Everglades National Park

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Everglades National Park

8.2
Florida, USA
Open 24 hours·Paid Admission·$$

America's largest subtropical wilderness — 1.5 million acres of wildlife, wetlands, and wonder just south of Miami

Nature ReservePaid AdmissionOutdoorHomestead

About Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, protecting 1.5 million acres of wetlands, forests, and marine habitats just an hour south of Miami.

Established in 1947 as the first national park created specifically for its biodiversity, the Everglades is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve. Visitors can walk the iconic Anhinga Trail for guaranteed alligator sightings, spot manatees at Flamingo Marina, bike the Shark Valley loop to a panoramic observation tower, or join a ranger-led tram tour through the sawgrass prairie.

The park is home to American alligators, American crocodiles, Florida panthers, manatees, and hundreds of bird species. Entry fees apply per vehicle, and multiple visitor centers are located throughout the park.

The dry season (December–April) offers the best wildlife viewing and most comfortable temperatures, making it peak time for both locals and tourists exploring South Florida's most iconic natural landmark.

Highlights

First-Time Visitor
Instagram-Worthy
Nature Lover
Free Parking
Service Animals Welcome
Paid Parking
Member Discounts

Admission & Visit Info

Admission

Paid Admission

$

Price

$35 per vehicle (7-day pass), $20 per pedestrian or cyclist, $80 annual America the Beautiful Pass (

Duration

4-8 hours

Age

All Ages

Best Season

Oct-Apr

Get Tickets
Verified
8.2
/10
Experience
10.0

Value for Money
9.0

Facilities
6.0

Crowd Management
6.0

Accessibility
7.0

Best Times

The dry season from December through April is overwhelmingly the best time to visit Everglades National Park. Wildlife congregates near water sources, mosquitoes are manageable, and temperatures hover in the comfortable 65–80°F range. January through March sees the heaviest tourist traffic, so arrive early on weekdays to beat crowds. The wet season (May–November) brings oppressive heat, flooding, and relentless mosquitoes — not ideal for most visitors, though it offers a more solitary experience for prepared adventurers. Hurricane season (June–November) may bring periodic closures.

Open

Mon12:00 AM – 11:59 PM
Tue12:00 AM – 11:59 PM
Wed12:00 AM – 11:59 PM
Thu12:00 AM – 11:59 PM
Fri12:00 AM – 11:59 PM
Sat12:00 AM – 11:59 PM
Sun12:00 AM – 11:59 PM

Reviews

Overwhelmingly positive — visitors consistently praise the unparalleled wildlife encounters, the scale and beauty of the ecosystem, and the variety of activities for all experience levels. Minor complaints center on heat, mosquitoes in the wet season, and limited facilities in remote areas.

Wildlife EncountersScenic BeautyEducational Value

The Experience

parking

Free ParkingPaid ParkingBike RackStreet Parking

accessibility

Service Animals WelcomeWheelchair AccessibleAccessible RestroomsStroller-Friendly

policies

Member DiscountsPhotography AllowedPet-FriendlyMilitary / First Responder DiscountFree Admission Days

access

Group Tours AvailablePrivate ToursGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours

facilities

RestroomsCafe / RestaurantPicnic AreaGift Shop

family

Camp ProgramsKid-FriendlyEducational ProgramsInteractive ExhibitsPlayground

environment

OutdoorCovered / Shaded AreasWaterfront

Ticket Types

General AdmissionAnnual PassChildGroup Rate

Location Homestead

Florida, USA

What Visitors Are Saying

What people love

Wildlife Encounters: Reviewers rave about guaranteed alligator sightings on the Anhinga Trail, manatees at Flamingo Marina, and incredible birdwatching throughout the park.
Scenic Beauty: The vast sawgrass prairies, mangrove tunnels, and dramatic sunsets are repeatedly cited as awe-inspiring and unlike anywhere else in the world.
Educational Value: Ranger-led programs, tram tours, and visitor center exhibits are praised for being engaging, informative, and well-suited to all ages.
Family-Friendly: Families highlight the park as an outstanding destination for children, with accessible trails, wildlife, and ranger programs keeping kids engaged.
Value for Money: With a per-vehicle entry fee, many visitors feel the park offers exceptional value given the size and diversity of experiences available.

Good to know

Heat Exposure: Visitors warn about extreme heat and humidity, particularly in the wet season, with limited shade on many trails.
Mosquitoes / Insects: Bug pressure during the wet season is frequently cited as a deterrent, with some visitors describing it as unbearable without heavy repellent.
Limited Facilities in Remote Areas: Some reviewers note that amenities like food, water, and restrooms are sparse beyond the main visitor centers.
Crowding: Popular spots like the Anhinga Trail and Shark Valley can get crowded on weekend mornings during peak dry season.

Frequently Asked Questions