Where to stay when visiting Everglades National Park?

Understanding everglades national park entrances and nearby towns

Everglades National Park is massive, spanning over 1.5 million acres of wetlands, sawgrass prairies, and mangrove forests. Unlike many national parks with a single main entrance, Everglades has three primary access points, each offering a different experience.

Earnest F. Coe Visitor Center Entrance

Best For: First-time visitors, scenic boardwalk hikes, and access to the Flamingo area!

The Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center is the main gateway to Everglades National Park, located near Homestead, Florida. This entrance is ideal for first-time visitors, offering access to some of the park’s most well-known trails and scenic overlooks. From here, visitors can explore the Anhinga Trail, one of the best spots for wildlife viewing, or take a leisurely walk along the Gumbo Limbo Trail. The Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook provides a panoramic view of the park’s vast sawgrass prairies, giving a true sense of the Everglades’ unique landscape.

We stayed in Homestead, Florida, and this was the entrance we used for two of the three days we spent exploring Everglades National Park. The drive from Homestead to the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center takes about 20 minutes, mostly along farm roads. Expect to share the road with tractors, cyclists, and even free-roaming animals, so stay alert while driving.

Continuing beyond the visitor center, the road leads all the way to Flamingo, where travelers can find campgrounds, boat tours, and even houseboat rentals for a more immersive experience. Homestead is the closest city to this entrance, making it a convenient base for visitors looking for hotels, restaurants, and grocery stores before or after their time in the park.

If you’re planning a trip to Everglades National Park and want a mix of scenic trails, ranger-led programs, and access to the park’s southernmost areas, this is the entrance to use.

Gulf Coast Visitor Center Entrance

Best For: Boating, kayaking, and exploring the Ten Thousand Islands region!

Located in Everglades City, the Gulf Coast Visitor Center traditionally served as a gateway to the park’s northwestern region, providing access to the waterways of the Ten Thousand Islands. This area is renowned for its boating and paddling opportunities, allowing visitors to navigate a maze of mangrove islands and observe diverse wildlife.

However, as of April 1, 2024, the Gulf Coast Visitor Center and its associated facilities have been closed for major construction. This includes the canoe and kayak launch. This closure is part of the development of the new Marjory Stoneman Douglas Visitor Center, with completion anticipated in late 2025.

Despite these closures, the waters of the Ten Thousand Islands remain open. Visitors can still embark on guided boat tours offered by Everglades National Park Adventures, which depart from an alternative location at 929 Dupont Street in Everglades City.

For those interested in paddling, alternative launch sites are available at local establishments such as the Rod and Gun Club, Outdoor Resorts of Chokoloskee, and the Chokoloskee Island Park and Marina. It’s advisable to contact these sites directly for information on parking and launch fees.

Everglades City, the nearest town, offers various amenities, including accommodations, dining options, and fishing charters. While we did not visit the small community, we were told that it’s a convenient base for exploring the northern reaches of Everglades National Park.

Note: Given the ongoing construction and facility closures, it’s essential to plan ahead and verify the current status of services and access points before your visit. For the most up-to-date information, consult the National Park Service’s official website.

Shark Valley Entrance

Best For: Wildlife viewing, cycling, and panoramic views!

The Shark Valley Entrance, located along Highway 41 (Tamiami Trail), is one of the best places in Everglades National Park to see alligators up close. Seriously though, they are mere feet away from you while on the trail and even find their way onto it! This area is famous for its Shark Valley Tram Tour (which we highly suggest doing) and the Shark Valley Observation Tower, which offers unobstructed 360-degree views of the surrounding wetlands.

Unlike other entrances, Shark Valley is all about wildlife and easy exploration. The 15-mile Shark Valley Loop is a popular route that visitors can explore by walking, biking, or taking the tram. If you’re up for a bit of exercise, biking the loop is a great way to see the park. Be on the lookout because alligators, wading birds, and even the occasional turtle can be found along the trail. If cycling isn’t your thing, the Shark Valley Tram Tour is an excellent alternative. Our Tram Guides were very knowledgable and funny.

We took the Shark Valley Tram Tour in the afternoon, and it was hot! The tram has a roof, but the sun still beats down, so come prepared. Don’t forget, you’ll need to make a reservation for the Tram Tour. We did it 24 hours ahead of time and it was almost full! So the earlier the better.

This entrance is a popular day trip option. It is located about an hour west of downtown Miami. If you’re staying in the city, this is the easiest way to experience the Everglades without an overnight stay.

Important Note: The parking lot at Shark Valley fills up quickly, especially during peak season (December–March). If you’re visiting midday, expect to wait for a spot. If you don’t want to wait, consider arriving early in the morning for the best experience. We waited about 30-min before we were able to get past the ranger station.