Everglades National Park Itinerary: Visit During the 'Dry Season'

If you’re planning an Everglades National Park itinerary, you’re in for an adventure like no other. And if you time it right, you’ll get to experience this natural wonderland at its very best: the dry season, running from November through May.

This is when the weather is just right, the wildlife is out in full force, and the Everglades transforms into a bird-watcher’s paradise. And the best way to see it all? A visit to Shark Valley Tram Tours is your ticket to exploring the “true Everglades” in style.

Here, you’ll find helpful suggestions on where to go and what to see during your Everglades visit, including itineraries for half-day, all-day, and weekend visits.

You can also view the NPCA Insider’s Guide to Everglades & Beyond to find many things to do in the Everglades.

Why the Dry Season is the Best Time to Visit the Everglades

The Everglades is a year-round destination, but if you want the perfect mix of sunshine, wildlife, and comfortable weather, the dry season is your sweet spot.

Mild Weather – Days hover between 60°F and 85°F (15°C–29°C), so it’s warm without being sticky.

Wildlife Central – Alligators, wading birds, turtles, and more are easier to spot since they gather around the shrinking water sources.

Minimal Mosquitoes – Less rain means fewer pesky bugs, so you can focus on the beauty around you instead of swatting at the air.

By comparison, the wet season (June through October) is the park’s off-season, bringing warmer temperatures, lush green landscapes, and those classic afternoon showers that keep this unique subtropical biome thriving. It’s a quieter time with fewer visitors, so you’ll often feel like you have trails and views to yourself. Wildlife is still abundant, and the dramatic summer skies create some of the most striking scenery in the Everglades.

Great White Heron

What You Can Do at Shark Valley

Located in the heart of the Everglades, Shark Valley is one of the best places to experience the park’s unique ecosystem up close. Visitors looking for things to do in the Everglades often start with the guided tram tour, where naturalists share insights about the wildlife and landscape along the 15-mile loop road.

For those who prefer to explore on their own, bike rentals are available, offering a quieter, more flexible way to take in the scenery. Group tours are also an option, making it easy for schools, clubs, or families to experience the Everglades together.

At the midway point, the Observation Tower provides sweeping views of the “River of Grass,” giving you a true sense of the vastness of this subtropical wilderness.

Everglades National Park Itinerary Ideas

Planning your Everglades itinerary during the dry season can be overwhelming, so here are a few sample itineraries to help you make the most of your time:

Half-Day Adventure:

Start with a morning tram tour at Shark Valley for cool temperatures and active wildlife.
Travel down to the Anhinga Trail afterward. In addition to Shark Valley, this is one of the best places in Everglades National Park for birdwatching and wildlife photography.

Full-Day Everglades Experience:

Morning – Shark Valley Tram Tour or Bike Tour. Start early (8:30–9:00 AM) for the Shark Valley Tram Tour or rent a bike for the 15-mile loop. Expect to see alligators, wading birds, and turtles up close, and enjoy panoramic views from the observation tower halfway through the loop. (Allow about 2½ hours for the tram or 3–4 hours if biking at a relaxed pace.)
Late Morning – Miccosukee Indian Village (15 min drive east). Stop for lunch and cultural exploration at the Miccosukee Indian Village on US-41. Learn about traditional crafts, alligator demonstrations, and the tribe’s history in the Everglades. Grab a light lunch at restaurants nearby.
Afternoon – Big Cypress National Preserve. Continue west along US-41 to the Big Cypress Visitor Center (about 25 min). Walk the short boardwalk trails where you’ll often see alligators sunning in the canal right below. If you have extra time, drive part of the Loop Road Scenic Drive, a slower, rustic 24-mile route through sawgrass prairie and cypress swamp (you can do just the first few miles and turn back).
Late Afternoon – Oasis Visitor Center & Scenic Stop. Just a few miles west of Big Cypress, stop at the Oasis Visitor Center, another excellent wildlife-viewing spot with raised walkways and ranger talks. This is a great place to stretch and use restrooms before heading back east.
Evening – Sunset at Kirby Storter Boardwalk or Everglades Safari Park. Head back east toward Shark Valley and stop at Kirby Storter Boardwalk (about 15 min from Shark Valley) for a peaceful sunset walk through a lush cypress dome.

Weekend Getaway:

Day one: Tram tour, biking, and exploring trails at Shark Valley. Note: Your entrance fee into Shark Valley also allows you admission into other parts of Everglades National Park for 7 days, including the main entrance, so hold on to your receipt!
Day two: Kayaking or airboat tours in nearby Everglades City or Flamingo Backcountry Boat Tours, followed by a relaxing evening in Homestead or Florida City.

Tips for Planning Your Visit

Timing is everything. Morning tours often offer the best wildlife viewing before midday heat sets in.

Reserve ahead: During the dry season, tours fill up fast. Book early! Parking is limited at Shark Valley so during the peak season especially on weekends we recommend arriving at least 1 hour prior to your scheduled tour time to get in the parking lot. Visitors may stay up to date on this by visiting our Home page and Facebook page for important announcements about their visits.

Bring the essentials: Sunscreen, a hat, water, and binoculars for those close-up wildlife moments.

Please note: During the government shutdown, Shark Valley Tram Tours will be assisting with all aspects of visitor services until a funding agreement is in place. Please check our Facebook page for further updates.

Where to Stay Near Everglades National Park

If you want to stay close to Shark Valley Tram Tours, consider lodging in Sweetwater or Dorat. Each offers quick access to different park entrances, plus a range of options from budget-friendly motels to cozy B&Bs.

You’ll find lots of overnight options there, as well as proximity to the Dolphin Mall.

Make Shark Valley Your Everglades Starting Point

For anyone planning an Everglades National Park itinerary, Shark Valley is the perfect starting point. Between the tram tours, bike rentals, and unbeatable wildlife viewing, you’ll see why this area is called the “true Everglades.” Add the few trails, the visitor center or two, and the sunset stop, and you’ve got a trip you’ll remember forever.

So, pack your camera, grab your sense of adventure, and get ready to experience the best of the Everglades during the dry season. Shark Valley Tram Tours is waiting to show you the way.

FAQs About Shark Valley Tram Tours & Everglades National Park Itineraries

What’s the best time to visit Everglades National Park?
The dry season (November–May) is ideal thanks to mild weather, fewer mosquitoes, and better wildlife viewing.

Does Shark Valley Tram Tours operate year-round?
Yes, tours run year-round. The dry season is peak time, while the wet season (June–October) brings hotter weather, afternoon storms, and fewer crowds.

How long does the Shark Valley Tram Tour take?
The fully narrated tram tour lasts about two hours, with a stop at the Observation Tower for panoramic Everglades views.

Can I bike the Shark Valley trail instead of taking the tram?
Absolutely! Bike rentals are available, and the 15-mile paved loop is perfect for self-guided exploration.

What other attractions can I include in my Everglades itinerary?
The Anhinga Trail and Flamingo Visitor Center are popular stops, as well as airboat tours, kayaking, and sunset overlooks in other parts of the park.

Why is Everglades National Park important?
Everglades National Park protects one of the most unique ecosystems in the world, home to endangered species like the Florida panther and American crocodile. It also serves as a vital water source for South Florida and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its biodiversity and ecological significance.