Everglades National Park (Florida)

Situated in southern Florida, Everglades National Park is a vast, subtropical wilderness that showcases the extraordinary beauty and biodiversity of one of the world's largest wetland ecosystems. This sprawling park, encompassing a unique network of habitats, offers visitors a chance to explore a world of mangrove forests, sawgrass marshes, and vibrant estuaries teeming with life.

Established as a national park in 1934, Everglades National Park spans more than 1.5 million acres, making it the third-largest national park in the contiguous United States. The park's complex ecosystem, which supports a dizzying array of plant and animal life, has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an International Biosphere Reserve, and a Wetland of International Importance.

Everglades National Park is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including many rare and endangered species. Iconic inhabitants such as the Florida panther, American crocodile, and West Indian manatee are among the park's most cherished residents, while countless other species, including wading birds, reptiles, and fish, contribute to the park's vibrant tapestry of life.

Visitors to Everglades National Park can partake in a wide range of recreational activities that showcase the park's unparalleled beauty. The park offers numerous trails for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the diverse habitats that characterize the Everglades. Canoeing and kayaking through the park's waterways offer a unique perspective on the landscape, while guided boat tours provide a leisurely and informative way to explore the park's estuarine environments.

The nearby communities of Miami, Homestead, and Florida City serve as gateways to Everglades National Park, offering a variety of accommodations, dining options, and local attractions. These bustling cities ensure that every visitor can experience the park's remarkable beauty in comfort and style.

MUST SEE SITES

1. Anhinga Trail: This easy 0.8-mile round trip trail takes visitors through the park's stunning wetlands, featuring opportunities for wildlife viewing and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can see a variety of bird species, alligators, and other wildlife.

2. Shark Valley: This scenic area features a 15-mile paved trail and a 65-foot observation tower, offering stunning views of the park's wetlands and opportunities for wildlife viewing. Visitors can explore the area by biking, walking, or taking a guided tram tour.

3. Flamingo: This historic landmark is located at the southern end of the park and features a marina, campground, and several hiking trails. Visitors can explore the area by boat, kayak, or simply taking in the stunning views of the surrounding wetlands.

4. Eco Pond: This scenic spot is a great spot for birdwatching, featuring a variety of bird species and opportunities for wildlife viewing. Visitors can explore the area by taking a short walk around the pond, or simply relaxing and taking in the stunning views.

5. Ten Thousand Islands: This scenic area features a vast network of islands, channels, and mangrove forests, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can explore the area by taking a guided boat tour, renting a boat or kayak, or simply taking in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

GETTING THERE

The most popular ways to arrive at Everglades National Park are by car and air. If you're driving, the park is located in southern Florida and can be accessed via several routes. From the east, you can take the Florida Turnpike to State Route 821 and then follow signs to the park. From the west, you can take US Highway 41 to the park entrance.

The closest airport to Everglades National Park is the Miami International Airport, which is about an hour away by car. The airport offers flights from several cities, including New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

Once you arrive at Everglades National Park, the best way to get around is by car or by boat. The park has several scenic drives that offer stunning views of the park's many ecosystems and wildlife. There are also several boat tours available that explore the park's many waterways, including the famous Everglades airboat tours.

GATEWAY COMMUNITIES

The cities of Miami, Homestead, and Everglades City serve as the primary gateway communities to Everglades National Park, offering various accommodations, dining options, souvenir shops, and outdoor recreation equipment rentals.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Visitors can find various lodging options in the surrounding communities, including hotels, motels, and vacation rentals. The park itself features the Flamingo Lodge, which is currently closed for renovations. Additionally, campgrounds are available within the park, such as the Long Pine Key Campground and the Flamingo Campground, providing both tent and RV sites.

CAMPGROUNDS

Everglades has two campgrounds, Long Pine Key Campground and Flamingo Campground. Both campgrounds offer tent and RV sites, as well as basic amenities like restrooms, drinking water, and picnic areas. There are also several backcountry camping sites within the park, which require permits and are accessible only by hiking, canoeing, or boating.

WEATHER/CLIMATE

Everglades has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round. Average temperatures range from the 60s to 90s Fahrenheit. Visitors should be prepared for potential rain, as the park experiences its wet season from May to November.

RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES

Numerous recreational opportunities await visitors, including hiking, canoeing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and boat tours. The park's most popular hike is the Anhinga Trail, which provides close-up views of various bird species, alligators, and other wildlife. Other notable hikes include the Gumbo Limbo Trail and the Pinelands Trail. Wildlife viewing is also popular, with a variety of bird species, alligators, crocodiles, and manatees inhabiting the area.

VISITOR CENTER

Everglades National Park has three visitor centers: the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, located near the park's primary entrance; the Shark Valley Visitor Center, situated along the Tamiami Trail; and the Gulf Coast Visitor Center, found in Everglades City. All provide information about the park's history, ecology, wildlife, and recreational opportunities. Rangers are available to offer guidance and answer questions. The visitor centers are open daily, year-round, except for major holidays and with reduced hours during the off-season.