8 ways to get the most out of Everglades National Park

25.03.2024 - 09:47 / lonelyplanet.com / National Park

Across more than 1.5 million acres across South Florida sprawls Everglades National Park, a wonderland of marshland, sawgrass and mangroves.

Such a vast place can intimidate first-timers, and it’s hard to know where to begin. As you plan, remember that how you explore the Everglades makes all the difference. You can hike, airboat, canoe, kayak or even travel by tram here, with each experience presenting visitors with a different impression.

Which is yours? From strolling on a boardwalk above gator-filled waters to embarking on a backcountry camping adventure, here are the best things to do in Everglades National Park.

There are four entrances in total to the park, and each provides access to distinct terrains. To make the most of an Everglades trip, you should try to visit them all. Approximately 40 miles west of Miami, the Shark Valley Visitor Center is home to the famous 15-mile paved Tram Rd, a haven for bike rides, walks and (yes) tram rides; you’ll usually find alligators lounging by the side of the road. The Gulf Coast Visitor Center in Everglades City is a hub for boating excursions, providing the perfect seaside jumping-off point for exploring the Ten Thousand Islands, a wildlife refuge for thousands of water birds.

Homestead is home to two visitor centers. Royal Palm Visitor Center provides access to a number of shorter hiking trails (all under a mile), ranging from strolls under canopy trees to walks on boardwalks over the marshland. The Flamingo Visitor Center is approximately 40 miles south of Royal Palm – it’s a gateway to the mangrove-draped Florida Bay, canoe trails and the 275-pitch Flamingo Campground.

What is a chickee, you ask? In Everglades-speak, it’s a wooden platform positioned above the water where you can set up a tent; it’s like having your own little island. Most chickeesites are found near the Flamingo Visitor Center.

You’ll need a few things in addition to your camping gear, notably a backcountry camping permit (available from any park visitor center), bug repellant for the inevitable mosquitos and a canoe (as you can only reach the platforms via water). Canoes and kayaks can be rented from several spots around the park. Off the Hell’s Bay Trail are a handful of chickeesites within a 5-mile canoe jaunt, including Lard Can and Pearl Bay Chickee.

If the Everglades were to have an official vehicle, it would be the airboat (along the Tamiami Trail, you can’t miss all the “AIRBOAT TOURS” signs). These flat-bottomed boats with giant propeller fans on the back are designed to safely navigate the grass- and lily-heavy waters. 

While there are oodles of airboat operators beyond the national park’s confines, there are only three that operate within the park: Gator Park, Everglades Safari