Everglades National Park Echoes With Alligator Choruses at Dusk

Southern Florida is one of the few truly tropical regions of the United States. With that, it hosts a number of exotic ecosystems, animals, and plants. Here, you will find the Everglades, which is perhaps the most standout landscape in the state and one of the most recognizable wetlands in the world, having been featured in numerous TV shows, movies, and documentaries. The sheer number of people who live right on its doorstep in Miami (and Miami's enormous metro area) only adds to its fame.

If you've never been, this article will hopefully act as a good introduction to this natural wonder of the Sunshine State, full of info about the park's ecology, activities, and its most famous cold-blooded residents.

Why The Everglades is One of the Most Biodiverse Places in the Country

As mentioned, the Everglades is a vast subtropical wetland covering roughly 1.5 million acres in the south of Florida, stretching from Lake Okeechobee in the north, down to Florida Bay. It is defined by the slow-moving sheet of freshwater that flows southward across the region's flat limestone basin, allowing numerous grasses and other plants to grow freely throughout. This has given the area the well-deserved nickname “River of Grass.”

This continuous flow of water, averaging only a few inches deep, sustains a mosaic of interconnected habitats. The northern region, for example, consists of sawgrass marshes and freshwater sloughs, which are seasonally flooded and serve as major wildlife corridors. Hardwood hammocks (forming slightly elevated islands in the water) rise above the marshes, providing dry ground for more diverse plant and animal life. On the other hand, farther south, the freshwater mixes with saltwater in coastal estuaries and mangrove forests, creating one of the largest contiguous mangrove ecosystems in the entire world.

Heavy seasonal rainfall is the primary driver of the hydrology here, with the wet season (May to October) expanding flooded areas and the dry season (November to April) concentrating wildlife in remaining water sources. The Everglades also features unique geological formations shaped in large part by water, such as solution holes (natural depressions caused by dissolving soluble rocks) and coastal ridges, mainly consisting of porous limestone bedrock.

Overall, this dynamic landscape clearly supports an extraordinary range of biodiversity that plays a critical role in South Florida’s water supply and general ecological health.

The History of the National Park

Everglades National Park was established in late 1947, becoming the first U.S. national park created primarily to protect a fragile ecosystem rather than scenic landscapes (although the views can often be quite nice here). Before its designation, much of the Everglades had been altered by various drainage projects in the early 20th century, aimed at creating usable farmland and controlling flooding. Conservationists, led by figures like Marjory Stoneman Douglas, campaigned to preserve what remained of this unique environment before it was all gone.

The park originally encompassed 1.3 million acres, later expanding to 1.5 million. Today, Everglades National Park is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve. It now safeguards the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, home to endangered species such as the Florida panther, West Indian manatee, and, most popularly, American alligator, all of which you can hopefully see if you know where to go and when to come.

How to See Alligators in the Everglades

American alligators are easily among the most recognizable residents of Everglades National Park and can be seen year-round, though sightings are more frequent during the dry season from November to April. In this period, lower water levels concentrate the alligators in sloughs, ponds, and canals, making them easier to find out in the open. The milder, less humid weather at this time also makes exploring the park more comfortable for you. What's more, you'll hear these ancient, apex predators bellowing their mating calls from April until June, as they try to attract a mate.

Popular viewing areas include Shark Valley, where a 15-mile loop road and an observation tower provide excellent vantage points, and the Anhinga Trail near the Royal Palm Visitor Center, renowned for close-up encounters. Elsewhere, alligators are often found basking along canal banks, lying in the sun to regulate their body temperature. Early morning and late afternoon are prime times to search, as these large reptiles tend to be more active during the cooler parts of the day.

If you don't know already, definitely make sure to observe from a safe distance (with the park service recommending at least 15 feet of space) and never feed or approach the animals. Bringing binoculars or telephoto lenses is a good idea, whether you're taking a photograph or simply observing.

Camping and Other Accommodations in the Area

If spending the night in this swampy wonderland interests you, Everglades National Park hosts two drive-in campgrounds: Long Pine Key Campground near the Homestead entrance and Flamingo Campground at the park’s southern tip. Both accommodate tents and RVs, with Flamingo providing electric hookups.

Backcountry camping is also available year-round at designated sites, most of which are accessible only by boat, canoe, or kayak, offering a remote wilderness experience. Be sure to talk to a park ranger or a visitor center employee for more info on this.

For those preferring more comfort, a few good lodging options are found just outside the Everglades in communities like Homestead, Florida City, and Everglades City, the latter of which is much closer to Fort Myers than Miami. These range from motels and inns to vacation rentals.

There is also the iconic Flamingo Lodge if you would like to stay within the confines of the park. This renovated building at the far southern tip of the Everglades has a distinct focus on being eco-friendly and stands out visually with its elevated stilts that are meant to protect it from flooding. The Flamingo area also features eco-tents (platform tents with beds and basic furnishings) available seasonally. Early reservations for campgrounds and lodging are strongly recommended during the dry season, the park’s busiest time.

Whether staying in a tent under the stars or in an air-conditioned hotel nearby, you'll have direct access to the Everglades' huge assortment of trails, waterways, and wildlife viewing areas.