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Flocks of white ibis roost in tangled mangroves.
Marshmallow clouds reflect upon a blue bay.
Expansive sawgrass prairies dance in the coastal wind.
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In this guide, well help you prepare for your next trip to Floridas River of Grass.
you’re free to also use an interagency annual pass to enter.
Visitor centers and entrance stations have set operating hours, but the park remains open 24/7.
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Due to the wetland terrain of the park, these three entrances are not connected.
You wont be able to enter the park in one region and drive through it to the others.
Therefore, its best to pick one region per day to explore in depth.
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As such, there are currently no set hours for the location.
Its located along the relatively remote, two-lane Tamiami Trail (U.S. Highway 41) between Miami and Naples.
This region of the park is best for visitors wanting to explore on foot or bicycle.
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This region of the park offers opportunities for exploring both on the water and by foot.
The Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center is located just after the park entrance.
It includes a bookstore, educational displays, andpark information.
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When To Visit
There are two seasons in Everglades National Park: wet and dry.
While you might visit the park during either season, each has pros and cons.
It offers awarm winter escapeand is when the park sees its largest variety of birds.
There are also limited options for ranger-led programs during these months, though local guiding services continue to operate.
Where To Stay
There is plenty of lodging close to Everglades National Park.
you could learn more and reserve a campsiteon their website.
Flamingo Adventures also offershouseboatsandeco-tentsnear the Flamingo Marina for a glamping experience in the park.
Checkthe parks websitefor critical information about planning a backcountry trip.
Rates range from $159 to $399 per night.
you’ve got the option to make a reservation on theFlamingo Adventures website.
Well-known hotel chains can be found in Naples, Miami, Homestead, and other nearby cities.
Homestead has a variety of restaurants available, such asYardie Spice Jamaican & HaitianandWhite Lion Cafe.
It typically has a food truck in its picnic-area-meets-zoo behind the establishment.
Everglades City is also ripe with local dining options.
Grab a tastyCubanbreakfast atHavAnnA Cafeand plan for fresh grouper tacos for dinner atCamellia Street Grill.
Getting on the water in the park is a great way to experience its landscape.
The Homestead side of the park offers access to Florida Bay, the Buttonwood Canal, and Whitewater Bay.
you’re able to learn more about eachon the parks website.
If youre staying at Ivey House or Hoosville Hostel, both offer these services.
you’re able to also check outEverglades Florida Adventuresin Everglades City andFlamingo Adventureson the Homestead side.
you’re able to access these options from the Shark Valley Visitor Center and the Homestead entrance.
The trail is excellent for wildlife viewing.
There are bike rentals onsite and a tram tour that lasts about two hours.
you’ve got the option to reserve both in advance fromShark Valley Tram Tours, Inc.
The Homestead end of the park has some of the best boardwalks and hiking trails.
Right next door is the popularAnhinga Trail.
This 0.8-mile hike follows a boardwalk through a sawgrass marsh.
you could find additional hiking trail options onthe parks website.
