Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park
4.5
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- Aaron GLos Angeles, California346 contributionsGo, but the iconic Everglades imagery you see on TV & online is actually in Big Cypruss National Preserve to the northMake no mistake: The Everglades are amazing. But if you go, you'll see that the Everglades themselves extend well outside of Everglades National Park. While it's great that so much of the Everglades are federally protected, we found that the really amazing stuff - the airboat tours, the mangrove tunnels, the wildlife, was actually in the Big Cypruss National Preserve to the north of the national park. The National Park itself is fine, especially if you have kids, but there was nothing we saw on the tram tour that we didn't see on the much more extensive airboat and kayak tours we took up in Big Cypruss Preserve.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 February 2024
- Faune Cavins SchmeelkAlbuquerque, New Mexico11 contributionsMagnificent BeautyEven more beautiful than I could have imagined. It is not a worthless swamp land by any means! The water is clear, birds such as the Purple Gallinule, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Great Blue Heron, Osprey and Snail Kite are all here. There are also Manatees, alligators and crocodiles. The trails are pretty short (one mile or less), but are all unique.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 March 2024
- MelissacofHertford, North Carolina29 contributionsAmazing ecosystems!To appreciate this National Park, you have to have an understanding about the incredible ecosystems in the Everglades. Do some reading ahead of your visit, and make sure to avail yourself of the park rangers and naturalists for interesting and informative experiences. The Shark Valley tram tour and Flamingo Adventures boat tour were both excellent.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 13 April 2024
- lmorgan138Dayton, Ohio419 contributionsVery Nice DriveI had been through the top of the Everglades years ago. This time I went down to the southern part of the park all the way to the Flamingo Visitor Center. We didn't really see any alligators but we did get an entertaining show of the pelicans swooping into the bay trying to catch fish. We also saw beautiful birds on some of the lakes. It was a nice drive down. Chalk another national park off my list!Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 16 April 2024
- JDSouiTampa, Florida7,013 contributionsScenery and Wildlife All AroundHad an enjoyable day at the park with scenic views. The drive in from the west (from Naples) at sunrise on highway 41 was amazing. The highway runs on the north side of the park offering a great view while driving. There are various locations to hike and stop if one desires. There are walks to view different parts of the park with wonderful views. There was wildlife on the side of the road from turtles to alligators. At different stops there were Osprey and different types of flamingos. Overall a fabulous time at the park and will plan on visiting again.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 23 April 2024
- Chris L959 contributionsGreat National Park ExperienceThis is another great national park and a great way to escape the city life of Miami if in Florida. It is just a short drive from the city but you will feel like you are in a whole different world. It is peaceful and quiet with plenty of wildlife and wetlands to see. They have a great visitor center with very helpful rangers.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 13 June 2024
- riad el ghaliTangier, Morocco169 contributionsNature is scary!We opted for a transport option from miami, with hovercraft tour and we didn’t regret: it’s adrenaline guaranteed, and hopefully an alligator will come near your hydro (it was our case) , it was nice weather . Impec souvenir area (I bought a mini alligator skull ), we attended a show with alligators In short it is a mustVisited November 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 23 July 2024
- Melinda DEnglewood, New Jersey370 contributionsPeaceful little traveled road to Flamingo ranger stationSpent the afternoon driving from Florida City to Flamingo Visitor center - wonderful scenic road that we pretty much had to ourselves the entire time. Stopped numerous times to view the fauna and wildlife - so many birds!! Lovely way to see the southern part of the park. Stopped in at the new “container” hotel at end and spoke to very knowledgeable staff about the offerings of the area including the glamping tents, container hotel, house boats and the restaurant.Visited September 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 September 2024
