Ernest Coe Visitor Center

The Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center is at the Southern entrance to the Park, located just outside of Homestead/Florida City. If you’re on your way the the Florida Keys, Homestead is the last stop before the mainland ends and the Keys begin, at the tip of the country. This entrance is very convenient for people driving from Miami, because the entrance to the park is literally just outside Homestead/Florida City. No long road to drive before you get to the entrance, like at Shark Valley. There are walking trails galore in here, and you’ll see tons of wildlife as you walk. The Pa-hay-okee Overlook Trail boasts a boardwalk and observation tower where you’re likely to see hawks and all sorts of other native birds.

The Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center was recently expanded and it’s now the best place to get info about your visit to Everglades National Park. Learn about boat rentals, tours, trail maps, wildlife, activities. You can also enjoy films, interactive displays and a thoroughly-stocked modern gift shop in this state of the art Visitor Center. Just down the road is the Royal Palm Visitor Center, which was designed to teach you about the nature of the Everglades, and is the starting point of two trails, the Anhinga Trail and the Gumbo Trail.