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National park: Everglades, FL

Everglades: 2 Days of Sawgrass, Hammocks and Florida Bay

Royal Palm boardwalks, the river of grass and the road to Flamingo

Paved trail beside still water with a palm tree silhouetted in the distance
Photo: NPS Photo/ D Turffs
Length
2 days
Difficulty
Easy
Best months
Jan–Apr, Dec
Budget
$$

Two days on the Homestead side of Everglades National Park: Anhinga and Gumbo Limbo at Royal Palm, the Pa-hay-okee overlook and Mahogany Hammock on day one, then the 38-mile drive to Flamingo for mangroves, birding and a Florida Bay boat tour. One base in Florida City.

  • Watch alligators and anhingas from the Anhinga Trail boardwalk
  • Look over the river of grass from Pa-hay-okee Overlook
  • See the largest living mahogany tree in the US at Mahogany Hammock
  • Walk the mangrove boardwalk at West Lake and the birdy Eco Pond at Flamingo
  • Take a Florida Bay boat tour from Flamingo Marina

The story

Everglades is not a single postcard; it is a slow, wide river of grass and a handful of places where you can see it up close. Two days from a Florida City base covers the best of the Homestead side without a second entrance.

Day one stays on the main park road. Start at Royal Palm, where the Anhinga Trail boardwalk puts alligators and anhingas within a few feet, then step into the shade of Gumbo Limbo. Continue west to the Pa-hay-okee overlook for the view of the sawgrass prairie, then turn around at Mahogany Hammock and its giant mahogany. On the way home, a milkshake at Robert Is Here makes a fitting finish.

Day two is the long drive south to Flamingo, 38 miles from the entrance. Stop at West Lake's mangrove boardwalk, learn the area at the Guy Bradley Visitor Center, walk Eco Pond for waders, eat at the Flamingo Restaurant, and take a boat tour into Florida Bay.

Go in the dry season, roughly December to mid-May: milder weather, fewer mosquitoes and the best birding. Summer means heat, storms and bugs.

Day by day

Day 1

Royal Palm, the River of Grass and Mahogany Hammock

Two Royal Palm boardwalks first thing, then west on the main park road to Pa-hay-okee and Mahogany Hammock, with a milkshake on the way back to Florida City.

Stay

Home2 Suites by Hilton Florida City

A practical base in Florida City, the gateway town on US-1 where Palm Drive heads west to the park. Check amenities and current rates on Hilton's site when booking.

Type
Hotel
Location
Outside the park
Booking
Book / details
Reservation notes
Check current rates on Hilton's site; rates vary by season (dry season is busiest).
Home2 Suites by Hilton Florida City
77 NE 3rd Street, Florida City, FL 33034
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Home2 Suites by Hilton Florida City (new tab)
Sources (4)
Must do
Hike8:30 AM · 1 h

Anhinga Trail

The park's signature wildlife walk starts at Royal Palm: a paved path and looping boardwalk over a sawgrass slough where alligators, turtles, anhingas and herons are often in view. NPS says the lower water of the dry season concentrates wildlife here, and that the trail is also a popular sunrise and sunset spot. Keep at least 15 feet from alligators.

Paved trail beside still water with a palm tree silhouetted in the distance
Photo: NPS Photo/ D Turffs
Distance
0.8 mi
Elevation gain
0 ft
Route
Loop
Difficulty
Easy
Dogs allowed
No
Trailhead
Royal Palm area, end of the Royal Palm spur road
Distance note
NPS lists 0.8 mi round trip (loop), wheelchair accessible. The 0 ft gain is from Hiking Project, which digitizes the route at 0.5 mi and shows 0 ft up and 0 ft down; NPS gives no gain figure. The trail is boardwalk and pavement at roughly sea level.
Anhinga Trail
Everglades National Park, Homestead, FL 33034
Season: Typically open year-round; wildlife is most concentrated in the dry season; check current conditions.
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Anhinga Trail (new tab)
Sources (5)
Hike9:45 AM · 30 min

Gumbo Limbo Trail

A shaded, paved loop through a hardwood hammock beside Royal Palm, where gumbo-limbo trees and oaks form a dense canopy over royal palms, ferns and air plants. NPS notes you may spot a liguus tree snail on the bark or an alligator camouflaged by a pond. It is a cool, quiet counterpoint to the open slough next door.

