Everglades National Park, a sprawling subtropical wilderness often called the “River of Grass,” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most unique ecosystems on the planet. Its incredible biodiversity—home to alligators, manatees, panthers, and over 350 species of birds—makes it a must-see.
But with three distinct entrances and a massive area to cover, how do you explore it best? This guide breaks down the top locations, activities, and services to help you plan an unforgettable trip.
1. The Homestead Entrance: Royal Palm and Flamingo
The main park road begins at the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center near Homestead, which is your gateway to the Royal Palm and Flamingo areas.
Key Locations & Must-Do Trails
- Royal Palm Visitor Center Area: Just a short drive from the main entrance, this area is a prime spot for close-up wildlife viewing.
- Anhinga Trail: This short, accessible boardwalk and paved trail is arguably the best place in the park to see alligators, turtles, and wading birds (like the namesake Anhinga) with minimal effort.
- Gumbo Limbo Trail: A paved, wheelchair-accessible loop that takes you through a shaded hardwood hammock, featuring the beautiful, peeling bark of the gumbo limbo tree.
- Flamingo: Located at the end of the Main Park Road, Flamingo is the southernmost point of the park and offers the only full-service marina.
- Guy Bradley Visitor Center: A great resource for maps, exhibits, and up-to-date ranger advice.
- Flamingo Marina: This is the best place to spot American Crocodiles and Manatees in the winter.
Available Services & Activities
- Paddling (Kayaks/Canoes): You can rent kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards directly from the authorized park concessioner, Everglades Guest Services, at the Flamingo Marina. Popular paddling trails include the Nine Mile Pond Paddle Loop and routes into Florida Bay.
- Boat Tours: Guided boat tours of Florida Bay (to see marine life and birds) and Whitewater Bay (a vast freshwater estuary) depart from the Flamingo Marina, also offered by Everglades Guest Services.
- Camping:
- Flamingo Campground: Offers tent and RV sites year-round, along with unique Eco-Tents for a comfortable glamping experience.
- Long Pine Key Campground: Open seasonally (typically November–April) and ideal for tent and RV camping.
2. The Shark Valley Entrance: Tram, Bike, and Alligators Galore
Located off the Tamiami Trail (US-41) west of Miami, the Shark Valley entrance is a different experience—less about paddling and more about observing the vast “River of Grass.”
Key Locations & Must-Do Trails
- Shark Valley Tram Road: This 15-mile paved loop is the main attraction. It’s often lined with dozens of sunbathing alligators, especially during the dry season.
- Observation Tower: Located halfway through the loop, this 65-foot observation tower offers a breathtaking, panoramic view of the sawgrass prairie.
Available Services & Activities
- Shark Valley Tram Tours: The most popular way to cover the 15-mile loop. Shark Valley Tram Tours is the park’s authorized concessioner, offering two-hour narrated tours led by naturalists. Reservations are highly recommended.
- Biking: You can rent bikes at the Shark Valley Visitor Center (first-come, first-served) or bring your own to cycle the 15-mile loop. This offers a more intimate and flexible experience than the tram.
- Ranger-Led Wet Walk (Slough Slog): For the truly adventurous, rangers often lead a “wet walk” or “slough slog” during the dry season, guiding you right into the water for a unique, immersive educational experience.
3. The Gulf Coast Entrance: Ten Thousand Islands
Located in Everglades City on the park’s western edge, this entrance focuses on the incredible labyrinth of mangrove estuaries and the Ten Thousand Islands.
Available Services & Activities
- Boat Tours: The main activity here is a guided boat tour through the maze of mangrove islands. Everglades National Park Adventures (an authorized concessioner) offers tours of the Ten Thousand Islands that are excellent for spotting dolphins, manatees, and migratory birds.
- Paddling (Kayaks/Canoes): This area is a paddler’s dream. You can rent equipment and embark on self-guided trips through mangrove tunnels or join a guided kayak eco-tour with local outfits like Everglades Area Tours (located nearby in Chokoloskee, offering naturalist-led small group tours).
- Wilderness Waterway: For experienced adventurers, this 99-mile water trail from Flamingo to Everglades City can be paddled over several days, requiring a wilderness permit.
Bonus Thrills (Outside the National Park)
While the National Park Service manages the protected areas, the Tamiami Trail (US-41) corridor is home to famous airboat operators, many of whom have been operating for decades.
- Airboat Rides: A classic Everglades experience! Airboats are prohibited in much of the National Park, but several companies operate on adjacent land and preserve areas. Coopertown Everglades Airboat Tour, Everglades Safari Park, and Gator Park are three authorized operators located along US-41 near the Shark Valley entrance. They provide thrilling, high-speed rides through the “River of Grass” and often include wildlife shows or exhibits.
- Miccosukee Indian Village: Located along US-41, this is a great stop to learn about the culture and history of the Miccosukee Tribe, with an accompanying gift shop and alligator wrestling show.
Tip for First-Timers: The Dry Season is Best! Visit between December and April (the dry season). Lower water levels concentrate the wildlife, making viewing much easier, and mosquito activity is significantly lower.
A one-day itinerary for Everglades National Park, starting from the Gulf Coast Entrance (Everglades City), requires focusing on the western and central areas of the park, as the drive between the Gulf Coast and the eastern entrances (like Homestead) is too long for a single-day trip.
