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Visiting the Everglades? Here’s your complete guide to exploring Florida’s wild side
EvergladesPlan Your Visit
Contents
Opening hours
Everglades National Park: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Visitor centers: Open daily from 8am to 5pm
*Note: Vehicle access is restricted after 6pm and trails along with facilities close at dusk.
Book Everglades tickets & tours
Best time to visit
Dry season
- The dry season from December to April is hands down the best time to go to the Everglades.
- Expect cooler, more comfortable temperatures ranging from 55°F (13°C) in the mornings to around 77°F (25°C) during the rest of the day.
- Wildlife tends to gather around shrinking water sources, so it’s a great time to spot alligators, wading birds, and more.
- Just keep in mind, it’s also the busiest season, so try to arrive early if you want to skip the crowds.
Wet season
- Prefer fewer people and don’t mind a little heat? May through November brings the wet season, with temps soaring between 70°F (21°C) and 90°F (32°C), plus afternoon rain showers.
- The landscape is lush and green, and there are fewer tourists around.
- Just pack bug spray since mosquitoes love this season too.
- No matter when you go, weekdays are always quieter than weekends, and early mornings are your best bet for cooler air and active wildlife.
How to get there
From Miami
- By car: The quickest way is to take US-1 South, then turn onto FL-9336 W toward the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center. It’s about a 1-hour drive, depending on traffic.
- By bus: There’s no direct public bus, but several tour operators offer round-trip transport from Miami hotels to the park, especially to the Homestead and Shark Valley areas.
- By taxi: You can use Uber or Lyft to reach the park, especially the Ernest F. Coe or Shark Valley entrances. Just note that signal is spotty, so arrange your return trip in advance.
From Fort Lauderdale
- By car: Take I-595 W to US-27 S for Shark Valley or I-75 (Alligator Alley) west toward Everglades City. The drive takes around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the entrance.
- By bus: Like Miami, public bus options are very limited. Some guided tours from Fort Lauderdale include transportation to the Everglades, great for a hassle-free day trip.
- By taxi: Ride-share services can drop you off at popular entrances, but plan ahead for the return trip as pick-up availability may be limited in remote areas.
Parking facilities
Here are a few parking areas within the Everglades:
- Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center Lot | Find on Maps
- Shark Valley Visitor Center parking | Find on Maps
- Everglades Safari Park | Find on Maps
- Coopertown Airboat Tours | Find on Maps
- Sawgrass Recreation Park | Find on Maps
- Everglades Holiday Park | Find on Maps
Know before you go
Facilities
Accessibility
Visiting with family
Rules & regulations
Dining
Nearby
- Visitor centers: Stop by Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center or Shark Valley Visitor Center for maps, exhibits, and helpful tips from park rangers.
- Restrooms: Available at all major visitor areas, so you’ll never be too far from one.
- Gift shops: Grab a souvenir or snack at shops located in Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, and Shark Valley Visitor Center.
- Picnic areas: Bring your lunch along and make use of one of the scenic picnic spots throughout the park where you can sit back and relax.
- Wheelchair-accessible restrooms and parking spots are available at most major visitor areas, making it easier for everyone to explore the park comfortably.
- Some trails, like the Anhinga Trail near Royal Palm, feature wide boardwalks that are smooth and suitable for wheelchairs.
- There are some airboats that can accommodate wheelchairs, but it depends on the operator.
- Baby-changing stations are available at most main visitor centers, making it easier for families with little ones to take care of diaper changes on the go.
- Easy walking trails like the Gumbo Limbo Trail and Anhinga Trail are perfect for all ages, even young kids. They're short, flat, and packed with wildlife sightings.
- The park offers Ranger-led programs and Junior Ranger activities that are both fun and educational.
- You’ll find kid-friendly exhibits and displays at visitor centers, designed to spark curiosity and teach little explorers about the unique ecosystem.
- Don’t forget to bring snacks, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
- Please don’t feed or disturb the wildlife. It’s not only dangerous for you, but it also disrupts the animals’ natural behavior and diet.
- Drones are not allowed anywhere in the park, so be sure to leave them at home to help protect the peace and natural soundscape of the Everglades.
- Stick to designated trails and boardwalks, they’re there to keep you safe and to help preserve sensitive habitats and ecosystems.
- Pets are welcome only in certain areas, and they must be on a leash at all times. For their safety and that of the wildlife, it’s best to check ahead for pet-friendly zones.
- Swimming in canals or freshwater areas is strictly prohibited. These waters are home to alligators and other wildlife, so it’s safer to admire them from a distance.
- Everglades National Park: Craving something adventurous after your airboat ride? Coopertown Restaurant, right next to Coopertown Airboat Tours on US-41, dishes out Everglades classics like crispy frog legs and fried catfish in true old-school style.
- Sawgrass Recreation Park: Swing by The Gator Grill before hitting the exhibits for a fresh, made-to-order lunch. Crowd favorites include juicy Angus burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, and the grilled gator bites.
- Everglades Holiday Park: There’s a full-service café and deli in the park where you can grab tasty daily specials, including local favorites like frog legs and gator bites.
- Everglades Safari Park: Swing by Safari Cafe for a quick bite. Think juicy burgers, crispy chicken sandwiches, fresh salads, and icy drinks to keep you cool and refreshed.
- Zoo Miami: Explore Florida’s largest zoo with 3,000+ animals in cageless, open-air habitats that mimic natural environments. Perfect for a full day of wildlife discovery.
- Miami Hop-On Hop-Off Tours: Ride a double-decker bus and explore Miami’s top attractions at your own pace, with stops at South Beach, Wynwood Walls, Little Havana, and more.
- Boat Tours & Cruises: Cruise through Biscayne Bay and past Millionaire’s Row on a boat tour or yacht cruise, complete with skyline views and onboard commentary.
Frequently asked questions about visiting the Everglades
When is entry to the park free?
On select days like Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 20), first day of National Park Week (April 19), Juneteenth (June 19), Great American Outdoors Day (August 4), National Public Lands Day (September 27), and Veterans Day (November 11), park fees are waived.
Can I explore the Everglades by airboats?
Exploring the Everglades by airboat is one of the most exciting ways to glide through its wild, watery landscapes. You’ll zip across the grasslands, spot gators and birds, and experience the park’s magic with licensed operators like Coopertown Airboat Tours, Sawgrass Recreation Park, and Everglades Safari Park.
Can I camp in the Everglades?
Yes, you can. There are two frontcountry campgrounds, Long Pine Key and Flamingo Campground.
Is visiting Everglades safe for solo travelers?
Yes, but it’s wise to stick to popular trails like Anhinga or Shark Valley Loop. Let someone know your plans, especially if paddling or exploring remote areas.
Is stargazing good in the Everglades?
It most definitely is! Head to Flamingo or Ten Thousand Islands for some of the darkest skies in Florida. Bring binoculars or a telescope on clear nights, it’s celestial magic.
Are service animals allowed inside Everglades?
Yes, service animals are allowed inside the Everglades. Just be sure to keep them on a leash and under control while exploring.
Is the Everglades wheelchair friendly?
The parks in the Everglades are wheelchair-friendly, with accessible trails like the Anhinga Trail and wheelchair-friendly tram tours at Shark Valley, making it easier for everyone to enjoy the amazing wildlife and scenery.