Think America’s largest wilderness area is out West? Think again. Everglades National Park in Florida is an enormous natural wonder that stretches across 1.5 million acres — and it’s unlike anywhere else you’ve ever visited.
No where else in the world do alligators and crocodiles coexist in one wild habitat. Stretching off to the horizon is a sea of endless wetlands filled with wildlife and unspoiled nature. So singular is Everglades National Park that it is not only a United States national park — it’s a World Heritage Site and an international nature reserve, too.
Why Everglades National Park Is Unlike Anywhere Else
Unlike mountains, canyons or deserts, Everglades National Park is a place of water. Mangrove tunnels, open bays, sawgrass marshes and hidden islands: This park is best explored by water. The wild silence, broken only by bird calls or the splash of fish, is part of its appeal.
The Everglades is also the only U.S. national park established to protect wildlife and biodiversity. Its distinct mission is palpable the moment entering the park — to allow nature to thrive in its pure form.
When to Visit Everglades National Park
The park metamorphosizes so drastically with the seasons:
December to April: Cooler temperatures, fewer mosquitoes and the greatest chance of spotting wildlife. Expect more visitors.
May to November Hot and wet, but the park is greener and quieter, perfect for boating and paddling.
Pro tip: Late November or make it April for great weather with less of the crowds.
17 Things You Can’t Miss in Everglades National Park
There are plenty of adventures in this huge wilderness:
Drive and walk the Homestead region to witness alligators just minutes away, or for door-to-door service, shuttle packages are available.
Hop aboard the Shark Valley tram for an up-close view of wildlife without getting out of your seat.
For a real Everglades thrill, hop on an air boat tour.
Paddle among mangroves at Flamingo and Florida Bay.
Cruise the Ten Thousand Islands, a lagoon network only accessible by boat.
Whether you enjoy slower exploration or high-speed adventure, Everglades National Park has something unforgettable for every guest.
Wildlife Encounters You’ll Remember
The only place in which certain animals can be found is the Everglades National Park. You can spot:
Both alligators and crocodiles in the same waters
Gentle manatees swimming near shore
Turtles sunning on logs
Uncommon birds such as herons, egrets and roseate spoonbills
The ghostly Florida panther lurking in the marshes
Bird-watchers in particular will find plent of Excitement in Everglades National Park during winter migration season, when tens of thousand of species flock to its wetlands. It’s one of the top bird-watching spots in the U.S.
Where to Stay in Everglades National Park
Whether it’s camping under the stars or unique lodges, stay in Everglades National Park to get the most from your visit:
Flamingo Lodge: For water trails and wildlife, stay inside the park.
STAY Camping: Pitch your tent under shining stars for a real wilderness experience.
Glamping or Floating Houseboats: This way, you get all the comfort but stay close to nature.
Camping in the park for a night or two offers you the opportunity to watch sunrise and sunset over the wetlands, when light transforms so much of the Everglades into a magical golden world.
Why You Need to Put Everglades National Park on Your Bucket List
Raw. Untamed. Beautiful.
The Everglades National Park is more than your typical national park — it’s an entire living ecosystem. There is a story of survival and adaptation behind every foot in the wetlands.It has life at its rawest. Whether you want to scan for wildlife, paddle tranquil waterways or simply surrender to the beauty of nature, the Everglades delivers one of a kind experiences.
The park serves as a reminder to visitors how stunning and fragile nature can be. When you go to the park, it’s more than just sightseeing; it’s an education in conservation and for the value of protecting wild places on this earth.
If you’re a fan of peaceful waters, exotic wildlife and natural beauty, Everglades National Park in Florida is calling your name. It’s where adventure, peace and wonder converge — and it’s calling for you to come see.