How much does it cost to enter Everglades National Park?

Everglades National Park charges an entry fee per vehicle. The standard rate is $35 per vehicle (valid for 7 days). An annual America the Beautiful pass ($80) covers entry to all national parks and is a great value for frequent visitors. Fees are subject to change — check the NPS website before your visit.

What are Everglades National Park's hours?

The park is open every day of the year. Individual entrance stations and visitor centers have varying hours — the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center near the main entrance typically opens daily. Check nps.gov/ever for current hours and any closures before your visit.

Is Everglades National Park good for families with kids?

Yes — the park is excellent for families. It features kid-friendly hikes, playgrounds, ranger-led programs for all ages, and the chance to see alligators, birds, and manatees up close. The Anhinga Trail is especially popular with children for its guaranteed wildlife sightings.

Is parking available at Everglades National Park?

Yes, free and paid parking lots are available at various locations throughout the park, including at the main visitor centers and trailheads. Street parking is also available in some areas.

Is Everglades National Park wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The park offers wheelchair-accessible entrances, parking lots, restrooms, and seating. Many boardwalk trails including portions of the Anhinga Trail are accessible. Contact the park directly for specific trail accessibility details.

Are pets allowed in Everglades National Park?

Dogs are allowed in Everglades National Park but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pets are restricted from most trails, backcountry areas, and ranger programs. They are permitted in parking lots, campgrounds, and along paved roads.

What is the best time of year to visit Everglades National Park?

The dry season from December through April is the best time to visit. Wildlife is most concentrated, mosquitoes are far less prevalent, and temperatures are comfortable. The wet season (May–November) brings intense heat, humidity, and heavy mosquitoes, though it also offers lush greenery and fewer crowds.

Are guided tours available at Everglades National Park?

Yes. The park offers ranger-led programs year-round including tram tours, canoe trips, and walking programs. The iconic 2-hour Shark Valley tram tour is one of the most popular. Private and third-party guided tours, airboat rides, and eco-tours are also available through park partners.

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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

ParkPaid AdmissionOutdoorHomesteadTravelers' Choice Award 2025UNESCO World Heritage Site 1979+1 more

Get Tickets

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

Score derived from 14,900+ public reviews

Scored on published criteria from real guest data. Ranks are never for sale. How we rank →

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

Attraction Type

Nature Reserve Wildlife Sanctuary Park

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

Perfect For

First-Time Visitor Instagram-Worthy Nature Lover Kids Under 10 Family Outing Tourist Must-Visit

Location Homestead

Florida, USA

www.nps.gov

+1 (305) 242-7700

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Listing details verified March 2026.Report a closure or change

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.