Parks / The Southeast and the Keys
Everglades
Stop 2 of 51 on the loop. Stay in Homestead FL, give it 2 nights, and plan the day around Anhinga Trail / Flamingo Road.
- State
- FL
- Stay in
- Homestead FL
- Nights on this route
- 2
- Month on this route
- April
- Don't miss
- Anhinga Trail / Flamingo Road
- Getting here
- 667 mi from Columbia SC, about 12 h 17 min. Plan 1 overnight stop.
- Next stop
- Biscayne, same base.
About the Park
Established in 1947 as the first national park created for its biodiversity, Everglades National Park protects 1.5 million acres of wetland, forest, and marine habitats and the native plants and animals that call it home. With several international designations, the park provides a major source of drinking water for local residents of South Florida and recreational opportunities for all.
Description from the National Park Service.
Where to Stay
On this route you sleep in Homestead FL. Gateway towns have more lodging, groceries and fuel than the park itself. If you want an in-park lodge instead, the busiest parks book up as early as 13 months out.
Entrance Fees
- $35 Private Vehicle
- $30 Motorcycle
- $20 Per person (walk or bike in)
Visitors who aren't U.S. residents pay an extra $100 per person here in 2026.
An $80 America the Beautiful annual pass covers entry at every national park; on a trip like this it pays for itself after three parks. Fees from the NPS, checked 2026-10-18.
Nearby Parks
- Biscayne same base
- Dry Tortugas about 103 mi as the crow flies
- Congaree about 590 mi as the crow flies
Official site: https://www.nps.gov/ever/. Route data checked 2026-10-19.