In my head, the Everglades were an elusive, almost mystical creature. I knew they existed and had a general idea of what was there, but I really wasn’t sure what to expect when I “met” the Everglades in person. My parents visited a few year’s ago, and I pictured them kayaking between grasses in endless, clear water – that’s not really accurate. Sure, you can kayak, and sure, there are acres of sawgrass and muhly grass. But the water isn’t clear, there is a significant amount of land, and most people don’t go kayaking!
While the Everglades are not at all what I was expecting, they are still incredibly breathtaking. And visiting Everglades National Park is a hugely rewarding experience filled with plenty of things to do. My visit was extensive, so I have compiled a guide for visiting Everglades National Park! There’s a bit of choose-your-own adventure with my itinerary based on how much time you have.
- Where is Everglades National Park?
- Human History in Everglades National Park
- Things to do in the Everglades
3a. Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center
3b. Royal Palm/ Pine Islands
3c. Flamingo
3d. Shark Valley
3e. Ten Thousand Island/Gulf Coast - What to pack for a trip to the Everglades
- Tours/events in the Everglades
- Which Everglades area should I visit and when?
- Everglades Hours & Fees
- Is driving at night safe in the Everglades?
- Where to park in the Everglades?
- Photography in the Everglades
- What amenities are available in the Everglades?
- Is there cell service in the Everglades?
- Where to eat near the Everglades
- Can I bring my non-human friend (pet) to the Everglades?
- Where can I stay in the Everglades?
- Showers in the Everglades?!
- Non-camping accommodations in the Everglades
- What about an airboat tour?
- Summary
Where is Everglades National Park?
Everglades National Park is in southern Florida, encompassing the southwestern portion of the Everglades region. It’s the largest subtropical wildness in the USA with defining features like saw grass marshes, mangroves, and hardwood hammocks.
There are three entrances to the Everglades. The “main” entrance that most people think of, which is the entrance near Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, is 20 minutes from Homestead, FL or an hour from Miami. It’s the farthest entrance south, but it’s arguable the most popular and where most people go/think of going to the Everglades. Shark Valley is another entrance and visitor center, this one just slightly north. It’s 50 minutes from Miami, but more of the drive is past green areas along the Tamiami Trail (US-41 that connects Tampa Bay and Miami).
Both of these entrances will provide a more typical Everglades experience, but the third entrance is completely different. It’s along the Gulf Coast in Everglades City, which is 50 minutes from Naples on the other side of Florida. The Gulf Coast Visitor Center isn’t a typical Everglades spot because it’s really the gateway to the Ten Thousand Islands. This area is only accessible by boat because it’s a maze of waterways and mangroves, but luckily there’s a boat tour for visitors.
Other areas of the Everglades are available to visitors, such as the Everglades Holiday Park (about 35 minutes from Ft. Lauderdale) and basically anywhere you can access/see saw grass, but they are not within the borders of the National Park.
Note: There are several toll areas in and around Florida and the Everglades. To avoid the toll roads, do not take the Florida Turnpike. I turn my tolls off in my GPS under route options. There are three routes to get to the main entrance without tolls: via US-1, via US-1 to Fl-94 to Fl-997, and US-1 to Old Cutler Rd back to US-1. All three routes eventually lead into/around Homestead and State Road 9336.
Human History in Everglades National Park
Seminole people take up much of the history when people think about Florida natives (at least people outside Florida – I’m guessing it’s because they are a large group); however, there were several tribes that existed before the Seminoles even arrived in Florida (in the 1700s) including the Calusa, Ais, Mayaimi (Lake Okeechobee area), Tequesta (Miami/Biscayne Bay area into the Everglades), Jeaga (Palm Beach County), and other Florida tribes. Each tribe has a unique and riveting history, so I encourage you to read more in depth. Before the Spanish arrived, there were an estimated 20,000 people in the area, but by 1763 when the English came, that number had been reduced to a few hundred – thanks European disease, warfare, and enslavement. Many of the remaining people left for Cuba, but some stayed. Those that did retreated further into the Everglades. As the earlier tribes previously mentioned disappeared, the Creeks (called such by the Europeans) began to arrive.
