Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park
4.5
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- Greg GAustin, Texas515 contributionsVery interesting Everglades experienceThis is a good 1-2 day adventure. We did an air boat ride on the morning and then visited the Ernest F Coe visitors center, the Flamingo visitors center and walked Anhingas and Gumbo Limbo trail at Royal Palm. Mohagany hammock also a good stroll.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 26, 2023
- Aaron GLos Angeles, California345 contributionsGo, but the iconic Everglades imagery you see on TV & online is actually in Big Cypruss National Preserve to the northMake no mistake: The Everglades are amazing. But if you go, you'll see that the Everglades themselves extend well outside of Everglades National Park. While it's great that so much of the Everglades are federally protected, we found that the really amazing stuff - the airboat tours, the mangrove tunnels, the wildlife, was actually in the Big Cypruss National Preserve to the north of the national park. The National Park itself is fine, especially if you have kids, but there was nothing we saw on the tram tour that we didn't see on the much more extensive airboat and kayak tours we took up in Big Cypruss Preserve.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 18, 2024
- Faune Cavins SchmeelkAlbuquerque, New Mexico11 contributionsMagnificent BeautyEven more beautiful than I could have imagined. It is not a worthless swamp land by any means! The water is clear, birds such as the Purple Gallinule, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Great Blue Heron, Osprey and Snail Kite are all here. There are also Manatees, alligators and crocodiles. The trails are pretty short (one mile or less), but are all unique.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 6, 2024
- MelissacofHertford, North Carolina29 contributionsAmazing ecosystems!To appreciate this National Park, you have to have an understanding about the incredible ecosystems in the Everglades. Do some reading ahead of your visit, and make sure to avail yourself of the park rangers and naturalists for interesting and informative experiences. The Shark Valley tram tour and Flamingo Adventures boat tour were both excellent.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 13, 2024
- lmorgan138Dayton, Ohio419 contributionsVery Nice DriveI had been through the top of the Everglades years ago. This time I went down to the southern part of the park all the way to the Flamingo Visitor Center. We didn't really see any alligators but we did get an entertaining show of the pelicans swooping into the bay trying to catch fish. We also saw beautiful birds on some of the lakes. It was a nice drive down. Chalk another national park off my list!Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 16, 2024
- JDSouiTampa, Florida6,790 contributionsScenery and Wildlife All AroundHad an enjoyable day at the park with scenic views. The drive in from the west (from Naples) at sunrise on highway 41 was amazing. The highway runs on the north side of the park offering a great view while driving. There are various locations to hike and stop if one desires. There are walks to view different parts of the park with wonderful views. There was wildlife on the side of the road from turtles to alligators. At different stops there were Osprey and different types of flamingos. Overall a fabulous time at the park and will plan on visiting again.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 23, 2024
- Chris L902 contributionsGreat National Park ExperienceThis is another great national park and a great way to escape the city life of Miami if in Florida. It is just a short drive from the city but you will feel like you are in a whole different world. It is peaceful and quiet with plenty of wildlife and wetlands to see. They have a great visitor center with very helpful rangers.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 13, 2024
- Melinda DEnglewood, New Jersey345 contributionsPeaceful little traveled road to Flamingo ranger stationSpent the afternoon driving from Florida City to Flamingo Visitor center - wonderful scenic road that we pretty much had to ourselves the entire time. Stopped numerous times to view the fauna and wildlife - so many birds!! Lovely way to see the southern part of the park. Stopped in at the new “container” hotel at end and spoke to very knowledgeable staff about the offerings of the area including the glamping tents, container hotel, house boats and the restaurant.Visited September 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 19, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Stephanie S
70 contributions
Dec 2020 • Couples
The Everglades are beautiful. It is definitely a sight to be seen! Many of the trail were flooded during our visit and some not well kept. Surely this is due to COVID.
What was most heartbreaking to me was that there is a 55mph highway built right through the middle of the park. Seriously people passing at over 60 mph. At dusk and night wildlife is killed at an alarming rate!
We were pulled over by the park ranger because we stopped to ensure wildlife got across the road. He advised us that it is just nature for them to get killed and not to be concerned and absolutely do not help wildlife across the road or you will be fined. Regardless of if you are helping them. You are “disrupting” the wildlife. You, NPS , have disrupted the wildlife by building a highway through their home!
