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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Everglades National Park Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
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Suited for
United States – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
120 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B
Type A:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
US Dollar (USD) £1 ≈ US$1.33 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
The U.S. is highly cashless, with credit and debit cards accepted almost everywhere. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely used.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is customary and expected in the U.S. In restaurants, 15-20% is standard. Taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides also expect tips, usually around 10-20% depending on the service. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking laws vary by state, but it is generally prohibited in public spaces without a permit. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is restricted in most indoor public spaces and some outdoor areas. Local laws vary. |
| Etiquette: | Greet with a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, respect personal space, and avoid discussing politics or income unless invited to share opinions. Politeness and friendliness are appreciated. |
| Thanksgiving (November) |
A major holiday with closures and domestic travel surges. |
|---|---|
| Independence Day (July) |
Expect parades, fireworks, and celebrations nationwide. |
| Christmas (December) |
Markets, festive events, and crowded tourist spots. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Uber, Lyft, Bolt |
| Helpful links: |
Wikipedia Visa regulations Customs & border control Travel with medicine |
| Other: | The U.S. is known for its diverse landscapes, cultural experiences, and regional cuisines. Public transport is efficient in cities but less so in rural areas. Renting a car is recommended for exploring national parks. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Everglades National Park, United States
Dry season December to April: best wildlife viewing, most ranger programmes and boat tours operate
Wet season May to October: heavy mosquitoes, some trails flooded, reduced services in the park
Hurricane season June to November, peak risk August to October
Don't miss
- 🛶 Take a guided airboat tour through mangrove tunnels
- 🐊 Spot American alligators from the Observation Tower
- 🚶♂️ Hike the Anhinga Trail and photograph wildlife
- 🏛️ Explore the Flamingo Visitor Center’s educational exhibits
- ✨ Stargaze at night from a designated dark sky area
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Everglades National Park?
Everglades National Park offers a unique glimpse into one of the world’s most distinctive ecosystems, where slow-moving waters and vast sawgrass marshes create a habitat for an impressive array of wildlife. Visitors can explore the park by airboat, kayak or on foot, each route revealing different facets of this subtropical wilderness. The park is home to endangered species such as the American crocodile, West Indian manatee and Florida panther, making it a vital conservation area that attracts researchers and nature enthusiasts alike. Beyond its ecological significance, Everglades provides educational opportunities through ranger-led programs and interpretive centers that explain the region’s hydrology, flora and cultural history. The park’s diverse plant life – including mangrove forests and cypress swamps – supports a complex food web that sustains both terrestrial and aquatic species. Birdwatchers will find over 300 species to observe, from herons and egrets to the rare roseate spoonbill. Traveling to Everglades National Park also offers practical insights into climate resilience. The park’s management practices illustrate how natural wetlands can mitigate flooding and support water quality for surrounding communities. Whether you’re a photographer, scientist or casual traveler, the Everglades delivers an immersive experience that highlights the importance of preserving fragile ecosystems while enjoying Florida’s natural beauty.
🏯Places worth seeing
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
Knowledge before you go
- Pack insect repellent; mosquitoes are abundant in Everglades.
- Arrive early before midday heat and bring plenty of water to stay hydrated during hikes.
- Use the designated boardwalks to avoid disturbing wildlife and maintain trail safety guidelines.
- Explore the park's visitor center for ranger-led programs that reveal hidden ecosystems and historical context.
How to travel to Everglades National Park
The Everglades National Park in Florida is accessible primarily by road via U.S. Highway 41, also known as Tamiami Trail, which runs along the park’s western edge. A short drive from Miami or Naples provides convenient access, with major highways like I-75 and I-95 connecting to nearby exit ramps leading into park entrances. The nearest commercial airport is Miami International Airport (MIA), approximately 45 miles southeast of Homestead, where visitors can rent vehicles for onward travel. Private cars are the most common means of entry due to limited public transit options within the park. Bicycles and guided tours are available at select locations for localized exploration.
