THE EARNEST TRAVELER
The Everglades is big and has more than one entrance, so where you stay depends on which part you're seeing. Your choices run from an in-park lodge at the southern tip to a Miami hotel — each one shapes a different trip.
Inside the Park: Flamingo
The only lodging inside the park is at Flamingo, at the southern tip: the reopened Flamingo Lodge (2023) with rooms and eco-tents on Florida Bay, plus the Flamingo and Long Pine Key campgrounds. Staying in the park means dawn wildlife, dark night skies, and no long morning drive — the top pick if you want to be immersed.
Homestead & Florida City
For the main (Homestead) entrance and the Anhinga Trail, base in Homestead or Florida City — the closest towns, with the widest range of budget-to-mid hotels, chain motels, and cheap, excellent Latin food. It's the practical home base for most Everglades trips and an easy hop to the park gate.
Everglades City for the Gulf Coast
If you're focused on the Ten Thousand Islands, Gulf Coast, and paddling, stay in Everglades City or nearby Chokoloskee on the northwest side — small fishing towns with inns and B&Bs, close to the boat tours and kayak launches. It's a long way from the Homestead side, so pick this base by what you want to see.
Miami as a Base
For city comforts, world-class dining, and a wide hotel range, base in Miami and day-trip — Shark Valley is about 45 minutes west and the Homestead entrance under an hour south. You trade early-morning park access for restaurants and nightlife, and you can easily pair the Everglades with Miami Beach or the Keys.
The Everglades has two seasons, and they make or break a trip. The dry season (December through April) is prime time: mild weather, fewer mosquitoes, and wildlife packed around the shrinking water holes where it's easy to see. The wet season (May through November) is hot, buggy, and stormy, with animals spread out and harder to find. If you can choose, come in winter.
The Everglades' entrances are far apart — Homestead in the southeast, Shark Valley on Tamiami Trail, Gulf Coast in the northwest. Decide which parts you want first, then book a base near those; trying to do all of it from one hotel means a lot of driving.
In-park lodging, camping, and the gateway towns.