Park Entrances & Visitor Centers

Your Gateway to the Everglades

Everglades National Park has several entrances and visitor centers located along the park’s boundary, each providing access to a unique part of this extraordinary landscape. Because the park does not have a single central entrance and its interior roads do not connect, your experience can vary greatly depending on where you begin your visit.

Starting from Homestead, Shark Valley, or Everglades City, each location offers different opportunities to explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, wildlife, and recreational activities. Some areas feature shaded trails and boardwalks through tropical hardwood hammocks, while others open into sweeping sawgrass prairies, stunning wetland vistas, or the coastal waters of the Ten Thousand Islands. Visitor centers at each entrance also offer maps, orientation information, exhibits, restrooms, and ranger guidance to help you make the most of your visit.

Whether you’re planning a family-friendly walk, a scenic bike ride, a wildlife viewing experience, or a backcountry adventure, this guide will help you understand the differences between each entrance area and choose the starting point that best fits your interests, direction of travel, and available time.

Important Notes

• Park entrances DO NOT connect. You cannot drive between Ernest F. Coe, Shark Valley, or Gulf Coast from inside the park.

• Cell service is limited. Download maps and information before arriving.

• Check Alerts. Trail, road, and facility conditions may change due to weather or wildlife activity.