Everglades National Park: planning guide
A wide, slow-moving wetland across southern Florida. Sawgrass, mangroves, and wildlife — mosquitoes are part of it.
Everglades National Park is in FL, United States. The nearest town is Homestead — roughly 30.1 mi (48.4 km) out, about 1 hr 4 min of driving.
When to go
Best window: March through May, then September through November. Shoulder season: February and December.
Midsummer is hot, humid, and buggy; winter is mild and one of the better times to visit.
Biting insects and afternoon storms dominate summer. Repellent and a rain shell matter more than warm layers.
Closest towns and cities
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Homestead | 30.1 mi (48.4 km) | 1 hr 4 min |
| Islamorada | 33.2 mi (53.5 km) | 1 hr 9 min |
| Key Largo | 34.2 mi (55.1 km) | 1 hr 11 min |
| Princeton | 35.8 mi (57.7 km) | 1 hr 14 min |
| Richmond West | 37.1 mi (59.7 km) | 1 hr 16 min |
| The Hammocks | 38.8 mi (62.5 km) | 1 hr 19 min |
| South Miami Heights | 39.3 mi (63.2 km) | 1 hr 20 min |
| Cutler Bay | 41 mi (66 km) | 1 hr 23 min |
Before you go
Everglades National Park does not gate the entrance itself. Specific roads, hikes, or tours still need a permit or timed ticket.
| Booking | Covers | How |
|---|---|---|
| Everglades National Park Wilderness Permits | One hike or backcountry trip | Permit or lottery |
Permits
| Name | Booking | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Everglades National Park Wilderness Permits | Permit / lottery | — |
Where Everglades National Park sits
Official Everglades National Park site — hours, closures, and fees.
Drive times from Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park sits close enough to Biscayne National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.
| Park | Apart | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Biscayne National Park | 57.7 mi (92.9 km) | 1 hr 49 min |
| Dry Tortugas National Park | 131 mi (210 km) | 3 hr 32 min |
Parks close by
- Biscayne National Park
Mostly water: mangrove shoreline and coral reef south of Miami. Best seen by boat or snorkel, not by hiking.
- Dry Tortugas National Park
A small island west of Key West with a brick fort and clear water. You get there by ferry or seaplane.
- Isla Contoy National Park
A small barrier island north of Isla Mujeres. Protected seabird and turtle nesting site — day visits by permit and boat only.
- Costa Occidental de Isla Mujeres National Park
Shallow reef and seagrass beds along the west coast of Isla Mujeres and nearby Cancún waters. Mostly marine — snorkeling and boat access.
Common questions
Where is Everglades National Park?
Everglades National Park sits in FL, United States. Homestead, about 30.1 mi (48.4 km) away — roughly 1 hr 4 min of driving.
When is the best time to visit Everglades National Park?
Generally March through May, then September through November, with February and December quieter on either side.