- Dreamer81898315 contributionsEverglades COOL and HUGEEverglades national park is HUGE. Several visitor centers: homestead main entry, flamingo entry, shark valley entry, gulf coast visitor center. We did shark valley air boat tour and bike ride. Bike needs to be reserved in advance. Homestead main entry has a lot of trail options, you can see different ecosystems in different trail. From seaside to forest then to sea side, between each trail, driving 30minutes to 1 hour. It is so cool. I want to go back to do back country boat at flamingo and drive across from west FL to east FL to explore everglade and national forest. I will stay near homestead instead for the next trip.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 10 December 2024
- FoodieWineFunVancouver, Washington77 contributionsEasy way to experience Florida Everglades up closeThis national park is just an hour west of Miami, and easily accessible by car. When we arrived there was a line of cars at the entrance, as parking is limited and they have to wait for cars to leave, in order to admit new cars. But it was manageable, and it turned out to be worth the wait. The Visitor Center was very interesting, and we opted for one of the frequent tram tours, which is the best way to see much of the park in a couple of hours. The guide was very knowledgeable about nature, the trees and other flora, and of course the animals. We saw many alligators up close, from the safety of the tram. The tram follows a loop road built by the military decades ago, and turns around at a nice landmark/viewpoint, where you can get off and take photos. This is a very interesting and user-friendly way to see the Everglades. The previous day we went to an air-boat tour in another part of S. Florida, but liked this National Park experience much better.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 December 2024
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4.5
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mrc282
World9,689 contributions
Nov 2022
Went on a trifecta visit to FL national parks in Nov 2022.
1) Everglades NP (1.5 days)
2) Biscayne NP (0.5 day)
3) Dry Tortugas NP (0.5 day)
EVERGLADES NP
The drive along the Tamiami Trail (US 41) and offshoot roads takes 1 full day. Interesting sites include Shark Valley, Loop Road Scenic Drive, and Turner River-Upper Wagonwheel-Birdon Road Loop Drive, and Ochopee downtown post office.
The drive on SR 9336 to Flamingo Visitor Center and surroundings takes 0.5 day. The Anhinga Trail is probably the most popular boardwalk here, and the Coastal Prairie Trail is also worth considering in later winter months when the bug situation is under control. Two notable animals that can be spotted easily in the southern reaches of the park are manatees and crocodiles. Manatees are frolicking at the Flamingo boat harbor. Crocodiles require brackish water as habitat and therefore are more commonly found in coastal region where there is a mix of salt and freshwater. I believe Everglades is the only place in the world where crocodiles and alligators co-exist. The Nine Mile Pond is a popular place to find both reptiles.
Overall, I recommend visiting Everglades in Jan/Feb instead of Nov for more optimal wildlife viewing. Temperature will be more pleasant. There will also be fewer bugs, although it was minimal in Nov. But the most important reason is because by Jan/Feb, the water from summer months would have receded enough from the prairie, forcing some of the fishes to be trapped at mud puddles, and attracting alligators and a slew of other animals to remaining water sources. Shallow water also makes it easier to spot alligators and their babies because of the murky water. If you visit anytime earlier than that, there will be some trails that are not passable because of standing water.
Having said that, I still spot the aforementioned wildlife in addition to a variety of birds including anhinga, egrets, herons, etc. So it was still a productive trip.
1) Everglades NP (1.5 days)
2) Biscayne NP (0.5 day)
3) Dry Tortugas NP (0.5 day)
EVERGLADES NP
The drive along the Tamiami Trail (US 41) and offshoot roads takes 1 full day. Interesting sites include Shark Valley, Loop Road Scenic Drive, and Turner River-Upper Wagonwheel-Birdon Road Loop Drive, and Ochopee downtown post office.
The drive on SR 9336 to Flamingo Visitor Center and surroundings takes 0.5 day. The Anhinga Trail is probably the most popular boardwalk here, and the Coastal Prairie Trail is also worth considering in later winter months when the bug situation is under control. Two notable animals that can be spotted easily in the southern reaches of the park are manatees and crocodiles. Manatees are frolicking at the Flamingo boat harbor. Crocodiles require brackish water as habitat and therefore are more commonly found in coastal region where there is a mix of salt and freshwater. I believe Everglades is the only place in the world where crocodiles and alligators co-exist. The Nine Mile Pond is a popular place to find both reptiles.
