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Everglades National Park

Designation: National Park

Location: Florida

Visit Official Park Website

📘 Park Overview

Established in 1947 as the first national park created for its biodiversity, Everglades National Park protects 1.5 million acres of wetland, forest, and marine habitats and the native plants and animals that call it home. With several international designations, the park provides a major source of drinking water for local residents of South Florida and recreational opportunities for all.

🌤 Weather Information

The climate in Florida is known to be mild and sunny.The average annual temperatures for South Florida and the Keys range from 74° to 77°F (23° to 25°C). There are two seasons at the Everglades National Park: the wet season and the dry season. The wet season runs from Mid-May to November and the dry season runs from December to mid-May.

🚗 Directions

Directions to Ernest Coe Visitor Center 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead, FL 33034 Visitors coming from the Miami area and points north should take the Florida Turnpike (Route 821) south until it ends merging with U.S. 1 at Florida City. Turn right at the first traffic light onto Palm Drive (State Road 9336/SW 344th St.) and follow the signs to the park. Visitors driving north from the Florida Keys should turn left on Palm Drive in Florida City and follow the signs to the park.

Images

A sunset creates a silhouette of a cypress tree with needle-like leaves that is shaped like an 'N'.

Cypress Tree Sunrise (2020 Photo Contest)

Credit: NPS Photo by Miguel Salas

Two canoes at Nine Mile Pond during sunset.

A meeting ground of marsh and mangrove environments. You may see alligators, wading birds, turtles, and fish.

Credit: NPS Photo

An American Alligator high walks the Anhinga Trail.

An American Alligator high walks the Anhinga Trail.

Credit: NPS Photo

Two visitors bike along the road in Shark Valley.

Biking is a great way to experience the quiet beauty of the Everglades.

Credit: NPS Photo

An aerial view of the landscape transition from Sawgrass to Florida Bay.

An aerial view of the landscape transition from Sawgrass to Florida Bay.

Credit: NPS Photo

Three tents are put up along the Long Pine Key campsite.

Long Pine Key Campground is open seasonally from November through May. It is located seven miles (11 km) from the main entrance, just off the main road.

Credit: NPS Photo

Activities

Topics

Operating Hours

Sunday
All Day
Monday
All Day
Tuesday
All Day
Wednesday
All Day
Thursday
All Day
Friday
All Day
Saturday
All Day

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle
Admits the passholder and passengers of a single vehicle or vessel. Good for 7 consecutive days at all park entrances.
$35.00
Entrance - Motorcycle
Good for 7 consecutive days at all park entrances.
$30.00
Entrance - Per Person
Good for 7 consecutive days at all park entrances. Admits one individual hiker, bicyclist, pedestrian, or human-powered paddlecraft, when not arriving in a vehicle or vessel. Individuals 15 years old and younger, are admitted free of charge.
$20.00
Entrance - Education/Academic Groups
All accredited educational and scientific institutions are eligible to receive free entrance to the park. Bringing your classroom to the park can present many unique learning opportunities and novel ways for your students to advance their studies. The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA), Public Law 108-447, provides the National Park Service statutory authority to allow “outings conducted for non-commercial educational purposes by schools or bona fide academic institutions.”
$0.00
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
A commercial tour is defined as persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced or sold for leisure recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provisions of the service. Entrance fees are charges based on the seating capacity of the vehicle. Commercial entry good for 7 days as long as its the same passenger group.
$300.00
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
A commercial tour is defined as persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced or sold for leisure recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provisions of the service. Entrance fees are charges based on the seating capacity of the vehicle. Commercial entry good for 7 days as long as its the same passenger group.
$200.00
Commercial Entrance - Van
A commercial tour is defined as persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced or sold for leisure recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provisions of the service. Entrance fees are charges based on the seating capacity of the vehicle. Commercial entry good for 7 days as long as its the same passenger group.
$125.00

Entrance Passes

Annual Entrance - Park
The Everglades Annual Pass admits the pass holder, passenger on one motorcycle, or passengers of a single vehicle or vessel to Everglades National Park.
$70.00

3-Day Weather Forecast

Sunday, Apr 26

Sunny

Sunny

High: 81.3°F | Low: 77.1°F

Humidity: 77%

Wind: 11 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 10.3

Sunrise: 06:51 AM

Sunset: 07:51 PM

Moon: Waxing Gibbous (70%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 73.6°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Monday, Apr 27

