Everglades National Park
All Parks
National ParksSouth Florida

Everglades National Park

Homestead, Miami-Dade County

Google Rating

4.8 / 5

Crowd Level

High

Visit Duration

Full Day

Best Season

Fall & Winter

About Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is one of the world’s most remarkable ecosystems and the crown jewel of Florida’s natural landscapes. Spanning more than a million acres of wetlands, sawgrass prairies, pine rocklands, and mangrove forests, the park offers an immersive experience into a rare subtropical wilderness found nowhere else in the United States. Visitors can explore scenic boardwalks like Anhinga Trail, bike through Shark Valley, or glide across the marshes on a guided airboat tour. The park is home to iconic wildlife—including alligators, manatees, wading birds, and even the elusive Florida panther—making it a premier destination for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers. Whether you’re kayaking through quiet backcountry waterways, stargazing under pristine night skies, or learning about conservation at one of the visitor centers, Everglades National Park delivers a powerful connection to Florida’s natural heritage.

Amenities & Activities

Camping
Fishing
Boat Launch
Picnic Areas

Fun Facts

1

The only place on Earth where American alligators and American crocodiles coexist in the wild.

2

Covers 1.5 million acres — larger than the entire state of Delaware.

3

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, and Wetland of International Importance.

4

The park is fed by a slow-moving freshwater sheet flow known as the "River of Grass," originating from Lake Okeechobee.

5

Home to 20 threatened or endangered species, including the Florida panther and West Indian manatee.

Seasonal Events

November

Everglades Birding Festival

Annual festival celebrating the park's extraordinary bird diversity with guided tours and expert-led talks.

December–April

Ranger-Led Canoe Programs

Guided canoe tours through mangrove tunnels and freshwater sloughs. Reservations recommended.

October–March

Night Sky Stargazing

Ranger-led stargazing at Flamingo — the park is a certified International Dark Sky Park.

Wildlife

Home to 360+ bird species, 300+ fish species, 40 mammal species, and 50 reptile species. Iconic wildlife includes American alligators, American crocodiles, Florida panthers, West Indian manatees, roseate spoonbills, snail kites, and wood storks. The only place on Earth where alligators and crocodiles coexist in the wild.

Visitor Tips

Visit November–April for the best wildlife viewing and manageable mosquitoes. Arrive early at Anhinga Trail to beat weekend crowds. Bring binoculars — birding is world-class. The Royal Palm area is the easiest starting point from Miami. Sunset at Flamingo is unforgettable.

Safety Notes

Bring insect repellent — mosquitoes are intense year-round. Stay on marked trails and maintain safe distances from alligators, crocodiles, and snakes. Carry plenty of water; heat and humidity can be extreme. Watch for afternoon lightning storms June–September. No swimming in freshwater areas.