Overall, I recommend visiting Everglades in Jan/Feb instead of Nov for more optimal wildlife viewing. Temperature will be more pleasant. There will also be fewer bugs, although it was minimal in Nov. But the most important reason is because by Jan/Feb, the water from summer months would have receded enough from the prairie, forcing some of the fishes to be trapped at mud puddles, and attracting alligators and a slew of other animals to remaining water sources. Shallow water also makes it easier to spot alligators and their babies because of the murky water. If you visit anytime earlier than that, there will be some trails that are not passable because of standing water.
Having said that, I still spot the aforementioned wildlife in addition to a variety of birds including anhinga, egrets, herons, etc. So it was still a productive trip.
Written 29 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
theoljohnnyboy
New Florence, PA1,590 contributions
Mar 2022
My wife and i visited today, March 30 and the everglades was more than i expected. The park was almost completely empty, it was really terrific. The rangers were very helpful and gave us great suggestions. The Anhinga Trail loop was possibly the best part. The ranger told us that it is like an aquarium and he was spot on. We could see over a dozen fish at a time in some spots, as well as herons, a turtle and 4 gators. This hike as well as pine lands, Pay-hay-okee overlook, mahogany hammock and west lake are all short trails that are less than 1/2 mile. All offer diverse ecosystems and different features. The flamingo visitor center appears to just be temporary as a new structure is being worked on. At the nearby marina we saw manatees popping up now and then. We were told that between May and the fall the mosquitoes are vicious. Sorry i cannot speak much for the northern end of the park. We made the most of our one day here!
Written 30 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ana Maria Ramos
San Francisco, CA11 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
The place is amazing and the staff too. We had a show first and the guy was insanely fun. Then we went to get our group photo and a solo photo with a baby alligator. Remember to bring the flyer that days two free photis $20 value in order to get your two free photos. Otherwise, you might get one for free or pay for it. Then we went to our tour with the amazing CAPTAIN! BABY DACE He definitely made our tour fun, unique and educational. Our tour was on July 11th 2023 and we booked with Big Bus company.
Written 11 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephanie S
70 contributions
Dec 2020 • Couples
The Everglades are beautiful. It is definitely a sight to be seen! Many of the trail were flooded during our visit and some not well kept. Surely this is due to COVID.
What was most heartbreaking to me was that there is a 55mph highway built right through the middle of the park. Seriously people passing at over 60 mph. At dusk and night wildlife is killed at an alarming rate!
We were pulled over by the park ranger because we stopped to ensure wildlife got across the road. He advised us that it is just nature for them to get killed and not to be concerned and absolutely do not help wildlife across the road or you will be fined. Regardless of if you are helping them. You are “disrupting” the wildlife. You, NPS , have disrupted the wildlife by building a highway through their home!
While driving one day we saw a camper van make a quick U-turn, roll down his window and start waving at the oncoming cars to stop. At 55 mph, it is tough to make that quick of a reaction. That man hit and killed a beautiful rattlesnake crossing the road. The man behind him further decimated the snake. This was just one examples of TONS of wildlife killed in our 3 days in the Everglades. Visitors fly past alligators on the side of the road at 60mph never even noticing them sitting there.
Well, NPS, you should be ashamed. Ashamed that you are killing off the wildlife in the Everglades at an alarming rate for the convenience of a few who just want to get to Flamingo a little quicker. Even Big Cypress lowers its speed limit at night. Why not at least attempt to save the wildlife from our industrialization!?
What was most heartbreaking to me was that there is a 55mph highway built right through the middle of the park. Seriously people passing at over 60 mph. At dusk and night wildlife is killed at an alarming rate!
We were pulled over by the park ranger because we stopped to ensure wildlife got across the road. He advised us that it is just nature for them to get killed and not to be concerned and absolutely do not help wildlife across the road or you will be fined. Regardless of if you are helping them. You are “disrupting” the wildlife. You, NPS , have disrupted the wildlife by building a highway through their home!