Sunny

Sunny

High: 78.5°F | Low: 76.6°F

Humidity: 75%

Wind: 9.6 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 10.7

Sunrise: 06:51 AM

Sunset: 07:51 PM

Moon: Waxing Gibbous (79%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 72.4°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Tuesday, Apr 28

Sunny

Sunny

High: 78.1°F | Low: 77.2°F

Humidity: 75%

Wind: 12.5 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 11

Sunrise: 06:50 AM

Sunset: 07:52 PM

Moon: Waxing Gibbous (87%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 72.5°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Park Alerts

Adverse Weather Conditions Danger
Multiple weather advisories have been issued for waters in Everglades National Park. A strong cold front combined with cold water is creating hazardous marine conditions. Boaters should avoid being on the water. Wind speeds of up to 45 knots are expected.
Shark Valley Entrance Delays Information
Expect long wait times to enter the Shark Valley area particularly between 10am-3pm. The Shark Valley parking lot can fill up quickly and becomes 'one car out, one car in'. We recommend arriving 1.5-2 hours early for any scheduled tram tours. Please call the visitor center at 305-221-8776 with any questions about access
Click the 'View all alerts' button below for additional park updates Park Closure
Be sure to review the ALERT page before and during your visit for additional, up-to-date information on closures, cautions, and other current park conditions.

More Info

Invasive Vegetation Removal Information
Watch for crews treating invasive plants along Snake Bight Trail, Rowdy Bend Road, and other Flamingo areas. Approved herbicides are being used. Stay alert for workers, equipment, and posted signs.
Gulf Coast canoe/kayak launch Information
Alternate launch sites for backcountry access include the Rod & Gun Club, Outdoor Resorts of Chokoloskee, and Chokoloskee Island Park and Marina. Fees at these sites vary. For more information on tours and local conditions, call (786) 758-0635.
Gulf Coast Visitor Center - under construction Information
The Marjory Stoneman Douglas Visitor Center is closed due to construction and anticipated to open winter 2026. The adjacent Gulf Coast kayak launch is open for use. Park Rangers can be found onsite or by calling (786) 758-0635
Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook Trail closed for construction until January 2026 Park Closure
The Pa-Hay-Okee boardwalk trail, tower and parking lot will be closed for a replacement project until January 2026. This is to replace aging boardwalk and tower. The road remains open as a turnaround.
Roadwork may cause delays on US 41/Tamiami Trail Caution
Current roadwork is ongoing along the park's northern boundary on US Highway 41/Tamiami Trail to raise the road for Everglades Restoration benefits. Drivers may experience up to 15-minute delays and should watch for personnel, equipment and slow downs.
For entrance fees, we accept digital passes and credit/debit cards Information
Digital passes or credit/debit cards are the ONLY method of payment at all fee collection areas. Pre-paid digital passes are available online and may be purchased in advance.

More Info

Click on "view all alerts" below for important details on accessing the park Park Closure
Construction on Tamiami Trail may cause minor delays. If you have a scheduled tour, please plan accordingly. View all alerts for more updates on current conditions in the park.
Fish cleaning station at Flamingo is temporarily closed Information
The fish cleaning station at the Flamingo marina is closed from Dec. 1 for a few weeks, while we await a new part for the grinder.
Prescribed Fire Operations - Temporary Area Restrictions Information
Temporary area restrictions are in place beginning January 29 for the Flamingo Campground (B & C Loops only), and the Coastal Prairie Trail for prescribed fire operations. Smoke may be present in the area. Area will reopen when managers deem it safe for reentry.

Park Events

(Everglades Institute) Everglades Experience: Guided Tour of Royal Palm, Nike Missile Site, and Pa-hay-okee

On this naturalist-led tour, guests travel through Everglades National Park in the Institute vehicle, beginning at the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center in Homestead, FL. The route includes stops at key locations like Royal Palm, the historic Nike Missile Site, and the scenic Pa-hay-okee Overlook. At each site, visitors enjoy a leisurely walk with interpretive talks, giving them the chance to spot Everglades wildlife like alligators and birds, while discovering the park’s unique natural treasures.

