Getting There & Access Points

Although the Everglades may seem overwhelmingly large, it’s easy to drive to the park’s two main areas: the northern section, accessible via Shark Valley and Everglades City, and the southern section, accessible through the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, near Homestead and Florida City.

Northern Entrances to Everglades National Park

A popular day trip for Miamians, Shark Valley, a 15-mile paved loop road (with an observation tower in the middle of the loop) overlooking the pulsating heart of the Everglades, is the easiest and most scenic way to explore the national park. Just 25 miles west of the Florida Turnpike, Shark Valley is best reached via the Tamiami Trail, South Florida's preturnpike, two-lane road, which cuts across the southern part of the state along the park's northern border. Roadside attractions (boat rides and alligator farms, for example) along the Tamiami Trail are operated by the Miccosukee Indian Village and are worth a quick, fun stop. An excellent tram tour (leaving from the Shark Valley Visitor Center) goes deep into the park along a trail that's also terrific for biking. Shark Valley is about an hour's drive from Miami.

A little less than 10 miles west along the Tamiami Trail from Shark Valley, you’ll discover Big Cypress National Preserve, in which stretches of vibrant green cypress and pine trees make for a fabulous photo op. If you pick up S.R. 29 and head south from the Tamiami Trail, you’ll hit a modified version of civilization in the form of Everglades City (where the Everglades meet the Gulf of Mexico), where there’s another entrance to the park and the brand-new (2024) Marjory Stoneman Douglas (MSD) Visitor Center. From Miami to Shark Valley: Go west on I-395 to S.R. 821 South (Florida Tpk.). Take the U.S. 41/Southwest 8th Street (Tamiami Trail) exit. The Shark Valley entrance is just 25 miles west. To get to Everglades City, continue west on the Tamiami Trail and head south on S.R. 29. Everglades City is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Miami, but because it is scenic, it may take longer if you stop or slow down to view your surroundings.

Southern Entrance (Via Homestead & Florida City)


If you’re in a rush to hit the 'Glades and don’t care about the scenic route, this is your best bet. Just southeast of Homestead and Florida City, off S.R. 9336, the southern access to the park will bring you to the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center. Inside the park, 4 miles beyond the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, is the Royal Palm Visitor Center, the starting point for the two most popular walking trails, Gumbo Limbo and Anhinga, where you’ll witness a plethora of birds and wildlife. Thirteen miles west of the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, you’ll hit Pahayokee Overlook Trail, which treks across the boardwalk to reach the observation tower, over which vultures and hawks hover protectively. It offers a resplendent, bird’s-eye view of the Everglades. From Miami to the southern entrance: Go west on I-395 to S.R. 821 South (Florida Tpk.), which will end in Florida City. Take the first right through the center of town (you can’t miss it) and follow signs to the park entrance on S.R. 9336. The Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center is about 1.5 hours from Miami.

Visitor Centers and Information for Everglades National Park

The Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center (tel. 305/242/7700; Apr-Dec 9am-5pm, Dec-Mar 8am-5pm), at the Park Headquarters entrance, west of Homestead and Florida City, can give details on tours and boat rentals, plus free brochures outlining trails and activities. It also has state-of-the-art educational displays, films, and interactive exhibits. A bookstore sells an impressive selection of books about the Everglades, unusual gift items, and your most important gear: insect repellent.

The Royal Palm Visitor Center (tel 305/242-7237; daily 10am-4pm), a small nature museum located 3 miles past the park’s main entrance, is no great shakes, but the center, which includes a small bookstore, bathrooms, and vending machines, is the departure point for the popular Anhinga and Gumbo Limbo trails.

Knowledgeable rangers provide brochures and personal insights into the park’s activities at both the Guy Bradley Flamingo Visitor Center (tel. 305/242-7700; daily 8am to 5pm), 38 miles from the main entrance, at the park’s southern access, and the Shark Valley Visitor Center (daily 9am-5pm), at the park’s northern entrance.

