Planning your Everglades trip can feel overwhelming when you’re not sure where to base yourself. I’ve explored every corner of this incredible park and discovered that choosing the right area makes all the difference between a good trip and an unforgettable one.
From staying right inside the park among the wildlife to comfortable towns just outside, each of the five main areas offers something completely different. I’ll walk you through exactly what makes each spot special so you can pick the perfect home base for your Everglades adventure.
Best Hotels: 🏠
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton Sunrise - Sawgrass Mills
- ✨ 5-Star: Hilton Garden Inn Ft. Lauderdale SW/Miramar
- 🛏️ 3-Star: Hampton Inn & Suites Ft. Lauderdale/West-Sawgrass/Tamarac
- 💸 Cheap: Garden Inn Homestead
- 🏢 Apartment: TownePlace Suites by Marriott Miami Homestead
- 👨👩👧👦 For Families: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pembroke Pines
- 🏩 For Couples: Courtyard by Marriott Miami Homestead
Quick Guide to Best Areas to Stay: 📋
- 🦩 For Nature & Onsite Experience: Flamingo Area
- 🏪 For Convenience & Budget: Homestead
- 🏛️ For Old-Florida Vibes: Everglades City
- 🎣 For Serenity & Fishing: Chokoloskee Island
- 🏖️ For Comfort & Extras: Key Largo/Miami
1. Flamingo Area – Where to Stay near Everglades National Park for Nature & Onsite Experience
Getting there is easy. Flamingo is about 40 miles down the main park road from the Ernest Coe Visitor Center entrance near Homestead. It’s the only place inside the park where you can actually sleep, and trust me, that makes a huge difference when you want to see animals at dawn.
Your sleeping options. The brand new Flamingo Lodge just reopened with modern facilities that have air conditioning and private bathrooms – something you’ll really appreciate after a sweaty day hiking. You can also experience houseboats that sleep up to 6 people, or go old-school camping at the 234-site campground with your own tent or RV.
Animals everywhere. I’m not kidding when I say you’ll see more wildlife here than anywhere else in the park. Manatees swim right up to the marina dock, and I’ve watched families of raccoons walk past my tent at night. The ranger station keeps a daily wildlife log that shows what’s been spotted recently.
| Activity | What you get |
|---|---|
| Campground site | Per night, includes picnic table and fire ring |
| Houseboat experience | Per night, sleeps 6, includes kitchen |
| Canoe rental | Full day, paddles and life jackets included |
Food and supplies. The marina store sells basic stuff like snacks, ice, and fishing gear, but it’s pretty expensive. I always stop at the Winn-Dixie in Homestead before driving down to stock up on everything I need for a few days.
Must-do activities nearby:
- Walk the half-mile Anhinga Trail at 7 AM when alligators are most active
- Rent a kayak and paddle the Flamingo Marina backcountry loop at sunset
2. Homestead Area – Where to Stay Near Everglades for Convenience & Budget
Why Homestead works perfectly. This small city sits just 20 minutes from the park’s main entrance, making it the most popular base for Everglades visitors. I’ve found it’s especially good for families who want regular restaurants, grocery stores, and comfortable beds after long days exploring the park.
Getting around is simple. The drive from Homestead to the park entrance takes about 15 minutes on a straight road through farmland. You’ll pass tons of fruit stands selling fresh mangoes and avocados – I always stop at Robert Is Here for their famous milkshakes before heading into the park.
Food scene surprises you. Homestead has way more dining options than you’d expect for a small farming town. The downtown area has everything from Cuban cafeterias to Asian restaurants, plus several grocery chains including Winn-Dixie and Publix for stocking up on supplies.
| Essential stops in Homestead | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Robert Is Here fruit stand | Fresh tropical fruit milkshakes and local produce |
| Homestead Historic Downtown | Cuban restaurants, antique shops, weekend farmers market |
| Homestead Bayfront Park | Swimming beach, boat ramps, picnic areas |
| Coral Castle | Weird roadside attraction with massive stone sculptures |
Perfect for day trips. From Homestead, you can easily reach both Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park in the same day. I’ve done this several times – morning in the Everglades, afternoon snorkeling in Biscayne Bay.
Shopping and services you’ll need:
- Multiple gas stations along US-1 for filling up before park visits
- CVS and Walgreens for forgotten sunscreen and bug spray
- Auto parts stores if you have car trouble in the middle of nowhere
Best Hotels in Homestead Area
Luxury Hotels
- Hilton Garden Inn Homestead – This upscale hotel features spacious rooms with modern amenities, an outdoor pool, and a 24-hour fitness center just 15 minutes from Everglades National Park entrance.
- Courtyard by Marriott Miami Homestead – Offering contemporary rooms with ergonomic workspaces and premium bedding, this hotel includes a bistro restaurant and outdoor pool perfect for relaxing after park adventures.
