One Day in Everglades National Park: The Ultimate Itinerary

Part of the “Visit All 63 US National Parks” Series

Alligator and Anhinga bird in the Everglades National Park — Gator and Anhinga bird in Everglades National Park

Most people drive right past the best parts of the Everglades on their way to the Keys or Miami. Don’t make that mistake! As part of my mission to visit all 63 US National Parks, I spent a day exploring the unique ecosystems of southern Florida. From airboats to boardwalks, here is the ultimate guide to seeing Everglades National Park in one day.

Know Before You Go: Logistics & Seasons

Dry Season vs. Wet Season

Deciding which season to visit will have a direct impact on your experience in the park.

Dry Season (Dec-Apr) The weather features cooler temps & lower humidity. There are fewer bugs and wildlife are more concentrated for easier viewing. Great time for first time visitors, wildlife lovers, hiking & camping.

Wet Season (May-Nov) The high heat, high humidity, & frequent thunderstorms lead to more lush greenery. The water levels are higher as are the number of mosquitoes, but there will be less people. Great for paddling, photography, and seeing baby gators and nesting birds.

Entrance Fees & Passes

You will need a National Park pass to enter. I always get the one year America the Beautiful pass. You can purchase online or at the entrance.

Understanding the Three Entrances

Shark Valley, the Gulf Coast, and Royal Palm are separate districts and entrances to Everglades National Park. It is important to know that you cannot drive between them from inside the park. For my trip, I stayed in Homestead, FL just south of Miami so I will be focusing on the Royal Palm entrance.

The Ultimate One-Day Everglades National Park Itinerary

Morning: The Ernest F. Coe & Royal Palm Visitor Centers

Drive to the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center. Here you can check out the exhibits, watch a short movie, visit the gift shop and get your National Park Passport stamped. Next head down the road to the Royal Palm Visitor Center. From here walk the Anhinga Trail, an easy 0.8 mi boardwalk. This is the absolute best spot for high-chance alligator, turtle, and bird viewing. Walk the nearby short, paved Gumbo Limbo Trail (0.4 mi). Here you’ll see Gumbo Limbo Trees, famous for their peeling red bark and twisting branches. This is a great chance to see a unique forest ecosystem and get some shade if you are there on a sunny day.

National Park passport book stamp and sticker for Everglades National Park — My National Park passport stamp for Everglades National Park

Mid-Day: Driving the Main Park Road

Drive south on the Main Park Road (FL-9336). Stop at the Mahogany Hammock Trail (0.5 mi boardwalk) and the Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook for a panoramic view of the “River of Grass”.

Afternoon: Flamingo Visitor Center

Stop at the Guy Bradley Visitor Center (Flamingo) for the exhibits and gift shop. Book the 90-minute Florida Bay or Backcountry Boat Tour from the Flamingo Marina (available through the park concessionaire). This is an excellent way to see manatees, crocodiles, and birds from the water.

What to do Outside the Park

Robert is here fruit stand photo of lemons, limes, key limes — Robert is here Fruit Stand

Make sure you leave time before or after the park to stop at Robert Is Here Fruit Stand. Explore the fruit stand, visit the free petting zoo, and grab a fresh milkshakes or smoothie. Kids and adults love stopping here!

Spend some time at the Everglades Alligator Farm. You can do an airboat ride here. Plus have an alligator encounter, a capybara encounter, and see the alligator shows.

What to Pack for the Everglades

Bug Spray!
Sunscreen & Hat
Water & Snacks – There is very little food inside the park!

Join the “Visit All 63 US National Parks” Challenge!

One down, plenty more to go! The Everglades was just one stop on my mission to see all 63 National Park in the US.

Are you trying to visit them all too? I’d love to hear about your progress. Join my Facebook group, Visit all 63 National Parks, to share your photos, ask questions, and connect with other park lovers. Let’s explore together!

I hope this itinerary helps you plan the perfect day in the Everglades. Now I want to hear from you! Have you visited the Everglades? Did you spot any gators or manatees? Leave a comment below and let me know which National Park should be next on my list!

P.S. Want a souvenir from your trip? Check out my shop for National Park inspired gear! Or pick up this cool Everglades National Park sticker (also available in a Starry Night style!)