Entrance Fees, Permits & Regulations for Everglades National Park

Permits and passes can be purchased at the MSD and Guy Bradley Flamingo Visitor Centers, the Shark Valley and Homestead pay stations, and online at Recreation.gov. Even if you are just visiting for an afternoon, you’ll need to buy a 7-day permit, which costs $35 per vehicle. Pedestrians and cyclists are charged $20 each. An Everglades Park Pass, valid for a year’s worth of unlimited admissions, is available for $70. You may also purchase a 12-month America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass–Annual Pass for $80, which is valid for entrance into any U.S. national park. U.S. citizens ages 62 and older pay only $20 for the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass–Senior Pass that’s valid for life. An America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass–Access Pass is available free to U.S. citizens with disabilities.

Permits are required for campers to stay overnight either in the backcountry or at the primitive campsites.

Those who want to fish without a charter captain must obtain a State of Florida saltwater fishing license. These are available in the park, at any tackle shop or sporting-goods store nearby. Nonresidents pay $30 for a 7-day license or $17 for a 3-day license. Florida residents pay $17 for an annual fishing license. A snook license must be purchased separately at a cost of $10; a lobster permit is $5. For more information on fishing licenses, go to myfwc.com/license/recreational/saltwater-fishing.


Most of the area’s freshwater fishing is limited to murky canals and artificial lakes near housing developments, so it’s hardly worth the trouble with so much good saltwater fishing here. That being said, freshwater fishing licenses are available at bait-and-tackle stores outside the park at the same rates as those offered inside the park. A good one nearby is Don’s Bait & Tackle, 90 N. Homestead Blvd., right on U.S. 1 in Homestead (tel. 305/247-6616).

Warning: High levels of mercury have been found in Everglades' bass and in some fish species in northern Florida Bay. Do not eat bass caught north of the Main Park Road. Do not eat bass caught south of the Main Park Road more than once a week. Children and pregnant women should not eat any bass. The following saltwater species caught in northern Florida Bay should not be consumed more than once per week by adults or once per month by women of child-bearing age and children: spotted sea trout, gaff-topsail, catfish, bluefish, jack crevalle, or ladyfish.

Seasons in Everglades National Park

There are two distinct seasons in the Everglades: high season and mosquito season. High season is also dry season and lasts from late November to May, a time that’s generally warm, sunny, and breezy—a good combination for keeping the bugs away. And trust us, you will want to keep away from those bugs. They are brutal and relentless, even with repellent and proper clothing. Winter, though not completely bug free—ever—is also the best time to visit because low water levels attract the largest variety of wading birds and their predators. As the dry season wanes, wildlife follows the receding water; by the end of May, the only living things you are sure to spot will make you itch. The worst, called no-see-ums, are not even swattable. If you choose to visit during the buggy season, be vigilant in applying bug spray. Also, realize that many establishments and operators either close or curtail offerings in summer, so always call ahead to check schedules.

Ranger Programs at Everglades National Park

Ranger-led walks and talks are offered year-round from Royal Palm Visitor Center, and at the Flamingo and MSD visitor centers, as well as Shark Valley Visitor Center during winter months. Park rangers tend to be helpful, well informed, and good humored. Some programs occur regularly, such as the informative Royal Palm Visitor Center’s Glade Glimpses (daily 10:30am and 1:30pm), a walking tour on which rangers point out flora and fauna, and discuss issues affecting the Everglades’ survival. The Anhinga Amble, a similar program that takes place on the Anhinga Trail, starts at 10:30am daily and lasts about 50 minutes. Because other programs vary from month to month, check the schedule, available at any of the visitor centers and online.

Safety Issues in Everglades National Park

There are many dangers inherent in this vast wilderness area. Always let someone know your itinerary before you set out on an extended hike. It’s mandatory that you file an itinerary when camping overnight in the backcountry (which you can do when you apply for your overnight permit at either the Flamingo Visitor Center or the MSD Visitor Center). When you’re on the water, watch for weather changes; thunderstorms and high winds often develop rapidly. Swimming is not recommended because of the presence of alligators, sharks, and barracudas. Watch out for the region’s four indigenous poisonous snakes: diamondback and pygmy rattlesnakes, coral snakes (identifiable by their colorful rings), and water moccasins (which swim on the surface of the water). Bring insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes and biting flies. First aid is available from park rangers. The nearest hospital is in Homestead, 10 miles from the park’s main entrance.


Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.