Where To Stay Near Everglades National Park
Chantelle KincyIf you’re looking to explore the Everglades National Park, you’ll need to find a place to stay nearby. There are many options available, but not all of them are equal in terms of quality and price.
The best places to stay near the Everglades National Park vary in terms of quality and price. Here are some of our top picks:
Where to Stay near Everglades National Park: Best Towns
Everglades National Park is in Florida and spans over 1.5 million acres. There are 3 entrances to Everglades National Park.
- Everglades City Entrance – 815 Oyster Bar Lane, Everglades City, FL 34139. Use this entrance for the Gulf Coast Visitor Center.
- Miami Entrance – 36000 SW 8th Street Miami, FL 33194. Use this entrance for Shark Valley
- Homestead Entrance- 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead, FL 33034. This is the main entrance of the park. Use this entrance for the Ernest F Coe and Flamingo Visitors Centers.
You’ll want to stay near one of these entrances to make it easier to explore the park.
1. Everglades City: Stay here to visit Gulf Coast Visitor Center in Everglades National Park
Everglades City is located in Collier County, Florida. It is about 80 miles from Miami. The city is a good base for exploring the western part of Everglades National Park.
There are several hotels and motels in Everglades City. Many of them are located near U.S. Highway 41, also known as the Tamiami Trail. This road goes through the heart of the Everglades.
The Gulf Coast Visitor Center is located in Everglades City. This is a good place to start your visit to the park. The visitor center has exhibits about the history and ecology of the Everglades. Rangers offer programs and guided walks. You can also take a boat tour from here.
Where to stay in Everglades City
Staying in Everglades City is a good base for Everglades National Park. There are many options for every budget and kind of traveler.
📍Ivey House Everglades Adventures Hotel
The Ivey House Bed and Breakfast in Everglades City is the perfect place to stay for those visiting the western entrance of Everglades National Park and the Ten Thousand Islands, as it caters specifically to kayakers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
There are 18 guest rooms, free wi fi, free parking, and a screened outdoor swimming pool. You can also use the resort’s loaner bicycles to explore the area.
You can book airboat excursions, kayak rentals, and fishing charters at a discount by booking through the hotel too!
📍Everglades Chickee Cottages
While not technically in Everglades City, this property is located about 10 minutes away and is a super unique and fun way to enjoy the area.
If you are looking for luxury and pampering, this isn’t for you but if you want to try glamping, this may be just what you’re looking for!
You won’t find electricity, running water, or even windows in your cabin, but what you will find are the sights and sounds of the Everglades, free Wi Fi, free parking, and a BBQ and picnic area.
📍 Everglades City Motel
Everglades City Motel is a simple, yet clean and convenient motel that acts as a great base camp for your Everglade adventures.
Free Wi-Fi and free parking are available, and the rooms have air conditioning which is great!
✅ Click here to book Everglades City Motel
Best Things to do in Everglades City
The best things to do in Everglades City involve exploring the outdoors. You can do boat and kayak tours. There is also no shortage of fishing tours in the area. Be sure and visit the Museum of the Everglades while you are there too!
➡️ Small Group Boat, Kayak, and Walking Guided Eco Tour
➡️ Everglades National Park Small Group Guided Boating & Walking Tour Expedition
2. Naples: Where to stay near Everglades National Park
Naples is a bit further away from the park than other cities on this list. If you are looking for a more luxurious stay near high-end shopping and world-class arts, and don’t mind the hour+ drive to the park, Naples may be the answer for you.
Where to stay in Naples
In Naples, you can stay in a beachside resort or a less expensive hotel. Keep in mind you’ll have at least an hour’s drive to Everglades National Park.
📍La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Naples East
Budget-friendly, clean, and friendly. This property offers an outdoor pool, free breakfast, free wifi, and free parking.
📍Hilton Naples
This lovely hotel has an outdoor pool and a shuttle to the beach. It offers free wifi, free valet parking, and paid childcare options.
📍 Naples Grand Beach Resort
This upscale beach resort has 15 tennis courts, a gym, a sauna, a steam room, and a pool. There is a shuttle to the beach and free bicycles.
✅ Click here to book Naples Grand Beach Resort
Best things to do in Naples
Enjoy time on the beach, or at the pier while in Naples. There are numerous boat tours to see manatees, and dolphins, and explore 10,000 islands. The zoo is great and so are the botanical gardens.
➡️ Gulf of Mexico Sunset Cruise from Naples
➡️ Backwater Adventure’s CraigCat Tours of the 10,000 Islands
➡️ Manatee Sightseeing and Wildlife Boat Tour
3. Homestead: Where to stay near the main entrance to Everglades National Park
Homestead is located south of Miami and offers a nice alternative to staying in a huge city. It’s located in good proximity to Everglades National Park as well as Biscayne National Park, 2 of the best National Parks on the East Coast.