Paved path winding through dense green vegetation with leafy branches overhead
Photo: NPS Photo/ D Turffs
Distance
0.4 mi
Elevation gain
0 ft
Route
Loop
Difficulty
Easy
Dogs allowed
No
Trailhead
Royal Palm area
Distance note
NPS lists 0.4 mi round trip (loop), wheelchair accessible. 0 ft gain per Hiking Project (0 ft up, 0 ft down); NPS gives no gain figure. Dogs are not permitted on the trail per Hiking Project.
Gumbo Limbo Trail
Everglades National Park, Homestead, FL 33034
Season: Typically open year-round; check current conditions.
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Gumbo Limbo Trail (new tab)
Sources (3)
Must do
Viewpoint10:45 AM · 30 min

Pa-hay-okee Overlook

A short elevated boardwalk leads to a raised platform with sweeping views of the river of grass, with dwarf cypress, magnolia, air plants and string lilies close at hand. NPS puts the boardwalk at 0.16 mile round trip and says it is wheelchair accessible. Sunrise and sunset are the classic times to see the sawgrass glow, but it is a fine midday stop too.

Aerial view of the wooden Pa-hay-okee boardwalk and shelter structure
Photo: NPS Photo
Time
20-30 minutes; boardwalk is 0.16 mi round trip (NPS)
Best time
Sunrise or sunset; midday is fine
Reservation needed
No
Pa-hay-okee Overlook
Everglades National Park, Homestead, FL 33034
Season: Typically open year-round; check current conditions.
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Pa-hay-okee Overlook (new tab)
Sources (3)
Must do
Activity11:45 AM · 45 min

Mahogany Hammock Boardwalk

A boardwalk loop through a dense, jungle-like hardwood hammock, home to what NPS calls the largest living mahogany tree in the United States, plus gumbo-limbo trees and air plants. NPS says it is 0.5 mile round trip and wheelchair accessible. The trailhead is about 20 miles from the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, so it makes a natural turnaround point for the day.

Light wooden boardwalk stretching into a dense green canopy
Photo: NPS Photo
Time
About 20-45 minutes (NPS: 0.5 mi round trip boardwalk)
Best time
Late morning
Reservation needed
No
Place note
Typed as an activity because no sourced elevation figure was found for this boardwalk.
Mahogany Hammock
Everglades National Park, Homestead, FL 33034
Season: Typically open year-round; check current conditions.
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Mahogany Hammock (new tab)
Sources (3)
Eat1:30 PM · 45 min

Robert Is Here Fruit Stand

A family fruit stand just outside the park, known for hand-blended milkshakes and smoothies made with tropical fruit. The stand's site also lists jams, honey and hot sauces, a petting zoo and picnic tables. The Miami tourism board says the stand dates to 1959. A cold shake is the right reward after a day of Everglades heat.

Meal
Snack
Cuisine
Fruit stand, milkshakes and smoothies
Reservation needed
No
Robert Is Here Fruit Stand and Farm
19200 SW 344th St, Homestead, FL 33034
Hours: Daily 9 AM-6 PM; closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day (per stand's site)
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Robert Is Here Fruit Stand and Farm (new tab) 305-246-1592
Sources (3)
Day 2

Flamingo and Florida Bay

The long drive south to Flamingo, with a mangrove boardwalk on the way, birding, lunch and a boat tour on the bay.

Must do
Activity9:00 AM · 30 min

West Lake Boardwalk

A self-guided boardwalk through white, black and red mangroves and buttonwood to the edge of West Lake, seven miles north of the Flamingo Visitor Center. It is the best place on the drive in to see mangrove forest up close, and the lake edge is a good spot for birds. Picnic tables and restrooms are at the trailhead.