The Creeks became known as Seminoles and Miccosukee. The Seminoles quickly and violently clashed with the foreign settlers over land and enslaved people, and three wars ensued between 1818 and 1858.
A power struggle after the American Revolution resulted in the USA “owning” Florida, not Spain, so the “second”* Seminole War began in 1835 (the first in 1818). After seven years, US soldiers mostly gave up, but most of the Seminoles had already dispersed. Despite the “letup,” tensions remained high and the “third” Seminole War started in 1855. You’ll find many things named Osceola around Florida, and that’s after the influential leader of the Seminoles who died during the war. The war’s end is a little unclear with different sources claiming different things – according to the Parks Service, it ended in 1856 with a treaty that relinquished two million acres of land from the Seminoles (a delegation in Oklahoma did sign a treaty), but according to the Seminoles timeline, the war didn’t end until 1858 after the capture of Billy Bowlegs, a Seminole chief. Many people left in the area are the Miccosukee, but the Seminole people do have several reservations with activities and offerings around the Everglades, including Big Cypress and Hollywood.
The Miccosukee people (previously part of the Seminole nation) still reside around Shark Valley. In fact, they have a resort, airboat tours with a camp stop, casino, village, and gas stop. I didn’t stop here on my trip because of “the sickness” – native tribes were some of the hardest hit, and I didn’t want to risk making it worse. However, I think it would be worth a stop to support them. Animal care note: they do have alligator “wrestling,” but they don’t actually wrestle the alligators (per videos). Removing my very white-background view and thoughts, I can see how such a demonstration about beliefs and practices would be more informative rather than exploitive, but make the best choice for you.
It’s incredibly enlightening to read history from the Seminole’s point of view. I learned many things I was never taught in school, so I highly recommend reading more on their website.
*I use quotes around the different iterations of the war because it was really one long push to remove the tribes, but there were pauses and a treaty between efforts.
Things to do in the Everglades
Biking, fishing, horseback riding, kayaking/canoeing, bird/wildlife watching, guided tours, ranger programs, and camping are all incredible things to do in the Everglades. In my Everglades National Park guide, I tend to focus less on biking, fishing, kayaking (even though I love it), and riding as I haven’t done them in the park, but I do mention them.
Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center (10-30 minutes)
This visitor center is the first one you’ll come across when you head to the main area of the Everglades. It’s worth a stop if you want to stamp your National parks passport, want to mosey around the store, or like perusing some history. They have an educational walkthrough/display area, but they also have rangers that are happy to answer any questions. You can also get a map and/or brochure if you weren’t given one when you drove in!
My favorite part of this visitor center is the art on display – it’s usually by locals artists, and when I went there was an incredible shot of the “Z” tree I envied. One thing to note here: the Everglades rangers offer a Nike Missile Site, HM-69, tour from the Cold War from December through March. It’s only 0.7 miles, and you can make reservations for it here (or call)! If it had been available when I went, I would’ve definitely gone because it seems like such a unique experience.
P. S. If you want to stop and get a picture with the Everglades National Park sign, it’s just before you get to the turn for the visitor center!
Royal Palm/Pine Island
Very soon after passing Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, there are signs to Royal Palm (4 miles from Ernest Coe). It’s not an actual visitor center, but it has information, a bookstore, vending machines, restrooms, and ranger-led talks. By the building there are two trails, but the area extends to include a Historic Nike Missile Site HM-69, pine Rockland, and several more trails before you hit the Flamingo area of the park.
Trails/Hikes and Stops of Interest
Royal Palm has one of the most popular trails in the park, Anhinga Trail, where you can see nearly everything the park has to offer. It winds through Taylor slough (a low-lying area that channels water through the Everglades) and the iconic sawgrass prairie while housing wildlife like alligators, anhingas, turtles, herons, egrets, and many more birds. Otters and several species of fish are also present – for a 0.8-mile loop, that’s impressive. If you meander slowly but don’t take too long, expect to take 30-40 minutes here. If you want to watch wildlife a bit longer, plan for at least an hour. This path is flat and wheelchair accessible.