Access summary
- From Miami International (MIA): Shuttle to Everglades Visitor Center, 45–60 min.
- From Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood (FLL): Bus or taxi, 50–70 min; from Orlando (MCO), 3‑4 hrs by car.
- By boat from Homestead Marina: 30‑40 min to Shark Valley dock.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Everglades National Park
Within a short drive of the Everglades National Park, visitors find a mix of rustic cabins, budget motels and upscale riverfront resorts that cater to all travel styles. The area hosts over 30 lodging establishments ranging from modest, family‑run inns offering basic amenities to luxury eco‑resorts with guided wildlife tours and private airboat access. Many accommodations emphasize sustainability, featuring solar panels, composting toilets and locally sourced food. For those seeking a more immersive experience, campgrounds and backcountry campsites provide primitive shelters and RV hookups, while nearby towns offer boutique bed‑and‑breakfasts that showcase regional art and cuisine. The diversity of options ensures travelers can choose comfort levels and price points that match their adventure plans.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
Garden Inn Homestead - Everglades - Gateway to Keys
Nuvo Suites Miami Airport West/Doral
Floridian Hotel Homestead
Cheeca Lodge & Spa
Travelodge by Wyndham Florida City/Homestead/Everglades
Fairway Inn Florida City
Miccosukee Casino & Resort
Amara Cay Resort and Marina
Hilton Garden Inn Miami Dolphin Mall
Best Western Plus Miami Executive Airport Hotel & Suites
How to get around Everglades National Park
To explore Everglades National Park, the best way to get around is via park shuttles, bicycles or guided airboat tours. The park offers a free tram service along the main road for easy access to key areas like the Shark Valley Visitor Center and Anhinga Trail. For independent exploration, renting a bicycle allows visitors to travel at their own pace on designated trails such as the 15-mile Oasis Trail. Airboats provide unique perspectives but require advance booking due to limited availability. Walking is also possible in certain areas, though wildlife encounters are common – stay alert and follow park guidelines. Parking is available near major entrances, including Homestead and Chokoloskee.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in the region are around 11% higher than the average across United States. That means you'll spend more on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to USD) is 4% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Notable additional fees:
US$35 (£26.29) per vehicle (7 days) plus a US$100 (£75.11) non-resident fee per person 16+, new since Jan 2026. The US$250 (£187.78) America the Beautiful non-resident pass waives both.
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Everglades National Park remains generally safe for visitors, with well‑marked trails and frequent ranger patrols. Minor crime rates are low, but keep valuables secured in vehicles. Avoid isolated areas after dark, stay on designated paths and heed wildlife warnings to ensure a secure visit.
Health & Medical
Everglades National Park offers excellent medical support with nearby hospitals and clinics, though remote trails may delay emergency response. Visitors should stay hydrated, use insect repellent to avoid mosquito-borne illnesses and be aware of high humidity and occasional air pollution from surrounding urban areas.
Accessibility
Everglades National Park offers limited accessibility: paved boardwalks and some wheelchair‑friendly trails are available, but many areas remain rugged with uneven surfaces. Visitors should plan ahead, use guided tours for better access and bring mobility aids for optimal experience.
Tap water
Tap water in Everglades National Park is safe and clean, supplied by a reliable municipal system. Visitors can refill at numerous public fountains throughout the park, ensuring easy hydration while exploring wetlands, trails and wildlife viewing areas.
Packing recommendations for Everglades National Park
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
🥾
Walking boots
📷
Camera
🌞
Sun cream
SPF 30+
🚰
Reusable water bottle
reusable
👕
Light, breathable clothing
🍫
Energy snacks
🧥
Waterproof jacket
👀
Binoculars
🪰
Insect repellent
🔦
Torch
🗺️
Map or GPS device
🔋
Power bank
🩹
Basic first aid kit
📱
Waterproof phone case
👒
Sun hat
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
🛏️
Mosquito net
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
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