Where to Stay near Everglades National Park: Towns & Hotels

Planning a trip to one of Florida’s most incredible destinations? This guide will help you find the best places to stay near Everglades National Park!

I’ve researched the top towns close to the park and picked the best hotels in each. Plus, there’s a bonus section with great options for staying inside the park itself—don’t miss it!

The top spot near the park is Homestead, just 20 minutes from the main entrance. But I’ve also included three other options if you’re looking for something different.

Be sure to book your accommodation early, as Everglades National Park is a popular destination and spots fill up fast!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

If you don’t have time to read the whole article, check out this quick list of the best hotels to stay near Everglades National Park:

Here’s a map for you to visualize where the best cities near the Everglades National Park are located:

1. Homestead – where to stay near the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center Entrance

If you want a hotel near the main entrance of the park, which is the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center Entrance, then you’ll definitely want to check out this town.

Homestead is a 20 min drive away from the entrance and it has a couple of great hotels and other vacation rentals, making it the perfect spot for those who just want to visit the park.

This is not a big touristy town, like the other ones that I’ll mention below, however, you will find some great restaurants, a couple of attractions and of course its location is just the best.

PRO TIP: Make sure you book your park pass online (here’s the official website) before visiting the park rather than getting it when you arrive there.

There are lots of small-town parks that you can check out while here like Losner Park (map) and Harris Field Park (map). You could also stop by the Florida Pioneer Museum and visit the Homestead-Miami Speedway, if you’re into car races. 

If you’re looking for some places to grab a bite in town in between park visits, you can head to Texas Roadhouse or Chefs on the Run Assorted Cuisine.

Other accommodation options in Homestead

Things to do in Homestead 

• Go for a walk in Losner Park 
• Catch a race at the Homestead-Miami Speedway
• Explore the Harris Field Park 
• Visit the Florida Pioneer Museum

2. Everglades City – near the Gulf Coast Visitor Center Entrance

Set near the Gulf Coast Visitor Center Entrance, just a 3 min drive away or a 20 min walk, this town is perfect for those who want to stay super close to one of the park’s entrances. 

This town is also the gateway to the famous Ten Thousand Islands, which are a chain of islands and mangrove islets off the coast of southwest Florida.

Before you head to the park, definitely check out Everglades City and explore around for a bit as there are some attractions to discover like the Museum of the Everglades. 

Those who want to try some cool activities during this holiday will be very happy as here you can go boating, fishing, kayaking and canoeing. 

Other accommodation options in Everglades city

Things to do in Everglades City

• Have fun while kayaking or canoeing 
• Enjoy fishing or bird watching at the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
• Check out Island Cafe (map) and Camellia Street Grill (map)
• Visit the Museum of the Everglades
• Grab a bite at the Island Cafe

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3. Miami – where to stay for the urban atmosphere

If you’re one who prefers an urban atmosphere and staying in big cities where you’ve got everything you need from countless restaurants to fab hotels, then you should book your spot in Miami. 

Staying in Miami means having access to beautiful white sand beaches, food markets, street art, museums, and a fun nightlife! 

Some iconic spots that you should check out while here are South Beach (map), Miami Beach Botanical Garden (map), Pérez Art Museum Miami, and the Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science.

Miami is the perfect base for those who want to visit the park just as a day trip. The town is located a 1h drive away from Ernest F Coe Visitor Center Entrance, so if you leave early you’ll get a whole day in the park.  

If you don’t have a car to head to the park, you can rent one or join one of the many tours from the city.

Other accommodation options in Miami

Things to do in Miami 

4. Naples – best place to stay for beach lovers

Located just a 50 min drive away from the Everglades National Park, Naples is a great place to stay for those of you who want to enjoy some time on Florida’s stunning beaches. 

Of course, you’ll also get to visit the park, as it is pretty close. You can either get there by car (you can easily rent one) or you can even jump on one of the many tours that start from Naples. 

While here you can relax on the many beaches, sunbathe all day long and enjoy the town’s laid-back atmosphere. Some stunning beaches that you should check out are Naples Beach, where you’ll also find the Fishing Pier and 1st Avenue Beach.

Naples has a lovely central area, called Old Naples, which you should definitely explore! You’ll find everything there from stores, to restaurants, museums and art galleries. 

Other accommodation options in Naples

Things to do in Naples 

BONUS: Best places to stay inside the Everglades National Park

I know many of you would love to stay inside Everglades National Park, so I’ve put together a list of the main accommodations available right in the park.

If you choose one of these spots, be sure to book as early as possible! These places are in high demand and tend to sell out quickly:

• Flamingo Lodge ($$$) – offering different suites and studios, some equipped with a kitchenette, this accommodation offers an on-site restaurant and a bar. 
• Houseboat ($$$) – enjoy a unique experience by staying in a houseboat that can fit up to 6 people and that comes with kitchen facilities, a living area and water tanks. 
• Glamping Tent ($) – offering views of the Florida Bay, these glamping tents come with a shared bathroom and plugs. 
• Long Pine Campground ($) – open from November through April, this campground comes with shared bath houses, a dump station and a potable water filling station.
• Flamingo Campground ($) – this campground comes with bathhouses, dump stations, picnic tables and grills. 

FAQs about lodging near Everglades National Park

📍 What is the closest city to Everglades National Park, FL?

Everglades City is the closest city to the National Park. Located just a 5 minutes car drive away from it. 

👑 Which are the best hotels where to stay near Everglades National Park, Florida?

⛺ Can I stay in the Everglades National Park, FL?

Yes, you can stay inside the National Park at Flamingo Lodge or in one of the houseboats, glamping tents and camping sites. 

👍 Is it safe to visit Everglades National Park?

Yes, the Everglades National Park is safe. Just make sure you maintain a safe distance from the wild animals that roam freely in the area, and that you keep small kids close and under supervision.

📅 How many days should you spend in Everglades National Park?

I’d recommend spending between 2 to 3 days in Everglades National Park.

☀️ What is the best month to visit the Everglades?

Some of the best months to visit the Everglades NP are from November through April.

🚗 Do you need a car for Everglades National Park?

Yes, you do need a car as there is no public transport inside the Park.

✈️ What is the closest major airport to the Everglades National Park?

Miami International Airport is the closest major airport to Everglades NP.

📍 What is the entrance to the Everglades National Park closest to Miami?

Ernest F Coe Visitor Center Entrance is the closest one to Miami, only a 1h drive away from it.

Final thoughts

How amazing is this place? 

I hope that this guide on where to stay near Everglades National Park, helped you decide which area and hotel to pick.

Once you decide, make sure you book your hotel in advance as it’s better to secure your spot early.

If you’re still not sure which accommodation to pick, here are my 2 top-rated favorite hotels:

Have fun exploring the National Park and if you have any questions, you can drop them below in the comment section and I’ll make sure to answer them as soon as I can.

Have a fun trip!

Victoria

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