Right next to Anhinga, there is Gumbo Limbo Trail. It’s only 0.4 miles and features many plants including gumbo limbo trees, royal palms, ferns, and air plants. There are some reading signs, but the trail should take less than 20 minutes (unless you are obsessed with plants…). It’s paved and mostly wheelchair accessible, but there are many bumps, cracks, and branches, so be careful.
Also in this area (some call it the Pine Island area) is the road to the Nike Missile Site and research areas, but the next things to do in the Everglades that visitors will want to consider are trails around Long Pine Key Campground (5.5 miles from Royal Palm Bookstore). Pine Rockland surround this area, and you can stop on the side of the road at some pull-out areas, but there’s over 22 miles of unpaved, underdeveloped trails surrounding the camp.
My favorite path thus far is the one around the lake (took me less than an hour), but there’s a nature trail too. Even when the campground is closed, there is easy access to the trails, but the trails are not accessible for wheelchairs as they are not managed. The trails are very flora focused with pine Rockland, prairie and tropical hardwood hammock habitats. Bikes are allowed on these trails. Be on the lookout around the lake for amazing dragonflies perched on the tall grasses – they were my absolute favorite part of this area.
Two miles down the main road is Pineland Trail. It’s a short, pleasant jaunt at 0.4-miles through pines, palmettos, and wildflowers – I was there maybe 10 minutes. It is paved, but there are some very narrow and uneven spots. As you continue down the road, you’ll pass through Rock Reef Pass for a bit of a scenery change.
Six miles down the main road is Pa-hay-okee Overlook Trail. It’s a short trail at 0.16 miles – depending on how long you take in the views, it will be 10-30 minutes. It’s a beautiful raised platform that provides several sweeping views of the famous river of grass. If you are lucky you’ll see some wildlife, too! Far in the distance you can also see the lookout tower in the Shark Valley area of the park.
The next stop is unsigned and ambiguous to find, but it is in the Dwarf Cypress Forest. It’s arguably the most famous landmark (at least among photographers) in Everglades National Park: the Z tree. It’s approximately two miles past the Pa-hay-okee turn (but my car said 2.5 miles) and on the left side of the road heading into the park. You can look for an unofficial pull-out area, but it is very difficult to find – it’s easier to see if you go past it and have it on the right side of the road, honestly. Once you find it, it’s just a quick 5-10 minute pop out!
Mahogany Hammock is nine miles from the Pa-hay-okee Trail turn. It’s another short boardwalk trail at 0.5 miles, and it’s a special spot because you become completely encased in a jungle-like forest of sorts. Vegetation includes gumbo-limbo trees, air plants, and the largest living mahogany tree in the United States (!), but there’s also owls, insects, birds, and small wildlife. I walked it twice (with stops), so I took close to 40 minutes. One loop will take half the time if you’re reading signs and appreciating the scenes.
Note: There is Sisal Pond along the drive which is a lovely view point for water birds and water views. There are some other ponds and lakes throughout the park, too. There isn’t really any kayaking or canoeing trails in this part of the park.
Flamingo
The Flamingo area of the park starts after Mahogany Hammock. Canoe Trails here include Nine Mile Pond (just before the start of this area) and the challenging mangrove-heavy Hell’s Bay. Many of the lakes and ponds offer kayaking as well. You can reserve kayaks or canoes through Guest Services.
I would have loved kayaking here, but the bugs were so bad I couldn’t step out of my car without getting ten bites – no joke, they covered my back, arms, and… other places I don’t even know how they reached. And, yes, I was wearing long sleeves, pants, and heavy duty bug spray. Needless to say, I didn’t want to be around even more water.
Hiking in the Everglades Flamingo Area (and stops)
After passing through the pines of the Everglades, you’ll hit the fabulous Flamingo area. I think this might be my favorite section, but it’s also where I started (so I’m a little biased). The first stop on the drive is Paurotis Pond, 4.5 miles from the Mahogany Hammock turn (You will pass Sweet Bay pond). It doesn’t seem like much, but it has jumping fish, nesting birds, and is just a fabulous place to sit and rest for a bit depending on the season (no more than 10 minutes for most people – I am an exception). Towards the end of the day (because I spent 30 minutes there bird/fish watching in the morning and still went back), there was even a committee of turkey vultures and a mated pair of black vultures I spent a while with. Nine Mile Pond is also on the left down the road.
