Everglades National Park

About

Everglades National Park protects 1.5 million acres of Florida's most unique ecosystem - a vast 'River of Grass' that's home to incredible wildlife and stunning natural beauty. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers visitors a chance to experience one of the world's most distinctive wetland environments, where sawgrass prairies stretch to the horizon and cypress domes dot the waters.

The park's crown jewel experience is its boat tours, which glide through mangrove tunnels and open waters where you'll spot alligators basking in the sun, manatees grazing in shallow waters, and hundreds of bird species including herons, egrets, and the iconic roseate spoonbill. The best wildlife viewing happens during the dry season (December through April) when animals concentrate around water sources.

Start your visit at the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center near Homestead, where interactive exhibits explain the park's complex ecosystem. From there, drive the 38-mile park road that leads to Flamingo, stopping at boardwalks and trails along the way. The Anhinga Trail is particularly famous for close-up alligator sightings, while Shark Valley offers a unique perspective with its elevated observation tower.

For overnight stays, the park offers camping at Flamingo and Long Pine Key, while nearby Homestead and Florida City provide hotels and restaurants. The small town of Everglades City on the park's western edge serves as another gateway, offering additional lodging and dining options.

Bring sun protection, water, and binoculars - the Florida sun can be intense year-round. Mosquito repellent is essential during summer months. Whether you're interested in photography, birdwatching, or simply experiencing one of America's most unique natural areas, the Everglades offers an unforgettable adventure that showcases the wild side of Florida.

Accessibility

Everglades National Park works to accommodate visitors with disabilities through various accessible features and services. The park's boat tours are ADA compliant, providing an excellent way for wheelchair users to experience the wildlife and waterways. These tours offer some of the park's best wildlife viewing opportunities while remaining fully accessible.

Parking accommodations include designated accessible spaces in paved lots, with at least two van-accessible spots available at the north end trailhead off State Highway 9336. The park offers accessible facilities for both backcountry and front-country camping, though specific details about campground accessibility should be confirmed when making reservations.

For visitors with hearing impairments, the park provides TDD services at 305-242-7740. The park also offers assistive learning devices to enhance the visitor experience. Staff can provide information about hearing accessibility, mobility access, service animal policies, and accommodations for visitors with visual impairments.

Trail accessibility varies throughout the park - some boardwalks and paved paths offer wheelchair access, though the specific length and condition of accessible routes should be verified before visiting. The park's main visitor centers are designed to be accessible, with exhibits and information available to all guests.

Services like lodging, dining, and fuel are available in nearby communities including Everglades City and Chokolosee. For the most current accessibility information and to plan specific accommodations, contact the park directly at 305-242-7700 or visit the accessibility section of their website before your trip.

More accessible places in Florida

• Adventure Island (Tampa)
• The Dalí Museum (St. Petersburg)
• Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden (Coral Gables)
• Marie Selby Botanical Gardens (Sarasota)
• ZooTampa at Lowry Park (Tampa)
• Big Cypress National Preserve (Ochopee)

Photo credits

• Everglades National Park - main view of accessible destination: National Park Service, Public domain (U.S. National Park Service)
• Everglades National Park - view 2 of accessible destination: National Park Service, Public domain (U.S. National Park Service)
• Everglades National Park - view 3 of accessible destination: National Park Service, Public domain (U.S. National Park Service)