Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center‎

Historical Site Everglades visitor center and park information hub

The Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center serves as the main introduction to Everglades National Park near Homestead, Florida-exhibits, ranger talks and trailheads orient visitors before airboat rides, birdwatching and swamp hikes.

Main image

The Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center is the principal visitor facility for Everglades National Park on the park’s eastern side, offering orientation, exhibits, and ranger services. It is named for Ernest F. Coe, a leading advocate for establishment of the park.

Exhibit galleries explain Everglades ecosystems, wildlife, and conservation challenges, and an orientation theater shows the park film to new visitors. Park staff provide trip planning, permits, backcountry information, and educational programs.

The center commemorates Ernest F. Coe’s role in the mid-20th-century movement to protect the Everglades; the park itself was established as a national park in 1947.

Positioned at the eastern gateway to Everglades National Park near the Homestead and Florida City communities of southern Florida, the center is the usual first stop for visitors entering the park from the east.

  • Park information and permits: Serves as the main visitor information point for Everglades National Park with exhibits, park maps, permit services, and ranger programs.
  • Name and location: Named for Ernest F. Coe, the primary advocate for creating Everglades National Park, and located on the park's eastern edge near the Homestead/Florida City area.

What to See #

  • Exhibit galleries and orientation theater: Gallery space with interpretive exhibits about the Everglades ecosystem, a ranger desk for trip planning and permits, and an orientation theater showing the park film.
Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center‎
Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, Homestead, FL (Everglades National Park)
25.3954, -80.5840
Daily 8:30am-5pm (seasonal variations possible)

How to Get to Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center‎ #

The visitor center is located off the Homestead entrance to Everglades National Park, accessible by car from Miami (roughly 45-60 minutes). Shuttle and private tour options depart from Miami and Everglades City.

Tips for Visiting Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center‎ #

  • Arrive early in the morning to beat late-afternoon ranger talks and shuttle crowds at trailheads in the park.
  • Use the center as a last stop for permits, trail conditions, and ranger advice before venturing into Everglades backcountry.
  • Check for seasonal road or trail closures; parts of the park flood in the wet season.

Best Time to Visit Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center‎ #

The dry season (November-April) is the best time for comfortable visits and wildlife watching.

Dry season (best)
November-April · 18-28°C
Cooler, drier, and with lower insect activity - best for wildlife viewing.
Wet season
May-October · 24-33°C
Hot, humid, with afternoon thunderstorms and higher mosquito activity; some areas may flood.

Weather & Climate near Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center‎ #

Climate

Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center‎'s climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 14°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1406 mm/year), wettest in June.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
32°
Warmest Month
14°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm).

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
14° 25°

Weather

50 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm).

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
14° 25°

Weather

48 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
16° 27°

Weather

44 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm).

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
18° 29°

Weather

60 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (152 mm).

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
21° 30°

Weather

152 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 23°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (239 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
23° 31°

Weather

239 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is hot with highs of 32°C and lows of 24°C. Significant rainfall (165 mm).

Comfort

28°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
24° 32°

Weather

165 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is the hottest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 24°C. Significant rainfall (199 mm).

Comfort

28°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
24° 32°

Weather

199 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 24°C. Heavy rain (212 mm).

Comfort

28°
Feels Like Warm
28°C
Temperature
24° 32°

Weather

212 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm).

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
22° 30°

Weather

132 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm).

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
19° 28°

Weather

65 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
16° 26°

Weather

40 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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