West Lake Trail is the first trail you’ll come across, six miles from the pond. It’s closed until 2022 because they are repairing hurricane damage. It’s described wonderfully, so I was sad to miss it. It’s a 0.5 mile boardwalk through white, red, and black mangroves and buttonwood trees. Views of the lake often provide wildlife sightings as well. I would guess it’s a short 20-30 minute stop.
Snake Bight Trail (one of my favorite trails despite having the worst mosquitos) is an unmaintained 3.2 mile out and back trail featuring owls, snakes, birds, turtles, dragonflies, and more. It’s just over 2 miles from West Lake. If you see a purple spiky flower, be extra careful as this area is a critical habitat for the Cape Sable Thoroughwort (I also saw it along the Pineland Trail), hence it not being maintained.
All of these critters aren’t guaranteed, of course, but they are all wildlife I saw on my morning trek. I spent between 2-3 hours on the trail (but I took a lot of time taking photos). I also got my first glimpse of the pink roseate spoonbill at Snake Bight (another word for bay, don’t worry about bites! Snake bites that is. Do worry about bug bites. Worry a lot.) on the boardwalk, so keep your eyes peeled everywhere. Bikes are allowed on this trail, but you will scare away most of the wildlife.
Mrazek Pond and Coot Bay (a kayaking/canoeing spot) are just past here.
Rowdy Bend Trail is 2 miles past Snake Bight. It’s another unmaintained trail to protect the Cape Sable Thoroughwort, and it’s 5.2 miles. I couldn’t handle any more bugs, so I skipped it, but given it’s flat landscape, it can take as little as two hours (I’m sure I would take 3-4). (Bikes welcome)
Christian Point Trailhead (2-3 hours) is another 2 miles down the main road from Rowdy Bend. It’s also unmaintained and is a 3.6 out and back trail. This one goes through several habitats, with dense mangroves opening to coastal prairie. Bromeliads (air plants), buttonwoods (dead and alive) and salt-loving vegetation are throughout. Plus, you’ll end up long the shore of Snake Bight without doing the Snake Bight Trail.
Bear Lake Road is less than half a mile down the road, and it will take you to the unmaintained (because, you guessed it, that purple flower) 3.2 mile out and back Bear Lake Trail. The Bear Lake Road is often closed to private motor vehicles (posted) due to water on the road (creating potholes) from June through mid-October/November. If you still want to hike it, it will add 3.2 miles for a total of 6.4 miles out and back.
Bear Lake Road hugs Flamingo Canal until the trail starts, then you’ll be heading to Bear Lake Beach through hardwood hammock and mangroves! The time you spend here is highly variable depending on the season and how long you want to spend at the beach. The shortest time would be about 1.5 hours, but may be as much as a half to full day.
You’ll soon drive past the visitor center, marina, and eatery parking area. There are several trails starting around here, including Guy Bradley (1 mile one way) that connects to Flamingo campground. It’s a pleasant walk on and off the edge of the water, except for the construction which won’t always be there. Bikes are allowed and it is accessible.
In addition to the marina and private boating-related things here, you can pop into the visitor center or take a 90–minute boat tour. You can also just continue on a little over a mile down the road to Eco Pond Trail. It’s a 0.5 mile loop around a freshwater pond – I loved it early in the morning because there was a plethora of wildlife (mostly birds), but alligators and softshell turtles are also common here. I walked it twice in 30 minutes (but I went quicker than normal).
The final trail(s) are Bayshore Loop and Coastal Prairie Trails, accessed from the back of loop C in Flamingo Campground. Coastal Prairie Trail is 15 mile out and back trail. It’s an old road that was used by cotton pickers and fishermen. Along this trail there are open prairies, coastal plants, and shady buttonwoods – it eventually ends at Clubhouse Beach. If you don’t want to hike out and back (it’ll take much of the day), make sure to get a background camping permit.