While driving one day we saw a camper van make a quick U-turn, roll down his window and start waving at the oncoming cars to stop. At 55 mph, it is tough to make that quick of a reaction. That man hit and killed a beautiful rattlesnake crossing the road. The man behind him further decimated the snake. This was just one examples of TONS of wildlife killed in our 3 days in the Everglades. Visitors fly past alligators on the side of the road at 60mph never even noticing them sitting there.
Well, NPS, you should be ashamed. Ashamed that you are killing off the wildlife in the Everglades at an alarming rate for the convenience of a few who just want to get to Flamingo a little quicker. Even Big Cypress lowers its speed limit at night. Why not at least attempt to save the wildlife from our industrialization!?
What was most heartbreaking to me was that there is a 55mph highway built right through the middle of the park. Seriously people passing at over 60 mph. At dusk and night wildlife is killed at an alarming rate!
We were pulled over by the park ranger because we stopped to ensure wildlife got across the road. He advised us that it is just nature for them to get killed and not to be concerned and absolutely do not help wildlife across the road or you will be fined. Regardless of if you are helping them. You are “disrupting” the wildlife. You, NPS , have disrupted the wildlife by building a highway through their home!
While driving one day we saw a camper van make a quick U-turn, roll down his window and start waving at the oncoming cars to stop. At 55 mph, it is tough to make that quick of a reaction. That man hit and killed a beautiful rattlesnake crossing the road. The man behind him further decimated the snake. This was just one examples of TONS of wildlife killed in our 3 days in the Everglades. Visitors fly past alligators on the side of the road at 60mph never even noticing them sitting there.
Well, NPS, you should be ashamed. Ashamed that you are killing off the wildlife in the Everglades at an alarming rate for the convenience of a few who just want to get to Flamingo a little quicker. Even Big Cypress lowers its speed limit at night. Why not at least attempt to save the wildlife from our industrialization!?
Written January 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HollynannaArizona
Arizona110 contributions
Feb 2020
The Everglades is HUGE, I just read that it actually is (or was) a very very very large slow river, the only one of it's kind in the world! South Florida is for the most part, "Old Florida", unspoiled by development or too many visitors. Of course you know it's a favorite area for tropical birds, animals, plants and of course insects. It was (so long ago) also populated by Indigenous Peoples, who thrived surrounded by plentiful fishing and hunting. Hurricanes routinely sweep across South Florida, doing considerable damage, but you will see amazing regrowth, and rebuilding. This is such a special place! If you are lucky, to fly in from the west, you will get a bird's eye view of the Everglades, a must see for everyone who cares about this planet! Much overzealous development (drain the swamp!) has changed this pristine place, it's sad, however there are so many many numerous groups making it their priority to save it from further damage, and perhaps return it to something resembling what it once was.
Written February 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rick Dawson
8 contributions
Aug 2020
Well. All I can say is that I was here, but it's the worst National Park I've ever been to by several levels. No brochures at entry points (finally found one at a gas station), no help calling their helpline, all visitor centers are closed, no rangers available to speak to, and campgrounds are closed even though I had a reservation from their web site. This place was so far below any other National Park or Wildlife Refuge I've been to that I would never recommend this place.
Written August 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
skye b
Clemson, SC303 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
We hiked, boated and saw all kinds of animals. Do the boat tour to see the animals for sure but food services in the park are horrible. If you expect services like in a Yellowstone, you will be VERY disappointed. This is a huge park but very primitive services and does need to improve to capture a larger crowd who actually can stay the day or more in the park comfortably. Regardless, saw gators, crocks, manatee and lots of birds, so it still gets 4 stars.
Written April 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike P
SSI59 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Most other national parks and federal campgrounds offer a 50% discount for camping if you buy the $80 senior pass. I have made an inquiry to the park service to explain the reason. I an guessing it may be the booking company that handles the Everglades may the reason.
If you are disappointed the Everglades National Park does not offer the same 50% camping discount for seniors as other parks and federal lands please write the National Park Service or the President's office since he donates his salary to the park service from time to time. It's easy to go online and find an email address to the National Park Service.
If you are disappointed the Everglades National Park does not offer the same 50% camping discount for seniors as other parks and federal lands please write the National Park Service or the President's office since he donates his salary to the park service from time to time. It's easy to go online and find an email address to the National Park Service.