You’ll be able to visit the Ernest Coe Visitor Center as well as the Flamingo Visitor Center from here.
Where to stay in Homestead
You really have no shortage of options when it comes to staying in Homestead. Here are a few of our favorite choices.
📍Hilton Garden Inn Homestead
We have always enjoyed our stay here. It is conveniently located and has free Wif fi, free parking, and a great outdoor pool.
📍Hampton Inn & Suites Homestead Miami South
This hotel has a 24-hour gym, a pool, and breakfast is included.
📍TownePlace Suites by Marriott Miami Homestead
Complimentary breakfast is included as well as wifi, free parking, and a gym. You also have a kitchen in your room, so it’s possible to make a few meals on your own and save some money.
Best things to do in Homestead
While exploring Homestead be sure and check out the Coral Castle, Everglades Alligator Farm, and Miami Brewing Co. There are many parks and outdoor markets to explore too! If you feel the need for speed, check out the Homestead Miami Speedway.
➡️ 1-Hour Air boat Ride and Nature Walk with Naturalist in Everglades National Park
➡️ Everglades National Park & Airboat tour with Roundtrip Transfer
4. Miami: Where to stay near Everglades National Park and nightlife
Miami! What can I say? This vibrant city needs to be experienced, words can’t paint the right pictures. You’ll be near Everglades National Park and the Shark Valley Visitor Center.
While you are here, be sure and check out the incredible beaches, explore little Havana on Calle Ocho, and take in the culture of Miami.
Where to stay in Miami
One thing to keep in mind if you want to stay in Miami is that driving in Miami is a straight-up circus.
I’d recommend taking an Uber to anywhere you need to go in the city and only driving when absolutely necessary.
📍JW Marriott Marquis Miami
This is one of my favorite hotels that I’ve ever stayed in. It is super sleek and luxurious and has an incredible rooftop pool.
The customer service is incredible, and Ive always felt seen and taken care of by every person there from the super friendly front desk staff to the valets. It’s also in a great location with easy access to all the great things in Miami.
📍Boulan South Beach
Located on the famous Miami South Beach, this resort is beautiful and fun. You have access to the beach, the pool, and a lot more, but you will have to pay an additional resort fee on top of the nightly rate.
Parking and breakfast are added fees as well, which doesn’t make this the most budget-friendly, but the location is great.
📍Best Western Plus Windsor Inn
Budget-friendly and Miami don’t always go hand in hand, but this clean hotel located in North Miami is a good option.
Best things to do in Miami
You can find something for everyone in Miami. Check out the vibrant arts scene, eat some yummy Cuban food, and head to the beach.
When you are ready to visit Everglades National Park, you’ll be in a great position to visit Shark Valley, which is my favorite part of the park.
➡️ Miami Skyline 90 min Cruise of South Beach Millionaire Homes & Venetian Islands
➡️ Miami Combo: City Tour, Biscayne Bay Cruise and Everglades Airboat Ride
➡️ 3 – 4 hours Everglades Tour from Miami
Where to Stay In Everglades National Park: Campsites
There is no lodging inside Everglades National Park. If you are looking for a resort or hotel, you’ll need to look at one of the towns that I’ve shown above.
There are, however, 2 campsites within the Everglades, and if you want to really immerse yourself in nature (mosquitos 🤣) then you will really enjoy this experience.
➡️ Long Pine Key Campground is located near Homestead. This campsite is first come first served and has 108 sites for tents and RVs.
➡️ Flamingo Campground is located 38 miles south of Homestead. There are 234 sites here and most are available by reservation. A few will be held for first come first serve. To make reservations, reach out to Everglades Guest Services.
There is also the opportunity for backcountry camping in Everglades National Park. You’ll need a wilderness permit. You can get that at Recreation.gov
Visiting Everglades National Park FAQs
What is the Fee to enter Everglades National Park?
The fee is $30 per vehicle for 7 days. Families of 4th graders are free, as are military members and those with an accessibility pass. I always recommend America the Beautiful Pass if you will be visiting more than one park. With Biscayne, Everglades, and Dry Tortugas being so close together, you will save money by purchasing the pass.
What is the closest town to Everglades National Park?
This depends on which entrance you will be using. The closest towns are Miami, Homestead, and Everglades City.
How many days do you need for Everglades National Park?
I recommend at least 2-3 days to explore Everglades National Park.
Conclusion: Where to Stay in Everglades National Park in 2024
As you can see there is a wide array of lodging options near Everglades National Park. While there are no official “Everglades National Park hotels” there are still a lot of options. Whether you are looking for luxury in the city or a hut in the swamp, you can find it near Everglades.
I hope you have gained some inspiration for the best places to stay near Everglades National Park. If this post was helpful to you, I’d love for you to use the links above to book your stay. This helps me support my blog, and is at no additional cost to you.