Bayshore Loop Trail starts at the same place (loop C), but you’ll veer left at the trail junction to the bay. It’s significantly shorter at 2 miles, and you can see remains of an old fishing outpost and up close effects of hurricanes. Expect to spend an hour max here.
Shark Valley
To start, this Visitor Center has a relatively small parking lot, so if you are visiting in the busy season, especially on weekdays, I highly suggest arriving before 10am or after 3pm – but the earlier the better, just in case. The gates are only open from 8:30am-6pm (center open from 9am-5pm), so I wouldn’t want you to get stuck inside. (I don’t think that would actually happen 🙂)
If you must come during the busy time, be patient and flexible – wait times at the entrance station can be as much as an hour because they can only let one car in when one car leaves. Instead of waiting, you could head to the nearby Miccosukee Village or even Big Cypress National Preserve. You can also park up by Tamiami Trail, but that area may fill too!
Shark Valley is a special area of the park because of it’s observation tower and paved loop trail. Guided tram tours are available daily, and you get to drive the 15 mile loop with a ranger who has tons of knowledge. They stop and give you a chance to explore the tower, and they stop when they see wildlife (sometimes). It’s a great option to see this area, but I prefer biking if you are able.
Biking took around 3 hours for 15 miles, but there was a heavy wind pushing against me the last 8 miles. I also stopped and walked up the observation tower (highly recommend) 7 miles down the path and stopped nearly a dozen times to take photos – if you just want to bike, it may take as little as a 1.5 hours.
Biking is my preferred method because you can stop when you want, and you can come back several times (not that you can’t take the tram again). My first day in Shark Valley, I was actually thoroughly disappointed. I walked the 1 mile, accessible Bobcat Boardwalk (out and back) and 0.5 mile out and back Otter Cave Hammock, which was mostly trees*. I also walked a good portion of the paved tram path, but saw absolutely no wildlife. I was heartbroken, but I decided to come back the next day and bike the trail (I didn’t have enough time that day). I’m so glad I did.
The next day I came back at nearly the same time, just a little bit earlier. I saw dozens of birds, alligators, a few turtles, and everything I missed the day before – my point is if you come in the off season and don’t see what you want, try coming back if you have the time. I completely understood why it was a such a popular area after returning – at least two alligators were up on the paved area: one was overheated so it cooled itself off with its mouth open, and one got scared and fled into the water. I could tell you many more stories, but I think you get the idea.
*The lack of wildlife and sights is likely because it was in mid-afternoon heat. Animals generally aren’t that active at this time of day.
Ten Thousand Islands/Gulf Coast
The kayak and canoe trails in this portion of the park are fairly strenuous and include Sandly Island Loop, Turner River Canoe Trail, and Halfway Creek Canoe Trail Everglades Florida Adventures.
This area of the park truly serves as the gateway to the Ten Thousand Islands. Upon arrival, you’ll see a shack-type building that serves as a temporary visitor center – the original was destroyed by Hurricane Irma in 2017 (but it’s a very nice temporary situation!). Other than renting kayaks/canoes, the big draw here is a 90-minute boat tour.
The boat tour doesn’t feature much history (although there is some). Rather, the main focus seemed to be wildlife – captains work exceptionally hard to make sure you see dolphins, osprey, manatees, and other bird species (my tour saw all of the above, as did the tour before me). It’s quite fun – you can also walk around the water front around the dock. There are some sandy areas, and a view and trail to a lookout tower, Ernest Hamilton. It’s been recently abandoned, so be wary of climbing it.
What to pack for a trip to the Everglades
(in addition to the “normal” things)
- BUG SPRAY! I don’t care when you go, who you are, or what you believe about bug spray, but you need some sort of protection from them. Here is a deet-free bug spray and a deet heavy one. Seriously, please don’t be miserable. If you do get bit, you might want some anti-itch cream.
- Mineral Sunscreen – Mineral sunscreen is a great option as it’s less harmful for the environment.