Written January 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen V
Grantville, PA147 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
We were so excited to finally see the Everglades! We were heading today to the Flamingo Visitor Center to take a boat ride with a park ranger and two naturalists. We really enjoyed the information we received in the habitat that is so unique. Whenever one of our guides spotted a bird or crocodile, he would stop the boat and even back up for everyone to see. All questions were answered with such interest that u really were drawn into this marvel of a park. Tomorrow we head across the northern area of the glades to seek more creatures!
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AUDNLOU
30 contributions
Mar 2021
We entered the park from the Palm Drive - Homestead area. We drove to the Earnest Coe visitor center and pick up a map. The park rangers explained a few of the most used trails and how to find them. They also explained there is an old missile base from 1962 located inside the park boundaries that we could visit. We went to the missile base and there were two park volunteers there to explain what it was and what happened back then. It was very interesting! We are so glad we happened upon this historical find inside the park. We also drove to the Flamingo visitor center and there was a lot of construction as they are building and renovating the visitor center and new lodge and restaurant. It will be very nice when it is all finished. We walked some of the easy trails and saw some small gaters and a lot of different bird species. We love our national parks!
Written March 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mauria
Saint Charles, MO16 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
The Everglades National Park is a great learning experience for all. From the migratory birds soaring above to the alligators swimming through the river of grass. Be sure to stop at the visitor centers to view the short film, and then choose some trails suitable for you. The Anhinga Trail was a must-see. The March winter season provided us with numerous opportunities to see the Anhinga bird, turtles and lots of alligators....all very close, as we walked the trail.
The Shark Valley Tram provided an easy way to make the 15 mile loop with a stop at a tower that overlooks the Everglades. You can also walk or bike this trail.
The real highlight was the private airboat ride. If possible, pay the extra amount and do the hour private tour. We scheduled our ride through The Everglades Safari Park and had Jason as our tour guide. He was great, and so knowledgeable of the Everglades and all the wildlife. He pointed out many different types of birds, turtles and alligators. He answered all our questions, was a great tour guide, and we always felt safe and secure in his boat. Loved that this airboat company was in the park and therefore respected the Everglades and all its creatures.
The Shark Valley Tram provided an easy way to make the 15 mile loop with a stop at a tower that overlooks the Everglades. You can also walk or bike this trail.
The real highlight was the private airboat ride. If possible, pay the extra amount and do the hour private tour. We scheduled our ride through The Everglades Safari Park and had Jason as our tour guide. He was great, and so knowledgeable of the Everglades and all the wildlife. He pointed out many different types of birds, turtles and alligators. He answered all our questions, was a great tour guide, and we always felt safe and secure in his boat. Loved that this airboat company was in the park and therefore respected the Everglades and all its creatures.
Written March 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
theoljohnnyboy
New Florence, PA1,581 contributions
Mar 2022
My wife and i visited today, March 30 and the everglades was more than i expected. The park was almost completely empty, it was really terrific. The rangers were very helpful and gave us great suggestions. The Anhinga Trail loop was possibly the best part. The ranger told us that it is like an aquarium and he was spot on. We could see over a dozen fish at a time in some spots, as well as herons, a turtle and 4 gators. This hike as well as pine lands, Pay-hay-okee overlook, mahogany hammock and west lake are all short trails that are less than 1/2 mile. All offer diverse ecosystems and different features. The flamingo visitor center appears to just be temporary as a new structure is being worked on. At the nearby marina we saw manatees popping up now and then. We were told that between May and the fall the mosquitoes are vicious. Sorry i cannot speak much for the northern end of the park. We made the most of our one day here!
Written March 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennifer P
Pitman, NJ8 contributions
Jan 2021
We spent New Year's day in Everglades National Park. Two weeks later and I'm still in awe. So much wildlife and beauty to be seen. We did visit the Big Cypress National Preserve as well. The rangers were friendly and helpful. The Big Cypress Oasis Visitor Center was very nice, too! The boardwalk was a great place to watch a couple of alligators just minding their business. My husband witnessed one stop traffic when it decided to cross the road there. Later, we watched an anhinga performing some thermoregulation in the branches of a cypress and thoroughly enjoyed the entire Loop Road off of Rt. 41 ! The Sweetwater Strand was probably my most favorite portion, but the entire drive was spectacular! This is a park I did not visit previously and now I look forward to a return someday.
