How to Enjoy Everglades National Park

The third largest national park in the lower 48 states, Everglades National Park consists of more than 1.5 million acres of subtropical wilderness. Declared a World Heritage Site, an International Biosphere Reserve and a Wetland of International Importance, this unique national resource is a haven for birders and adventurers of all kinds.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Comfortable Shoes
• Hats
• Men's Long-sleeved Shirt
• Sunglasses
• Maps
• Weather Radios
• Bottled Water
• Insect Repellents
• Sunscreen
• Airline Tickets
• Fishing Licenses
• National Park Passes
• Travel Services
• Cameras
• Binoculars
• Binoculars
• Fishing Gear
• Maps
• Hats
• Cameras

1. Decide when to go. Peak season is December through April, when temperatures are mild and insects are less troublesome. The park is open all year, however, so if you can brave 90-degree temperatures and 90 percent humidity, go in summer.

2. Arrive via the Miami or Fort Myers international airports or take Amtrak into Miami. You can rent a car and drive to the park, which is south of Miami. See the National Park Service site for exact directions to the park from various nearby destinations.

3. Choose your lodging arrangements. There is only one lodging option within the park (the Flamingo Lodge), but you can find other accommodations in Homestead, Florida City, Everglades City, Chokoloskee and Miami.

4. Make camping reservations - use the U.S. National Parks Reservation Service site to reserve online. Check the National Park Service site for details on each campground.

5. Stop at a visitor center and pick up maps and other information that will guide you through the park. Visitor centers are located at the main park entrance near Homestead and at Royal Palm, Flamingo, Shark Valley and Gulf Coast.

6. Take a guided walking, tram or boat tour of the Everglades. Tours are offered at each visitor center and include looks at alligators, crocodiles, birds and other wildlife. You'll also learn about the park's cultural, historical and environmental heritage.

7. Rent a canoe or a bike from one of the concessions adjacent to the park. Follow all safety regulations carefully and stay in designated areas and on designated trails.

8. Go fish! While there are plenty of places to fish (both freshwater and saltwater areas), fishing regulations are strict, and you will need a license. Familiarize yourself with the rules before setting out.

9. See some of the other Florida parks. A trip to the Dry Tortugas is a must for birders, and everyone will enjoy the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Big Cypress National Preserve and Biscayne National Park.

Tips & Warnings

• To contact the park directly, write to Everglades National Park, 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead, FL 33034-6733, or call [phone].
• Pets are permitted in parking lots and campgrounds as long as they are on leashes shorter than 6 feet. They are not allowed on trails or in the park's wilderness areas.
• You will need a permit for overnight wilderness camping. Permits are available at most visitor centers up to 24 hours before you begin camping, and fees vary according to how many people are using the campground.
• Horseback riding in the park is allowed only with a special use permit. Check at a visitor center for more information.
• Check the Related Sites for information on boating, which is strictly regulated within the park.
• Fall is hurricane season in the Southeast, so be sure you have access to a radio for weather updates.
• Bugs - especially mosquitoes - can be brutal in spring and summer. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants and use a powerful insect repellent.
• Collecting certain natural objects - including plants, coral, sponges and driftwood - is prohibited in the park. Check regulations before removing anything from the Everglades.