Everglades National Park gets its name from the Seminole word “Okeechobee”—which translates to “River of Grass.” And honestly? You’ll only find a place like this in Florida. Rainwater flows south through the Kissimmee River into Lake Okeechobee, then slowly makes its way across 60 miles of sawgrass prairie before finally spilling into Florida Bay. It’s a natural filtration system that keeps a whole world of native plants and animals alive—and it’s every bit as vital as it sounds.
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About the River of Grass: Everglades National Park
Dive into Everglades National Park, and you’ll find way more than just sawgrass—think tangled coastal mangroves, wide-open marshes, and towering pine flatwoods. Most folks stick to the classic prairie views, but if you’re willing to go a little deeper? That’s where the real magic hides. Beneath all that green, the water is what truly keeps this place alive—every plant, every bird, every critter depends on it. But here’s the kicker: that water’s in trouble. Human activity is one of the biggest threats facing the park, and protecting the Everglades means looking beyond the boardwalks and understanding the wild, interconnected ecosystem that makes this place so special.
This isn’t your typical river. It’s a slow, shallow sheet of water, barely inches deep in places, that drifts south from Lake Okeechobee across about 4,000 square miles of limestone bedrock. Gentle, fragile, and completely one-of-a-kind.
Congress recognized the importance of this ecosystem in 1934, and the park was formally dedicated in 1946. Today, Everglades National Park protects 36 threatened or endangered species, including the Florida panther, American crocodile, and West Indian manatee. There’s really nothing else quite like it in the National Park System. The rest of the world agrees—it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a Wetland of International Importance, and an International Biosphere Reserve. In short? It’s a big deal. This place isn’t just beautiful; it’s vital to biodiversity and a lifeline for countless species.
Its endless sawgrass marshes, shallow…
Shark Valley: A Different Way to Experience the Everglades
Shark Valley is one of the best places to experience the northern Everglades and get a close-up look at the River of Grass. Located along the Tamiami Trail (US 41), the area offers an easy way to explore the sawgrass prairie and spot wildlife, including alligators, turtles, and wading birds.
The main attraction is the Shark Valley Loop, a paved 15-mile route that can be explored by tram, bicycle, or on foot. The route leads to a 65-foot observation tower with panoramic views across the Everglades.
We visited Shark Valley on Christmas Day, and the crowds were already heavy by late morning. If you plan to visit, arriving early is a smart move, especially during the busy winter season.
Want to see more of Shark Valley? Our Shark Valley Everglades Guide covers the tram tour, observation tower, biking, trails, wildlife, and everything you need to know before you go.
Gulf Coast Visitor Center / Everglades City
The Gulf Coast Visitor Center near Everglades City offers a completely different perspective of Everglades National Park. Located on Chokoloskee Bay, it serves as the gateway to the park’s western coastal region and the Ten Thousand Islands, a maze of mangrove islands and waterways stretching along the Gulf Coast.
This is the side of the Everglades where the freshwater marshes transition into a coastal wilderness. From the visitor center, you can arrange boat tours, kayak rentals, and guided excursions through the mangroves and surrounding waterways. It’s also where you can get maps, information about current conditions, and backcountry permits.
If you’re looking for a quieter, more water-oriented experience in the Everglades, this area is well worth exploring. The scenery here is dramatically different from the sawgrass prairies farther inland, making it a great addition to an Everglades itinerary.
Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center — Southern Entrance
The Ernest Coe Visitor Center is the main entrance to Everglades National Park from Homestead and the starting point for the drive to Flamingo. This is a good place to get oriented before heading deeper into the park.
Inside, you’ll find educational exhibits, maps, a gift shop, and a theater showing a short film about the Everglades. The interactive displays do a great job of putting the entire ecosystem into perspective and helping you understand the bigger picture before exploring.
Don’t rush through your visit. There are hiking trails and a boardwalk near the pond, and the covered verandah is a particularly peaceful spot to sit in a wooden rocking chair and take in the surroundings. It’s one of those simple moments that makes slowing down in the Everglades worthwhile.
Guy Bradley Visitor Center — Flamingo
At the southern end of the park, Flamingo is where the Everglades meets Florida Bay. The Guy Bradley Visitor Center provides maps, exhibits, brochures, and information about trails, wildlife, ranger-led programs, and activities in the area.
