Everglades National Park Guide

A 1.2-km Anhinga walk or the 24-km Shark Valley loop by tram or bike: one national-park day, with Flamingo as a separate extension.

Royal Palm and Anhinga Trail

The Anhinga Trail is approximately 1.2 kilometres in total and is wheelchair accessible, according to NPS. It starts at Royal Palm Visitor Center. The 1–3 hours above allow for wildlife-watching stops, rather than walking time alone; sightings are never guaranteed.

Shark Valley Tram or Bike Loop

The Shark Valley loop is 15 miles, approximately 24 kilometres long. It is not a short stroll to the observation tower. Check tram times and parking guidance in advance; a reserved tram seat does not reserve a parking space.

Flamingo and Florida Bay

NPS directions put Flamingo 38 miles, about 61 kilometres, beyond the Homestead entrance, with the same distance back if returning. Give it a full southern park day rather than adding it as a quick stop before Key West.

Use Guy Bradley Visitor Center and the marina to understand Florida Bay. The NPS-listed boat trips take about 90 minutes and need separate booking, check-in and a weather check. With limited time, stay at Royal Palm.

Dry Season Wildlife Timing

Dry season is not just nicer weather. Water levels, insects and wildlife behavior make winter and early spring more comfortable for many first visits.

Wet season can still be beautiful, but heat, storms and mosquitoes become part of the itinerary rather than background details.

Planning Logic

The guided tram takes about two hours; add the approach, parking and waiting. The 24-km bicycle circuit is a separate physical commitment with little shade. Without a tour or bicycle, Anhinga provides the shorter introduction.

The park areas do not form an internal road loop. For Royal Palm plus Flamingo allow two Homestead nights; Shark Valley fits an onward US 41 drive to Naples. General map markers do not replace navigating to the selected entrance.

Admission and pass choice

As checked on 7 September 2026, private-vehicle admission costs USD 35 for seven consecutive days. Non-US residents aged 16 and over pay an additional USD 100 each unless covered by a valid annual pass. Check existing passes and NPS coverage rules before buying; coverage differs between vehicle and individual entry. Tours and rentals cost extra. The broad daily budgets above do not replace this admission calculation.

What I Would Prioritize

I would prioritize Royal Palm or Shark Valley for a first visit, then add Flamingo only if the route has room. I would not chase every entrance in one day.

Where to Go Next

Go south to the Keys, west toward Naples and the Gulf Coast, or return to Miami if the route stays compact.

Admission example: Two nonresidents aged 16 or older in a private car pay 35 + 2 × 100 = USD 235 without a covering pass. The USD 250 nonresident annual pass is therefore not automatically cheaper for this visit alone, but may help with additional covered parks. The local USD 70 Everglades annual pass is offered only to US citizens and residents.

Budget basis: Per-person planning allowances for two adults sharing a room and rental car, covering one night, meals and shared driving costs. Flights, park admission, tram, airboat, boat trips and bicycle rental are additional. Count a tour either as included or as an extra, never both.