Everglades National Park, located in southern Florida, is a remarkable and diverse ecosystem that encompasses both freshwater and coastal habitats. Spanning over 1.5 million acres, it is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. The park is known for its expansive wetlands, sawgrass prairies, and mangrove forests, providing a haven for numerous species of plants and animals, including the iconic American alligator and the endangered Florida panther.
Visitors can explore the park’s waterways by canoe or kayak, hike through nature trails, and participate in guided tours to learn about the unique ecosystems and cultural heritage of the area. Everglades National Park is a cherished natural treasure that offers an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. Be sure to visit the park website for current closures and conditions.
Top Photography Locations and Sights at Everglades National Park:
As photographers, we know that many of you will only have one chance in a lifetime to visit the National Parks. To make your life easier, we have compiled a list of our top photography locations and sights at Everglades National Park! While this is not comprehensive, and there are many more amazing sights to see, it should give you a good feel for the park.
Gulf Coast Area:
Although most view the Everglades as a freshwater wetland, more than one third of the park is made up of marine and estuarine ecosystems. This area of the park showcases the beautiful Ten Thousand Islands area just off the Gulf Coast at Everglades City. Here you can experience a spectacular labyrinth of waterways and mangrove islands extending to Flamingo and Florida Bay. Be aware that this area of the park is only accessible by boat.
Homestead Area:
The Homestead Area of the park is a great area to observe wildlife up close and enjoy the diversity of the freshwater wetlands. It is located half-way between downtown Miami and the Florida Keys and can be accessed via Florida State Highway 9336. The Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center is located in this region of the park. This entrance connects to Flamingo via the longest road in the park. The city of Homestead is located less than ten miles away from both Biscayne National Park and Everglades National Park making this area appealing to those wanting to visit both National Parks while on their National Park adventure in Florida.
Shark Valley Area:
Shark Valley is in the middle of the Everglades freshwater marsh and is an ideal location for viewing wading birds and other freshwater wildlife. Shark Valley is named for two of its estuaries, the Shark River and Little Shark River, but don’t let the name fool you. You won’t find any sharks in Shark Valley. Instead, alligators are the star of this region. Shark Valley is located inside Everglades National Park, right off U.S. Highway 41 (Tamiami Trail) and directly west of downtown Miami.
Everglades National Park Wildlife Photography:
Everglades National Park is filled with wildlife and biodiversity. If you like wildlife photography, you will love what this park has to offer!
Want to learn more about Everglades National Park? Check out these maps, guides & books:
- Everglades National Park Map (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map)
- Exploring Everglades National Park and the Surrounding Area: A Guide to Hiking, Biking, Paddling, and Viewing Wildlife in the Region (Exploring Series)
- Paddling Everglades and Biscayne National Parks: A Guide to the Best Paddling Adventures (Paddling Series)
- From Swamp to Wetland: The Creation of Everglades National Park (Environmental History and the American South Ser.)
- Everglades National Park (Images of America)
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Featured National Park Photographers:
- Vezzani Photography: Anhinga Trail, Bobcat Boardwalk, Flamingo Boat Tour, , Mahogany Hammock Trail, Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook, Shark Valley Loop Road
- Shutterstock / Bilanol: Everglades Wilderness Waterway
- Shutterstock / Brian Lasenby: Purple Gallinule Walking Across Lily Pads
- Shutterstock / Donna Bollenbach: Florida Marsh Rabbit in the Everglades
- Shutterstock / EWY Media: Flamingo Marina
- Shutterstock / Florida Stock: Mrazek Pond
- Shutterstock / Francisco Blanco: Nine Mile Pond, West Lake
- Shutterstock / GagliardiPhotography: Airboat Ride
- Shutterstock / Jason Patrick Ross: Eco Pond Trail
- Shutterstock / Kelly VanDellen: Gumbo Limbo Trail
- Shutterstock / Kristina Vackova: Beautiful Group of Flamingos
- Shutterstock / Matt A. Claiborne: Paddling
- Shutterstock / Olivia Novak: Shark Valley Observation Tower
- Shutterstock / Rosanne de Vries: Heron and Water Lilies
- Shutterstock / Sorbis: Aggressive Alligator in the Everglades
- Shutterstock / SunflowerMomma: Mangrove Wilderness Tour
- Shutterstock / Thomas Reville: Turtle in Shark Valley
- Shutterstock / VIKVAD: Coot Bay Pond
- Shutterstock / William Eugene Dummitt: Back Country Camping
- Shutterstock / X-Poser: Ten Thousand Island Boat Tour
Want to visit more parks? Check out our complete list of the US National Parks!
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