This itinerary balances the Ten Thousand Islands area (Gulf Coast) with the iconic “River of Grass” experience at Shark Valley.
One Day Everglades Itinerary: Gulf Coast to Shark Valley
This itinerary assumes an early start and is focused on maximizing both the coastal and interior experiences.
| Time | Activity | Location / Details | Focus |
| 7:30 AM | Arrive & Morning Activity | Gulf Coast Visitor Center (Everglades City). Get your park pass, check trail conditions, and check in for your boat tour or rental. | Coastal & Mangrove Wildlife |
| 8:00 AM | Ten Thousand Islands Boat Tour | Take the 90-minute Ten Thousand Islands Boat Tour (reservations highly recommended) or rent a kayak/canoe to explore the mangroves and coastal waters. Look for manatees, dolphins, and coastal birds. | Water Exploration |
| 10:00 AM | Drive to Shark Valley | Drive east on Tamiami Trail (US-41). The drive is approximately 1 hour (about 40 miles) to the Shark Valley Visitor Center. | Scenic Drive |
| 11:00 AM | Arrive & Lunch | Shark Valley Visitor Center. Have a packed lunch (recommended, as services are limited) or a quick snack at the visitor center before your tour/ride. | Prep & Fuel |
| 12:00 PM | Shark Valley Tram Tour or Bike Ride | Choose the 2-hour Narrated Tram Tour (book in advance) or rent a bicycle (allow 3-4 hours) to travel the 15-mile paved loop. | Wildlife Viewing & Scenery |
| 1:00 PM | Observation Tower | Stop at the halfway point, the 45-foot Observation Tower. Walk up the ramp for panoramic views of the “River of Grass” and spot alligators, wading birds, and more. | Panoramic Views |
| 4:00 PM | Finish Shark Valley | Return to the Visitor Center from the loop road. Take a few minutes to look for alligators right around the visitor center boardwalk. | Wrap-Up |
| 5:00 PM | Drive Back | Head west on Tamiami Trail (US-41) to return to the Gulf Coast area or your original starting point. | Departure |
Important Considerations
- Reservations: Strongly consider booking the Shark Valley Tram Tour and the Ten Thousand Islands Boat Tour in advance, especially during the busy winter season (Dry Season: November–April).
- Wildlife: The Dry Season (winter) is generally the best time for wildlife viewing as receding water concentrates animals.
- What to Bring: Sunscreen, insect repellent (especially for the Gulf Coast/mangrove area), a hat, plenty of water, and comfortable walking shoes.
- Lunch/Food: Food options are very limited inside the park. It is highly recommended to pack a lunch and snacks.
- Timing: This itinerary is aggressive due to the driving time between the two major activity hubs (Gulf Coast and Shark Valley). Start as early as possible.
Both the Shark Valley Tram Tour and the Ten Thousand Islands Boat Tour are fantastic ways to experience the Everglades National Park, offering unique perspectives on the “River of Grass.”
Here are the operating hours, pricing, and reservation details for both tours.
1. Shark Valley Tram Tour
(Located on the Tamiami Trail (US-41) west of Miami)
This two-hour narrated tour takes you on an open-air tram through the 15-mile loop road, offering excellent wildlife viewing and a stop at the Observation Tower.
| Category | Details |
| Tour Duration | Approximately 2 hours. |
| Park Hours | The Shark Valley area/parking lot is generally open from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM daily. |
| Peak Season Times | High Season (approx. Dec 20 – Apr 30): Tours run frequently, approximately every hour (e.g., 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM). |
| Off-Season Times | Low Season (approx. May 1 – Dec 19): Tours run less frequently (e.g., 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM). |
| Reservations | Highly Recommended year-round, especially during the busy winter season (Nov-Apr), as tours often book far in advance. |
| Pricing (Approximate) | Adults (13-61): $34.00 Seniors (62+): $26.00 Children (3-12): $18.00 Children (0-2): Free |
| To Book | You can make reservations online or call (305) 221-8455. |
- Please note that you must arrive a minimum of 30 minutes prior to your tour time to pick up your boarding tickets.
- A separate Everglades National Park entrance fee is required to enter the Shark Valley area and is not included in the tour price.
2. Ten Thousand Islands Boat Tour
(Located on the Gulf Coast in Everglades City)
This tour explores the mangrove islands and waterways of the Gulf Coast section of the park, where you have the chance to spot dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and various bird species.
| Category | Details |
| Tour Duration | The main tour is approximately 90 minutes (1.5 hours). |
| Departure Location | The tours depart daily from the Gulf Coast Visitor Center area in Everglades City, FL. |
| Departure Times | Tours operate year-round. Specific departure times vary, so you should check the tour operator’s website for the current schedule on your desired date. |
| Reservations | Highly Suggested, particularly during peak seasons, as boats can fill up quickly. |
| Pricing (Approximate) | Adults (13-61): $40.00 Seniors (62+): $36.00 Children (5-12): $20.00 Young Children (4 & Under): Free |
| To Book | Reservations can be made through the tour operator, Everglades National Park Adventures, on their website. |
- The Gulf Coast Visitor Center is currently under construction, and tours are departing from a temporary location nearby. Be sure to confirm the exact meeting point when booking.
- A separate Everglades National Park entrance fee may apply.
