Just beyond Miami's suburbs, the city gives way to a vast, slow-moving river of sawgrass stretching to the horizon. Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the USA and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to alligators, crocodiles, manatees and hundreds of species of birds.
It's easy to add to any South Florida holiday. Visit for a day from Miami or Naples, or spend a night on the edge of the park as you drive between the Atlantic coast, the Gulf Coast and the Keys. We'll arrange the car hire, hotels and tours so you see the best of it.
The Everglades is one of the most important wildlife habitats in the United States, covering a vast area of wetlands, mangroves, sawgrass prairies and waterways in southern Florida. It is home to an incredible variety of animals and birds, making it a rewarding destination for nature lovers and an exciting addition to a Florida fly-drive holiday.
The American alligator is one of the Everglades' most famous residents, and you have a good chance of spotting one basking on a riverbank or gliding through the water. The Everglades is also unusual because it is the only place in the world where American alligators and American crocodiles live side by side. Although crocodiles are more elusive, they can sometimes be spotted in the park's coastal areas.
Birdlife is another highlight. Look out for great blue herons, white ibis, egrets, roseate spoonbills and anhingas, often seen wading through shallow water or perched along the edges of waterways. Birdwatching is particularly rewarding during the dry season, when lower water levels bring wildlife closer together and make animals easier to spot.
Along the coast and around Everglades City, you may also see dolphins and manatees. Kayaking and boat trips offer a different perspective on the ecosystem, allowing you to explore mangrove tunnels and quieter waterways where wildlife can be found away from the main routes. The endangered Florida panther also lives in the wider Everglades region, although sightings are extremely rare.
For the best chance of seeing wildlife, consider visiting early in the morning, when temperatures are cooler and many animals are more active. Joining a guided airboat ride, walking one of the park's nature trails or taking a boat tour with a local guide can help you learn more about the animals and the delicate environment they depend on. Always keep a safe distance from wildlife and follow guidance from park staff, particularly around alligators.
The Everglades can be visited throughout the year, but the best time for most visitors is during the dry season, from December to April. Temperatures are generally more comfortable, humidity is lower and there are usually fewer mosquitoes than during the wetter months. With less water spread across the wetlands, wildlife often gathers around remaining pools and waterways, making animals easier to spot.
The dry season is also a good time for walking trails, cycling around Shark Valley and enjoying longer outdoor excursions. It is a popular time to visit, however, so it is worth planning ahead if you are travelling during the Christmas holidays, February half-term or Easter.
From May to November, the Everglades becomes hotter, more humid and wetter, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Mosquitoes can be plentiful, particularly during the summer, so insect repellent, lightweight clothing and plenty of drinking water are essential. On the other hand, the wet season brings lush green landscapes and a different atmosphere, while airboat rides and many guided excursions continue throughout the year. Weather conditions can affect individual activities, so check locally before setting out.
Whenever you visit, start outdoor activities early where possible, carry water and protect yourself from the sun. The park is enormous, and temperatures can feel intense even outside the height of summer. Comfortable footwear is useful for trails, while binoculars can help you spot birds and other wildlife from a distance.
The Everglades fits naturally into a Florida holiday, whether you want to spend a few hours exploring the wetlands or include it as part of a longer road trip. Its location in southern Florida makes it easy to combine with Miami, the Florida Keys or the Gulf Coast, giving you the chance to experience a different side of the state beyond its beaches, cities and theme parks.
If you are staying in Miami, the Everglades makes an excellent day trip. Depending on which entrance or activity you choose, you can reach parts of the park in around an hour or less by car. Spend the morning on an airboat ride, looking out for alligators and birds among the sawgrass, or explore walking trails and visitor areas before returning to Miami for an afternoon on South Beach, dinner in Brickell or an evening exploring the city's lively neighbourhoods. This is a great option if you want to experience Florida's natural landscape without changing hotels.
For a classic southern Florida fly-drive, combine Miami with the Florida Keys and the Everglades. Start with a few nights in Miami before driving south along the Overseas Highway, stopping in Key Largo, Islamorada or Marathon on the way to Key West. After enjoying the islands, beaches, snorkelling and laid-back atmosphere, return towards Miami and set aside time to explore the Everglades. You can visit before heading to the Keys or add it to the return journey, depending on your route and how long you have available. Allow at least a week for a relaxed introduction to this part of Florida, with longer trips giving you more time to explore each stop.
The Everglades can also be combined with a road trip along Florida's Gulf Coast. Explore the wetlands around Everglades City before continuing towards Naples, Marco Island or further north to destinations such as Sarasota and Clearwater. This route balances wildlife and outdoor adventures with white-sand beaches, waterfront restaurants and relaxed coastal towns. You could take a guided boat trip through the mangroves, visit a national park trail and then spend a few days unwinding by the Gulf of Mexico. It is an appealing option for couples and families who want a mix of nature, sightseeing and beach time.
Whether you visit for a few hours from Miami or include the Everglades in a multi-stop Florida itinerary, it is well worth making room for this remarkable landscape. Our travel specialists can help you plan a tailor-made fly-drive that combines the Everglades with your preferred cities, beaches and island stops, with accommodation and car hire arranged to suit your trip.
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