- I wore linen long sleeves and pants for sun and bug protection, which is what I recommend.
- Water – it may or may not be available where you stop, so just bring your own (same goes for food and snacks). I use my water backpack when walking and love it. My whole family uses RTIC products, and we are happy with them (especially as a slightly cheaper alternative to YETI). We have a cooler, canteens, two tumblers, lunch containers, and insulated cans (that I use as water bottles even at home).
- A hat and sunglasses would have been beneficial – I forgot the hat and kept leaving the sunglasses in the car (to my eye’s disgust).
- I brought my hiking boots, but you can get away with good walking shoes because the terrain is relatively flat.
- Umbrella – there are often sudden rains in southern Florida, and I for one didn’t want to hike wet.
- A camera. Mine is a little too fancy for what I’d recommend, but the Rebel is a good beginner – it’s what I started using, and still would had I not inherited mine. Definitely consider a tripod, I love mine.
- If walking is hard for you, consider trekking poles. I love mine, but didn’t personally need them for these trails.
- Water shoes if you will kayak/canoe.
- Kayak/canoe! (I have this kayak because it’s so easily transportable.)
Tours/events in the Everglades
I touched on some tours under things to do, but in case you are looking just for tours, here they are in short. These are tours and programs offered by the National Park or their concessioners; there are other independent tours not featured as well, such as kayaking and guided hiking.
- Royal Palm tours: Nike Missile Site (see a missile and learn about the Cold War), Anhinga Amble (ranger led wildlife hunt/talk), evening program discussing natural and cultural wonders of the Everglades through illustrations (rotating topics), a bike tour, Glades Glimpse (a brief talk about the Everglades), Slough Slog (wading through the River of Grass – please do this!), and a starlight walk by Anhinga Trail.
- Flamingo tours: boat tour, Flamingo in a nutshell, and and evening ranger program.
- Shark Valley tram tour
- Ten Thousand Islands boat tour via the Gulf Coast
Which Everglades area should I visit and when?
If you have the time, definitely visit each area! If you just have a day and are going in the busy season, I would stick to the Royal Palms area (and towards Flamingo if you arrive early enough) because you won’t have to worry about parking.
Two days well planned can get you seeing all areas of the park (see Everglades Itineraries). One day in Royal Palms and Flamingo, and the next taking a boat tour and tram tour! There is a surprising amount of down time if you want it. If you have more than two days, you can explore the park in more depth, do more trails, and maybe even take some night photos.
As for when to visit, that depends on your priorities. Most people recommend (and go) in the dry season, which is November – March because there is more wildlife present with significantly less bugs. It’s also a comfortable temperature. However, there’s also significantly more people – the campsites are often full and hotels are too.
In contrast, visiting in the wet season means it’s much warmer/humid, but you have the park almost to yourself it seems (except, you know… the bugs). I couldn’t even leave my car without being attacked, so I often just ate or relaxed in the car instead of out by a pond. I went in early-mid May, but I think April would have been the perfect time. The bugs aren’t out in full swing, but most people aren’t either. If you’ve been in April, let me know if this assumption is true!
Everglades Hours & Fees
The main road through the Everglades is open 24/7 365 days a year, but the visitor centers close.
The gate at Shark Valley is open from 8:30am to 6pm.
The Gulf Coast Visitor Center is open from 8am to 5pm.
Entrance fees vary based on mode of transport, but the standard fee is $30/vehicle for a seven day pass. Alternatively, you can get a National Parks Pass for $80 for a full year – this saves you money if you’d like to visit other National Parks or Parks sites anywhere. Some sites in the area include Dry Tortugas National Park, Biscayne National Park (free entrance, but tours cost), Canaveral National Seashore, and Castillo de San Marcos (St. Augustine). If you visit just these sites, you will have already gotten your money’s worth from the pass (especially if you get a discounted pass!).
Is driving at night safe in the Everglades?
There are no lights or light posts in Everglades National Park, or on most roads to and from the park. There is also no median. If you are uncomfortable driving in such conditions, make sure to leave Everglades National Park early enough to make it to your destination, or stay overnight. I personally loved driving in the dark and found it safe enough, but there were few people on the roads when I was there.