Location: Guests will meet their naturalist at the flagpole of the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center

Date: Sep 17, 2025 12:00am to Sep 17, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Florida Bay Boat Tour (Flamingo)

Take one of our daily boat tours from the Flamingo Marina! You have the choice to explore the magnificent Everglades backcountry or the beautiful Florida Bay! Venture on the water as your naturalist highlights unique plant and animal life found here and outlines the rich history of Flamingo at Everglades National Park.

Backcountry tours depart at odd hours 9 am to 3 pm.

Florida Bay tours depart at even hours from 10 am to 4 pm.

Park Rangers are present on the 12 pm Florida Bay tour; all tours feature a naturalist.

Location: Meet in the Flamingo Marina.

Date: Nov 1, 2025 12:00am to Nov 1, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Backcountry Boat Tour (Flamingo)

Take one of our daily boat tours from the Flamingo Marina! You have the choice to explore the magnificent Everglades backcountry or the beautiful Florida Bay! Venture on the water as your naturalist highlights unique plant and animal life found here and outlines the rich history of Flamingo at Everglades National Park.

Backcountry tours depart at odd hours 9 am to 3 pm.

Florida Bay tours depart at even hours from 10 am to 4 pm.

Park Rangers are present on the 12 pm Florida Bay tour; all tours feature a naturalist.

Location: Meet in the Flamingo Marina.

Date: Nov 1, 2025 12:00am to Nov 1, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Ranger's Choice! (in Flamingo)

Every day brings a new adventure with Ranger’s Choice. Join us for an engaging program where our rangers share their favorite stories, wildlife, or hidden gems of the Everglades. Ask a park ranger about today’s topics.

Location: Meet at the Guy Bradley Visitor Center.

Date: Nov 22, 2025 12:00am to Nov 22, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Paddling in Paradise (Flamingo)

On this three-hour program on Florida Bay, you will be guided by park rangers through the mangrove estuaries and marine ecosystem. You will get opportunities to experience the Everglades wilderness and its diverse habitats, animals, and human history.

This trip can be extremely strenuous! Therefore, all participants are required to be at least 16 years old. Please consider your abilities and only sign up if you are physically fit and have prior kayaking experience.

Location: The Flamingo Marina (Florida Bay side) is located about 1 hour from the park entrance in Homestead.

Date: Nov 22, 2025 12:00am to Nov 22, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Curious Critters (in Flamingo)

Learn about the fantastic fauna of Flamingo! Rangers will be in the Marina to point out any wild animals that appear. Rangers may even have a mobile museum!

Location: Meet in the Flamingo Marina.

Date: Dec 4, 2025 12:00am to Dec 4, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Everglades Forever (in Flamingo)

Everglades Forever takes you on a journey through the wonders and challenges of this unique ecosystem. Explore its wildlife, history, habitats, and conservation efforts through programs that connect Flamingo to the larger Everglades.

Location: Meet at the Guy Bradley Visitor Center

Date: Dec 15, 2025 12:00am to Dec 15, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Sunset Stroll (in Flamingo)

1 hour. Free. Meet at Guy Bradley Visitor Center.

Join a park ranger for a 0.5-mile walk to the Amphitheater for glorious views of Florida Bay. Along the way, learn about the exciting history of Flamingo and see some of the area’s famous plants and wildlife. The Guy Bradley Trail is paved, making this an easy walk.

Once at the Amphitheater, venture down the beach for the best sunset views.

This program ends at the Amphitheater, 0.5 miles from where it begins.

Location: Meets at Guy Bradley Visitor Center. Ends at Flamingo Campground Amphitheater.

Date: Jan 1, 2026 12:00am to Jan 1, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Investigating Invasives (in Flamingo)

The unique environment of the Everglades has made it susceptible to invasive species from around the globe.  Join for a discussion of these invasive species and how we can best treat them.

Location: Flamingo Campground Amphitheater

Date: Jan 1, 2026 12:00am to Jan 1, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Bay Bay-sics (in Flamingo)

Enjoy a view of the Florida Bay while learning about this unique body of water. 

Location: Flamingo Campground Amphitheater

Date: Jan 1, 2026 12:00am to Jan 1, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Visitor Center & Contacts

📍 Physical Address:
40001 State Road 9336
Homestead, FL 33034

🏤 Mailing Address:
40001 State Road 9336
Homestead, FL 33034-6733

📞 Voice Phone: 3052427700

📞 Fax Phone: 3052427728

✉️ Email: ever_information@nps.gov

Park Location


👏 Fun Fact
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