Everglades National Park

Spanning the southern tip of the Florida peninsula and most of Florida Bay, Everglades National Park is the only subtropical preserve in North America. It contains both temperate and tropical plant communities, including sawgrass prairies, mangrove and cypress swamps, pinelands, and hardwood hammocks, as well as marine and estuarine environments. The park is known for its rich bird life, particularly large wading birds, such as the roseate spoonbill, wood stork, great blue heron and a variety of egrets. It is also the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles exist side by side.

Everglades National Park has been designated a World Heritage Site, an International Biosphere Reserve, and a Wetland of International Importance.

40001 State Road 9336
Homestead, FL 33034-6733
305-242-7700 - Visitor Information

By Plane
The closest airports are Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and Fort Myers.

By Car
Main Park Entrance and Flamingo: Visitors coming from the Miami area and points north may take the Florida Turnpike (Route 821) south until it ends, merging with U.S. 1 at Florida City. Turn right at the first traffic light onto Palm Drive (State Road 9336/SW 344th St.) and follow the signs to the park. Visitors driving north from the Florida Keys should turn left on Palm Drive in Florida City and follow the signs to the park.

Shark Valley Entrance: On Highway 41 (Tamiami Trail) 25 miles west of the Florida Turnpike exit for S.W. 8th Street. From the Naples area, take U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail) east to Shark Valley.

Gulf Coast: 5 miles south of Highway 41 (Tamiami Trail) on Highway 29, south of Everglades City.

Chekika: 6 miles west of Krome Avenue (State Road 997/SW 177th Ave.) on 168th Street.

By Plane
None.

Getting Around
The park may be explored by personal vehicle, commercial tour bus, bicycle, motor boat, or canoe.

The Everglades is mild and pleasant from December through April, though rare cold fronts may create near freezing conditions.

Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures around 90 degrees (32(c2)(b0)C) and humidity over 90%. Afternoon thunderstorms are common and mosquitoes are abundant.

The Atlantic Hurricane Season is June-November. Tropical storms or hurricanes may affect the area.

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Biking
• Boating
• Camping
• Educational Programs
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Wilderness Area
• Bird Watching
• Nature Walks

Recommended Activities
Ranger led walks and talks are offered year-round from the Royal Palm Visitor Center west of the main entrance,and at Flamingo, Shark Valley, and Gulf Coast during the winter months.

Boat tours are available year-round at Flamingo and Gulf Coast. For information and reservations, call Flamingo Lodge Boat Tours at 941-695-3101, or Everglades National Park Boat Tours at 941-695-2591.

Tram tours are available at Shark Valley year round; call 305-221-8455 for information and reservations.

Educational programs may also be arranged. Everglades National Park sponsors on-site curriculum-based education programs for local 4th, 5th, and 6th graders. Participation in these programs is by advance reservation, and teachers are required to attend training workshops before bringing their class to the park. To obtain information about ranger-led education programs, call the Everglades Environmental Education Office at 305-242-7753.

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