Everglades National Park
- Address: 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead
- Hours: Open 24 hours a day. Most areas open during the dry season (winter), some may be closed during the wet season (summer)
- Admission: US$10 per vehicle for a 7 day pass, US$5 per bicycle
The Everglades National Park, covering much of the southeastern tip of Florida, is more than a big swamp full of alligators. True, you will see alligators - lots of them - but this unique subtropical wilderness also supports such creatures as American crocodiles, bottlenose dolphins, manatees, snowy egrets, bald eagles and ospreys. And amid the mangroves, cypress, hardwood hammocks and miles of sawgrass, there are endless opportunities for hiking, bicycling, canoeing, kayaking, or taking an airboat ride. You can book Everglades tours departing from Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Fort Myers in addition to Orlando.
Spot alligators on a day-trip along the Tamiami Trail or take a two-hour tram tour in Shark Valley. When hunger pangs set in, stop in Everglades City for a plate of gator nuggets and frog’s legs. The visitor center at Big Cypress National Preserve has great exhibits for kids and an outdoor, water-filled ditch popular with alligators.
The best time to visit Everglades National Park is during the dry season - from December to April - when the weather is mild and pleasant and the wildlife is out in abundance. In summer wet season - May through November - it’s hot and humid and there are frequently afternoon thunderstorms.
Latest Reviews
Review by CB, May 2013
Doing what: Small-Group Tour: Everglades Adventure Day Trip from Ft Lauderdale
I would recommend this tour. The driver/guide who picked us up at our hotel was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. All of the aspects of this tour were excellent.
Review by Gabrielle H, United Kingdom, May 2013
Doing what: Miami Combo Tour: City Sightseeing, Biscayne Bay Cruise and Everglades Airboat Ride
Brilliant. Would definitely recommend the Everglades it's so much fun!
Review by Magdalena B C, May 2013
Doing what: Miami Combo Tour: City Sightseeing, Biscayne Bay Cruise and Everglades Airboat Ride
Great tour. Few comments: bus was ran down, rain was pouring but - guides were great, we saw Miami in nutshell! Had blast at Everglades.
The funniest thing was that 2 weeks after we were on this tour we got a call to get outside of the hotel as bus is waiting for us! we would love to join tour again, but long time returned home.
Practical Info
The Everglades National Park is easily accessible from Miami via the Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41), which travels east-west, parallel to the more northern Alligator Alley (I-75), because you can see alligator. The animals disperse, but the bugs don’t. The one upside to the wet season is that you won’t be sharing your experience with as many tourists.
There are three main entrances: one along the southeast edge near Homestead and Florida City; at the central-north side on Tamiami Trail; and a third at the northwest shore, past Everglades City. Tours into the park depart from Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Fort Myers as well as Orlando.