This is also an important starting point for exploring the waterways and coastal environment around Flamingo. Rangers can provide information about current trail conditions, weather, excursions, and backcountry camping.
Flamingo has plenty of parking, restrooms, food options, and a small gift shop. And keep your eyes open—wildlife isn’t limited to the trails. During our visit, we watched an osprey feeding its hatchlings in the parking lot, while crocodiles could be seen sunning themselves around the marina.
Things to Do in Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park offers plenty of ways to experience the River of Grass, from wildlife watching and hiking to getting out on the water. Your best options depend on which part of the park you visit, so don’t expect every activity to be available at every entrance.
1. Take an Airboat Tour
An airboat tour is a classic way to experience the Everglades. There’s nothing quite like gliding across the water with the wind in your face while watching for alligators, birds, and other wildlife. Experienced guides also know where to look, making these tours a fun way to see parts of the Everglades you might otherwise miss.
Several authorized airboat operators are located along the Tamiami Trail between Miami and Shark Valley, including Coopertown, Everglades Safari Park, and Gator Park. Tour lengths and prices vary, with options ranging from shorter group tours to longer private excursions.
If an airboat ride is on your Everglades itinerary, compare the available tours and choose the experience that best fits your time and interests.
2. Canoe and Kayak the Everglades
If you truly want to experience the Everglades away from the crowds, getting out on the water is hard to beat. The Wilderness Waterway is the ultimate adventure—a 99-mile route through the park that can take 7–10 days to complete. That’s more commitment than most visitors are looking for, but fortunately, there are plenty of shorter paddling routes where you can still experience the solitude of the Everglades.
You can rent a canoe or kayak for self-guided exploration or join an excursion with an authorized park concessioner. In the Flamingo area, paddlers can explore Florida Bay and its surrounding waterways.
One of our favorite options is the Nine Mile Pond Canoe Trail, where you can paddle through the Everglades at your own pace while watching for wildlife along the way.
If you’re looking for a quieter side of the park, grab a paddle and explore—you’ll see the Everglades from an entirely different perspective.
3. Fishing in Everglades National Park
The Everglades offers opportunities for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Before casting a line, check the current fishing regulations, license requirements, bag limits, size restrictions, and any closed areas. A valid Florida fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older.
Freshwater fishing centers around the park’s rivers, canals, and marshes, with largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, and catfish among the species you may encounter. When we visited in December, we watched male bass guarding spawning beds while other fish were actively courting. It was a fascinating glimpse into the life happening beneath the surface.
Saltwater fishing takes you into the coastal waters and Florida Bay. Because navigating the park’s maze of waterways can be challenging, hiring a guide or having a boat can make the experience much easier, particularly for visitors unfamiliar with the area.
Pro Tip: Always check the latest Everglades National Park fishing regulations before your trip, as regulations and closed areas can change.
Exploring Everglades National Park Saltwater Fishing
Everglades National Park protects a vast stretch of coastal waters, including much of Florida Bay, making saltwater fishing a popular way to experience the park. Anglers may encounter species such as snook, redfish, spotted seatrout, tarpon, snapper, and grouper, depending on the location and season.
You can fish from shore, wade the shallow flats, or explore the backcountry by boat. Before casting a line, be sure to check current National Park Service regulations and Florida fishing requirements. Some areas have additional restrictions or seasonal closures to protect sensitive habitats and fish populations.
If you plan to fish by boat, Flamingo is a convenient starting point for exploring the park’s coastal waters and Florida Bay.
4. Scenic Boat Tours of the Backcountry and Florida Bay
Flamingo, at the southern end of the park, is a hub for exploring the Everglades by water. Boat tours venture through the mangrove-lined waterways and into Florida Bay, offering a different perspective on this remarkable ecosystem.
Depending on the tour and conditions, you may see dolphins, manatees, wading birds, sea turtles, and other wildlife. Exploring the park by boat also provides access to portions of the Everglades that are difficult or impossible to reach by land.
Flamingo Adventures offers guided boat tours from Flamingo, making it an easy option for visitors who want to experience the park’s backcountry without navigating the waterways themselves.
