Itinerary · 2 days · Florida

2 Days in Everglades National Park: The Perfect Itinerary

Two days is enough to see the best of Everglades National Park without rushing. Here is the day-by-day plan, built around the park's highlights.

Best time to go: Dec–Mar. Closest major airport: Miami (MIA), about 1 hour.

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Day 1: The icons

  1. Morning: See alligators on the Anhinga Trail. Start early to beat the crowds.
  2. Afternoon: Ride the tram or bike at Shark Valley.
  3. Evening: Paddle the mangrove tunnels at Nine Mile Pond.

Day 2: Go deeper

  1. Morning: Look for crocodiles at Flamingo.
  2. Afternoon: Take a boat tour from Gulf Coast.
Local tip

The Anhinga Trail near the main entrance offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the park within a short walk.

When to go

The best time to visit Everglades National Park is December–March.

Best time to visit Everglades, month by month · What to pack

Questions

How many days do you need in Everglades National Park?

Two full days covers the highlights: see alligators on the anhinga trail and ride the tram or bike at shark valley on day one, then look for crocodiles at flamingo on day two. Add a third day if you want a long backcountry hike or a slow morning.

When is the best time for this Everglades itinerary?

Go in Dec–Mar, when the park is rated at its best. December offers the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds.

Can you do Everglades in one day?

You can see the highlights in one very full day by doing day one below and skipping day two, but you will miss look for crocodiles at flamingo. Two days is the sweet spot.

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