getting to the everglades
The Everglades National Park is very expansive covering a huge portion of southern Florida. Depending on which part you want to visit may determine which airport is the closest. In general most visitors fly into the Miami International Airport in Miami Florida which is approximately 35 miles away and approximately a 45 minute drive to Shark Valley Visitor Center or a 46 mile and approximately 1 hour drive to the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center. You may also fly into the Fort Lauderdale Airport. You can also visit the western portion at the Gulf Coast Visitor Center or the Nathanial P. Reed Visitor Center. You may consider this if you are visiting Marco Island or the Naples area of Florida. If visiting the western part of Florida you may fly into Southwest Florida International Airport or Naples Airport. To get to the Everglades you likely will need a car or to join an organized tour.
getting around
The best way to visit this national park is in your own private vehicle. You can drive through most of the park on paved roads. Depending on the region you are visiting you can explore the park via bicycle, walking, tram tours, or by taking an airboat tour.
where to stay
If willing to drive out and back in a day you can make this national park a day trip from Miami, Marco Island, Naples and more.
If you would like to explore the park more or experience the beauty of the night sky it would be best to spend a night near or in the park.
Within the park, you can stay at one of the frontcountry campgrounds. Flamingo and Long Pine Key are the only two drive in campgrounds. These sites offer both tent and RV camping. Reservations can be made by calling the Everglades Guest services at 1-855-708-2207.
If you are truly an explorer, you can also get a permit for wilderness camping. These sites can be reached by boat/canoe/kayak and a few sites can be reached via hiking. Make sure to get a permit at the Flamingo or Gulf Coast Visitor Centers.
when to visit
As the summer heat can be intense and to capitalize on dry season, generally more visitors elect to come during the winter and early spring. Dry season is typically from December through April. Wet season can be rainy and attracts more mosquitos. There are also more ranger led programs available during the dry season.
fees
Weekly passes are good for 7 consecutive days.
Private vehicle: $30/7 days
Motorcycle: $25/7 days
Person: $15/7 days (bicycle, hikers- without a vehicle)
Everglades Annual Pass: $55
America the Beautiful Annual Pass: $80 interagency pass good for one year from month purchased- I highly recommend this if visiting more than 3 parks in a year.
top things to do
The Everglades National Park is an outdoor paradise packed views and incredible nature. It expands over 1.5 million acres. Because it is so large, the park can be reached from various cities. There are multiple visitor centers you can visit including Ernest Coe, Flamingo, Gulf Coast and Shark Valley.
The Everglades does have some incredible hiking trails but some of the best ways to explore this park are via boat. You can canoe, kayak, or take an airboat ride. There are three authorized airboat operators within the national park which include: Coopertown Airboats, Everglades Safari Park and Gator Park. There are also tram tours and bicycle rentals available at the Shark Valley Visitor Center. If you rent a bicycle at Shark Valley it is a 15 mile ride that is broken up with an observation tour half way. Bicycle rental was $22 per person. Tram tour is $28 per person.
Remember to bring your sunscreen and bug spray for your visit to the park. Also make sure to bring plenty of water.
Make sure to keep your eyes out for wildlife. You can see alligators of course but also turtles, fish, and over 300 species of birds.
Pingback: My US National Parks Bucket List -
Pingback: My US National Monument Bucket List -