5. Hiking and Nature Trails in Everglades National Park
Hiking in Everglades National Park is less about climbing mountains and more about slowing down and experiencing the unique landscapes of the River of Grass. Short nature trails, boardwalks, and longer backcountry routes provide opportunities to explore sawgrass marshes, hardwood hammocks, mangrove forests, and coastal prairie.
The Anhinga Trail and Gumbo Limbo Trail near Royal Palm are two of the park’s most popular short walks. Anhinga is especially good for wildlife viewing, with alligators, turtles, wading birds, and other wildlife often visible along the trail. The shaded Gumbo Limbo Trail offers a closer look at the tropical hardwood hammock.
For a longer experience, the Shark Valley Loop follows the Everglades landscape around the Shark Valley area, while the Coastal Prairie Trail provides a more remote experience through coastal prairie toward the Gulf Coast.
Whether you have time for a quick boardwalk stroll or a longer adventure, the park’s trails offer an up-close look at an ecosystem unlike anywhere else in the United States.
Where to Camp in Everglades National Park
Exploring Everglades National Park doesn’t have to end when the sun goes down. Camping in the park gives you the chance to experience the Everglades after the day-trippers have left.
Camping in Everglades National Park gives you the chance to experience the park after the day-trippers have left. The park has developed campgrounds at Long Pine Key and Flamingo, with options for both tent campers and RVs.
Long Pine Key is convenient for exploring the eastern side of the park, while Flamingo puts you closer to Florida Bay, the mangrove coast, and the park’s southern wilderness. Campground amenities vary, and RV campers should note that electrical hookups are not available at Long Pine Key.
One thing you will want to prepare for is mosquitoes. They can be a serious nuisance in the Everglades, particularly during warmer and wetter periods. Bring plenty of insect repellent and consider wearing lightweight, long-sleeved clothing.
Long Pine Key Campground: Camping in the Everglades
Long Pine Key Campground is located about six miles from the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, making it a convenient base for exploring the park’s eastern entrance area. Sites are surrounded by vegetation, giving the campground a natural, secluded feel.
During our stay, we found the sites spacious and well separated. Each site had a picnic table and fire ring, with shared restrooms nearby. There were no electrical hookups for RVs, so campers should plan accordingly.
The campground also provides easy access to nearby trails, including the Long Pine Key Nature Trail, where you can explore the park’s pine rockland habitat. Bicycles are another way to explore portions of the park’s roads and trails.
When we camped here, a ranger-led evening program at the campground amphitheater was an enjoyable way to learn more about the Everglades after dark.
Know Before You Go: Campground amenities, reservations, fees, and seasonal availability can change, so check current National Park Service information before your trip.
Flamingo Campground: Camping on Florida Bay
Located about 38 miles from the Ernest F. Coe entrance, near the Flamingo Visitor Center, Flamingo Campground is an excellent base for exploring the southern end of Everglades National Park. Its location provides convenient access to hiking trails, waterways, Florida Bay, the marina, and the Flamingo Visitor Center.
The campground offers both tent and RV sites. The tent camping area provides a more rustic experience, with sites set among the vegetation. The main campground, however, is essentially an open grassy field.
During our visit, we found clean restrooms and a bathhouse with hot showers in the tent camping area. RV sites had electrical hookups but no water hookups. A water fill station was available near the dump station.
One of the biggest advantages of staying here is the location. The campground is within easy reach of the Flamingo Marina, visitor center, and camp store, making it convenient to explore the area without having to drive back toward the park entrance.
The new park concessioner handles campground reservations through Flamingo Adventures or by phone at 855-708-2207. Because campground services, reservations, and amenities can change, check current information before your trip.
Camping at Flamingo puts you close to several opportunities for exploring the Everglades. Nearby trails include the Coastal Prairie Trail and Eco Pond Trail, both offering opportunities to see the park’s distinctive plants and wildlife.
Know Before You Go
Flamingo is remote, so plan ahead. Cell phone service can be extremely limited or unavailable, and gasoline and other supplies may not always be available when you need them. Bring the food, water, medications, fuel, and other essentials you will need for your stay.
And don’t forget the insect repellent. The Everglades’ subtropical environment comes with plenty of mosquitoes, particularly during warmer and wetter conditions.
Unique Eco-Tent Camping in Everglades National Park
Want to experience the Everglades without giving up a few comforts? Eco-tent camping at Flamingo offers a unique middle ground between traditional camping and a hotel stay. Most people would call it glamping, and it is certainly a more comfortable option than pitching your own tent.