Gray boardwalk extending toward the horizon with a person fishing off the edge into the water
Photo: NPS - E Fernandez
Time
About 30 minutes; NPS gives no boardwalk length
Best time
Morning
Reservation needed
No
Place note
Typed as an activity because NPS gives no length or elevation figure.
West Lake Boardwalk
Everglades National Park, Homestead, FL 33034
Season: Typically open year-round; mosquitoes are worst in the wet season; check current conditions.
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for West Lake Boardwalk (new tab)
Sources (2)
Visitor center9:45 AM · 45 min

Guy Bradley Visitor Center at Flamingo

The Flamingo hub, with exhibits, brochures, a bookstore and views over Florida Bay. NPS says the nearby marina, campground, boat ramp and canoe trails all start from here. It is closed Wednesday and Thursday through Nov 15, then open 8-5 daily from Nov 16.

Inside a visitor center with large exhibits and an ocean view
Photo: NPS Photo/Riley Hays
Time
30-45 minutes
Reservation needed
No
Guy Bradley Visitor Center (at Flamingo)
1 Flamingo Lodge Highway, Homestead, FL 33034
Hours: Seasonal; see current conditions block
Season: Typically open year-round with seasonal days and hours; check current schedule.
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Guy Bradley Visitor Center (at Flamingo) (new tab) 239-695-2945
Sources (2)
Activity10:45 AM · 40 min

Eco Pond Loop

A half-mile loop on the road to the Flamingo Campground where NPS says wading birds, shorebirds and occasional crocodiles can often be seen. It is an easy, flat walk with an excellent chance of a photo, and it is a short drive or walk from the visitor center. Keep a respectful distance from any crocodile.

Dozens of white birds perched on green vegetation beside a calm, reflective pond
Photo: NPS Photo, R. Cammauf
Time
30-45 minutes; NPS lists a 1/2 mile loop
Best time
Morning or late afternoon
Reservation needed
No
Place note
Typed as an activity because NPS gives no elevation figure.
Eco Pond
Everglades National Park, Homestead, FL 33034
Season: Typically open year-round; birdlife peaks in the dry season; check current conditions.
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Eco Pond (new tab)
Sources (3)
Eat12:00 PM · 1 h 15 min

Lunch at Flamingo Restaurant

The restaurant next to Flamingo Lodge is the only full-service meal inside the park; NPS says it is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A 2025 Matador Network review mentions grilled fish, burgers and grain bowls. Eating here means no long drive out and back for lunch, so it anchors the Flamingo half of the trip.

Meal
Lunch
Cuisine
South Florida regional, American
Reservation needed
No
Place note
Address is the NPS-published Flamingo Lodge Highway address used for the Flamingo complex; pin is the OpenStreetMap location of the restaurant.
Flamingo Restaurant
1 Flamingo Lodge Highway, Homestead, FL 33034
Hours: Seasonal; see current conditions block
Season: Typically open daily with seasonal hours; check current schedule.
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Flamingo Restaurant (new tab) 855-708-2207
Sources (4)
Must do
Activity2:00 PM · 1 h 30 min

Florida Bay Boat Tour from Flamingo Marina

A 90-minute narrated tour from Flamingo Marina into Florida Bay, where a naturalist points out birds and sea life and explains Flamingo's history. NPS lists the Florida Bay tour typically from November 1 to April 30, departing at 10 AM, 12, 2 and 4 PM; the Backcountry Whitewater Bay tour (9, 11, 1 and 3) is the alternative. Tickets are at the Marina Store or online.

