A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Everglades National Park vs. Fort Lauderdale for Couples, Families, and Food

Should you visit Everglades National Park or Fort Lauderdale?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Everglades National Park and Fort Lauderdale can help you decide which place is right for you.

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a wild, pristine, and adventure-filled national park. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for hiking.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a bustling, spirited, and luxury coastal city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Everglades National Park and Fort Lauderdale: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Everglades National Park or Fort Lauderdale?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Fort Lauderdale than Everglades National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Fort Lauderdale is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Everglades National Park is more popular for its museums & sights and hiking. Fort Lauderdale is more touristy than Everglades National Park and is popular for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. Also, Fort Lauderdale is famous for The Local Beaches. Everglades National Park is well known for its unique habitats and wildlife such as the friendly manatees.

How is Everglades National Park different from Fort Lauderdale?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Fort Lauderdale and Everglades National Park. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Everglades National Park or Fort Lauderdale?

Everglades National Park is a national park with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Everglades National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. It's worth checking out the Museum of the Everglades, but most visitors prefer to spend their time outdoors exploring the habitats.

Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Everglades National Park or Fort Lauderdale? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Fort Lauderdale is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Fort Lauderdale is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto. There are many waterfront restaurants or you could head to Las Olas Boulevard, which has many bistros, cafes, and restaurants.

Everglades National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few casual eateries near the park. The options include taquerias and grills. You'll also find some farm fresh fruit stands on the side of the road and it's definitely worth stopping to pick up a snack.

Is Everglades National Park or Fort Lauderdale Better for Nightlife?

Fort Lauderdale is a great coastal city for its evening party scene. However, Everglades National Park is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Fort Lauderdale has something for everybody. Trendy and upscale partying is the name of the game in this Florida city. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs. You'll find the most activity around the weekends, but there really is something going on any night of the week.

People don't go to Everglades National Park for the nightlife. There are a couple of grills outside of the park, but the nightlife scene is very limited.

Is Everglades National Park or Fort Lauderdale Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Everglades National Park is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Fort Lauderdale is a perfect choice. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar. Most resorts have a beachfront pool, hot tubs, and depending on the resort, a kid's club.

Everglades National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Everglades National Park or Fort Lauderdale Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Fort Lauderdale is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Everglades National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Fort Lauderdale. Although the snorkeling doesn't compare to what you'll find further south around the Florida Keys, there are some great places to pull your mask and fins out in the area. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.

Everglades National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Everglades National Park or Fort Lauderdale Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Everglades National Park is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Fort Lauderdale is a very popular vacation destination. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area. They are surprisingly walkable and, while there can be crowds, there's still a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.

Everglades National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Everglades National Park or Fort Lauderdale Better for Hiking?

Everglades National Park is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Everglades National Park. The trails take you through a variety of habitats and range in length from short nature walks to longer, in depth hikes. Do be aware that the insects can be brutal. Mosquitos and biting flies are both common.

Fort Lauderdale is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Everglades National Park or Fort Lauderdale?

Fort Lauderdale is very good for its shopping areas. However, Everglades National Park is not known for shopping.

Fort Lauderdale has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

Everglades National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There's a park store, but otherwise the shopping is very limited.

Is Everglades National Park or Fort Lauderdale Better for Families?

Fort Lauderdale is a great coastal city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Everglades National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Fort Lauderdale. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities, the kids will love it here. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome. On sunny days there are many outdoor recreation areas and when the weather isn't cooperating, there are hands-on museums.

Everglades National Park is a family-friendly place to visit. An airboat ride is a highlight for many kids. There's also hiking, kayaking, and even Junior Ranger programs. Do be on the lookout for mosquitoes, which can be relentless in the park.

Is Everglades National Park or Fort Lauderdale Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Everglades National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Fort Lauderdale has plenty to offer. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. A sunset walk on the beach and a stay at a romantic resort will make for an unforgettable trip.

Everglades National Park is a nice destination for couples. Hiking and enjoying a bit of nature makes for a nice romantic getaway. Go kayaking or take an airboat ride and then enjoy some time exploring the natural setting.

Is Everglades National Park or Fort Lauderdale Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Everglades National Park is a great destination for backpackers. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Everglades National Park. There are two drive-in campgrounds (Long Pine Key Campground and Flamingo Campground) that you can reach from the Homestead entrance to the park.