The safari-style canvas tents are elevated on platforms and connected by raised boardwalks. Each tent has a bed, fan, lighting, and electrical outlets, with views of Florida Bay. The elevated design also helps keep you above the mud, water, and some of the critters that come with camping in the Everglades. Current eco-tent offerings vary by season, so check availability and amenities when making your reservation.
When we stayed in an eco-tent, the biggest disappointment was the lack of a kitchen or real food-preparation area. At the time, our choices were essentially eating at the marina or using the grills and tables in the common camping area. The store was not inexpensive, but its convenience was hard to beat when you were already staying at Flamingo.
Today, the glamping experience includes a designated eating area for eco-tent guests, along with secure bathroom facilities.
Flamingo Lodge: A More Comfortable Way to Stay
If camping isn’t your thing, you don’t have to give up staying inside the park. Flamingo Lodge reopened with 24 rooms constructed from durable shipping containers and elevated above the ground. The lodge includes studios, one-bedroom suites, and two-bedroom suites, with accessible accommodations available.
The elevated design makes sense in this challenging coastal environment, while the lodge’s location provides spectacular views over Florida Bay. Rooms include kitchenettes and private balconies, giving visitors considerably more comfort than a traditional campground or eco-tent.
The lodge is also home to the Flamingo Restaurant, making it a particularly appealing option for travelers who want to experience the remote beauty of the Everglades without having to prepare every meal themselves.
Backcountry Camping in the Everglades
For a completely different experience, Everglades National Park also offers backcountry camping. This is the option for travelers who want to get farther into the wilderness and spend a night surrounded by the park’s remote landscapes.
Backcountry sites are accessible by water or on foot, depending on the location, and permits are required. Campers need to be prepared for a much more off-grid experience and follow Leave No Trace practices.
One of the most distinctive features of Everglades backcountry camping is the chickee. These elevated camping platforms have roofs and are built over the water, providing a place for paddlers to spend the night while remaining above the surrounding wetlands.
Backcountry camping requires considerably more planning than staying at Long Pine Key or Flamingo Campground, but it offers an opportunity to experience the Everglades in a way few visitors ever will.
Other Lodging Near Everglades National Park
When we first explored Everglades National Park, I remember there being a hotel with a few cabins near Flamingo. Hurricane Wilma in 2005 changed that, and the original lodging was eventually closed. Today, Flamingo Lodge provides visitors with the opportunity to stay inside the park, but there are also plenty of lodging choices in the communities surrounding Everglades National Park.
For visitors who prefer a traditional hotel, Homestead and Florida City are convenient bases on the park’s northeastern side. Staying in this area also makes it easy to visit Biscayne National Park, explore the Florida Keys, or make plans for Dry Tortugas National Park.
Best Western Gateway to the Florida Keys – Homestead
We chose the Best Western Gateway to the Florida Keys for one of our visits and found it to be a comfortable base for exploring the Everglades. The hotel was only about 10 miles from the park and offered a clean, spacious room with a table and two chairs, sofa, coffeemaker, refrigerator, and microwave.
The breakfast was one of the highlights. We had scrambled eggs and bacon, toast, waffles, yogurt, fresh fruit, cereal, bagels, pastries, and plenty of fresh coffee. The staff was helpful, and after a day exploring the Everglades, the inviting pool was a welcome place to relax.
The hotel is also close to several restaurants. During our Christmas Day visit, IHOP was the only nearby restaurant we found open. Despite the crowds, both the food and service were excellent.
Everglades Adventures Inn – Everglades City
If you’re exploring the western side of Everglades National Park, Everglades City offers a very different lodging experience from Homestead and Florida City. The small community makes a convenient base for exploring the Ten Thousand Islands, taking boat tours, and accessing the Gulf Coast side of the Everglades.
We stayed at the Everglades Adventures Inn and found the room spotless, although it was on the small side. From the outside, the motel looked like a typical older Florida property, but our newly renovated room was much more comfortable and updated than the exterior suggested.
For travelers who prefer more space and privacy, vacation rentals are another option. Homes, condos, and apartments are available in communities around the park, including Homestead, Florida City, and Everglades City.
