Everglades National Park protects about 6,100 km² of the southern tip of Florida: a slow-moving “river of grass” of sawgrass marsh, cypress swamps, pine rocklands and mangrove coast. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only place on Earth where American alligators and American crocodiles live together, alongside huge numbers of wading birds, manatees and the endangered Florida panther.
At a glance
| Best time | December to April (dry season) |
| Getting there | About 1 hour from Miami |
| Time needed | 2 to 3 days |
| Big draws | Alligators, crocodiles, wading birds, manatees |
| Good for | Families, birders, photographers |
Wildlife
- American alligators: easy to see along trails and canals, especially in the dry season. See our American alligator profile.
- American crocodiles: live in the brackish waters of Florida Bay and around Flamingo.
- Wading birds: great egrets, great blue herons, roseate spoonbills, wood storks, anhingas and white ibises. See our great egret profile.
- West Indian manatees: in canals and marinas around Flamingo, especially in winter. See our West Indian manatee profile.
- Florida panthers: a critically small population of around 200 adults lives in South Florida; sightings are rare. See our puma profile.
- Invasive species: Burmese pythons have spread through the Everglades and devastated populations of small mammals. See our Burmese python profile.
Top places
- Anhinga Trail (Royal Palm): a short boardwalk with alligators, anhingas, herons and turtles at close range. The best short walk in the park.
- Shark Valley: a 24-km loop road (tram tours, bike or walk) with an observation tower; many alligators and birds.
- Flamingo: the southern end of the park, with crocodiles, manatees, boat tours and kayaking.
- Gulf Coast (Everglades City): boat tours through the Ten Thousand Islands’ mangroves, with dolphins and birds.
- Big Cypress National Preserve, next door, for cypress swamps and more alligators.
When to go
- December to April: the dry season. Water retreats, concentrating wildlife, and mosquitoes are fewer.
- May to November: the wet season; hot, humid and buggy, with thunderstorms and hurricane risk.
Responsible tours
Airboat rides are popular outside the park but can be noisy and disturb wildlife. Consider quieter options: ranger-led walks, kayaking, electric boats and tram tours.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I see alligators and crocodiles together? In the Everglades, especially around Flamingo, where fresh and salt water meet.
What is the best trail in the Everglades? The Anhinga Trail offers the best wildlife viewing for the least effort.
Can I see a Florida panther? It is possible but rare; there are only around 200 adults.
When is the best time to visit the Everglades? December to April, the dry season.
Related guides
- Swimming with manatees in Crystal River responsibly
- Where to see whales in North America
- Yellowstone wildlife guide
- Animal profiles: American alligator, Great egret, West Indian manatee
Cover photo: Everglades NPS from Homestead, Florida, United States, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons