This Florida National Park Covers 1.5 Million Scenic Acres That Are Best Explored by Boat

"Those who associate wide-open wilderness areas with the Western United States likely haven't been to Everglades National Park. The Florida park stretches across 1.5 million acres and protects the largest designated wilderness area east of the Rocky Mountains. In the Everglades, alligators and crocodiles coexist (and are seen regularly), and the flora and fauna are so robust that this national park was the first set aside purely for its biodiversity."

"The park is open year-round, but offers two very different experiences based on when you visit. The dry season (December to April) is busier, with better weather, more wildlife, and fewer mosquitoes, while the wet season (May to November) is quieter. Visitors can buy a park pass in person at the Homestead or Shark Valley entrances to the park or at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Visitor Center at the Everglades City entrance."

Everglades National Park spans 1.5 million acres and contains the largest designated wilderness east of the Rockies. Alligators and crocodiles coexist and biodiversity led to its protection. The park holds multiple international conservation designations including World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, Wetland of International Importance, and special protection under the Cartagena Treaty. The park is geographically vast so visitors should plan and focus on one area for limited time. The park offers two distinct seasons: dry (Dec–Apr) with better weather, more wildlife, and fewer mosquitoes, and wet (May–Nov) which is quieter. Park passes are available at several entrances or online.

Read at Travel + Leisure