Everglades National Park

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Everglades National Park is one of the most unusual and ecologically significant places on the planet — the only subtropical wilderness in North America and one of only three places in the world designated simultaneously as a World Heritage Site, an International Biosphere Reserve, and a Wetland of International Importance. Established in 1934 and covering 1.5 million acres of southern Florida, the Everglades is often called a "river of grass" — a phrase coined by writer Marjory Stoneman Douglas, whose 1947 book of the same name helped save it from drainage and destruction. The river is real: a shallow, slow-moving sheet of freshwater 60 miles wide and just inches deep flows south from Lake Okeechobee through sawgrass prairies, cypress swamps, mangrove forests, and ultimately into Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. This seemingly still landscape is constantly in motion, seasonally flooded and seasonally dry, and supports an extraordinary diversity of life. The Everglades is the only place in the world where American alligators and American crocodiles naturally coexist. It is home to the critically endangered Florida panther, the West Indian manatee, and extraordinary concentrations of wading birds that once attracted hunters in the late 19th century — the resulting slaughter for feathers helped birth the modern conservation movement. Under pressure from agriculture, development, and altered hydrology, the Everglades ecosystem is smaller and more stressed than it was a century ago, but active restoration efforts are underway and the park remains wild, vast, and deeply worth experiencing.

Anhinga Trail (0.8-mile loop, Royal Palm area) is the single best short wildlife walk in the park — the elevated boardwalk passes directly over the Taylor Slough, where anhingas spread their wings to dry on branches inches from your face, alligators float motionlessly below, and purple gallinules walk on lily pads. Do not miss this trail. The Pa-hay-okee Overlook (0.25-mile boardwalk) rises above the sawgrass prairie for a wide-angle view of the "river of grass" at its most iconic. Kayaking and canoeing are exceptional throughout the park — the 99-mile Wilderness Waterway through the mangrove backcountry is a multi-day paddling route through one of the most remote river systems in the eastern US, requiring backcountry permits. Flamingo, at the park's southern tip, offers boat tours into Florida Bay and access to Cape Sable, one of the longest undeveloped beaches on the East Coast. Shark Valley, on the park's northern edge, has a 15-mile paved tram road (also excellent for cycling) looping through the sawgrass with a lookout tower halfway. Everglades City on the western coast is the gateway to the Ten Thousand Islands kayaking area.

The Everglades supports over 40 mammal species, 50 reptile species, and 360 bird species — numbers that make it one of the most biodiverse parks in the US. American alligators are so numerous along the Anhinga Trail and Shark Valley tram road that they are basically furniture; give them a respectful 15 feet. American crocodiles, smaller and more olive-colored, are found in the brackish water near Flamingo. Florida panthers are critically endangered (fewer than 200 remain) and almost never seen. Roseate spoonbills — pink, paddle-billed wading birds — are a highlight of any winter visit. West Indian manatees gather in the warm waters around Flamingo. Snook, tarpon, and bonefish make the park a world-class sport fishing destination.

Entry is $35 per vehicle (valid 7 days). The park has three main entrances: the main (Ernest F. Coe) entrance near Homestead, FL; Shark Valley on US-41 (Tamiami Trail); and Everglades City on the western coast. The dry season (November–April) is the best time to visit: wildlife concentrates around shrinking water sources, mosquitoes are manageable, and temperatures are comfortable (65–85°F). Summer (May–October) brings intense humidity, thunderstorms, and mosquitoes so thick they require full netting — experienced visitors still find it rewarding for birding. Flamingo Campground and Long Pine Key Campground are reservable at Recreation.gov.

The main park entrance is at 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead, FL — about 50 miles southwest of Miami via the Florida Turnpike south to US-1, then west on SR-9336. Miami International Airport (MIA) is approximately 50 miles north. Shark Valley is on US-41 (Tamiami Trail), 25 miles west of Miami. Everglades City (western entrance) is accessible via US-41 west, then south on FL-29 — about 75 miles west of Miami.

Mosquito repellent is non-negotiable from May through October — bring DEET-based repellent and consider a head net for dawn and dusk. Sunscreen is equally important year-round under the subtropical sun. Never approach or feed alligators, ever — it is dangerous and illegal. The park's vastness means you need to choose your entrance based on your interests: Anhinga Trail (main entrance) for wildlife; Shark Valley for cycling and panoramic views; Everglades City for paddling. Sunrise is magical in the sawgrass — light up the park in gold and the wading birds begin feeding immediately.