- TownePlace Suites by Marriott Miami Homestead – These extended-stay suites feature full kitchens and separate living areas, ideal for families planning multiple days exploring the Everglades with grocery shopping nearby.
Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Florida City – This all-suite hotel offers spacious accommodations with kitchenettes and a complimentary breakfast, located within 20 minutes of the park entrance.
- Hampton Inn & Suites Homestead Miami South – Featuring comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi and hot breakfast, this hotel provides excellent value with easy access to both Everglades and Biscayne National Parks.
- Tru By Hilton Florida City – This modern hotel offers bright rooms with contemporary design, a 24-hour fitness center, and convenient location for exploring the Florida Keys and Everglades.
Best Hostels
- Travelodge by Wyndham Florida City/Homestead/Everglades – This budget-friendly option provides clean, comfortable rooms with basic amenities and serves as an ideal base camp for budget travelers exploring the Everglades.
- Quality Inn Florida City - Gateway to the Keys – Offering affordable accommodation with outdoor pool and continental breakfast, this hotel provides great value for travelers heading to both the Everglades and Florida Keys.
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Florida City - Gateway to the Keys – This budget-conscious choice features free breakfast and Wi-Fi, with easy highway access to Everglades National Park and onward travel to the Keys.
3. Everglades City – Best Place to Stay near Everglades National Park for Old-Florida Vibes
Small town charm hits differently. Everglades City has about 400 people and feels like stepping back in time to old Florida. The whole downtown area is maybe four blocks long, but it’s packed with character – from the historic buildings to the local fishing guides who’ve been here for generations.
Airboat central headquarters. This tiny town is famous for airboat tours, and I’ve tried at least six different companies here. The guides are mostly locals who grew up in the area and know every alligator by name (okay, maybe not really, but they act like it).
Seafood caught daily. The restaurants here serve stone crab, grouper, and other fresh catch brought in by local fishermen. During stone crab season (October to May), you can watch boats unload their traps right at the docks.
| Everglades City highlights | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Everglades Seafood Festival | Happens every February, draws thousands of visitors |
| Museum of the Everglades | Shows the area’s history in an old laundry building |
| Chokoloskee Island | Connected by a 3-mile causeway, great for fishing |
| Ten Thousand Islands | Maze of mangrove islands perfect for kayaking |
Gateway to the west side. Most people only see the eastern part of Everglades National Park, but Everglades City gives you access to the Gulf Coast section. The ranger station here offers different activities like guided canoe trips through mangrove tunnels.
What makes it special:
- Local fishing guides who know secret spots for snook and redfish
- Oyster Bar Restaurant where celebrities sometimes eat (seriously)
- Everglades Seafood Festival that’s been running for over 40 years
Best Hotels in Everglades City
- River Wilderness Waterfront Villas – These upscale waterfront villas offer private accommodations with stunning views of the Barron River and direct access to fishing and kayaking adventures.
- Everglades Adventures Hotel Suites by Ivey House – This boutique hotel features spacious suites with modern amenities and serves as headquarters for guided Everglades tours and outdoor adventures.
- Ivey House Everglades Adventures Hotel – A historic inn offering comfortable rooms with authentic Florida charm, complete with complimentary breakfast and expert local tour guides on-site.
4. Chokoloskee Island – Where to Stay in Everglades National Park for Serenity & Fishing
Island living made easy. Chokoloskee Island connects to the mainland by a single 3-mile causeway, making it feel like a secret hideaway. The whole island is only about 150 acres, so you can walk from one end to the other in 20 minutes.
Fishing paradise reality. This place is all about fishing – specifically saltwater fishing in the backcountry waters around Ten Thousand Islands. I’ve met guides here who can find tarpon, snook, and redfish even when other areas are slow.
Quiet like nowhere else. There’s no traffic, no chain restaurants, and definitely no crowds. The loudest sounds you’ll hear are osprey calling and mullet jumping in the water. It’s perfect if you want to completely disconnect from the busy world.
| Chokoloskee Island features | What you’ll find |
|---|---|
| Smallwood Store | Historic trading post turned museum and gift shop |
| Chokoloskee Bay | Shallow waters perfect for fishing and bird watching |
| Boat ramps | Multiple spots to launch kayaks or fishing boats |
| Local fishing guides | Backcountry specialists who know every channel |
History runs deep here. The island was once a shell mound built by Calusa Indians, and you can still see some of these ancient shell piles. During Prohibition, rumrunners used the maze of islands to smuggle alcohol from Cuba.
Why fishermen love it:
- Launching point for Everglades National Park backcountry
- Protected waters when it’s too rough in the Gulf of Mexico
- Local guides who specialize in sight fishing for tarpon and snook
5. Key Largo / Miami – Where to Stay Near Everglades for Comfort & Extras
Best of both worlds setup. Key Largo sits about 45 minutes from the park entrance, while Miami is roughly an hour away. Both give you access to the Everglades plus other attractions like coral reef diving in John Pennekamp State Park or nightlife in South Beach.
