The Everglades is one of the most interesting and unique parks in the United States. The huge wetlands are one of the world’s most diverse and important ecosystems, so much so that many programs list them as critical wetlands.
There’s so much to see and explore in the park; adventures are endless. However, we help you break down things to do in the Park. So here we list many of the best things to do in Everglades National Park.
About the Everglades
Dedicated in 1947, Everglades National Park was created to protect the largest tropical wilderness in the United States. The UNESCO World Heritage is an important habitat for many species that reside throughout the Americas.
At over 1.5 million acres, the park is the third largest in the contiguous 48 states. There’s so much to the park, even though most people only see a small fraction of it. The park is a key habitat for alligators, manatees, hundreds of birds, and even the Florida Panther.
The park has incredible diversity and even political history. Including some during the cold war. We cover more of this below in our things to do.
Things to Know
Before you leave on your Everglades Adventure, here are a few great things to know when planning your trip.
Fees and Entrance
The entrance fee to the Everglades is $35 per private vehicle. An annual pass for the Everglades costs $70.
If you plan to visit several parks in a calendar year, we recommend the Annual America the Beautiful pass that gives access to all National Parks for $80.
Best Time to Visit
Our favorite time to visit is during the winter months (December – February) when hurricane season has passed and the weather is mild.
Summers are hot and humid, and mosquitos are out in force. If this is the only time you have available, be prepared.
What to Bring
- Sunscreen: I can’t emphasize this enough. The sun is intense, and it’s always best to be prepared.
- Water: Lots of it. Especially during the hot months. I usually do a mix of water and Gatorade.
- Bug Spray: I found it wasn’t as necessary in the winter, but the mosquitos can be brutal in the summer.
- Light, wicking clothing: You’ll be less chafed and more relaxed with good wicking clothing.
- Reservation Information: If you reserved a bike, boat, or other reservation, have it ready. Screenshot or save it on your phone since cell service can be spotty.
Cell Service
I had cell service in most areas that were road accessible. Things were a bit spotty closer to Shark Valley and Loop Road, but for the most part, this wasn’t as spotty as in other National Parks.
Where to Stay
There is quite a bit of camping in the park, and we’ll discuss that later. We also have some suggestions for lodging in the area.
- Flamingo Lodge: The only lodge located within the National Park. It is a recently built lodge in the Flamingo area of the park. It also has a restaurant too.
- Hilton Garden – Homestead: Nice hotel option in nearby Homestead. The closest town to most park sites.
- Fairway Inn: Close to the park. Clean, mostly fine hotel. Good for location
Nike Missile Base
This completely surprised me because this site was located within the park. The missile base operated between 1965 and 1979 and was a direct result of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Kennedy needed more missiles in South Florida and requested land from the National Park Service. It was very controversial (as they didn’t want to be associated with the military).
Due to National Security needs, the base was built hastily and was one of several in Florida. I believe it’s the only one still remaining. The base contained three missile barns, a missile assembly building, a guard dog kennel, and barracks, and you can still see much of these remaining on the property.
One of the missile barns is still available to tour. The staff maintains it, and inert Nike Missiles are on display, along with information about the site and the war. If you are lucky, you can even tour the bunker (although there are snakes!). The staff is super knowledgeable and just loves chatting and showing people around. I was the only person visiting when I went.
The site is open most days between December and March (generally early/mid-day). Be sure to check with the visitor center for the day’s schedule.
Hanging out in Flamingo
Flamingo is among the most interesting and popular spots in Everglades National Park. Located at the end. The area centers around the Flamingo Visitor Center, which has a variety of exhibits and an observation deck area.
There are several hiking trails, a boat and camp store, and the marina. It’s a common launch for many boat tours of the Everglades.
There’s also a new Flamingo Lodge that recently opened in the Everglades. It’s the only lodge within the park, which is a great option for those who don’t want to camp and want to spend the night in the park.
Watching the Manatees
Manatees, often referred to as sea cows, are gentle creatures of the Florida bays. Everglades is a popular place to get close to these beautiful animals. The bays here are a popular spot for the manatees to feed.
There are many places to see them around the waters of the Everglades. However, they are often found in the harbor of Flamingo. This is due to the abundance of kelp that they feed on here. It’s also one of the most accessible for most folks.
Be sure to be calm and don’t disturb the manatees while they float and feed in any areas where you are. If you are in a boat, avoid them and drive slowly through those areas to avoid harm.
Canoeing and Kayaking
Water is the main focus of the Everglades, and getting on the water is one of the best ways to explore the park. Actually, getting on the water is the only way to see much of the park, as many hiking trails are underwater for part of the year.
There are many options for canoeing and kayaking, including guided tours. There are also many rental options in the area, including ones that deliver the kayak/canoe to you at various lakes and waterways.
