Everglades National Park vs Big Bend National Park
These parks represent America's subtropical and desert extremes. Everglades is a river of grass with alligators and exotic birds, while Big Bend offers rugged Chihuahuan Desert wilderness along the Rio Grande with America's darkest skies.
Florida
1947
1.5 million acres
1.1 million
$30/vehicle
0 - 8 ft
Moderate
Texas
1944
801,163 acres
580,000
$30/vehicle
1,800 - 7,825 ft
Low
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Everglades National Park | Big Bend National Park |
|---|---|---|
| Best Time to Visit | December-April (dry season), Avoid summer | October-April, Avoid summer heat |
| Top Highlights | Anhinga Trail, Shark Valley, Ten Thousand Islands | Santa Elena Canyon, Chisos Basin, Hot springs |
| Main Activities | Airboat rides, Kayaking, Birdwatching | Hiking, Stargazing, Hot springs soaking |
| Crowd Level | Moderate | Low |
| Entry Fee | $30/vehicle | $30/vehicle |
| Nearest Airport | Miami (MIA) - 45 miles | Midland (MAF) - 235 miles |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- + Unique wetland ecosystem
- + Incredible wildlife
- + Close to Miami
- + Excellent birding
Cons
- - Mosquitoes brutal in summer
- - Flat landscape
- - Humid heat
- - Hurricane season risk
Pros
- + One of darkest skies in US
- + Remote wilderness
- + Hot springs on Rio Grande
- + Very uncrowded
Cons
- - Extremely remote (5+ hours from airports)
- - Brutal summer heat
- - Limited services
- - No cell service
Best For
Everglades National Park is Best For:
Big Bend National Park is Best For:
Everglades for unique wildlife encounters and wetland ecosystems; Big Bend for desert solitude, dark skies, and a true sense of remoteness.
Choose Everglades National Park if...
Choose Everglades if you want to see alligators, exotic birds, and experience North America's largest subtropical wilderness with easy access from Miami.
Choose Big Bend National Park if...
Choose Big Bend if you seek solitude, want to experience world-class stargazing, or are fascinated by desert landscapes and borderland history.
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