Photo: NPS Photo/ S. Diaz
Large open-air white boat with a blue canopy carrying passengers through murky water
Flamingo offers regular bay and backcountry boat tours. Photo: NPS Photo/ S. Diaz
Red and yellow kayaks stacked on the grass beside a cement wall and blue water
Kayaks and Canoes sit next to the water at Flamingo Marina. Photo: NPS Photo D. Diaz
Time
90 minutes (NPS)
Best time
Dry season (Nov-Apr) for the Florida Bay tour
Reservation needed
Yes
Reservation notes
Tickets at the Marina Store or online via the concessioner (NPS).
Flamingo Marina
1 Flamingo Lodge Highway, Homestead, FL 33034
Hours: Seasonal; see current conditions block
Season: Florida Bay tour typically runs Nov 1-Apr 30; Backcountry Whitewater Bay tour typically runs year-round; check current schedule.
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Flamingo Marina (new tab) 855-708-2207
Sources (5)

Where to stay

Stay

Flamingo Lodge

The park's only non-camping lodging, at Flamingo on Florida Bay, 38 miles from the main entrance. NPS describes a newly opened lodge with rooms and suites; the NPS opening notice lists 24 rooms (studios, one- and two-bedroom suites, accessible rooms). Staying here shortens Day 2 but adds a long Day 1 drive. Check current rates and dates.

Type
Lodge
Location
Inside the park
Place note
NPS publishes 1 Flamingo Lodge Highway for the Flamingo complex; pin is the adjacent restaurant location (OpenStreetMap).
Booking
Book / details
Reservation notes
Reserve through Flamingo Everglades (855-708-2207); check current rates.
Flamingo Lodge
1 Flamingo Lodge Highway, Homestead, FL 33034
Season: Check current availability with the concessioner.
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Flamingo Lodge (new tab) 855-708-2207
Sources (3)
Stay

Super 8 by Wyndham Homestead/Florida City/Gateway to Keys

An economy option on N Krome Ave in Florida City, off US-1 near the road to the park. Wyndham's page lists a free light breakfast, free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool, free parking and guest laundry. Rooms are only a short drive from the Palm Drive turn. Check current rates.

Type
Hotel
Location
Outside the park
Booking
Book / details
Reservation notes
Check current rates on Wyndham's site.
Super 8 by Wyndham Homestead/Florida City/Gateway to Keys
1202 N Krome Ave, Florida City, FL 33034
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Super 8 by Wyndham Homestead/Florida City/Gateway to Keys (new tab) 305-707-5946
Sources (2)
Stay

Flamingo Campground

A drive-in campground on Florida Bay with solar-heated showers, dump stations, picnic tables, grills and an amphitheater for seasonal ranger programs, per NPS. It has 234 drive-in sites plus walk-up sites. NPS lists tent sites at $33 Monday-Thursday and $38.50 Friday-Sunday; reservations are through the concessioner.

Open field with tents and picnic tables and four tall palm trees behind
Photo: NPS / R. Cammauf
Type
Campground
Location
Inside the park
Price per night
$33 to $60 (as of 2026-10-06)
Booking
Book / details
Reservation notes
NPS API fees per site per night: tent/non-electric RV $33 (Mon-Thu) or $38.50 (Fri-Sun); RV with electric $50 (Mon-Thu) or $60 (Fri-Sun). Entrance fee not included.
Flamingo Campground
1 Flamingo Lodge Highway, Homestead, FL 33034
Season: Reservations are highly recommended in the December-April busy season (NPS).
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Flamingo Campground (new tab)
Sources (2)

More options

Visitor center

Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center

The visitor center nearest Homestead, with educational displays, orientation films, brochures and ranger help to plan the day. NPS says it is open 365 days a year and has a gift shop with limited snacks. A good first stop on the way in, or a last one on the way out.

