The Florida Everglades

One of the nation's
premier wildlife viewing spots

Why Visit, What To Do in Florida's Everglades

Florida’s premier preserve for wildlife viewing is Everglades National Park, the second-largest national park in the contiguous United States (after Yellowstone). However, the park makes up only a small area of the Everglades, the largest remaining subtropical wilderness in the continental United States.

Thanks to the popularity of Everglades National Park, many people believe the park is THE Everglades.

Unfortunately, it is not. Everglades National Park (1.5 million acres) and the adjoining Big Cypress National Preserve (716,000 acres) protect only about 20% of the huge area the Indians called Pahayokee,or “grassy waters.” See park map. Also check the latest park conditions for any closures following storms.

Over a million people a year visit Everglades National Park mostly for the wildlife viewing, to see the profusion of bird and animal life that is America’s equivalent of an African big game safari.

Many animals are so accustomed to seeing three-eyed humans (that third eye being a camera lens) you will be able to approach them quite closely.

Everglades National Park offers 3 entrances areas in different areas of wilderness located a good distance from each other.

The most famous section is the one closest to Miami, the Homestead main section. Flamingo is also part of the Homestead section.

Everglades Homestead Main Section The main road stretches for about 38 miles through Glades the wilderness, ending at Flamingo. All the park campgrounds are located here.

Flamingo The final destination of the Main Park Road offering boat tours, camping, fishing and hiking

Camping in the Everglades Only park camping is in the Homestead main section, at 2 locations

Everglades Shark Valley Section Accessed by a 15-mile loop road used for tram rides, biking and walking.

First Time Everglades Visitors How to make your first trip fun, not miserable. You should want to come back again.

What Makes the Everglades Unique? History and background.

How To Photograph the Everglades
Photo tips for all conditions

Everglades Hiking and Nature Trails
Everglades National Park inside and out