General Information

Everglades National Park in southern Florida is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. It is home to many rare and endangered species, and it comprises a large number of interconnected but distinct ecosystems. The Everglades offer a variety of things to do. Hiking and canoeing, camping, fishing, boat tours, and the exploration of the exceptional natural wonders make the visit to Everglades National Park a unique event. South Florida's subtropical climate brings significant seasonal changes to the Everglades landscape. Here, the temperate four seasons give way to more extreme fluctuations of wet and dry weather. To ensure an enjoyable and rewarding trip, visitors should plan their travel in the season most conducive to their pursuits.

Wildlife

The boundaries of Everglades National Park protect only the southern one-fifth of the historic Everglades ecosystem. In its entirety, this massive watershed boasts a multitude of habitats that provide a subtropical refuge to a unique assemblage of wildlife. Thriving amidst a verdant, expansive wetland, the wildlife of the Everglades encompasses the tiniest grass frog to the biggest American crocodile. Here life from the Caribbean tropics coexists with more familiar species from the temperate North America. Moreover, the optimal growing conditions prevalent on the south Florida peninsula foster a lush growth of plant life that sustains a diverse complex of flora. The Everglades serve as important habitat for a number of both endemic and legally protected species found here.