Beach bonus included. Unlike the other areas, staying in Key Largo or Miami means you can hit the beach after your Everglades adventure. I’ve done this combo trip several times – morning with alligators, afternoon snorkeling with tropical fish.
Airport convenience matters. Miami International Airport makes flying in and out much easier than driving down from other parts of Florida. You can rent a car at the airport and be in the Everglades within 90 minutes.
| Key Largo/Miami advantages | What this means for you |
|---|---|
| John Pennekamp State Park | Glass-bottom boat tours and snorkeling |
| Coral Castle | Weird roadside attraction on the way to Everglades |
| Homestead-Miami Speedway | NASCAR races and other events |
| Biscayne National Park | Boat tours to see manatees and dolphins |
Food scene explodes here. Miami has world-class restaurants, while Key Largo offers great seafood with a laid-back Keys vibe. Both areas have way more dining options than you’ll find near the park itself.
Multiple park access points:
- Easy drive to both Everglades and Biscayne National Parks
- Close to Big Cypress National Preserve for additional wildlife viewing
- Day trip possibilities to Florida Keys attractions
Best Hotels in Key Largo/Miami
Luxury Hotels
- Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection – This upscale beachfront resort offers stunning ocean views, multiple pools, and a full-service spa, perfect for combining Everglades adventures with luxury relaxation.
- Marina Del Mar Resort and Marina – Features waterfront accommodations with private marina access, ideal for guests planning fishing trips or boat excursions to the Everglades backcountry.
- Gables Inn – This boutique Miami hotel offers elegant accommodations in historic Coral Gables with easy access to both downtown Miami and the Everglades.
Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels
- Hampton Inn Key Largo – Provides comfortable rooms with complimentary breakfast and outdoor pool, strategically located for exploring both John Pennekamp State Park and the Everglades.
- Holiday Inn Key Largo by IHG – Features modern amenities and family-friendly facilities with convenient access to diving, snorkeling, and Everglades day trips.
- Hampton Inn & Suites Homestead Miami South – Offers waterfront accommodations with marina views and easy boat access for fishing and backcountry exploration.
Best Hostels
- The Pelican Key Largo Cottages – These budget-friendly cottages provide a unique Keys experience with tropical gardens and close proximity to water activities and Everglades tours.
- Beautiful suite in the best location in Miami! – This centrally located Miami accommodation offers excellent value with modern amenities and easy highway access to the Everglades.
- Best Western Miami – Provides reliable budget accommodations with standard amenities and convenient location for exploring Miami attractions before or after Everglades visits.
FAQ
Are there hotels in Everglades National Park?
No, there are no traditional hotels inside the park. The newly opened Flamingo Lodge provides the only indoor accommodation within Everglades National Park, offering 24 eco-friendly rooms with modern amenities.
What accommodation options exist within Everglades National Park?
You can stay at the Flamingo Lodge, rent houseboats, book glamping tents, or camp at designated campgrounds. The park offers two main campground facilities: Flamingo Campground and Long Pine Key Campground.
Which hotels near Everglades National Park are closest?
Homestead and Florida City offer the closest hotel options, just 15-20 minutes from the park entrance. Popular choices include Quality Inn Florida City, Travelodge by Wyndham, and Courtyard by Marriott.
Where is the Coe Visitor Center located?
The Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center sits at the main Homestead entrance of Everglades National Park. This visitor center serves as the primary gateway and information hub for park visitors.
What lodging near Everglades National Park offers convenience?
Homestead provides the most convenient base with numerous hotels, restaurants, and services within 20 minutes of the park entrance. This area offers easy access to both the main park entrance and essential amenities.
Are there campground options outside of Everglades National Park?
Yes, nearby options include Collier-Seminole State Park and multiple campgrounds in Big Cypress National Preserve. These alternatives provide additional camping opportunities with various amenities and hookup options.
What accommodation exists near the Gulf Coast entrance?
Everglades City offers small inns, motels, and bed & breakfasts near the Gulf Coast Visitor Center. This historic town provides a gateway to the western section of the park with unique old-Florida charm.
Can I find hotel near both parks?
Yes, Homestead and Key Largo offer convenient access to both Everglades and Biscayne National Parks. Many visitors choose these locations for multi-park itineraries combining both experiences.
What rental options exist inside the Everglades?
Flamingo offers houseboat rentals that sleep up to 6 people with full kitchens and bathrooms. These unique floating accommodations provide direct water access and an unforgettable wilderness experience.
Are there gateway towns for visiting Everglades National Park?
Homestead, Florida City, and Everglades City serve as the main gateway communities. Each offers different advantages: Homestead for convenience, Florida City for budget options, and Everglades City for authentic atmosphere.
