Everglades National Park
1.5 million acres of sawgrass, alligators, and the only place on Earth where crocodiles and alligators coexist.
Distance
47 mi
Drive time
~70 min
Route
Florida's Turnpike S to Exit 6 (Homestead) → SR-9336 W to Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center
Best window
December through April is the dry season — fewer mosquitos, more concentrated wildlife at the gator holes, and the most comfortable temperatures
About Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park is the third-largest national park in the lower 48 — 1.5 million acres of subtropical wetlands, mangrove forest, and sawgrass prairie. The main southern entrance (Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center near Homestead) is about 47 miles and 70 minutes southwest of downtown Miami via Florida's Turnpike. A 12–15 passenger van handles the long park road to Flamingo perfectly, with stops for short boardwalks, airboat rides on the park's edge, and ranger talks at Royal Palm.
Why it's worth the drive
- UNESCO World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, and Wetland of International Importance — the only ecosystem of its kind in the world.
- Best place in the U.S. to see wild American alligators and (rarer) American crocodiles in the same trip — both species coexist only here.
- Anhinga Trail at Royal Palm is a 0.8-mile boardwalk that virtually guarantees alligator, anhinga, and wading-bird sightings in winter.
- Sunset over Florida Bay from the Flamingo area at the southern tip of the park — one of the wildest skies in Florida.
Things to do
What groups actually do at Everglades
Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center
Main south entrance, exhibits, park film, and the start of the 38-mile main park road to Flamingo.
Anhinga Trail (Royal Palm)
0.8-mile loop boardwalk — the single best easy wildlife walk in South Florida.
Pa-hay-okee Overlook
Short boardwalk to a raised platform with a panoramic view across the 'River of Grass'.
Shark Valley (north entrance)
15-mile paved tram loop with a 65-ft observation tower — separate entrance off Tamiami Trail (US-41), about 75 min from Miami.
Flamingo (south end)
Visitor center, marina, kayak/canoe rentals, and the trailhead for Eco Pond — sunsets over Florida Bay.
Airboat rides (park-authorized)
Three concessionaires off Tamiami Trail are authorized inside the park — Coopertown, Everglades Safari Park, and Gator Park.
Group + van tips
Driving a 12-15 passenger van to Everglades
- Bring more water than you think — there's no drinkable water at most trailheads past Royal Palm, and the gas station inside the park is at Flamingo, 38 miles in.
- Mosquito conditions are heavy May–November — bring DEET. Winter (Dec–April) is the dry season and far more comfortable.
- Park entrance fee is $30 per private vehicle (good for 7 days) — covers a 12-15 passenger van.
- Cell service is spotty past the entrance — download offline maps before leaving Homestead.
The Coe Visitor Center, Royal Palm, and Flamingo lots all accommodate standard Sprinters and Transits in regular spaces.
When to go
Best time to visit
December through April is the dry season — fewer mosquitos, more concentrated wildlife at the gator holes, and the most comfortable temperatures. Avoid July–September if anyone in the group dislikes heat, humidity, or rain.
Need a van for the trip?
Our Miami fleet of 12-15 passenger Sprinters and Ford Transits delivers free to MIA, FLL, the Port of Miami, and South Beach hotels.
See Miami vansPlan your visit
Official Everglades resources
Everglades National Park — NPS official site
www.nps.gov
Everglades hours, fees & passes (NPS)
www.nps.gov
Everglades visitor centers (NPS)
www.nps.gov
Shark Valley tram tours (park concessionaire)
www.sharkvalleytramtours.com
More background
Everglades FAQ
How far is Everglades National Park from Miami?
The main (south) entrance near Homestead is about 47 miles and 70 minutes from downtown Miami via Florida's Turnpike. The Shark Valley north entrance off US-41 is about 40 miles / 60 minutes.
What's the entrance fee for a van?
$30 per private vehicle for a 7-day pass — that covers a standard 12-15 passenger Sprinter or Transit. Annual America the Beautiful passes ($80) also cover the vehicle.
Will we actually see alligators?
Almost certainly, especially on the Anhinga Trail at Royal Palm in winter. They're wild — keep at least 15 feet of distance and never feed them (it's a federal offense).
Can I do an airboat ride inside the national park?
Only with one of three NPS-authorized concessionaires off Tamiami Trail: Coopertown, Everglades Safari Park, and Gator Park. Other airboat operators run on tribal/private land just outside the park.
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