Pink grasses in bloom beside a lake and the Ernest Coe Visitor Center
Photo: NPS Photo
Time
15-30 minutes
Reservation needed
No
Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center
40001 State Road 9336, Homestead, FL 33034
Hours: See current conditions block
Season: Open daily year-round per NPS; hours may change seasonally.
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center (new tab) 305-242-7700
Sources (2)

Map of places

  1. Home2 Suites by Hilton Florida City (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 1
  2. Anhinga Trail (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 1
  3. Gumbo Limbo Trail (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 1
  4. Pa-hay-okee Overlook (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 1
  5. Mahogany Hammock (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 1
  6. Robert Is Here Fruit Stand and Farm (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 1
  7. West Lake Boardwalk (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 2
  8. Guy Bradley Visitor Center (at Flamingo) (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 2
  9. Eco Pond (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 2
  10. Flamingo Restaurant (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 2
  11. Flamingo Marina (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 2
  12. Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Option
  13. Flamingo Lodge (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Option
  14. Super 8 by Wyndham Homestead/Florida City/Gateway to Keys (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Option
  15. Flamingo Campground (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Option

Good to know

Current conditions (as of 2026-10-06)

  • Season: it is the wet season (about mid-May to November) and Atlantic hurricane season runs through November 30; expect heat, daily thunderstorms and heavy mosquitoes, and possible weather closures. NPS says December-March is the best birding period with low mosquito levels.
  • Alerts: NPS lists roadwork delays of up to 15 minutes on US 41/Tamiami Trail along the park's northern boundary (not on this route), and a general park-closure notice with no specifics; check NPS alerts before you go.
  • Entrance fee: $35 per private vehicle, good for 7 days; digital passes or cards only, no cash (NPS). Interagency passes accepted.
  • Pa-hay-okee: NPS says the overlook reopened in winter 2026 following a full renovation; no closure is listed in NPS alerts.
  • Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM daily (April through mid-December 2026 hours). Guy Bradley Visitor Center: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, closed Wednesday and Thursday through Nov 15; then 8:00 AM-5:00 PM daily from Nov 16 through April 30 (NPS).
  • Flamingo Restaurant (per concessioner, via search listing): Nov 1-Apr 30 breakfast 7-10 AM, lunch and dinner 11 AM-9 PM; May 1-Oct 31 breakfast 8-10 AM, lunch and dinner 11 AM-8 PM. A food truck is listed for November-May.
  • Flamingo Marina: 9 AM-5 PM mid-April to mid-November, 7 AM-7 PM mid-November to mid-April (NPS). Boat tours: $40 adults, $20 children (NPS API). Florida Bay tour departs 10 AM, 12, 2 and 4 PM, November 1-April 30 only, so it is not running until Nov 1; the Backcountry Whitewater Bay tour departs 9, 11, 1 and 3 (NPS). If visiting before Nov 1, swap the 2 PM Florida Bay tour for the 1 PM Whitewater Bay tour.
  • Flamingo Lodge: NPS says it is open (opened October 2023); rates not published here, check the concessioner.
  • Royal Palm gift shop: 9 AM-4 PM daily (NPS). Long Pine Key Campground is open seasonally, November-April.

Evergreen tips

  • Best time: the dry season (about December to mid-May) has mild temperatures, lower humidity, fewer mosquitoes and concentrated wildlife. Wet-season afternoons bring storms; start early and carry rain gear.
  • Pack lunch for Day 1; NPS lists only limited snacks at Coe and Royal Palm. Bring water, sun protection and insect repellent.
  • Keep at least 15 feet from alligators and crocodiles and never feed wildlife (NPS).
  • The Flamingo drive is 38 miles from the main entrance (NPS). Cell service is unreliable and fuel is available at Flamingo Marina; fill up before leaving Florida City.
  • Day 2 is a long day: plan to leave Florida City around 7:30 AM; the drive back after the 2 PM tour is roughly an hour and a quarter.
  • Shark Valley (tram, observation tower) and Everglades City (Ten Thousand Islands boat tours) are separate park entrances far from this route, so they suit a separate trip.

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Sources

Good to know: distances and drive times are typical figures without live traffic, and where routes are shown the route data comes from OpenStreetMap contributors. Toll amounts are estimates and change often, so check them in the DriftKin planner or with the toll authority before you plan around them. Opening hours, fees, prices, permits and closures also change, so confirm with the park or business before you go.