Shark Valley, Everglades
Miami, FL
A 15-mile paved loop through sawgrass, with alligators sunning at the edge. Rent a bike or take the tram.
Shark Valley is in the northern part of Everglades National Park, about 30 miles (48 km) west of Miami on the Tamiami Trail (US 41). A flat, paved 15-mile (24 km) loop road runs through sawgrass prairie, freshwater slough and hardwood hammocks. Halfway around stands an observation tower, completed in 1964 and 70 feet (21 m) tall, with sweeping views. Along the way you will often see alligators, herons and other wading birds – keep your distance from the animals.
You can cover the loop on foot, on the guided tram tour or by bicycle; bikes can be rented on site. Allow at least two to three hours for the bike ride. Two short trails branch off: the Bobcat Boardwalk, about 0.2 miles (300 m) long, and the Otter Cave Trail, just under 0.3 miles (500 m). The best time to visit is the dry winter season, roughly mid-December to mid-April, when plenty of wildlife is out; in summer it is hot and the trails can flood. On winter weekends you should reserve rental bikes.
- Nearest town
- Miami, FL
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 25.7573, -80.7662
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually November–March. Still fine, with some compromises, in April–May and September–October. Hot in June–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Pinecrest Group CampgroundCampsite10 mi from Shark Valley, Everglades
- Mitchell's LandingCampsite10 mi from Shark Valley, Everglades
- Midway CampgroundCampsite15 mi from Shark Valley, Everglades
- Monument LakeCampsite23 mi from Shark Valley, Everglades
- Miami Everglades RV ResortMotorhome stopover23 mi from Shark Valley, EvergladesMotorhomes
- 13-mile CampgroundCampsite25 mi from Shark Valley, Everglades
All campsites in Florida · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Shark Valley, Everglades?
Shark Valley, Everglades is in Miami, FL, at GPS 25.7573, -80.7662. It is about 28 mi from Florida City.
Can you camp near Shark Valley, Everglades?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Pinecrest Group Campground, about 10 mi away; within 25 mi there are 6 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Shark Valley, Everglades?
Shark Valley, Everglades is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: The Overseas Highway to Key West and Florida Gulf Coast and the Everglades.
What is there to see near Shark Valley, Everglades?
Places worth a stop nearby: Coral Castle (27 mi), Seven Mile Bridge (76 mi), Bahia Honda State Park Campground (82 mi) and Southernmost Point Buoy (106 mi).
When is the best time to visit Shark Valley, Everglades?
The most pleasant months are usually November–March. Still fine, with some compromises, in April–May and September–October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)