Everglades National Park - Plan Your Visit

Operating Hours & Seasons

Everglades National Park is open 365 days a year. The park is located on the southern tip of Florida, and is accessible from different areas. The main park entrance (in Homestead) is open 24 hours a day. The Shark Valley entrance is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Park waters are open 24 hours a day. The park"s visitor centers have varied hours of operation.

Local Partners & Information Resources

Chambers of Commerce

South Florida National Park Trust

Getting There

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

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 State Road 29, in Everglades City. From Interstate 75 (Alligator Alley), take exit 80 (State Road 29) south and proceed 20 miles to Everglades City. Once in Everglades City, follow the signs to the park. Visitor Center is on the right.

Bus
Greyhound Bus Lines offers service to Homestead, but there is no public transportation from there to the park entrance or into the park.

Getting Around

The park may be explored by personal vehicle, commercial tour bus, bicycle, motor boat, or canoe/kayak. The park"s concessioners offer several options, including boat tours and tram tours. Powerboats, canoes, and kayaks can be brought into the park or rented from the park"s concessioner. They are an ideal way to explore the mangrove coast.