Where to park in the Everglades?
There are designated parking spots or pull outs for the Visitor Centers and trails – you may see people parked on the grass, but please do not follow them as the National Park wants to protect the grasses. Also, take note of parking difficulties at Shark Valley.
One another thing to note about parking: vultures in the area (mostly Royal Palm) have been known to eat the rubber off cars – most notable windshield wipers and tires. Rangers aren’t sure why, but they do provide covers if you choose to put them on your car. Most people don’t have issues (including me), but there are signs and warnings.
Photography in the Everglades
The Everglades aren’t where most people go to take photography or get beautiful photos, whether they be landscape or selfies for Instagram. However, there are plenty of wildlife photo opportunities and a few landscape shots that even beginnings can capture. Night sky photography is especially fun to play with here if you are staying in Flamingo (I hope that doesn’t change after the restaurant and lodge is built).
Also, my goal with photography is always capture amazing pictures FOR ME. For me to learn, grow, and have some awesome pictures to look back on and share here. The best pictures will depend on lighting, overcast, and time of day, and visitors don’t always have time to wait for three hour until the sun disappears. It takes a good bit of practice, but definitely get a picture with some sawgrass, a gator, birds and lookout points.
Five general tips:
1. If you stay through a night, bring extra batteries! Although it doesn’t get cold (cold drains batteries more quickly), if you do any sort of night photography or long exposures, the battery will die quicker than you expect.
2. Additionally, you can get some beautiful photos at night. Make sure to bring a tripod and remote so the pictures are steady (this goes for daytime photos too, even though I didn’t use either. Do as I say, not as I do)!
3. Set the ISO between 1600-3200 and play with shutter speed to see what is captured at night. A tripod and remote are especially important here.
4. During the day, you will probably be capturing mostly wildlife, so set your shutter speed relatively high.
5. Get creative. Because there are no sweeping mountains or valley views (let’s be honest, most people don’t go “wow” at an open coastal prairie the same way they “wow” to the Grand Tetons), looking for new angles and subjects is especially important here. (But weather also plays a big part in the “wow.”)
What amenities are available in the Everglades?
There are restrooms around the visitor centers, a marina and marina store in Flamingo, bookstores with some supplies (bug spray), and a new restaurant and lodging opening soon (also in Flamingo).
There are the aforementioned campsites and eco-tents, however! Cell service is spotty throughout. The Park Service does say there is gas at Flamingo for boats and vehicles, but I didn’t see it when I was there. I would go in with a full tank and don’t get too low just in case.
Is there cell service in the Everglades?
It was unreliable and intermittent for me. It was non-existent past the Royal Palms turn, and I suspect most providers will be that way. There was some service before the turn, and plenty at Ernest Coe Visitor Center.
Where to eat near the Everglades
For my fellow vegans, I wasn’t impressed with any options from places, so I didn’t stop anywhere. Well, I did stop at the popular Robert is Here fruit stand and bought some spreads, salsa, and unique fruit just because everyone talks about it so much. It’s on the way to the main entrance from Homestead.
In Homestead, there is a Chipotle (please support local!) and Caribbean place called Yardie Spice with tofu dishes, but Everglades City had no real options. I mean, there’s veggie tacos, salad, and fries at Camellia Street Grill (and other spots in both cities), but I’d rather save my money for the awesome vegan restaurants in the surrounding cities like Miami.
For people without special food needs, Yardie Spice and Camellia Street Grill are still exceptional options – they are both the top rated places in each city!
Note: There is a restaurant in the Flamingo area under construction slated to be ready fall of 2021.
Can I bring my non-human friend (pet) to the Everglades?
Pets/service animals are not allowed on any trail in the park. They are only allowed on public vehicle roads, Flamingo and Long Pine Key Campground, on boats, and around public facilities (like visitor centers). These rules are because of the significant risk of predation and danger to the people with them.
Where can I stay in the Everglades?