Biking Shark Valley
Website: Bike Rental Booking
This was one of my top highlights. I did this on my first trip through the park. Shark Valley is a 15-mile loop that is beautiful and known for its wildlife sightings. I saw quite a few alligators (although not nearly as many as my friend, who saw dozens).
At the start of the route, bike rentals are available. They’ll provide you with a cruiser and helmet. Be sure to bring lots of water, as it’s exerting, and you won’t have options for water on the route.
Be sure to give any wildlife you see a wide berth. Also, when you visit the tower, use the provided bike racks.
Note: If you didn’t book beforehand, it’s worth checking with the rental kiosk. They have some first-come first-serve bikes as well as possible extras after turn-ins. On average, it takes about 2-3 hours to bike the loop.
Taking the Tram for Shark Valley
Website: Tram Tour Booking
For those who don’t want to walk or bike, there is another option for Shark Valley: the Tram. I didn’t take the tram myself (although I saw it from my bike), but it covers the same 15-mile road.
The tram tour takes about 2 hours, and you’ll have a guide to explain the history and what you see along the tour. One advantage is that you’ll have a slightly higher vantage point. And you won’t be as sweaty as I was on my bike!
Go Fishing
It always surprises me that fishing is allowed in National Parks. And while that’s not the case everywhere, it is allowed in Everglades National Park. You have the option of both saltwater and freshwater fishing in the park, too! How cool is that?
Note: You must have a current fresh and/or saltwater Florida fishing license to fish within the park. There are a lot of limits to how many fish you can take and where you can fish. Be sure to check both the NPS site on fishing and at the visitor center.
Anhinga Trail
Trailhead: Anhinga Trailhead
The 0.8-mile Anhinga Trail is an easy meander through the marshes of Everglades National Park. It is known to be a good spot for wildlife, including alligators and birds. The trail is well-maintained, paved/boardwalk, and takes you in and around the wetlands.
The trailhead is adjacent to the Royal Palms Visitor Center, and it is a recommended walk for all park visitors.
Gumbo Limbo Trail
Trailhead: Gumbo Limbo Trailhead
Located near the above Anhinga Trail, the paved Gumbo Limbo Trail is surprisingly less frequented. The trail takes you through the shaded gumbo limbo tree forest in this area of Royal Palms.
The trail is short, about 0.4 miles in length, and I completed it in a few minutes. I loved how different it felt from the trail above and yet was next to it!
Stargazing
There are few places in Florida these days that are “remote”. Which makes the Everglades such an important location. There are amazing opportunities to get out into the wilderness in the Everglades and nearby Big Cypress.
There are both opportunities for ranger-led and independent stargazing. Consult the visitor center and events page for any events for ranger-led programs.
Loop Road
This was one of my favorite places to visit when exploring the Everglades. I didn’t even know it existed until park employees suggested I go. While, technically, it’s in nearby Big Cypress National Preserve, it’s a must-visit.
The 24-mile road is primarily unpaved, although navigable by most vehicles. This road is where you’ll feel you are in the wilderness while still in your vehicle. It’s also where I saw the largest alligators!
Camping
Spending the night, particularly camping, is one of the best ways to experience the National Park. Few people spend the night in the Everglades, and it really transforms when the lights go down.
Several car-accessible sites are within the park, and all are great for those who want to bring a bit more gear when camping.
Wilderness camping is also available for those seeking a bit more adventure. This will allow you to get out and experience the Everglades. Note that most wilderness sites are only boat accessible.
Ride an Airboat
When I imagined the Everglades, it was always on an Airboat. You can thank TV for that, but it’s a great way to experience the wetlands.
Many vendors offer airboat rides in the region, many of which are on the outskirts of the park (due to some restrictions).
My favorite was the Miccosukee Airboat Rides, run by the local Miccosukee reservation. It took you to a private island area and discussed the area’s history and local native people. And it was far cheaper than the alternatives.
Note: I had better luck booking rides in person. It is often cheaper, too, as they want to fill group boats.
Mahogany Hammock Trail
Trailhead: Mahogany Hammock Trailhead
The 0.5-mile boardwalk hike takes you through the beautiful hardwood forest in the park. It’s different than many areas of the park that are not as wooded as it is here.
The trail has a mix of gumbo limbo and Mahogany trees and even contains the largest living Mahogany tree in the United States.
The hike is quick and worth a stop and wander.
Pa-Hay-Okee Lookout
Trailhead: Pahayokee Overlook Trailhead
The short 0.15-mile trail takes you to a raised platform overlook. It’s probably the highest point in the park lol, as most of the ark is very flat and low.
The boardwalk out to the platform is easy and short to the overlook. It offers a view over the sea of water and grass.
Flyway better says
Hello, I found this post of yours while getting information about Everglades National Park, we are 3 people and this time we are planning a tour of Everglades National Park, you have given information very well considering every point. Thank you.
Anwar says
Good luck with your tour. Let me know how it goes.