The former village of Flamingo provides easy access to thrilling nature, adventure, and overnight stays in the Everglades National Park, Florida. Rumor has it, even the flamingo bird has returned.
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Flamingo Overview
The Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. It’s also a World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, a Wetland of International Importance, and a specially protected area under the Cartagena Treaty.
Flamingo is easily reachable on land via the Earnest F. Coe Visitor Center entrance in Homestead and then a leisurely drive through the Everglades National Park. From Miami the driving time to Flamingo is about 1 hour and 45 minutes, from Ft. Lauderdale the drive is about 2 hour and 10 minutes.
Flamingo is at the most southern tip of the Florida mainland – where the River of Grass (aka The Everglades) meets the open sea and islands of the Florida Bay. It’s the perfect place to explore the unique beauty of both the (open) water AND the land aspects of this vast Florida National Park.
Within the stunning landscape and seascape you’ll get the chance to see an abundance of wildlife, e.g. dolphins, manatees, osprey, white and grey pelicans, a variety of herons and maybe even flamingos, which are just returning from near-extinction in Florida. Also you can observe not just your typical Florida gators, but also crocodiles! The Everglades are the only place where crocodiles and alligators coexist naturally. While crocodiles can thrive in saltwater and freshwater, alligators live mainly in freshwater. The southern Everglades provides the perfect mix.
If you want to spend the night among the wild with some creature comforts, Flamingo is where it’s at. The glamping tent set-up has been voted one of the best by USA Today readers. And the new Flamingo Lodge and Restaurant just opened in 2023.
Even if you have visited before, this may be the time to plan another trip to see how much has changed in this highlight of the Everglades. There is the impressive new Guy Bradley Visitors Center and the Flamingo Lodge and Restaurant. And we can’t mention this wonderful news too often: flamingo birds, until recently still considered instinct in Florida, have been returning to the area.
Flamingo Everglades National Park Map
Activities around Flamingo
Birding, Wildlife Watching, Photography, and Hiking
You won’t have to go far to see one of the 300 species of birds who come through the park or other wildlife. Basically, you’ll already see quite a lot right from your car. But come on outside and go for a walk to the marina, the waterfront and along the trails that start around Flamingo: Guy Bradley Trail, Eco Pond Trail, Coastal Prairie Trail, and nearby Christian Point Trail.
Boating
If you come by private boat, you still need to pay the entrance fee. You’re also required to have an Everglades Boater Education Certificate.
Motorboats and Houseboats are available for rent via Flamingo Adventures.
There are two guided boat tours offered by Flamingo Adventures: the Florida Bay Tour and the Backcountry Boat Tour
Fishing
A fishing permit is required in Florida.
Paddling and Cycling
Bring your own or rent bicycle, kayaks, and canoes in the Flamingo Marina.
Hours, Fees, Location, Contact and other FAQs
Hours
Everglades National Park is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
Guy Bradley Visitor Center (Flamingo) hours:
June 1 to October 31: Open 9 am to 5 pm Friday to Tuesday. Closed Wednesday and Thursday.
November 1 to May 31: Open 8 am to 5 pm daily.
Fees
Entry fee for the National Park as of 2024 are:
Standard Entrance Fee (valid 7 days): $20 (cyclists etc.) – $35 (vehicle or vessel)
Annual Pass: $70
America The Beautiful Pass (to all National Parks and much more): $80
Location, Contact, Website
Guy Bradley Visitor Center (Flamingo)
1 Flamingo Lodge Hwy
Homestead, Florida 33034
Everglades National Park Mailing Address:
40001 State Road 9336
Homestead, FL 33034-6733
Phone: 305 242-7700
Official Everglades National Park website
Where to stay overnight in the Everglades (Camping, Houseboats, Lodge)
While you can wilderness camp in the Everglades National Park, most wilderness campsites are only accessible by water, atop so-called chickee huts. Get the required permits for these campsites on stilts through recreation.gov.
The less “sleeping with alligators” overnight options in the Everglades are mostly accessible through Flamingo.
Regular campsites (Long Pine Key and Flamingo), rental of houseboats, award-winning glamping tents, and rooms in the new Flamingo Lodge can all be booked through Flamingo Adventures at Everglades National Park.
Additional Visitor Information
Public Transportation – It’s possible to access the Everglades National Park by public transit, but not all the way down to Flamingo. The City of Homestead runs a National Parks Trolley service to the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center and Royal Palm (April – December). You don’t have to pay the entrance fee as long as you don’t venture any further than those stops.
Marina Store – The Flamingo marina store sells snacks, drinks, basic camping needs – and offers bathroom facilities. Fuel (gas and diesel) is available at a pump nearby that can be used by water vessels and land vehicles. /
Store Hours: 7am – 7pm (November – April). 8am – 6pm (May – October)
Tour Guides – The Everglades National Park staff has a permitted tour guide directory.
Pets – In the Everglades National park, dogs and other pets are only allowed on a 6-foot (2-meters) leash on campgrounds and in parking lots, but not on trails or in wilderness areas.
South Florida Attractions and Happier Guides
Shark Valley (Everglades National Park)
Florida Keys Highlight: Bahia Honda State Park (Florida)
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park (Key West, Florida)
More Photos from Flamingo
Let’s Inspire Each Other
Have you been to the Everglades? Which area was your favorite? What activities did you participate in? Did you arrive by land or by water? Have you been to other wetlands or swamps or parks that stretch into the open sea?
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All photos were taken by Luci Westphal.
