Everglades National Park In Florida

The Everglades National Park, located in Florida, at 1.5 million acres is the 3rd largest National Park in the United States and was established December 6, 1947.

How To Get To Everglades National Park

From Miami, head south on US 1, which is Florida's Turnpike to Florida City. Go west on Florida 9336 (Palm Drive) to the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, which is about 50 miles from Miami. West from Miami take US 41 to Shark Valley Visitor Center. From Naples, go east on US 41 to Florida 29, then head south to Everglades City. The two airports that are close to the Florida Everglades are at Miami and Naples.

When To Visit Everglades National Park

There are two seasons in the Everglades. The dry season is mid-December through mid-April and the wet season is usually the remainder of the year. Most of Everglades National Park activities are scheduled during the dry season. The wet season is usually hot, humid, thunderstorms, and have swarms of mosquitoes.

Visiting Everglades National Park

For a short trip to the Everglades, you should spend some time taking some of the short self-guided hikes. If you are interested in bird watching, you will find the day going by too quickly. If you plan a longer visit to the Everglades you can stay in Everglades City or Flamingo and you should schedule a boat tour or canoe trip to get into the backcountry of Everglades National Park.

Everglades Nature and Wildlife
From the earliest written accounts, the Everglades ecosystem has been lauded as the stage from which yearly spectacles of avian life could be viewed. 

Amidst the life-giving waters of the River of Grass, immense flocks of countless birds quenched their thirst, satisfied their hunger, rested during lengthy migrations, and raised their young in Everglades National Park. 

A total of 15 federally threatened and endangered species reside within the boundaries of Everglades National Park. Sea turtles, crocodiles, and West Indian Manatees are but a few of these. 

Florida Bay, the largest body of water within Everglades National Park, contains over 800 square miles (2072 square km) of marine bottom, much of which is covered by submerged vegetation. Sea grass and algae provide shelter and sustenance to numerous marine organisms, which in turn sustain the food chain that supports all higher vertebrates in the bay.

Everglades National Park History
Recent surveys in Everglades National Park and within the Big Cypress Swamp indicate the presence of at least several hundred archeological sites within the interior of south Florida.  Based on current data, it also appears that the saw grass plains region south of Lake Okeechobee, now the Everglades Agricultural Area, was a transitional area used for canoe travel and small encampments by many tribes that pioneered the area that represents Everglades National Park. The exceptions are earthwork complexes, some of which are known to be located on the western edge of Everglades National Park. Pottery remains found in portions of the southwest section of the Everglades Agricultural Area indicate influence from regions as far away as Ten Thousand islands/Florida Bay on the southernmost end of the state.

Everglades Lodging

Everglades City Motel
The Everglades City Motel is located in the heart of Everglades City, Florida, in the fabulous and mysterious Everglades National Park. They are well known for their clean and spacious rooms, affordable accommodations and ample parking for boats and trailers. They now offer bike rentals so you can explore the many Historical points of interest in and around Everglades National Park. There are many local restaurants nearby where you may try the Stone Crabs that they are famous for.

Marco Island Lakeside Inn
Not just a Marco Island hotel, the Marco Island Lakeside Inn is a cozy island getaway nestled between soaring palm trees and located near Everglades National Park on Marco Island, the most southern island on the Florida west coast.  The Marco Island Lakeside Inn sits one mile from Marco Island beaches and boasts an on-site restaurant, sparkling-heated pool and affordable rates year round.