If you’re visiting Miami, Everglades National Park is a destination you must visit. Everglades, a unique wilderness nestled in southern Florida, is unlike anything you’ve ever seen.
Spanning 1.5 million acres, this ecosystem is full of life and perfectly blends land and water. As you explore, you’ll encounter mangrove forests, vast prairies, and diverse wildlife.
Continue reading if you want to know how to explore Everglades in one day!
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WHERE IS EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK?
Everglades is located in the southern tip of Florida and it stretches across 1.5 million acres. This wilderness is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a crucial habitat for many plant and animal species.
We came to Everglades from Miami by car. It takes around 45 minutes to reach the national park, so it’s a quick and fun ride. If you do not have a car, you can book one of the tours from Miami on GetYourGuide. They usually have transfer and entrance tickets combined, so you don’t have to worry about anything.
Read more >>> The Best Miami 4-Day Itinerary
WHY VISIT EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK?
Many people wonder if they should visit or skip Everglades when they’re on Florida. My advice is to definitely visit this park! Visiting the Everglades is like stepping into a world full of life and natural wonders.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a nature enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or just want to enjoy the serene landscapes. Everglades offers something for everyone and you won’t be disappointed.
WHEN TO VISIT EVERGLADES?
Choosing the ideal time to visit the Everglades largely depends on what you hope to experience. Generally, the best time to visit this iconic Florida wilderness is from December to April.
During these months, the weather is typically cooler and drier, making outdoor activities more comfortable. There will be fewer mosquitoes and less risk of heavy rainfall and flooding in the Everglades.
Moreover, wildlife sightings are more abundant during the dry season. Many animals, including alligators, birds, and mammals, gather around the remaining water sources. That makes them easier to spot. Birdwatchers will love this time of year as migratory birds flock to the Everglades in large numbers.
Regardless, this national park is a year-round destination, and each season offers its own unique charm. The wetter summer months, from May to November, bring lush vegetation and vibrant wildflowers. You also may encounter fewer crowds and enjoy discounted rates on accommodations and tours.
We were there in November and it was great. The weather was amazing and there weren’t too many people. The only downside was that we only saw a few animals in the wilderness – one alligator and a few birds. If you want to see lots of alligators and other animals, choose a drier part of the year!
WHERE TO GET TICKETS TO EVERGLADES?
It’s fairly easy to buy tickets to this national park, you just need to decide what kind of experience you prefer.
If you want to explore Everglades by yourself you can enter the park with a car pass (35 dollars), a motorcycle pass (30 dollars) or a pedestrian pass (20 dollars). There you can walk around, ride bikes, and explore the NP at your own pace.
If you have a car but want a guided tour, you can come to one of many reputable companies in Everglades. They will give you an airboat tour and an educational presentation included in your ticket. This was our choice, and we went to Gator Park. Our tickets were 40 dollars per person.
If you don’t have a car and need transportation and entrance tickets, it’s best to check out guided tours from Miami such as this one for around 50 dollars!
WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK?
Once you’re in the stunning national park, there are many attractions and activities you can do. Here’s a short list of the best ones:
Wildlife Spotting
One of the key reasons for visiting Everglades is the incredible wildlife, including alligators, manatees, and a variety of bird species. These diverse habitats give you great opportunities for wildlife viewing. In fact, this is the most important activity you can do in Everglades!
Airboat Tours
Next, airboat tour is a must-do in my opinion. The exhilarating airboat ride across the water’s surface is so much fun, and you’ll get to experience Everglades in a whole new way.
To have the best time on an airboat tour definitely use the earplugs they give you, as the boats are really loud. Try and catch a seat near the edge of the boat and enjoy the gorgeous views of the national park. The airboat tour lasts from 30-40 minutes and it’s very adrenaline filled!
Kayaking and Canoeing
If you want to explore the waterways of the Everglades at your own pace, paddling through mangrove tunnels will be the best option for you.
Kayaking and canoeing are a more intimate and eco-friendly way to experience the ecosystem. To do that, there are several trails and routes you can explore. Here are some of the best canoe and kayaking tours you can take!
Hiking Trails
If you’re not up for kayaking, hit the trails to discover the hidden gems of the Everglades on foot. From short boardwalk strolls to more challenging hikes, there are various options available for every skill level and interest you might have.
Moreover, while hiking, you should keep an eye out for interpretive signs along the way. You’ll learn a lot about the unique flora and fauna of the region.
Visitor Centers and Educational Programs
In addition to airboats, another great activity was the visitor center’s educational show. In fact, I would highly recommend it! At Gator Park we had a great park ranger tell us important information about alligators, crocodiles, and Everglades in general.
They did it in such a fun and exciting way that everyone loved it. We were introduced to fully grown and huge alligators, as well as to baby alligators only a few weeks old. Overall, it was really enjoyable and included in the ticket price!
MY OPINION ON EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK – IS IT WORTH VISITING?
Everglades National Park was probably my favorite experience in Florida. Firstly, it was a perfect day trip to run away from the bustle of Miami Beach. What’s more, getting to see animals in their natural habitat was so rewarding.
Seeing an alligator in the wilderness was an incredible experience for me. Along with that, the airboat tour is a very unique sightseeing way I haven’t experienced before. I would definitely recommend Gator Park Company if you plan on visiting Everglades anytime soon!
