The Everglades starts about 45 minutes from downtown Miami, and most locals have never really explored it. Pick one side for the day: the Tamiami Trail (US-41) for Shark Valley and airboats, or Homestead for the main park road to Flamingo. Here is how to do each.
When to go
The dry season, roughly December through April, is the best time. Wildlife crowds around the water that’s left, the mosquitoes ease up, and the heat is bearable. In summer, go early, bring bug spray, and expect afternoon storms.
Option 1: Tamiami Trail (west of Miami)
- Shark Valley, Everglades National Park. A 15-mile paved loop through the sawgrass with an observation tower at the halfway point. Take the two-hour tram tour, or rent a bike and ride it yourself. Alligators sun right beside the path.
- An airboat ride. Airboats run from private operators along US-41 outside the national park, including Coopertown, Gator Park and Everglades Safari Park. Most rides are 30 to 60 minutes, and many include a gator show.
- Big Cypress National Preserve. Keep driving west for cypress swamp scenery. Stop at the Oasis Visitor Center boardwalk to look for gators in the canal, and at Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery for his famous black and white swamp photos.
- Ochopee Post Office. Known as the smallest post office in the country. A quick, quirky photo stop.
Option 2: Homestead and the main park road
- Robert Is Here, Homestead. The legendary fruit stand. Get a fresh fruit milkshake (key lime, mamey or strawberry) before you head into the park.
- Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center. The main park entrance. Grab a map and ask the rangers what wildlife has been spotted lately.
- Anhinga Trail, Royal Palm area. A short, easy boardwalk that might be the best wildlife walk in South Florida. Alligators, turtles, herons and anhingas drying their wings, often just feet away.
- Pa-hay-okee Overlook and Mahogany Hammock. Two short boardwalks along the road to Flamingo. One looks out over the “river of grass,” the other winds through a hardwood hammock.
- Flamingo. The end of the road, on Florida Bay. Look for manatees and crocodiles around the marina, and rent a canoe or kayak if you have time.
Tips
- The national park charges $35 per vehicle, good for 7 days at every entrance. An annual national parks pass covers it too.
- Gas up and bring water and snacks. There is very little out there once you pass Homestead or Krome Avenue.
- Keep your distance from alligators, and never feed wildlife. It’s illegal and dangerous.
- Make it a loop: Option 2 pairs well with a Keys detour, since Florida City is the gateway to both.
Further reading
- Everglades National Park (National Park Service)
- Entrance fees and passes
- Shark Valley Visitor Center
- Shark Valley Tram Tours
- Royal Palm and the Anhinga Trail
- Flamingo (Guy Bradley Visitor Center)
- Big Cypress National Preserve
- Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery
- Robert Is Here
- Coopertown Airboats
- Gator Park
- Everglades Safari Park
Hours, prices and tour times change. Check the National Park Service site and each operator before you go.