South Florida

Everglades National Park

The Everglades is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States — a slow-moving "river of grass" home to alligators, manatees, and wading birds.

Official visitor website

All landmarks

Photo: G. Gardner, Everglades National Park (NPS), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The story

Nature & National Parks

Why it matters

The Everglades is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States — a slow-moving "river of grass" home to alligators, manatees, and wading birds.

Why it may matter to you

It shows the importance of water and wetlands to millions of Floridians, and why conservation debates matter.

The fuller story

Seminole and Miccosukee people made their homes here, including during wars with the U.S. Army. Drainage and development have damaged the ecosystem, and large restoration projects are ongoing.

Plan your visit

Hours, prices, reservations, and closures change. Check the official visitor website.

Time to allow: 1–2 days (our estimate)
Setting: Mostly outdoor
Tickets and reservations: Entrance fee. Check the official visitor website.
Getting there: A car is needed; entrances are far apart.
With family: Keep away from alligators and never feed wildlife. Bring insect repellent and sun protection.
Seasons and weather: The dry season (roughly winter) is more comfortable and has fewer mosquitoes; summer is hot and stormy.
Accessibility: Accessibility information from the operator(opens nps.gov in a new tab)

Times are estimates and distances are straight-line. Citizen Navigator is an independent educational resource. Visitor access and conditions change. Confirm current details with the destination's official operator.