web: Link