While driving one day we saw a camper van make a quick U-turn, roll down his window and start waving at the oncoming cars to stop. At 55 mph, it is tough to make that quick of a reaction. That man hit and killed a beautiful rattlesnake crossing the road. The man behind him further decimated the snake. This was just one examples of TONS of wildlife killed in our 3 days in the Everglades. Visitors fly past alligators on the side of the road at 60mph never even noticing them sitting there.
Well, NPS, you should be ashamed. Ashamed that you are killing off the wildlife in the Everglades at an alarming rate for the convenience of a few who just want to get to Flamingo a little quicker. Even Big Cypress lowers its speed limit at night. Why not at least attempt to save the wildlife from our industrialization!?
Written 12 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rosaPDX13
Portland, OR300 contributions
Mar 2023
What a pleasant surprise! The anhinga trail close to the entrance is a must! gators moving so slow, the anhingas spreading their wings, and to sit on the boardwalk on that marshy lake and just hear all the noises (bird calls, gator snaps, fish in the water, turtles eating flowers) - wow.
best to go at sunset!
best to go at sunset!
Written 18 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Boricua_Globetrotter
Fort Walton Beach, FL498 contributions
Nov 2022
On our way back from Miami decided to take Alligator Alley but not via I-75, we took 41 instead. Best decision ever. Hard to explain the feeling of driving thru the Everglades and experience this magnificent National Park (Treasure). The views, the breeze, the smells, the calmness, the fauna, the flora...and the still quietness away from the Big City rush (we needed that) make this detour a total win. Put it on your Bucket List!
Written 24 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
skye b
Clemson, SC303 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
We hiked, boated and saw all kinds of animals. Do the boat tour to see the animals for sure but food services in the park are horrible. If you expect services like in a Yellowstone, you will be VERY disappointed. This is a huge park but very primitive services and does need to improve to capture a larger crowd who actually can stay the day or more in the park comfortably. Regardless, saw gators, crocks, manatee and lots of birds, so it still gets 4 stars.
Written 17 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Megan M
Voorhees, NJ5 contributions
Jan 2023 • Friends
We were in Miami beach & I called to see how long bus ride was from meeting point at Lincoln & the person on phone said 30-40 minutes. Bus ride was an hr & half. Bus also left late @30 minutes. The advertised an hr airboat ride & it was more like 40 minutes. Saw more gators on the bus than on airboat.
Written 22 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RJB1215
Fort Lauderdale, FL3,389 contributions
Jan 2022 • Friends
We ventured to Everglades National Park this week and enjoyed our experience BUT was disappointed with the lack of scenery and expected wildlife experience. Perhaps we ventured into the wrong trails, but Long Pine Key, Snake Bight and Pinelands Trails were boring and has very little wildlife and scenery. Bringing bikes would have been our choice, but it was a last minute jaunt. The park is filled with various animals and walking trails. We will be prepared next time with bikes and make sure to see more interesting trails and areas within the park. Flamingo was very disappointing. They had a food truck and an area to rent kayaks. One can also take a guided boat tour for $40 (90 minutes, which looked like a tourist trap). Overall I’d go back, but avoid the boring trails and select more scenic areas if possible.
Written 1 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Isaiah P
Kentucky213 contributions
Jun 2020 • Couples
My wife and I drove through the park with expectations of going to the visitors centers and taking a tour to see the alligators. Right off the bat we found that all visitor centers are closed due to COVID 19 regulations but were provided a discount code for ordering our patches online which was nice. We found that driving through the park alligators can be visible from the road in the water so we decided not to pay for a tour. Overall worth the drive through if nothing else. Recommended highly.
Written 27 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
You asked a few months ago, so not sure if my answer is relevant now. It does also depend on what areas of the park you want to visit. We stayed in Florida City and found many motels and hotels in the area. We liked Fairway Inn. It was economical, but had everything a larger chain would have. (iron, ironing board, hair dryer, toiletries, etc.) Housekeeping worked hard! It is right near the Flamingo entrance to the park. We also found the hotel near enough to visit the Shark Valley area (about an hour). Keep in mind the park also then extends out to the Gulf Coast. (approx. another hour west)
Written 28 June 2021
What airboat operators go into the everglades national park?