Written January 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
You asked a few months ago, so not sure if my answer is relevant now. It does also depend on what areas of the park you want to visit. We stayed in Florida City and found many motels and hotels in the area. We liked Fairway Inn. It was economical, but had everything a larger chain would have. (iron, ironing board, hair dryer, toiletries, etc.) Housekeeping worked hard! It is right near the Flamingo entrance to the park. We also found the hotel near enough to visit the Shark Valley area (about an hour). Keep in mind the park also then extends out to the Gulf Coast. (approx. another hour west)
Written June 28, 2021
What airboat operators go into the everglades national park?
Written October 3, 2020
A Tripadvisor member
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Are there coyotes, foxes, otters, or bears over there? If so, how can they be best spotted?
Written August 9, 2020
We didn’t see any either, mainly birds and alligators.
Written August 11, 2020
We have visited the Anhinga Trail twice. One time there were lots of gators and birds, the next time, hardly any. Does anyone know, what it is like now? We are planning to visit, Sat Feb 22. Thanks
Written February 19, 2020
Thanks for the reply. We went yesterday. We saw 4 gators, and a few birds. Got some good photos.
Written February 23, 2020
Considering the ranger led canoe trip at Nine Mile Pond and just want a bit of info about the wildlife. Obviously possible to see Allgators/Crocs.. is it most likely you’ll see them in pond areas not in the tight mangroves? More importantly, can anyone attest to whether there were spiders/how large along the trail? Really want to do this program just need to be put at ease a bit with some more info so I know what to expect! Thanks.
Written January 10, 2020
I don't have experience with those areas. I would guess the ranger led trip is safe. Probably alligators only in the ponds. I have never seen large spiders here. There was a 5 foot water mocassin sunning in our campsite yesterday so you do need to be careful and pay attention where to step. Wear long pants, a long sleeve shirt, and boots if possible.
Written January 13, 2020
We are a huge National Park family and can never coordinate our schedules for an Everglades visit except during the summer (when you're NOT supposed to go). Can anyone who's been there offer us some tips for our visit in late July/early August? What is best to see and do without being completely eaten alive by the bugs or wilted by the heat and humidity? Thanks for your thoughts and advice!
Written July 16, 2019
We had two days there in June this year which was pretty hot & sticky and, unexpectedly, bugs weren't a great problem (we did use repellant). To be fair though we didn't do any kayaking or trekking deep into the mangroves. We spent a day driving the circuit from the Coe Visitor Centre and stopping for short hikes at the various designated areas and then took an airboat ride. The Anhinga Trail was great for spotting gators and turtles and the coastline at the end of the road by the campsite after the Flamingo Visitor Centre is glorious. The boat ride from Flamingo is pretty but we saw no wildlife. We used Evergaldes Nature Tours for the airboat ride and took a semi-private tour which is a bit more expensive but means you're not on there with masses of other tourists. The boats only seat 6 people and, luckily for us, we were the only ones booked on that morning so got a private tour by default. We took the 8:00 am tour to avoid the worst of the heat and saw 3 gators plus turtles and a whole load of birds. The driver/guide was a really nice guy and very informative. We stayed at the Travelodge by Wyndham in Florida City which was pretty good.
Written July 18, 2019
The photos include pictures of shark valley. How far is shark valley from the actually park where the boat and air boat rides are?
Written April 24, 2019
On the way from Miami you will past several possibilities to do a boat ride!
Written May 2, 2019
wondering what to wear , we will be going next week
Written June 18, 2018
I would suggest you wear light-colored and fast-drying clothes. Clothes made out of synthetic materials dry a lot faster than cotton clothes. My family and I also did a tour with Garl’s Coastal Kayaking (agree with stowtraveller, Garl’s Coastal Kayaking is awesome!). Even if you don't do slough slog, fast-drying clothes would still make you feel more comfortable when you sweat.
Written June 20, 2018
williambryce2017
Houston, Texas
Angie, Your reviews are simply the best! Because of your awesome review and the pictures you posted and sent, last week, we took a week long paddle (well 5 days) including camping and fishing just like you said. It was HOT! But we prepared and had a great time. Now we are in the Keys at the Courtyard and then staying at the Marriott. Thank you for all the great information and for the awesome pics. Although all of your reviews are awesome, the Everglades review was simply the best. Probably because of the pics! Bill
Written June 24, 2017
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