Everglades National Park Itinerary: 1 & 2-Day Guide
Everglades National Park Itinerary: 1 & 2-Day Guide
Plan Your Trip
Planning an Everglades National Park itinerary?
The park is huge—1.5 million acres—so it helps to pick one area and do it well. The easiest choice is Main Park Road, the 38-mile drive from the Homestead entrance to Flamingo on Florida Bay.
In one day you'll pass pine forests, sawgrass prairies, hardwood hammocks, and mangrove swamps, with short boardwalks at almost every stop and alligators along the way. Most visitors start from Miami, about an hour to 90 minutes north, or from nearby Homestead and Florida City.
Top Things to Do
1. Take the Everglades River of Grass Highway Driving Tour—A self-guided audio tour along Main Park Road from the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center to Flamingo.
2. Walk the Anhinga Trail—A short boardwalk at Royal Palm and one of the best places in the park to see alligators and wading birds up close.
3. Climb Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook—A raised platform with wide views of the "River of Grass."
4. Stroll Mahogany Hammock—A shaded boardwalk through a tropical forest with some of the largest mahogany trees in the country.
5. Walk the West Lake Trail—A boardwalk through a mangrove forest where alligators and crocodiles both live.
6. Go birding at Paurotis Pond and Mrazek Pond—Two of the park's best spots for wood storks, spoonbills, and egrets in the dry season.
7. Take a boat tour or paddle from Flamingo—Boat tours, kayaks, and canoes head out into Florida Bay and the backcountry.
8. Look for manatees and crocodiles at Flamingo—Walk the waterfront near the marina and the Guy Bradley Trail.
Download the Complete Travel Guide
Includes:
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✓ Complete travel guide
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✓ Printable map
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✓ One-day itinerary
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✓ Hidden gems
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✓ Travel tips
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✓ Offline access
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✓ Bonus recommendations not included on this page
Our Self Guided Tour
The Everglades River of Grass Highway Driving Tour is a GPS-triggered audio tour that follows Main Park Road from the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center to the Guy Bradley Visitor Center at Flamingo. It points out which pull-offs are worth your time and tells the stories of the Seminole people, the plume hunters, the pythons, and the people who saved this place. The drive takes about an hour without stopping, and most people spend half a day with stops.
Free Things to Do
These stops are free once you've paid the park entrance fee.
1. Anhinga and Gumbo Limbo Trails—Spot alligators and birds on two short trails at Royal Palm.
2. Pinelands Trail—Walk a short paved loop through rare pine rockland.
3. Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook—Climb the platform for views across the sawgrass.
4. Mahogany Hammock—Walk the boardwalk through a tropical hardwood forest.
5. West Lake Trail—Follow the boardwalk through the mangroves to the lake.
6. Guy Bradley Trail—Walk the waterfront path at Flamingo.
THINGS WITH ADMISSION FEES:
1. Park entrance—About $35 per private vehicle, good for seven days. Non-US residents 16 and older pay an extra $100 each. Cards only.
2. Flamingo boat tours—Guided tours of Florida Bay and the backcountry.
3. Kayak, canoe, and bike rentals—Available at Flamingo.
4. Flamingo Lodge, eco-tents, and campground—Overnight stays inside the park.
Food!
Robert Is Here Fruit Stand
A famous Homestead fruit stand known for tropical fruit milkshakes, homemade jams, and a free petting zoo.
Shiver's Bar-B-Q
A Homestead barbecue spot smoking ribs and pulled pork for more than 75 years.
Everglades Gator Grill
A casual spot a few miles from the park entrance known for grilled gator sandwiches and frog legs.
Where to Stay
Inside the Park
Flamingo Lodge, Flamingo eco-tents and campground—hotel rooms with Florida Bay views, furnished winter tents, and campsites at the end of Main Park Road. Roughly 40-300/night depending on the type of stay.
In Homestead
TownePlace Suites by Marriott, Courtyard by Marriott—modern hotels about 20 minutes from the park entrance. Roughly 120-220/night.
In Florida City
Hoosville Hostel and budget motels near the end of Florida's Turnpike—the closest town to the park entrance. Roughly 40-120/night.
1 Day Itinerary
Morning: Leave Miami early, stop at Robert Is Here for a fruit shake, then start the Everglades River of Grass Highway Driving Tour at the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center. Walk the Anhinga Trail before the crowds.
Afternoon: Drive on to Pa-Hay-Okee, Mahogany Hammock, and West Lake, then have lunch at Flamingo and look for manatees at the marina.
Evening: Drive back toward Homestead for barbecue at Shiver's, or stay the night at Flamingo.
2-DAY ITINERARY:
Day 2: Stay at Flamingo and take a morning boat tour or paddle into Florida Bay, then drive back slowly and stop at the birding ponds.
Extra Time: Visit Shark Valley, a separate park entrance off the Tamiami Trail, or continue south to the Florida Keys.
FAQ's
1. How long should my Everglades National Park itinerary be?
One full day covers Main Park Road from the Homestead entrance to Flamingo. Two days lets you add a boat tour or paddle from Flamingo.
2. When is the best time to visit the Everglades?
The dry season, from about November through April, is best. It's cooler, there are fewer mosquitoes, and wildlife gathers near the water.
3. Should I book anything ahead of time?
Yes, in the dry season. Book Flamingo boat tours, kayak rentals, eco-tents, the lodge, and campsites early. You can also buy your park pass online before you go.
4. Where do I park?
Every major stop along Main Park Road has its own free parking lot. At Royal Palm, use the free tarps and bungee cords to protect your car from vultures, which sometimes peck at rubber parts.
5. What should I bring?
Bug spray, sunscreen, a hat, and more water than you think you need. Bring snacks, too—there's very little food inside the park besides Flamingo.
6. Is there gas inside the park?
Don't count on it. Fill your tank in Homestead or Florida City before you enter.
7. Will I have cell service?
Not everywhere. Download your audio tour and maps before you leave Homestead.
8. Can I see alligators from the car?
Sometimes, especially on cool mornings when they bask near the road. The Anhinga Trail is your best bet for a close look.
9. Is the Everglades family-friendly?
Yes. Most trails are short, flat boardwalks that work well for kids and strollers.
10. Can I do the Everglades as a day trip from Miami?
Yes. The Homestead entrance is about 50 miles from Miami. Leave early so you have time to drive all the way to Flamingo and back.
Recommended Tours
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