Fort Lauderdale is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Everglades National Park or Fort Lauderdale Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Fort Lauderdale is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Fort Lauderdale. Transportation options include a water taxi and the Sun Trolley Hop-on Bus.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Everglades National Park. There is no real public transportation to the park so an organized tour is your best option if you don't have a vehicle.

Is Everglades National Park or Fort Lauderdale a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale is a great coastal city for its ease of walking around. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its walkability.

Fort Lauderdale is a very walkable destination. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander around.

Everglades National Park is generally not very walkable. While there are hiking trails, to really explore the park you'll want to have a car or take an organized tour.

For even more information, also check out Is Everglades National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Fort Lauderdale Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fort Lauderdale or Everglades National Park?

How long in Everglades National Park or Fort Lauderdale?

Both Everglades National Park and Fort Lauderdale have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than in Everglades National Park. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Everglades National Park, and 3-7 days is enough time in Fort Lauderdale.

Families should spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Everglades National Park. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Fort Lauderdale, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Everglades National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Fort Lauderdale that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Everglades National Park if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Fort Lauderdale.

One day in Everglades National Park or Fort Lauderdale?

The pristine destination of Everglades National Park offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the luxury coastal city of Fort Lauderdale, there's plenty to do. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A weekend in Everglades National Park or Fort Lauderdale?

The national park of Everglades National Park offers . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the high energy destination of Fort Lauderdale, there's plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Five days in Everglades National Park or Fort Lauderdale?

Everglades National Park is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This national park offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

With shopping and nightlife around the high energy coastal city of Fort Lauderdale, there's plenty to do. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in Everglades National Park or Fort Lauderdale?

Many people enjoy the when visiting Everglades National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Fort Lauderdale is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Everglades National Park and Fort Lauderdale, we can see that Fort Lauderdale is more expensive. And not only is Everglades National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Everglades National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Everglades National Park and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Fort Lauderdale would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fort Lauderdale than you might in Everglades National Park.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Everglades National Park Expensive? and Is Fort Lauderdale Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Everglades National Park or Fort Lauderdale?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Fort Lauderdale in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Everglades National Park as well as Fort Lauderdale. Many visitors come to Everglades National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Everglades National Park is around the same temperature as Fort Lauderdale. Typically, the summer temperatures in Everglades National Park in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Fort Lauderdale averages at about 83°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Everglades National Park this time of the year. In the summer, Everglades National Park often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Fort Lauderdale. Everglades National Park gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Fort Lauderdale receives 316 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Fort Lauderdale. Everglades National Park receives a lot of rain in the summer. Everglades National Park usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Fort Lauderdale. Everglades National Park gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Fort Lauderdale receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Fort Lauderdale in the Autumn?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Everglades National Park are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Everglades National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Fort Lauderdale because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Everglades National Park is generally around the same temperature as Fort Lauderdale. Daily temperatures in Everglades National Park average around 78°F (26°C), and Fort Lauderdale fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Fort Lauderdale. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Everglades National Park. Everglades National Park usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Fort Lauderdale during autumn. Everglades National Park gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Fort Lauderdale receives 275 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. It's quite rainy in Everglades National Park. In October, Everglades National Park usually receives around the same amount of rain as Fort Lauderdale. Everglades National Park gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Fort Lauderdale receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Everglades National Park.

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Fort Lauderdale in the Winter?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Everglades National Park during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Everglades National Park because of the museums and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year.

Everglades National Park is around the same temperature as Fort Lauderdale in the winter. The daily temperature in Everglades National Park averages around 67°F (19°C) in January, and Fort Lauderdale fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

In Fort Lauderdale, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Everglades National Park. In the winter, Everglades National Park often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Fort Lauderdale. Everglades National Park gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Fort Lauderdale receives 243 hours of full sun.

Everglades National Park usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Fort Lauderdale. Everglades National Park gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Fort Lauderdale receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Fort Lauderdale in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Everglades National Park and Fort Lauderdale. The natural beauty are the main draw to Everglades National Park this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Fort Lauderdale for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Everglades National Park is around the same temperature as Fort Lauderdale. Typically, the spring temperatures in Everglades National Park in April average around 74°F (24°C), and Fort Lauderdale averages at about 75°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fort Lauderdale this time of the year. In Everglades National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. Everglades National Park usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Fort Lauderdale during spring. Everglades National Park gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Fort Lauderdale receives 300 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Everglades National Park usually receives around the same amount of rain as Fort Lauderdale. Everglades National Park gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Fort Lauderdale receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Everglades National Park is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Fort Lauderdale and Everglades National Park