Decide when to go. Peak season is December through April, when temperatures are mild and insects are less troublesome. The park is open all year, however, so if you can brave 90-degree temperatures and 90 percent humidity, go in summer.
Arrive via the Miami or Fort Myers international airports or take Amtrak into Miami. You can rent a car and drive to the park, which is south of Miami. See the National Park Service site for exact directions to the park from various nearby destinations.
Choose your lodging arrangements. There is only one lodging option within the park (the Flamingo Lodge), but you can find other accommodations in Homestead, Florida City, Everglades City, Chokoloskee and Miami.
Make camping reservations - use the U.S. National Parks Reservation Service site to reserve online. Check the National Park Service site for details on each campground.
Stop at a visitor center and pick up maps and other information that will guide you through the park. Visitor centers are located at the main park entrance near Homestead and at Royal Palm, Flamingo, Shark Valley and Gulf Coast.
Take a guided walking, tram or boat tour of the Everglades. Tours are offered at each visitor center and include looks at alligators, crocodiles, birds and other wildlife. You'll also learn about the park's cultural, historical and environmental heritage.
Rent a canoe or a bike from one of the concessions adjacent to the park. Follow all safety regulations carefully and stay in designated areas and on designated trails.
Go fish! While there are plenty of places to fish (both freshwater and saltwater areas), fishing regulations are strict, and you will need a license. Familiarize yourself with the rules before setting out.
See some of the other Florida parks. A trip to the Dry Tortugas is a must for birders, and everyone will enjoy the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Big Cypress National Preserve and Biscayne National Park.