Written 3 October 2020
A Tripadvisor member
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Are there coyotes, foxes, otters, or bears over there? If so, how can they be best spotted?
Written 9 August 2020
We didn’t see any either, mainly birds and alligators.
Written 11 August 2020
We have visited the Anhinga Trail twice. One time there were lots of gators and birds, the next time, hardly any. Does anyone know, what it is like now? We are planning to visit, Sat Feb 22. Thanks
Written 19 February 2020
Thanks for the reply. We went yesterday. We saw 4 gators, and a few birds. Got some good photos.
Written 23 February 2020
Considering the ranger led canoe trip at Nine Mile Pond and just want a bit of info about the wildlife. Obviously possible to see Allgators/Crocs.. is it most likely you’ll see them in pond areas not in the tight mangroves? More importantly, can anyone attest to whether there were spiders/how large along the trail? Really want to do this program just need to be put at ease a bit with some more info so I know what to expect! Thanks.
Written 10 January 2020
I don't have experience with those areas. I would guess the ranger led trip is safe. Probably alligators only in the ponds. I have never seen large spiders here. There was a 5 foot water mocassin sunning in our campsite yesterday so you do need to be careful and pay attention where to step. Wear long pants, a long sleeve shirt, and boots if possible.
Written 13 January 2020
We are a huge National Park family and can never coordinate our schedules for an Everglades visit except during the summer (when you're NOT supposed to go). Can anyone who's been there offer us some tips for our visit in late July/early August? What is best to see and do without being completely eaten alive by the bugs or wilted by the heat and humidity? Thanks for your thoughts and advice!
Written 16 July 2019
We had two days there in June this year which was pretty hot & sticky and, unexpectedly, bugs weren't a great problem (we did use repellant). To be fair though we didn't do any kayaking or trekking deep into the mangroves. We spent a day driving the circuit from the Coe Visitor Centre and stopping for short hikes at the various designated areas and then took an airboat ride. The Anhinga Trail was great for spotting gators and turtles and the coastline at the end of the road by the campsite after the Flamingo Visitor Centre is glorious. The boat ride from Flamingo is pretty but we saw no wildlife. We used Evergaldes Nature Tours for the airboat ride and took a semi-private tour which is a bit more expensive but means you're not on there with masses of other tourists. The boats only seat 6 people and, luckily for us, we were the only ones booked on that morning so got a private tour by default. We took the 8:00 am tour to avoid the worst of the heat and saw 3 gators plus turtles and a whole load of birds. The driver/guide was a really nice guy and very informative. We stayed at the Travelodge by Wyndham in Florida City which was pretty good.
Written 18 July 2019
The photos include pictures of shark valley. How far is shark valley from the actually park where the boat and air boat rides are?
Written 24 April 2019
On the way from Miami you will past several possibilities to do a boat ride!
Written 2 May 2019
wondering what to wear , we will be going next week
Written 18 June 2018
I would suggest you wear light-colored and fast-drying clothes. Clothes made out of synthetic materials dry a lot faster than cotton clothes. My family and I also did a tour with Garl’s Coastal Kayaking (agree with stowtraveller, Garl’s Coastal Kayaking is awesome!). Even if you don't do slough slog, fast-drying clothes would still make you feel more comfortable when you sweat.
Written 20 June 2018
williambryce2017
Houston, Texas
Angie, Your reviews are simply the best! Because of your awesome review and the pictures you posted and sent, last week, we took a week long paddle (well 5 days) including camping and fishing just like you said. It was HOT! But we prepared and had a great time. Now we are in the Keys at the Courtyard and then staying at the Marriott. Thank you for all the great information and for the awesome pics. Although all of your reviews are awesome, the Everglades review was simply the best. Probably because of the pics! Bill
Written 24 June 2017
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