In this blog, read about the ultimate Everglades National Park itinerary with all the must-visit places and beautiful things to do in Everglades National Park. Everglades National Park is a unique and captivating destination in South Florida. As the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, it’s home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including alligators, manatees, and vibrant bird species.
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Miami to Everglades National Park Route & Distance – Everglades Day Trip from Miami
- Starting Point: Miami, FL
- Distance: Approximately 40 miles
- Travel Time: About 1 hour by car
- Route: To reach the park, take US-41 (Tamiami Trail) or FL-9336 (Homestead Entrance). The Tamiami Trail offers scenic views and wildlife spotting opportunities along the way.
Tip: If you’re short on time, enter via the Homestead Entrance for quicker access to key attractions. For a scenic drive, opt for the Tamiami Trail.
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Miami to Everglades National Park Entrances
- Shark Valley Visitor Center (Tamiami Trail)
- Best for: Scenic tram tours, wildlife spotting, and short walking trails
- Facilities: Parking, restrooms, visitor center, and bike rentals
- Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center (Homestead Entrance)
- Best for: Access to longer hikes, kayaking tours, and the Flamingo area
- Facilities: Parking, restrooms, visitor center, and maps
- Gulf Coast Visitor Center (Everglades City)
- Best for: Boat tours, access to Ten Thousand Islands, and kayaking
- Facilities: Parking, visitor center, restrooms
Which Entrance to Choose?
If you only have one day, enter through the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center to access the most iconic experiences, including Anhinga Trail and Flamingo Marina.
Everglades National Park itinerary – Things to Do in Everglades National Park
Are you looking for a detailed and ultimate Everglades National Park itinerary? Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, wildlife photographer, or just looking for a day of adventure, this Everglades National Park in one day tour will surely be an unforgettable experience. Visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site will give you a rare opportunity to explore swamps, mangrove forests, and slow-moving rivers called “sloughs.”
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Sunrise at Anhinga Trail – This boardwalk trail offers one of the best wildlife viewing experiences in the park. You’re almost guaranteed to see alligators, turtles, and birds in their natural habitat. 
What to Do? Walk the short 0.8-mile loop trail. It’s flat, easy, and accessible for all fitness levels. Early morning visits provide better chances of spotting wildlife.
Royal Palm Hammock and Gumbo Limbo Trail
These trails showcase the unique hardwood hammock ecosystem, offering a different side of the Everglades’ biodiversity.
What to Do? Walk the shaded paths of Gumbo Limbo Trail (0.4 miles) and explore the lush, tropical landscape. It’s peaceful and shaded, a nice contrast to the open wetlands of Anhinga Trail.
Scenic Stop: Pa-hay-okee Overlook
This elevated observation platform offers sweeping views of the vast “River of Grass,” giving you a real sense of the park’s scale and beauty.
What to Do? Walk the short, elevated boardwalk to the viewpoint. Bring your camera for panoramic shots of the endless expanse of sawgrass marshes.
Lunch at Flamingo Marina
It’s a great spot to relax, refuel, and enjoy views of Florida Bay. Near the docks, you might even spot manatees or dolphins.
What to Do? Bring a packed lunch or grab snacks from the visitor center. Enjoy a waterside picnic while watching for aquatic wildlife.
Boat or Kayak Tour of Florida Bay
Exploring the Everglades by water allows you to access inaccessible areas on foot. You’ll see unique mangrove ecosystems and aquatic wildlife.
What to Do? Book a guided boat or kayak tour at Flamingo Marina. Look out for manatees, crocodiles, and rare birds. This tour lasts for approximately two hours.
Mahogany Hammock Trail
This short boardwalk trail takes you through a jungle-like mahogany forest, home to some of the largest mahogany trees in the U.S.
What to Do? Walk the 0.5-mile boardwalk and observe the lush, dense surroundings. It’s cooler in the afternoon and provides a peaceful retreat from the sun.
Sunset at Shark Valley
Watching the sunset over the Everglades’ endless wetlands is a serene way to end the day.
What to Do? Head to Shark Valley for a 2-hour tram tour or rent a bike to explore the 15-mile loop. Stay for the sunset for an unforgettable, golden-hued landscape.
Where to Stay – Everglades National Park in One Day
Flamingo Lodge & Eco-Tents
- Type: Eco-friendly tent cabins with essential comforts
- Location: Near Flamingo Marina
- Why Stay Here? Staying inside the park lets you experience the Everglades’ peace at night. You’re also closer to the morning’s best wildlife viewing areas.
Camping in the Park – Everglades Day Trip from Miami
If you’d rather camp, the park has two drive-in campgrounds:
- Flamingo Campground (near Florida Bay)
- Long Pine Key Campground (near Ernest Coe Visitor Center)
- Tip: Reserve campsites in advance, especially during the dry season (November to April).
Useful Tips – Everglades National Park in One Day
- Best Time to Visit: The dry season (November to April) offers mild weather, fewer mosquitoes, and better wildlife viewing.
- Pets: Pets are allowed in parking lots, campgrounds, and paved paths but not on trails or boats.
- Pack Essentials: Bug spray, sunscreen, water, and snacks are essential.
- Watch for Wildlife: Never approach or feed wildlife, especially alligators.
- Plan Ahead: Book kayak and boat tours in advance, especially during peak season.
- Leave No Trace: Follow Leave No Trace principles to protect this fragile ecosystem.
- Parking: Parking lots fill up quickly, especially at Shark Valley. Arrive early to secure a spot.
This detailed Everglades National Park itinerary guides you on how to spend an unforgettable one-day adventure in Everglades National Park. From peaceful boardwalk trails to thrilling boat tours, the park’s beauty and biodiversity will leave you in awe.
If you are lucky, you will surely spot manatees at Flamingo Marina, or you can bike through Shark Valley to enjoy the truly wild experience of Everglades National Park in one day.
Picture Courtesy – CanvaPro
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