Everglades National Park

The Everglades is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States — 1.5 million acres of sawgrass prairie, cypress dome, and mangrove coast, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the Homestead entrance, the park road runs 38 miles to Flamingo on Florida Bay, with trailheads and overlooks the whole way.

The stop nobody should skip is Royal Palm, a few minutes past the entrance station: the Anhinga Trail’s short boardwalk is the most reliable place in the park to see alligators, herons, and anhingas up close, especially in the winter dry season. Pa-hay-okee Overlook, Mahogany Hammock, and the Flamingo waterfront round out an easy half-day drive.

Tips from our front desk

• Go early: the light is better, the wildlife is more active, and you’ll be back at the pool by mid-afternoon.
• The dry season (roughly December through April) is peak wildlife viewing; in summer, bring serious mosquito repellent — we mean it.
• Your entrance pass is valid for seven consecutive days, so a second visit later in your stay costs nothing extra.
• Fuel up and grab water in Florida City before the entrance — there are no gas stations inside the park.
• Stop at Robert Is Here on your way out SR 9336 — it’s on the route, and the milkshake is the correct reward.

Getting there from Travelog Inn

We're at 409 SE 1st Ave in Florida City — about 20 minutes from Everglades NP by car, with free parking in front of your room when you get back. Open directions in Google Maps. For hours and tickets, check the official site.

Common questions

How far is Travelog Inn from Everglades National Park?

About a 20-minute drive (roughly 11 miles) to the Ernest F. Coe entrance via SR 9336 — Travelog Inn sits in Florida City, the closest hotel town to the park’s Homestead entrance.

Can I do the Everglades in half a day from the hotel?

Yes. Leave after breakfast, walk the Anhinga Trail at Royal Palm, drive to a couple of overlooks, and you’re back by early afternoon. Going all the way to Flamingo makes it a full day.

When is the best time to visit the Everglades?

The winter dry season (December–April) has the best wildlife viewing, fewer mosquitoes, and cooler weather. Summer visits work too — go early in the morning and bring repellent.