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 Florida City — roughly 29.5 mi (47.5 km) out, about 1 hr 3 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Florida City | 29.5 mi (47.5 km) | 1 hr 3 min |
| Homestead | 30.1 mi (48.4 km) | 1 hr 4 min |
| Islamorada | 33.2 mi (53.5 km) | 1 hr 9 min |
| Plantation | 33.5 mi (53.9 km) | 1 hr 10 min |
| Leisure City | 33.5 mi (53.9 km) | 1 hr 10 min |
| Tavernier | 33.6 mi (54 km) | 1 hr 10 min |
| Key Largo | 34.2 mi (55.1 km) | 1 hr 11 min |
| Naranja | 34.5 mi (55.5 km) | 1 hr 11 min |
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.
Parks you could combine with it
- 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, and the closest town of any size is Florida City — about 1 hr 3 min away.
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.