Where you stay will largely depend on which part of the Everglades you plan to explore. Homestead and Florida City are convenient for the park’s main eastern entrance and Royal Palm, while Everglades City is better suited to exploring the Gulf Coast and Ten Thousand Islands.
Make Time for Robert Is Here Fruit Stand
One of our favorite stops near the Everglades is Robert Is Here Fruit Stand. This is definitely not your ordinary roadside fruit stand, and we always make time to stop for one of their incredible smoothies.
The smoothies are freshly made with your choice of fresh fruit, and they are absolutely delicious. After grabbing your drink, take some time to explore. Kids will love the petting zoo in the back, where they can feed and interact with the animals. We enjoy sitting and watching the interactions while sipping our smoothies.
Robert Is Here also sells fresh produce, sandwiches, homemade jellies, sauces, and all kinds of other specialty foods. It’s a fun place to browse, even if you aren’t hungry.
This place is iconic for a reason. Robert Is Here isn’t simply a tourist stop—it has become a South Florida institution. If you’re visiting the Everglades from the Homestead or Florida City side, make time to stop. And definitely get a smoothie!
Planning Resources for Exploring Everglades National Park
Planning ahead makes Exploring Everglades National Park much easier. The park is enormous, so choose the areas and activities you want to experience before you arrive. Check the National Park Service Everglades planning information for current fees, hours, alerts, camping, permits, and road conditions.
Planning a boat adventure while Exploring Everglades National Park? Check Flamingo Boat Tours and Rentals and Shark Valley Tram Tours in advance, especially during busy seasons.
For nearby adventures that can complement your Exploring Everglades National Park itinerary, don’t miss our guides to Big Cypress National Preserve, Fakahatchee Strand State Park, and Collier-Seminole State Park.
Our advice: Don’t rush the Everglades. Choose a few areas to explore, slow down, and enjoy the trails, waterways, and wildlife.
Exploring Everglades National Park: What You Need to Know Before Your Visit
A little planning goes a long way when visiting Everglades National Park. Here are a few things to know before you go.
- Hours: The park is open 24 hours a day, year-round, but individual entrances and visitor centers have their own hours. Check the National Park Service before your visit.
- Entrance Fees: The current fee is $35 per private vehicle, $30 per motorcycle, or $20 per person entering on foot or by bicycle. If you’re visiting several national parks, the America the Beautiful Pass can be a great value. We purchase ours every year.
- Visitor Centers: Major visitor centers include Ernest F. Coe near Homestead, Shark Valley west of Miami, Flamingo, and the Gulf Coast area near Everglades City. Each entrance offers a different experience, and the park’s roads don’t connect internally.
- Pets: Pets are allowed in developed areas such as parking lots and campgrounds but must be leashed. They aren’t permitted on most trails, boardwalks, or wilderness areas.
- Best Time to Visit: The dry season, generally December through April, brings cooler temperatures, fewer mosquitoes, and better wildlife viewing. The wet season is hotter and stormier but brings lush scenery and fewer crowds.
What to Bring
Don’t underestimate the Florida sun. Pack a refillable water bottle, wide-brimmed hat, polarized sunglasses, comfortable hiking shoes, camera, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent. Bring plenty of water, and check park alerts before heading out.
Final Thoughts: Exploring Everglades National Park, the Fascinating River of Grass
The Everglades is a delicate ecosystem, dependent on the natural flow of water and the balance of countless interconnected plants and animals. Habitat loss, invasive species, pollution, and water-management challenges continue to affect this remarkable landscape. Spending time in the park is a reminder of just how important conservation is and why protecting the Everglades matters for future generations.
There is something incredibly peaceful about exploring the Everglades. Once you’re away from the hustle and bustle of South Florida, the landscape seems to slow everything down. The wide-open marshes, mangrove waterways, birds calling overhead, and the occasional alligator create an experience unlike anywhere else.
We’ve thoroughly enjoyed our visits to Everglades National Park, and we return to the Glades frequently. Somehow, the sight of an alligator never gets old!
If you’ve never experienced it for yourself, exploring the River of Grass is something we highly recommend. Give yourself time to slow down, look around, and appreciate this extraordinary ecosystem. You may arrive expecting to see alligators and leave with a much deeper appreciation for the entire landscape.
Have you journeyed into the River of Grass? Tell us about your Everglades experience in the comments!