There are two campgrounds in the Everglade. Flamingo Campground is open year-round (reservations recommended) and an hour from the main entrance. It’s an open area ground with some trees for shade; some sites have electricity, but not all – but there is two dump sites, hot/warm showers, picnic tables, and grills! There is also a trail that connects one edge of the camp with the Visitor Center/marina (Guy Bradley Trail).
Long Pine Key is only open for part of the year, usually from November to April. They have cold showers, restrooms, a dump station, and fresh water. The big perk of this site is how close it is to the entrance of the park. However, it is only first-come first-serve.
The same company also offers eco-tents, glamping style. The prices and offering differ based on the season (winter vs summer), but they generally have elevated bases, views of Florida Bay, fans, lamps, and private bathrooms and eating areas. In the summer, the tents are furnished with extra outlets, but they are empty in the winter.
Showers in the Everglades?!
Yes, there are showers at both campgrounds! It’s not quite as remote as Joshua Tree National Park 🙂
Non-camping accommodations in the Everglades
Unfortunately or fortunately, there are only camping accommodations within the park (take a peek at the eco-tent, though!). Homestead and Everglades City have plenty of options! I camped most of the time, but I stayed one night at the hostel in Homestead. Booking.com is my favorite site to find accommodations if camping isn’t readily available.
Note: There is a restaurant and 24 room lodge slated to be ready in the fall of 2021.
What about an airboat tour?
I was personally very happy with the wildlife I saw without taking an airboat tour, so I decided to save that bucket list item for another time. However, there are three authorized airboat businesses in Everglades National Park all along Tamiami Trail/US-41 around Shark Valley. Coopertown, Everglades Safari Park, and Gator Park all have nearly the same ratings on TripAdvisor, with Gator Park having the most reviews. My parents took an airboat tour around Miami by Everglades Holiday Park, and they did enjoy that one. They wished the boats were smaller, but private tours are available!
Summary
| Where is Everglades National Park? | Southern Florida, 1-2 hours from Miami |
| What things can you do in Everglades National Park? | Hiking, canoeing, and tours, generally. See things to do for the most options. |
| What events or tours are available in Everglades National Park? | Nike Missile Guided Tour, Ranger Chats, Slough Slog, and more |
| Which entrance should I use? | The Main Entrance (walk Anhinga Trail) or Shark Valley (tram tour) |
| When’s the best time to go for premium comfort? | Weather and wildlife wise, November-March |
| When’s the best time to go for less crowd, but still be comfortable? | April |
| When is Everglades National Park open? | Main Road: 24/7 365 days |
| When are the Visitor Centers open? | Ernest F. Coe: 8am-5pm (winter), 9am-5pm (summer) Royal Palm: 10am-4pm (bookstore) Flamingo: 8am-5pm Shark Valley: 9am-5pm |
| How much are the fees to enter Everglades National Park? | $30/car, $25/motorcycle, and $15/walker or bicyclist |
| How do I get to Everglades National Park? | From Miami to Shark Valley/Gulf Coast, you’ll take the Tamiami Trail ( US-41) most of the way. To the main entrance, you have options, but basically take US-1. |
| Is it safe to drive at night? | There is no light or median on any roads, so use your judgement. |
| Where do I park? | There are lots and pull outs at the major stops. |
| Are any roads unpaved or hard to drive on? | There are a few, but none on that interfere with main attractions. |
| Photography tips? | Bring extra batteries, a tripod, a remote, and experiment. |
| What amenities are available in Everglades National Park? | Campsites and restrooms. Potable water at a few places. |
| What do I do in an emergency without service? | Get to a ranger station or emergency phone. |
| Where do I eat? | Bring your own food! Or use a vending machine |
| What about my non-human traveling companion? | Non-human animals are allowed but not in many places in the park (i. e., any trails). |
| Where can I stay? | One of 2 campsites or accommodation in the surrounding towns (Homestead or Everglades City). |
Let me know if you have any more questions below!
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This guide to Everglades National Park is incredibly helpful. You’ve really thought through everything you need to know before planning a trip. Thank you for this helpful resource. Saving this guide for later!
I really appreciate it! I take a lot of time with it so I am so happy to hear it’s helpful.